For part 2 of our Foundations of Faith series we looked at several of Jesus' teachings. We looked mostly in Matthew, but included a few more from Luke and John. Then we discussed the big themes of what Jesus was saying.
It is probably easier just to go through the various topics. Each topic is linked to the specific bible passage we went over. The topics ranged from repenting, to the beatitudes, settling quarrels, loving your enemies, prayer, money, worry, asking from the Lord, looking down on others, reconciling with your brother, humility, and the greatest commandment.
A good point was brought up in our high school class. In the passage with the Parable of the Lost Sheep, it sounds as if God is saying he loves those who come back to Him after being lost. And with the ones who remain faithful their whole lives, He is just like, "whatever." Not the case though. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God loves some more than others- those who are more faithful or not. I didn't bring this up in class but if you remember when we studied the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Mina, there is a greater reward in heaven for those who bear more fruit through their serving. You can find that blog here.
There is no doubt that Jesus Christ was a great teacher while here on earth. I wanted to get at the big things though. What are three of the big messages that he was saying, just in regards to His teachings? (His miracles and claims to divinity is our lesson next week.)
The first two big messages I believe are found in John 15. The first section has Jesus making the analogy between Himself and His followers with a vine and its branches. Without Him, we cannot bear fruit. It doesn't say we cannot do good in the world. Those are two different things. This passage goes along with the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:34-40. Our relationship to Jesus Christ must be our #1 priority in life. We must believe in Him, first of all, and then strive to be closer to Him. That is the only way we will bear fruit.
The second big message follows in verses 12-17. We must show love to others. As a few of the teachings earlier say, we must even love our enemies and put others' needs before our own. In order to be great in the eyes of Jesus, we must lead a life of humility and serve others before ourselves.
So what does this add up to? I believe these teachings add up to the life that a Christ-follower should live that is very different from the world. One that is the least self-centered, least glory-seeking, and anxious about how we will be taken care of. After all, if God cares for the "birds" and the "lilies of the field," will He not care for you?
Showing posts with label spiritual intimacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual intimacy. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
study of James 3-5
This was our study on Sunday, May 6, 2007:
A couple weeks ago, we went through the first 2 chapters of James. Last Sunday (5/6/07) we completed our study. James has a lot of practical advice for living the Christian life.
3:3-12 The tongue is compared to many things, including a rudder on a large ship and a spark that starts a fire. It can cause a huge change in direction or cause a lot of damage. We best watch the things we say and don't say!
One example I used was me driving in traffic. I'll be the first to admit that I get upset when traffic is heavy. It's crazy how I will be singing worship to God along with CDs one minute, then curse other drivers that annoy me the next! I certainly need to watch my tongue as well! As it says in this passage, a spring cannot produce both fresh water and salt water.
"2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3
When we ask for things from God, sometimes we ask for the wrong things or ask for the wrong motives. We need to ask yourselves: Am I trying to satisfy my own desires or fulfill God's plan. It was unanimous that we should study "listening to God" in the future.
"7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:7-10
5 ways to be near to God: 1) submit to God, 2) resist the devil, 3) lead a pure life, 4) grieve for your sins, and 5) humble yourselves. There were questions regarding the 4th way. We need to grieve over the sins that we do because while many of them are enticing and may feel good at the time, they cause God pain. We need to grieve over those sins and not fall to them anymore!
The rest is very practical and straightforward. James writes about judging, doing good today and not boasting about tomorrow, warning the rich who oppress the poor, persevering during suffering, and prayer. Like I said, James has a lot of practical advice for Christian living. It's short- and should be read frequently. My prayer is for all of us to follow these spiritual pearls.
A couple weeks ago, we went through the first 2 chapters of James. Last Sunday (5/6/07) we completed our study. James has a lot of practical advice for living the Christian life.
3:3-12 The tongue is compared to many things, including a rudder on a large ship and a spark that starts a fire. It can cause a huge change in direction or cause a lot of damage. We best watch the things we say and don't say!
One example I used was me driving in traffic. I'll be the first to admit that I get upset when traffic is heavy. It's crazy how I will be singing worship to God along with CDs one minute, then curse other drivers that annoy me the next! I certainly need to watch my tongue as well! As it says in this passage, a spring cannot produce both fresh water and salt water.
"2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3
When we ask for things from God, sometimes we ask for the wrong things or ask for the wrong motives. We need to ask yourselves: Am I trying to satisfy my own desires or fulfill God's plan. It was unanimous that we should study "listening to God" in the future.
"7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:7-10
5 ways to be near to God: 1) submit to God, 2) resist the devil, 3) lead a pure life, 4) grieve for your sins, and 5) humble yourselves. There were questions regarding the 4th way. We need to grieve over the sins that we do because while many of them are enticing and may feel good at the time, they cause God pain. We need to grieve over those sins and not fall to them anymore!
The rest is very practical and straightforward. James writes about judging, doing good today and not boasting about tomorrow, warning the rich who oppress the poor, persevering during suffering, and prayer. Like I said, James has a lot of practical advice for Christian living. It's short- and should be read frequently. My prayer is for all of us to follow these spiritual pearls.
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