A New Look at Jesus
Day 1
We need to put first things first! We live in a day of crazy busyness. For many people, a hurried and full schedule is a badge of their own self-worth. Even Followers of Christ can find themselves doing all sorts of things for God as their schedules get more and more congested. Sadly, in our pursuit of “doing” for God, we can forget the very one we are serving. In our busy and driven lives, Jesus can get pushed off to the side while other things take center stage. This is the very reality that the Apostle John Addressed in the Book of Revelation:
2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lamp stand from its place among the churches. - Revelation 2:2-5
Notice that these followers of Christ were doing many things right. They were working hard, standing strong during a time of persecution, holding to the Truth and confronting what was false. These were people who were heavily invested in the things of God. Yet something was very wrong. In the middle of all they were doing for God, they had lost their first love.
Tell abut a time in your life when you had a deep sense of God’s closeness and felt Christ was first in your heart and life?
What helped create this sense of closeness and connectedness to Jesus?
What is your relationship with him like now?
Day 2
Knowing and Being Known
Read Colossians 1:15-20
The Apostle Paul paints a vivid and detailed picture of Jesus in this passage. What do you learn about Jesus from reading today?
In these six short verses, we see Jesus as the Eternal God. According to this passage
What has Jesus done? What is he doing now? What will he do in the Future?
Jesus is the one who holds everything together (v17). How have you seen him function as the cosmic adhesive that holds your life together?
Jesus is the head of the Church. What do you thing Jesus would say to one of these people or groups:
• To the wealthy church member who threatens to stop giving if he doesn’t get his way
• To a congregation that honors their pastor more than Christ
• To a pastor who demands unquestioning allegiance
Why is it essential for Jesus to always be on the throne of the church?
The divinity and death of Jesus are inseparable (1:19-20) How have you experience peace in your life through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross?
Day 3
Read Colossians 1:21-23
By using the words, once, pointing to the past, and but now pointing to the present, Paul offers “before” and “After” snapshots of our lives. What does Paul say about our lives before we become followers of Christ?
What does Paul say about our lives after we become Christ followers?
Paul presents those outside of faith as “alienated from God,” “enemies” of God and filled with “evil behavior” (v21). Why is Paul so strong in his language when he speaks of those who don’t have faith in Jesus Christ?
Why do these before and after snapshots challenge you to be more intentional about making Christ know to those who are still seeking?
Who is one seeker you are praying will enter a relationship with Jesus, and how can your youth group help you out?
Day 4
Read Colossians 1:15-23
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! He is the cosmic glue that holds the universe together. He was eternally before us, preparing the way. He is with us every moment and he is already in Heaven preparing the way. He is with us every moment. And He is already in heaven preparing a place for us, an eternal home beyond our wildest imagination. Take time to pray and to praise God for the work he has done in the past, is doing in the present, and will do in the future.
Paul is empathic that followers of Christ are headed for a joy filled eternity with God. At the same time, he honestly portrays those who are not followers of Christ as alienated from God and headed for a Christless eternity. These people are lost.
Take time to write down a list of people you love and care about that do not have a relationship with Jesus:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 5
Read Colossians 1:24-27
Service in the name of Jesus Christ is not always easy or fun. Sometimes there is a price to pay. The hope we have in Christ is a message that needs to be brought to all people. This is rarely done without an investment of time, energy, or even personal suffering.
What will it take to further the cause of Christ?
What will you need to give up to meet this Christ-honoring goal?
What do you need to pray for to meet this goal?
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Week 4 Devos
Week 4 Devos: A New Look at the Church
Day 1
If you were Born and raised in the church, what keeps you connected and part of your church community? If you weren’t raised in church, what brought you to church and what keeps you connected?
Envision the ideal church, what is necessary for it to be a biblical community?
Read Colossians 1:1-8
Paul gives five trademarks of a biblically functioning community of Christ followers.
Trademark: Why it is essential for a healthy Church
1
2
3
4
5
Paul Begins by affirming the central and core pillar of any church: true faith in Jesus Christ. Why is unwavering faith in Jesus the top of the list when it comes to trademarks of a true church?
When you say “I believe in Jesus Christ,” what does this mean to you?
Day 2: Colossians 1:9-14
What did Paul pray for the followers of Christ in Colossae?
How can this prayer be used as a model to give direction as you pray for one of these groups:
• Your youth group
• Your church
• Other churches
• The Global Church
What are ways that we can grow in our knowledge of God’s will for our lives and the life of the church (V.9)?
Describe a time when you had a clear sense of God giving you knowledge of His will for your life.
What is one area of your life where you need God’s Strength and power right now?
How have you experienced the transfer of your life from the dominion of darkness to a new place of Christ’s Kingdom (vv. 13-14)?
Day 3: Colossians 1:1-14
Celebrating and Being Celebrated
Re-read this week’s passage. Take a few moments to make an inheritance assessment. Paul is clear that we have a whole new inheritance once we become children of God (v12). Brainstorm a list of promises and possessions you have in your inheritance from God, your Heavenly Father.
Pray and lift up your voice in praise and celebration for the inheritance you have in Jesus Christ!
Day 4
Over the centuries God has worked through His church to touch countless lives. The Local Church is the hope of the world and God’s agent for transformation. In every generation God calls out leaders for the church who faithfully invest their lives in the local church. Many of these leaders have greatly influenced our lives, but we have never told them. Today write a letter to a minister in your church. Express your love to them and thank them for investing their lives in the local church.
Who has invested in your life? How did they do it?
How can you invest in someone else’s life the way that you have been invested in?
Who could you reach out to?
Day 5
There are few acts of service more powerful than consistent, intentional, faithful prayer for others. Today pray for the people in your church. Pray for them to
• Grow in their knowledge of God’s will
• Live a life worthy of the Lord
• Be strengthened with God’s power
• Learn to celebrate their inheritance in Christ
Second pray for another church in your community. Identify a church that is seeking to honor Christ and become a biblically functioning community. Pray for them and let them know you have been praying Colossians 1:9-14 for them.
Write out your prayer.
Day 1
If you were Born and raised in the church, what keeps you connected and part of your church community? If you weren’t raised in church, what brought you to church and what keeps you connected?
Envision the ideal church, what is necessary for it to be a biblical community?
Read Colossians 1:1-8
Paul gives five trademarks of a biblically functioning community of Christ followers.
Trademark: Why it is essential for a healthy Church
1
2
3
4
5
Paul Begins by affirming the central and core pillar of any church: true faith in Jesus Christ. Why is unwavering faith in Jesus the top of the list when it comes to trademarks of a true church?
When you say “I believe in Jesus Christ,” what does this mean to you?
Day 2: Colossians 1:9-14
What did Paul pray for the followers of Christ in Colossae?
How can this prayer be used as a model to give direction as you pray for one of these groups:
• Your youth group
• Your church
• Other churches
• The Global Church
What are ways that we can grow in our knowledge of God’s will for our lives and the life of the church (V.9)?
Describe a time when you had a clear sense of God giving you knowledge of His will for your life.
What is one area of your life where you need God’s Strength and power right now?
How have you experienced the transfer of your life from the dominion of darkness to a new place of Christ’s Kingdom (vv. 13-14)?
Day 3: Colossians 1:1-14
Celebrating and Being Celebrated
Re-read this week’s passage. Take a few moments to make an inheritance assessment. Paul is clear that we have a whole new inheritance once we become children of God (v12). Brainstorm a list of promises and possessions you have in your inheritance from God, your Heavenly Father.
Pray and lift up your voice in praise and celebration for the inheritance you have in Jesus Christ!
Day 4
Over the centuries God has worked through His church to touch countless lives. The Local Church is the hope of the world and God’s agent for transformation. In every generation God calls out leaders for the church who faithfully invest their lives in the local church. Many of these leaders have greatly influenced our lives, but we have never told them. Today write a letter to a minister in your church. Express your love to them and thank them for investing their lives in the local church.
Who has invested in your life? How did they do it?
How can you invest in someone else’s life the way that you have been invested in?
Who could you reach out to?
Day 5
There are few acts of service more powerful than consistent, intentional, faithful prayer for others. Today pray for the people in your church. Pray for them to
• Grow in their knowledge of God’s will
• Live a life worthy of the Lord
• Be strengthened with God’s power
• Learn to celebrate their inheritance in Christ
Second pray for another church in your community. Identify a church that is seeking to honor Christ and become a biblically functioning community. Pray for them and let them know you have been praying Colossians 1:9-14 for them.
Write out your prayer.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Week 3 Devos
Day 1: Developing a Godly self-Image
Few People today are immune to the effects of our fragmented impersonal and fiercely competitive society. Many of us, both inside and outside the church, have been bruised by broken families and relationships. These wounds have not only damaged our self-images but have also hindered us from responding fully to God’s love and purposes for our lives.
Moses, like many today, felt insignificant and inadequate. He had been raised in the courts of the king of Egypt in great wealth and with the best education and training. But witnessing an act of unrighteousness against a fellow Jew, Moses took matters into his own hands and killed a man. As a result he was forced to flee to Midian, where he spent the next forty years herding sheep. At the beginning of Exodus 3 he is 80 years old and has accomplished very little in his life.
Read Exodus 3:1-15 and 4:1-16
In 3:4 God calls Moses by name. What does this tell Moses about God?
In 3:11-15 Moses raises two objections against his going to Pharaoh. What do these objections reveal about Moses’ view of himself and God?
In what situations do you feel inadequate to do what God commands or desire?
How can God’s replay to Moses encourage you (3:12, 14-15)?
What are some resources God has given you to accomplish his will in a difficult or fearful area?
According to this passage, how should our self-image be affected by our image of God?
Day 2: Using your Spiritual Gifts
Questions and confusion about Spiritual gifts prevailed in the church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul discusses the nature, purpose, and use of spiritual gifts as a corrective to the abuses which had arisen.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-26
In what way can our entire body be hindered if one of its parts isn’t functioning properly?
What is the purpose of the gifts?
How does this passage correct some of our misconceptions about the difference between so-called “full-time Christian workers” and everyone else.
Comment on your understanding of your own place in the body of Christ. For instance do you feel inferior, superior, unsure of how you fit?
Go to http://buildingchurch.net/g2s-i.htm and take this spiritual gift test. (It is long so make sure you have plenty of time- over 100 questions)
What gifts did you score the highest in? Which results surprised you?
How can God use those gifts?
Day 3: Greatness Through Humility
Pride comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of us put ourselves on a pedestal from which we judge the faults of everyone else. Others are so self-effacing that they cannot take their eyes off themselves and their own inadequacies. Still others swing like a pendulum from one extreme to the other.
Paul encourages us neither to exalt nor to belittle ourselves, but rather to think of ourselves with sober judgment (Romans 12:3). In Mark 10 we see that the disciples too were constantly learning to live humbly like the Lord Jesus
Read Mark 10:32-45
Describe the argument between James and John on the one hand and Jesus on the other.
In what ways are you like James and John in this passage?
Have you ever felt envious or even indignant when others were honored and you were not? Explain.
What is the difference, according to Jesus, of greatness in the world and greatness in God’s Kingdom?
In what ways have you embraced the world’s concept of greatness?
How could you follow Jesus’ example of humility?
Day 4: Called to Persevere
As a young timid leader, timothy faced the dual dilemma of personal inadequacy and a problem stricken church. If that weren’t enough, Paul, his role model, was in prison facing death. His arrest evidently resulted in widespread defections from the faith. This is the last letter Paul wrote before being executed. From his cell he challenges Timothy to Endure.
Read 2 Timothy 1:8-2:7
Why might Timothy be ashamed to testify about the Lord or be ashamed of Paul? (v8)
How does this message of the Gospel encourage you to stand firm when you are tempted to be ashamed of Christ or another Christian?
In what Specific ways might it cost you to endure for the sake of the Gospel, both now and throughout your life?
Day 5: Keep on Trucking
Read Hebrews 12:1-3.
How is the example of the faithful Christian men and women of the past and encouragement to you to persevere?
Memorize Hebrews 12:1-3. Write it out 5 times.
Few People today are immune to the effects of our fragmented impersonal and fiercely competitive society. Many of us, both inside and outside the church, have been bruised by broken families and relationships. These wounds have not only damaged our self-images but have also hindered us from responding fully to God’s love and purposes for our lives.
Moses, like many today, felt insignificant and inadequate. He had been raised in the courts of the king of Egypt in great wealth and with the best education and training. But witnessing an act of unrighteousness against a fellow Jew, Moses took matters into his own hands and killed a man. As a result he was forced to flee to Midian, where he spent the next forty years herding sheep. At the beginning of Exodus 3 he is 80 years old and has accomplished very little in his life.
Read Exodus 3:1-15 and 4:1-16
In 3:4 God calls Moses by name. What does this tell Moses about God?
In 3:11-15 Moses raises two objections against his going to Pharaoh. What do these objections reveal about Moses’ view of himself and God?
In what situations do you feel inadequate to do what God commands or desire?
How can God’s replay to Moses encourage you (3:12, 14-15)?
What are some resources God has given you to accomplish his will in a difficult or fearful area?
According to this passage, how should our self-image be affected by our image of God?
Day 2: Using your Spiritual Gifts
Questions and confusion about Spiritual gifts prevailed in the church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul discusses the nature, purpose, and use of spiritual gifts as a corrective to the abuses which had arisen.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-26
In what way can our entire body be hindered if one of its parts isn’t functioning properly?
What is the purpose of the gifts?
How does this passage correct some of our misconceptions about the difference between so-called “full-time Christian workers” and everyone else.
Comment on your understanding of your own place in the body of Christ. For instance do you feel inferior, superior, unsure of how you fit?
Go to http://buildingchurch.net/g2s-i.htm and take this spiritual gift test. (It is long so make sure you have plenty of time- over 100 questions)
What gifts did you score the highest in? Which results surprised you?
How can God use those gifts?
Day 3: Greatness Through Humility
Pride comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of us put ourselves on a pedestal from which we judge the faults of everyone else. Others are so self-effacing that they cannot take their eyes off themselves and their own inadequacies. Still others swing like a pendulum from one extreme to the other.
Paul encourages us neither to exalt nor to belittle ourselves, but rather to think of ourselves with sober judgment (Romans 12:3). In Mark 10 we see that the disciples too were constantly learning to live humbly like the Lord Jesus
Read Mark 10:32-45
Describe the argument between James and John on the one hand and Jesus on the other.
In what ways are you like James and John in this passage?
Have you ever felt envious or even indignant when others were honored and you were not? Explain.
What is the difference, according to Jesus, of greatness in the world and greatness in God’s Kingdom?
In what ways have you embraced the world’s concept of greatness?
How could you follow Jesus’ example of humility?
Day 4: Called to Persevere
As a young timid leader, timothy faced the dual dilemma of personal inadequacy and a problem stricken church. If that weren’t enough, Paul, his role model, was in prison facing death. His arrest evidently resulted in widespread defections from the faith. This is the last letter Paul wrote before being executed. From his cell he challenges Timothy to Endure.
Read 2 Timothy 1:8-2:7
Why might Timothy be ashamed to testify about the Lord or be ashamed of Paul? (v8)
How does this message of the Gospel encourage you to stand firm when you are tempted to be ashamed of Christ or another Christian?
In what Specific ways might it cost you to endure for the sake of the Gospel, both now and throughout your life?
Day 5: Keep on Trucking
Read Hebrews 12:1-3.
How is the example of the faithful Christian men and women of the past and encouragement to you to persevere?
Memorize Hebrews 12:1-3. Write it out 5 times.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Week 2 Devos
Day 1: Trusting God
Sometimes it seems that to trust or obey God would lead to disaster. In certain instances speaking the truth, maintaining integrity, or remaining faithful run counter to our basic instincts or human reasoning. When is it hard for your to trust God?
Suppose God asked you to do something that seemed utterly foolish or even contrary to all that you understand God to be. How would you respond? For example, what if God asked you to kill your child? Unthinkable? Yet in Genesis 22 God places Abraham in just such a position. In this vivid and dramatic narrative, among the most beautiful in the Old Testament we observe Abraham coming face to face with the supreme test of his faith in God.
Read Genesis 22:1-19
How would you feel if God asked you to give up the most important person in your life?
List specific ways in which Abraham demonstrates faith in verses 1-10.
From Abraham’s example, how would you define faith?
How does faith affect those around you? What about lack of faith?
How can Abraham’s example encourage you to trust God more fully?
Day 2: Living Holy Lives
Read Ephesians 4:17-5:7
In verses 17-19 Paul describes how the Gentiles live. How does he describe them?
How were the Ephesians taught to live as Christians (vv 20-24)
How can we renew our minds practically?
How can we imitate God in our relationships with others (5:1-2)
Day 3: Showing Compassion
Who has shown you compassion? We can speak of love, but fail to back up our words with being kind and merciful. As you read this passage imagine that you are hearing it from Jesus himself for the first time.
Read Luke 10:25-37
Rewrite the story in your own words.
What did you learn about the expert in the law.
Who is your neighbor?
What keeps you from not only seeing but also acting in response to the needs of those around you?
How can you be more of a neighbor to these people?
Day 4: Serving Others
Power. Glory. Success. Throughout human history these have captured the hearts of men and women. In the midst of a society which measures the worth of a position and wealth, it is no wonder that Christians have struggled to stand for values of the kingdom of God: humility, self-denial, gentleness, love. In the eyes of the world these are often signs of weakness rather than strength.
In what ways do you struggle with seeing yourself as a servant?
Jesus came not to be served but to serve. He calls us to follow in his steps.
Read Philippians 2
How is Christ the supreme example of the humility and servanthood described in verses 3-4?
What did it cost him to be a servant? (vv6-8)
Jesus said “The son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Paul, and Timothy demonstrated the same kind of lifestyle. What are some ways that you might follow their example more fully today or this week?
How can you serve others joyfully?
Read John 13:1-17 what additional insights does this passage provide?
Day 5: Serving God
In today’s culture people admire those who put others before themselves. People who serve homeless people are viewed as saints. People who feed hungry children are revered. People who serve God, sometimes are ridiculed. People who serve God, sometimes are seen as idiots.
Have you ever backed down from serving God out of fear or peer pressure?
If Jesus were standing in front of you right now and mentioned that he was thirsty, would you get him any water? If he mentioned he was hungry, would you fix him some food?
Read Matthew 25:31-46
Rewrite this story in your own words?
Who are the sheep? Who are the goats?
If you were to die today, which group would you be put in, the sheep or the goats?
Who do we end up serving when we show compassion and serve the least of these?
How does knowing that you are literally serving God when you serve others change your motivation to reach out?
Sometimes it seems that to trust or obey God would lead to disaster. In certain instances speaking the truth, maintaining integrity, or remaining faithful run counter to our basic instincts or human reasoning. When is it hard for your to trust God?
Suppose God asked you to do something that seemed utterly foolish or even contrary to all that you understand God to be. How would you respond? For example, what if God asked you to kill your child? Unthinkable? Yet in Genesis 22 God places Abraham in just such a position. In this vivid and dramatic narrative, among the most beautiful in the Old Testament we observe Abraham coming face to face with the supreme test of his faith in God.
Read Genesis 22:1-19
How would you feel if God asked you to give up the most important person in your life?
List specific ways in which Abraham demonstrates faith in verses 1-10.
From Abraham’s example, how would you define faith?
How does faith affect those around you? What about lack of faith?
How can Abraham’s example encourage you to trust God more fully?
Day 2: Living Holy Lives
Read Ephesians 4:17-5:7
In verses 17-19 Paul describes how the Gentiles live. How does he describe them?
How were the Ephesians taught to live as Christians (vv 20-24)
How can we renew our minds practically?
How can we imitate God in our relationships with others (5:1-2)
Day 3: Showing Compassion
Who has shown you compassion? We can speak of love, but fail to back up our words with being kind and merciful. As you read this passage imagine that you are hearing it from Jesus himself for the first time.
Read Luke 10:25-37
Rewrite the story in your own words.
What did you learn about the expert in the law.
Who is your neighbor?
What keeps you from not only seeing but also acting in response to the needs of those around you?
How can you be more of a neighbor to these people?
Day 4: Serving Others
Power. Glory. Success. Throughout human history these have captured the hearts of men and women. In the midst of a society which measures the worth of a position and wealth, it is no wonder that Christians have struggled to stand for values of the kingdom of God: humility, self-denial, gentleness, love. In the eyes of the world these are often signs of weakness rather than strength.
In what ways do you struggle with seeing yourself as a servant?
Jesus came not to be served but to serve. He calls us to follow in his steps.
Read Philippians 2
How is Christ the supreme example of the humility and servanthood described in verses 3-4?
What did it cost him to be a servant? (vv6-8)
Jesus said “The son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Paul, and Timothy demonstrated the same kind of lifestyle. What are some ways that you might follow their example more fully today or this week?
How can you serve others joyfully?
Read John 13:1-17 what additional insights does this passage provide?
Day 5: Serving God
In today’s culture people admire those who put others before themselves. People who serve homeless people are viewed as saints. People who feed hungry children are revered. People who serve God, sometimes are ridiculed. People who serve God, sometimes are seen as idiots.
Have you ever backed down from serving God out of fear or peer pressure?
If Jesus were standing in front of you right now and mentioned that he was thirsty, would you get him any water? If he mentioned he was hungry, would you fix him some food?
Read Matthew 25:31-46
Rewrite this story in your own words?
Who are the sheep? Who are the goats?
If you were to die today, which group would you be put in, the sheep or the goats?
Who do we end up serving when we show compassion and serve the least of these?
How does knowing that you are literally serving God when you serve others change your motivation to reach out?
Week 1 Devos
Day 1: Freed to Serve God
We all have a need for acceptance. IN fact our self-concept is often determined by the approval or rejection of those around us, whether family, peers, business associates, fellow students or even Christian Friends. We tend to do and say what we hope will people’s favor.
This tendency to try and earn more favor often carries over into our relationship with God. What are some ways you have tried to earn God’s approval?
If we feel we must somehow earn God’s acceptance of us, we end up acting out of a sense of guilt. In the book of Romans, Paul expounds the doctrine of justification, the biblical foundation upon which a right relationship is built- with ourselves, with others, and with God. It frees us to be all that God intends for us
Read Romans 3:9-26.
In verses 10-18 Paul cites several Old Testament Passages to illustrate the fact that everyone is “under sin” (v. 9). What portrait of humanity emerges from these verse? Or in other words what do these verses tell you about you, your friends, and everyone else?
How does Paul use the various parts of the body to illustrate graphically the extent and effects of sin? (vv 13-18)
The Word redemption is borrowed from the slave market. It means to buy someone out of slavery. What are some of the ways we were enslaved as non-Christians?
What are some forms of enslavement or bondage that we struggle with as Christians?
The expression sacrifice of atonement (v25) is taken from the Old Testament Sacrificial system. The death of a sacrificial animal turned away God’s wrath from the sinner. How does this imagery help us to understand and appreciate what Jesus did for us on the cross?
How can the fact that God has accepted and forgiven us through Christ affect our relationships with one another and with God?
Day 2: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord
To some, Jesus of Nazareth is a revolutionary, leading the masses in their struggle for freedom from oppression. Others see him as a staunch conservative, fully supporting and representing the status quo. Still others view Jesus as a pious, meek and mild do-gooder who loves everyone and avoids confrontation at all costs.
How has your picture of Jesus changed over time? Praise God for the privilege of knowing Jesus.
What is Jesus really like? Confusion about the identity and character of Jesus was also a problem in the first century. From both the inside and outside the church, distortions about he truth about Jesus and the Christian life had arisen. Against this background Paul writes to the Christians at Colossae reminding them of who it is they follow as Lord.
Read Colossians 1:15-23
What characteristics of Jesus Christ impress you in this passage?
According to verse 15, “Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.” What are some of the difficulties we have in trying to know and relate to an invisible God?
How has Christ’s incarnation (God becoming a human being) over come these difficulties?
How does this portrait of Christ enlarge your view of him?
Christ is also “the head of the body, the church” (V18). How can Christ’s authority make a visible difference in your youth group?
Verse 18 summarizes the overall thrust of this passage: “So that in everything he might have the supremacy.” In what areas does Jesus not yet have first place in your life?
What steps can you take to submit these areas to his Lordship?
Day 3: The Cost of Commitment
Picture yourself sitting at Jesus’ feet and learning from Him. What would it be like? Journal or Pray in response to our savior who invites us to come near.
At certain times during his ministry Jesus challenged his would-be disciples with strong and sobering words about the cost of truly following him as Lord. As those who claim Jesus as our Lord, we too need to carefully weigh these words.
Read Luke 14:25-35
In Verses 25-27 what does Jesus demand of those who would truly be his disciples?
A person carrying a cross in first-century Palestine was about to be executed. In this light explain the meaning of verse 27 and how it impacts your life.
What do the illustrations about counting the cost suggest about following Jesus (v33)?
Give some examples of how following Jesus could be costly for you.
What is one thing God is calling you to change today?
Read Matthew 13:44-46. What further motivation does Jesus give us here for serving him as Lord?
Day 4: Resisting Temptation
Perhaps nothing so persistently plagues Christians like temptation. Abraham was tempted to lie and fear. Paul wrestled with pride. Even Jesus faced innumerable temptations.
Spend some time reflecting. What areas of temptation do you struggle with the most? Ask God to use this study to help you with that temptation.
In Genesis 39 we observe one man’s struggle and victory over temptation. Joseph was the favored 11th son of Jacob. His jealous brothers sold the 17 year old Joseph into slavery. In Egypt he was again sold, this time to Potiphar, on of Pharaoh’s officials. This passage recounts the first test for Joseph as God prepared him for the crucial role he would play in Israel’s history.
Read Genesis 39
How would you handle Joseph’s situation?
How could have this position of authority, wealth, and power have affected Joseph?
What made this temptation from Potiphar’s wife especially difficult to resist?
What can you lean about overcoming temptation from Joseph’s example in verses 7-12?
What temptations do you deal with regularly? How can Joseph’s example help you resist?
Day 5
Read Ephesians 6:10-20. What additional weapons has God given us to resist temptation? What else do you learn about spiritual warfare from this passage? Ask God to protect you.
We all have a need for acceptance. IN fact our self-concept is often determined by the approval or rejection of those around us, whether family, peers, business associates, fellow students or even Christian Friends. We tend to do and say what we hope will people’s favor.
This tendency to try and earn more favor often carries over into our relationship with God. What are some ways you have tried to earn God’s approval?
If we feel we must somehow earn God’s acceptance of us, we end up acting out of a sense of guilt. In the book of Romans, Paul expounds the doctrine of justification, the biblical foundation upon which a right relationship is built- with ourselves, with others, and with God. It frees us to be all that God intends for us
Read Romans 3:9-26.
In verses 10-18 Paul cites several Old Testament Passages to illustrate the fact that everyone is “under sin” (v. 9). What portrait of humanity emerges from these verse? Or in other words what do these verses tell you about you, your friends, and everyone else?
How does Paul use the various parts of the body to illustrate graphically the extent and effects of sin? (vv 13-18)
The Word redemption is borrowed from the slave market. It means to buy someone out of slavery. What are some of the ways we were enslaved as non-Christians?
What are some forms of enslavement or bondage that we struggle with as Christians?
The expression sacrifice of atonement (v25) is taken from the Old Testament Sacrificial system. The death of a sacrificial animal turned away God’s wrath from the sinner. How does this imagery help us to understand and appreciate what Jesus did for us on the cross?
How can the fact that God has accepted and forgiven us through Christ affect our relationships with one another and with God?
Day 2: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord
To some, Jesus of Nazareth is a revolutionary, leading the masses in their struggle for freedom from oppression. Others see him as a staunch conservative, fully supporting and representing the status quo. Still others view Jesus as a pious, meek and mild do-gooder who loves everyone and avoids confrontation at all costs.
How has your picture of Jesus changed over time? Praise God for the privilege of knowing Jesus.
What is Jesus really like? Confusion about the identity and character of Jesus was also a problem in the first century. From both the inside and outside the church, distortions about he truth about Jesus and the Christian life had arisen. Against this background Paul writes to the Christians at Colossae reminding them of who it is they follow as Lord.
Read Colossians 1:15-23
What characteristics of Jesus Christ impress you in this passage?
According to verse 15, “Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.” What are some of the difficulties we have in trying to know and relate to an invisible God?
How has Christ’s incarnation (God becoming a human being) over come these difficulties?
How does this portrait of Christ enlarge your view of him?
Christ is also “the head of the body, the church” (V18). How can Christ’s authority make a visible difference in your youth group?
Verse 18 summarizes the overall thrust of this passage: “So that in everything he might have the supremacy.” In what areas does Jesus not yet have first place in your life?
What steps can you take to submit these areas to his Lordship?
Day 3: The Cost of Commitment
Picture yourself sitting at Jesus’ feet and learning from Him. What would it be like? Journal or Pray in response to our savior who invites us to come near.
At certain times during his ministry Jesus challenged his would-be disciples with strong and sobering words about the cost of truly following him as Lord. As those who claim Jesus as our Lord, we too need to carefully weigh these words.
Read Luke 14:25-35
In Verses 25-27 what does Jesus demand of those who would truly be his disciples?
A person carrying a cross in first-century Palestine was about to be executed. In this light explain the meaning of verse 27 and how it impacts your life.
What do the illustrations about counting the cost suggest about following Jesus (v33)?
Give some examples of how following Jesus could be costly for you.
What is one thing God is calling you to change today?
Read Matthew 13:44-46. What further motivation does Jesus give us here for serving him as Lord?
Day 4: Resisting Temptation
Perhaps nothing so persistently plagues Christians like temptation. Abraham was tempted to lie and fear. Paul wrestled with pride. Even Jesus faced innumerable temptations.
Spend some time reflecting. What areas of temptation do you struggle with the most? Ask God to use this study to help you with that temptation.
In Genesis 39 we observe one man’s struggle and victory over temptation. Joseph was the favored 11th son of Jacob. His jealous brothers sold the 17 year old Joseph into slavery. In Egypt he was again sold, this time to Potiphar, on of Pharaoh’s officials. This passage recounts the first test for Joseph as God prepared him for the crucial role he would play in Israel’s history.
Read Genesis 39
How would you handle Joseph’s situation?
How could have this position of authority, wealth, and power have affected Joseph?
What made this temptation from Potiphar’s wife especially difficult to resist?
What can you lean about overcoming temptation from Joseph’s example in verses 7-12?
What temptations do you deal with regularly? How can Joseph’s example help you resist?
Day 5
Read Ephesians 6:10-20. What additional weapons has God given us to resist temptation? What else do you learn about spiritual warfare from this passage? Ask God to protect you.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Truth and Grace
John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Last night at Project 937, and later in the service we learned that Grace is the difference between Christianity and any other religion in the world. This week in Know Your Faith we will be finding out how we can know truth. So here is my thought: Why would John connect the two- Grace and Truth?
Grace is makes our dead spiritual bodies alive. In Ephesians 2 we learn that we were all dead because of sin, but God because he is rich in mercy made us alive. He made us alive through grace through Jesus.
Truth is the actual state of things. You can say anything you want, but truth is grounded in reality. Jesus said in John 8:30-47 that He shows us the truth, and the truth sets us free. This freedom is freedom from the slavery of sin.
So both Grace and Truth really deal with our salvation. This tells us several things. First off that Jesus sets us free through Grace, and that is the truth. You can say whatever you want, but until you come to terms with truth, you will never be free.
Second off, grace and truth come from Jesus and no one else. What is more true or graceful than that?
Last night at Project 937, and later in the service we learned that Grace is the difference between Christianity and any other religion in the world. This week in Know Your Faith we will be finding out how we can know truth. So here is my thought: Why would John connect the two- Grace and Truth?
Grace is makes our dead spiritual bodies alive. In Ephesians 2 we learn that we were all dead because of sin, but God because he is rich in mercy made us alive. He made us alive through grace through Jesus.
Truth is the actual state of things. You can say anything you want, but truth is grounded in reality. Jesus said in John 8:30-47 that He shows us the truth, and the truth sets us free. This freedom is freedom from the slavery of sin.
So both Grace and Truth really deal with our salvation. This tells us several things. First off that Jesus sets us free through Grace, and that is the truth. You can say whatever you want, but until you come to terms with truth, you will never be free.
Second off, grace and truth come from Jesus and no one else. What is more true or graceful than that?
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