c) judgment – vs. 11. The Holy Spirit will bring to light the fact that judgment has come against this world (kosmos). Evil/wickedness will be held accountable for its actions and God’s vengeance will be poured out upon it. Evidence – “the ruler of this world has been judged (convicted/found guilty and sentenced).” Who is the ruler of this world (kosmos)? Satan/the Enemy/the Adversary. Throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, Satan had labored to prevent Jesus from dying on the cross. Jesus’ death on the cross meant salvation for humanity from the power/authority of Satan. Read Hebrews 2:14-15. Once Jesus made the decision to die on the cross, it was “game over” for the slim/minuscule chance Satan had to defeat God’s plan of salvation. Because the ruler of this world (kosmos) has been judged and sentenced so has this world (kosmos) he has authority over. The Holy Spirit’s presence and activities in this (kosmos) is a constant reminder to the ruler of this world (kosmos) that He has been judged and sentenced.
8) vs. 12. What did Jesus say to the disciples? I have a lot more to talk to you about but you are not ready to receive it all now. There were many more things Jesus wanted to teach the disciples, including about the Holy Spirit. However, they were not mature enough to understand it all. They were still in spiritual kindergarten. They were having a hard time grasping everything Jesus had already shared with them. Their brains were about to explode.
9) vs. 13-15. What encouragement did Jesus give the disciples? The Holy Spirit will teach them truth (See question 5.) Where does the truth the Holy Spirit speak come from? Jesus. Read John 14:6. The Holy is not an independent player. He is not a rogue player who acts separate from God and Jesus. He acts and speaks in concert/unity with God and Jesus. In fact, all three are on the same page. All three are manifestations of God. Manifestation - One of the forms in which someone is revealed … which leads into our discussion of the Holy Trinity.
10. What is the Holy Trinity? A term given to describe the unique nature of God. The Holy Trinity is not a concept that is easily explained or understood. The key word to know in order to explain/understand the Holy Trinity is manifestation - One of the forms in which someone is revealed. In Scripture and in history, God revealed Himself to humanity in three ways: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Old Testament – God the Father – God acted as a father to His Chosen people the children of Israel/Hebrews/Jews. What is the role(s) of a father? Provider, protector, authority figure, rule maker, enforcer of rules (disciplinarian), teacher. As God the Father, He limited His manifestation to individuals – Abraham, Moses, Samuel, the prophets (Elijah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Isaiah, etc.). Why? Don’t know for sure. Perhaps it had to do with the fallen nature of humanity. Prior to the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden, God came down from Heaven to regularly fellowship with Adam and Eve. After the Fall, that fellowship became disrupted. Afterwards, God limited His manifestation to individuals of His choosing often as part of a call to carry out His purpose.
Gospels – God the Son – God came to earth in the form of a human being. Why? Author of Hebrews lists three reasons: 1) Through death He would free humanity from the fear of death. 2) Take upon Himself the bloody punishment for the sins of humanity. 3) To be an example of righteous living – doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. While in flesh, God experienced every temptation known to man and successfully triumphed over them. In order to fulfill these purposes, God had to manifest Himself in a manner different from God the Father. God could not come down to earth in His full appearance. This world could not and cannot contain the fullness of God’s presence. Heaven itself is barely able to contain it. Moreover, God the Father cannot die; He cannot feel physical or emotional pain; He cannot be tempted. Therefore, God in a miraculous/seemingly impossible way put himself in human flesh and manifested Himself to humanity as God the Son. He experienced everything that humanity experienced – physical and emotional pain, temptation, and death. Consequently, we have a God who can relate to our life experiences – poverty, adversity, suffering, stress, joy, happiness, grief, sorrow, temptation.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Holy Spirit 101 part 3
Read John 16:5-15
6) vs. 7. Jesus said it is good that He was leaving the disciples, why? If He didn’t leave the Holy Spirit could not come to them.
7) When the Holy Spirit does come, what will He do in regards to the world?
Greek word for world is Kosmos. It is a world system made up people, technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires. Things we can see and things we can’t see. Things that are tangible and things that are not tangible. They all interact with one another to produce a world system (kosmos). How would you characterize the world system (kosmos) we have created … that our technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires has constructed? Evil; sinful; ungodly. According to Jesus, the one who rules this evil, sinful, ungodly world system (kosmos) is the Enemy, Satan. He dominates this world system (kosmos). He influences/molds people, technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires to promote evil/wickedness. To create a world system (kosmos) that promotes evil/wickedness … makes evil/wickedness the norm.
Jesus says when the Holy Spirit comes into this world (kosmos) He will convict it. Convict in the Greek means “to expose; find fault with by bringing to light.” Holy Spirit is not only a defense attorney, He is also a prosecutor. The Holy Spirit is a defense attorney for the followers of Jesus. He is a prosecutor against the followers of Satan. In order to convict someone, what must a prosecutor do? Present evidence to prove his case against the accused. Bring to light proof that the accused is guilty. In John 16, who is the accused? This evil, sinful, ungodly world system (kosmos) that we live in ruled by Satan.
The Holy Spirit will convict the world (kosmos)concerning:
Reminder: Jesus is giving the disciples a short summary/outline/template of who the Holy Spirit is and His role in the lives of Jesus’ followers. He does not have a lot of time left. At this moment, Judas is leading a mob to arrest Jesus. Jesus does not have to time to go into detail about the Holy Spirit. Even if He did, the disciples were not spiritually mature enough to comprehend everything Jesus had to say. As we’ll see, Jesus assures the disciples that more information about the Holy Spirit will be forthcoming in the future.
a) sin – vs. 9. The Holy Spirit will expose/bring to light the sin of the world (kosmos). He will make lucid/plain/unambiguous/coherent what sin is. Exhibit number 1 in His case will be the fact the world (kosmos) does not believe in Jesus. This world (kosmos) does not believe Him to be the Son of God. You do not believe in Jesus, you are guilty of sin. You do, you are innocent. Read John 3:16
b) righteousness – vs. 10. Righteousness means to be in right standing with God/doing what is right according to God’s standards. Up to this point, it has been Jesus acting as prosecutor against the world (kosmos) – see Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) for an example. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus defined what it means to be truly righteous, a true follower of God, and how the world (kosmos) fell short of God’s definition of righteousness. He did so throughout his three years of ministry. But, soon Jesus is leaving to go be with the Father. So who will now act as prosecutor against the world (kosmos)? The Holy Spirit will take on the role of prosecuter against the world (kosmos) in regards to righteousness. He will confront this world (kosmos) with the definition of true righteousness and this world (kosmos) will be found sorely lacking. Example –What is the world view regarding sex outside of marriage, abortion, or pursuit of wealth? The Holy Spirit acts as prosecutor by presenting evidence (the Word of God) that condemns the world (kosmos) in this area. What the world (kosmos) tries to present to humanity as something enjoyable, fun, pleasurable, the Holy Spirit exposes as evil, putrid, ungodly. For a moment, imagine a world (kosmos) with no Holy Spirit to counteract the evil of this world (kosmos). It’s a scary thought.
6) vs. 7. Jesus said it is good that He was leaving the disciples, why? If He didn’t leave the Holy Spirit could not come to them.
7) When the Holy Spirit does come, what will He do in regards to the world?
Greek word for world is Kosmos. It is a world system made up people, technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires. Things we can see and things we can’t see. Things that are tangible and things that are not tangible. They all interact with one another to produce a world system (kosmos). How would you characterize the world system (kosmos) we have created … that our technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires has constructed? Evil; sinful; ungodly. According to Jesus, the one who rules this evil, sinful, ungodly world system (kosmos) is the Enemy, Satan. He dominates this world system (kosmos). He influences/molds people, technology, thoughts, activities, actions, words, philosophies, beliefs, desires to promote evil/wickedness. To create a world system (kosmos) that promotes evil/wickedness … makes evil/wickedness the norm.
Jesus says when the Holy Spirit comes into this world (kosmos) He will convict it. Convict in the Greek means “to expose; find fault with by bringing to light.” Holy Spirit is not only a defense attorney, He is also a prosecutor. The Holy Spirit is a defense attorney for the followers of Jesus. He is a prosecutor against the followers of Satan. In order to convict someone, what must a prosecutor do? Present evidence to prove his case against the accused. Bring to light proof that the accused is guilty. In John 16, who is the accused? This evil, sinful, ungodly world system (kosmos) that we live in ruled by Satan.
The Holy Spirit will convict the world (kosmos)concerning:
Reminder: Jesus is giving the disciples a short summary/outline/template of who the Holy Spirit is and His role in the lives of Jesus’ followers. He does not have a lot of time left. At this moment, Judas is leading a mob to arrest Jesus. Jesus does not have to time to go into detail about the Holy Spirit. Even if He did, the disciples were not spiritually mature enough to comprehend everything Jesus had to say. As we’ll see, Jesus assures the disciples that more information about the Holy Spirit will be forthcoming in the future.
a) sin – vs. 9. The Holy Spirit will expose/bring to light the sin of the world (kosmos). He will make lucid/plain/unambiguous/coherent what sin is. Exhibit number 1 in His case will be the fact the world (kosmos) does not believe in Jesus. This world (kosmos) does not believe Him to be the Son of God. You do not believe in Jesus, you are guilty of sin. You do, you are innocent. Read John 3:16
b) righteousness – vs. 10. Righteousness means to be in right standing with God/doing what is right according to God’s standards. Up to this point, it has been Jesus acting as prosecutor against the world (kosmos) – see Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) for an example. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus defined what it means to be truly righteous, a true follower of God, and how the world (kosmos) fell short of God’s definition of righteousness. He did so throughout his three years of ministry. But, soon Jesus is leaving to go be with the Father. So who will now act as prosecutor against the world (kosmos)? The Holy Spirit will take on the role of prosecuter against the world (kosmos) in regards to righteousness. He will confront this world (kosmos) with the definition of true righteousness and this world (kosmos) will be found sorely lacking. Example –What is the world view regarding sex outside of marriage, abortion, or pursuit of wealth? The Holy Spirit acts as prosecutor by presenting evidence (the Word of God) that condemns the world (kosmos) in this area. What the world (kosmos) tries to present to humanity as something enjoyable, fun, pleasurable, the Holy Spirit exposes as evil, putrid, ungodly. For a moment, imagine a world (kosmos) with no Holy Spirit to counteract the evil of this world (kosmos). It’s a scary thought.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Holy Spirit 101 pt. 2
b) Holy Spirit – Define holy – divine; sacred; without blemish; set apart. The Holy Spirit has a divine nature. There is no sin in Him. He has no part with sin. (5. Holy Spirit is a divine being not an earthly being.)
c) Parakletos – legal word. Definition - one who pleads another's cause before a judge, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate. In other words, the Holy Spirit is a lawyer. English translators used English variations of the Greek word Parakletos.
Comforter – one who gives comfort, consolation, relief, encouragement. Remember, the disciples are sorely troubled/upset at the thought of Jesus leaving them. They are in dire need of comfort and Jesus knew that.
Helper – one who helps/assists/supports. As we’ll see in the book of Acts, the disciples are going to need a lot of help to overcome opposition to the Gospel in the form of persecution.
Counselour – an adviser who offers wisdom/counsel when making decisions. In the case of the Holy Spirit, decisions that relate to obeying God or not obeying God. Before you make your decision, the Holy Spirit will bring to mind everything you need to know in order to make the right choice. Specifically, the Word of God as well as the consequences from making the wrong choice.
Intercessor/Advocate – someone who acts on behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble. The Holy Spirit acts as an intercessor between the followers of Christ and God. He speaks on our behalf to God when we’re going through adversity, trials, tribulations or experiencing temptations. He pleads to God on our behalf for God’s power, grace, compassion, mercy, love, wisdom, healing, etc., to help us overcome. See Romans 8:26-27
If you were in legal trouble, wouldn’t you want a lawyer with the above qualities? Someone who is generally concerned about your plight and will use every means at his/her disposal to help you win your case. (6. Holy Spirit is our Comforter/Helper/Counselour/Intercessor/Advocate)
c) Parakletos – legal word. Definition - one who pleads another's cause before a judge, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate. In other words, the Holy Spirit is a lawyer. English translators used English variations of the Greek word Parakletos.
Comforter – one who gives comfort, consolation, relief, encouragement. Remember, the disciples are sorely troubled/upset at the thought of Jesus leaving them. They are in dire need of comfort and Jesus knew that.
Helper – one who helps/assists/supports. As we’ll see in the book of Acts, the disciples are going to need a lot of help to overcome opposition to the Gospel in the form of persecution.
Counselour – an adviser who offers wisdom/counsel when making decisions. In the case of the Holy Spirit, decisions that relate to obeying God or not obeying God. Before you make your decision, the Holy Spirit will bring to mind everything you need to know in order to make the right choice. Specifically, the Word of God as well as the consequences from making the wrong choice.
Intercessor/Advocate – someone who acts on behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble. The Holy Spirit acts as an intercessor between the followers of Christ and God. He speaks on our behalf to God when we’re going through adversity, trials, tribulations or experiencing temptations. He pleads to God on our behalf for God’s power, grace, compassion, mercy, love, wisdom, healing, etc., to help us overcome. See Romans 8:26-27
If you were in legal trouble, wouldn’t you want a lawyer with the above qualities? Someone who is generally concerned about your plight and will use every means at his/her disposal to help you win your case. (6. Holy Spirit is our Comforter/Helper/Counselour/Intercessor/Advocate)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Holy Spirit 101 pt. 1
Backround: Jesus is only hours away from being betrayed, put on trial, and put to death. John chapters 14-17 contain His farewell address to his disciples. He has much to share with them but little time to do it in. One of the important matters He wants to make known to the disciples is the Holy Spirit – who He is and what role He will play in their lives and the lives of all believers. Because of the limited time He has as well as the spiritual immaturity of the disciples, Jesus cannot and does not go into great detail about the Holy Spirit. Additional knowledge of the Holy Spirit would come with time. He shares just enough to give his disciples encouragement. So it will be with you and me in this study of the Holy Spirit. We will not be covering every facet of the Holy Spirit. Just as you don’t feed a 32 ounce porterhouse steak to a newborn baby and expect him to digest it, you don’t do an in depth theological exploration of the Holy Spirit in a Bible 101 class. In this study, I will be following Jesus’ example … I will share with you who the Holy Spirit is and what His role is in the life of a follower of Christ.
Read John 14:15-26; 15:26-27
1) In these verses, Jesus repeatedly says that a person who loves Him will do what? Will keep His commandments/word. A person who does not keep His commandments/word does not love Jesus. The key to knowing Jesus … to having a relationship with Jesus is to obey His word. The disciples were probably wondering if Jesus was about to go away, who will teach them His word … who will help them remember everything Jesus taught them? Was Jesus going to abandon them? In John 14:5, Thomas asked the question “Lord, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?”
2) After Jesus leaves His followers who will come to be with them? The Holy Spirit. For how long would he be with them? Forever. Jesus is not going to abandon His followers. They will not be orphans (vs. 18.) From whom will he come from? God the Father (14:16, 26; 15:26.) Just as God sent Jesus to earth to be with humanity (John 3:16), God will send the Holy Spirit to be with humanity. Unlike Jesus, who was on earth for a short period of time, the Holy Spirit will be with humanity forever. (1. Holy Spirit is eternal.)
3) vs. 17. Can the Holy Spirit be seen? No. (2. Holy Spirit is invisible.) Spirit in Greek is Pneuma – associated with a movement of air like breath or the wind which can be felt but not seen. The Holy Spirit will not be a physical being like Jesus. Despite that, a follower of Christ will know Him. How? See Question 4.
4) vs. 17. Where will the Holy Spirit dwell? In the followers of Christ. Greek word for abide/live is Meno – not to depart/continually dwell. The Holy Spirit will not be a transient visitor. He will take up residence within the followers of Christ. (3. Holy Spirit is omnipresent – Everywhere at once)
5) List the three titles Jesus gives the Spirit. What does each title tell us about the character and/or role of the Spirit?
a) Spirit of truth – teach truth and aid Jesus’ followers to remember truth (vs. 26) – The truth about what things? All things about God and Jesus – what it means to be a follower of Jesus. He will do so by 1) helping the followers of Jesus remember His words (14:26) so that they can do what we discussed in Question 1. (See Luke 12:11-12) for an example of Holy Spirit helping the followers of Jesus to remember His words.) The Holy Spirit will teach truth by 2) testifying about Jesus to His followers (15:26.) What does testify mean? Greek word is Martureo – to bear witness that one has seen, heard, or experienced something/someone. Because of the unique nature of their relationship, the Holy Spirit knows Jesus thoroughly. One of his primary responsibilities is to make known this knowledge of Jesus to His followers. (4. Holy Spirit is a teacher.)
Read John 14:15-26; 15:26-27
1) In these verses, Jesus repeatedly says that a person who loves Him will do what? Will keep His commandments/word. A person who does not keep His commandments/word does not love Jesus. The key to knowing Jesus … to having a relationship with Jesus is to obey His word. The disciples were probably wondering if Jesus was about to go away, who will teach them His word … who will help them remember everything Jesus taught them? Was Jesus going to abandon them? In John 14:5, Thomas asked the question “Lord, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?”
2) After Jesus leaves His followers who will come to be with them? The Holy Spirit. For how long would he be with them? Forever. Jesus is not going to abandon His followers. They will not be orphans (vs. 18.) From whom will he come from? God the Father (14:16, 26; 15:26.) Just as God sent Jesus to earth to be with humanity (John 3:16), God will send the Holy Spirit to be with humanity. Unlike Jesus, who was on earth for a short period of time, the Holy Spirit will be with humanity forever. (1. Holy Spirit is eternal.)
3) vs. 17. Can the Holy Spirit be seen? No. (2. Holy Spirit is invisible.) Spirit in Greek is Pneuma – associated with a movement of air like breath or the wind which can be felt but not seen. The Holy Spirit will not be a physical being like Jesus. Despite that, a follower of Christ will know Him. How? See Question 4.
4) vs. 17. Where will the Holy Spirit dwell? In the followers of Christ. Greek word for abide/live is Meno – not to depart/continually dwell. The Holy Spirit will not be a transient visitor. He will take up residence within the followers of Christ. (3. Holy Spirit is omnipresent – Everywhere at once)
5) List the three titles Jesus gives the Spirit. What does each title tell us about the character and/or role of the Spirit?
a) Spirit of truth – teach truth and aid Jesus’ followers to remember truth (vs. 26) – The truth about what things? All things about God and Jesus – what it means to be a follower of Jesus. He will do so by 1) helping the followers of Jesus remember His words (14:26) so that they can do what we discussed in Question 1. (See Luke 12:11-12) for an example of Holy Spirit helping the followers of Jesus to remember His words.) The Holy Spirit will teach truth by 2) testifying about Jesus to His followers (15:26.) What does testify mean? Greek word is Martureo – to bear witness that one has seen, heard, or experienced something/someone. Because of the unique nature of their relationship, the Holy Spirit knows Jesus thoroughly. One of his primary responsibilities is to make known this knowledge of Jesus to His followers. (4. Holy Spirit is a teacher.)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Walking with Peter: the Crucible
Definition of crucible - a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to influence development.
Peter had experienced a crucible in the hours after Christ’s betrayal. Intense, stressful, high anxiety. He failed. Peter almost allowed that failure to influence his development as a follower of Christ …. To go back to fishing rather than become an apostle. Were it not for Christ’s intervention in John 21, he probably would have.
Summarize the healing of the lame man at the temple gate. Acts 3:1-10.
Read Acts 3:11-26
1. What was the people’s response to the healing of the lame man? All the people in the temple area ran to see what was going on. They were amazed at what they saw. They began to crowd around Peter and John.
2. When Peter saw the crowd what did he proceed to do? Speak to the crowd. Deliver a sermon.
3. What qualities do you see in Peter in the way he delivered his sermon? Boldness, courageous, direct, straightforward.
Read Acts 4:1-7
1. vs. 1-3. What happened to Peter and John? They were placed under arrest. Why? a) For teaching the people – only priests (Sadducees) and teachers of the law (Pharisees) had authority to teach the people about God. b) Speaking in the name of Jesus – an outlaw/a criminal c) proclaiming the resurrection of the dead. Why would the Sadducees have a problem with the latter? They did not believe in the resurrection.
2. vs. 4. What was the outcome of Peter’s sermon? 5000 men believed their message and became Christians. The total does not include women and children who probably believed as well.
3. Peter and John spent the night in jail. What do you think was going through their minds? What do you think they were doing? Probably praying.
4. vs. 5-6 - Who were these guys? Pharisees and Sadducees who made up the Sanhedrin – the highest Jewish religious court. It was similar to our Supreme Court. These men were the same men who tried Jesus. These were the same men who cursed, mocked, spat, and beat Jesus with their fists. These were the same men who handed Jesus over to the Gentile Romans to be put to death. These were the same men who rallied the people to cry out for Jesus’ blood. Did Peter know who these guys were? Yes he did.
5. vs. 7 - Where did Peter and John stand? In the center. Why? The Sanhedrin did this in an effort to intimidate Peter and John. Instill fear in them. Peter and John stood in the same spot where Jesus stood during his trial only four and five months earlier. Peter was standing where his Master stood. This is a crucible moment. Forces are interacting here. Peter being pressured in the temporal and spiritual realms. Temporal - Sanhedrin. Spiritual - the Enemy. How Peter responds to this moment will have an impact on his future and the future of the Church. In the past, Peter how did Peter handle pressure situations? Each time he failed to overcome the crucible.
6. What question did the Sanhedrin ask Peter? By what power or what name did you do this? Who gave you the authority to teach the people and perform this miracle?
7. Before we hear Peter’s answer, let’s ponder for a moment that the Enemy is present at this trial, what do you think he is whispering in Peter’s ear? Remember …. Not to long ago what was Peter’s response to a similar question? Fresh memories flood into Peter’s brain of his denial of Christ. While Jesus was standing in the exact same spot, Peter was just outside denying he ever knew Jesus. These guys killed Jesus, what makes you think they won’t kill you? Attempted to play on Peter’s guilt and fear.
Read Acts 4:8-12
8. What was Peter’s response? Jesus, whom you rejected and killed, gave us this authority. What qualities does Peter exhibit in giving his response? Boldness, courage. What or who enabled Peter to give such a response? vs. 8 – Holy Spirit.
9. How does the Peter in Acts 4 differ from the Peter in the Gospels who denied Christ?
Point out difference between Peter in courtyard during Christ’s trial (frightened, coward, no self-confidence, no longer sure of himself) and Peter standing in front of the Sanhedrin (bold, courageous, confident - not in self but in God) Difference? Holy Spirit. No longer reliant on self. Totally reliant on the Holy Spirit. No fear of the outcome of the trial - beatings or death.
Read Acts 4:13-22; Acts 5:17-42
APPLICATION
When a crucible moment hits you (loss of a job, marital tension, financial crisis), how will you respond? How will it influence your growth/development as a Christian? How will you respond to a crucible moment? In the flesh (fear/anxiety/anger/depression) or will you allow the Holy Spirit to give you the boldness/courage/wisdom to overcome the flesh and confront the crucible?
Peter had experienced a crucible in the hours after Christ’s betrayal. Intense, stressful, high anxiety. He failed. Peter almost allowed that failure to influence his development as a follower of Christ …. To go back to fishing rather than become an apostle. Were it not for Christ’s intervention in John 21, he probably would have.
Summarize the healing of the lame man at the temple gate. Acts 3:1-10.
Read Acts 3:11-26
1. What was the people’s response to the healing of the lame man? All the people in the temple area ran to see what was going on. They were amazed at what they saw. They began to crowd around Peter and John.
2. When Peter saw the crowd what did he proceed to do? Speak to the crowd. Deliver a sermon.
3. What qualities do you see in Peter in the way he delivered his sermon? Boldness, courageous, direct, straightforward.
Read Acts 4:1-7
1. vs. 1-3. What happened to Peter and John? They were placed under arrest. Why? a) For teaching the people – only priests (Sadducees) and teachers of the law (Pharisees) had authority to teach the people about God. b) Speaking in the name of Jesus – an outlaw/a criminal c) proclaiming the resurrection of the dead. Why would the Sadducees have a problem with the latter? They did not believe in the resurrection.
2. vs. 4. What was the outcome of Peter’s sermon? 5000 men believed their message and became Christians. The total does not include women and children who probably believed as well.
3. Peter and John spent the night in jail. What do you think was going through their minds? What do you think they were doing? Probably praying.
4. vs. 5-6 - Who were these guys? Pharisees and Sadducees who made up the Sanhedrin – the highest Jewish religious court. It was similar to our Supreme Court. These men were the same men who tried Jesus. These were the same men who cursed, mocked, spat, and beat Jesus with their fists. These were the same men who handed Jesus over to the Gentile Romans to be put to death. These were the same men who rallied the people to cry out for Jesus’ blood. Did Peter know who these guys were? Yes he did.
5. vs. 7 - Where did Peter and John stand? In the center. Why? The Sanhedrin did this in an effort to intimidate Peter and John. Instill fear in them. Peter and John stood in the same spot where Jesus stood during his trial only four and five months earlier. Peter was standing where his Master stood. This is a crucible moment. Forces are interacting here. Peter being pressured in the temporal and spiritual realms. Temporal - Sanhedrin. Spiritual - the Enemy. How Peter responds to this moment will have an impact on his future and the future of the Church. In the past, Peter how did Peter handle pressure situations? Each time he failed to overcome the crucible.
6. What question did the Sanhedrin ask Peter? By what power or what name did you do this? Who gave you the authority to teach the people and perform this miracle?
7. Before we hear Peter’s answer, let’s ponder for a moment that the Enemy is present at this trial, what do you think he is whispering in Peter’s ear? Remember …. Not to long ago what was Peter’s response to a similar question? Fresh memories flood into Peter’s brain of his denial of Christ. While Jesus was standing in the exact same spot, Peter was just outside denying he ever knew Jesus. These guys killed Jesus, what makes you think they won’t kill you? Attempted to play on Peter’s guilt and fear.
Read Acts 4:8-12
8. What was Peter’s response? Jesus, whom you rejected and killed, gave us this authority. What qualities does Peter exhibit in giving his response? Boldness, courage. What or who enabled Peter to give such a response? vs. 8 – Holy Spirit.
9. How does the Peter in Acts 4 differ from the Peter in the Gospels who denied Christ?
Point out difference between Peter in courtyard during Christ’s trial (frightened, coward, no self-confidence, no longer sure of himself) and Peter standing in front of the Sanhedrin (bold, courageous, confident - not in self but in God) Difference? Holy Spirit. No longer reliant on self. Totally reliant on the Holy Spirit. No fear of the outcome of the trial - beatings or death.
Read Acts 4:13-22; Acts 5:17-42
APPLICATION
When a crucible moment hits you (loss of a job, marital tension, financial crisis), how will you respond? How will it influence your growth/development as a Christian? How will you respond to a crucible moment? In the flesh (fear/anxiety/anger/depression) or will you allow the Holy Spirit to give you the boldness/courage/wisdom to overcome the flesh and confront the crucible?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Walking with Peter - The Road to Restoration pt. 2
14. Why did Jesus ask these questions to Peter in the first place? What was his purpose? To irritate Peter? To give Peter a huge guilt trip? NO. Jesus wanted Peter to look into himself and learn for himself that he still loved Jesus - phileo and agapao. Rehabilitate Peter. Peter’s self-confidence is shattered. He’s being eaten alive by guilt. Unsure of his love for Christ. As long as Peter is in that state, he’s no good to Jesus. He will never be able to carry out the responsibilities given to him by Christ. Jesus was forcing Peter to confront his demons so to speak and overcome them. He wanted Peter to get the point where he can say “Jesus, I love you!” and not “Jesus, you know I love you.”
15. After each one of Peter’s responses in verses 15-17, what does Jesus tell Peter? What or who are the lambs? Followers of Christ. Jesus had given Peter the responsibility and the authority to take care of his followers. Why is Jesus telling Peter this? After Jesus had appeared to the disciples for the THIRD time, what were they doing? Fishing. Do you think Jesus was happy about that? He had spent 3 years with the 11 teaching them, discipling them, preparing them to do what? Go back to fishing? No! To go out into the world spreading the gospel.
Jesus is telling Peter, if you love Me, feed My sheep … take care of my followers. That is what I called you to do … to be a shepherd of my flock not a fisherman.
16. Why did Jesus have this conversation only with Peter? Why didn’t He have it with James, John, and the rest of the guys? Peter was the leader. The others followed his lead. He led, they followed. Saw that at the Last Supper and earlier in this chapter.
Read vs. 18-19
17. vs. 18 - What was Jesus telling Peter? Reminding Peter the meaning/truth about discipleship. Read Matthew 16:24-25. How did John interpret Jesus’ words to Peter? According to tradition Peter was crucified upside down. He did not believe himself worthy of dying the same death as his Lord.
18. At the end of verse 19, what did Jesus tell Peter to do? “Follow me!” Fresh start. Forget about the past. Let go of the guilt. Look to the future! You’re still my guy Peter. Follow me.
Read Vs. 20-25
19. How did Peter respond? Asked Jesus, “What about this guy (John)?” Why did he respond in this fashion? Peter feeling really uncomfortable. Attempted to change the subject. Take the focus off him and put it on somebody else. Did it work? What did Jesus say? Don’t concern yourself with him or his fate. Be concerned about yourself. About what I want you to do. Any of you ever been guilty of what Peter attempted to do? Why are you picking on me? Pick on my neighbor, fellow church member, someone more evil than me?
20. Do you think that, at this moment, Peter got what Jesus was telling him? I don’t think so. It doesn’t read as if Peter was receptive to Jesus’ words. What Christ did was start Peter on the road to restoration … kick started the healing process. How? Forced Peter to look at what was holding Peter back. Keeping him from serving Christ. His guilt and shame over what he done in the hours before Christ’s death. In the days leading up to Pentecost, I believe Peter really thought about his relationship with Christ. And at some point, he overcame the shame and the guilt and rediscovered his love for Christ. Afterwards, Peter was different man.
APPLICATION
If Jesus asked you the question, “Do you love me?” what would your response be? Agapao? Phileo? Or neither one? Do you believe you are not capable of such love because of guilt, fear, doubt, or you have a greater love for someone or something else? Know that you have the capacity for agapao love. Don’t allow the Enemy to deceive you otherwise. Agapao love comes from God. He is agapao love. Those who believe in him are able to express such love (I John 4:7). How do you know if you have agapao love? Is your love active or reactive? Do you energetically seek to learn more about God and others? Do you love God and others purposefully or reactively (who they are, their appearance, social standing, etc.)? Is your love for God and others unwavering or emotional? Once you learn that you have the capacity for agapao love, your relationship with God will be flourishing, you’ll have purpose in life, and you will be loving people you did not think you could possibly love.
15. After each one of Peter’s responses in verses 15-17, what does Jesus tell Peter? What or who are the lambs? Followers of Christ. Jesus had given Peter the responsibility and the authority to take care of his followers. Why is Jesus telling Peter this? After Jesus had appeared to the disciples for the THIRD time, what were they doing? Fishing. Do you think Jesus was happy about that? He had spent 3 years with the 11 teaching them, discipling them, preparing them to do what? Go back to fishing? No! To go out into the world spreading the gospel.
Jesus is telling Peter, if you love Me, feed My sheep … take care of my followers. That is what I called you to do … to be a shepherd of my flock not a fisherman.
16. Why did Jesus have this conversation only with Peter? Why didn’t He have it with James, John, and the rest of the guys? Peter was the leader. The others followed his lead. He led, they followed. Saw that at the Last Supper and earlier in this chapter.
Read vs. 18-19
17. vs. 18 - What was Jesus telling Peter? Reminding Peter the meaning/truth about discipleship. Read Matthew 16:24-25. How did John interpret Jesus’ words to Peter? According to tradition Peter was crucified upside down. He did not believe himself worthy of dying the same death as his Lord.
18. At the end of verse 19, what did Jesus tell Peter to do? “Follow me!” Fresh start. Forget about the past. Let go of the guilt. Look to the future! You’re still my guy Peter. Follow me.
Read Vs. 20-25
19. How did Peter respond? Asked Jesus, “What about this guy (John)?” Why did he respond in this fashion? Peter feeling really uncomfortable. Attempted to change the subject. Take the focus off him and put it on somebody else. Did it work? What did Jesus say? Don’t concern yourself with him or his fate. Be concerned about yourself. About what I want you to do. Any of you ever been guilty of what Peter attempted to do? Why are you picking on me? Pick on my neighbor, fellow church member, someone more evil than me?
20. Do you think that, at this moment, Peter got what Jesus was telling him? I don’t think so. It doesn’t read as if Peter was receptive to Jesus’ words. What Christ did was start Peter on the road to restoration … kick started the healing process. How? Forced Peter to look at what was holding Peter back. Keeping him from serving Christ. His guilt and shame over what he done in the hours before Christ’s death. In the days leading up to Pentecost, I believe Peter really thought about his relationship with Christ. And at some point, he overcame the shame and the guilt and rediscovered his love for Christ. Afterwards, Peter was different man.
APPLICATION
If Jesus asked you the question, “Do you love me?” what would your response be? Agapao? Phileo? Or neither one? Do you believe you are not capable of such love because of guilt, fear, doubt, or you have a greater love for someone or something else? Know that you have the capacity for agapao love. Don’t allow the Enemy to deceive you otherwise. Agapao love comes from God. He is agapao love. Those who believe in him are able to express such love (I John 4:7). How do you know if you have agapao love? Is your love active or reactive? Do you energetically seek to learn more about God and others? Do you love God and others purposefully or reactively (who they are, their appearance, social standing, etc.)? Is your love for God and others unwavering or emotional? Once you learn that you have the capacity for agapao love, your relationship with God will be flourishing, you’ll have purpose in life, and you will be loving people you did not think you could possibly love.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Walking with Peter - The Road to Restoration pt. 1
Read John 21:1-14
1. What did Peter tell the other disciples he was going to do? Fishing. What did they say? We’ll go with you. Why do you think they did this? Going back to the life they knew before they met Jesus.
2. How did the disciple whom Jesus loved (probably John) know that it was Jesus standing on the shore? Familiar story going back to Jesus and Peter’s 2nd meeting.
3. What did Peter do when he heard it was Jesus? Jumped out of the boat and swam to Jesus. Why did he do this? Excited!
4. Why do you think it is significant that John included in his gospel the exact number of fish they caught? Big event. Watershed event. Remember where you were on 9/11, Kennedy assassination, moon landing. Stuck in his mind for years because what happened that day.
Read John 21:15-17
5. How did Jesus refer to Peter? Simon son of John/Jonas.
6. What question did Jesus ask Peter three times? Do you love me? First question - do you love me more than John, Nathaniel, etc.
7. In verses 15 & 16, what definition of love was Jesus referring to?
agapao - the active love of God for his Son and his people, and the active love His people are to have for God, each other, and enemies.
Define active - dynamic, lively, marked by vigorous activity, energetic. Military terms - active duty. Not in reserve.
Amplified Version - Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]?
8. In verses 15 & 16, what was Peter’s response to each question? Yes Lord, you know that I love you.
9. What definition of love was Peter referring to?
phileo - to have affection and regard of a very high order.
Definition of affection - an emotion; fondness
Definition of regard - respect; hold in high esteem; admire
Amplified Version - Yes Lord, you know that I love you [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for you, as for a close friend].
10. How does Jesus’ definition of love differ from Peter’s?
Jesus - Do you love me as you love God? A love based on reasoning = knowledge; intentional = love with a purpose; spiritual devotion = loyalty/commitment on a spiritual level. This love is energetic, lively, at work.
Simon, are you seeking to know me; are you purposely loving me; is your heart and soul sold out to me?
Peter - I love you as a close friend. A love that has depth = strong affection; instinctive = reactionary (responding to environment; not acting on environment); personal affection = fondness, commitment on an emotional level. A love that is respectful; full of admiration. But not a love that spurs one to act, to go out of their away to do something for that person on an everyday basis. To sacrifice for that person.
Peter - I have a deep affection and respect for You based on who You are and what You have done. You’re a good guy, what’s not to like? That is as far as I can go.
11. Why did Peter not respond with the definition of love Jesus was asking him? Hint: All three times, Peter says “Lord, You know that I love you.” Why does Peter phrase his answer that way? Why didn’t he just say “Lord, I love you?” Ex. Wives - “Hubby, do you love me?” Husband - “Sweetie, you know I love you.” Wives, did husband answer your question? He answered it, but not really answered it.
Peter didn’t know if he loved Jesus in the way Jesus defined love - agapao. Why? Recap Peter’s repeated failures during the last days of Christ. (Peter abandoned Jesus at the time of His arrest after he promised never to forsake Christ. He denied Jesus 3 times after telling Jesus he would never deny Him. He said he would follow Jesus to prison and to death. Because of his failures, he was burdened with guilt. Do you understand why Peter could not respond to Jesus’ question with agapao love? He didn’t know for sure if he had that kind of love in him. If Peter had, he would have prayed at Gethsemane, he would not have denied Jesus, he would have gone to trial with Jesus, shared the beatings with Jesus, died on a cross with Jesus.
12. If Jesus had asked this question of Peter at the Last Supper, what answer do you think
Peter would have given? Agapao. Now, in John chapter 21, he can’t. The best Peter could do was phileo. “Based on the time we have spent together, Lord you know I have deep respect/admiration/fondness for you.”
13. In verse 17, Jesus asked Peter a third time “Do you love me?” This time Jesus uses the “phileo” version of love rather than “agapao.” Why? And why did Jesus ask Peter this question after Peter said twice he had “phileo” love for Christ? He’s wanting Peter to answer the question for himself. Jesus wants Peter to take a hard, honest look at himself. To force Peter to look into himself to find the answer for himself “Do I love Jesus, either agapao or phileo?” Jesus - “OK Peter you say you have phileo love for me, well do you?”
What verbal answer did Peter give to Jesus’ question? How did he phrase his answer? “Lord, You know ….” What does that tell you about Peter’s love for Christ from Peter’s perspective? Peter’s not even sure if he has “phileo” love for Christ. Otherwise, he would have said “Jesus, I have deep affection/great respect for you.” Peter was having a difficult time seeing through the guilt to find his love for Christ. Even a person who had phileo love for someone would not have done the awful things he did.
What was Peter’s emotional response to Jesus’ question? Hurt. Sad. Distressed. Very uncomfortable. Why did he respond this way?
a) Hurt that Jesus was questioning his love. OR
b) Peter was not able to answer the question the way he would like to with confidence and assurance. Guilt was eating him from the inside out.
1. What did Peter tell the other disciples he was going to do? Fishing. What did they say? We’ll go with you. Why do you think they did this? Going back to the life they knew before they met Jesus.
2. How did the disciple whom Jesus loved (probably John) know that it was Jesus standing on the shore? Familiar story going back to Jesus and Peter’s 2nd meeting.
3. What did Peter do when he heard it was Jesus? Jumped out of the boat and swam to Jesus. Why did he do this? Excited!
4. Why do you think it is significant that John included in his gospel the exact number of fish they caught? Big event. Watershed event. Remember where you were on 9/11, Kennedy assassination, moon landing. Stuck in his mind for years because what happened that day.
Read John 21:15-17
5. How did Jesus refer to Peter? Simon son of John/Jonas.
6. What question did Jesus ask Peter three times? Do you love me? First question - do you love me more than John, Nathaniel, etc.
7. In verses 15 & 16, what definition of love was Jesus referring to?
agapao - the active love of God for his Son and his people, and the active love His people are to have for God, each other, and enemies.
Define active - dynamic, lively, marked by vigorous activity, energetic. Military terms - active duty. Not in reserve.
Amplified Version - Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]?
8. In verses 15 & 16, what was Peter’s response to each question? Yes Lord, you know that I love you.
9. What definition of love was Peter referring to?
phileo - to have affection and regard of a very high order.
Definition of affection - an emotion; fondness
Definition of regard - respect; hold in high esteem; admire
Amplified Version - Yes Lord, you know that I love you [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for you, as for a close friend].
10. How does Jesus’ definition of love differ from Peter’s?
Jesus - Do you love me as you love God? A love based on reasoning = knowledge; intentional = love with a purpose; spiritual devotion = loyalty/commitment on a spiritual level. This love is energetic, lively, at work.
Simon, are you seeking to know me; are you purposely loving me; is your heart and soul sold out to me?
Peter - I love you as a close friend. A love that has depth = strong affection; instinctive = reactionary (responding to environment; not acting on environment); personal affection = fondness, commitment on an emotional level. A love that is respectful; full of admiration. But not a love that spurs one to act, to go out of their away to do something for that person on an everyday basis. To sacrifice for that person.
Peter - I have a deep affection and respect for You based on who You are and what You have done. You’re a good guy, what’s not to like? That is as far as I can go.
11. Why did Peter not respond with the definition of love Jesus was asking him? Hint: All three times, Peter says “Lord, You know that I love you.” Why does Peter phrase his answer that way? Why didn’t he just say “Lord, I love you?” Ex. Wives - “Hubby, do you love me?” Husband - “Sweetie, you know I love you.” Wives, did husband answer your question? He answered it, but not really answered it.
Peter didn’t know if he loved Jesus in the way Jesus defined love - agapao. Why? Recap Peter’s repeated failures during the last days of Christ. (Peter abandoned Jesus at the time of His arrest after he promised never to forsake Christ. He denied Jesus 3 times after telling Jesus he would never deny Him. He said he would follow Jesus to prison and to death. Because of his failures, he was burdened with guilt. Do you understand why Peter could not respond to Jesus’ question with agapao love? He didn’t know for sure if he had that kind of love in him. If Peter had, he would have prayed at Gethsemane, he would not have denied Jesus, he would have gone to trial with Jesus, shared the beatings with Jesus, died on a cross with Jesus.
12. If Jesus had asked this question of Peter at the Last Supper, what answer do you think
Peter would have given? Agapao. Now, in John chapter 21, he can’t. The best Peter could do was phileo. “Based on the time we have spent together, Lord you know I have deep respect/admiration/fondness for you.”
13. In verse 17, Jesus asked Peter a third time “Do you love me?” This time Jesus uses the “phileo” version of love rather than “agapao.” Why? And why did Jesus ask Peter this question after Peter said twice he had “phileo” love for Christ? He’s wanting Peter to answer the question for himself. Jesus wants Peter to take a hard, honest look at himself. To force Peter to look into himself to find the answer for himself “Do I love Jesus, either agapao or phileo?” Jesus - “OK Peter you say you have phileo love for me, well do you?”
What verbal answer did Peter give to Jesus’ question? How did he phrase his answer? “Lord, You know ….” What does that tell you about Peter’s love for Christ from Peter’s perspective? Peter’s not even sure if he has “phileo” love for Christ. Otherwise, he would have said “Jesus, I have deep affection/great respect for you.” Peter was having a difficult time seeing through the guilt to find his love for Christ. Even a person who had phileo love for someone would not have done the awful things he did.
What was Peter’s emotional response to Jesus’ question? Hurt. Sad. Distressed. Very uncomfortable. Why did he respond this way?
a) Hurt that Jesus was questioning his love. OR
b) Peter was not able to answer the question the way he would like to with confidence and assurance. Guilt was eating him from the inside out.
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