Luke 8:1-15
Shallow Roots = No Fruits
Tonight as we look at Luke’s Gospel once again, we see a parable that Jesus told that is very familiar to many of us but perhaps not to some. It’s the story of the Sower and the Seed. Jesus tells this parable to demonstrate the Word of God and the different effects it has on different people. This evening we want to examine our hearts and see what kind of soil we match up with, what makes us different types of soil, and how we can be firmly rooted in God’s Word. When we are firmly “planted” in God’s Word, we can live our lives for Him. However, if we have “shallow roots” then we will produce very little, if any, spiritual fruit.
1. Types of Soil (vv.1-8) – Question: What are the four different types of soil that Jesus discusses in the parable? Jesus tells of soil that really was not soil at all. Seeds hit the ground but were trampled or taken away. Secondly, rocky soil was presented as soil that allowed things to grow but with no longevity. Thirdly, Jesus talked about soil that was surrounded by thorns and choked the growth. Fourth, the soil that Jesus discussed last was rich and good, allowing incredible growth.
Now, Jesus is going to explain the soils to His disciples in the next few verses, but it is important to see how Jesus demonstrates the Word of God being given, whether it is by Him or by us as followers of Christ. We see here the importance of the truth of God being preached. Even though there may be different effects, the Word is so important in our lives. While ministry is important and Jesus urged us to do so, the Word of God must never be forsaken in what we do and how we interact with others. Question: What does this mean for the relationships we have with others? No matter how nice or what we do for people we know, it is vital that we share with them the Word of God. Actions do speak louder than words, but words tell others why we do what we do.
2. Which Soil Am I? (vv.9-15) – As Jesus explains the different kinds of soils, we have to ask the question, “Which one am I?” Have I heard about God and hear the truth but not accepted it? Maybe I heard about God and even got really excited at one point in my life about Him, but that didn’t last. Some of us may be in the boat where we do believe in God and want to live for Him, but we are too bogged down with work, school, finances, family, or whatever. Our hearts are just too distracted to spend time with God. Perhaps even some of us are like the good soil that Jesus describes who “hold fast” to God’s Word, and our lives are on fire for Him. Question: Which soil are you?
3. What Makes Us Certain Soils? (vs.9-15) – Question: What makes us different types of soil? What makes us good soil, or what causes all the “thorns” to surround us? What seems to separate the best soil from the rest is the importance of God’s Word in the lives of those who hear it. The first soil totally rejects the truth of God’s Word, and Jesus says even the devil is out to steal the truth of God away from people’s hearts. The second soil gets just a small amount of the Word of God, and this leads to the lack of growth. Question: What experiences in your life relate to this type of soil and reaction to the seed? When I read this part, I think of people coming back from church camps or really emotional times with God – and I have been there myself too. During these times we encounter God and it’s an incredible experience, but that is where it ends – an experience. Growth is not attained because our spiritual roots have not “dug” into anything but fallible emotions.
The picture of the thorns is something that I really relate to when Jesus talks about soil and the word God. Sometimes life just really overwhelms me and God gets pushed back on the priority list. When that happens, time with God and reading the Bible becomes minimal or non-existent. Question: What things get in the way and surround us like the thorns in the parable? Good things and bad things can surround us and choke our spiritual lungs, but how do we break through the branches? Question: How do we get rid of all the “thorns?” Sometimes it means actually getting rid of things in our life that distract us or pull us away from God. Other times, it means that we prioritize what consumes us and allow God to be the number one thing that consumes our lives. This is the last soil that Jesus talks about. The most vital thing we can do to allow God and His Kingdom to consume our lives is read the Bible like crazy. When we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, our “spiritual roots” grow deep in God’s heart and we become more like Him. If we are to be Christ followers that change the world, we must dig deep into the word of God consistently.
Question: What should our response to this passage be? Ask yourself this question – “Am I surrounded by thorns that are choking my soul?” Which soil are you? Reading these words of Christ, we must respond and recognize the importance of the Word of God. Ask God to put a passion and fire in your heart to know Him and His Word more and more. When we do this, God’s Word weaves Its way in and out of our lives and conversations. That is where we will see real fruit and real change. That is when we can save the world.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Don't Get Comfortable
These are the notes from last night's Impact, May 12, 2010.
Luke 7:1-10
Don’t Get Comfortable
As we take a look in Luke’s Gospel again tonight, the seventh chapter presents us with a story in Jesus’ ministry where He meets an interesting man. Well, Jesus sort of “meets” this man. The individual is actually a Centurion, a Roman soldier in command of 100 other men. He sends some Jewish elders to communicate with Jesus about a need he has. This is a common practice of the time, especially between Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles). It is so common among Jews, in fact, that Matthew records the story as the Centurion and Jesus actually conversing. What is the difference? Why the contradiction? There is no contradiction, actually. Matthew, a Jew writing to other Jews, would write knowing that Jews would understand the means of communication. Luke is writing primarily to Gentiles and includes many details – including the ones that Matthew would not include. As we look at this story, we will see a few things about humility, pride, and faith that communicate to our own lives and how we interact with Christ.
1. Pride Gets in the Way (vv.1-5) – This is a common reaction to Jesus and the Jews. The nation of Israel has always been very prideful, even today. However, we as Americans are not all that different. The Centurion knows he is in a situation when He needs Jesus. This is interesting since Jesus and the disciples primarily ministered to Jewish people during His ministry (Matthew 10:5-6). This was not racism, but rather the message was to the Jews first, as they would take it to the rest of the world. Still, this Roman soldier knew about Jesus and His ministry. Question: Do people around us know about Jesus and who He really is outside of our “church circle?” Sometimes it is easy for us to be so inwardly focused that we forget to let the influence of Christ in our lives influence others. Question: What made Jesus so well known? What Jesus was doing through people was incredible and being noticed in a positive way. How will people see the power of Christ is the power of Christ never moves through us? Question: Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever heard stories of missionaries and God doing incredible things and wondered why those types of things never happened in your life? Why do you think that is? For the Jews here, their pride made them comfortable. Notice what they say to Jesus in verses 4-5. They plead with Jesus to help this man because he is “worthy” of being helped due to his love for Israel. Are we not the same way sometimes? “Jesus, we deserve to be helped,” is what we sometimes say. Pride gets in the way and makes us comfortable, causing us to think that we are so good and right. If God is not doing anything, the problem is with Him, not us, right?
2. Humility Leads to Faith (vv.6-9) – The Centurion man knew that even though he was a powerful man who treated Jews well, he did not deserve to have Jesus’ special attention. Question: What made him so different from the Jewish people here? He was a humble man. It is not clear to us just exactly what he believed about Jesus, but he believed enough to know that Jesus was his only hope, and he did not deserve it. Question: Do we feel that way? Do I believe that Jesus is really my only hope? Personally, I do not always feel that way. Why – because I am comfortable. Whether it is living in America or being in a part of the country that is the Bible belt or because I never take a risk big enough to trust God completely, my faith is not always as strong as the Centurions. Jesus said in verse 9 that He had not seen faith like this throughout the entire country of Israel! When we can have humble hearts before God and trust Him, then I believe we will see amazing things happen in our lives. This man believed Jesus could help him so much that he knew Jesus did not even have to come to his house. Question: How much do we really believe God can do amazing things?
3. True Faith Leads to True Miracles (vs.10) – I’m really hesitant to make this claim because of the insane amount of heresy out there today that “If you only believe enough God can do anything in your life!” Those preachers that have this “prosperity gospel” put the power in hands of man and take it out of the hands of God. What I do mean when I say that true faith leads to true miracles is that we cannot expect to see God do amazing things in our lives if we do not really have faith in His Word and power. We may go to church every week, even read our Bible some, and sing all the worship songs, but we do we really believe God can save our world? Do I believe that when I share the Gospel with someone that the Holy Spirit works in people’s hearts, or do I believe that I have to say everything perfectly?
Question: What should our response to this passage be? Tonight, we need to ask God to lead us to make our faith stronger. This might be through some difficult times at first, but the reward is worth the journey. Maybe we need to ask God to put some things in His hands and take them out of ours. Maybe, we need to ask God to put us on the front lines and suit up. It’s time to save the world, but our biggest enemy is often times our pride. Don’t get comfortable.
Luke 7:1-10
Don’t Get Comfortable
As we take a look in Luke’s Gospel again tonight, the seventh chapter presents us with a story in Jesus’ ministry where He meets an interesting man. Well, Jesus sort of “meets” this man. The individual is actually a Centurion, a Roman soldier in command of 100 other men. He sends some Jewish elders to communicate with Jesus about a need he has. This is a common practice of the time, especially between Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles). It is so common among Jews, in fact, that Matthew records the story as the Centurion and Jesus actually conversing. What is the difference? Why the contradiction? There is no contradiction, actually. Matthew, a Jew writing to other Jews, would write knowing that Jews would understand the means of communication. Luke is writing primarily to Gentiles and includes many details – including the ones that Matthew would not include. As we look at this story, we will see a few things about humility, pride, and faith that communicate to our own lives and how we interact with Christ.
1. Pride Gets in the Way (vv.1-5) – This is a common reaction to Jesus and the Jews. The nation of Israel has always been very prideful, even today. However, we as Americans are not all that different. The Centurion knows he is in a situation when He needs Jesus. This is interesting since Jesus and the disciples primarily ministered to Jewish people during His ministry (Matthew 10:5-6). This was not racism, but rather the message was to the Jews first, as they would take it to the rest of the world. Still, this Roman soldier knew about Jesus and His ministry. Question: Do people around us know about Jesus and who He really is outside of our “church circle?” Sometimes it is easy for us to be so inwardly focused that we forget to let the influence of Christ in our lives influence others. Question: What made Jesus so well known? What Jesus was doing through people was incredible and being noticed in a positive way. How will people see the power of Christ is the power of Christ never moves through us? Question: Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever heard stories of missionaries and God doing incredible things and wondered why those types of things never happened in your life? Why do you think that is? For the Jews here, their pride made them comfortable. Notice what they say to Jesus in verses 4-5. They plead with Jesus to help this man because he is “worthy” of being helped due to his love for Israel. Are we not the same way sometimes? “Jesus, we deserve to be helped,” is what we sometimes say. Pride gets in the way and makes us comfortable, causing us to think that we are so good and right. If God is not doing anything, the problem is with Him, not us, right?
2. Humility Leads to Faith (vv.6-9) – The Centurion man knew that even though he was a powerful man who treated Jews well, he did not deserve to have Jesus’ special attention. Question: What made him so different from the Jewish people here? He was a humble man. It is not clear to us just exactly what he believed about Jesus, but he believed enough to know that Jesus was his only hope, and he did not deserve it. Question: Do we feel that way? Do I believe that Jesus is really my only hope? Personally, I do not always feel that way. Why – because I am comfortable. Whether it is living in America or being in a part of the country that is the Bible belt or because I never take a risk big enough to trust God completely, my faith is not always as strong as the Centurions. Jesus said in verse 9 that He had not seen faith like this throughout the entire country of Israel! When we can have humble hearts before God and trust Him, then I believe we will see amazing things happen in our lives. This man believed Jesus could help him so much that he knew Jesus did not even have to come to his house. Question: How much do we really believe God can do amazing things?
3. True Faith Leads to True Miracles (vs.10) – I’m really hesitant to make this claim because of the insane amount of heresy out there today that “If you only believe enough God can do anything in your life!” Those preachers that have this “prosperity gospel” put the power in hands of man and take it out of the hands of God. What I do mean when I say that true faith leads to true miracles is that we cannot expect to see God do amazing things in our lives if we do not really have faith in His Word and power. We may go to church every week, even read our Bible some, and sing all the worship songs, but we do we really believe God can save our world? Do I believe that when I share the Gospel with someone that the Holy Spirit works in people’s hearts, or do I believe that I have to say everything perfectly?
Question: What should our response to this passage be? Tonight, we need to ask God to lead us to make our faith stronger. This might be through some difficult times at first, but the reward is worth the journey. Maybe we need to ask God to put some things in His hands and take them out of ours. Maybe, we need to ask God to put us on the front lines and suit up. It’s time to save the world, but our biggest enemy is often times our pride. Don’t get comfortable.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Love Like God
These are the notes from last night's Impact, May 5, 2010.
Luke 6:27-49
Love Like God
As we wind down the semester tonight, we are also winding down Luke chapter six, which contains teachings of Jesus that Luke records. Up to this point in Luke, we have seen many things through his writings. At the beginning we saw the faith and lives of purpose through John the Baptist, his family, and even Luke the author. Mary and Joseph also exemplified these qualities throughout Jesus’ birth. As we have looked through the life of Jesus, we have seen Christ as the Son of God who has been bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God to everyone throughout this region. He has faced difficult times and difficult people already – the same which we will face as we follow Him with our lives. Tonight we look at some instructions that Jesus gives to us, boldly asking for a response. As we look at what Jesus is asking us to be like, keep this in mind: all the characteristics Jesus wants us to have are the ones He has. What does Christ desire – for us to be like Him.
1. Love Your Enemies (vv.27-36) – Question: When you read or hear these verses, how do you react? It seems like each of the scenarios and responses Jesus lays out are the exact opposite of what one might do if he was asked, “What would you do in this situation?” “What would you do if someone cursed you? What if they hit you? What if they stole from you? What if they begged you for money?” Perhaps our natural response when we are hit is to hit that person back. When you think of someone like Osama Bin Laden, who has a desire to kill many Americans, do you think of him as an enemy? Do you love him? What about that person who you know personally but just cannot stand to be around? What about your “enemies” in life. Do you love them? These are difficult characteristics to have in our lives. Question: Does being like what Jesus has taught here make us weak? Not at all. It takes a strong person to love in the face of hate. How do we qualify this? Simply put, Jesus showed us. He carried His cross on his way to die down the streets of Jerusalem after being beaten brutally. Angry, hate-filled people lined the streets, the very people who shouted for His death. In the face of all of this, He willingly gave up His life for those very people. You see, these things Jesus talks about - that is how God loves us. Romans 5:8-11 paints a clear picture of where we stood with God because of sin. Paul writes that our sin made us enemies of God, and even in that fact, Jesus Christ died and rose again for our sin. If God would have treated us like we treat people sometimes, then we would have never had hope of being right with Him, peace in this life, or life with Him in Heaven. In verses 32-36, Jesus continues on to say that if we act like everyone else, they will not see that God makes a difference. That difference is what shows the world that God is real in our lives. We can love our enemies and treat people like Jesus asks us to because that is how God is like, and that is how Jesus lived (vs.36). (Batman begins clip – “I’m No Executioner”)
2. One Finger Pointing Forward, Three Pointing Back (vv.37-42) – This passage makes me think of that saying, “If you have one finger pointing at someone, then you have three pointing right back at you.” That is what Jesus is saying here. We “religious” people are quick to cast judgment on those who do not measure up to us. Jesus calls us out, however. We talk about the speck in someone else’s eye when there is a log in ours. I’ve talked before about how I will sometimes stop at the store after church, and I will be wearing my suit. Often times, I will see people who look like they have just woke up, or it is obvious they did not go to church. My prideful spirit will often be like, “Annnnd where have you been today? Not in church, that’s for sure!” That is so wrong of me. Question: Am I any better than anyone else? Are you? No! The only thing that separates me from a lost person is the grace of God. It is nothing that I have done. In Jesus’ day, there were many men who were very self-righteous, because they wanted to “look” good. Me in my suit at the store is a picture of that I think. The only one who is qualified to truly judge people is God, for He is perfect and the standard. Now, we can go to our Christian brothers and sisters and say, “Hey what you are doing is wrong,” but we use the Bible and God as a standard. We get in trouble when our own spiritual state is the standard that we use.
3. Jesus Demands an Actual Response (vv.43-49) – As Jesus is ending His teaching here, He establishes a principle: What you really do defines who you really are. His example is a tree and fruit. You can tell what type of tree a tree is by the fruit it produces. If a tree has apples, then it is an apple tree. If a tree makes peaches, then it must be a peach tree. You can tell if someone is a Christian, because they will “bear fruit” of the Christian life, which is what Jesus has been talking about in the previous verses. Question: What do you do with a fruit tree that does not bear any fruit or bad fruit? When I was growing up, we had a peach tree in our backyard that was there when we moved in. We did not plant it; it just grew there naturally. We knew it was a peach tree because or the peaches it grew, but the peaches were not very good. The limbs grew out and it had nasty leaves and bugs, and it did not look good at all. So what did we do? We cut that bad boy down. It was not good for anything. It did not provide shade, limbs broke all the time, and it stunk. That is how it can be with us and our Christian walk sometimes – we just stink. We do not provide any good fruit. Many people think they are Christians, even call themselves that, but never produce any fruit. There is no sign that he or she is really a Christian. But Jesus says this at the end of this section – he who hears what Jesus says and does not hear is like a man who built his house on a foundation of sand. Eventually, everything will come crashing down. However, the one who does hear is like the man who built his house on rock. There is strength and security that Christ will never fail.
Tonight, Jesus is calling you to respond. Even though we were enemies of God, even though we did not love Him, He loved us. If you are trying to live your life and not put your faith in Christ, then you are building your life on a foundation of sand. One day, everything will come crashing down, either in this life or the next. The only true hope is that which Christ gives to us. Tonight, please say yes to Jesus, allow Him to forgive you of your sins and commit your life to follow Him. Jesus is calling you, will you answer? Will you answer the call to change the world by letting Him change you? God loves us so much, and it is now time for us to love like Him.
Luke 6:27-49
Love Like God
As we wind down the semester tonight, we are also winding down Luke chapter six, which contains teachings of Jesus that Luke records. Up to this point in Luke, we have seen many things through his writings. At the beginning we saw the faith and lives of purpose through John the Baptist, his family, and even Luke the author. Mary and Joseph also exemplified these qualities throughout Jesus’ birth. As we have looked through the life of Jesus, we have seen Christ as the Son of God who has been bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God to everyone throughout this region. He has faced difficult times and difficult people already – the same which we will face as we follow Him with our lives. Tonight we look at some instructions that Jesus gives to us, boldly asking for a response. As we look at what Jesus is asking us to be like, keep this in mind: all the characteristics Jesus wants us to have are the ones He has. What does Christ desire – for us to be like Him.
1. Love Your Enemies (vv.27-36) – Question: When you read or hear these verses, how do you react? It seems like each of the scenarios and responses Jesus lays out are the exact opposite of what one might do if he was asked, “What would you do in this situation?” “What would you do if someone cursed you? What if they hit you? What if they stole from you? What if they begged you for money?” Perhaps our natural response when we are hit is to hit that person back. When you think of someone like Osama Bin Laden, who has a desire to kill many Americans, do you think of him as an enemy? Do you love him? What about that person who you know personally but just cannot stand to be around? What about your “enemies” in life. Do you love them? These are difficult characteristics to have in our lives. Question: Does being like what Jesus has taught here make us weak? Not at all. It takes a strong person to love in the face of hate. How do we qualify this? Simply put, Jesus showed us. He carried His cross on his way to die down the streets of Jerusalem after being beaten brutally. Angry, hate-filled people lined the streets, the very people who shouted for His death. In the face of all of this, He willingly gave up His life for those very people. You see, these things Jesus talks about - that is how God loves us. Romans 5:8-11 paints a clear picture of where we stood with God because of sin. Paul writes that our sin made us enemies of God, and even in that fact, Jesus Christ died and rose again for our sin. If God would have treated us like we treat people sometimes, then we would have never had hope of being right with Him, peace in this life, or life with Him in Heaven. In verses 32-36, Jesus continues on to say that if we act like everyone else, they will not see that God makes a difference. That difference is what shows the world that God is real in our lives. We can love our enemies and treat people like Jesus asks us to because that is how God is like, and that is how Jesus lived (vs.36). (Batman begins clip – “I’m No Executioner”)
2. One Finger Pointing Forward, Three Pointing Back (vv.37-42) – This passage makes me think of that saying, “If you have one finger pointing at someone, then you have three pointing right back at you.” That is what Jesus is saying here. We “religious” people are quick to cast judgment on those who do not measure up to us. Jesus calls us out, however. We talk about the speck in someone else’s eye when there is a log in ours. I’ve talked before about how I will sometimes stop at the store after church, and I will be wearing my suit. Often times, I will see people who look like they have just woke up, or it is obvious they did not go to church. My prideful spirit will often be like, “Annnnd where have you been today? Not in church, that’s for sure!” That is so wrong of me. Question: Am I any better than anyone else? Are you? No! The only thing that separates me from a lost person is the grace of God. It is nothing that I have done. In Jesus’ day, there were many men who were very self-righteous, because they wanted to “look” good. Me in my suit at the store is a picture of that I think. The only one who is qualified to truly judge people is God, for He is perfect and the standard. Now, we can go to our Christian brothers and sisters and say, “Hey what you are doing is wrong,” but we use the Bible and God as a standard. We get in trouble when our own spiritual state is the standard that we use.
3. Jesus Demands an Actual Response (vv.43-49) – As Jesus is ending His teaching here, He establishes a principle: What you really do defines who you really are. His example is a tree and fruit. You can tell what type of tree a tree is by the fruit it produces. If a tree has apples, then it is an apple tree. If a tree makes peaches, then it must be a peach tree. You can tell if someone is a Christian, because they will “bear fruit” of the Christian life, which is what Jesus has been talking about in the previous verses. Question: What do you do with a fruit tree that does not bear any fruit or bad fruit? When I was growing up, we had a peach tree in our backyard that was there when we moved in. We did not plant it; it just grew there naturally. We knew it was a peach tree because or the peaches it grew, but the peaches were not very good. The limbs grew out and it had nasty leaves and bugs, and it did not look good at all. So what did we do? We cut that bad boy down. It was not good for anything. It did not provide shade, limbs broke all the time, and it stunk. That is how it can be with us and our Christian walk sometimes – we just stink. We do not provide any good fruit. Many people think they are Christians, even call themselves that, but never produce any fruit. There is no sign that he or she is really a Christian. But Jesus says this at the end of this section – he who hears what Jesus says and does not hear is like a man who built his house on a foundation of sand. Eventually, everything will come crashing down. However, the one who does hear is like the man who built his house on rock. There is strength and security that Christ will never fail.
Tonight, Jesus is calling you to respond. Even though we were enemies of God, even though we did not love Him, He loved us. If you are trying to live your life and not put your faith in Christ, then you are building your life on a foundation of sand. One day, everything will come crashing down, either in this life or the next. The only true hope is that which Christ gives to us. Tonight, please say yes to Jesus, allow Him to forgive you of your sins and commit your life to follow Him. Jesus is calling you, will you answer? Will you answer the call to change the world by letting Him change you? God loves us so much, and it is now time for us to love like Him.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Jesus Wants Our Hearts
These are the notes from last week's Impact, April 28, 2010. Next week is our last big Impact of the semester, and we will be finishing Luke chapter 6. Be there tomorrow @ 8:30 for Impact on Cinco De Mayo!
Luke 6:1-26
Jesus Wants Our Hearts
Tonight, we are back in Luke’s Gospel seeing a few snapshots of Jesus’ life and ministry. When Jesus lived on earth He did several amazing things, but He also challenged the social order of the time established by the Pharisees and other teachers of the Law. In response to this, these men had great enmity for Christ and what He did. When Jesus said He was in fact God, the Son of God, these men went over the edge of hatred. That is why they plotted to kill Jesus. In this chapter of Luke, we see a glimpse of this in Jesus’ life, and Christ even says if we follow Him, the same will happen to us. Tonight we are going to examine this, but also, we are going to look at what Jesus Christ really wants from us. Jesus does not want us to just fulfill some requirements for a moral code – He wants our hearts.
1. Jesus Knows What is Really Important (vv.1-11) – One Sabbath day when Jesus was traveling with some of His disciples, they were picking the heads off of grain because they were hungry. The Pharisees have an issue with this and tell Christ what He is doing is unlawful. However, all they are really not concerned with the actual Law or Sabbath; they are just trying to catch Jesus is some sort of trap. Jesus responds with a story of David that is very familiar to these men. Actually, what the disciples are doing is lawful according to Deuteronomy 23:25. Satisfying immediate hunger on the Sabbath was not unlawful. Doing a lot of work preparing a meal or selling food for profit was prohibited. Question: What is the real issue here with the Pharisees? What are they trying to accomplish? All these guys are trying to do is find something wrong with a man who lives a perfect life. They are trying to find some fault in Christ. What the Pharisees have done have taken something established by God, the Sabbath, and put their own rules to it that push people down instead of bring them closer to God. Question: Why did God create the Sabbath? The short answer is God established the Sabbath so that His people would rest and remember their Creator and Savior. Working and making money puts the focus on humans and what we do. A true Sabbath puts the focus on God. Jesus wants our hearts to be close to Him and not just for us to obey some rules. The things that God has established are to bring us closer to Him – not push us down. As we move on, notice the anger the Pharisees have for Jesus. We will look more at this later on.
2. Jesus is What People Want and Need (vv.12-19) – As Luke describes whom Jesus chooses as disciples, he continues on after this meeting and Jesus moves on down to a crowd who has come to see Him. Question: What do you notice about the crowd? The crowd desperately wants to see Jesus. Some wanted to hear Him, and others wanted to be healed. The point is true back then and true today: people want Jesus; people need Jesus. It’s probably true that some wanted only what Jesus had to offer. That’s true today as well. Some people just want healing or whatever would benefit them; however, there were some that want Jesus because they know that He is the answer to everything. These people do not just want to get something from Christ, but they want to follow Him as well. Question: What is our mission? We are the body of Christ. It is our mission to bring Christ to the world. Question: Are we accessible? Can the people that want Christ find us? Are we looking for them?
3. Jesus Was Hated and So Are We (vv.20-26) – This is the Beatitudes, like what we see in Matthew 5. They are qualities that we should exemplify in our lives to be like Christ. What stands out here to me is verses 22-26. Jesus tells us that as men hated Him, they will hate us. Question: Why is that? Why do people hate us as followers of Christ? Christians have been persecuted every since Christ Himself. The main reason they are persecuted is sin. Sin is at its core rebellion against God. As sinful people, we are enemies of God. When someone begins to follow Christ, now the world is his or her enemy as well. When we say we are on God’s side, then evil is against us. Sin is the core of the hatred against Christians and anything good. It also seems that those who fight for things like open-mindedness, tolerance, and equal speech seem to hate the points of view that define morality or right and wrong. These people want freedom of speech…as long as that speech agrees with them. I know not every point of view is good or uplifting, but Christians get shut down for standing up for things. As we stand up for what is right, people will hate us for it. Sin = rebellion, Morality = rejection, and Truth = refusal. Question: How did Jesus stand up for what was right? What were His methods? If we are going to stand up for what is right and call ourselves Christians as we do it, then we need to follow the example of Christ. Question: How do we know the example of Christ? Only by reading the Word of God, the Bible, can we know what the true example of Christ is. Many people have done things “In the Name of God” that were actually terrible acts, tearing down the Kingdom of God. What we do must glorify God and not defame Him.
What’s the best thing we can do? The biggest impact we can make is by sharing the Gospel with people around us. What the world really needs is the saving power of the blood of Christ. Is that what you need tonight? Maybe you have never answered the call to follow Christ and want to do that tonight. Maybe tonight you are a Christian, but you do not know Christ well enough to live like Him. Either way, it’s time to get to where we need to be with Him, because it’s time to save the world. What will your answer be tonight?
Luke 6:1-26
Jesus Wants Our Hearts
Tonight, we are back in Luke’s Gospel seeing a few snapshots of Jesus’ life and ministry. When Jesus lived on earth He did several amazing things, but He also challenged the social order of the time established by the Pharisees and other teachers of the Law. In response to this, these men had great enmity for Christ and what He did. When Jesus said He was in fact God, the Son of God, these men went over the edge of hatred. That is why they plotted to kill Jesus. In this chapter of Luke, we see a glimpse of this in Jesus’ life, and Christ even says if we follow Him, the same will happen to us. Tonight we are going to examine this, but also, we are going to look at what Jesus Christ really wants from us. Jesus does not want us to just fulfill some requirements for a moral code – He wants our hearts.
1. Jesus Knows What is Really Important (vv.1-11) – One Sabbath day when Jesus was traveling with some of His disciples, they were picking the heads off of grain because they were hungry. The Pharisees have an issue with this and tell Christ what He is doing is unlawful. However, all they are really not concerned with the actual Law or Sabbath; they are just trying to catch Jesus is some sort of trap. Jesus responds with a story of David that is very familiar to these men. Actually, what the disciples are doing is lawful according to Deuteronomy 23:25. Satisfying immediate hunger on the Sabbath was not unlawful. Doing a lot of work preparing a meal or selling food for profit was prohibited. Question: What is the real issue here with the Pharisees? What are they trying to accomplish? All these guys are trying to do is find something wrong with a man who lives a perfect life. They are trying to find some fault in Christ. What the Pharisees have done have taken something established by God, the Sabbath, and put their own rules to it that push people down instead of bring them closer to God. Question: Why did God create the Sabbath? The short answer is God established the Sabbath so that His people would rest and remember their Creator and Savior. Working and making money puts the focus on humans and what we do. A true Sabbath puts the focus on God. Jesus wants our hearts to be close to Him and not just for us to obey some rules. The things that God has established are to bring us closer to Him – not push us down. As we move on, notice the anger the Pharisees have for Jesus. We will look more at this later on.
2. Jesus is What People Want and Need (vv.12-19) – As Luke describes whom Jesus chooses as disciples, he continues on after this meeting and Jesus moves on down to a crowd who has come to see Him. Question: What do you notice about the crowd? The crowd desperately wants to see Jesus. Some wanted to hear Him, and others wanted to be healed. The point is true back then and true today: people want Jesus; people need Jesus. It’s probably true that some wanted only what Jesus had to offer. That’s true today as well. Some people just want healing or whatever would benefit them; however, there were some that want Jesus because they know that He is the answer to everything. These people do not just want to get something from Christ, but they want to follow Him as well. Question: What is our mission? We are the body of Christ. It is our mission to bring Christ to the world. Question: Are we accessible? Can the people that want Christ find us? Are we looking for them?
3. Jesus Was Hated and So Are We (vv.20-26) – This is the Beatitudes, like what we see in Matthew 5. They are qualities that we should exemplify in our lives to be like Christ. What stands out here to me is verses 22-26. Jesus tells us that as men hated Him, they will hate us. Question: Why is that? Why do people hate us as followers of Christ? Christians have been persecuted every since Christ Himself. The main reason they are persecuted is sin. Sin is at its core rebellion against God. As sinful people, we are enemies of God. When someone begins to follow Christ, now the world is his or her enemy as well. When we say we are on God’s side, then evil is against us. Sin is the core of the hatred against Christians and anything good. It also seems that those who fight for things like open-mindedness, tolerance, and equal speech seem to hate the points of view that define morality or right and wrong. These people want freedom of speech…as long as that speech agrees with them. I know not every point of view is good or uplifting, but Christians get shut down for standing up for things. As we stand up for what is right, people will hate us for it. Sin = rebellion, Morality = rejection, and Truth = refusal. Question: How did Jesus stand up for what was right? What were His methods? If we are going to stand up for what is right and call ourselves Christians as we do it, then we need to follow the example of Christ. Question: How do we know the example of Christ? Only by reading the Word of God, the Bible, can we know what the true example of Christ is. Many people have done things “In the Name of God” that were actually terrible acts, tearing down the Kingdom of God. What we do must glorify God and not defame Him.
What’s the best thing we can do? The biggest impact we can make is by sharing the Gospel with people around us. What the world really needs is the saving power of the blood of Christ. Is that what you need tonight? Maybe you have never answered the call to follow Christ and want to do that tonight. Maybe tonight you are a Christian, but you do not know Christ well enough to live like Him. Either way, it’s time to get to where we need to be with Him, because it’s time to save the world. What will your answer be tonight?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Walking in the Light
These are notes from Impact last week, April 21, 2010, which were also used in Sunday School April 18, 2010.
1 John 1:1-4
Witnesses To Something Incredible
Tonight we are detouring once again from Luke and taking a look at one of the letters of John, 1 John. We are going to be looking through this on Sunday Mornings. I wanted to give the Impact crowd a taste of what Sundays are like, and this letter is incredible important to our mission at missionaries in the realm of College life. John, a disciple and an apostle, wrote his letters to the churches throughout the world to encourage and teach them. John’s writings are some of my favourite throughout the whole Bible, because he just has such a huge heart for God and knows how much God loves us. What John has seen and witnessed in his life is incredible, and we live 2000 years from when he did, we are witnesses to something incredible as well.
1. John Was An Eyewitness (vv.1-2) – John begins his letter by qualifying himself as an eyewitness to Jesus Christ and what Christ has done. He begins this letter much like he began his Gospel, using the words “from the beginning.” John mimics Genesis 1:1 in John 1 and again in 1 John 1. What he is saying is that Jesus Christ is not merely a man who was killed, but He is in fact God – the Son of God. John uses the name “The Word of Life,” which is a term, a Greek word logos (Word), playing off of the idea of Genesis when God spoke all of creation into existence. Jesus Christ is that Word – He is the Giver of Life. John 1:3 and Colossians 1:15-16 speak of this. Jesus is the Logos. John goes on to say that he was an eyewitness to the Logos. He saw with his eyes and touched with his hands. What John witnessed was incredible. He witnessed God in the flesh, who died and rose again for our sins so that we could have eternal life. That is what John is proclaiming to the readers of this letter 2000 years ago and us today.
2. We Are Eyewitnesses (vv.3-4) – Question: What made John an eyewitness? What qualified him to this status? It’s really quite simple. John was around Christ and saw Him do amazing things. Do you know even though we did not live and physically walk with Christ that we are still eyewitnesses? Question: What makes us eyewitnesses? There are many answers to this question, but if you have seen the power of God, then you are an eyewitness. If you are follower of Christ, then you have witnessed the change Jesus made in your heart and life. When we seek to serve God we see Him do amazing things, and those things make us eyewitnesses as well. Question: What has God done in, through, or around your life that you have witnessed? Another truth is that if we do not know God or have committed our life to follow Christ, then we have not witnessed what Jesus can do in our lives. Question: Do you feel like if you had to share what God has done that you would not have anything to share? What if a court called you to be an eyewitness to the evidence of God? Would you have anything to share? If I am a believer but I am not living my life for the Kingdom of God, then I probably will not see God doing anything amazing in my life. When we surrender our hearts and to Him and follow Him with our whole life, we see incredible things. Question: What keeps us from seeing these incredible things that God does? What is keeping you personally?
3. Being an Eyewitness Makes Our Joy Complete (vv.3-4) – John makes a great statement about being an eyewitness. “These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete,” (vs.4). Knowing Jesus Christ and following Him is amazing, and being an eyewitness is incredible, but our joy is not fully complete until we share what we have seen. John says in verse three that his desire is for the readers of this letter to be in fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. He knows that true joy and purpose is found in sharing Christ with the world and seeing others come to know Him. Jesus made this point clear several times as He taught in the Gospels (Matthew 5:16, 28:18-20 – just to name a couple). Question: Have you ever felt “stunted” in your growth as a Christian? Have you ever felt like your walk with God goes in circles? Perhaps not fulfilling that role in sharing as an eyewitness is robbing you of the joy that comes from being the light God has called you to be. Christ is calling us to follow Him and be like Him. He is calling us to be heroes.
Maybe you are here tonight and this does not mean much to you, because you have never given your heart and life to Jesus Christ. What John said to these people all those years ago is directed at you right now. Tonight God has brought you here to hear (or read on the blog) that Christ died and rose for our sins and wants to be your Lord and Savior. As John saw this with his eyes, I have seen it with my life as well. What is keeping you from saying yes to Him? Tonight you can become an eyewitness to something incredible.
Discussion/Application Questions
1. Do you really know God and the love He has for you?
2. What are the things God has done that we are witness to?
3. What is keeping you from being an eyewitness who shares?
1 John 1:1-4
Witnesses To Something Incredible
Tonight we are detouring once again from Luke and taking a look at one of the letters of John, 1 John. We are going to be looking through this on Sunday Mornings. I wanted to give the Impact crowd a taste of what Sundays are like, and this letter is incredible important to our mission at missionaries in the realm of College life. John, a disciple and an apostle, wrote his letters to the churches throughout the world to encourage and teach them. John’s writings are some of my favourite throughout the whole Bible, because he just has such a huge heart for God and knows how much God loves us. What John has seen and witnessed in his life is incredible, and we live 2000 years from when he did, we are witnesses to something incredible as well.
1. John Was An Eyewitness (vv.1-2) – John begins his letter by qualifying himself as an eyewitness to Jesus Christ and what Christ has done. He begins this letter much like he began his Gospel, using the words “from the beginning.” John mimics Genesis 1:1 in John 1 and again in 1 John 1. What he is saying is that Jesus Christ is not merely a man who was killed, but He is in fact God – the Son of God. John uses the name “The Word of Life,” which is a term, a Greek word logos (Word), playing off of the idea of Genesis when God spoke all of creation into existence. Jesus Christ is that Word – He is the Giver of Life. John 1:3 and Colossians 1:15-16 speak of this. Jesus is the Logos. John goes on to say that he was an eyewitness to the Logos. He saw with his eyes and touched with his hands. What John witnessed was incredible. He witnessed God in the flesh, who died and rose again for our sins so that we could have eternal life. That is what John is proclaiming to the readers of this letter 2000 years ago and us today.
2. We Are Eyewitnesses (vv.3-4) – Question: What made John an eyewitness? What qualified him to this status? It’s really quite simple. John was around Christ and saw Him do amazing things. Do you know even though we did not live and physically walk with Christ that we are still eyewitnesses? Question: What makes us eyewitnesses? There are many answers to this question, but if you have seen the power of God, then you are an eyewitness. If you are follower of Christ, then you have witnessed the change Jesus made in your heart and life. When we seek to serve God we see Him do amazing things, and those things make us eyewitnesses as well. Question: What has God done in, through, or around your life that you have witnessed? Another truth is that if we do not know God or have committed our life to follow Christ, then we have not witnessed what Jesus can do in our lives. Question: Do you feel like if you had to share what God has done that you would not have anything to share? What if a court called you to be an eyewitness to the evidence of God? Would you have anything to share? If I am a believer but I am not living my life for the Kingdom of God, then I probably will not see God doing anything amazing in my life. When we surrender our hearts and to Him and follow Him with our whole life, we see incredible things. Question: What keeps us from seeing these incredible things that God does? What is keeping you personally?
3. Being an Eyewitness Makes Our Joy Complete (vv.3-4) – John makes a great statement about being an eyewitness. “These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete,” (vs.4). Knowing Jesus Christ and following Him is amazing, and being an eyewitness is incredible, but our joy is not fully complete until we share what we have seen. John says in verse three that his desire is for the readers of this letter to be in fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. He knows that true joy and purpose is found in sharing Christ with the world and seeing others come to know Him. Jesus made this point clear several times as He taught in the Gospels (Matthew 5:16, 28:18-20 – just to name a couple). Question: Have you ever felt “stunted” in your growth as a Christian? Have you ever felt like your walk with God goes in circles? Perhaps not fulfilling that role in sharing as an eyewitness is robbing you of the joy that comes from being the light God has called you to be. Christ is calling us to follow Him and be like Him. He is calling us to be heroes.
Maybe you are here tonight and this does not mean much to you, because you have never given your heart and life to Jesus Christ. What John said to these people all those years ago is directed at you right now. Tonight God has brought you here to hear (or read on the blog) that Christ died and rose for our sins and wants to be your Lord and Savior. As John saw this with his eyes, I have seen it with my life as well. What is keeping you from saying yes to Him? Tonight you can become an eyewitness to something incredible.
Discussion/Application Questions
1. Do you really know God and the love He has for you?
2. What are the things God has done that we are witness to?
3. What is keeping you from being an eyewitness who shares?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Repentance = Refreshment
These are the notes from Impact on April 14, 2010. Come to Impact tonight at FBC Ada (15th and Broadway) to be a part of worship with us!
Acts 3:11-26
Repentance = Refreshment
Tonight we are detouring from Luke and going to take a look at Acts chapter three. This section of Acts contains an incredible story of Peter and John and an encounter they have with a crippled man begging for money. This is right after the time of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down and filled believers – the beginning of the New Testament church. The two apostles meet up with a man begging for money outside the gate called Beautiful in Jerusalem. He has been crippled from birth, but they have no money for him. Instead, Peter heals the man in the name of Jesus Christ. He is so grateful and the people who have seen this are absolutely amazed. We pick up the story when Peter begins to address the crowd and share the Gospel with them. From this passage of Scripture we see a few things about Jesus and what it means to really follow Him.
1. Peter Shares that Christ is the Reason We Have Hope (vv.11-16) – As Peter notices that the people around him are wondering what has just happened, he takes this opportunity to share with them that Jesus Christ is the reason the crippled man was healed. He shares that Jesus was not just a man, but He in fact was God. He is speaking to Jews, and Peter tells them what happened, that fellow Jews put Christ to death and God raised Him from the dead. All Peter has done is told these people who Jesus is and what He has done in the lives of he and this crippled man. Question: If you were to tell people what Jesus has done for you, what you tell them? Sharing our testimony is simply telling people how Jesus has changed our lives – how Christ gave us hope. If Jesus Christ has truly changed us, should not we be sharing that same hope with others?
2. Repentance Equals Refreshment (vv.17-21) – Peter explains that Christ had to die for the sins of the world to be taken away, and so what the Jews did to Him was something that had to happen. It was ignorance, as Peter says in verse 17, but it was still wrong. As Peter explains this, he is calling those who listen to repent from their sins and turn their hearts to God. By doing this, Peter says, “that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.” This is a huge concept. So many times, repentance is painted in this light that it only means following the rules of a religion. Here, however, Peter shows us it is so much more than that! Repentance is about our hearts being refreshed. Question: How would you describe being refreshed? Sin destroys the way God designed us to be, and when we return to that, it is so good for us. People search for things to bring them peace and fulfillment, and Christ is where that is found. Repentance is necessary for a relationship with Christ and to go to Heaven, but it is also about the here and now. It’s more than just fulfilling some requirement of a religion – repenting is about turning closer to God, the One who loves us! Question: Are we sharing with the people of the world this powerful truth, that Christ is the One our hearts have longed for?
3. No Repentance Equals Destruction (vv.22-26) – The opposite truth of repentance bringing refreshment is just as powerful and needs to be heard. Peter shares some illustrations that are very familiar to the Jewish people. He speaks of Moses, Samuel, and the other Prophets bringing truth to the people. What Peter is trying to tell these people is that if they do not listen to the message that Christ brought to them, and if they do not repent, their sin will destroy them. This is true – both in the now and in the hereafter. Sin ultimately destroys us in life. It tears down families, finances, health, and so much more. Sin keeps us from the presence of God, and that ultimately means we will not be in Heaven with Him. Although difficult to take it, this is the truth. The crazy thing about sin is that some sin does satisfy for a time, but it always brings us pain and destruction. God wants to bring us peace. Question: Are you staying in that sin that is causing you pain in destruction? What is keeping you from turning from sin and turning to God who seeks to refresh you and bring you peace? Jesus Christ wants you to say and commit your life to follow Him. It’s not just about some religion; it’s about a relationship with a God who loves you and brings peace to your life.
Discussion/Application Questions
1. Do you really know God and the love He has for you?
2. Are you living in the purpose that God has for your life? Are you even looking for it?
3. What is the most important thing in your life?
4. What is keeping you from turning to God right now?
Acts 3:11-26
Repentance = Refreshment
Tonight we are detouring from Luke and going to take a look at Acts chapter three. This section of Acts contains an incredible story of Peter and John and an encounter they have with a crippled man begging for money. This is right after the time of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down and filled believers – the beginning of the New Testament church. The two apostles meet up with a man begging for money outside the gate called Beautiful in Jerusalem. He has been crippled from birth, but they have no money for him. Instead, Peter heals the man in the name of Jesus Christ. He is so grateful and the people who have seen this are absolutely amazed. We pick up the story when Peter begins to address the crowd and share the Gospel with them. From this passage of Scripture we see a few things about Jesus and what it means to really follow Him.
1. Peter Shares that Christ is the Reason We Have Hope (vv.11-16) – As Peter notices that the people around him are wondering what has just happened, he takes this opportunity to share with them that Jesus Christ is the reason the crippled man was healed. He shares that Jesus was not just a man, but He in fact was God. He is speaking to Jews, and Peter tells them what happened, that fellow Jews put Christ to death and God raised Him from the dead. All Peter has done is told these people who Jesus is and what He has done in the lives of he and this crippled man. Question: If you were to tell people what Jesus has done for you, what you tell them? Sharing our testimony is simply telling people how Jesus has changed our lives – how Christ gave us hope. If Jesus Christ has truly changed us, should not we be sharing that same hope with others?
2. Repentance Equals Refreshment (vv.17-21) – Peter explains that Christ had to die for the sins of the world to be taken away, and so what the Jews did to Him was something that had to happen. It was ignorance, as Peter says in verse 17, but it was still wrong. As Peter explains this, he is calling those who listen to repent from their sins and turn their hearts to God. By doing this, Peter says, “that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.” This is a huge concept. So many times, repentance is painted in this light that it only means following the rules of a religion. Here, however, Peter shows us it is so much more than that! Repentance is about our hearts being refreshed. Question: How would you describe being refreshed? Sin destroys the way God designed us to be, and when we return to that, it is so good for us. People search for things to bring them peace and fulfillment, and Christ is where that is found. Repentance is necessary for a relationship with Christ and to go to Heaven, but it is also about the here and now. It’s more than just fulfilling some requirement of a religion – repenting is about turning closer to God, the One who loves us! Question: Are we sharing with the people of the world this powerful truth, that Christ is the One our hearts have longed for?
3. No Repentance Equals Destruction (vv.22-26) – The opposite truth of repentance bringing refreshment is just as powerful and needs to be heard. Peter shares some illustrations that are very familiar to the Jewish people. He speaks of Moses, Samuel, and the other Prophets bringing truth to the people. What Peter is trying to tell these people is that if they do not listen to the message that Christ brought to them, and if they do not repent, their sin will destroy them. This is true – both in the now and in the hereafter. Sin ultimately destroys us in life. It tears down families, finances, health, and so much more. Sin keeps us from the presence of God, and that ultimately means we will not be in Heaven with Him. Although difficult to take it, this is the truth. The crazy thing about sin is that some sin does satisfy for a time, but it always brings us pain and destruction. God wants to bring us peace. Question: Are you staying in that sin that is causing you pain in destruction? What is keeping you from turning from sin and turning to God who seeks to refresh you and bring you peace? Jesus Christ wants you to say and commit your life to follow Him. It’s not just about some religion; it’s about a relationship with a God who loves you and brings peace to your life.
Discussion/Application Questions
1. Do you really know God and the love He has for you?
2. Are you living in the purpose that God has for your life? Are you even looking for it?
3. What is the most important thing in your life?
4. What is keeping you from turning to God right now?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Jesus Came To Save and Heal
These are the notes from Impact on March 31, 2010.
Luke 5:27-39
Jesus Came to Save and Heal
As we have studied through Luke and seen the faith of those who came before Jesus, we have also seen the incredible things that Christ did. He has not only healed people physically, but spiritually as well. That purpose that Christ has, we also have as we join in His mission and Kingdom as Peter, James, and John did in the early parts of chapter five. Tonight we are looking at another story where Jesus calls a disciple, Matthew (or Levi). We can learn much about Jesus’ mission through Matthew and how Jesus interacted with Matthew’s friends. We can also learn much about ourselves and traps we often fall into when dealing with the Gospel.
1. Jesus Came to Save, No Matter What (vv.27-28) – In these few verses, we see Jesus call Levi, a tax collector. If you are not really familiar with the historical context here, tax collectors are people who are hated. They are Jews who work for the Roman government, taking the money from their fellow Jews (many times more than they should for profit). So basically, tax collectors are traitors and thieves, and Jews hate traitors and thieves. Question: Do these things matter to Jesus? Jesus came to save all those who were sinners, not just the ones who sinned only a little. He did not just look for those who were respected by society, but He reached out to the lowest of the low when no one else would. Question: As we take the Gospel out to the world, are we avoiding certain people because of their social status? Are there people we do not talk to because they are looked down on? As sinners, we were all betrayers of God, and yet Jesus came to die for us anyway (1 John 3:16).
2. Jesus Goes to Where the People Are (vv.29-32) – Levi is so grateful for what Jesus has done in his life that a great party is thrown. Levi invites the only friends he has, other people who are hated by society. Question: Does Jesus shy away from this encounter? No he does not! Now he has a whole room full of people to talk to about the Kingdom of God. However, Jesus caught some flack from the “religious” people who were watching Him. Eating with someone during this time was a really big deal – it associated you with them. So these religious leaders complain. Jesus’ response is so true. He came to heal the sick, not the healthy. Notice too, that Jesus was spending time with them. So often, we expect all these lost people to come to our church building, but that is not the norm. We must build relationships with people outside the church and bring them in with the Gospel. Also, Jesus spends time with these people, but He never compromises Himself in a situation. We must be careful, but we must also care for others.
3. Jesus Cares About Relationship More Than Religion (vv.33-39) – In response to the complaining done by the Pharisees, Jesus speaks to them in a parable. The story of old and new wineskins represents the old traditions all of these religious leaders were concerned with rather than God’s Kingdom coming new through Jesus Christ. These men were held so tightly to traditions of old that they did not even care about these men like Levi. All they cared about were those people who followed every rule correctly. Question: Is Jesus teaching us not to follow any rules or that living a moral life for God is not important? This is not what Jesus is saying. Most of the rules and traditions that these religious leaders were concerned with were things established by leaders apart from what God had instructed them. The issue was that it was all about religion for these men, and not a relationship with God. Their love was all for themselves, and not for God. God desires our hearts, not our traditions. That is why Christ is spending time with Levi and his friends. He has come to heal our hearts.
You know what’s amazing? No matter how bad you may think you, Jesus Christ wants to heal your heart too. There is no one too bad or too far-gone. He desires a relationship with you, not just some religion or moral code. If you have never asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and committed your life to following Him, what is stopping you?
Jesus wants to save you, and He wants you to help save the world.
Discussion/Application Questions
1. How does knowing more about God affect your life?
2. Do you really know God and the love He has for you?
3. Are you living in the purpose that God has for your life? Are you even looking for it?
4. What is the most important thing in your life?
Luke 5:27-39
Jesus Came to Save and Heal
As we have studied through Luke and seen the faith of those who came before Jesus, we have also seen the incredible things that Christ did. He has not only healed people physically, but spiritually as well. That purpose that Christ has, we also have as we join in His mission and Kingdom as Peter, James, and John did in the early parts of chapter five. Tonight we are looking at another story where Jesus calls a disciple, Matthew (or Levi). We can learn much about Jesus’ mission through Matthew and how Jesus interacted with Matthew’s friends. We can also learn much about ourselves and traps we often fall into when dealing with the Gospel.
1. Jesus Came to Save, No Matter What (vv.27-28) – In these few verses, we see Jesus call Levi, a tax collector. If you are not really familiar with the historical context here, tax collectors are people who are hated. They are Jews who work for the Roman government, taking the money from their fellow Jews (many times more than they should for profit). So basically, tax collectors are traitors and thieves, and Jews hate traitors and thieves. Question: Do these things matter to Jesus? Jesus came to save all those who were sinners, not just the ones who sinned only a little. He did not just look for those who were respected by society, but He reached out to the lowest of the low when no one else would. Question: As we take the Gospel out to the world, are we avoiding certain people because of their social status? Are there people we do not talk to because they are looked down on? As sinners, we were all betrayers of God, and yet Jesus came to die for us anyway (1 John 3:16).
2. Jesus Goes to Where the People Are (vv.29-32) – Levi is so grateful for what Jesus has done in his life that a great party is thrown. Levi invites the only friends he has, other people who are hated by society. Question: Does Jesus shy away from this encounter? No he does not! Now he has a whole room full of people to talk to about the Kingdom of God. However, Jesus caught some flack from the “religious” people who were watching Him. Eating with someone during this time was a really big deal – it associated you with them. So these religious leaders complain. Jesus’ response is so true. He came to heal the sick, not the healthy. Notice too, that Jesus was spending time with them. So often, we expect all these lost people to come to our church building, but that is not the norm. We must build relationships with people outside the church and bring them in with the Gospel. Also, Jesus spends time with these people, but He never compromises Himself in a situation. We must be careful, but we must also care for others.
3. Jesus Cares About Relationship More Than Religion (vv.33-39) – In response to the complaining done by the Pharisees, Jesus speaks to them in a parable. The story of old and new wineskins represents the old traditions all of these religious leaders were concerned with rather than God’s Kingdom coming new through Jesus Christ. These men were held so tightly to traditions of old that they did not even care about these men like Levi. All they cared about were those people who followed every rule correctly. Question: Is Jesus teaching us not to follow any rules or that living a moral life for God is not important? This is not what Jesus is saying. Most of the rules and traditions that these religious leaders were concerned with were things established by leaders apart from what God had instructed them. The issue was that it was all about religion for these men, and not a relationship with God. Their love was all for themselves, and not for God. God desires our hearts, not our traditions. That is why Christ is spending time with Levi and his friends. He has come to heal our hearts.
You know what’s amazing? No matter how bad you may think you, Jesus Christ wants to heal your heart too. There is no one too bad or too far-gone. He desires a relationship with you, not just some religion or moral code. If you have never asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and committed your life to following Him, what is stopping you?
Jesus wants to save you, and He wants you to help save the world.
Discussion/Application Questions
1. How does knowing more about God affect your life?
2. Do you really know God and the love He has for you?
3. Are you living in the purpose that God has for your life? Are you even looking for it?
4. What is the most important thing in your life?
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