Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ - John Piper - Instructions
03 Dec 2008 01:22 pm
Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ
By John Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church or Minneapolis
December 6, 2008
I am very excited that we have permission from Desiring God Ministries to share together these exciting lessong on Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ. It is my profound hope that all of us will come to know Christ in a much deeper and life altering way as a result of taking the time to ask with John Piper, Who is Jesus Christ? Once again we have the opportunity to see friends and family come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior as we experience this study together. However, for the lost to be reached we must first invite them to come be a part of our search for Who Jesus Christ is. Pastor Piper says if we are going to truly meet Christ then we will do so throught the eyes of our hearts. Ephesians 1:18-19 says, "I pray, that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints..." As we do we will discover that Jesus Christ is the glory of God. Pastor Piper says, "We do not want to be like the child who looks upon the magnificent works of Michelangelo and then turns away to choose instead a comic book." Nothing in the world can compare to the glory of God. The glory of God should be our hearts desire. If it were then no selfish ambition or seasonal pleasure would be able to pull us away from living a life in which we seek always to behold the glory of Jesus Christ. Does your life seem to be lackluster and out of control? Is the life you are leading not measuring up to what you expected when you joined the Church? Well perhaps it is because you have chosen to exchange something else in order to seek fulfillment in life for the only truly lasting fulfillment which comes through beholding the glory of God. Pastor Pipers says, "...in the gospel we see and savor 'the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ' (II Corinthians 4:6). And this kind of "seeing" is the healing of our disordered lives. "We all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." (II Corinthians 3:18. Beholding glory we are changed into glory, therefore, beholding is becoming. Our only hope to become like Christ is to behold Him. Let's join together over the next six weeks and See and Savor Jesus Christ.
Logistically as we will be conducting this eight week study in six weeks then Lessons 1 and 2 must be combined. This will necessitate your class doing the preparatory work for Lesson 2 as a review. We also will not have the luxury of two hours each week. So I would only discuss question one from lesson 1. *How important is it that Christians learn to see and savor Jesus Christ? What is at stake in seeing and savoring Him? Is it possible to see Him without savoring Him? I would not do the personal introductions as your class members already know one another pretty well except do introduce yourselves to visitors or new members. I would also suggest that this first week you have the class look back over the preparatory questions for Day 1-5 as a review of what Pastor Piper shared in the video. Concentrate on showing the video and discussing the What you have learned questions and the after discussion question and application activity.
In weeks 3-8 the class should do the prepatory sections for days 1-5 each week. Some options are to allow 15 minutes for discussing the prepatory questions for the week; 20-30 minutes for the video and 15 minutes for the after discussion and application. Or you may wish to begin with the video and then pick from the prepatory and What you have learned questions. Do not leave out the application step. Each week the class will read at least two of the chapters in the book.
I will have handouts placed on tables with the class members prepatory and reflection activities. Please have someone pick up these handouts for your class. Please do not take more than you need so that everyone can have one. It would be best if husbands and wives had their own separate handouts.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
My Ongoing Mission - BSFL - November 30, 2008
26 Nov 2008 11:59 am
My Ongoing Mission
BSFL - November 30, 2008
Background Scripture: Romans 15:7-33; 16:25-27
Focal Scripture: Romans 15:14-21, 30-33; 16:25-27
Open Up
Some years ago we had a delightful young couple join our Church. They purchased a newly constructed home in our community and the wife was very excited about having all new appliances. She was especially excited about the new stove because it was clean with no baked on spots from previous cooks. However, when she went to use the stove for the first time she could not get anything on it to work. It looked good but it did not heat. Finally, not knowing anything else to do, she called a serviceman. He came out and within five minutes was presenting her a bill for $35.00. She asked him, "What did you do to get the stove to work?" His response, "I plugged in the power supply."
Electrical appliances, as we all know, will not work if they are disconnected. But did you know that a productive Christian life can also be powered down by a simple disconnect? The disconnection of worship of God from witnessing for God. Too many Christian adults today do not grasp the fact that worship of God on Sunday should result in witnessing for God on Monday. The Lifeway BSFL Teaching Insights for November 30 says that, "Consequently, thier worship of the God who sent His Son on mission for them is incomplete. Adults need both to praise God in Church and partner with God in the world." This weeks lesson looks at the connection between worship and witness and how the two together help us to fulfill God's will for our lives.
Ask the class, "What is your greatest ambition?" Then have them identify Paul's ambition in Romans 15:20. Compare their ambition to Paul's ambition.
Move Inside
Proclaim the Good News
Romans 15:14-16
1. How does Paul see his own mission (15:14-16)?
2. Paul credits his success in evangelism with what (15:18-19)?
3. What attitudes toward himself and his mission does Paul express in
(15:16-22)?
4. What did Paul mean by the phrase in verse 20, "...building on another
man's foundation?"
5. Are their places where you and your family can proclaim the good
news where no foundation has yet been laid?
Pray for Success
Romans 15:30-33
1. How does Paul want the Roman Christians to help him?
2. Is there anything in 15:14-33 that you would like to apply in your own
life? If so, what is it, and what do you plan to do about it?
Praise God
Romans 16:25-27
1. Paul closes with praises for God. What does he say about God?
2. What does he say about the gospel?
3. In what ways is Paul's attitude toward Jewish and Gentile believers a
model for our behavior toward Jews or other groups?
Romans 15:8-12; 16:26-27
Take It Away
Back in chapter 1, Paul introduced himself as an apostle of the gospel, dedicated to leading Gentiles to the obedience of faith. Now Paul has thoroughly explained the gospel he preaches, and he is ready to return to the business that prompted this letter. These personal comments give us a window into Paul's character and motives.
Do you agree there is a connection which must be maintained between worshipping God and witnessing for Christ? If yes, explain why? If no, explain why not?
Now what will you do about your ongoing mission this week?
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
When Considering Matters of Life and Death-ETB-Nov. 30, 2008
25 Nov 2008 01:27 pm
When Considering Matters of Life and Death
ETB - November 30, 2008
Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:1-24:25 (I Chronicles 11:10-41; 20:4-8; 21:1-26
Focal Scripture: 2 Samuel 22:1-7; 23:1-7
Open Up
Growing up in Church and accepting Christ as a young boy I have always trusted in God not matter my circumstances. I often wonder how persons living without Christ in their lives can bring themselves to get out of bed and face the world with all of its pitfalls and challenges. This week we will look at King David's reign as it nears its closure. David like each of us was not a perfect person who never made mistakes. But he was one who trusted in God and sought His forgiveness when he did miss the mark of obedience. We shall look together this week at the surety of God's promise of salvation and we will discover how this surety helps God's people to live securely amid all of life's instability. The security of our salvation even aids us when facing death and we need to boldly declare the basis for our living securely to others.
One thing David witnessed over and over in his life was that God blessed the nation of Israel when she lived in obedience to God in their daily life and worship. So when as recorded in 2 Samuel 21 the nation was in the midst of an ongoing 3 year drought and famine David knew something was wrong with their relationship with God which was keeping Him from answering their prayers. So David enquired of the Lord and found that there was an unrepented sin in the nation. This sin was commited years before by King Saul when he broke a covenant oath made before God not to harm the Gibeonites. King Saul in one of the early cases of attempts at genocide tried to eradicate Israel of all foreigners including the Gibeonites by killing them. God told David that He would not bless the nation until the blood stained hands of the House of Saul against the Gibeonites had been atoned. David then gave up 7 of King Saul's sons and grandsons to be executed for breaking the oath made before Him pledging to live in peace with the Gibeonites. Once the sin was atoned for through sacrifice the rains came and Israel began to be blessed again.
In the resource the Teacher's Commentary the following is asked, "What are valid reasons for breaking your word to someone? Several passages in the Bible suggest that commitments are to be kept. Jesus condemned the Pharisees in part because they invented ways to keep their oaths from being binding (Matthew 23:16-22). Instructing His followers, Jesus said, "Do not swear at all," and went on to explain that each person's integrity should be such that his yes means yes and his no means no. More than that should be unnecessary for a man of integrity.
The death of Saul's descendants was harsh. And the text does not suggest that God approved. But Saul has intended genocide, despite the historic oath of protection sworn in God's name by an earlier Israelite leader (Joshua). Brutality has engendered brutality in return, just as broken oaths destroy trust and gain a return of deceit."
Have your class read 2 Samuel 21:1-14 and Joshua 9:1-15 then answer the following:
1. In your opinion how much does a leader or governor need to know
about the history of the people he or she leads or governs?
2. What characteristics make a person an honorable man or woman?
Move Inside
Matters Concerning God (2 Samuel 22:1-3)
Here David offers a song of praise to God as the Rock who gives stability in a turbulent world. Compare this praise to his praise in Psalm 18.
1. What events do you believe prompted David to compose this song of
praise? (early reign after the death of Saul and perhaps after the
ensuing 7 years of civil war).
2. How did David characterize God's actions on his behalf in times of
trouble?
3. Does this song of praise offer testimony of God's securely holding on
to us in times of trial?
Matters Concerning Death (2 Samuel 22:4-7)
1. What images did David use to express being in mortal danger?
2. According to David, do we praise God because he delivers us
from death or do we praise God because He is worth of praise?
3. Ask the class to share a time when their life or the life of someone they
love has been threatened. Did they pray? How did they know God
answered their prayers?
Matters Concerning Life (2 Samuel 23:1-4)
1. If you had the opportunity to make a farewell speech to your friends
and loved ones before you died, what would you say?
2. What are the different descriptions of David given in the introduction to
his "last words"?
3. Whose words did David speak?
4. To what did David compare a righteous ruler?
5. Were these words written in your opinion by an optimist or a
pessimist?
6. Have you ever been blessed through helping make a spiritual difference
in someone else's life?
Matters Concerning Salvation (2 Samuel 23:5-7)
1. What did David say was the status of his house before God?
2. What were the characteristics of God's covenant with David?
3. Did David find his salvation to be secure in the hands of God?
4. According to verse 6 the wicked were like thorns, what does this tell
you about the danger of the wicked to others?
5. What practical method did David say God would use to get rid of evil?
Take it Away
The life of David as recorded in the Old Testament should challenge each of us to examine our own lives and experiences. We can learn from David's successes and failures, how to live more meaningful, more fulfilling, and more godly lives.
Reflect on how your faith can be strengthened by remembering what God has done for you and his promise of salvation to you.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
My Heart-Healthy Church - BSFL - November 23, 2008
20 Nov 2008 11:52 am
My Heart-Healthy Church
Background Scripture: Romans 14:1-15:6
Focal Scripture: Romans 14:1,10-13,19-21; 15:1-6
Open Up
Growing up in the South I have certainly been around my share of prejudiced people, especially against persons of African-American heritage. My grandmother employed a housekeeper and cook who took care of me and my brothers and sisters often. We loved her, yet she was never allowed to eat in the dining room with us but had to eat at a table in the kitchen. In my neighborhood of Tolar Hart, we had only one African American family who were neighbors. My Dad loved to talk with the elder partiarch of this family and would often invite him over to our house to eat. As I look back I realize that this man was never asked to eat with us around our table but rather Mom would put his food on a disposable plate and he would eat on the car port. As I grew I slowly began to realize that this was truly bigoted prejudice that I was witnessing. In High School I prided myself in the belief that I, personally was not prejudiced. I looked upon persons of all races as equal. That is to say, until the summer of 1979.
In the summer of '79 I was commissioned by the Home Mission Board (now the North American Mission Board) as a summer missionary to the state of California. I spent that summer conducting Vacation Bible Schools, Backyard Bible Clubs, and preaching on the weekends in the Bay Area. Each week my partner and I would stay in the homes of different Church members. Things went fine until we travelled to Berkeley California. My host family was you guessed it, African American. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with emotion as I thought, "I have to sleep in their bed linens, shower where they shower, eat what they eat off of their plates. I even thought, "What will I do if they serve chitterlings." I hope none of you will hold these feelings against me as I am simply trying to be transparent with you. God dealt with me that summer and I was humbled as I was forced to admit that deep down I indeed was prejudiced against persons of other races. I have admitted this to God and He is helping me to be more loving and accepting of others. But never again will I be so arrogant as to claim that there is not a prejudiced bone in my body. If God is going to use me and you to reach others then we must love one another equally regardless of race, financial status, or spiritual maturity.
Love is indeed the key to living the Christlike life and Paul felt that without it the unity to the Church at Rome might be destroyed. Believers must love one another no matter what the level of their spiritual maturity so that the Church may continue to reach new converts. Cliques, prejudices, and quarrels over things as simple as whether or not the panelling inthe Sancturary should be chair rail or ceiling high have caused countless churches to split over the years. This week we will look at ways to maintian a church's spiritual health.
Move Inside
Accept One Another
Romans 14:1, 10-12
As a group brainstorm a list of areas in which Christians often disagree among themselves. Divide the list under two headings, 1) disputable matters on which Scripture is not explicit, and 2) issues on which Scripture gives clear guidance. Consider on which of these would you be the strong Christian and which the weak?
1. What attitudes do the weak and the strong tend to have toward each
other? Romans 14:1 Why might they feel this way?
2. What types of Christians are you most likely to judge or look down
on? Why?
3. Why is it wrong to pass judgment on other Christians ? (Romans 14:
10-12)
Build Up One Another
Romans 14:13, 19-21
1. When we are not around those whose faith is weak, what principles
should govern our Christian liberty? (Romans 14:13,19-21)
2. When we are around those whose faith is weak, what principles
should guide our actions, and why? (Romans 14:14:13-21)
3. Someone else is bound to get offended by almost anything we do!
How can we practically apply these princples?
4. Why is it important for the Roman Christians to stay out of arguments
over certain matters of faith and practice?
Imitate Christ
Romans 15:1-6
1. Why is it difficult to suppress our own point of view in order to help
those who are weaker in the faith?
2. What is the difference between living for the good of others and living
to please others?
3. How was Christ the supreme example of what Paul commands?
(Romans 151-3)
4. If we follow Christ's example in this and other areas of our lives, why
will we need endurance, encouagement and hope?
5. In contrast to the discord and possible verbal abuse hinted at in
Romans 14, what does God desire of us? (Romans 15:5-6)
Take It Away
What area of your life can you review this week for practices that may cause difficulty for Christian friends or associates?
What can you do this week to spread peace and mutual edification among Christians?
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
When Family Bonds Shatter - ETB - November 23, 2008
17 Nov 2008 05:23 pm
When Family Bonds Shatter
ETB- November 23, 2008
Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 13:1-20:26
Focal Scripture: 2 Samuel 13:19-22, 28a, 37-39; 14:23-24; 15:1-6
Open Up
In 1990, I was shocked to witness just how far bitterness and conflict in a family could go. A family in the Church I was serving had received the sad news that their brother had been found deceased in a motel room. The brother had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. This addiction had led to stress and infighting within his family over the years. The final result was a man dying alone in a cheap motel. Personally, I come from a family composed of high spirited individuals who are always at their ready to defend their territory. Let us suffice it to say, that occasionally their are family arguments and conflict. However, at the end of the day I know that my brothers and sisters love one another. We can depend on one another. This is why it was so surprising to me that this former Church members family suffered hurts so deep that they refused even to pay for their brother to have a decent burial. They left him to the state to place in a potter's field. All families I realize face conflict at some time or another but left unchecked that conflict will ultimately lead to anger, vengence, and bitter actions and regrets.
King David experienced the heartbreak of unresolved conflicts within his family. The prophet Nathan had forewarned David that his sin would carry with it devastating consequences. David did not realize that this prophesy would be fulfilled by his own sons following his example. As a result of David's sin all kinds of heartaches and troubles were experienced by his family. Let's look at todays scripture to glean some principles that can help us respond to family conflicts in a godly manner.
In groups of four:
Think back to High School, who did you seek out for advice on dating and romance? Did they give good advice?
In 2 Samuel 13:3-5, Amnon received advice for his friend Jonadab, have you ever taken bad advice from a friend?
Move Inside
Confront Wrongdoing
2 Samuel 13:19-22
1. Why did Tamar tear her garment and put ashes on her head?
2. What role do you believe if any did David's polygamy play in ths sin of his son Amnon?
3. Why do you believe that Absalom, knowing what his brother had done to his sister Tamar counsel her to hold her peace for now?
4. What did Absalom do with his anger toward Amnon? Was this wise?
5. What was David's reaction when he heard about the incident involving Amnon and Tamar?
6. What should we do when we learn of wrongdoing? Confront it? Store it up for another occasion? or Something else?
Resist Vengefulness
2 Samuel 13:28a, 37-39
1. Have you ever received and invitation only later to find that it had an ulterior motive? How did this make you feel?
2. We know now what Absalom did in response to his sister's attack, how would you have reacted if this had been your sister?
3. How would you respond to someone who insisted that Absalom was justified in his actions against Amnon because of his brotherly love for his sister Tamar?
4. Do you believe things would have turned out differently if David had disciplined his son?
5. Why did David do nothing in your opinion?
6. Should a Christian seek revenge? Why or Why not?
Foster Reconciliation
2 Samuel 14:23-24
1. Look back at verses 1-14, This encounter with this woman sent by Joab, does the ruse remind you of another similar encounter where the King was taught a lesson? (Nathan in chapter 12)
2. Did Joab act in his own best interests, those of David, or Absalom? Why do you think so?
3. What did Joab know about the king's true desires?(14:1)
4. Why did Joab devise such and elaborate plan rather than simply asking David to send for Absalom?
5. How far should a friend go in helping you acheive your desires?
6. Why did David take the halfway measure of allowing Absalom to return but not to see him?
7. Joab had fostered the reconcialiation but did Davids's action in question six promote it or delay it?
Refrain From Selfish Schemes
2 Samuel 15:1-6
1. What was Absalom blatantly doing in 2 Samuel 1-6?
2. How do ambitious people sometimes manipulate the truth to their own advantage?
3. Why might it be wise to wonder about the motives of people who seem unusually helpful?
4. How can we devise selfish schemes and still be in the will of God?
Take It Away
1. What does it take to keep good relationships between family members?
2. What steps can one take to avoid being gullible to nay-sayers and influence gatherers?
Close with prayer
Ask God to help you heal the broken relationships that may exist in your personal family; in your Church family. Ask God to help you keep your personal desires in line with his perfect will for your life.
By : nick | Category: Commentary | Comments [0]
