2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
• Albert Einstein, Donald trump, Chuck Norris: what are they known for? In God’s economy, weakness is a positive thing. What seem to be our strengths could also easily become a source of self-reliance.
• Story that Jerry Rankin tells of how difficult church planting is in Japan, but a couple is making significant impact, not because of smarts, ingenuity, money, strength, but PRAYER!
Ch.3 Overview: David addresses the false value of relying on ourselves and how it has impacted the American church.
• We can do so much without God and think we have been successful.
• The American Dream says our greatest asset is in our own abilities. But the Gospel says, “Die to self, believe in God and trust in His power.”
• “The dangerous assumption we unknowingly accept in the American Dream is that our greatest asset is our own ability… in the Gospel, God confronts us with our utter inability to accomplish anything of value apart from Him.” (pg. 46)
John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from Me you can do nothing.”
Q. What do you think Jesus means by “you can do nothing”?
Q. How do we stay connected to the vine (JESUS)?
• When our goal is to make much of ourselves = this mirrors the American Dream. When our goal is to make much of GOD, that mirrors the Gospel.
• Jericho story Joshua Ch. 6: God intentionally puts His people in situations where they come face to face with their need for Him. Then He displays His greatness and gets all the glory.
Recap the story of Jericho. Q. What challenges do you think Joshua and God’s people went through as they trusted in God for the victory?
Do God’s directions to Joshua and the Israelites make sense to the rational mind?
At the time, it was thought Jericho had impenetrable walls. And maybe they were in regard to mere man, but not before God. This teaches us that NO obstacle before us, and I mean NO obstacle is so big, so difficult, or so impossible that God cannot overcome it. The lesson for us is how we go about trying to resolve the issue: with our strength, ingenuity, power, resources --- or God’s.
“The power of Jesus’ name is still great” (pg.45 from the brother Raden and witch doctor study)
Q. What did you think of the witch doctor story? Did it surprise you that God would still work in such surprising and powerful ways? Did you notice God SPOKE to Raden?
Q. How do WE tend to deal with spiritual issues/challenges that arise in our lives? Are we trusting in HIS power?
When a friend or loved one is sick or hurting, how do we go about ministering to them? Do we simply say “Hey, I’ll be praying for you.” Or do we ask God how HE wants to address that problem? Do we trust in our understanding and methods, or seek HIS? Do we follow through with HIS directives rather than our own?
Personal example: Story of family member who was going through a terribly dark time and how the power of God intervened. The instructions I gave her (prompted by the Holy Spirit) seemed a bit mystical and unconventional, but God moved powerfully and miraculously!
Story about a friend who was going through demonic oppression and how God delivered him through the power of Jesus’ name and God’s word. God impressed upon me NOT to open the Bible but simply quote every Scripture I knew, calling upon the name of Jesus!
Does anyone have a story they would like to share about how you had to rely on God’s power, and how God showed up and did something only He could do?
Q. Is our church, our Sunday School class, our own personal spiritual lives characterized by a reliance on God’s power? If not, what might it look like to live in such a way that we were radically dependent on and desperate for the power only God can provide? Take some time at home to write down some ideas.
WHO are we trusting in?
Genesis 15-17 The story of Abraham & Ishmael (review it and turn to it): When Sarah gave her handmade Hagar to Abraham as a wife, what or who were they trusting in to resolve their challenge? (do this on the dry-erase board)
The natural vs the Supernatural; the flesh vs the Spirit; what they could see vs what they could not see (FAITH); their wisdom and understanding vs God’s; their timing vs God’s timing; the practical vs God’s supernaturally, impractical power; in their solution vs God’s; in their power vs God’s supernatural power
Q. What were the challenges that provoked Sarah and Abraham to do this? Their age; the long wait; little info to go on; they thought they saw a solution, but it wasn’t God’s solution; the stigma of not having a child prompted desperation.
Q. What are WE most prone to do when God doesn’t answer a prayer to do something, in our timing or in our way or expectation? (take matters into our own hands and accomplish it in the flesh).
Prayer and the power of God: Church-planting story about Calixto in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela
In 1984 a small group of people led by Danielle’s dad, Calixto, met for prayer as they were endeavoring to plant a new church. They were asking God for 100 souls to be added by the end of the year (it was April). As they prayed, the group kept asking “Speak, God speak!” over and over. Then the Holy Spirit prompted Calixto to tell everyone to be quiet and to listen. Then God did indeed speak and unveil an amazing vision. Then God told Calixto very specific things to do, after which he yelled out in amazement “Praise the LORD! God has spoken!” God said to go to a specific place on the beach and ask the owner to allow them to set up a revival tent. Then invite/command 4 of Venezuela’s best preachers to come, paying their own way/expenses (because the church had no money), and for them to preach. They were to take only one offering on Sunday, and no other day. So they began to pray, set the tent up in August, and started the new church with 73 souls, and by December there were 103!
When you consider our churches programs, services, worship, ministries, etc., and your own spiritual life, are we mirroring the American Dream or can we honestly say we characterize a desperation for God and His power?
Read quote on pg. 60 “Our greatest need…”
Parting quote from Jim Cymbala in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire:
“That evening, when I was at my lowest, confounded by obstacles, bewildered by darkness that surrounded us, unable even to continue preaching, I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him. Our weakness, in fact, makes room for His power.”
Key lessons:
1.We need to rely on God’s power, not ours, to accomplish things that have eternal worth. In a “me” centered culture, it’ so easy to trust in our own talents, smarts, skills & abilities.
2.God puts us in circumstances and situations where we are challenged to rely on His power. If we do, He will show His greatness and get all the glory.
3.It is possible for our church to carry on many of its activities, and even seem successful, all the while the Holy Spirit of God is virtually absent from the picture.
4.God can and will accomplish His awesome purposes and plans through unlikely churches and people. Remember David and Goliath? Remember that rag-tag collection of fishermen and Galileans (the disciples) that turned the world upside down?
5.The Holy Spirit is the key to God’s power. Don’t miss this is God in person living inside us!
6.We need to die to ourselves and make much of God and trust in His power.
7.Prayer is key. We need to ask God to do what only He can accomplish. We can plan, organize, but all the while we need to be praying, and confessing our need for His provision to accomplish His purposes.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
RADICAL pt. 2 – Too hungry for words
True or false:
All religions (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.) lead to God. - John 3:16, John 14:6 FALSE
After we say the “sinner’s prayer,” we can live however we want. – I Peter 1:14-15, Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-24 FALSE
God guarantees his followers peace and prosperity. No adversity. All we need is the faith to believe. The reason we experience adversity and poverty is because we do not have enough faith in God and his promises. Book of Job; Matthew 7:13-14 FALSE
I am a good, moral person who does not need religion to enjoy the afterlife. Romans 3:10-18, 23; Isaiah 64:6 FALSE
How do you know if the statements above are true or false? How would you respond if someone approached you with these statements?
Our responses must be grounded in the Word of God. Problem: Too many church attenders never crack open their Bible between Sundays. Their diet of God’s Word is solely Sunday morning. BUT, is it God’s Word that brings them to church? Read Radical p. 27 first paragraph. A church attender who minimizes or ignores the word of God is a person doomed to a life of uncertainty, doubt, despair, and anxiety. Read Matthew 7:24-27.
Read Hebrews 5: 11-14; 6:1-3
1) The author said he had much to say about Jesus and his relationship to a priest named Melchizedek, but he couldn’t because he said the audience to whom he was writing was “dull of hearing”. What do you think he meant by that? Either you “tune out” somebody trying to tell you something or they repeat the same thing over and over until it becomes “white noise” – you can’t hear it. Husbands, we can be dull of hearing when our wives are trying to tell us something. You hear her talking but its not sinking into our brain what’s she’s saying
2) Why were people in the audience “dull of hearing”? Still drinking milk … they’re happy drinking milk. They should have moved on to eating solid food.
3) What does the author consider to be “milk”? Elementary teaching about Christ.
Repentance from dead works – knowledge of salvation
Faith toward God – believing in God
Instruction about baptisms/washings – public acknowledgement of salvation
Laying on of hands – associated with prayer (blessings, commissioning, healing)
Resurrection of the dead – believe in life after death
Eternal judgment – believe in a final destination – eternal reward or eternal punishment
The author tells his audience they should have long moved from these teachings. In fact they should be teachers themselves. But they’re content with drinking milk.
4) Read vs. 14. What problem does one who only drinks milk encounter? Not accustomed to the word of righteousness. Have a difficult time discerning between what is right and what is wrong. Why do they have this problem? He/she is still a baby. There has been no growing in the knowledge of Christ … no maturing in their faith. Example of Elyse – if Kim and I feed Elyse only formula/milk for the first five or ten years of her life. No meat, vegetables, fruit, how well developed physically will she be? What problems could develop? More susceptible to illness.
Example of a new Christian - According to Jesus, a new believer is someone who has been born again. They are babe in Christ. If that new believer lives off nothing but spiritual milk for 5, 10 years – How to be saved, baptized, quote John 3:16, attend church on a regular basis, only time he/she prays is blessing before eating, knowledge of heaven and hell. How well developed spiritually is that Christian? What problem will that Christian have? A difficult time living a righteous life because they can’t discern good from evil. Read Ephesians 4:14-15. Easy prey to temptation. Constant struggle with the flesh.
Imagine a church full of people living off nothing but milk? Or is that hard to imagine? Examples Corinth and audience in Hebrews. Content with milk. Not good.
5) What is the benefit of solid food? Through practice/constant feeding on solid food have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
6) What is solid food? Author of Hebrews doesn’t say. Read II Peter 1:3-8 you can find examples of solid food.
Applying all diligence to your faith add …
Goodness/virtue/moral excellence
Knowledge of God
Self-control
Steadfastness/perseverance/patience
Godliness
Brotherly affection/kindness
Agape love
Constant feeding on these, you will be mature/fruitful discerning what is good and evil. Where can you go to find solid food? Get fed the list? Church – worship service, Sunday School, Bible studies, quiet times, family devotionals. Be sure you are feasting. Put what you learn into constant practice.
Be sure your diet is well-rounded. That you are not neglecting one of these foods. Ex. I love meat and veggies, not crazy about fruit. Consequence, I’m missing out on important nutrients that keep me healthy and strong. Same can be true spiritually.
7) What can happen to a Christian if he/she goes on a diet from solid food? Quiet times become less often, don’t attend Bible studies, become dull of hearing during sermon time. No longer taking in solid foods (point to list). Become more susceptible to temptation, struggle with the flesh becomes more contentious.
Through constant use we’re more aware of temptation, we sin less. The struggle with the flesh lessens. We don’t give in to its desires so easily.
APPLICATION
By reading God’s Word we learn about all facets of who God is (God of love and wrath, God of mercy and judgment) and who we were pre-Jesus (filthy sinners in need of cleansing salvation) and who we should be post-Jesus (holy and service minded.)
This week read the book of Philippians. Next Sunday, I would like someone to voluntarily share what insight they gained about God/Jesus and himself/herself.
Examine your spiritual diet – are you drinking milk or are you eating solid foods? According to Hebrews, the way to determine this is whether we are having a difficult time living a righteous life. If so, you need to be eating solid foods like the ones found in II Peter 1:3-8. Feast upon the buffet of God’s Word where these foods are found. Results – You will become a maturing, healthy Christian who is able to live a more righteous, godly life.
Mature Christians – Compare your spiritual diet to list of solid foods found in II Peter 1:3-8. Is one of these lacking/missing in your diet? Examine your spiritual diet to see if you need to enhance/add one or more of these solid foods to your diet. Talk to your spouse to get his/her opinion. More importantly, talk to God about it.
All religions (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.) lead to God. - John 3:16, John 14:6 FALSE
After we say the “sinner’s prayer,” we can live however we want. – I Peter 1:14-15, Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-24 FALSE
God guarantees his followers peace and prosperity. No adversity. All we need is the faith to believe. The reason we experience adversity and poverty is because we do not have enough faith in God and his promises. Book of Job; Matthew 7:13-14 FALSE
I am a good, moral person who does not need religion to enjoy the afterlife. Romans 3:10-18, 23; Isaiah 64:6 FALSE
How do you know if the statements above are true or false? How would you respond if someone approached you with these statements?
Our responses must be grounded in the Word of God. Problem: Too many church attenders never crack open their Bible between Sundays. Their diet of God’s Word is solely Sunday morning. BUT, is it God’s Word that brings them to church? Read Radical p. 27 first paragraph. A church attender who minimizes or ignores the word of God is a person doomed to a life of uncertainty, doubt, despair, and anxiety. Read Matthew 7:24-27.
Read Hebrews 5: 11-14; 6:1-3
1) The author said he had much to say about Jesus and his relationship to a priest named Melchizedek, but he couldn’t because he said the audience to whom he was writing was “dull of hearing”. What do you think he meant by that? Either you “tune out” somebody trying to tell you something or they repeat the same thing over and over until it becomes “white noise” – you can’t hear it. Husbands, we can be dull of hearing when our wives are trying to tell us something. You hear her talking but its not sinking into our brain what’s she’s saying
2) Why were people in the audience “dull of hearing”? Still drinking milk … they’re happy drinking milk. They should have moved on to eating solid food.
3) What does the author consider to be “milk”? Elementary teaching about Christ.
Repentance from dead works – knowledge of salvation
Faith toward God – believing in God
Instruction about baptisms/washings – public acknowledgement of salvation
Laying on of hands – associated with prayer (blessings, commissioning, healing)
Resurrection of the dead – believe in life after death
Eternal judgment – believe in a final destination – eternal reward or eternal punishment
The author tells his audience they should have long moved from these teachings. In fact they should be teachers themselves. But they’re content with drinking milk.
4) Read vs. 14. What problem does one who only drinks milk encounter? Not accustomed to the word of righteousness. Have a difficult time discerning between what is right and what is wrong. Why do they have this problem? He/she is still a baby. There has been no growing in the knowledge of Christ … no maturing in their faith. Example of Elyse – if Kim and I feed Elyse only formula/milk for the first five or ten years of her life. No meat, vegetables, fruit, how well developed physically will she be? What problems could develop? More susceptible to illness.
Example of a new Christian - According to Jesus, a new believer is someone who has been born again. They are babe in Christ. If that new believer lives off nothing but spiritual milk for 5, 10 years – How to be saved, baptized, quote John 3:16, attend church on a regular basis, only time he/she prays is blessing before eating, knowledge of heaven and hell. How well developed spiritually is that Christian? What problem will that Christian have? A difficult time living a righteous life because they can’t discern good from evil. Read Ephesians 4:14-15. Easy prey to temptation. Constant struggle with the flesh.
Imagine a church full of people living off nothing but milk? Or is that hard to imagine? Examples Corinth and audience in Hebrews. Content with milk. Not good.
5) What is the benefit of solid food? Through practice/constant feeding on solid food have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
6) What is solid food? Author of Hebrews doesn’t say. Read II Peter 1:3-8 you can find examples of solid food.
Applying all diligence to your faith add …
Goodness/virtue/moral excellence
Knowledge of God
Self-control
Steadfastness/perseverance/patience
Godliness
Brotherly affection/kindness
Agape love
Constant feeding on these, you will be mature/fruitful discerning what is good and evil. Where can you go to find solid food? Get fed the list? Church – worship service, Sunday School, Bible studies, quiet times, family devotionals. Be sure you are feasting. Put what you learn into constant practice.
Be sure your diet is well-rounded. That you are not neglecting one of these foods. Ex. I love meat and veggies, not crazy about fruit. Consequence, I’m missing out on important nutrients that keep me healthy and strong. Same can be true spiritually.
7) What can happen to a Christian if he/she goes on a diet from solid food? Quiet times become less often, don’t attend Bible studies, become dull of hearing during sermon time. No longer taking in solid foods (point to list). Become more susceptible to temptation, struggle with the flesh becomes more contentious.
Through constant use we’re more aware of temptation, we sin less. The struggle with the flesh lessens. We don’t give in to its desires so easily.
APPLICATION
By reading God’s Word we learn about all facets of who God is (God of love and wrath, God of mercy and judgment) and who we were pre-Jesus (filthy sinners in need of cleansing salvation) and who we should be post-Jesus (holy and service minded.)
This week read the book of Philippians. Next Sunday, I would like someone to voluntarily share what insight they gained about God/Jesus and himself/herself.
Examine your spiritual diet – are you drinking milk or are you eating solid foods? According to Hebrews, the way to determine this is whether we are having a difficult time living a righteous life. If so, you need to be eating solid foods like the ones found in II Peter 1:3-8. Feast upon the buffet of God’s Word where these foods are found. Results – You will become a maturing, healthy Christian who is able to live a more righteous, godly life.
Mature Christians – Compare your spiritual diet to list of solid foods found in II Peter 1:3-8. Is one of these lacking/missing in your diet? Examine your spiritual diet to see if you need to enhance/add one or more of these solid foods to your diet. Talk to your spouse to get his/her opinion. More importantly, talk to God about it.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
RADICAL pt. 1 – Someone worth losing everything for
Radical - thoroughgoing or extreme, especially, as regards change from accepted or traditional forms.
1) What are the identifying characteristics of a follower of Jesus Christ? Would you know one if you saw one? Attends church; appearance (no tattoos, men do not wear earrings, wear suit and tie); good morals (no cussing, no drinking, no gambling); says blessing before a meal; does not listen to rock music, rap music, etc.
2) What are the criteria for determining the success/failure of a church? Numbers; Budget; Building size
3) What role does the church play in American society? Does the American church cater to the needs of its members more than it does the rest of society? Is the American church more concerned with what is happening within its four walls than what is happening beyond its four walls? Examples – Radical, p. 4-6. Asian churches – people come together to encourage one another, study the Bible, and pray. Go out at the risk of losing home, job, and life to spread the Gospel and meet needs. What little money they have does not go into a building fund, music fund, Sunday School literature. It goes to spreading the Gospel and meeting needs. Radical, p. 15-16. – Platt read the headlines of a Christian news publication. Two headlines – “First Baptist Church Celebrates $23 million Building” and “Baptist Relief Helps Sudanese Refugees.” The relief totaled $5000.
Focus of chapter 1 of Radical is question 1.
Draw a circle on the middle part of the board and label it “you.” Direct learners to brainstorm all the categories of people with whom they have a relationship (Spouse, children, parents, other family member, friends, co-workers, etc.). Draw other circles surrounding the first and label them separately with each of these categories. Next, lead learners to rank each of these categories according to the importance of the relationship (in practice, not theory) and assign numbers to each of the corresponding circles. Ask: If we really get honest with one another, where does Jesus fit in this ranking? On what do you base that determination?
Read Luke 14:25-33
Who all made up the great crowds and why were they following Jesus? Demographic of crowd: Who - Rich and poor; religious and sinners; men and women; old and young. Why - Intrigued by his words. New; different; radical. Usually attracts a crowd. Doesn’t meet the crowd is devoted to you. Crowds can be fickle. Jesus knew that. Turned to face the crowd and said, “you want to follow me? Here’s what you have to do.”
1. Following Christ means being devoted to Him above anyone else (Luke 14:25–26).
Direct the group’s focus on verse 26. Why would Jesus use such harsh language here? Jesus used this language for a very specific and purposeful reason. The Greek word for “hate” is not an absolute but a relative term. Jesus’ point was that a true disciple’s devotion to Him should make all other relationships appear to be characterized by hate in comparison. (Ex. Missionary couple with young children. Perception by relatives, particularly nonchurched relatives, of their decision to go to a foreign land for several years.) He meant our love for Him takes priority in our lives. Read Luke 9:57-62. What was Jesus telling these three men? “Become homeless. Let someone else bury your dad. Don’t even say good-bye to your family.” (Radical, p.8) “…you abandon everything – your needs, your desires, even your family.”
2. Following Christ means continually sacrificing who we were for who He is (Luke 14:27).
Draw a cross on the board. Ask: What types of things immediately come to mind whenever you see this symbol? Allow for responses. (Jesus, church, Easter, etc.) Lead learners to consider what different types of things might have come to the mind of a first-century person living under Roman rule. Crucifixion was an agonizing form of capital punishment. The condemned man was usually stripped naked, then made to lie on top of the crossbar with his arms outstretched so they could be tied or nailed to the beam. The feet may have been placed into a crossed position and were nailed to the upright beam. Often the arms and legs were pulled out of joint to add to the pain of the victim and to cause him to be unable to pull himself up. A small board was placed in the middle of the upright beam to serve as a type of seat. The slow death came as a result of asphyxiation or lack of blood circulation (perhaps both); often the legs of the victim were broken to hasten the death. Because of its brutality, the Romans generally used this punishment only for those who weren’t Roman citizens; however, Caesar could order the crucifixion of a citizen.
Reread verse 27. Point out that most of us connect the phrase “carry his cross” with Jesus on His way to Golgotha to be crucified. This is precisely the type of picture Jesus was trying to convey because following Him involves dying to ourselves, letting go completely of all we have desired and pursued in life in order to fully embrace all He wants for us.
At this point, what do you suppose is going on in the minds of the people in the great crowds?
3. Following Christ requires a cost that should be considered before we commit (Luke 14:28–32).
Reread verses 28–32. Choosing to follow Christ at any cost is an essential decision we each must make before we even take the first step. Becoming a follower of Jesus is a decision that is not to be made without much thought. Rather, one needs to consider the cost involved. What are some of the costs to be considered? For someone living in China, Iran, or India what are the costs? Ostracism by family and friends, loss of income, homelessness, persecution, death. For someone living in the U.S. what are the costs to be considered? Whatever or whoever matters most to him/her - time, wealth, career, possessions, luxuries, relationships must be surrendered to become a follower of Christ. Examples of considering the cost of following Jesus – Waking up 30 minutes earlier to spend time with God or 30 minutes of sleep; Missions trip to North Dakota or vacation at Busch Gardens; $500 for a new home theater system or helping five youth in our church go on a mission’s trip; rich lawyer and all the luxuries that come with such a career or the next Rich Mullins (Christian musician who wrote some of the most popular Christian songs in the late 80’s and 90’s. Yet, Mullins refused to take more than the average salary in the U.S. for that year and gave the rest to charity and his church.) Read Mark 10:17-22. Story of rich young ruler.
4. Following Christ requires radical abandonment of everything we previously sought in life for the freedom to fully pursue Him (Luke 14:33).
When Jesus says anyone who does not give up everything cannot be His disciple, what does He mean by “everything?” Allow for responses. The process of “giving up” means relinquishing all control. Although we may or may not actually be called to literally abandon all possessions and relationships and die for the sake of Christ, the cost of being a follower of Jesus is our acceptance of His total lordship over everything in our life. Read Romans 10:9-10. A lord is someone who owns you and everything you have. The cost of being a follower of Jesus requires we are willing to literally lose everything even if we do not. Example – the original 11 disciples. What was their life like pre-Jesus? Peter, James, John, Andrew. Successful businessmen (Fishing business). Family men. Peter had a wife and maybe children. James and John worked with their father. They had houses. What was life like for the original disciples post-Jesus? They were not regularly employed. Live off a dramatically reduced income. Rarely spent time with family. A lot of nights spent with rocks for pillows. Constant physical and verbal abuse. 10 of the original 11 disciples were martyred.
What do you think the great crowds’ response was to Jesus’ words? Many probably walked away. See John chapter 6. Read Luke 15:1. Who did not walk away from Jesus? Tax collectors and sinners. They continue to draw near to Jesus, not walk away. Religious people followed for the purpose to tear down Jesus’ ministry. Their motivation was to defend tradition.
Application:
Reread Luke 14:25-33. Ponder about what Jesus is telling the great crowds. Ask yourself the following: Is there anything or anyone in my life that comes before Jesus? Am I willing to follow Christ’s example and put to death my desires/dreams to pursue God’s purpose for my life? What cost do you need to consider paying to follow Christ? What is it in your life that you need to relinquish control to Christ so that you can fulfill God’s purpose for your life? Will your honest answers to these questions turn you away from Christ or draw you nearer to Him?
1) What are the identifying characteristics of a follower of Jesus Christ? Would you know one if you saw one? Attends church; appearance (no tattoos, men do not wear earrings, wear suit and tie); good morals (no cussing, no drinking, no gambling); says blessing before a meal; does not listen to rock music, rap music, etc.
2) What are the criteria for determining the success/failure of a church? Numbers; Budget; Building size
3) What role does the church play in American society? Does the American church cater to the needs of its members more than it does the rest of society? Is the American church more concerned with what is happening within its four walls than what is happening beyond its four walls? Examples – Radical, p. 4-6. Asian churches – people come together to encourage one another, study the Bible, and pray. Go out at the risk of losing home, job, and life to spread the Gospel and meet needs. What little money they have does not go into a building fund, music fund, Sunday School literature. It goes to spreading the Gospel and meeting needs. Radical, p. 15-16. – Platt read the headlines of a Christian news publication. Two headlines – “First Baptist Church Celebrates $23 million Building” and “Baptist Relief Helps Sudanese Refugees.” The relief totaled $5000.
Focus of chapter 1 of Radical is question 1.
Draw a circle on the middle part of the board and label it “you.” Direct learners to brainstorm all the categories of people with whom they have a relationship (Spouse, children, parents, other family member, friends, co-workers, etc.). Draw other circles surrounding the first and label them separately with each of these categories. Next, lead learners to rank each of these categories according to the importance of the relationship (in practice, not theory) and assign numbers to each of the corresponding circles. Ask: If we really get honest with one another, where does Jesus fit in this ranking? On what do you base that determination?
Read Luke 14:25-33
Who all made up the great crowds and why were they following Jesus? Demographic of crowd: Who - Rich and poor; religious and sinners; men and women; old and young. Why - Intrigued by his words. New; different; radical. Usually attracts a crowd. Doesn’t meet the crowd is devoted to you. Crowds can be fickle. Jesus knew that. Turned to face the crowd and said, “you want to follow me? Here’s what you have to do.”
1. Following Christ means being devoted to Him above anyone else (Luke 14:25–26).
Direct the group’s focus on verse 26. Why would Jesus use such harsh language here? Jesus used this language for a very specific and purposeful reason. The Greek word for “hate” is not an absolute but a relative term. Jesus’ point was that a true disciple’s devotion to Him should make all other relationships appear to be characterized by hate in comparison. (Ex. Missionary couple with young children. Perception by relatives, particularly nonchurched relatives, of their decision to go to a foreign land for several years.) He meant our love for Him takes priority in our lives. Read Luke 9:57-62. What was Jesus telling these three men? “Become homeless. Let someone else bury your dad. Don’t even say good-bye to your family.” (Radical, p.8) “…you abandon everything – your needs, your desires, even your family.”
2. Following Christ means continually sacrificing who we were for who He is (Luke 14:27).
Draw a cross on the board. Ask: What types of things immediately come to mind whenever you see this symbol? Allow for responses. (Jesus, church, Easter, etc.) Lead learners to consider what different types of things might have come to the mind of a first-century person living under Roman rule. Crucifixion was an agonizing form of capital punishment. The condemned man was usually stripped naked, then made to lie on top of the crossbar with his arms outstretched so they could be tied or nailed to the beam. The feet may have been placed into a crossed position and were nailed to the upright beam. Often the arms and legs were pulled out of joint to add to the pain of the victim and to cause him to be unable to pull himself up. A small board was placed in the middle of the upright beam to serve as a type of seat. The slow death came as a result of asphyxiation or lack of blood circulation (perhaps both); often the legs of the victim were broken to hasten the death. Because of its brutality, the Romans generally used this punishment only for those who weren’t Roman citizens; however, Caesar could order the crucifixion of a citizen.
Reread verse 27. Point out that most of us connect the phrase “carry his cross” with Jesus on His way to Golgotha to be crucified. This is precisely the type of picture Jesus was trying to convey because following Him involves dying to ourselves, letting go completely of all we have desired and pursued in life in order to fully embrace all He wants for us.
At this point, what do you suppose is going on in the minds of the people in the great crowds?
3. Following Christ requires a cost that should be considered before we commit (Luke 14:28–32).
Reread verses 28–32. Choosing to follow Christ at any cost is an essential decision we each must make before we even take the first step. Becoming a follower of Jesus is a decision that is not to be made without much thought. Rather, one needs to consider the cost involved. What are some of the costs to be considered? For someone living in China, Iran, or India what are the costs? Ostracism by family and friends, loss of income, homelessness, persecution, death. For someone living in the U.S. what are the costs to be considered? Whatever or whoever matters most to him/her - time, wealth, career, possessions, luxuries, relationships must be surrendered to become a follower of Christ. Examples of considering the cost of following Jesus – Waking up 30 minutes earlier to spend time with God or 30 minutes of sleep; Missions trip to North Dakota or vacation at Busch Gardens; $500 for a new home theater system or helping five youth in our church go on a mission’s trip; rich lawyer and all the luxuries that come with such a career or the next Rich Mullins (Christian musician who wrote some of the most popular Christian songs in the late 80’s and 90’s. Yet, Mullins refused to take more than the average salary in the U.S. for that year and gave the rest to charity and his church.) Read Mark 10:17-22. Story of rich young ruler.
4. Following Christ requires radical abandonment of everything we previously sought in life for the freedom to fully pursue Him (Luke 14:33).
When Jesus says anyone who does not give up everything cannot be His disciple, what does He mean by “everything?” Allow for responses. The process of “giving up” means relinquishing all control. Although we may or may not actually be called to literally abandon all possessions and relationships and die for the sake of Christ, the cost of being a follower of Jesus is our acceptance of His total lordship over everything in our life. Read Romans 10:9-10. A lord is someone who owns you and everything you have. The cost of being a follower of Jesus requires we are willing to literally lose everything even if we do not. Example – the original 11 disciples. What was their life like pre-Jesus? Peter, James, John, Andrew. Successful businessmen (Fishing business). Family men. Peter had a wife and maybe children. James and John worked with their father. They had houses. What was life like for the original disciples post-Jesus? They were not regularly employed. Live off a dramatically reduced income. Rarely spent time with family. A lot of nights spent with rocks for pillows. Constant physical and verbal abuse. 10 of the original 11 disciples were martyred.
What do you think the great crowds’ response was to Jesus’ words? Many probably walked away. See John chapter 6. Read Luke 15:1. Who did not walk away from Jesus? Tax collectors and sinners. They continue to draw near to Jesus, not walk away. Religious people followed for the purpose to tear down Jesus’ ministry. Their motivation was to defend tradition.
Application:
Reread Luke 14:25-33. Ponder about what Jesus is telling the great crowds. Ask yourself the following: Is there anything or anyone in my life that comes before Jesus? Am I willing to follow Christ’s example and put to death my desires/dreams to pursue God’s purpose for my life? What cost do you need to consider paying to follow Christ? What is it in your life that you need to relinquish control to Christ so that you can fulfill God’s purpose for your life? Will your honest answers to these questions turn you away from Christ or draw you nearer to Him?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
An Old Testament Christmas
Background – Read Isaiah 8:18-22. The people of Israel (Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom) are in distress. The Assyrian empire is at their doorstep. There is an atmosphere of terror in the land. The people turned to mediums and spirits for answers … for words of hope which amazed Isaiah. Read vs. 19-20. In time, the people will be consumed by their fear and uncertainty. Fear and uncertainty will turn into anger and the people will curse their king and God. They blame God … point finger at God for their distress. In reality, the blame is theirs. They committed spiritual adultery. The people look down at the earth and all they see is distress and gloom. Read vs. 22.
Read Isaiah 9:1-7
The lands of Zebulun and Naphtali are located in northeastern Israel. See map. We’ll come back to the significance of this region in a little bit.
1) Characterize the emotional state/spiritual state of a person walking in darkness and living in the land of the shadow of death. Fear, doubt, anger, distress, lost, directionless, gloom. Not a happy, joyful place to be.
2) What will the people walking in darkness and living in the land of the shadow of death see? Light. What will it do to the darkness and the shadow of death? The light will make them disappear. Darkness and death will no longer have power over the people.
3) Would you characterize verses 1 through 7 as words of optimism or pessimism? Optimism. No more distress. No more gloom. There will be great rejoicing. The yoke that burdened the people, the bar across their shoulders weighing them down, the rod of their oppressors that brings them pain and suffering will all be shattered. There will be peace.
4) How will this happen? Through a child. Not a through great army or through special effect filled miracle. It’ll be in the same mode as God defeated Midian - unexpected/unusual. Read Judges chapters 6-8. The 12 tribes of Israel were constantly attacked by their neighbor the Midianites. The Israelites came under Midianite rule. Midianites treated Israelites harshly. Darkness of gloom and death fell upon the land. The people were looking for a messiah (God’s anointed) to rescue them. Another Moses to deliver them. Instead they got Gideon. He was the least of his family and his family was the least of the tribe of Manasseh. Gideon was a wimp not a great leader. He was the opposite of a Moses. God anointed this obscure nobody from a nobody family to be the messiah/deliverer of Israel. – God had Gideon to reduce his army from 32,000 men to 300 men to defeat Midian and free his people from the oppression of Midian. Salvation came in an unusual manner. 1) God reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300. 2) Defeated Midian using trumpets and lanterns not swords and chariots.
5) What titles will the newborn child be called? What characteristics do you associate with each title?
Wonderful Counselour – advocate/defender against all accusers. Offers words of wisdom.
Mighty God – power, strength
Everlasting Father – eternal, provider, comforter, protector
Prince of Peace – ruler, peace
6) How long will his reign last? Forever. What two attributes will characterize his reign? Justice and righteousness.
7) Who will make this happen? God
8) How does Isaiah 9:1-7 relate to Jesus?
Jesus began his ministry in the region of Galilee that was once the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. Read Matthew 4:12-17.
Jesus is the Light. Read John 1:1-9; John 8:12: John 12:46
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the yoke/bar/rod of sin and death that brought fear and oppression to mankind.
Comparison to the defeat of Midian – Jesus was born in obscurity. Bethlehem – cow stall; He was raised in Nazareth – John 1:46 “Does anything good come out of Nazareth?”; Galilee – Pharisees dismissed Jesus’ ministry by saying no prophet has ever come from Galilee; Jesus was not the Messiah that the Jews anticipated. He was not a might warrior.
Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.
His kingdom is an eternal one founded on justice and righteousness.
9) What were the people who heard Isaiah’s message suppose to get from it? Hope. The bad times will not last forever. There will come a time of peace and joy that will last for eternity.
In the Garden of Eden, man disobeyed God. Consequently, the darkness of sin and death fell upon the world. The shadow of death haunted man like a ghoul. Humanity lived in fear of this darkness. There was no rejoicing in the world for there was no hope. The yoke of sin and death weighed heavily upon the back of humanity. The rod of Satan beat down upon humanity. The soul of man knew no peace. As the centuries passed, sin became more rampant. The world became even darker. Humanity walked blindly in the darkness with no direction. Satan continued to beat into man fear, hatred, despair, and lies.
Two thousand years ago, God looked down upon the earth wrapped in a blanket of darkness. In my mind’s eye, God seemed to speak four familiar words “Let there be Light!” That Light descended from Heaven to this dark, gloomy world in the form of a child. This child was not any ordinary child. This child was the Mighty God Himself – a Wonderful Counselor, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. This child dispelled the darkness that for so long had blanketed the earth. This child forced the shadow of death to flee to the depths of hell from whence it came. This child shattered the yoke of sin, the bar of iniquity, and the rod of our oppressor, Satan. Humanity would no longer wander aimlessly in the darkness nor would they have to fear death. With the Light, came life, hope, love, peace, courage, and truth. Consequently, the world felt something that it had not felt in a long time – indescribable, unspeakable joy.
Since the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, has the darkness of sin and death reclaimed the world from His Light? After two thousand years, has the Light of Bethlehem been extinguished by the darkness? The Great Deceiver, Satan, would like us to believe it has. He would like us to believe that sin still rules over us who believe in the Light and that death is something that followers of God should still fear. Do not allow Satan to deceive you. The true Light that is Jesus is not like the like the light of a candle that can be easily blown out. The Light still shines as bright as ever. That Light that came to earth two thousand years ago is in you. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Matthew 4: 12-17
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
John 1:1-9
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Read Isaiah 9:1-7
The lands of Zebulun and Naphtali are located in northeastern Israel. See map. We’ll come back to the significance of this region in a little bit.
1) Characterize the emotional state/spiritual state of a person walking in darkness and living in the land of the shadow of death. Fear, doubt, anger, distress, lost, directionless, gloom. Not a happy, joyful place to be.
2) What will the people walking in darkness and living in the land of the shadow of death see? Light. What will it do to the darkness and the shadow of death? The light will make them disappear. Darkness and death will no longer have power over the people.
3) Would you characterize verses 1 through 7 as words of optimism or pessimism? Optimism. No more distress. No more gloom. There will be great rejoicing. The yoke that burdened the people, the bar across their shoulders weighing them down, the rod of their oppressors that brings them pain and suffering will all be shattered. There will be peace.
4) How will this happen? Through a child. Not a through great army or through special effect filled miracle. It’ll be in the same mode as God defeated Midian - unexpected/unusual. Read Judges chapters 6-8. The 12 tribes of Israel were constantly attacked by their neighbor the Midianites. The Israelites came under Midianite rule. Midianites treated Israelites harshly. Darkness of gloom and death fell upon the land. The people were looking for a messiah (God’s anointed) to rescue them. Another Moses to deliver them. Instead they got Gideon. He was the least of his family and his family was the least of the tribe of Manasseh. Gideon was a wimp not a great leader. He was the opposite of a Moses. God anointed this obscure nobody from a nobody family to be the messiah/deliverer of Israel. – God had Gideon to reduce his army from 32,000 men to 300 men to defeat Midian and free his people from the oppression of Midian. Salvation came in an unusual manner. 1) God reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300. 2) Defeated Midian using trumpets and lanterns not swords and chariots.
5) What titles will the newborn child be called? What characteristics do you associate with each title?
Wonderful Counselour – advocate/defender against all accusers. Offers words of wisdom.
Mighty God – power, strength
Everlasting Father – eternal, provider, comforter, protector
Prince of Peace – ruler, peace
6) How long will his reign last? Forever. What two attributes will characterize his reign? Justice and righteousness.
7) Who will make this happen? God
8) How does Isaiah 9:1-7 relate to Jesus?
Jesus began his ministry in the region of Galilee that was once the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. Read Matthew 4:12-17.
Jesus is the Light. Read John 1:1-9; John 8:12: John 12:46
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the yoke/bar/rod of sin and death that brought fear and oppression to mankind.
Comparison to the defeat of Midian – Jesus was born in obscurity. Bethlehem – cow stall; He was raised in Nazareth – John 1:46 “Does anything good come out of Nazareth?”; Galilee – Pharisees dismissed Jesus’ ministry by saying no prophet has ever come from Galilee; Jesus was not the Messiah that the Jews anticipated. He was not a might warrior.
Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.
His kingdom is an eternal one founded on justice and righteousness.
9) What were the people who heard Isaiah’s message suppose to get from it? Hope. The bad times will not last forever. There will come a time of peace and joy that will last for eternity.
In the Garden of Eden, man disobeyed God. Consequently, the darkness of sin and death fell upon the world. The shadow of death haunted man like a ghoul. Humanity lived in fear of this darkness. There was no rejoicing in the world for there was no hope. The yoke of sin and death weighed heavily upon the back of humanity. The rod of Satan beat down upon humanity. The soul of man knew no peace. As the centuries passed, sin became more rampant. The world became even darker. Humanity walked blindly in the darkness with no direction. Satan continued to beat into man fear, hatred, despair, and lies.
Two thousand years ago, God looked down upon the earth wrapped in a blanket of darkness. In my mind’s eye, God seemed to speak four familiar words “Let there be Light!” That Light descended from Heaven to this dark, gloomy world in the form of a child. This child was not any ordinary child. This child was the Mighty God Himself – a Wonderful Counselor, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. This child dispelled the darkness that for so long had blanketed the earth. This child forced the shadow of death to flee to the depths of hell from whence it came. This child shattered the yoke of sin, the bar of iniquity, and the rod of our oppressor, Satan. Humanity would no longer wander aimlessly in the darkness nor would they have to fear death. With the Light, came life, hope, love, peace, courage, and truth. Consequently, the world felt something that it had not felt in a long time – indescribable, unspeakable joy.
Since the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, has the darkness of sin and death reclaimed the world from His Light? After two thousand years, has the Light of Bethlehem been extinguished by the darkness? The Great Deceiver, Satan, would like us to believe it has. He would like us to believe that sin still rules over us who believe in the Light and that death is something that followers of God should still fear. Do not allow Satan to deceive you. The true Light that is Jesus is not like the like the light of a candle that can be easily blown out. The Light still shines as bright as ever. That Light that came to earth two thousand years ago is in you. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Matthew 4: 12-17
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
John 1:1-9
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
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