Introduction
If you've ever sent a child away for an extended period of time, perhaps to school, you may have experience a certain sense of anxiety. Not that you didn't want her to learn, to become more independent, to grow up. But now that she's out on her own, she no longer has you there to help guide her. Along with the physical separation comes a certain sense of helplessness on your part. And with that, a concern that the things you've taught for the last 18 years might not be remembered.
In this section of our study, Jesus is explaining his departure and separation from his disciples. He is preparing them for what must occur and in so doing, explaining the significance and necessity for their benefit.
Within 24 hours Jesus would be dead. But this death was not the end, it was actually the beginning. The beginning of the necessary work Jesus came to complete on humanity's behalf. In fact, his death completes the payment for sin, thus satisfying God's justice and man's infinite debt. And following his resurrection, he will go back to the Father in preparation for his parousia (second coming). All of this is necessary and desirable for us.
Resulting In Glory (John 13:31-35)
Love reflects Christ to the world.
How is your reflection?
How selective is your love? How wide does your circle of love go?
No Time For Heroics (John 13:36-38)
Self-confidence is a breeding ground for failure.
What are you trying to do for God without consideration for God's will?
How have you failed God? Maybe it's a recurring failure. Will you repent, be restored, and find out the task Jesus has for you?
Making Arrangements (John 14:1-7)
The Father is unknowable apart from Jesus.
What present troubling circumstances are you encountering?
God is aware of everything you are going through.
How well are you doing at trusting God in your current circumstances? If not too well, will you tell him? Will you ask him for greater faith?
What way are you going?
Expanding the Kingdom (John 14:8-14)
God's work done by Jesus through believers results in God's glory.
What are you asking God for that He's already given you?
What are you asking for out of an incorrect motive?
What do you need to be asking for?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Consequences of Divine Condescension (John 13:1-30)
Introduction
Have you ever looked out your side-view mirror in your car and tried to judge actual distance? The label, "Warning: Objects are closer than they appear", means that the task is more challenging than if the mirror was just a "normal" mirror.
In John chapter 13, John presents us with a view of reality that does not align well with our natural view of things. In this chapter, things are upside down and inside out -- the King is a servant and the servants are to move outside themselves and seek the good of others.
It might behove the reader to read Philippians 2 as a parallel passage for in that chapter, Paul is admonishing the believers to take on the same selfless attitude that Christ took on in his incarnation.
Upside Down (John 13:1-11)
No one can serve Jesus without Jesus first serving him.
What is God trying to do in your life that you are refusing to let him do?
How is your response like that of Peter, “Never Lord!”?
Do you have a part with Jesus or is your pride keeping him from you?
What do you have on your “feet” that needs to be removed? Will you bring that to Jesus tonight?
Inside Out (John 13:12-20)
Willing service is a good indicator of one's view of Jesus.
What does it say about you when you refuse to serve others as Jesus did?
Do you have a low view of Jesus or a high view of yourself?
Who has God placed in your life that you need to be serving?
What is it that motivates you to serve others? Are these valid motivations as Jesus defines valid?
Into the Dark (John 13:21-30)
Darkness awaits those who reject the truth.
What teachings from the Bible are you unwilling to accept?
What teachings about the person or deity of Jesus are you rejecting?
What has God called you to do but you are unwilling to obey?
Do you realize that the more you and I reject the light God has given us, the more open we are to the influences of darkness?
How have you been betraying Jesus by your actions, attitudes, or any other rebellion?
What are you going to do this week with the light you've received from Jesus?
Have you ever looked out your side-view mirror in your car and tried to judge actual distance? The label, "Warning: Objects are closer than they appear", means that the task is more challenging than if the mirror was just a "normal" mirror.
In John chapter 13, John presents us with a view of reality that does not align well with our natural view of things. In this chapter, things are upside down and inside out -- the King is a servant and the servants are to move outside themselves and seek the good of others.
It might behove the reader to read Philippians 2 as a parallel passage for in that chapter, Paul is admonishing the believers to take on the same selfless attitude that Christ took on in his incarnation.
Upside Down (John 13:1-11)
No one can serve Jesus without Jesus first serving him.
What is God trying to do in your life that you are refusing to let him do?
How is your response like that of Peter, “Never Lord!”?
Do you have a part with Jesus or is your pride keeping him from you?
What do you have on your “feet” that needs to be removed? Will you bring that to Jesus tonight?
Inside Out (John 13:12-20)
Willing service is a good indicator of one's view of Jesus.
What does it say about you when you refuse to serve others as Jesus did?
Do you have a low view of Jesus or a high view of yourself?
Who has God placed in your life that you need to be serving?
What is it that motivates you to serve others? Are these valid motivations as Jesus defines valid?
Into the Dark (John 13:21-30)
Darkness awaits those who reject the truth.
What teachings from the Bible are you unwilling to accept?
What teachings about the person or deity of Jesus are you rejecting?
What has God called you to do but you are unwilling to obey?
Do you realize that the more you and I reject the light God has given us, the more open we are to the influences of darkness?
How have you been betraying Jesus by your actions, attitudes, or any other rebellion?
What are you going to do this week with the light you've received from Jesus?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Notice
Sorry for the inter-post lag times. I hope to work on some more posts either tonight or tomorrow morning.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Marks of a True Disciple (John 12:1-50)
Introduction
How hard would it be for you if God told you to sell everything you have and move to another country? To go somewhere unfamiliar, perhaps undesirable to you, in order to accomplish His will. Your answer to this question might tell you how tied you are to the things of this world.
God doesn't always ask us to sell all our worldly possessions in order to follow Him. But certainly our possessions should never take priority in our lives. Everything we "own" must be considered God's if we are His people. The value system of God's kingdom has to do with souls of men and spending what God provides in order to accomplish His will for us on earth.
Altered Values (John 12:1-11)
Costly devotion is valuable to Jesus.
What value do you place on the person of Jesus Christ? And how does your giving reflect that?
Does your life so closely resemble that of Jesus' life that you receive the same type of treatment he does?
If not, what needs to change?
What act of service for the Lord have your been holding off on that needs to be done now?
What about you? Are you one that always has to ask, how much when it comes to giving?
Or do you base your giving on the value of the One you are giving to?
What sacrificial acts do you do for the sake of Christ? Is there a hint of concern on your part as to what people think?
Or is it just a matter between you and God?
Who knows about what you give?
Praise and Proclamation (John 12:12-19)
Words are a good indicator of one's passions.
How does your conversation reflect a passion for Christ? If it doesn't, will you ask him to renew that passion this week?
Who do you work with that needs to know about the Savior?
Will you pray for an opportunity to share the gospel this week?
What are you doing to praise God for who he is?
What is your praise costing you?
Conformity to the Kernel (John 12:20-36)
The pathway of life begins with death.
What areas of your life need submission to Jesus' service and direction?
Have you put your faith in Jesus for salvation? If not, why are you still waiting?
Remain in the Word (John 12:37-50)
God's word will either bring convict or condemn later.
How sweet is God's word to you?
How well are you doing at using the word of God to guide your life?
How hard would it be for you if God told you to sell everything you have and move to another country? To go somewhere unfamiliar, perhaps undesirable to you, in order to accomplish His will. Your answer to this question might tell you how tied you are to the things of this world.
God doesn't always ask us to sell all our worldly possessions in order to follow Him. But certainly our possessions should never take priority in our lives. Everything we "own" must be considered God's if we are His people. The value system of God's kingdom has to do with souls of men and spending what God provides in order to accomplish His will for us on earth.
Altered Values (John 12:1-11)
Costly devotion is valuable to Jesus.
What value do you place on the person of Jesus Christ? And how does your giving reflect that?
Does your life so closely resemble that of Jesus' life that you receive the same type of treatment he does?
If not, what needs to change?
What act of service for the Lord have your been holding off on that needs to be done now?
What about you? Are you one that always has to ask, how much when it comes to giving?
Or do you base your giving on the value of the One you are giving to?
What sacrificial acts do you do for the sake of Christ? Is there a hint of concern on your part as to what people think?
Or is it just a matter between you and God?
Who knows about what you give?
Praise and Proclamation (John 12:12-19)
Words are a good indicator of one's passions.
How does your conversation reflect a passion for Christ? If it doesn't, will you ask him to renew that passion this week?
Who do you work with that needs to know about the Savior?
Will you pray for an opportunity to share the gospel this week?
What are you doing to praise God for who he is?
What is your praise costing you?
Conformity to the Kernel (John 12:20-36)
The pathway of life begins with death.
What areas of your life need submission to Jesus' service and direction?
Have you put your faith in Jesus for salvation? If not, why are you still waiting?
Remain in the Word (John 12:37-50)
God's word will either bring convict or condemn later.
How sweet is God's word to you?
How well are you doing at using the word of God to guide your life?
A Matter of Life and Death (John 11:1-57)
Introduction
When you really love someone and they are in desperate need, you drop everything you're doing in order to help them, right?
In this chapter, some people whom Jesus loved were in a desperate situation -- Lazarus was in critical condition. His sisters, Mary and Martha, knew only one cure -- find Jesus. But to their horror, their brother dies before Jesus arrives.
We discover that God's plan in this situation was to reveal His power over death, "this sickness will not end in death". And is so doing, many would come to faith and many of his followers would grow in faith.
Lazarus Dies (John 11:1-37)
Jesus gives power to cope with life and life that overcomes death.
When was the last time you wept over the effects of sin in your life?
What challenges has God allowed in your life that have served to show forth His glory more clearly?
What are you currently facing that might be an opportunity to bring God glory?
Who do you say Jesus is? And what difference does this knowledge make in relation to daily life? What about in relation to eternity?
Lazarus Lives (John 11:38-44)
Jesus power overcomes the power of death.
Where do you see yourself in this word picture in John? Are you in the tomb, still dead in trespasses and sin?
Have you heard Jesus voice, but are refusing the respond to his call?
What remnants from the past, before Jesus gave you life, might you still be dragging around with you? Will you ask Jesus to show you what they are? Will you seek to remove them, in his strength?
One Life For All (John 11:45-57)
Man's evil plans are unable to thwart God's divine purpose.
What human schemes are you most afraid of?
What current world situations seem out of control?
Which of these is beyond God's knowledge? Which are beyond His ability to address?
What are you fighting against that may actually be fighting against God's plans?
When you really love someone and they are in desperate need, you drop everything you're doing in order to help them, right?
In this chapter, some people whom Jesus loved were in a desperate situation -- Lazarus was in critical condition. His sisters, Mary and Martha, knew only one cure -- find Jesus. But to their horror, their brother dies before Jesus arrives.
We discover that God's plan in this situation was to reveal His power over death, "this sickness will not end in death". And is so doing, many would come to faith and many of his followers would grow in faith.
Lazarus Dies (John 11:1-37)
Jesus gives power to cope with life and life that overcomes death.
When was the last time you wept over the effects of sin in your life?
What challenges has God allowed in your life that have served to show forth His glory more clearly?
What are you currently facing that might be an opportunity to bring God glory?
Who do you say Jesus is? And what difference does this knowledge make in relation to daily life? What about in relation to eternity?
Lazarus Lives (John 11:38-44)
Jesus power overcomes the power of death.
Where do you see yourself in this word picture in John? Are you in the tomb, still dead in trespasses and sin?
Have you heard Jesus voice, but are refusing the respond to his call?
What remnants from the past, before Jesus gave you life, might you still be dragging around with you? Will you ask Jesus to show you what they are? Will you seek to remove them, in his strength?
One Life For All (John 11:45-57)
Man's evil plans are unable to thwart God's divine purpose.
What human schemes are you most afraid of?
What current world situations seem out of control?
Which of these is beyond God's knowledge? Which are beyond His ability to address?
What are you fighting against that may actually be fighting against God's plans?
The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-10)
Introduction
God's people had had many shepherds over the centuries since the exodus from slavery in Egypt. Some of the shepherds had been concerned for the people and interested in leading them in the way God wanted the people to go. But many more had taken the authority they had and used it for their own gain. They sought to fulfill their own will rather than God's and in the process, led the people astray.
In chapter 10, Jesus contrasts the Good Shepherd (a metaphor for himself) to those who had come before him. He points out the many distinctions between those who are out for their own good and the One who is concerned with the good of His own.
He also shows that entry into his "fold" is only through him. All other points of entry prove futile in the long run and point out the ungodly motive of the one trying to enter.
The Gateway to Life (John 10:1-10)
Jesus is the only gateway to life.
Where do you stand tonight in relation to the Gate? Have you entered through the Gate or are you trying an alternative route to God?
Whose voice are you listening for? Whose voice are you listening to?
What do you need to start doing in order to hear Jesus voice more clearly?
What do you need to stop doing in order to hear Jesus voice more clearly?
A Volitional Death (John 10:11-21)
The Good Shepherd's life was given, not taken.
When you are faced with challenging teaching in the Bible, how do you respond?
Which of the two groups do you most identify with, the ones who called Jesus a madman, or the ones who tried to weigh what they didn't know by what they already knew?
What are your views on Jesus death and resurrection? Was he a victim or a victor?
The Signs of Messiah (John 10:22-42)
Jesus Christ and God the Father are one.
What evidence regarding Jesus' deity are you holding out for? If you are rejecting reasonable proofs, God won't necessarily give you more.
What fears about losing your relationship with God do you need to put behind you? If you're His, you always will be.
Who do you need to tell about the person of Jesus Christ and that his life was given so that we could have eternal life?
God's people had had many shepherds over the centuries since the exodus from slavery in Egypt. Some of the shepherds had been concerned for the people and interested in leading them in the way God wanted the people to go. But many more had taken the authority they had and used it for their own gain. They sought to fulfill their own will rather than God's and in the process, led the people astray.
In chapter 10, Jesus contrasts the Good Shepherd (a metaphor for himself) to those who had come before him. He points out the many distinctions between those who are out for their own good and the One who is concerned with the good of His own.
He also shows that entry into his "fold" is only through him. All other points of entry prove futile in the long run and point out the ungodly motive of the one trying to enter.
The Gateway to Life (John 10:1-10)
Jesus is the only gateway to life.
Where do you stand tonight in relation to the Gate? Have you entered through the Gate or are you trying an alternative route to God?
Whose voice are you listening for? Whose voice are you listening to?
What do you need to start doing in order to hear Jesus voice more clearly?
What do you need to stop doing in order to hear Jesus voice more clearly?
A Volitional Death (John 10:11-21)
The Good Shepherd's life was given, not taken.
When you are faced with challenging teaching in the Bible, how do you respond?
Which of the two groups do you most identify with, the ones who called Jesus a madman, or the ones who tried to weigh what they didn't know by what they already knew?
What are your views on Jesus death and resurrection? Was he a victim or a victor?
The Signs of Messiah (John 10:22-42)
Jesus Christ and God the Father are one.
What evidence regarding Jesus' deity are you holding out for? If you are rejecting reasonable proofs, God won't necessarily give you more.
What fears about losing your relationship with God do you need to put behind you? If you're His, you always will be.
Who do you need to tell about the person of Jesus Christ and that his life was given so that we could have eternal life?
Congenital Blindness (John 9:1-41)
Introduction
In this chapter, John describes Jesus' encounter with a man who had never seen -- he was blind from birth. The encounter results in complete sight for the blind man, both physically and spiritually, and continued determination to kill Jesus, on the part of the religious leaders.
Jesus could have chosen many different, and perhaps simpler, ways to heal this blind man. But as always, his method is for a set purpose. By making mud and putting it in the eyes of this blind man, Jesus once again raises the question of work on Sabbath among the Legalists of his day.
By telling the man to go and wash, he affords an opportunity for this blind man to face opposition from friends, family, and the Jewish leaders, rather than joy at his healing. Throughout the dialogue, this man is able to arrive at the truth of who Jesus is by addressing the irrational inquiries by those who claim to know God. Their method of denouncing Jesus despite the evidence in his favor, serves to convince this man that Jesus is true and his detractors a liar. When he is finally cast out of the Synagogue, he is ready for the encounter with the Son of Man -- he worships Jesus.
God's Purpose in the Midst of Pain (John 9:1-12)
Spiritual blindness from birth is universal.
What has your response been when you've seen Christ change a life? Do you take the “wait and see” attitude? Are you skeptical? Or do you rejoice with them?
Who do you need to show compassion to in spite of the reason for their predicament?
The Effect of a Changed Life (John 9:13-34)
The wrong question always leads to the wrong answer.
What effect has your changed life had on people around you? What are some negative responses and what are some positive responses?
If you are a Christian, what kind of reflection of Christ does your life have?
How is your formal religion keeping you from seeing the true condition of your heart?
How is your outward religion keeping you from knowing the person of Christ?
The Blindness of Self-righteousness (John 9:35-41)
Spiritual blindness is terminal apart from Jesus.
Do you believe in the Son of Man and if so, how have you worshiped him lately?
Who are you trusting in for spiritual sight? What is the evidence to back your claim?
When are you going to stop striving and start trusting?
In this chapter, John describes Jesus' encounter with a man who had never seen -- he was blind from birth. The encounter results in complete sight for the blind man, both physically and spiritually, and continued determination to kill Jesus, on the part of the religious leaders.
Jesus could have chosen many different, and perhaps simpler, ways to heal this blind man. But as always, his method is for a set purpose. By making mud and putting it in the eyes of this blind man, Jesus once again raises the question of work on Sabbath among the Legalists of his day.
By telling the man to go and wash, he affords an opportunity for this blind man to face opposition from friends, family, and the Jewish leaders, rather than joy at his healing. Throughout the dialogue, this man is able to arrive at the truth of who Jesus is by addressing the irrational inquiries by those who claim to know God. Their method of denouncing Jesus despite the evidence in his favor, serves to convince this man that Jesus is true and his detractors a liar. When he is finally cast out of the Synagogue, he is ready for the encounter with the Son of Man -- he worships Jesus.
God's Purpose in the Midst of Pain (John 9:1-12)
Spiritual blindness from birth is universal.
What has your response been when you've seen Christ change a life? Do you take the “wait and see” attitude? Are you skeptical? Or do you rejoice with them?
Who do you need to show compassion to in spite of the reason for their predicament?
The Effect of a Changed Life (John 9:13-34)
The wrong question always leads to the wrong answer.
What effect has your changed life had on people around you? What are some negative responses and what are some positive responses?
If you are a Christian, what kind of reflection of Christ does your life have?
How is your formal religion keeping you from seeing the true condition of your heart?
How is your outward religion keeping you from knowing the person of Christ?
The Blindness of Self-righteousness (John 9:35-41)
Spiritual blindness is terminal apart from Jesus.
Do you believe in the Son of Man and if so, how have you worshiped him lately?
Who are you trusting in for spiritual sight? What is the evidence to back your claim?
When are you going to stop striving and start trusting?
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