John 1:38a - Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?”
What Are You Seeking? · Where are you going? · How are you going to get there? · How will you know when you’re there? A few of years ago I received a newsletter from Len Sykes. Len is a godly man who mentors, teaches, disciples, coaches, and leads men in the Atlanta area. In his newsletter, Len shared a little about his ministry. I’m always encouraged when he shares what he’s doing, as well as what God is doing through him, because there’s so much I can learn about my own life and ministry. Len wrote a little about his passion, mission, and vision for his ministry. He said those are the three main areas he encourages his men to focus on. The three questions I listed at the top of this devotional are my paraphrase of what Len is talking about. These are important questions to ask because, as the old saying goes, “If you don’t know where you’re going, then any road will get you there.” There are a lot of men who have no idea where they’re going and they’re making great time getting there. These issues of passion, mission, and vision are very important. I think most men want to live for something bigger than themselves. Part of their frustration is they either don’t know what that something is, or they have an idea, but aren't quite sure how to pursue it. Passion This is the “why” question. What drives you? Why do you get out of bed in the morning? Len says passion is “the emotional/inspirational element of our desire.” It’s that which energizes us. What’s your passion in the various spheres of your life? For yourself as a man of God? For your family? For your work setting? For your church? For your personal ministry? For your community? What’s that something bigger than you that you want to live your life pursuing in each of those areas? Mission Len next points out that mission “relates to how we carry out our desires to serve the Lord and his people.” In other words, how are you going to fulfill your passion? How are you going to get there? What’s your plan? Who are those brothers in your life who are going to help you get there? Vision This last component “relates to what the end result” of your passion and mission will look like. In other words, how will you know you’ve fulfilled your mission (or that you’re making progress in the right direction)? Lots of aimless activity is not the same thing as moving toward your goal. Having a vision of what the goal will look like will help you focus and persevere as you move toward your dream of that “something bigger than yourself.” My Prayer for You My prayer for each of you is not only for you to have a passion, mission, and vision, but also for you to spend your life pursuing them as they relate to each sphere of your life – your personal spiritual growth, as a husband, father, employee/employer, church member, neighbor, etc. To be sure, this is a huge undertaking, but can you imagine anything worthier of your time and energy? My family’s life-verse is 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” From the extremely important to the utterly mundane, all of life is to be lived for God’s glory. My children probably grew tired of hearing this repeated over and over as they were growing up, but hopefully they could cite it to you. More importantly, I pray they are seeking to live it out. This is a key idea behind the phrase, “living life on purpose” or “living intentionally.” Having a passion, mission, and vision, when pursued according to God’s Word, will help you glorify God in all the spheres of your life. If I can help you discover, develop, and pursue your “something bigger than yourself,” please do not hesitate to let me know. It would be a blessing to travel alongside you as you seek to follow God’s call in your life. Walking Points Reflect on the various spheres of your life listed below. Talk with a Christian brother or two about what your passion, mission, and vision for each area looks like now and how it might grow this year. · Spiritual Growth · Husband · Father · Employee/Employer · Church Member · Neighbor · Citizen · Other Areas
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Selected verses from Genesis 22
A Test Abraham was told by God to sacrifice his son – the son of promise – the dear child Abraham and Sarah had waited a century to have. It was this very son, Isaac, whom Abraham was to take to the mountaintop and sacrifice – to kill. Abraham obeyed. As Abraham and Isaac approached the fateful place, Isaac looked around, saw the fire and wood, but no animal for the offering. “…Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Isaac asked his father. “Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide…’” And he did. We know the story well. As Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, the Lord stopped him, and provided a ram to take Isaac’s place. God provided. The Lord tested Abraham to see if he feared God (vv. 1, 12). A test from God is designed to move you forward in faith. The purpose of Satan’s temptations is to trip you up so you will fall backward. This was a test. And Abraham passed. He was blessed accordingly (verses 15-18). Why the blessing? Because God is gracious and Abraham obeyed God (verse 18). Covenantal Faith This is part of our covenantal relationship with God. If we obey God and the conditions of his covenant, God promises blessings (because he graciously sets the terms of the covenant, not because he must). If we disobey, he promises curses. What either of those may look like is not so clear. That God promises to work this way is very clear. I wonder what blessings God desires to pour out upon us for our faithfulness today. Deeper faith maybe? More influence for the Kingdom perhaps? Greater responsibility? God specifically said Abraham’s descendants would be blessed through his faithfulness. Might our obedience now impact our children and our children’s children later? I believe the answer is “yes” to all those questions. If God chooses to bless us in material ways, that’s fine. (Of course, we ought to thank God every day for the many “material” blessings we have already received from him.) But shouldn’t the blessings we desire be things like, “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is heaven”? And shouldn’t the provisions we hope God will bestow upon us be along the lines of an ever-increasing knowledge of and communion with him, a growing conformity to his likeness, and an ever-expanding influence for his Kingdom? Abraham was faithful and God blessed him. Where is God calling you to greater faithfulness in your life? Walking Points 1. Do you agree with this devotion? Do you believe God still operates in this same “blessings and curses” motif in the new covenant? Why or why not? What Scripture might you appeal to? 2. Abraham was told to sacrifice the whole world to him – his beloved son. What form of sacrificial living is God calling you to? 3. What is preventing you from trusting God to provide for you? 4. What obstacles are getting in the way of your obedience to God? 5. What do you need to do to help you faithfully respond to God’s call in your life? 6. What are the kinds of things you normally ask God to bless you with? Advent: Week 3
Coming Home: Guidance is a Season of Fury Read Matthew 2 Pastor Bruce wrote, “Sometimes our nostalgia conjures up vivid scenes of Advent and Christmas that could be lifted off a Hallmark card. “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.” Perhaps for some of us, that is a blessing. But for the rest of humanity (and Jesus himself) the Christmas story takes place in a maelstrom of threats and rage. Even before he is born, Herod is out to take his life. After he is born, his family flees to Egypt and they become refugees. When they return, it is too dangerous to live in Judea, so Jesus winds up in Nazareth. Through it all, God’s provident love guides them, one step at a time. Even before they are aware of the threat, steps are bring taken to diffuse the threat of a tyrant. The Christmas story is a story of how God comes home to us when we are on the run, on the street, and out of luck. It’s a peace in the eye of a storm, serenity in a hostile environment, and divine presence mediated through the strangest people. 1. Read Matthew 2:1-12. Describe what’s happening in these verses. 2. Why were the wise men following the star? 3. Why was Herod, and all Jerusalem, troubled at the news of the wise men? 4. What did Herod ask the wise men to do and why? What was his real motive? 5. What did the wise men do when they found Jesus with Mary? Why? 6. Imagine all the wise men went through to find Jesus? What is it about Jesus that made their effort worth it? 7. Share your story of how you found Jesus? Was it easy or difficult? Did you ever consider turning back? Why didn’t you? 8. How would you describe Jesus to a friend who doesn’t know him? Would you paint a picture of someone worthy of worship? Walking Points: Reflection Questions and Next Steps
Coming Home: The Yes of Obedience Luke 1:26-38 Pastor Bruce wrote, “Mary and Joseph are the very first human beings confronted with the reality of Jesus’ advent into our world. Into their world. Two things stand out in each experience. First, obedience is not just keeping the rules or following a code. It is – in essence – an intentional assent to the will of God. Obedience is saying yes to God’s will for e. Secondly obedience is action. It is something that we do; it is not only an interior disposition, but it leads me to specific steps. Note: this doesn’t mean we have all the answers. It doesn’t mean we know how it’s going to play out. May and Joseph were going on scant information that seemed impossible and likely made their heads swirl. Instead of certitude, they were left with trust. And trust makes a place for the Savior.” Below are some “Walking Points,” which are questions for reflection and next steps for you to consider taking during this Advent season and beyond. You can use them for your personal devotional time or with others in a small group. 1. When the angel appeared to Mary to tell her the news that she was chosen of God to be the mother of Jesus, Luke 1:29 says, “…she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.” · What are two or three ways you discern God’s will for your life? Why are those good ways to discern God’s will? · If you are meeting in a group with others, share with them an experience in your life when you discerned God’s will for your life. Was it hard or easy? How did you go about it? · Eventually you had to step out in trust. Was that a scary time? Why or why not? What did you learn from the experience? 2. Read Luke 1:30-36. Talk about impossible! Now read verse 37. · How does knowing who God is enable you to better trust him during tough times. · What are some ways we can better know God? · List three attributes or characteristics of God that you cling to during tough decisions in your life. Why did you choose those three? 3. Now read Luke 1:38. · Spend some time praying privately, or together in your group, for the Lord to fill you with his Spirit to enable you to discern and respond to God’s call in your life, as Mary did. Walking Points: Reflection Questions and Next Steps
Coming Home: Receiving Jesus John 1:9-13 Our pastor is preaching an Advent series through December entitled, “Coming Home.” He writes, “We often look at this season through the lens of nostalgia. The tug of our memories is almost irresistible. We long to go back “home” to the holidays of our past. "But the message of the Scriptures is not that “we” journey back to some favored place in our memory. Rather, it is the startling news that God is making his home among us. We are left with some questions, “Will we receive him? How do we receive him?” Below are some “Walking Points,” which are questions for reflection and next steps for you to consider taking during this Advent season and beyond. You can use them for your personal devotional time or with others in a small group. John 1:9–13 (ESV) 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 1. In verse 9, the Apostle John refers to Jesus as the “true light” (see also John 8:12). · What does John mean by that? · What does light do? · What do you think it means that the “true light gives light to everyone.” · In what ways do we get light from Jesus? · Share some examples of how Jesus lights your life (Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 2:8-10). 2. Not only did Jesus, as the Son of God, come to the world, but he came to world he made (v. 10). · What are two or three things we learn about Jesus from those two truths in verse 10? · To think that the Creator of heaven and earth took human flesh and walked among us is astonishing. What emotions do you experience as you reflect on that? Why? 3. The last part of verse 10 says the world did not know Jesus when he came. Verse 11 goes further by declaring Jesus came to his own people and they did not receive him. · What are some reasons people do not recognize and receive Jesus today? · What are some reasons you have recognized who Jesus is and have received him into your life as Lord and Savior? · How would you share God’s story of good news with a friend who has not yet “received Jesus?” · How would you incorporate your story into that larger story? (If you are doing these questions in a small group, share with the others how you came to know Christ as Lord and Savior.) 4. What does John say it means to “receive” Jesus, according to verse 12? · Does he mean only intellectual ascent? If not, what are the biblical components of faith in Jesus? · What are the benefits of receiving Jesus (v. 12)? 5. Being a child of God, biblically speaking, isn’t something you are simply by being alive. It’s not a condition that is the result of a natural process. Instead, it’s the result of a supernatural work (John 3:1-15; Eph. 2:8-9). · Compare and contrast what it means for a person to have their identity formed and shaped by who world says they are versus who God says they are as his child. · What does it mean for you to know you are a child of God? What difference does that make in how you think, speak, and live your life? · How would you share that with a friend or family member who seems to be seeking their identity in all the wrong places? 6. Write down the name of one person you would like to share your thoughts and experiences with, based on what you discussed in these questions. Begin to pray for that person now and for God to provide you with an opportunity to talk about Christ, and the difference he’s made in your life, with them. 2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; Acts 13
One-On-One Discipleship In my reading over the years I’ve been often reminded of how important one-to-one ministry really is. As a man invests his life into the life of another man, real growth can occur in remarkable ways. This is one of the key ways our faith has been passed down through the centuries. And I can certainly attest to the power and influence such a ministry has played in my own life. A helpful way of thinking about one-on-one ministry is to think about three names: Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy. Below is a description of what each name represents as we think in terms of ministering to other men. Paul 1.) Paul represents that person in your life who mentors, leads, and directs you. This is the man who comes along side you to disciple you along the road of faith and life. This is someone who has traveled further down the road of faith and life than you. This man doesn’t have to be a great deal older than you, but it probably ought to be someone who has walked faithfully with God long enough and far enough for you to profit from his wisdom – his reflected-upon experience, study of God’s Word, etc. And it usually is the case that, though not exclusively so, this man will be older than you as well. But, as I said, sometimes this simply means, “older in the faith.” I hasten to add that you must beware of someone who says he has been a Christian for 25 years when in reality, he has been a Christian for only one year, 25 years in a row. In other words, there has been no growth and maturation over that 25 years. My own observation as a pastor is that this sort of person abounds in the church. There are many people who, by their own admission, haven’t learned much more about God’s Word and walking along the road with him, than when they were children in Vacation Bible School. And so brothers, you must be careful about this. Pray for discernment. Also, just because a man is at the top of his game in his profession, does not mean he is likewise mature and advanced in his faith. Success in one field of endeavor doesn’t necessarily mean success in another area of life. As I heard one person describe it, a man may have a Ph.D. in psychology, but have a second grade Sunday school degree in Bible. This is not the sort of man you want to have as your Paul. Barnabas 2.) Barnabas is someone who encourages you and holds you accountable in your faith and life. This is more or less a mutual friendship, or what’s called in the world of spiritual formation, a “spiritual friendship.” In the book of Acts, Paul and Barnabas traveled together side by side. Barnabas was a key person in Paul’s life, especially at the beginning of his walk with Christ as he introduced Paul to the Christian community. Their relationship then became one of mutual encouragement, ministry, and accountability. There are men I have discipled for years who have gone from being a Timothy in my life to becoming a Barnabas to me. And while I can still disciple them, they also minister to me in many ways. Timothy 3.) Timothy is that man you help guide along the road of faith and life. This is generally someone who has not traveled as far as you have in your walk with Christ. Such a man is marked (or should be) by an eagerness to grow in his relationship with Christ and is humble and teachable enough to receive what you have to share and to interact with you on the things of faith and life. This “mark of a Timothy” should not be ignored just for the sake of having a Timothy. There are many smart guys out there who don’t have teachable spirits. They feel they have nothing to learn from another man. So too, some are indifferent to the things of God. Timothy, Paul’s “son in the faith,” as Paul called him, was humble, teachable, and eager to know, love, and follow God through Jesus Christ. So too, a “Timothy” shouldn’t expect to only receive guidance and wisdom from his “Paul,” but should plan on becoming a Paul himself one day so he can begin the whole process over again with another man. This is a process in a man’s life that ought to last a lifetime and be produced, reproduced, and multiplied over and over again throughout the course of the man’s lifetime, as well as in the lives of the men he invests in. We are Christians today, humanly speaking, because those who went before us were faithful to this process. In sum, we need to be a Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy and we need to have a Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy. Such men in our lives are gifts from God. And we have the blessed opportunity to be such a gift to other men. Walking Points · Who is your Paul? To whom are you a Paul? Describe those relationships. · Who is your Barnabas? To whom are you a Barnabas? Describe those relationships. · Who is your Timothy? To whom are you a Timothy? Describe those relationships. · If you drew a blank on any of those questions, begin praying for God to bring men into your life who will invest in you or who will be open to you investing in them. Flee from the Wrath to Come
Do you desire to flee from the wrath to come and be saved from your sins? Answering yes to that question was the only condition required for those who wanted to be admitted into the societies of a new movement of God in the 18th century, called, “Methodism.” Romans 8:1 reminds us of this good news, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Wrath. Condemnation. That’s some pretty serious stuff. How to Flee So, how can we flee from the wrath to come and be saved from our sins? And how can we make Paul’s declaration our own and say, “There is now no condemnation for us for we are in Christ Jesus”? James helps us here. Listen to this paraphrase of James 5:13-16a from Eugene Peterson’s, The Message, Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven--healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. It was James 5:16a, that was the governing verse and slogan for those early Methodist societies. Again, James wrote, Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. There was a direct connection for Wesley between spiritual healing and physical healing – or any other kind of healing. Meeting Together We can flee from the wrath of God, be saved from our sins, and be delivered from condemnation because our Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross. That’s what we remember and experience when we celebrate Holy Communion. That’s what we remind one another of when we meet together to build one another up in our faith. John Wesley wanted Methodist Christians to live whole and holy lives in response to the grace of God, by the grace of God – out of thanksgiving and obedience to God. And part of doing that was by meeting together regularly to confess sins, share temptations and other struggles with one another. Then they would encourage one another, pray for one another, and remind one another of God’s healing power, grace, and the truth of 1 John 1:9, which says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. This is similar to what United Methodists do when we confess our sins together in our Holy Communion liturgy. Once we confess our sins, the pastor then reads these words, “Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.” Then the congregation responds, “In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.” Here’s the key: We’re not forgiving one another. Instead, we’re affirming and declaring the truth of the Gospel of 1 John 1:9 – that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Forgiven and Forgiving Now, of course, if we sin against another person, we do need to go to that person and seek their forgiveness. That’s why Jesus, in Matthew 5, tells us if we’re going to the altar to give an offering and remember someone who has something against us, we should first go to them and be reconciled. We should be people whose lives are marked by being forgiven and forgiving. Think of the words we say when we pray the Lord’s Prayer: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Jesus expects his followers to be people who forgive much because they have been forgiven much. I encourage you to take a close and hard look at your life. If you have any areas of your life that need that sort of reconciliation, then this very day, go to that person and either ask for forgiveness or offer it. That’s a healing act. That can bring about wonderful healing and wholeness in your life and in the lives of others. Wholistic Healing You see, Christianity is a wholistic faith. To be whole and holy means we seek to live wholistic lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our spiritual lives, physical lives, relationships, mental lives, emotional lives and more are all interconnected. And therefore, we need healing, which of course includes spiritual healing. You see, sin is a sickness of the soul. It has devastating power in our lives. It can have an incredibly alienating impact in our lives. It can… · Alienate us from God · Alienate us from Others, and · Alienate us even from Ourselves. James recognized that in our text by connecting our spiritual need for forgiveness with our physical needs for healing and the many other ways we experience troubles in this world. Meeting together with other brothers in Christ is a way to watch over one another in love, to confess our sins and struggles to one another, to be reminded that when we confess our sins God will forgive us, and to receive help and reconciliation when needed. In a word, we experience God’s grace in these times of deep, biblical fellowship. Brothers, isn’t that good news? And because of it we can declare with the Apostle Paul, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Thanks be to God. Walking Points · Reread Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of James 5:13-16, mentioned in this chapter. Meditate upon it and write down key ideas you gain from it. · In what ways does your small group help bring healing to the men in your group? · What are some ways your group could improve at reminding one another of the wholistic healing offered in and through Christ Jesus, our Lord? · At its best and most biblical, what do you think should take place when men meet together in a small group setting? · How can you help and encourage your group to start moving in that direction? Start praying for that today. God will move mountains when men pray. |
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