Jesus vs. Jewish Leaders

Portraits of Jesus

A Study of the Gospel of Mark

 

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Jesus vs. Jewish LeadersLesson 8

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Jesus Enters Jerusalem

>>> Read Mark 11:1-11. <<<
Jesus sent two disciples into Jerusalem to bring him a colt. As He rode it into the city thousands of people lined the route, spreading their clothes and leafy branches in His path to honor Him. While the enthusiastic crowd cheered, Jesus remained calm. Why had He chosen to enter the capital on a donkey, not on some great white steed (see Zechariah 9:9-10)? His life reflected one of His favorite sermons: greatness in the kingdom comes to the one who humbles himself.
*1* What did Jesus ride when He entered Jerusalem? (a) a horse, (b) a boat, (c) a chariot, (d) a donkey colt. Answer: ______.
*2* As Jesus entered Jerusalem what did the crowd not do? a) put their clothes in the road; b) shout praises; c) try to prevent Him from entering the city; d) lay leafy branches in His path. Answer: ______.

Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Expels Commerce from the Temple

>>> Read Mark 11:12-26. <<<
Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree in leaf. When He approached, He observed that it had no fruit. He cursed it and by the next day, it was withered up. Jesus' action taught the amazed disciples some lessons. First, people who bear no fruit will be cursed by God. This principle applied to the Jewish nation as a whole, because it was bearing no fruit for the Lord. Second, Jesus noted that God has the power to wither fig trees and move mountains; in short, to respond to prayer. What we must do is to trust Him and turn to Him with our needs.
When Jesus entered the temple He saw a stockyard and money-changers' booths. Some people were selling the special coin used to pay the temple tax, while others sold animals for sacrifices. Jesus began to cast out these merchants, overturning the money-changers' tables and the vendors' chairs. He said that the temple was supposed to be a place of prayer but had been turned into a robbers' den.
Note -- Would Jesus cleanse the temple again? Why did Jesus vehemently oppose these activities? It wasn't because He was against selling animals or changing money; rather, He opposed the perversion of the temple's function. God had given the temple for spiritual purposes, and it was wrong to make it a bazaar. We must never use what God has given us for purposes He has not authorized. God gave us a pattern for the local church. Its function is to worship, teach the gospel and help needy Christians. But many churches have begun to do other things: they sponsor recreation, entertainment, secular education, etc. If Jesus returned, would He not come to churches and begin to cast out all of the unauthorized practices that have crept into them?
*3* What was on the fig tree that Jesus saw? a) figs; b) leaves, but no figs; c) neither figs nor leaves; d) rotten figs. Answer: ______.
*4* Whom did Jesus expel from the temple? a) money changers and animals sellers; b) priests; c) harlots and murderers; d) Gentiles. Answer: ______.
*5* What was the main problem with the money changing and animal sales? a) it was always wrong to sell animals and change money; b) they were cheating people in the transactions; c) these activities weren't a part of God's purpose for the temple; d) there was no problem with it. Answer: ______.
(Thought question: What else have we already studied about people who change what God has revealed in His will? Hint: Restudy Mark 7.)

Question about Jesus' Authority

>>> Read Mark 11:27-33. <<<
Jesus' bold actions in the temple stirred opposition. The Jewish leaders thought that the temple belonged to them, so they questioned Jesus' right to come into it and make such drastic revisions. Jesus replied to their challenge with a question. He asked whether John's baptism came from God or men. They consulted among themselves and decided that it would be politically unwise to answer. Their refusal demonstrated that they were not sincerely seeking truth. Therefore, Jesus refused to answer their question.
Note -- Jesus' question is a model: Jesus asked the Jewish leaders an outstanding question: Did John's baptism come from God or man? This is the question that we should ask about every religious practice. Anything that originates in man should be rejected; all that God commands should be carefully observed. There is an easy way for us to determine whether a given teaching or activity comes from God or man. Everything that comes from God is in the Bible. If a particular doctrine or practice is not in the Bible, it is not from God. We should verify everything we do by this simple test: Does it come from God or from man?
*6&7* When Jesus asked the Jewish leaders about John's baptism, what two choices did He give for its origin? Answer: He asked whether it came from ______ or from ______.
*8* Why did Jesus refuse to answer the Jewish leaders' question? Answer: They proved they were dishonest because they refused to ______ His question.

Parable of the Vineyard

>>> Read Mark 12:1-12. <<<
Jesus told about a man who planted a vineyard, equipped it with first-class installations and then rented it out. His rent was to be a share of the crop. When the harvest time arrived, he sent servants to collect, but the renters beat, mistreated and even killed them. Finally the owner of the vineyard sent his son to demand payment, but they killed him too. How outrageous! The owner would undoubtedly destroy his tenants and rent the vineyard out to others. The story meant this: God was the owner of the vineyard; the Jews were the renters. God blessed the Jews greatly and expected them to bear the fruit of righteousness, truth, mercy, etc. He sent prophets to collect this "fruit," but they were mistreated and killed. Finally He sent His son, Jesus, whom they murdered. God would certainly destroy the Jewish nation and give His blessings to others. The religious leaders understood that Jesus had spoken this story against them (12:12).
Note -- God's stone: Jesus spoke of the stone the builders rejected which God used as His chief cornerstone (12:10-11). He was speaking of Himself, rejected by the Jewish leaders, but selected by God as the foundation of His great building. These words were being fulfilled as Christ spoke. The Jewish authorities, intent on building their own religion, decided Jesus was unsatisfactory--He wasn't suitable for their building. God often reverses human values, however. That which men rejected, God chose and exalted above all (see Philippians 2:5-11).
*9* What did the renters not do to the ones sent to collect the fruit? a) mistreat; b) beat; c) kill; d) give the fruit. Answer: ______.
*10* Jesus spoke this parable to rebuke whom? a) His disciples, b) the religious leaders of the Jews, c) Old Testament prophets, d) no one. Answer: ______ .
*11* In the Scripture about the stone rejected by the builders, the stone referred to whom (see also Acts 4:11)? Answer: The stone was ______, who was rejected by the Jews' religious leaders.

Question about Taxes

>>> Read Mark 12:13-17. <<<
The Jews were desperately seeking to discredit Jesus. To do so, various groups began to ask Him questions designed to trap Him. They asked about paying taxes. At this time, the Jews were ruled by the Romans, who were the ones receiving the tax money. The people hated the Roman government and thought it was contrary to the will of God. So Jesus was trapped. If He said not to pay taxes, He would be guilty of treason and liable to prosecution. If He told them to pay, patriots would view Him as a traitor and even disloyal to God. Jesus didn't answer the question at first. Instead, He requested a coin. He asked whose name and picture were on it. They replied: Caesar's. Since you put your name and picture on something you own, Caesar's markings on the coin showed that it belonged to him. The Jews had no right to withhold Caesar's property from him when he requested it. So Jesus said simply: Give back to Caesar what belongs to him; and give to God what belongs to Him. His answer could not be challenged. It still provides the basis for our relationship to government. We should pay our taxes and serve the Lord.
*12* What question was Jesus asked (v14)? Answer: Is it lawful to ______ to Caesar.
*13&14* What answer did Jesus give (v17)? Answer: Render to Caesar the things that are ______ and to God the things that are ______.

Question about the Resurrection

>>> Read Mark 12:18-27. <<<
The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. They asked a question designed to show that the doctrine of the resurrection was absurd. It involved the invented case of a woman who was married to seven brothers in succession. They asked Jesus to tell them whose wife she would be in the resurrection, since all of them had been married to her. Jesus' reply revealed the ignorance of the Sadducees: There is no marriage in heaven. Furthermore, Jesus showed how even the Old Testament proved the resurrection. He cited the text where God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and described Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, even though they had been dead for hundreds of years. If death was the end of existence (as the Sadducees believed), then God would have been calling Himself the God of that which doesn't exist. For God to call Himself their God, in some sense Abraham, Isaac and Jacob must still have been "alive" and thus the Sadducees' view of death was wrong.
*15* What did the Sadducees believe? Answer: They believed there is no ______.
*16* How did Jesus answer their question about marriage? Answer: He said that, when we rise from the dead, there will be no ______.
*17* How did Jesus prove the Sadducees' belief about resurrection was wrong? Answer: He quoted a passage in which God said, "I am the ______ of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," even after those men were dead.

Question about the Greatest Commandment

>>> Read Mark 12:28-34. <<<
A scribe tried his hand at stumping Jesus. He asked Him to name the greatest commandment in the law. Jesus easily replied that it was to love God. He added that the second was to love others. This response demonstrated remarkable insight. Instead of choosing a specific command, Jesus cited the principles that form the foundation for all of the God's laws. Even the scribe had to admit that Jesus' answer was right.
*18&19* What did Jesus say are the greatest commands? Answer: The greatest command is to ______ God, and the second greatest is to ______ your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus Condemns the Scribes

>>> Read Mark 12:35-40. <<<
After weathering their barrage of questions, Jesus asked His opponents a question: How could the Christ be both David's son and David's Lord? This question was crucial, because the scribes' objection to Jesus was that He (a mere man they thought) claimed divine authority. Jesus showed by His question that the Old Testament had predicted that the Messiah would be both David's son (human) and David's Lord (divine).
*20* How did Jesus show that the Jewish leaders misunderstood the Christ? Answer: They thought the Christ would just be David's son (i.e., He would be human), but Jesus quoted a passage showing He would also be David's ______ (i.e., He would be Divine).

Observations on the Collection

>>> Read Mark 12:41-44. <<<
Jesus sat and observed people contribute into the temple treasury. He saw many rich people deposit large offerings. He also saw an impoverished widow give two small coins which were nearly worthless. The Lord explained that the widow had contributed more than the rich--she put in everything she had, while they had simply given their surplus.
Note -- Jesus contradicts modern views of giving: Many modern churches seem to regard large donations more highly than small ones. Some honor wealthy donors in special ways and allow them more influence in church policy; occasionally they even ridicule small contributions as unworthy of the Lord. It is clear that the Lord Himself viewed giving in a very different way. He was unimpressed by the absolute size of the offering, whether large or small, but very concerned with the attitude of the giver. To Jesus, the gift of the widow, while having almost no monetary value, was worth much more than the large and impressive donations of the rich. We need to think of riches like Jesus did.
*21* How did Jesus' view of giving differ from that of most religious leaders then and now? He said the most important thing is: a) how much we give, b) the attitude with which we give, c) we must give a tenth, d) we must give as much as others give. Answer: ______.

Jesus Accepts the Lowly

Portraits of Jesus

A Study of the Gospel of Mark

 

Jesus Accepts the Lowly

Lesson #7

Jesus Announces His Death, Rebukes Pride

>>> Read Mark 9:30-37. <<<
Please read the text in your Bible as you study each part of the lesson. Jesus wanted to prepare His disciples for the tragedy that was nearing. He warned them that He would be betrayed into men's hands and be killed, but encouraged them by announcing that three days later He would rise again. The disciples did not understand; they were too busy arguing about who would be the greatest in Jesus' coming kingdom. Knowing what they had been disputing, Jesus took a child into His arms and used him as a model of the humility that should characterize disciples. It must have disappointed Him greatly to see the disciples vying for power while He was preoccupied with His coming suffering.
*1&2* What did Jesus predict was going to happen to Him? Answer: Men would ______ Him, but on the third day He would ______ from the dead.
*3* About what subject were the disciples arguing? Answer: They disputed about which of them was the ______.
*4&5* What did Jesus say one should do, if he wants to be first of all (v35)? Answer: He should be the ______ of all and the ______ of all.

Jesus Warns of the Dangers of Stumbling

>>> Read Mark 9:38-50. <<<
John related how he had seen someone expelling demons in Jesus' name and had forbidden him to do so. Evidently John thought that no one should have been doing any work for the Lord who was not following in their immediate company. But Jesus had commissioned many to go out, preach, and expel demons (see Luke 10). He was pleased with those who were faithfully serving Him in other places.
Jesus went on to warn of the danger of causing someone to fall. He said that it would even be better to tie a huge stone around a man's neck and cast him into the sea than for him to cause another to stumble. He also warned of the danger of allowing anything to cause us to stumble. The Lord encouraged radical, decisive action: cutting off a hand or a foot or plucking out an eye in order to avoid abandoning Him. He was not speaking literally--but He was forcefully declaring that we should sacrifice anything that is tempting us to sin. He described Hell as a horrendous place of maggots and perpetual fire that must be avoided at all cost.
*6* What had John tried to stop someone else from doing? Answer: Someone was casting out ______.
*7* A person would be better drowned in the sea rather than to do what? Answer: It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around the neck rather than to cause someone to ______.
*8* What lesson is taught by Jesus' statements about cutting off a hand, foot, or eye? a) if we pray, He will miraculously restore the missing member; b) He doesn't care if we suffer; c) we should be willing to make great sacrifices to avoid the consequences of sin; d) we won't miss the body part anyway. Answer: ______.

Question about Divorce

>>> Read Mark 10:1-12. <<<
Jesus' opponents decided to test Him with a hard question. They asked Him whether it was right to divorce. In their society as in ours, there was much disagreement, even among religious people, as to whether or not it was right to divorce and, if so, under what circumstances. Jesus answered their question by reminding them that in the beginning God created only one man and one woman. He intended for marriage to be a permanent union. Because God joins people together when they marry, it is wrong for man to separate them. Later He explained to the disciples that it is not only wrong to divorce, but that a divorced person who remarries is committing adultery.
Note -- The need for commitment in marriage: Many people today enter marriage with the notion that they will divorce if it doesn't work out. This is wrong. Throw-away marriages are opposed to God's created order. God forbids divorce. The only exception is when one divorces his mate because of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). In any other case, divorce is sinful and remarriage is adultery. The fact that men frequently disobey God does not change what He said.
*9* What principle did Jesus use to forbid divorce (v9)? Answer: What God has joined together, man should not ______.
*10* In what circumstance did Jesus allow divorce and remarriage (Matt. 19:9)? a) when one of the partners no longer loves the other; b) when there is abuse; c) when one divorces a spouse because he/she committed fornication; d) when irreconcilable differences exist. Answer: ______.
*11* If a man or woman divorces his/her spouse (not for fornication) and remarries, what did Jesus say about the remarriage (v11,12)? Answer: It is ______.

Jesus Blesses the Children

>>> Read Mark 10:13-16. <<<
The disciples never seemed to want Jesus to be bothered, so they were constantly trying to keep certain kinds of people away from Him (see 10:46-52). In this case, it was children. When Jesus saw that they were hindering the children from approaching Him, He was indignant and rebuked them. He said that the kingdom of God itself belongs to people who become like children. He took the young people into His arms and began to bless them. He always had time for children.
*12* Whom did the disciples try to stop from coming to Jesus? a) Pharisees; b) children; c) sinners; d) tax collectors. Answer: ______.
*13* What reason did Jesus give why He wanted to receive children? a) He wanted to baptize them; b) He wanted to give them candy and ice cream; c) He hoped their parents would give Him money; d) the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like little children. Answer: ______.
(Thought question: If the kingdom belongs to those who are like little children, then are little children born guilty of sin?)

Rich Man Considers Cost too High

>>> Read Mark 10:17-31. <<<
A rich young man ran up to Jesus requesting information on how to receive eternal life. Jesus first told him to keep the commandments, which the man said he had done. Then Jesus ordered him to sell all that he owned, give the proceeds to the poor, and start following Him. The man wanted eternal life, but not at that price. He turned away, saddened. Many follow in this young man's steps. They desire eternal life . . . as long as they don't have to make too many sacrifices. Jesus referred to these people when He remarked about how difficult it is for those who are rich to enter heaven. He said that it is easier to thread a camel through a needle than for a rich man to be saved. The disciples were shocked. The Lord explained that with God all things are possible, but that it is hard for rich people to go to heaven, because of the tendency to trust in material possessions and not in God.
Note -- The lack of one thing: As Jesus talked to the rich man, He observed that he lacked only one thing: he only needed to get rid of his possessions. It became obvious that Jesus had properly diagnosed the man's need, because the man was unwilling to do so. He indeed was valuing his possessions over the Lord. To follow Jesus, we must give up anything in our life that is more important to us than He is. It is interesting that this man lacked only one thing. Some people have the idea that one sin is not all that bad. They think that while they may be failing in one area, at least they serve the Lord faithfully in all the others. This story shows clearly that even one thing can keep a person from being accepted by God. Is there one thing in your life that is separating you from faithfulness in the Lord's service?
*14* What did the rich man want Jesus to tell him? Answer: He wanted to know what he should do to inherit ______.
*15* What was the rich man's reaction when Jesus told him that he needed to sell all and give the money to the poor? Answer: He went away ______.
*16* How many things in our lives that we refuse to repent of does it take to keep us from pleasing God? (a) none, (b) one, (c) we must do more evil than we do good, (d) the Bible does not say. Answer: ______.

Greatness in God's Kingdom

>>> Read Mark 10:32-45. <<<
For the third time, Jesus warned the disciples about what was going to happen when they got to Jerusalem. He gave a detailed description of the suffering He would experience there. Meanwhile, James and John were imagining a different scenario. They asked Jesus to agree to do whatever they would request. Jesus asked them what they wanted; He was not going to sign a blank check by agreeing before they made the request. They replied that they wanted to sit on Jesus' right and left hand; that is, they wanted the chief positions in His administration. Jesus responded by asking if they could drink the cup He was going to drink or be baptized with His baptism, and they said they could. Jesus was referring to His sufferings which were often spoken of as a cup of agony that He would have to drink (see Mark 14:36) and as a baptism (immersion) in pain (see Luke 12:50). They had no clue as to His real meaning, but they enthusiastically accepted the challenge. Jesus then replied that He did not have the authority to grant their request, because He was not the one who assigned the positions of honor in the kingdom.
The other disciples were incensed. James and John had gotten the jump on them. They themselves wished to have the highest positions and resented the fact that the sons of Zebedee had requested them first. Jesus took some time to define what greatness in the kingdom really meant. He said that in human affairs, whether government or business, the greatest have the most authority. But, He explained, it isn't that way in the kingdom of God. Rather, the greatest is the one who humbles himself most and serves most. He pointed to Himself as the model. He had not come to be served, but to serve and to offer Himself as a sacrifice for others.
Note -- True greatness: We still desperately need these lessons of Jesus. Many, even in religion, are seeking to be great by trying to gain honor, glory and power. Churches are infested with "politicians" who want the limelight and who vie for positions of maximum control and authority. We should be ashamed. Jesus was born in a stable outside a small town. He lived His life as a village carpenter and itinerant preacher. He accumulated neither riches nor worldly power. Yet, today, many of His self-proclaimed followers seek and promise the very things He rejected, as they pursue higher and higher positions in churches. It is hard to imagine that Jesus would feel at home in their costly cathedrals. It is impossible to believe that He would preach the "gospels of health and wealth" so popular today. Jesus said the way to true greatness was the road of service and suffering.
*17&18* What did James and John want Jesus to do for them? Answer: They wanted to sit one at Jesus' ______ and the other at His ______in His glory (kingdom).
*19* According to Jesus, how can you become great in the kingdom? a) attend the biggest church with the most beautiful building; b) give lots of money; c) take a high position of authority in the church; d) humble yourself and serve others. Answer: ______.

Jesus Heals Bartimaeus

>>> Read Mark 10:46-52. <<<
As Jesus passed through Jericho, a blind beggar cried out. The crowds tried to silence him, thinking that the Lord should not be bothered with such unimportant people. But Jesus called the blind man to come to Him and healed him. The beggar began to follow Him. Few rich men followed the Lord (see 10:17-22), but many of the poor and downtrodden did.
*20* What was the name of the blind man Jesus healed (v46)? a) Peter; b) Bartimaeus; c) Thomas; d) Andrew. Answer: ______.
*21* What did the blind man keep calling Jesus (v48)? Answer: He called Him ______.
Summary: Jesus accepted the humble folks, even though the disciples tried to turn them away. He accepted the man who worked for Him but was not in His personal company; He welcomed the children; He invited the blind beggar. He rejected those we might have accepted: a rich ruler with so much to offer, and all those who sought position and greatness. The great one in the kingdom is the servant.

Defective Spiritual Vision

Portraits of Jesus

A Study of the Gospel of Mark

Defective Spiritual VisionLesson 6

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Jesus Feeds 4000 Men

>>> Read Mark 8:1-10. <<<
Huge crowds were constantly following Jesus. On this occasion, they had been in a wilderness area and hadn't eaten for three days. Jesus didn't want to send them home hungry for fear they would faint during the trip. So He asked for a food inventory: there were seven loaves and a few small fish. Jesus directed the multitude to sit down, and then began serving the food. Miraculously, the supply didn't dwindle. Each loaf generated a large basketful of leftovers besides feeding 4000 men. Jesus' power could not be disputed.
*1* How many men did Jesus feed on this occasion? (a) 4000, (b) 5000, (c) 12, (d) none. Answer: ______. (Note carefully: This is a multiple choice question. In order to answer correctly, the student must insert a letter, not a number!)
*2* How many baskets of food were taken up from the seven loaves and few fish (v8)? Answer: ______ baskets.

Warning about Leaven

>>> Read Mark 8:11-21. <<<
Despite much evidence of Jesus' power and authority, the Pharisees challenged Him to show a sign from heaven. He refused their request. They were simply blind to all evidence and no sign would ever be enough to convince them. Then Jesus and His disciples began to cross the sea by boat. The disciples were worried because they had forgotten to take enough bread with them for the trip. Jesus warned about the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod. Immediately, the disciples imagined that He was criticizing them for having forgotten the bread. Jesus knew what they were saying to each other and rebuked their hard-heartedness. After all, He had twice produced enough food to feed thousands with abundant leftovers. They should have known that He could handle problems with insufficient food. His warning wasn't about the leaven of bread, but about the false teaching and hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Herod. Bad attitudes spread like leaven and He was worried that the disciples might be contaminated by them.
*3* What request did the Pharisees make that Jesus refused to grant? Answer: They wanted Him to perform a ______ from heaven.
*4* What warning did Jesus give to His disciples? Answer: They should beware the ______ of the Pharisees.
*5&6* In saying this, what did Jesus mean by "leaven" (see also Matt. 16:12; Luke 12:1)? Answer: He referred to their false ______ and their ______.

Jesus Heals a Blind Man in Two Stages

>>> Read Mark 8:22-26. <<<
Normally, Jesus' healings were complete and immediate. This case was different--He applied saliva to on the eyes of the blind man, laid His hands on him, and then asked what he saw. The man reported seeing men like trees walking around. So Jesus touched his eyes again, and his vision was perfectly restored. Why didn't Christ heal this man all at once, like He normally did? Jesus' healings were signs, symbols of spiritual truths. In this case, the two-stage healing of the blind man symbolized how men's understanding and insight is often healed in two steps. The disciples, for example, weren't totally blind, for they understood that Jesus was the Son of God (see 8:29). But, on the other hand, they still didn't perceive Jesus' complete ability and therefore had defective vision (see 8:17-18, 31-33). They needed to be touched again so they could see clearly.
Note -- Don't be satisfied to see men like trees walking: Consider the situation of the blind man. While blind, he saw absolutely nothing. When Jesus first touched him, his vision improved: he saw men, though they looked like trees. To one who had been totally blind, that was fantastic progress. But Jesus could do more--He touched the man again and he began to see perfectly. Unfortunately, in the spiritual realm, some are satisfied with one touch. They see, but not clearly. Many don't even realize that they need a complete cure, that they should not be content to see men like trees walking. Consider, for example, someone whose life has been totally devastated by sin. He hears about Jesus, begins to follow many of His teachings and his life improves. Sadly, however, He is unaware that he lacks understanding of Jesus' word in many areas and that he should not settle for distorted vision. Let's check out our own lives. Could it be that we still are not seeing clearly and that Jesus could restore our vision perfectly?
*7* How did the blind man see after Jesus first touched him? Answer: He saw men that looked like ______ walking around.
*8* How did he see after Jesus finished with him? Answer: He saw everything ______.

The Strength and Weakness of Peter

>>> Read Mark 8:27-33. <<<
Jesus asked what the public thought about Him. The disciples reported varying opinions: John the Baptist, Elijah, etc. When Jesus asked their own opinion, Peter boldly responded: Thou art the Christ. It was a brilliant insight. Nevertheless, when Jesus went on to warn about how He was going to be rejected and crucified, Peter was horrified. He could not imagine the Lord being killed. He began to correct Jesus telling Him that this would never happen! Jesus sternly rebuked Peter: "Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Peter was tempting Him not to suffer. Temptations are often strongest when they come through people we are close to. So Jesus flatly rejected Peter's advice. Isn't it strange that one minute Peter proclaimed Jesus to be Christ, the next he was calling Him aside to inform Him that He was mistaken! If Jesus was truly the Christ, Peter had no business arguing with Him. Nor do we.
*9* Who did people consider Jesus to be? a) John the Baptist, b) Elijah, c) one of the prophets, d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
*10* What did Peter confess regarding Jesus' identity? a) He was a great teacher; b) He was a sublime philosopher; c) He was the Christ; d) He was a prophet, but not Divine. Answer: ______.
*11* How did Peter react to Jesus' announcement of His coming suffering? Answer: He took Jesus aside and began to ______ Him.
*12&13* What did Jesus say was the reason Peter would not believe Jesus was going to die? Answer: He was not minding the things of ______ but the things of ______.

The Conditions of Discipleship

>>> Read Mark 8:34-9:1. <<<
Jesus plainly explained what was required to become His disciple. He said that you must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. These requirements are demanding. A person does not naturally deny himself; rather, he usually does what he wants. Death to self is painful, but that is exactly the meaning of taking up one's cross. The cross was an instrument of death--to take it up would be to die to oneself and to one's own desires in order to serve Christ. There is no profit in gaining the entire world, only to lose one's soul in the transaction. It is worth everything to submit to God's stringent requirements for discipleship.
Note -- Deceptive discipleship: Jesus highlighted the requirements for being a disciple because it is so easy to imagine that you are a follower of Jesus when, in fact, you aren't. Discipleship is not mere church membership or moral living. It is total devotion to Jesus Christ. It is to die to self and live 100% for the Lord. Am I really Jesus' disciple?
*14* Which of the following was not given as a requirement for being a disciple? a) deny self; b) take up ones cross; c) follow Jesus; d) speak in tongues. Answer: ______.
*15&16* How did Jesus teach the importance of proper priorities? Answer: He asked what profit a man would have if he could gain the whole ______ but then lose his own ______.
*17&18* Jesus said some of the people standing there would not die before they saw what (9:1)? Answer: They would not die till they saw the ______ of God come with ______.
(Thought question: How can this statement be harmonized with the doctrine that says Jesus' kingdom still has not come even today?)

Jesus Is Transfigured

>>> Read Mark 9:2-13. <<<
Jesus had taken three of His closest friends with Him to a high mountain. There, he began to glow with breathtaking brilliance. Just then, Elijah and Moses appeared, talking with Jesus. The disciples were awestruck. Moses was the great Lawgiver, the one who had led Israel out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness. Elijah was a great prophet, one of two men in the Old Testament who went directly to heaven without dying. And there they were talking to Jesus. Peter was profoundly moved by the occasion and suggested that they build three tabernacles: one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. No doubt he felt that it would honor Jesus to receive a tabernacle alongside Moses and Elijah. But God's voice boomed from heaven: This is My beloved Son, listen to Him. Moses and Elijah vanished. Only Jesus remained. As they descended, Jesus told the disciples not to tell anyone about what had happened until after He was raised from the dead.
Note -- The greatness of Jesus: God's rebuff of Peter's suggestion to construct three tabernacles teaches volumes. The problem with Peter's plan was that it put Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah. He isn't. Jesus is above everyone--in this case, above the greatest figures of the Old Testament era. Our problem is like Peter's. We often tend to build multiple tabernacles. One for Jesus and one for our parents. Or one for Jesus and another for our pastor, for our church, or for a favorite activity. This won't do. Jesus must have the only tabernacle; He must be the supreme authority in our life. Nothing else can be on a par with Him.
*19&20* What two Old Testament characters appeared on the mountain and talked with Jesus? Answer: ______ and ______.
*21* What did Peter want to do on the mountain when he saw Jesus together with these men? Answer: He wanted to build three ______.
*22&23* What did the Father then say about Jesus? Answer: He said that Jesus was His ______, so people should ______ to Him.
*24&25* When were Peter, James and John permitted to tell about the transfiguration? Answer: They could tell about it after Jesus had ______ from the ______.

The Disciples Fail to Cast out a Demon

>>> Read Mark 9:14-29. <<<
As Jesus descended the mountain, He noticed great commotion in the valley. The crowd ran to meet Him. While Jesus had been with three of the apostles on the mountain, the others had been unable to cast a demon out of a boy. Since the apostles had normally been able to cast out demons (notice Mark 6:13), this failure puzzled them and surprised the bystanders. Jesus' enemies were taking advantage of this lapse to discredit Him. The father of the tormented lad asked Jesus to do something, if He could. The Lord turned his statement back on him: "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." The father said that he believed, but recognizing the possibility that his faith was not as strong as it needed to be, he begged Jesus to help his unbelief. With that, Christ commanded the unclean spirit to leave the boy. The demon cried out and threw the boy into convulsions, but left. Later, the disciples asked why they had been unable to cast out the demon. Jesus explained that they were not relying on God enough, but on their own power: "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer." Perhaps their prior success in expelling demons had caused them to be self-reliant, and they had neglected to pray in faith to God so that He would cast out the demon.
*26* What problem did the man's son have? Answer: He was possessed by a ______ that caused him to be mute.
*27* What happened when Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit (demon)? The spirit (demon): a) cried out, b) convulsed or tore him, c) came out, d) all of the preceding. Answer: ______.
Summary: Time and again the disciples demonstrated a lack of clear spiritual understanding. They saw Jesus multiply loaves and fishes, but failed to see that He could handle another food emergency. Peter affirmed that Jesus was the Christ, but thought it best to give Him some needed "advice." He believed Jesus was great, but on the same level with Moses and Elijah. The nine disciples in the valley boldly attempted to expel a demon, but without relying on the Lord. They were like those formerly blind who even now saw men like trees walking.

Interpreting and Understanding the Bible

Introduction

We must be careful not to believe we and only us have been given the authority to interpret Scripture for all. Believing that the Bible can be understood only with further miraculous and discriminatory help from the Holy Spirit, and that such help is given only to us. Although some people and denominational groups believe their particular interpretation of Scripture is the only right one, we must believe that any person born of the spirit of God can pick up a Bible and understand its message? Is it reasonable to believe that the Bible can be understandable to those who read its words seeking to know God?

 

2 Peter 1:20-21 and Interpretation

 

Many who claim that ordinary people cannot understand the Bible have misapplied the words of 2 Peter 1:20-21: "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." Some have used this passage to claim that ordinary people are not able to interpret Scripture, but that is not what Peter said. The verb "is" in v20 is translated from the verb ginomai, meaning to become or spring into being. The context itself shows that Peter is stating that Scripture does not come (or spring into being) from the writer's ("one's") own personal ideas or interpretation, but from the Holy Spirit's inspiration only. This is clearly shown by viewing v20 in light of v21. The passage is about the authors of Scripture; it has nothing whatsoever to do with the reader's understanding.

 

Scripture Written to Ordinary People

The Bible itself indicates that it is intended for ordinary people to understand. The letters which are assembled together to form the New Testament were originally addressed to ordinary Christians or to entire congregations of people. Consider a few examples:

"Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints." Romans 1:1,7


"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Colossians 1:1-2


"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:1


"And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." Colossians 4:16


"I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren." I Thessalonians 5:27


"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: the time is at hand." Revelations 1:3

New Testament writings were written to ordinary members of the church and it was intended that the writings be read by or be read to those people. The divine instruction is "read", "hear", "read to", etc. Thus, the scriptures themselves tell us that we are to read them ourselves; no mention is made of needing an interpreter to understand them. It is God's will and desire that His word be studied and understood by each individual who would believe and become obedient to that will.

Notice what Paul said in Ephesians 3:3-5: "By revelation (from God) there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. And by referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit." Paul clearly states that we can understand what he wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

 

Why do People Interpret the Bible Differently?

If the Bible is indeed written in a manner that is intended to be understandable, why are there so many different interpretations on various issues? There may not be a simple answer for this question, but following are a few possible explanations:

1. Some have not asked for wisdom.

 

James 1:5 says, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." God has promised to help those who sincerely ask for such.

Not only do we perhaps often fail to ask for wisdom, but perhaps we also often fail to ask with the proper motive. James 4:3 says, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." Though the context of this verse is not specifically about wisdom, it may be that our prayers for wisdom may not be answered because something is amiss in our hearts.

2. Some are not diligently searching for truth.

 

Jesus often spoke in parables; perhaps He did so in order that those who truly wished to know the truth would understand, but the rest would not. Those who were not diligently searching for truth would hear only stories and would not comprehend the deeper truths being given.

In 2 Peter 3:16, Peter spoke of Paul's writings and said, "As also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction." Peter acknowledged that some teachings of Scripture would be difficult to understand. Notice he says it is the untaught and unstable who twist such things to their own destruction. Perhaps they do so because their hearts are not truly searching for the truth of God's word. 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 speaks of God sending a deluding influence upon those who did not love the truth. Romans 1:28 says that God gave some over to a depraved mind.

In contrast, consider

 

Why do People Interpret the Bible Differently?

If the Bible is indeed written in a manner that is intended to be understandable, why are there so many different interpretations on various issues? There may not be a simple answer for this question, but following are a few possible explanations:

1. Some have not asked for wisdom.

 

James 1:5 says, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." God has promised to help those who sincerely ask for such.

Not only do we perhaps often fail to ask for wisdom, but perhaps we also often fail to ask with the proper motive. James 4:3 says, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." Though the context of this verse is not specifically about wisdom, it may be that our prayers for wisdom may not be answered because something is amiss in our hearts.
2. Some are not diligently searching for truth.

Jesus often spoke in parables; perhaps He did so in order that those who truly wished to know the truth would understand, but the rest would not. Those who were not diligently searching for truth would hear only stories and would not comprehend the deeper truths being given.

In 2 Peter 3:16, Peter spoke of Paul's writings and said, "As also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction." Peter acknowledged that some teachings of Scripture would be difficult to understand. Notice he says it is the untaught and unstable who twist such things to their own destruction. Perhaps they do so because their hearts are not truly searching for the truth of God's word. 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 speaks of God sending a deluding influence upon those who did not love the truth. Romans 1:28 says that God gave some over to a depraved mind.

In contrast, consider the example of Cornelius in Acts 10. He is described as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually (Acts 10:2). The context of the chapter shows that he was a man who was diligently searching for the truth, and thus he was provided a way to learn (by way of Peter).

 

3. Some are deceived or misled by false teaching.

Perhaps because of a lack of love for truth, some seem to be easily swayed by false teaching. In 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 13-15, Paul was greatly concerned that the church in Corinth might be led away and deceived by those who were "false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ."

Paul said in Ephesians 4:14 that some are "children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming." He sadly declares in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate to themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths."

1 Timothy 4:1 says, "But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons." Destructive false doctrines of that day were Jewish legalism, gnosticism, asceticism, antinomianism, and docetism.

Note: It is apparently improper to label all who would err in their teaching as false teachers. Compare the example of Apollos in Acts 18:24-28 and the false teachers of 2 Peter 2:1-3. Apollos was not called a false teacher because his motive was pure; he simply needed help to better understand the truth. On the other hand, those whom Peter called false were called such because they indeed had false motives and were of poor character.

4. Some misunderstand due to insufficient scholarship.

Some set out with all sincerity and honesty to understand what the Bible teaches but fail to accurately interpret Scripture simply because they have not studied sufficiently. Perhaps they have not adequately determined the proper context, or misunderstand the historical setting, or perhaps they make some other mistake in trying to properly understand a passage.

5. Some look for proof texts to support what they already believe.

The task of Bible students today is to interpret Scripture in light of its true context. Productive and responsible Bible study requires a proper exegesis, which is defined as a critical examination and interpretation of Scripture based upon its historical setting and meaning to its original readers.

Some Bible students, however, often go to Scripture to find support for what they have already decided (perhaps influenced by their culture or the traditional viewpoint espoused by his/her fellowship). This process is generally called eisogesis, which is defined as reading one's own meaning into a text. While those who practice this method of interpretation may do so with the most honest of intentions, it is nevertheless a dangerous practice if one is truly in search of the truth (consider the example of the unbelieving Jews in Romans 10:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 2:8). We need to strive to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 who searched the Scriptures daily to make sure they held only to the truth. 

 

6. Some use different methods of interpretation (hermeneutics).

Not everyone holds to the same method of interpretation (even though acknowledging the authority of Scripture):

Some think that many things are acceptable if not specifically condemned in Scripture; others think many things are NOT acceptable if not specifically mentioned and authorized in Scripture.


Some espouse the authority of commands, examples, and necessary inferences, while others hesitate to recognize and bind anything beyond clear and relevant commands.


Some believe every item of Scripture is to be interpreted literally, while others believe that some items are intended to be figurative in nature. Not everyone agrees on what is intended to be literal and what is intended to be figurative (for example, the book of Revelation)


Some believe that some commands or examples are relevant only to the people and culture of the early church, while others seek to apply such things to people of all time (speaking in tongues, feet washing, etc.)


Some interpret the NT as a written law and emphasize the importance of complying with the various details of commands and examples.  Others believe the writings of the NT are not intended to be used as a written code, and thus they generally look more at the broader principles found in Scripture.

 
Conclusion

Christians believe the Bible is infallible, but certainly we ourselves are not. When we as mere humans set out to interpret the Bible, we sometimes fail to do so as God intended. Some no doubt interpret Scripture more accurately than do others, but it is doubtful that anyone has mastered every point of doctrine perfectly (see James 3:1-2). And, while some things may be difficult to understand, surely those things that are truly necessary to come into a saved relationship with the Lord are clear and easily understood by honest people searching for truth.

Christians will likely always have differing viewpoints on various issues. But let us remember the admonition of Paul in Romans 14:1, 13, 19: "[Let us seek to] accept the one who is weak . . . let us not judge one another anymore, . . . [nor] put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. . . So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another."

 

Gods Power Can Work In Your Life

God's Power Can Work in Your Life.

The Bible promises that anyone is able to know God's will, be forgiven of sin, resist temptation, endure hardship, serve obediently, and receive eternal life. God provides the power we need through Jesus' blood, the Scriptures, prayer, hope, love, and other Christians. No one needs to be lost. Anyone can overcome their past, achieve victory over sin, and become what God requires him/her to be.

Introduction:
Joshua 1:7,8 - Most people want to succeed in some area: business, family relations, music, athletics, politics, education, etc. God promised Joshua he could succeed in the most important activity in life: serving God.

People today also need reassurance that we can succeed in being right with God.

People who are not Christians are sometimes overwhelmed by the sacrifices Christians must make, the work to do, habits to change. They become so discouraged they do not even try.
Christians may also become discouraged as they try to live for God and find they have failed in some area. Some give up entirely. Others pretend to serve God while living in sin and excusing themselves by saying they simply cannot accomplish what the Bible says.

The purpose of this study is to show that God has provided all the blessings we need to serve Him successfully and receive eternal life.

These blessings are available to everyone. We must meet conditions that require effort and sacrifice, but all of us are capable of meeting these conditions. You can have God's power working in your life!
Consider the Bible promises. Note words referring to power, strength, and ability in these verses.

---

I. What Power Does God Make Available?

---

A. You Can Have the Power to Know and Believe the Truth.

Some people get confused by the different teachings they hear. They say, "I don't believe I can ever understand the Bible. One person teaches it one way and the next teaches it differently. I'll never know what to believe." But God can meet this need.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 - The Scriptures are inspired of God and able to make us wise to salvation. They are profitable to provide us to every good work.
1 Corinthians 2:4,5 - Paul's preaching was in the demonstration of the Spirit and power, so our faith can stand in the power of God.
Romans 1:16 - The gospel is the power of God to save those who believe. But faith comes by hearing God's word (10:17). The gospel is able to produce true faith in the heart of any honest person.
By human power alone truly we never could determine how to obtain eternal life. But God meets our needs by giving us the means to know and believe the truth if we study diligently with an honest, open heart.
[Mark 7:14; Eph. 3:3-5; John 8:31,32; Isaiah 55:11]

B. You Can Have the Power to Become a Child of God.

John 1:12 - Jesus gave the right ("power") to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. Faith alone, without obedience, does not make one a child of God, but simply gives the power to become a child.
1 Peter 1:22,23 - The power to make us children of God is in God's spiritual seed, His word. To be purified and born again, we must obey the truth. This includes repenting, confessing, and being baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 17:30; Mark 16:16; Rom. 10:9,10).
Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus is able to save us to the uttermost. By human power alone we could never obtain forgiveness and become children of God. But God has made this power available to us.

C. You Can Have the Power to Resist Every Temptation.

People often excuse their sins saying obedience is just too hard. "I just can't do it. God will just have to understand." We may even blame God for being too demanding.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. This is true of every temptation. We can be sure this is true because it is based on God's faithfulness.
Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Lord provides strength and power such that we are able to stand against the power of Satan. We can quench every one of his fiery darts (temptations). Again, this is not possible by human power. Perhaps Satan can defeat us if we face him alone, but we can succeed by the power of God's armor.
These verses teach that a Christian can overcome every temptation. There is never any excuse for committing even one single sin. In practice we all commit sin, because we fail to use the weapons properly (1 John 1:8,10). But this is not necessary. If we believe our human nature compels us to sin and nothing can be done about it, we are looking at human power when we should be looking at God's power.
[James 4:7; 2 Cor. 10:4,5; Jude 24]

D. You Can Have the Power to Endure Suffering and Hardship.

Often hardship, grief, sickness, and persecution tempt us to quit serving God. We think, "What's the use?"
2 Corinthians 1:3-10 - Paul suffered beyond power such that he despaired of life. Someone may ask, "Doesn't that prove there are temptations which are beyond our power?" Yes, perhaps we may face temptations beyond our power, but not beyond God's power. Paul here says we should learn to trust in God.
Romans 8:31-39 - No suffering or hardship of any kind is able to separate us from God's love. Rather, we are more than conquerors! We can defeat them all if we are on God's side.
Nowhere does God say He will remove all our problems. Rather He promises we can endure, remain faithful, and receive eternal life despite our problems.
[Phil. 4:11-13; Heb. 11:34]

E. You Can Have the Power to Serve Others.

Discouragement sometimes comes when we try to help others, but we see no positive results. We may decide to quit trying, thinking, "It just doesn't do any good."
2 Corinthians 9:8-10 - God is able to supply all our need, so we can abound in every good work and increase the fruits of righteousness.
John 15:4-8 - Jesus is like the vine that supplies the needs of the branches. Apart from Him, acting by human power alone, we can do nothing. But in Him we can bear much fruit.
2 Timothy 2:2 - Faithful men shall be able to teach others. This is part of the power God promises us.
Romans 15:14 - We shall be able to admonish one another. As in other areas, degrees of ability will vary, but all can develop some ability in teaching.
There is no need for Christians to live barren, unfruitful lives. We can accomplish much good for God if we will make use of His power.
[2 Thess. 1:11,12; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Tim. 1:7,8; 2 Cor. 1:4]

F. You Can Have the Power to Do Everything Necessary to Receive Eternal Life.

Ephesians 3:20,21 - God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think according to His power that works in us.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
1 Peter 1:3-5 - By God's power we are guarded to an eternal and incorruptible inheritance in heaven.
2 Peter 1:3 - His power grants us all things that pertain to life and godliness.
The Bible nowhere teaches that it is impossible for a child of God to fall from grace. But it most certainly teaches that it is not necessary for us to fall!
[Mark 9:23; Isaiah 40:28-31; Eph. 1:19,20; Acts 20:32; Jude 24]

---

I. What Methods Does God Use to Provide This Power?

---

This power does us no good unless we know how to obtain it. As we study the methods God uses, note that all of them require effort on our part. There are conditions we must meet in order to have God's power.

A. There Is Power in Jesus' Blood.

1 Corinthians 1:18,23,24 - The power of God is the word of the cross, the message of Christ crucified.
Hebrews 7:25; 9:14 - Jesus' sacrifice is able to save to the uttermost.
"There is power in the blood." But the power is conditional. To receive it, you must repent and be baptized (see earlier discussion). If we sin afterward, we must repent and pray (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9).

B. There Is Power in God's Love.

Ephesians 3:16,17 - We may be strengthened in the inner man, being rooted and grounded in love [cf. v19-21]. All of us need to know that we are loved and cared for.
When a person knows he is wrong, he may not care if he does more wrong. He is already alienated, so what will it hurt? But when he knows he has been right and he feels a sense of being loved, he does not want to do anything to break that bond.
1 John 4:9,19; 5:3 - God loves us so much that He gave Jesus to die for us. This knowledge compels us to love God and obey Him. People in sin often talk about the sense of loneliness they feel, knowing they are alienated from God.
Love is a powerful motivation. God's love is the most powerful love there is. It is a bond that draws us to God and motivates us to serve Him successfully. But there are conditions: love must lead to obedience.
[John 14:15]

C There Is Power in the Scriptures.

Romans 1:16 - The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:18 - The word of the cross is the power of God.
Ephesians 6:13-17 - Every part of the armor of God is related directly or indirectly to the word: loins girt with truth, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel, the sword which is the word, etc.
Further, the Scriptures are involved in every area in which we need power: they are the basis of knowledge and faith, they tell us how to become children of God, they strengthen us to overcome temptation and comfort us in trouble, etc. [Matt. 4:4,7,10; Rom. 15:4]
Joshua 1:7,8 - To be successful in God's work, Joshua had to meditate on God's law. Again, the power of the word is conditional. We must study and follow the word in order to benefit from the power it provides.
[James 1:21-25; Acts 18:27,28; 20:32; Rom. 15:14; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 4:12f; 1 Cor. 10:12f; 16:13]

D. There Is Power in Prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 - There is power in God's armor, but we are to take it on with prayer. We should make our requests known so God can supply what we need to serve Him.
Psalms 138:3 - In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.
James 5:16 - The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
There is no need to bear our burdens alone. We can give them to God. But again there are conditions. We must use the privilege of prayer.
Too many of us are like a man with a powerful automobile who, instead of getting in and turning on the engine, stands behind the car pushing it. He tries to do it all himself and gets nowhere.
[1 Peter 5:7,8; Col. 1:9-11; 2 Thess. 1:11; Phil. 4:6,7]

E. There Is Power in Associating with Other Christians.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Two are better than one. If one falls, his companion can lift him up. An enemy might prevail against one alone, but instead there are two to withstand him. A threefold cord is not easily broken. There is strength in working together.
Galatians 6:2 - Christians bear one another's burdens.
2 Corinthians 1:4 - They comfort one another in times of affliction. Sometimes our problems are bigger than we can handle alone. We need help. But remember, if we want others to help us, we need to be willing to help them when they have needs.
Hebrews 10:23-25 - One excellent time to strengthen one another is when the church meets. We can provoke one another to love and good works. We can exhort one another.
Again, the strength God supplies is conditional. We must make use of it. Strangely, many Christians neglect or flat refuse to use this source of strength at the very times they need it most. Facing the greatest spiritual dangers of their lives, when they are tempted to fall away, they neglect to attend church meetings.
We can only be strong when we use what God provides to make us strong!
[Heb. 3:12-14; Eph. 4:16; Col. 3:16; Rom. 15:14]

F. There Is Power in the Hope of Eternal Life.

2 Peter 1:8-11 - The desire to enter the everlasting kingdom motivates us to make our calling and election sure by developing the needed qualities in our lives. Instead of being near-sighted, we should keep our eyes on our goal.
1 Corinthians 9:25 - Goals motivate us to work hard, as illustrated by athletes. Without a clear vision of our goal, we may easily give up in hardship. With a clear and valuable goal, we are strongly motivated to persevere.
Matthew 6:24,33 - But again there are conditions. We must keep our eye on the goal and not become overly involved in affairs of this life. We cannot serve two masters, but must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We must keep our priorities straight.
[1 Peter 1:3-5; Acts 20:32; Jude 24]

Conclusion

Acts 10:34,35 - God is no respecter of persons. In every nation, those who fear Him and work righteousness are accepted by Him. Everyone can serve God successfully. This is not just for other people. It includes you and me. [2 Peter 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4,6; Titus 2:11-14; Acts 2:38,39; Mark 16:15,16; Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 1:16]
Why then are so many people being defeated in God's service? Because they are not using the armor properly!

Imagine an army of soldiers sworn to protect the country where you live.

Suppose a powerful enemy is coming to attack your city, destroy your wives and children, causing great pain and grief. The enemy has a powerful weapon which your army is convinced it cannot defeat.
Then the soldiers learn of someone who has a powerful new weapon. Everywhere it has been used, the enemy has been defeated.
The new weapon is obtained so every soldier can have one. The weapons come with an instruction manual. Meetings are set up so the soldiers can learn how to use the weapon. Your army can successfully win the victory! All the soldiers have to do is attend the meetings, study the manual, and use the weapons provided.
Would you want those soldiers to stay home from 1/2 to 2/3 of the meetings, when they could come? Should they daydream through the meetings? Should they take the manuals home, lay them on the shelf, and rarely read them?
The enemy is Satan. You and I are the soldiers. We will surely lose, not just our lives, but our souls eternally unless we learn how to defeat Satan's forces. God has provided armor that is guaranteed to defeat Satan, but we must learn to use it. It comes with a manual we must study - the Bible. The church is instructed to provide meetings so we can learn to use the weapons.
You can successfully win the battle against Satan by the means God has supplied. Are you studying and attending the meetings diligently so you can be successful? Are you as diligent as you would want soldiers to be if they were defending you and your family in wartime? Have you even yet enlisted in the army?

His Name Is Jesus

The Witness to the Revelation of Jesus Christ , John 1:1-51 

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2The same was in the beginning with God.  3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

 
 A) Jesus the Living Word: The first witness of John the Apostle, 1:1-5

• (John 1:1-5) Introduction: this passage is one of the summits of scripture. In fact, it probably reaches the highest of human thought. What is the thought that reaches the height of human concepts? It is this Jesus Christ, the son of God is..........

             1) The word of God
             2) The creator of Life
             3) the very Being and Essence of Life

These three truths have to be deeply thought about to understand their meaning. A quick reading of this passage leaves a person disinterested, not even close to understanding what is being said. However, the importance of the truth lie at the very foundation of life. They cannot be overstated, for they determine a man's destiny. If Jesus Christ is the word of God, then men must hear and understand that word or else be lost forever in ignorance of God himself.


Through the scriptures we will see that:
1) Christ is eternal (vs.1-2)
2) Christ is the creator(vs.3) 
3)Christ is life (vs.4-5)

[1]  (1:1-2) Jesus Christ, Son of God- Eternal- Preexistent- Revelation: Christ is eternal. Note three profound statements made about Christ, the Word.
    a. Christ was preexistent. This means He was there before creation. He always existed.
           1)" In the beginning" does not mean from the beginning. Jesus Christ was already there. He did not become; He was not created; He never had a beginning. He "was in the beginning with God"( see John17:5,8:58)
        

 The testimony of John was that Jesus Christ was the word, the one who always existed. He is the Son of the living God.
    b. Christ was coexistent. He was and is face-to -face with God forever. Jesus Christ (the Word) was both with God and acting with God. He was "with God" : by God's side, acting, living, and moving in the closest of relationships. Christ had the ideal and perfect relationship with God the Father. Their life together-their relationship, communion, fellowship, and connection- was the perfect eternal bond. This is exactly what is said:" The same was in the beginning with God"(vs.2)
   c. John did not say that "the Word" was the God. He says "the Word" was God. John was saying that "the Word,"  Jesus Christ.......Is the very nature and character of God the Father; is a distinct person from God the Father, but he is the very being essence(perfection) of God the Father.

 [2] (1:3) Jesus Christ, Creator: Christ is the creator.
         a)All things, means every detail of creation- not creation as a whole, but every single detail. Each element and thing,each being and person-whether material or spiritual, angelic or human, has come into being by Christ.
         b) The words were made, came into being. Nothing was existing, no substance, no matter whatsoever. Matter is not eternal. God did not take something outside of himself, something less than perfect(evil) and create the world. Christ, the word, took nothing but his will and power; and He spoke the Word and created every single thing out of nothing.
         c) Christ was the one who created all things- one by one. Among the God head, He was the active Agent, the person who made all things. Creation was his function and work.(see col.1:16)

  [3] (1:4-5) Jesus Christ, Life-Light :Christ is life
         a) Christ is the source of light. "The Life [Christ] was the light of men" From the very beginning man was to know that life, to know God personally and intimately. The knowledge of the life of Christ was to be the light of men, the beam that was to give real life to man, both abundant and eternal, and infuse energy and motivation into man so that he might walk and live as he should. The life [Christ] was to be the light of man's purpose, meaning and significance upon earth.

         b) Christ is the answer to darkness. Christ life did shine in the darkness. Since man had brought darkness into the world(by sin)the life of Christ was the light of man, the beam that showed man the way ,truth, and the life. He show man the way God intended for him to live. He showed man the truth of life, that is the truth about God and man and the truth about the world of man. Christ showed man the life, that is how to save his life and avoid the things that can cause him to stumble and lose his life. Christ's life (the light) cannot be over come.
  

 

Conversion from Sin

Lesson #1: Sin's Consequences and God's Grace

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Introduction:

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? ________________________________________