Summary

This sermon explores the concept that we are all 'runners' - constantly pursuing things we believe will give us life and fulfillment. Using the story of a basset hound named Millie who escaped despite having everything she needed, the pastor illustrates how we often run away from true life toward false saviors. Jesus' cryptic teaching that 'whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it' challenges us to examine what we're running toward. The Christmas story demonstrates this principle perfectly - Jesus, who was rich as God, became poor to pursue us. He gave up everything to find us, and now asks us to take the same step toward Him that He took toward us.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest about the things we run to for comfort, security, and fulfillment. Give us the courage to examine our lives and see where we might be running away from You rather than toward You. Holy Spirit, speak to each person here according to their need, and help us to be receptive to Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

Share about a time when you or someone you know had a pet that escaped or got lost. What happened and how did it end?

Key Verses

1. Matthew 16:25
2. Matthew 16:26
3. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Questions

1. What are some things that people commonly 'run to' when life gets difficult or stressful?
2. The pastor said 'you will know what your God is because it'll be what you run to when things are hard.' What does this statement mean to you?
3. How does the story of Millie the basset hound relate to our spiritual lives and the choices we make?
4. Jesus said 'whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.' Why do you think this teaching feels 'cryptic' or difficult to understand?
5. What does it mean practically to 'lose your life' for Jesus? Can you give some examples?
6. How does the Christmas story demonstrate Jesus 'losing His life' to find us?
7. The pastor mentioned that Jesus was essentially homeless and had less material wealth than most of us. How does this change your perspective on following Him?
8. In the parable of the prodigal son, what caused the son to finally turn around and head home? What might cause someone today to 'turn around' spiritually?

Life Application

This week, identify one thing you tend to 'run to' when life gets difficult - whether it's work, entertainment, food, relationships, or something else. Instead of running to that thing, intentionally bring that need or desire to God in prayer. Ask Him to be your source of comfort, security, or fulfillment in that area.

Key Takeaways

1. We are all 'runners' who pursue things we believe will give us life and fulfillment
2. True life is found not in gaining what we think we want, but in losing our life for Jesus
3. Jesus demonstrated this principle by giving up His riches in heaven to become poor and pursue us
4. What we run to in difficult times reveals what we're really trusting in as our 'god'
5. The Christmas story is ultimately about God running after us, and He asks us to take the same step toward Him that He took toward us

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for leaving the riches of heaven to pursue us. Thank You for becoming poor so that we might become rich in You. Help us to stop running toward things that promise life but deliver death. Give us the courage to let go of the false saviors we cling to and to run back to You, our true Father. Like the prodigal son, help us to turn around and come home to You. We trust that You are waiting with open arms to receive us. Transform our hearts and help us to find our true life in You alone. In Your precious name, Amen.