Opposition to Jesus Grows

Opposition to Jesus GrowsLesson 2

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Jesus Heals a Paralytic

>>> Read Mark 2:1-12. <<<
As a result of His teaching and miracles, Jesus' popularity grew rapidly. So many wanted to hear Him that they filled the house in Capernaum where He was teaching and crowded around it. Just then, five men arrived, eager to see Jesus too. One of them was paralyzed and the other four carried him on a stretcher. It was impossible for them to get in through the door, so they climbed up on the roof, dug a hole in it and let the paralytic down through the opening they had created. You can imagine the commotion among the crowd in the house below.
When Jesus saw the faith they had demonstrated, He told the lame man that his sins were forgiven. That was probably not what the man had expected, but it is every man's greatest need. The scribes who were present thought Jesus had blasphemed because God alone can forgive sins. Jesus read their minds and asked: Which is easier to say--your sins are forgiven, or get up and walk? To prove His ability to forgive sins (something invisible and therefore impossible to verify), He healed the paralytic who then got up and walked. Jesus proved His power to conquer invisible, spiritual problems by overcoming a visible, physical problem. The crowd was dumbfounded. They had never seen anything to compare with Jesus.
Note -- Who will reach Jesus? Consider the five men as they approached the house in which Jesus was teaching. They had come in order to see Him, but their way to Jesus was blocked by a big obstacle: the crowd. Many would have simply turned around and gone back home. Not these men. They were determined, even desperate, in their desire to see Jesus. Their procedure, unroofing the roof, was radical but it worked. Even today, those who want to come to Jesus frequently encounter barriers in their path. The only ones who actually reach Him, are those who are absolutely determined and who refuse to allow anything to keep them from following Him. How determined to be with Jesus are you?
*1* What did the paralytic and his friends do when they were unable to reach Jesus? a) gave up and went home; b) waited for God to open a path through the crowd; c) offered a financial contribution; d) took off part of the roof so the paralytic could enter the house through the opening. Answer: ______.
*2* What did Jesus do for the paralytic before healing him? Answer: He ______ his sins.
*3* Who alone can forgive sins? Answer: Only ______ can forgive sins.
*4* How did Jesus prove He has the power to forgive sins? Answer: He ______ the paralyzed man.
(Thought question: If only God can forgive sins, but Jesus proved that He could forgive sins, what does that prove about the nature of Jesus?)

Jesus Socializes with Outcasts

>>> Read Mark 2:13-17. <<<
One of Jesus' more surprising actions was calling Levi to be a disciple. Levi had been a tax collector. In that era, tax collectors were viewed as both thieves and traitors because they used dishonest tactics to raise funds for the hated Roman invaders. Adding a tax collector to His inner circle was hardly a move that could be expected to increase Jesus' popularity! Later, Levi held a banquet in Christ's honor. He invited his friends: other tax collectors and sinners. The scribes and Pharisees were outraged because they thought it improper for a teacher of religion to eat with immoral people. When Jesus overheard their criticism, He asked: Who needs a doctor--the sick or the well? His purpose, He said, was not to call righteous, but sinners. The Lord never hesitated to break society's norms and customs.
*5* Name the tax collector whom Jesus called. Answer: His name was ______.
*6* What reason did Jesus give to explain why He socialized with sinful people? a) He wanted to participate in their sins; b) He did not believe that sinful people can be a bad influence on good people; c) He wanted to teach the sinners to repent; d) He believed sinners will be saved, even if they don't change. Answer: ______.

Jesus' Disciples Don't Fast

>>> Read Mark 2:18-22. <<<
Some of the Pharisees and disciples of John came to Jesus asking why He and His disciples didn't fast like other religious people did. Jesus explained by illustration. He said that no one would fast at a time of celebration, such as a wedding. His own presence on the earth made it a joyous time of feasting because He was the bridegroom. Since fasting should fit the occasion, it was inappropriate in this situation. He also explained that just as no one would put new wine in old bottles or a new patch on old jeans, it was equally out of place to put the newly revealed gospel of Christ into the old traditional forms of the Jews. Fasting was just not the right thing to do when the Son of God Himself was present.
*7* How did Jesus explain why His disciples didn't fast? a) He said they did fast, but did it secretly; b) He said that His presence made it a time of joy in which fasting was inappropriate; c) He condemned all fasting; d) He admitted they were wrong and should have fasted. Answer: ______.

Disciples Break Sabbath Traditions

>>> Read Mark 2:23-28. <<<
The more popular Jesus became, the more outspoken His opponents' attacks. Jesus and His disciples provided easy targets for their critics, because they refused to follow the religious traditions of their age. Jewish tradition regarding the Sabbath day prohibited all activity, including plucking grain to eat, but Jesus and His followers ignored these cherished doctrines. When the Jewish officials criticized the disciples, Jesus defended their actions by noting His opponents' inconsistency: they justified David when he broke God's law, but they condemned Him when He merely violated men's traditions. Then He explained that God had intended for the Sabbath command to provide relief for man, not be an additional burden. Finally, Jesus proclaimed His authority over the Sabbath saying that He Himself was Lord of the Sabbath. If Jesus created the Sabbath, surely He knew what activities violated it.
*8* What did Jesus call Himself? Answer: He was Lord of the ______.

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

>>> Read Mark 3:1-6. <<<
As their hatred of Jesus mounted, His enemies searched for every possible chance to attack Him, but He kept evading their traps. On this occasion, a man with a withered hand was in the synagogue. Jesus asked His opponents' opinion on whether or not to help the man, but they refused to reply. Jesus then told him to stretch his hand out. Apparently He neither touched him nor did any other physical thing--He merely asked the man to reach his hand out. When he did, it was healed. Jesus' critics were furious and began plotting to assassinate Him.
Note -- To save a life or to kill: In 3:4 Jesus asked His opponents: Should one save a life or kill on the Sabbath? They chose not to reply, which showed that they were not interested in truth, but only wanted to discredit Him. It is always easy to find fault, but it is much harder to give a positive recommendation. Normally Christ healed men by laying His hands on them or performing some other physical sign. If He had accompanied the healing by physical action in this case, they would have attacked Him for doing medical work on the Sabbath, something contrary to their tradition. This time, however, Jesus did nothing--He merely told the man to reach his hand out. Even Jesus' enemies did not believe it wrong to stretch out your hand on the Sabbath. Thus, He outsmarted His opponents; they were furious. When a man in an argument begins to get angry, it is a sure sign that he is losing. As it turned out, Jesus' enemies are the ones who plotted to kill on the Sabbath, because He had done good.
*9* How many sins did Jesus commit during His lifetime (see 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:21,22; Hebrews 4:15)? Answer (give a number): ______.
*10* The activities Jesus did on the sabbath violated what rules? a) only uninspired Jewish traditions; b) the 10 commands; c) the Law of Moses; d) the New Testament; e) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*11* What did Jesus' enemies do after He had healed the man with the withered hand? Answer: They plotted to ______ Jesus.

Jesus' Popularity Grows

>>> Read Mark 3:7-12.<<<
Though Jesus frequently tried to withdraw, people followed Him from everywhere. He continued teaching, healing and casting out demons. While neither the crowd nor the religious leaders seemed to have recognized His true identity, the demons confessed Jesus as the Son of God. He declined their testimony, however, since He did not want the recommendation of the Devil.

Jesus Appoints Twelve as Apostles

>>> Read Mark 3:13-19. <<<
Jesus needed to train apprentices to represent Him and preach the gospel after His departure. He chose twelve of His followers for that job. The twelve He chose were an unlikely bunch: included were four fishermen, a tax collector, a revolutionary (Simon the "Zealot"), a skeptic (Thomas), and a traitor (Judas Iscariot). Jesus proved that He could work with and make something out of even the most unpromising material.
*12* What work did Jesus empower the apostles to do (read Mark 3:15,14 and Matt. 10:1)? a) preach the gospel; b) heal diseases, c) cast out demons, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.

Accusations of Satanic Influence

>>> Read Mark 3:20-30. <<<
While Jesus' family thought He had gone crazy, the Pharisees charged that He accomplished His work through the power of the devil. They were desperately seeking to discredit Him and diminish His influence. Jesus' devastating reply silenced them. First, He said that it would be unreasonable and even disastrous for the devil to begin attacking himself. Civil wars don't produce strong kingdoms. Second, Christ explained that He had come to rob the strong man (the devil), taking from him the souls that had been under his control. Logically, He would need to disarm Satan to accomplish this goal, so expelling demons was a predictable facet of His strategy. Finally, He warned of the serious consequences of hardening one's heart to the point of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. These scribes were demonstrating a malicious and possibly fatal attitude toward the work of God.
* 13* How did Jesus' enemies explain His ability to cast out demons? a) He did it by the power of the devil; b) He did it because He was the Son of God; c) it just seemed like He expelled demons but He really didn't; d) they didn't try to explain it. Answer: ______.
*14* What did Jesus say would happen to a kingdom that was divided against itself (v24)? Answer: He said that kingdom cannot ______.

Jesus' True Family

>>> Read Mark 3:31-35. <<<
Jesus' physical family didn't understand Him. They came to try to talk to Him, perhaps to persuade Him to take a break. He refused to give them a private hearing, explaining that His family no longer had a special claim on His attention. Jesus' true family consists of those who hear and do His will. This incident shows that Mary had no special influence or privilege; Jesus treats all of His obedient followers equally.
*15* Who wanted to talk to Jesus? a) His aunt and cousins, b) His mother and brothers, c) His father, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*16* Who did Jesus say are His real family members? Answer: Those who ______ the will of God.
Summary: Jesus was continually under attack. He was criticized because He forgave sins, ate with sinners, didn't fast, didn't observe the religious establishment's Sabbath doctrines, and cast out demons. He never cracked under the intense scrutiny and pressure. Much to the contrary, He continually affirmed principles that are extremely important even for our service to Him: 1) the priority of forgiveness of sins over physical healing, 2) the importance of recognizing one's spiritual sickness, 3) the fact that fasting is to be done only when it fits the circumstances, 4) the uselessness of religious traditions, and 5) the critical danger of hardheartedly rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Teaches in Parables

Jesus Teaches in ParablesLesson 3

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Parable of the Sower

>>> Read Mark 4:1-20. <<<
Please read this story in your Bible before studying the lesson. Jesus frequently taught in parables. A parable is a story with a spiritual application. Here, Jesus described a farmer who went out to sow seed in his field. Naturally, as he went along scattering it with his hand, the seed fell onto different types of ground. The harvest depended on the kind of soil where the seed fell.
The disciples did not understand what Jesus meant, so they asked Him to explain. Jesus described four types of people who hear the word of the gospel. The first type is like hard-packed soil. These hard-hearted people do not let the word penetrate into their life; they reject it immediately because they have closed their mind. The second type is like seed sown in rocky places. The idea here is of a thin layer of topsoil covering a large rock. When seed is sown in such a place, it will germinate and grow in the shallow soil, but it will not develop deep roots. When the sun comes out and it doesn't rain for a few days, the plant will wither and die. This represents a person who eagerly receives the word, but doesn't develop roots through faith and Bible study. This person will not have the ability to withstand the temptations and persecutions that come along in life. Third, Jesus described the thorny soil. In this ground, the plant is overshadowed by taller weeds which suffocate fruit production. This soil symbolizes people who receive the word and although they allow it to continue in their lives, permit competing interests to dwarf it. These other influences may not be bad things in themselves, but they dominate the person's life so much that the seed can't bear fruit. Finally, Jesus described good soil in which plants bear abundant fruit. This soil represents Christians who are diligent in the service of God.
Note -- Which soil are you? Everyone has a place in the parable of the sower. Jesus wants us to evaluate which type of soil we are. 1) Hopefully, we won't be the hardened, wayside soil. If we are, we will close our mind to the truth and refuse to allow the gospel to penetrate our heart and change our life. 2) Perhaps we'll be the rocky soil. On the surface we appear to be growing and serving the Lord enthusiastically. But we aren't deepening our roots through faith, through study and through a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When times become tough, we will fall away and others will marvel, because on the surface it looked like we were doing so well. 3) If we end up being the thorny soil, we will continue to "be a Christian," but our life will be dominated by other activities and we will never have much time or attention to share with spiritual concerns. This is probably the most subtle danger, because the plant in thorny soil never completely falls away. As a result, we can soothe our conscience and believe that we are still doing OK, when in fact, we aren't bearing fruit. 4) Ideally, we will be the good soil that bears the fruit of righteousness for the Lord.
Note -- Meditations on the seed: Jesus explained that the seed represents the word of God (Luke 8:11). There are many lessons that can be learned by the analogy between seed and the word. For example, seed always produces after its kind. That is, rice seed always produces rice plants, corn seed produces corn plants, and pumpkin seed pumpkin plants. There are no exceptions. By the plant that results, one can determine what seed was planted. So it is in the spiritual realm. When the pure word of God is planted, the resulting plants are Christians. When you end up with other things--say Buddhists, Mormons, or Jehovah's Witnesses, you know that something besides the word of God was planted. To produce a Buddhist, you must plant the teachings of Buddha. To get a Mormon, the book of Mormon and the teachings of the Mormon church must be planted. Jehovah's Witnesses are formed by planting the teachings of their organizational headquarters, the Watchtower Society. What would happen if you merely planted the Scriptures, without mixing in any other teachings?
Seed never changes. It would be theoretically possible to eliminate pumpkin plants from the face of the earth. Yet if pumpkin seeds were preserved, someone many years later could plant them, and again produce pumpkins. So also in Christ. The seed is the word of God (1 Peter 1:23-25). Even if there had not been servants of Christ on the earth for a long time, when people returned to following the Bible only, they would become Christians. Our goal should be to reproduce pure disciples of Christ in the twentieth century, just like they were in the first.
*1* What is a parable? Answer: A parable is a physical story with a ______ application.
*2* What kind of soil did Jesus describe? (a) wayside soil, (b) stony soil, (c) thorny soil, (d) good soil, (e) all of these. Answer: ______.
*3* What does the seed represent? Answer: It represents the ______ of God.
*4* What does the wayside soil represent? Answer: It represents people whose hearts are hardened, so that Satan takes the ______ from their hearts.
*5* The rocky soil represents people who do well for a while, but then fall away because of what? a) hardened hearts, b) tribulation or persecution, c) too much Bible study, d) all the preceding. Answer ______.
*6* Is it possible for a person who has received the word to fall away (see also Galatians 5:4)? (yes or no) Answer: ______.
*7* In the thorny soil, the thorns represent what? a) hardened hearts, b) false doctrines, c) cares of the world and deceit of riches, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*8* What was the principal characteristic of the good soil (v20)? Answer: It bore ______, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.
*9* How does seed reproduce (see also Galatians 6:7)? Answer: Whatever a man sows, that is what he will ______.
*10* What causes people to become members of various different religious groups? Answer: They hear and accept the ______ taught by those groups.

Parable of the Lamp

>>> Read Mark 4:21-25. <<<
Jesus compared the Word of God to a lamp. It would be useless to buy a lamp, and then stick it under a bed. After all, a lamp's purpose is to illuminate--if you can't see it, it does no good at all. The Bible is a light. But it is useless if it remains closed on the bookshelf. In order to receive profit, we must open it up and read it.
Although studying the Scriptures is essential, many read the Bible in vain, because they don't read it correctly. It is significant that in the middle of a text stressing the importance of hearing the word, Jesus emphasized the need to be careful how we hear (4:24). The fact that people who read the Bible come to markedly different conclusions about what it means demonstrates that many are not understanding it properly. Some are careless and simply don't put much effort into their study. Others twist the Scriptures intentionally, misinterpreting them to try to confirm the beliefs and practices they have already determined to follow.
Note -- How to study the Bible: There are some common sense principles that can help you understand the Scriptures as you study. First, learn to study in context. The Bible has two main divisions: the Old Testament (first 39 books) and the New Testament (last 27 books). The New Testament is the part that directly relates to us today since it contains the teachings of Christ and the apostles. The Old Testament gives the background of God's preparation of the Jewish nation for the coming of Christ. These Testaments are subdivided into books (66 in all). It is probably best to study book by book. This Bible course was designed to take a person through the gospel of Mark step-by-step.
You need to concentrate on what you read in the Bible to be able to understand it. Since each book is divided into chapters, it is helpful to approach your Bible study by working with a chapter at a time. Read through the chapter two or three times. On the first reading, work to simply discover what the chapter contains, but on the second reading, you can begin to try to analyze the main points. Keep a notebook handy. Jot down a note or two about the main ideas or events of the chapter. A notebook is a good place to write down questions that arise as you study. Writing them down so that you won't forget them allows you to progress in your study without getting sidetracked. Later, you can search for the answers to these questions yourself, or you can ask someone else to help you. Those who are mailing you these lessons would be happy to try to help answer your Bible questions.
*11* What does the lamp in 4:21 represent? Answer: It represents the word of ______.
*12* When people do not study the Bible diligently enough, what will result? a) sin, b) false teaching, c) ignorance, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.

Parable of the Seed

>>> Read Mark 4:26-29. <<<
Jesus said that the kingdom of God was like a farmer who planted a seed. That night he went to bed. The next morning he got up and tended to other responsibilities. Meanwhile, the seed germinated, began to grow and finally bore fruit. Jesus was teaching several things by this story. First, the one who plants the seed is not responsible for its growth; that is, the one who teaches the gospel doesn't control the growth of the word in the heart of the one who heard. Second, the growth of the word in a person's life is gradual. One does not hear the Bible today and become a mature Christian tomorrow. But if the hearer's heart is right he will allow the word to shape and mold his life step-by-step so that he can become the kind of person God wants him to be.
*13* What part did the farmer play in the growth of the seed? Answer: He just planted the ______.
*14* Who decides whether or not a person who hears the word will believe and obey it? a) God decides for the person, b) the person who hears decides for himself, c) Satan decides, d) no one decides. Answer: ______.

Parable of Mustard Seed

>>> Read Mark 4:30-34. <<<
Jesus said that the kingdom is like a mustard seed. The mustard seed is tiny, but grows to be a great shrub. So also, God's kingdom began in a small way during the ministry of an impoverished carpenter, Jesus, but gradually became a dominant world force. Christians' efforts to work for the Lord's kingdom may seem insignificant, but God is able to grow large mustard trees from tiny seeds.
*15* What is the lesson of the mustard seed parable? Answer: God's ______ began small but would grow and become powerful.

Jesus Does the Impossible

Jesus Does the ImpossibleLesson #4

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Jesus Stills the Storm

>>> Read Mark 4:35-41. <<<
Jesus consistently demonstrated His authority by doing things which were totally beyond human capacity. In this case, while the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee by boat, Jesus fell asleep on a cushion. A great storm arose, and the disciples panicked. In desperation, they awoke Jesus saying: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He got up and calmly rebuked the wind and the sea. The storm ceased. He then turned to the disciples and reproved them for their lack of faith. Though they had seen Jesus perform many miracles, they were always amazed by each new one. They said: "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"
Note -- How well do we sleep? Considering the things that the disciples had already seen Jesus do, their doubts about His ability to quiet the storm are astonishing. They had seen Him heal multitudes of people, cast out demons and prove Himself equal to any task at hand. Suddenly, they despaired because of a storm on the sea. Obviously, they didn't really think Jesus could solve this problem because they were amazed when He did. How could they have been so slow and so distrustful? What about us? Do we not believe that Jesus can handle any situation, if we trust and obey His will? Have we not seen in the Scriptures how Jesus can solve every problem? How do we react when we confront a fresh crisis in our lives--do we trustingly and confidently turn to Jesus, or do we throw up our hands in despair? How well do we sleep?
*1* What was Jesus doing when the storm arose on the sea? (a) praying, (b) reading Scripture, (c) sleeping, (d) rowing. Answer: ______.
*2* How did Jesus calm the storm? Answer: He calmly ______ the wind and the sea.
*3* How did the disciples react to this miracle? (a) They ignored it. (b) They were afraid, (c) They were angry. (d) All of the preceding. Answer: ______.

Jesus Casts out a Legion of Demons

>>> Read Mark 5:1-20. <<<
When Jesus got out of the boat, a wild man met Him. The man, inhabited by thousands of demons, could not be subdued by human force, and so he lived as a savage among the tombs. The demons within the man were scared of Jesus. They asked Him not to send them out of the country (to the abyss, Luke 8:31). Instead, they wanted to be able to enter a nearby herd of swine. Evidently, if the demons had been expelled without having permission to go into another being, they would have had to return to Hell. No doubt it was better to inhabit a pig, if necessary, than to be sent back to that awful place. Surprisingly, Jesus granted the demons' request. They left the man and entered the pigs. The herd went berserk because of the presence of the demons within them, ran headlong and plunged off the cliff. The pigs drowned and presumably the demons had to return to the abyss. Perhaps they thought they had outsmarted Jesus when He allowed them to enter the swine, but the truth is, Jesus outsmarted them! In the end they had to return to the abyss--they merely took a roller-coaster ride to get there.
Meanwhile, those who had been tending the hogs went into the city and told the townsfolk about what Jesus had done. What a tremendous opportunity for this small town to have Jesus present! They didn't look at it as an opportunity though; they asked Jesus to leave. The man who had been healed wanted to follow Jesus, but He told him to return to his home and start preaching.
Note -- They asked Him to leave! At first, it may seem incredible that the people of the town didn't want Jesus to stay. But think about what they had just lost: 2000 pigs. Some people owned them; some folks were planning to make money slaughtering, processing and selling them. He had hurt the town's economy. They evidently loved material possessions more than they loved Jesus; because of that, they missed out on the supreme privilege. They asked Him to leave. Do we ever invite the Lord to leave our lives because we love material things more than we love Him?
Note -- Jesus' surprising instructions: When the man who had been healed wanted to follow Him, Jesus gave him strange orders. He refused to allow the man to accompany Him, but asked him to return and tell about his healing in the city. There are two surprising things about this command: 1) Jesus didn't allow the man to accompany him. Putting myself in the demoniac's place, I can see why he would have wanted to be with the one who cured him; but Jesus said no. Would it not have been a wonderful thing to be in Jesus' presence? Certainly. But what Jesus preferred was for the man to testify of His work in the city. Sometimes God may not want us to remain in secure and comfortable surroundings, but rather go to the lost and preach. 2) Jesus normally was telling folks not to tell about their healings (see Mark 1:40-45). Why the sudden change here? Remember where Jesus was. He was on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had not wanted to be thronged by spectators in the Capernaum area, west of the Sea, but in this wicked town, He was in no danger of becoming too popular. The people in this place needed someone to report the miracle.
*4* What measures had been attempted to subdue the demoniac (v4)? a) psychology, b) shackles and chains, c) shock therapy, d) drugs. Answer: ______.
*5* What name did the demons wear (v9)? Answer: ______.
*6* Where did the demons say they wanted to go? Answer: They wanted to go into a herd of ______.
*7* What happened to the swine when the demons entered them? Answer: They ran off a cliff and drowned in the ______.
*8* What did the townspeople ask Jesus to do? Answer: They asked Jesus to ______.
*9* What did Jesus tell the demoniac to do after he had been healed? a) Tell no one what had happened, b) Lie about what happened, c) Tell everyone what happened, d) Commit himself to an asylum. Answer: ______.

Jesus Heals Woman with Hemorrhage

>>> Read Mark 5:21-34. <<<
A synagogue official named Jairus requested Jesus to come and heal his daughter who was dying. As Jesus was journeying to his house, a desperate woman in the multitude touched the Lord. She had been bleeding for 12 years, had gone to many doctors, and spent all of her money, but had only worsened. She thought that by touching Jesus she could be healed. Sure enough, when she touched Jesus' coat, she could sense that the flow of blood immediately dried up and she was well. Suddenly, Jesus asked who had touched Him. The disciples thought it was a strange question since there was a huge crowd thronging Jesus. Many had "touched" Him. But the woman knew what Jesus meant. Terrified, she came forward and confessed. Jesus reassured her saying that her faith had made her well.
Note -- Why did Jesus embarrass her? Obviously, the woman with the bleeding was hoping to avoid publicity. She didn't make her presence known, but silently touched Jesus' clothes and was healed. Then Jesus put her on the spot by asking who touched Him. She was trembling as she admitted what she had done. Why did He draw attention to this shy lady? Perhaps there are two reasons: 1) If He had not, the woman would have believed that she had been healed by some sort of magic associated with Jesus' clothes. He wanted her to know that He had consciously healed her. Many touched His clothes and were not healed; she was healed by the will of the Lord. 2) If Jesus had allowed her to leave thinking she had "stolen" the healing, her conscience might later trouble her. By publicly identifying her, He was able to comfort and encourage her, telling her to go in peace.
*10* How long had the woman had her problem of bleeding? Answer: ______ years.
*11* How had she tried to get well previously? Answer: She had spent all her money on ______.
*12* When was the woman with the bleeding healed? a) she was not healed; b) when she believed on Jesus; c) when she asked Him to heal her; d) when she touched Jesus' clothes. Answer: ______.
*13* How did the rest of the multitude find out about Jesus' miracle? Answer: He asked who had ______ Him, and the woman confessed.

Jesus Heals Jairus' Daughter

>>> Read Mark 5:35-43. <<<
During the delay caused by the healing of the woman, people came to tell Jairus not to bother Jesus any longer because his daughter had died. Jesus told them to believe and He continued on to the house. There, the mourners laughed when Jesus told them that the girl was "sleeping." He wasn't denying the reality of her death, but was affirming that He would soon raise her; therefore, her death was more like sleep. He took only three disciples and the girl's parents, went into her room, and told her to get up. She did. The witnesses were astounded.
Please notice the theme that runs through the stories in this section of Mark: Jesus can do what is humanly impossible. First, the storm. The disciples were desperate, but Jesus calmed it with a mere word. Then, the demoniac. Though many had tried, no one had been able to bind nor subdue him. Jesus expelled the demons with a word and the man returned to normal. Then, the woman. No physician had been able to heal her though she had spent all her money in the effort. With one touch, she was completely cured. Finally, the daughter of Jairus. When one dies, all attempts to cure the sickness end, because everyone knows you can't raise the dead. Jesus did. Four times in this part of Mark, Jesus entered situations that were humanly impossible and emerged victorious.
*14* Why did people suggest that Jairus not bother Jesus any more? Answer: Because the girl had ______.
*15* Who was in the room when Jesus raised the daughter (v37,40)? a) Jesus, b) the girl, c) the girl's parents, d) Peter, James, and John, e) all the preceding but no one else. Answer: ______.
*16* What does the Bible account say that assures us the girl was really alive again? Answer: She arose and ______.
(Thought question: Considering the nature and purpose of these miracles, who alive on earth today can do such things as these? What can we learn as a result?)

Rejection at Nazareth

>>> Read Mark 6:1-6. <<<
Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth. Despite convincing proofs that He was the Son of God, His own townspeople rejected Him. They knew His family and His background and they refused to believe that someone they viewed as a peer could be greater than they. Because the people didn't have enough faith to bring their sick to Him, Jesus healed few. The people in Nazareth forfeited an ideal opportunity to have the Lord with them.
Note -- Great opportunities: It is tragic to see people discarding the fantastic opportunity to be blessed by Jesus. In the country of the Gadarenes, they simply asked Jesus to leave (5:1-20). Here in Nazareth, they refused to believe and therefore didn't even bring their sick for Jesus to heal. As a result, they missed out on the opportunities that others, like Jairus and the woman with the bleeding, benefited from. What about us? Do we take advantage of the opportunity to know Jesus and to be blessed by Him?
*17* What had been Jesus' profession before He began His ministry (v3)? Answer: He had been a ______.
*18* Which of Jesus' family members did the people of Nazareth know (v3)? a) His mother Mary, b) His brothers, c) His sisters, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
(Thought question: What does this tell you about Mary?)
*19* How did the people of Jesus' hometown (Nazareth) react to Him? a) They rejected Him, b) They believed in Him, c) They made a hero of Him, d) all of the preceding. Answer: ______.

Authority of Jesus

Authority of JesusLesson 1

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Jesus lived almost 2000 years ago, but even today people all over the world serve Him. We know this man primarily through four Bible books: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. First-hand acquaintance with these writings will help us understand Jesus and His message.
This course surveys Mark's narrative of Jesus' life. As you study each lesson, please keep a Bible at your side so that you can verify what you are learning by the Scriptures. You will notice that Mark is divided into sixteen major sections (chapters), each of which contains small divisions (verses). When a notation like 5:12 is used in these lessons, you should look at the fifth chapter of Mark and the twelfth verse.
A couple of items before we get started: to profit most from these lessons, you need an open heart to receive what Jesus taught and did. Allow His words to direct you as you read. A prayer for God's guidance at the beginning and end of each study is recommended. If you don't understand something mentioned in this course or in your reading of Mark, please feel free to write your question down and send it to us along with your completed lesson. We'll be happy to answer it if we can.

John Prepares the Way

>>> Read Mark 1:1-8. <<<
Please read Mark 1:1-8 in your Bible before continuing the lesson. In the very first verse, Mark announced that he would write about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is surprising, therefore, that he did not start out by telling about Jesus Himself; instead, he described the work of John the Baptist. This was because John was to prepare the way for Jesus. John fulfilled this mission by preaching to get people ready for the coming of the Lord.
John's message focused on two themes that will help us get ready to receive Christ. First, he preached about repentance. To repent means to decide to change. John was telling his hearers that they had to reverse their life's direction to get ready for Christ; those unwilling to change could not come to Him. Second, John declared the greatness of Jesus. He said Jesus was so great that he himself was not even worthy to stoop down and untie His shoes. This was an amazing declaration because one does not have to have much worth to untie somebody's shoes. In fact, in John's day, untying shoes was considered to be a slave's lowest duty - John wasn't worthy to be Jesus' humblest slave! So, for us to be ready to receive Jesus, we must repent (change our lives) and recognize His awesome greatness.
*1* John came to prepare the way for whom? (a) Moses, (b) Mohammed, (c) Jesus, (d) Peter. Answer: (put the letter of the correct answer in the blank) ______.
*2* What word in our study means "to decide to change"? Answer: The word is (put the correct word[s] in the blank) ______ .
*3* John said he was unworthy to: a) untie Jesus' shoes; b) carry Jesus' bags; c) stand beside Jesus; d) talk to Jesus. Answer : ______.

Early Events in Jesus' Career

>>> Read Mark 1:9-15. <<<
Just like thousands of others, Jesus came to John to be baptized. But as He emerged from the water, something startling occurred: The Holy Spirit came down upon Him in the form of a dove and a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God was showing His approval of Jesus in a dramatic way.
Then Jesus entered the wilderness where the devil tempted Him. While Matthew and Luke provide more specific information about the temptations (Matthew 4; Luke 4), Mark's brief account shows two things. First, Jesus experienced temptation as all men do. Second, doing what pleases God, as Jesus did when He was baptized, does not exempt one from temptation. Satan often intensifies his efforts when a person begins to serve God.
*4&5* What two amazing things happened when Jesus was baptized? Answer: The ______ came on Him in a form like a dove, and a voice spoke from ______ saying, "This is my beloved Son."
*6* Where was Jesus baptized (v9)? Answer: He was baptized in the ______ River.
*7* For how many days was Jesus tempted by Satan in the wilderness (v13; cf. Luke 4:1,2)? Answer: ______ days (give a number).
*8* What message did Jesus preach (v15)? Answer: He told people to repent and believe in the ______.

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen

>>> Read Mark 1:16-20. <<<
As Jesus walked along, He saw two of His friends, Peter and Andrew, who were professional fishermen. He asked them to follow Him and become fishers of men. At once, they quit their jobs and began following Christ. He next found James and John, and requested that they do the same. With no hesitation, they left not only their occupation but also their father, and began to accompany the Lord. Clearly, these men recognized Jesus' greatness. He was the one whose shoes John was unworthy to untie. God had specially acknowledged Him by His own voice from heaven. So when Jesus demanded radical action (to drop everything and follow Him), they responded immediately.
Note -- Characteristics of followers of Jesus: These fishermen demonstrated the meaning of discipleship. When Jesus called, they: 1) acted immediately, 2) left both job and family, and 3) started following Him.
Christ calls today through His Word. When we perceive His greatness, we too will: 1) obey immediately all He says, 2) put Him ahead of everything, including our job and family, and 3) follow Him, allowing His example to direct every step.
People who know that Jesus wants them to change, but put it off, are not like these four fishermen.
*9* Which of these things did the disciples not do when Jesus called them? a) decide immediately; b) leave family and job; c) follow Jesus; d) go to school for training. Answer: ______.
*10* What did Jesus say He would make these men (v17)? Answer: He would make them fishers of ______.

Jesus Amazes the Crowds

>>> Read Mark 1:21-28. <<<
Jesus' teaching astounded the multitude in the synagogue (a synagogue was like a church among the Jews). He taught with authority. He issued His commands as if He had the right to tell others exactly what to do!
Jesus' actions showed that He really had the authority that He claimed. In this paragraph, He cast out a demon. How? By His words! Nothing more. When Jesus merely said, "Be quiet and come out of him," the demon left the man. His words had authority even over demons. The calmness with which Jesus expelled demons reflected His power: He never argued or struggled or created a scene. He simply ordered the demons to leave and they left. No wonder people were amazed. He had demonstrated the credentials to prove His authority.
Note -- Need for authority: In every area, authority is essential. To determine distance, it is necessary to have a yardstick or standard of measure by which to calculate length. Thus, if someone wishes to know how long a room is, he measures it. There is no other way to know for sure. God has provided a yardstick in religion: Jesus and His words. When we wish to know whether something is right or wrong, we should evaluate it by the standard of the Scriptures. This should be done with every teacher and teaching - even this correspondence course. Therefore, you need to have a Bible at your side while you are studying, and continually refer to it to be sure that what is taught in these lessons is true. The Bible is our yardstick.
*11* What amazed the multitudes about Jesus? a) physical appearance; b) intelligence; c) wealth; d) authority in teaching. Answer: ______.
*12* How did Jesus expel the demon? a) by conducting a seance; b) by a magical formula; c) by a simple command (rebuke); d) by taking up a collection. Answer: ______.
*13* What purpose did Jesus' miracles serve? a) they made Him rich, b) they demonstrated His authority and proved He was from God, c) they proved people today can do miracles, d) they served no purpose whatever. Answer: ______.

Jesus Heals Many

>>> Read Mark 1:29-34. <<<
Jesus came into Simon Peter's house and found his mother-in-law sick in bed with a high fever (see Luke 4:38). He spoke to her, raised her up, and the fever left her. She then began waiting on Jesus and the disciples. He also healed many others who were brought to Him.
Several features of Jesus' healings are noteworthy:
* He healed immediately, with no delay.
* He healed everyone who came to Him regardless of their disease. (Compare Matt. 8:16,17; Luke 4:40,41.)
* He healed so completely that Simon's mother-in-law was able to get up and start waiting on them. After a fever breaks, it normally takes a few days for a person to recover his strength. Jesus' healings put people back as if they had never had their maladies in the first place!
* Jesus sought to avoid publicity. He ordered the demons not to announce who He was.
*14* Whom did Jesus heal in this story? Answer: He healed Simon Peter's ______.
(Thought question: If Peter had a mother-in-law, what does this tell you about Peter? Note that "Simon" is just another name for Peter -- Matt. 4:18; 8:14,15.)
*15* Which is not characteristic of Jesus' healings? a) He healed many (i.e., all of the many who came); b) He healed completely; c) He healed immediately; d) He healed so He could become rich and popular. Answer: ______.

Jesus Continues His Journeys

>>> Read Mark 1:35-39. <<<
Jesus frequently sought solitude for prayer. Prayer during the daytime was nearly impossible since the crowds continually pressed on Him, so He skipped sleep to be able to talk with His Father that He missed so much. After finally finding Him that morning, the disciples reported that everybody in the town where He had been was seeking Him. Nevertheless, since He wanted to be able to get the message to as many people as possible, He insisted on moving on to other towns.
*16* Jesus arose early in the morning for what purpose? Answer: He arose to ______.

Jesus Heals a Leper

>>> Read Mark 1:40-45. <<<
Painful open sores caused everyone to dread leprosy. Those who contracted it were quarantined because the disease was highly contagious. In this story, Jesus did what no one else dared do - He touched a leper. When He did so, the man was healed immediately. His sores were instantly transformed into smooth skin. The Lord then instructed the cleansed leper to report his healing to the priest (a requirement of the law of Moses - Leviticus 13-14), but to tell no one else. The man, however, went out and told everyone - the exact opposite of what Jesus had said. Undoubtedly he was thrilled that he had been healed and probably imagined that spreading the news about Jesus would honor Him. But the fact remains that he did just what Jesus had said not to do. As a result, the Lord was thronged by such large crowds that He could no longer publicly enter into cities, but had to remain in unpopulated areas. We should learn a lesson: All disobedience, even well-intentioned, hurts Jesus' work.
*17* After Jesus spoke, how long was it till the leprosy was healed? a) several weeks, b) several days, c) immediate, d) the Bible does not say. Answer: ______.
*18* After Jesus had healed the leper, He told the man to show himself to whom? Answer: He was to show himself to the ______.
*19* What result occurred because the leper disobeyed Jesus' orders? a) he became a leper again; b) Jesus was thronged by crowds so large that He couldn't enter a town; c) Jesus praised his evangelism; d) he became an apostle. Answer: ______.
Summary: This chapter shows the greatness of Jesus: John was unworthy to untie His shoes; God spoke from heaven endorsing Him; He expelled demons by a mere word; He healed the sick immediately regardless of the nature of their infirmity. This chapter also indicates how we should respond to His greatness: immediately obey everything He says no matter what sacrifice is required; respect the authority of His message; and, obey Him even when His command seems unreasonable.

I. Sin and Its Consequences

Sin came into the world as a result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). Since then, all people become sinners when they too disobey God's law (Romans 3:23). Sin is a universal problem, and the solution to the problem of sin constitutes the theme of the Bible.
The purpose of this study is to examine what the Scriptures teach about the nature of sin and about God's plan to provide forgiveness of sins through the death of Jesus Christ.
As we study, we will ask personal application questions to help each of us evaluate whether or not we personally are guilty of sin and whether or not we have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus. Please give honest consideration to these questions throughout the studies.

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I. Sin and Its Consequences

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A. The Nature of Sin

What is sin, and how does a person become a sinner? Some churches teach that people inherit guilt from Adam through their parents. They conclude that little babies are born guilty of sin. What does Jesus teach in the Bible?

Sin is committed, not inherited.

>>> Please read 1 John 3:4. <<<
*1* What is sin? Answer: Sin is __________ .
*2* Is sin something a person: (a) commits (practices), or (b) inherits? Answer: ____.
>>> Please read Romans 6:16. <<<
*3* How do people become slaves (servants) of sin? Answer: They present themselves to __________ sin.
>>> Please read John 8:34. <<<
*4* Who is a slave to sin? Answer: Whoever __________ sin is a slave of sin.
We may sin in word, deed, or thought, but our own conduct is what makes us sinners.
>>> Please read Ezekiel 18:20. <<<
*5* Who bears the guilt of a person's sins? Answer: The wickedness of the wicked will be upon __________ .
*6* What sins are we guilty of? (a) just the ones we commit, (b) our father's, (c) Adam's, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ____.
Note that Jesus was a descendant of Adam, born of woman (Luke 3:38; Galatians 4:4). He shared in flesh and blood, being made in all things like us (Hebrews 2:14,17). If people inherit Adam's sin, then Jesus must have been guilty of sin. Yet in Him there was no sin, because He did no sin (1 Peter 2:22; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5; Hebrews 4:15). Jesus was made like us in all things but He did not inherit guilt; therefore guilt is not inherited.
Sin is doing, practicing, committing things that are not in harmony with God's will. Guilt cannot be inherited through our parents. None of Adam's descendants bear the guilt of his sin. Adam's sin is upon Adam alone. If you are guilty of sin, it is because of what you have done.
[See also Mark 7:20-23; Romans 3:9-18,23; 1 Timothy 6:10; James 1:14,15; 2:10,11.]

Each person will be judged for his own life.

Each person's eternal destiny is determined by his/her own conduct. It is determined individually. Each person is held accountable for what he did, not for what his ancestors did.
>>> Please read Romans 2:6-10. <<<
*7* To receive eternal life, what must we do (vv 7,10)? Answer: We must patiently continue in doing (working) that which is __________ .
*8* Who will receive punishment (vv 8,9)? Answer: Tribulation and anguish will be upon everyone who does __________ .
Note that, at judgment, each will be rewarded according to his works or deeds (v6).
>>> Please read 2 Corinthians 5:10. <<<
*9* How many people will be judged? Answer: We must __________ appear before Jesus' judgment seat.
*10* On what basis will each one be judged? (a) what his parents did, (b) what he has done in the body, (c) what Adam did. Answer: ____.
[See also Matthew 7:21,23; Rom. 1:32; 14:12; Matt. 16:27; Rev. 20:12,13; 22:12.]
Note again that the above passages all show that sin is something a person does, works, or practices. Jesus taught that man is active both in sin and in salvation. He becomes a sinner because of what he does; and we will see that what he does also determines whether or not He receives God's offer of salvation.
No passage of Scripture anywhere teaches that little children are born sinners. Sin is not inherited. God does not hold children accountable for their conduct till they are old enough to understand His will and accept the responsibility to serve Him. Then they become sinners when they themselves participate in sinful conduct.
Have you disobeyed God's laws? If so, and if you are old enough to understand God's teachings about sin and salvation, then you need to learn and understand God's will about how to be forgiven of sin.
[Read Psalm 106:37,38; Hebrews 12:9; Matthew 18:3 & 19:14.]
For further information about original sin and the doctrine of inherited sin, please see the links at the end of this lesson.

B. The Universality of Sin

Some examples of sin

The gospel contains many specific lists of sins. Of course, these lists are not intended to be complete catalogs of every imaginable kind of sin; but they do illustrate the kinds of things that constitute sin.
>>> Please read Galatians 5:19-21. <<<
*11* What happens to those who practice works of the flesh such as are listed here? Answer: They will not inherit the __________ .
>>> Please read Revelation 21:8. <<<
*12* What will be the destiny of those who commit these sins? Answer: They will have their part in the lake that burns with __________ .
>>> Please read 2 Timothy 3:1-5. <<<
*13* What are some sins that Paul warned about here: (a) lovers of self, (b) lovers of money, (c) proud, (d) disobedient to parents, (e) unthankful, (f) all the preceding. Answer: ____.
>>> Please read Galatians 1:8,9. <<<
*14* God's curse (anathema) also comes on those who do what? Answer: Those who teach a different __________ .
>>> Please read James 4:17. <<<
*15* Who is guilty of sin according to this verse? Answer: Those who know to do __________ and do not do it.
Think carefully: Have you been guilty of any of these sins? If so, which ones? Have the sins you committed been forgiven? How do you know?
[See also Matthew 15:18-20; Romans 1:29-32]

People who are guilty of sin

Consider now how many people are guilty of sin.
>>> Please read Romans 3:10-17. <<<
*16* How many people are righteous and good because they have lived without sin? Answer: __________ .
>>> Please read Romans 3:23. <<<
*17* How many people commit sin? Answer: __________ have sinned and come short of God's glory.
>>> Please read 1 John 1:8,10. <<<
*18* What is our case if we say we have no sin? Answer: The __________ is not in us.
All people eventually disobey God and become guilty of sin. This is a universal problem.
What about you? What is your condition before God? If you are accountable before God, then you have committed sin. Have your sins been forgiven?

C. The Consequences of Sin

Even before the first sin, God had warned Adam and Eve of the consequences of sin (Gen. 2:16,17). Throughout history, as people have continued to sin, sin has continued to have consequences in this life and in eternity.
>>> Please read Isaiah 59:1,2. <<<
*19* What consequence does sin have? Answer: Your sins (iniquities) have __________ you from God.
>>> Please read Colossians 3:6. <<<
*20* What does disobedience bring upon us? Answer: The __________ of God comes on those who disobey.
James 4:4 adds that whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy to God.
>>> Please read Matthew 25:41,46. <<<
*21* Where will the wicked go after the judgment day? Answer: The wicked will go into __________ .
Please note that, not only will the wicked be eternally lost, but they will also miss eternal life.
>>> Please read 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9. <<<
*22* What is the destiny of those who do not obey the gospel? Answer: They will be punished with __________ from the presence of the Lord.
The righteous will receive eternal life and will be with God forever in heaven (1 Peter 1:3,4). But the wicked will miss this great joy.
So all of us eventually sin. If those sins are not forgiven, we are separated from God in this life and in eternity. His wrath is upon us and He views us as His enemies, so that we suffer everlasting punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).
Knowledge of the consequences of sin causes great fear and guilt (Psalms 38:4-6). The guilty have every reason to fear their eternal destiny. God views sin as something horrible, and we should do the same.

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The Grace of God and the Sacrifice of Jesus

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Sin is a universal problem, but God did not want the people He created to be lost eternally. Let us consider the provision God has made to deal with our sin problem.

A. God's Grace and Mercy

Consider the following passages about God's grace and mercy. (When the lesson asks for a definition, please look the term up in your dictionary.)
>>> Please read Ephesians 1:7. <<<
*23* What has the grace of God made available to us? Answer: We have redemption through Jesus' blood, the __________ of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
*24* What definition of "redeem" would best fit the Bible meaning? (a) to condemn eternally, (b) to pay a purchase price to recover something, (c) to neglect or overlook, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ____.
Sinners are slaves of sin, condemned to be punished for our guilt. God's grace led Him to desire to forgive us and pay the price to recover us from guilt and condemnation.
>>> Please read Romans 5:1,2 <<<
*25* What can God's grace do for us? Answer: (a) we are justified by faith, (b) we have peace with God, (c) we rejoice in hope of glory, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ____
*26* What definition best fits the Bible meaning of "justify"? (a) to deny or hide our guilt, (b) to find a psychologist or preacher who will excuse our guilt, (c) to absolve or forgive ones guilt so that they stand right or just, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ____.
>>> Please read Titus 2:11-14. <<<
*27* To how many people has the grace of God appeared? Answer: The grace that brings salvation has appeared to __________ .
>>> Please read Hebrews 2:9. <<<
*28* What did Jesus do for us by the grace of God? Answer: By the grace of God he tasted __________ for everyone.
>>> Please read 1 Peter 1:3,4; Acts 20:32. <<<
*29,30* To what has God's mercy begotten us? Answer: We are begotten to a living hope, to an __________ incorruptible and undefiled, reserved in __________ for us.
*31* What definition of "grace" best fits the Bible meaning? (a) unmerited or undeserved favor from God, (b) goodness inherent within people, (c) ability to hide guilt so no one else knows, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ____.
All of us, at some point in our lives, sin against God and deserve to be punished. We then bear the burden of guilt and will receive everlasting punishment in hell if our sins are not forgiven.
God does not want this to happen, so He chose to offer us forgiveness, redemption, justification, and the hope of eternal life with him in heaven. Since sinners do not deserve such favor, by definition it constitutes "grace." Every one of us should be forever grateful to God for offering us such a hope.
[See also Acts 15:7-11; 20:24; Romans 4:4-7; 5:1,2; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 1:5-11; 2:5-10; 1 Timothy 1:13-16; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Titus 3:3-7.]

B. The Sacrificial Death of Jesus

Grace motivated God to determine a means to offer us forgiveness despite our sins. But this offer expressed itself in a specific, practical form, which required God's Son to come to earth in the form of a man.
>>> Please read Luke 19:10; Matthew 20:28. <<<
*32,33* For what purpose did Jesus come to earth? Answer: He came to seek and save that which was __________ and to give His life as a __________ for many.
>>> Please read Matthew 26:28. <<<
*34* Why did He have to die? Answer: He shed (poured out) His __________ for many for remission of sins.
>>> Please read Romans 5:6-9. <<<
*35* How did God demonstrate His love for us? Answer: While we were still sinners Christ __________ for us.
As a result, we can be justified by His blood (death) and saved from God's wrath.
>>> Please read 1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 2:9. <<<
*36,37* What is the relationship between our sins and Jesus' death? Answer: He bore our __________ in His body on the tree. By the grace of God, He tasted __________ for everyone.
By His stripes we are healed. This means that He was punished so that we do not need to be punished. He suffered so we could be forgiven and counted righteous (justified) despite our sins.
As stated in Ephesians 1:7, Jesus' blood was the means by which God's grace made redemption and forgiveness available to sinners. His blood was the purchase price that redeemed us from our sins (1 Peter 1:18,19).
>>> Please read Acts 4:12; John 14:6. <<<
*38* How important is Jesus' death to us? Answer: There is salvation in no one else. No one can come to the __________ except through Jesus.
Throughout the Bible, the penalty of sin is referred to as "death" (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:23). Ultimately, this death requires eternal punishment separated from God, in contrast to eternal life (cf. Matthew 7:13,14). 
Since He lived a sinless life, Jesus did not deserve to die for His sins. Yet God allowed Him to be slain, even though He was innocent, so that we who are guilty might not have to suffer for our sins. His death satisfied the demands of God's justice, making it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins. But we must properly come to Jesus to be forgiven by His sacrificial death.
It follows that every one of us will be eternally punished for our sins, unless we receive forgiveness through Jesus' death. There is no other way of salvation, no other way to be made right with God, and no other way to receive eternal life.

Personal application questions:

Do you feel guilty and fearful about your sins? __________ 
Which of the following words would you use to describe yourself right now in your relationship to God: sinner, Christian, saved, lost, guilty, forgiven, pleasing to God, displeasing to God? __________
If you were to die right now, what eternal reward would you receive? __________ 
Have you received forgiveness through His blood? How do you know? ________________________________________

Are You Following Jesus:A Bible Study Lesson

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Introduction:
After baptism, people should be taught to observe all things Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). Learning God's will is just as essential after baptism as before. Conversion should be the beginning of a lifetime of study. However, in order to benefit from Bible study, we must know how to study properly. The purpose of this lesson is to present basic Bible principles about proper study.
Ezra "prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord" (Ezra 7:10). Right methods of study must begin with right attitudes.

Diligent study requires motivation. Christians have all the reasons they could possibly need to study the Bible. Consider a few. As you do, note the emphasis on regular, frequent study.

>>> Read Joshua 1:8. <<<
*1&2* What was Joshua told to do so he could succeed in God's work? Answer: He was to ______ on God's law day and ______.
>>> Read 1 Peter 2:2. <<<
*3&4* What do Christians need, and why do they need it? Answer: We should desire the spiritual ______ of God's word so by it we can ______ to salvation.
Think: Do we long for the word like a baby longs for milk if we neglect to attend assemblies or to study at home? (See also 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 10:17; Matt. 4:4; John 6:44,45; 2 Peter 1:12-15.)

>> Read Hosea 4:6. <<<

*5* Why were God's people destroyed? (a) they studied too hard, (b) they lacked knowledge, (c) they didn't pray to Mary, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Acts 17:11. <<<
*6&7* How did the Bereans distinguish truth from error? Answer: They searched the ______. How often? ______.
(1 John 4:1,6; Gal. 1:8; Matt. 22:29; 15:14; Prov. 2:1-20; Rom. 10:1ff)

>>> Read Deuteronomy 6:6-9. <<<

*8* What must parents do so they can teach their children? (a) have God's word in their hearts, (b) attend a seminary, (c) see visions. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Hebrews 5:12. <<<
*9* What should Christians become? What problem did these have? Answer: Christians ought to become ______, but these needed to be taught again themselves.
Think: Why should teachers study? Why should people who are not teachers study? Is there an excuse for us if we do not study? (See also 2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim. 1:7; 1 Peter 3:15; Col. 3:16; Rom. 15:14.)

>>>Read Palm 1:2; 119:47,48,97-99. <<<

*10&11* What will we do if we delight in God's word? (Cf. Psalm 19:7-11.) Answer: We will ______ on God's law day and ______.
Think: If people truly love God, will they complain about "having to go" to worship services or prepare for Bible studies? (Cf. 1 John 5:3.)
>>> Read John 14:15. <<<
*12* If we love God, what will we do? (a) say the rosary, (b) sing in the choir, (c) keep God's commands, (d) practice celibacy. Answer: ______.
Think: Suppose a young lady is separated from her boyfriend, who writes to her every day. She displays his letters on the coffee table, but they sit there for days before she opens and reads them. Does she really love him? What application can be made to Bible study?
Do people usually learn about subjects that really interest them (sports, hobbies, etc.)? What does our Bible study indicate about our interest in God's word?

>>> Read Matthew 5:6. <<<

*13* How can we be filled with righteousness? (a) hunger and thirst for it, (b) work miracles, (c) confess to the priest, (d) it doesn't matter. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Matthew 13:14,15. <<<
*14&15* Why did some misunderstand truth? Answer: Their hearts had become (or waxed) ______ and their eyes were ______.
If we do not have a burning desire for truth, God will not force us to accept it. He will let us be lost.
(See also Acts 17:11; 2 Thess. 2:10-12; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; John 3:19-21; 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Thess. 5:21,22; Prov. 18:13; 23:23; 15:10; Luke 8:15.)

If a person doubts that the Bible is God's infallible word, he is much more likely to disagree with it or reject it.

>>> Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13. <<<

*16* What is the source of Scripture? (a) people thought it up, (b) it came on golden plates, (c) Mohammed wrote it, (d) it is God's word. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Galatians 1:11,12. <<<
*17&18* What was the origin of the gospel Paul preached? Answer: He received it by ______ from ______.
Think: If we reject a Biblical command, whom have we rejected?
(2 Tim. 3:16f; 1 Cor. 14:37; Eph. 3:3-5; Luke 10:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21.)

Verbal inspiration means that every word written by the inspired writers was exactly the word God wanted. Some people believe that God just gave the inspired men ideas, then let them explain them as they saw fit. This belief leaves room for error in the way the men expressed the ideas. Consider these verses:

>>> Read 1 Corinthians 2:10-13. <<<
*19* How did inspired men know what to speak? (a) they chose the words, (b) they spoke their own ideas, (c) the Spirit gave them the words. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Deuteronomy 18:18,19. <<<
*20&21* What would God do for this inspired prophet? Answer: God put His ______ in the prophet's ______.
(Cf. Matt. 10:19f; 2 Sam. 23:1,2; Ex. 24:3,4,7; Isa. 51:l6; Jer. 1:5-9.)

The Bible is Infallible. Infallible means the message of the inspired writers cannot possibly be wrong, because God does not make mistakes.

>>> Read Psalm 119:128. <<<
*22* What can we know about God's precepts? Answer: All God's precepts are ______.
>>> Read Titus 1:2. <<<
*23* What can God not do? (a) He can't predict the future, (b) He can't lie, (c) He can't live forever, (d) He can't do miracles. Answer: ______.
Think: Consider Matthew 22:31,32. Note that the Scriptures are so accurate that we can rely even on the tense of the verbs. What does this teach about verbal and infallible inspiration?
How will it affect our Bible study if we are not convinced that every word is true? (Cf. John 17:17; Psalm 33:4; 19:8; 147:4,5; Rom. 3:4; Job 37:16; Num. 23:19; Heb. 6:18; Deut. 18:20-22).

Some believe that the Bible can be understood only by specially trained clergymen, not by the average person. As a result, they approach the Bible convinced they will never understand it.
>>> Read Mark 7:14. <<<
*24* What did Jesus expect the multitudes to do? Answer: The multitudes were to hear Jesus and ______.
>>> Read 2 Timothy 3:16,17. <<<
*25* For what are the Scriptures profitable? (a) teaching, (b) reproof, (c) instruction in righteousness, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
Think: Would they be profitable if we could not understand them?
Remember that the Bereans (Acts 17:11) did not just accept what preachers said, but used the Scriptures to check out the preachers!
Think: If a person is convinced he cannot understand the Bible, what will most likely happen if he tries to study it?
(See also Eph. 5:17; 1 Cor. 14:33; Eph. 3:3-5; Isa. 55:11; 35:8; John 20:30,31; 8:32; Prov. 2:1-12; Psalm 19:7-11; 119:105; Col. 1:9-11.)

Luke 8:18 warns us to take heed how we hear. Likewise, we must take heed how we study the Bible. To know how to study, we must understand the principles God uses to teach us. [2 Tim. 2:15]

>>> Read Hebrews 10:9,10. <<<

*26&27* What did Jesus do to the first and second wills (covenants)? Answer: He ______ the first and established the ______.
>>> Read Galatians 5:1-4. <<<
*28* What is our condition if we try to be justified by the old law today? (a) we fall from grace, (b) God is pleased, (c) it does not matter. Answer: ______.
Think: Are the laws of Great Britain still binding in America? How is this like the Law of Moses? What consequence follows for Old Testament practices like animal sacrifices, special priesthood, tithing, seventh-day Sabbath, circumcision, instrumental music, feast days, etc.?
(Gal. 3:24f; Rom. 7:1-7; Eph. 2:11-18; Heb. 8:6-13; 9:15-20; 7:11-25)

Old Testament Scriptures were written for our learning (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:6,11). We can learn how to use the Old Testament by considering Bible examples of how first-century Christians used it.

History - Notice the Old Testament events referred to in passages like Genesis 1, Acts 7, and Hebrews 11.
*29* Would we understand these events without the Old Testament? Answer ("yes" or "no.") ______.
Evidence - God's existence, the Bible's inspiration, and Jesus' Deity are confirmed by such evidences as the following: (1) The accuracy of the Bible in history, geography, and science; (2) Fulfilled prophecy (see John 5:39; Acts 3:24); and (3) The unity of the Bible. Each of these requires an understanding of the Old Testament.
Unchanging Principles - Although God's laws have changed, many facts about the universe, the nature of man, and the nature of God do not change (Heb. 13:8).
>>> Read Romans 3:10-12ff (cf. v23). <<< [Cf. 1 Cor. 10:1-12.]
*30* What principle can we learn from the Old Testament? (a) we should keep the sabbath, (b) all men sin, (c) we inherit Adam's sin. Answer: ______.
Appreciation and Understanding of the New Testament -Differences and similarities between the old and new laws help us understand and appreciate the new.
>>> Read Hebrews 10:3,4,9-12. <<<
*31* Why should we appreciate Jesus' New Testament sacrifice? Answer: Because animal sacrifices could not take away ______.
Think: Should we neglect to study the Old Testament just because it is no longer binding as law?

We often use various methods to communicate or teach others. Likewise God uses the following methods:

>>> Read 1 Corinthians 14:37. <<<

*32* What did Paul write down? Answer: Paul wrote the ______ of the Lord.
Think: Name some commands recorded for us in the New Testament. Consider Acts 10:48; Matt. 22:37-40; 1 Cor. 11:23-25; 16:1,2.
(Cf. John 14:15,21-24; 15:14; 1 John 5:3; 2:3,4; Matt. 28:18-20.)

Instead of directly commanding us to do something, God sometimes tells us indirectly by giving an instance in which Christians acted by His guidance. We are expected to imitate these examples.

>>> Read 1 Peter 2:21,22. <<<
*33* Who left us an example to follow? (a) the Pope, (b) Mohammed, (c) Buddha, (d) Christ, (e) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Philippians 3:17; 4:9. <<< [Cf. Acts 15:5-11.]
*34* How should we use Paul's example? (a) ignore it, (b) follow it as our example, (c) we may consider it but we don't have to follow it. Answer: ______.
Think: Specifically, what can we learn from the following Bible examples? Heb. 11; James 5:10,11; Acts 8:35-39; 20:7; 14:23.
(Cf. Phil. 2:5; Matt. 10:24,25; 16:24; 1 John 2:6; 1 Cor. 11:1; 10:1-12; 4:16; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Thess. 3:7,9; Heb. 6:12; 4:11; Luke 10:30-37.)

If someone tells you his date of birth, can you determine how old he is? Likewise, some truths are not directly or expressly stated in the Bible, yet they necessarily follow as a logical consequence of what is stated.

>>> Read Acts 17:1-3. <<<
*35* How did Paul demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ? Answer: He reasoned from the ______.
Think: Do Old Testament prophecies directly state that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ? How could people know from them that Jesus is the Christ? (Acts 2:22-36; 18:4,19; 19:8,9; 28:23; Isa. 1:18; 1 Peter 3:15)
>>> Read Matthew 19:3-9. <<<
*36* By referring to God's marriage plan in Gen. 2, what conclusion did Jesus reach about divorce? Answer: What God has ______ let not man separate.
Think: Was this conclusion directly stated in Genesis 2?
(For other examples see Hebrews 7:11-18; Acts 11:1-18; 15:6-21; Gal. 3:10-12; 1 Cor. 15:12-19; Matt. 22:23-32; 21:28-46; 22:41-46.)
Think: How would you use John 6:44,45; Mark 16:15,16; and Acts 2:38 to prove babies should not be baptized? Eph. 1:22,23 with Heb. 8:1 to prove the church has no earthly headquarters? Heb. 10:25 to prove the church may provide a place to assemble? Are these conclusions directly stated in the passages?
Mature Christians must use wisdom to apply the principles of God's word to specific situations (Heb. 5:14). As in a math problem, we "add up" the information given to reach a conclusion.

Some people think we should believe religious doctrines that are not found in the Bible. They think we can appeal to other authorities (such as church councils, human creeds, preachers, tradition, or modern revelations) to validate religious acts that are not found in the gospel.
>>> Read John 16:13. <<<
*37* How much truth did the Holy Spirit reveal to the apostles? Answer: The Spirit revealed ______ truth to the original apostles.
Think: What does this prove about doctrines people claim are from God but are not found in the Scriptures?
>>> Read 2 Peter 1:3. <<<
*38* What had God's power granted to people in Peter's day? (a) some truth, (b) all things pertaining to life and godliness, (c) a promise that new truths would be revealed later. Answer: ______.
All good works have been provided to us in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16,17). If so, can people today invent or reveal new truths or new ways to please God that are not found in the Scriptures? (Cf. Acts 20:20,27.)
Scripture may not answer every speculative question men may have (Deut. 29:29), but they tell us all we need to know and practice in order to be pleasing to God.
Our next study will discuss more principles about Bible study along with guidelines for learning for ourselves what God's word teaches.

(These questions are for you to ponder. Your answers will help us understand your thinking, however they will not affect your "score.")
*39* How important is Bible study in your life? ___________
*40* Do you agree that the Bible teaches by examples and reasoning to necessary conclusions as well as by commands and direct statements? _________
*41* Do you accept the Bible as the perfect, complete, and understandable revelation of God's will? _________

Is Jesus Really Your Lord?

The Meaning of True Discipleship

Why should you follow Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life?Why should disicipleship be th etop priority in your life?This is a study of the teachings of Jesus,revealed in the gospel,as the proper authorit or guide in the lives of disciples.The need for obedience to the scripture is emphasized, rather than human wisdom as revealed in creeds,traditions,family religious practices,feelings,or church laws.Are you a faithful disciple of Christ?


Introduction:

No one greater than Jesus of Nazareth ever lived on earth.

* Millions of people have claimed Him as their Master.
* All history is measured from the time of His birth.
* He revealed the highest moral standard ever known.
* The Bible, which records His words, has been the best known and most influential book in civilized countries for nearly 2000 years.Surely Jesus deserves our careful attention.

The purpose of this study is to consider why we ought to honor Jesus as Lord, and what it really means to be His disciple.

Should we obey the gospel of Christ, as revealed in the Scriptures, as the guide and standard of authority in our lives, rather than other standards such as man-made laws and guides, church creeds, traditions, family religion, etc.?
We begin with some definitions.
"Lord" means a person who has authority over others; a master, chief, or ruler. [Matt. 28:18- 20; Eph. 1:19-23; Luke 6:46]
"Disciple" means a follower, pupil, student, learner - one who adheres to the teachings of the master. [Matt. 10:24,25; 16:24]
As you consider Jesus' lordship, please look up the >>>emphasized Scriptures<<< in your Bible. Then answer each question that has a number enclosed in asterisks (*1*, *2*, etc.). Note: Correct answers for the questions are listed at the end of this article.

I. Why Should Jesus Be Lord of Your Life?

Why should you follow Jesus rather than someone else?

A. Jesus Is Our Savior

"He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). Sin is disobedience to God's law (1 John 3:4). Note how Jesus saves people.
>>> Read Romans 3:23; 6:23. <<<
*1* How many people commit sin? (a) a few, (b) a majority, (c) all.
*2* What is the consequence of sin? (a) death, (b) joy, (c) life.
*3* Through whom can we receive eternal life? (a) Mohammed, (b) Jesus, (c) our parents.
All of us deserve eternal punishment because we have disobeyed God. This punishment is what we need to be saved from. Jesus is our Savior because He can give us eternal life in spite of our sins.
>>> Read Romans 5:6-9. <<<
*4* What did Jesus do to save us? (a) offered an animal sacrifice, (b) prayed to God, (c) died for us.
*5* What characteristic of God does this demonstrate? (a) His love, (b) His indifference, (c) His weakness, (d) all the preceding.
*6* Are you guilty of sin? When Jesus died, was He dying for you? (a) yes, (b) no.
Jesus "bore our sins in His own body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24). We sinned, so we deserve to be punished, but Jesus, who did not sin, died in our place so we can be forgiven and receive eternal life.
>>> Read Matthew 27:22-35,50-54. <<<
*7* When Jesus suffered, whose sins was He suffering for? (a) His own sins, (b) sins of other people, including you and me?
"There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). No one but Jesus can tell how to receive eternal life. [See also John 3:16; 6:68; 14:6; 4:42; Eph. 1:7].

B. Jesus Is the Divine Son of God

The Father said about Jesus, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" (Matthew 17:5). [Heb. 1:1,2; 2:1ff]
>>> Read John 20:26-31. <<<
*8* How did Thomas know Jesus had been raised? (a) he saw and touched Him, (b) he just heard about it, (c) he dreamed about it.
*9* Whom did Thomas confess Jesus to be? (a) a prophet, (b) a good man, (c) Lord and God.
*10* How can we believe Jesus is Lord and God even though we have not seen Him? (a) by guessing, (b) by examining the evidence in the Bible, (c) by taking a preacher's word for it.
Though Jesus died, He was raised from the dead. His resurrection, along with His other miracles and the prophecies He fulfilled, prove that He is God's Son (Cf. Acts 2:22-36; Rom. 1:4; 1 Cor. 15:1-8). Because He is God's Son, He possesses "all authority in heaven and on earth," so we should obey all His commands (Matthew 28:18-20). [See also Matt. 16:15-17; John 1:1-18; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 2:9.]

C. Jesus Will Be Our Judge.

Jesus will someday come again and judge all people.
>>> Read 2 Corinthians 5:10. <<<
*11* How many people will be judged? (a) all, (b) most, (c) none.
*12* Who will judge us? (a) our priest, (b) Buddha, (c) Jesus.
*13* On what basis will Jesus decide our reward? (a) what our parents did, (b) what Adam did, (c) what we did, (d) all the preceding.
Jesus' words will judge us in the last day (John 12:48). We need to learn His will and follow it so we can be prepared. [See also Acts 17:30,31; Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 20:11-15.]
>>> Read Matthew 7:13-15,21-27. <<<
*14* What final destinies face us? (a) either eternal life or eternal destruction, (b) all go to heaven, (c) death is the end of our existence.
*15* How many follow the broad road? (a) a few, (b) many, (c) none.
*16* How many follow the narrow way? (a) all, (b) most, (c) a few.
*17* What must we do to enter the kingdom of heaven? (a) just have faith, (b) call Jesus "Lord," (c) do God's will, (d) just be religious.
We must hear Jesus in everything He teaches or we will be destroyed (Acts 3:22,23). In religion, as in many areas of life, there are truth and error, right and wrong. For example, 2 + 2 = 4, red light means stop, etc. Other answers to these questions would be error. So in religion Jesus' teachings are truth, and anything different is error. [See also 1 John 4:1,6; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; 2 Thess. 1:6-9.]

II. How Should Jesus' Lordship Affect Your Life?

Many people say Jesus is Lord, yet this does not seem to affect the way they live. Some groups even teach that Jesus will save people if they just believe He is the Savior, even if they do not obey Him. What does it really mean to follow Jesus as Lord? How will it change your outlook on life? Can a person be saved without obeying Jesus?

A. A Disciple Must Learn and Obey the Lord's Will.

A person cannot possibly earn salvation, yet there are conditions one must meet in order to become and remain Jesus' disciple.
>>> Read John 8:31,32. <<<
*18* To be Jesus' disciple, what must we do? (a) just believe in Him, (b) just learn His will, (c) learn His will and obey it (abide in it)?
*19* If we know and abide in Jesus' word, what will it do for us (note also v34)? (a) make us free from sin, (b) make us self-righteous, (c) make us think we earned our salvation, (d) all the preceding.
To be freed from sin, we must obey Jesus from the heart (Romans 6:16-18). Truly a disciple must believe in his master, but the only kind of faith that God rewards is obedient faith (Hebrews 10:39; 11:6-8,30). [See also Gal. 5:6; Jas. 2:14-26; John 12:42,43; etc.]
>>> Read Luke 6:46. <<<
*20* Is Jesus really our Lord if we do not obey Him? (a) yes, (b) no.
*21* If we have been practicing an act that is nowhere taught in the Scriptures, what should we do? (a) quit serving God, (b) find a preacher who justifies the practice, (c) quit participating in it.
We purify our souls in obeying the truth (1 Peter 1:22-25). Jesus is the "author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9). To be forgiven of sins and become a disciple we must: believe in Jesus, repent of sins, confess Christ, and be baptized (Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 17:30; Romans 10:9,10; 6:3,4; etc.) Then we must continue to serve Jesus faithfully throughout life.
[See also Acts 10:34,35; Jas. 1:21-25; Matt. 7:21-27; Rom. 2:5-11; 2 Thess. 1:8,9; 1 John 2:3-6,17; 3:6-10.]

B. A Disciple Must Imitate His Lord.

>>> Read Luke 6:40. <<<
*22* Who has the highest position? (a) the disciple, (b) the Lord.
*23* What is the goal of a disciple or servant? (a) live as we please and have a good time, (b) imitate the Lord (teacher), (c) accumulate wealth.
To be Jesus' disciple, we must deny self and follow Him (Matthew 16:24,25). Often people want forgiveness and the blessings of discipleship, but they do not want to give up their own desires and live according to Jesus' teachings. This is not true discipleship.
>>> Read 1 Peter 2:21-24. <<<
*24* What did Jesus do for us? (a) He set a good example for us to imitate, (b) He did as He pleased regardless of the effect on others, (c) He refused to die because He was innocent, (d) all the preceding.
*25* How did Jesus live? (a) selfishly, (b) wickedly, (c) sinlessly.
Jesus died so that we should no longer live for ourselves, "but for Him who died" and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:15). Jesus gave His life so we could receive eternal life instead of eternal punishment. The least we can do is to love Him enough to follow His example. In every circumstance we should ask, "What would Jesus do in this situation?" Then do as He would do. [See also Gal. 2:20; 1 Cor. 11:1.]

C. A Disciple Must Put His Lord's Will First.

Choices in life often consist of setting priorities. What will I do with my time, abilities, money, etc.? For a disciple of Jesus, top priority must always be serving Jesus and doing His will. One who is not willing to make this sacrifice, cannot be Jesus' disciple.
>>> Read Luke 14:26-33. <<< (cf. Matthew 10:34-38).
*26* Should a person jump into discipleship without serious thought? (a) yes, (b) no.
*27* What must a person be willing to give up to be Jesus' disciple? (a) loved ones, (b) possessions, (c) his life, (d) all the preceding.
We should present our bodies "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God ... And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:1,2). Discipleship is total sacrifice, total transformation of self, total lifetime commitment. Jesus must take precedence over every thing else. When we realize what Jesus has done for us, such demands are not unreasonable.
>>> Read Matthew 6:24,33. <<<
*28* How many spiritual masters (lords) can a person serve? (a) two, (b) as many as he wants, (c) just one.
*29* What should be our greatest concern in life? (a) money, (b) pleasure, (c) the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The decision to become a disciple of Jesus is the most important decision in life. It will profoundly impact your whole outlook and every aspect of your life. Anything less is not true discipleship.
[See also Mark 10:28-30; Rev. 2:10; 1 Cor. 6:19,20; 15:58; 2 Cor. 8:5; Rom. chap. 6; Col. chap. 3; John 15:8.]

III. How Can We Learn Jesus' Will?

Jesus should be our Lord, but He is no longer on earth to personally teach us. Where can we go to learn His will today?

A. Jesus' Teachings Were Recorded in the Bible.

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth (John 16:13; cf. Luke 10:16). The message they received from the Spirit, they recorded in the Scriptures.
>>> Read 2 Timothy 3:16,17. <<<
*30* What is the origin of the Scriptures? (a) God inspired them, (b) intelligent men invented them, (c) a church made them up.
*31* What are they profitable for? (a) teaching and instructing us in righteousness, (b) reproving and correcting us, (c) completely providing all good works, (d) all the preceding.
*32* If we could not understand the Bible, would it be "profitable" to instruct us and provide all good works? (a) yes, (b) no.
*33* In order to know God's will, do we need some religious guide in addition to the Bible? (a) yes, (b) no.
The Scriptures are commands of the Lord, not of men (1 Corinthians 14:37). They reveal all truth, so no one today can reveal good works that are not in the Bible. Since God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), we can understand the Bible (Mark 7:14).
[See also Matt. 10:19,20; 1 Cor. 2:11-13; Gal. 1:11,12; Eph. 3:3-5; 5:17; 2 Pet. 1:21; Acts 20:20,27; 17:11; John 14:26; Isa. 55:11.]

B. God Has Accurately Preserved the Bible.

People sometimes wonder whether the Bible has been accurately transmitted so we today have Jesus' teachings as originally given.
>>> Read 1 Peter 1:22-25. <<<
*34* How can we purify our souls? (a) by just doing as we please, (b) by just believing in Jesus, (c) by obeying the truth.
*35* What is the seed by which we are born again? (a) God's word, (b) man-made doctrine, (c) our own opinions, (d) it doesn't matter.
*36* How long will God's word endure? (a) forever, (b) 1000 years, (c) it was lost in the middle ages.
God intended for the faith to be delivered to His people only "once" (Jude 3). God did this in the first century, then He preserved that revelation through the centuries till today. It does not need to be delivered again. [See also 2 John 2; Psa. 12:6,7; Heb. 12:27]

C. Only New Testament Laws Are in Effect Today.

What about the commands revealed in the Old Testament? Are they still binding on people today? Must we offer animal sacrifices, rest from work on the seventh day, etc., as the old law required?
>>> Read Romans 7:2-6. <<<
*37* When is a woman free from her husband? (a) when she divorces him, (b) when she becomes a Christian, (c) when he dies.
*38* What is our relation to the law? (a) we are subject to it, (b) we are freed from it and joined to Christ, (c) we should keep part of it.
Jesus took away the first covenant that He might establish the second (Hebrews 10:9,10). The Old Testament as law applied only to the nation of Israel and only till Jesus died. [See also Heb. 7:11-18; 8:8-13; 9:1-4; Gal. 3:23-25; 5:1-6; Col. 2:14-17.]
The teaching of Jesus for people today is recorded in the New Testament, the gospel. It is a complete, understandable, and accurate revelation of Jesus' will. It is the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16). It is the "perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25).

IV. Should We Follow Man-Made Authorities?

Many modern religious practices and organizations are not authorized in the gospel. Since the New Testament provides us to all good works, practices not authorized there cannot be from Jesus. They must, therefore, be human in origin [cf. Matt. 21:25].

A. What Does Jesus Think of Man-Made Doctrines?

>>> Read Matthew 15:9,14. <<<
*39* How does Jesus describe our worship if it is based on human doctrine? (a) it is vain, (b) it is acceptable, (c) it doesn't matter.
*40* What happens if we follow men who teach such doctrines? (a) we go to heaven, (b) we fall in the ditch, (c) we get a second chance after death.
Fallible men cannot know what pleases God without revelation from God. The "way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). Only by following the teaching of Jesus can we know what is pleasing to God.
>>> Read Galatians 1:6-9. <<<
*41* What were the Galatians guilty of doing? (a) following the Bible, (b) following a different gospel, (c) denying God's existence.
*42* What is the state of one who preaches a different gospel? (a) accursed, (b) blessed, (c) he will be in error but will still be saved.
Some people think that God will accept anything that they think is "good." "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12). "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son" (2 John 9).
If we follow Jesus as Lord, we must do only the things taught in His word. To follow practices He has not authorized is to show disrespect for His lordship. We would be following men instead of following Jesus. The fact that Jesus nowhere specifically says not to participate in an activity, does not necessarily mean that practice is acceptable. Instead, we should ask, "Where did Jesus say we should do this?" If it is not authorized in His word, we should not practice it.
[See also Rev. 22:18,19; Col. 3:17; Prov. 3:5,6; 2 Cor. 10:12,18; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Cor. 1:18-25.]

B. Some Examples of Human Authority in Religion

Many people accept religious practices without realizing why they accept them. Often they are following human authorities such as those we are about to consider. (Note that some of the things we are about to mention do have a right to exist, but the danger comes when they are viewed as authority which people follow to determine what they believe or practice.) On the basis of the Scriptures we have studied, please consider the following guides some people follow.

Family Religion

Some people think, "It was good enough for my mother (or wife, etc.), so it's good enough for me." This makes the family our authority, instead of Jesus. We should be glad if our families follow the Bible, but most people's families are in error (Matthew 7:13,14). Nearly all people who became Christians in the New Testament had to leave their family religion. [Note Matt. 10:34-37; Acts 5:29; Gal. 1:13,14.]
*43* If our family is involved in practices not found in the gospel, should we still practice as they do? (a) yes, (b) no.

Conscience, feelings, sincerity

We need to have a good conscience and be sincere, but these become the standard for some people. "Just let your conscience be your guide. It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you're sincere."
Some people sincerely follow their consciences yet are wrong, as in the case of Paul - Acts 23:1; 26:9; 1 Timothy 1:13-15. Your conscience only tells you whether or not you are doing what you believe to be right. Like a clock, it will not be reliable unless it has been set properly. [See also Prov. 14:12; 28:26; Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Cor. 10:18.]
*44* If we are sincere and have a good conscience, do we please God if we continue practices not found in the gospel? (a) yes, (b) no.

Preachers

Some people just accept what their preacher says. "My preacher is well educated, and he would not mislead me..." "Most scholars say..." Preachers can help us learn Jesus' will, but they must not become the standard of authority. Preachers are wrong when they differ from what Jesus said. [See also Acts 17:11; 20:29,30; Matt. 7:15; 15:14; 1 John 4:1,6; 2 Cor. 11:13-15.]
*45* Should we accept what our preacher says if he cannot show it in the Bible? (a) yes, (b) no.

Church creeds, traditions, and decrees of councils

Many denominations write books that the group follows as authority or doctrinal standards. Any creed that contains more than the Bible contains too much. Any creed that contains less than the Bible contains too little. All human creeds and church laws are made on the assumption that fallible humans can write a better standard than the Bible! [See all the passages above on human authority.]
*46* If a practice is authorized by a church creed or tradition, but is not authorized in the gospel, should we practice it? (a) yes, (b) no.

Conclusion

"And by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3-6). A true disciple is one who devotes his lifetime to serving his Master's will. Jesus deserves our service because He died to save us, because He is God's Divine Son, and because someday He will be our Judge. Shouldn't you be His disciple?
During your lifetime you have a choice whether or not you will serve Him. If you are not Jesus' disciple, He calls on you to repent and serve Him. "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15; cf. 1 John 5:3). Do you love Jesus enough to be His disciple?
Correct answers to the questions are as follows:
*1* = C, *2* = A, *3* = B, *4* = C, *5* = A, *6* = A, *7* = B, *8* = A, *9* = C, *10* = B, *11* = A, *12* = C, *13* = C, *14* = A, *15* = B, *16* = C, *17* = C, *18* = C, *19* = A, *20* = B, *21* = C, *22* = B, *23* = B, *24* = A, *25* = C, *26* = B, *27* = D, *28* = C, *29* = C, *30* = A, *31* = D, *32* = B, *33* = B, *34* = C, *35* = A, *36* = A, *37* = C, *38* = B, *39* = A, *40* = B, *41* = B, *42* = A, *43* = B, *44* - B, *45* = B, *46* = B