Quiet Times Search

• Born in a barn (Luke 2:4-7)
• Made himself nothing (Philippians 2:58)
• Did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:43-45)

a. Jesus taught with truth and compassion
b. Backup his teachings with his life

i. No man can come to except through me
ii. Do good to those who hate you
iii. Find your life by loosing it

c. Gives us a place to stand – embolden the disciples

a. Jesus was the foundation
b. Story did not end in Palestine

a. Died with Christ, now we can live a new life with him – Romans 6:4,5,8

• Jesus served humbly as their servant - his life was all about love
  
• All men will know you as a disciple by your love of one another
• Distinctive mark by which Christians are recognized
• Does not say "they will know by your doctrine"

• People would beat tools of division into tools of peace - Isaiah 2:4
• Impossible unity - Isaiah 11:6-9
• Men would protect each other - Isaiah 32:2

• Praying for show - Matthew 22:29
• Studying the scriptures - Matthew 22:29

1. Coupled with loving God
2. How we show we are disciples
3. Something to devoted to as we come into Christ
4. How we fulfill the principle of Christ
5. How we live a life worthy of the gospel and the Lord
6. Where walking in the light leads

Abandon

Mark 2:6-12

• Jesus didn’t walk on eggshells when he was around those who opposed him.
• We are often so careful not to offend anyone that no frankness and no power is left our speech.
• We need to be constantly ready to withstand opposition

Selfless Authority

• People who seem apologetic about authority they have or hesitate to exercise it are not very impressive
• Reason: they see it as a means of gaining something for themselves for themselves rather than a means of achieving a goal
• People that abuse power act the same way as those who do not use
• Pilate failed because he did not understand why he was in power
• We should not hesitate to make use of this authority and we should be unashamed
• How can disciples of Jesus not be bold and assertive? We must be forceful people!

Mark 2:15-17

Nonconformist

• He challenged popular thinking to inspire them to think again about how they were living.
• Are you willing to rock the boat?
• People of impact won’t accept because we have always have do it this way.
• Every great historic change has been bought by blood or the reputation of non-conformists.
• People who are unwilling to venture out into unfamiliar territory will never men of impact
• More difficult for people who feel they have achieved a great deal

Protector

• Legalism occurs when one values an easy decision over true justice.
• When Jesus gave direction, he assumed responsibility for their actions
• Jesus stood up for his disciples.
• They probably felt very safe around Him (love always protects)
• Without protection, insecurity can be seen more and in the “Me” generation.

Challenger

• To say that Jesus quietly and humbly pointed out their wrongs would be inaccurate
• He didn’t go after their ego, he went straight to the heart.

Dream Shared

Mark 4:26-32

• He did not hesitate to express his vision to those around him.
• Jesus confidence that the Father would keep his promises fostered faith in his followers

Choice words

Mark 4:33-34

• Did not teach over the listeners’ heads nor did he overwhelm them with information
• Those that were already committed to follow him – he explained everything
• The way we speak has almost as much impact as what we say.

Actions speak louder

• They assumed that he could not help and they wondered if he even cared
• Natural reaction would to rebuke the disciples than help – not Jesus

Toughness

Mark 6:45-46

• Worked harder and longer than anyone else
• Expected more from himself than from his disciples
• The one leading the way must pay the greatest price

Unwavering Excellence

Mark 6:47-56

• Fruit was only harvested what another had sown - what Jesus had sown
• He directed the efforts of many followers but did not become an administrator behind a desk.
• He had an unbelievable schedule with
  • frequent interruptions
  • time conflicts
  • people clamoring for his attention

Sounding the Alarm

Mark 7:1-13

• Living by traditions = living in vain, a waste of time.
• Jesus was not afraid to rebuke people, to “lay it out” when it was necessary.
• When stirring up things, some people wake up to discover a true relationship with God or they will become furious
• People of impact do not hesitate to raise their voices in order to shake people out of their slumber.
• They are not afraid on how people react when they are disturbed from their sleep.
• It is wrong to be silent and leave people comfortable in their false sense of security

Protectiveness

• He stood up for his followers.
• Jesus took responsibility for his disciple’s actions
• When a leader stands up for and protects his followers, a strong loyalty is forged

Timing

Mark 8:31-33

• He did not reveal things prematurely.
• There is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him. – Ecc 8:6

Approachability

• Peter and the other disciples knew that they could say anything to Jesus and he would continue to accept them.
• A leader must be approachable.
• Approachability is not the product of timidity.
• People won’t open up to someone they perceive as being weak and unable to help them.
• Approachability is the fruit of those who have the ability to listen completely before responding.
• Confidentiality: Public offenses demand public discipline. (What goes around comes around)

Magnetism

Mark 9:14-29

• Why? Magnetism came from only prayer.
• Magnetism: an attracting force on the level of the soul, which produces deep bonding and enduring loyalty.

Frustration

• Jesus expressed frustration regarding the continuing unbelief of the people.
• Closest disciples even needed him the bolster their faith.
• He was frustrated because their unbelief blocked the power of God.
• Jesus did not lock his frustration up inside.
• Dealing with frustration – stuffer = out of mind; slammers = fly off the handle – neither are good

Retreats

Mark 9:30-32

• Sometimes the only way we can truly give ourselves to the few is by making ourselves unavailable to the many.
• Retreats are a change in routine to ponder perspective to help in our personal growth.

Openness

• Jesus was very open with his disciples about difficult challenges and troubles that lay ahead for him.
• Through his openness, Jesus led the way for his disciples to be open with each other.
• Hiding produces shallow relationships and weak bonding – leads to dissolution of the group
• Few are open with troubles to someone who has never been open to them.

• Known as the Jesus cult.
• They spent night and day with His disciple and they were always astonished.
• Some people astonish us when we first meet them but after getting to know them we grow accustomed to their usual actions. 

• James and John expected to pull this one over on Jesus
  
• He didn’t correct them for being manipulative or disrespectful

• There is a great difference between lording leadership and servant leadership.
• It is hard to see politicians as servant leaders.

• Jesus gave his disciples specific instructions, which enabled them to be successful in fulfilling the responsibilities he had delegated.
• What would have happened if these instructions were vague?

A Powerful Presence

Mark 14:43-52

• Fearsome spectacle - all the disciples fled
• John 18:4-6 – He was forceful and in control of his decision

Self-Control

Mark 14:53-65

• Remember, for these men to act this way must have seemed completely out of character.
• What is your standard of self-control? – They lost control of their anger (built up over several month and years)

• Jesus had more of an impact dead then alive.
• Are we dead to ourselves?
  
• If any of Jesus’ rebukes had a particularly lasting impact on their lives, this was the one
• Disciples were probably convicted by just the sight of Jesus

• What would your last words be? – Say them today!!!! 
• “Repent and believe the good news.” – These were both the first and the last words from Jesus.

• The great love for surveys and polls
• We can not repent if we do not know that we have drifted – It takes a prophet of God
• See how different the prophets in your life live.

• Metanoia happens internally, fruit happens externally
• Sometimes we say, “You need to repent” – which may have meant “get it together” (a heart bypass)
• Becomes “need to” instead of “want to”
• It is easier to disciple the behavior than it is to address the mind and heart
• Consider things above – instead of considering behavior, consider the kingdom of God
• Metanoia is no technique; it’s an inside-out transformation

1. How have you broken your covenant with God?
2. Are scriptures sufficient for your repentance?
3. Do you agree with the author’s assertions that repentance isn’t something we do in order to return to God, it is our return to Him? Why or Why not?
4. How does fear play a positive role in our repentance?
5. Do your standards for morality reflect a biblical standard or simply a modern one?
6. Why do prophets go after the leaders of a society?
7. How does metanoia differ from the fruit of metanoia? How does this distinction help you repent?

• Matrix – do you know what this is, Neo?
• Feeling we have all had – there is something wrong with the world
• Blue Pill – You wake up and you believe what you wan to the believe (Jewish leaders chose this one)
• Red Pill – you are only offered truth
• Without repentance, we will remain blinded
  • How could a kingdom transcend geographic boundaries?
  • How could a kingdom be within us?
  • What sort of kingdom has no capital, no government, no army, and no temple?
• Longed for a tangible kingdom rather than a spiritual kingdom

• Many Christians the kingdom of God as something the future holds
• Some wish to avoid the kingdom commitment here on earth
• Kingdom expect allegiance ahead of all others
• Any real government expects this type of loyalty

• King exerted seasonal influence
• Three levels of subjects:
  • Disciples – treated him a Lord
  • Christians – little bit naughty, gave mainly to friends and family, on rear occasions to the poor
  • Unbelievers – little bit naughty, did not believe, not Hitler or other really bad people
• Most indirectly believe in this theory of the world
• If I abandon this paradigm, I would have to admit I am wrong.

• Thought of Jesus as a Messianic Champion
• Thought Jesus would reveal himself in a fierce battle
• “You are the Christ!”
• All the right data
  • Witness the transfiguration – built shelters for Moses, Jesus, and Elijah – Jesus said Peter didn’t know what he was saying
  • Night of the betrayal – Peter said bring it on, he held on hope that 12 leagues of angels would come; drawn his sword to the guard
  • Peter joined the other disciples in Jerusalem – with “one mind” in prayer and purpose

• Started with only a few men.
• He was not concerned with programs to reach the multitudes but with men whom the multitudes would follow.
• Initial objective was to enlist men who could bear witness to His life and carry on His work.
• Early effort at soul winning had little to no effect on the religious.
• Turned out that the early convert became great leaders of His church.
• Who were they?
  • Common labors
  • No academic degrees
  • From the poor side of Galilee (Judas only exception)

• Bad character traits of His disciples:
  • Impulsive
  • “Unlearned and Ignorant”
  • Their abilities were limited
  • Temperamental
  • Easily offended
  • Often mistaken in their judgment
  • Slow to comprehend spiritual things
  • Had many prejudices.
• Good characteristics traits of His disciples:
  • Teachable
  • Willing to confess their need
  • Hearts were big
  • Sincere yearning for God
  • They were fed up with the hypocrisy of their leaders

• Little more than 500 after the resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:6
• 120 received baptism at the day of Pentecost - Acts 1:15

• Why not an army?
• He needed leaders to lead the ministry after He left. Not all followers. It takes energy to produce a leader.
• Not trying to impress the crowd but the usher in a Kingdom
• Mass are like helpless sheep wandering aimlessly without a shepherds
• Masses willing to follow anyone that came along with some promise for their welfare
• Jesus was a realist. He knew he could not meet all the needs on His own.

• We are not even keeping with the growing population
• We in an age where more rapid communication is now being seen than ever before
• Must not be frantic to try to change the pattern overnight
• Do like Jesus – start with a few lowly disciples and do as it was done by Jesus
  • Slow, tedious, painful, and probably unnoticed at first
  • Not spiritual “junk-food” revivals
• Which generation are you living for?

• Jesus made it a practice to be with them
  • No formal schooling
  • No periodic membership classes
  • No seminaries
  • No outlined course of study
  • No religious rituals or formulas of knowledge
• Knowledge was gained by association before it was understood by explanation
• “Come follow me” [no other explanation recorded] and learn how I (Jesus) am living
• One living sermon is worth a hundred explanations
• Ministry time lengthened in the second and third years.
• He gave increasingly more time to the chosen disciples, not less.
• Frequently He would take them with Him in a mountainous country where he was unknown.
  • Trip to Tyre and Sidon – Mark 7:24
  • Borders of Decapolis – Mark 7:31
  • Parts of Dalmanutha to SE of Galilee - Mark 8:10
  • Villages of Caesarea Philipi to the NW – Mark 8:27

• Reasons for departures:
  • Oppositions from Pharisees
  • Hostility of Herod
  • Jesus wanted to be with disciples without distractions
• In Gethsemane, disciples were only a stone’s throw away - Luke 22:41
• Family: near each other in a time of departure
• Every minute cherished because the growing realization of He would be with them no more
• He spent more time with His disciples than with everyone else put together.
  • Ate with them
  • Slept with them
  • Talked with them
  • Walked with them
  • Prayed with them
  • Worshiped with them
• Ministering to the mass – disciples learned the lessons and then got an explanation afterwards
• Jesus had little time to call His own
• Only exceptions was when He kept to His own personal devotions with interruptions - Mark 46-48
• He wanted to be with them
• They were His spiritual children

• For three years, Jesus had been training them by being with them
• Follow-up was not just confined with His disciples
  • Zaccheus on the street of Jericho - Luke 19:7
  • Women at the well - John 4:39-42
• Some attention was given to others – but not compared to the attention given to the twelve
• Faithful women – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others - Luke 8:1-3
  • He did not refuse their kindness
  • Jesus was well aware of the sex barrier
  • He did not try to incorporate these ladies in the select company
• Primary task was to develop some men who in turn could give personal attention to others

• Consequences for not following up
  • The other choice is for the convert to find solutions to innumerable problems in on their own
  • Haphazard follow-up could mean disaster for their faith
  • Fall ways - come about more often be not getting with them enough
  • There is not substitute for getting with people
• No such thing as assembly line discipleship
• You must be a personal guardian to those you lead.
• It is your job to:
  • Stay with them as much as possible
  • Study the Bible and pray together
  • Answer their questions
  • Clarify the truth
  • Seeking together to help others
• If it took three years to develop His disciples by getting with them, how much more should we get together with those that have not physically have seen Jesus? How much longer will it take (not seeing them all the time)?

• Jesus required and expected obedience
• They were disciples, learners, pupils (“Christian”) did not even come until later - Acts 11:26
• Being smart was not a requirement for His students, but loyalty was.
• No statement of faith made at the beginning but they believed that he was the Messiah (Luke 1:41, 45, 49; 5:8)
• Jesus was obedient to His Word and expected others to do the same.
• People do not follow hypocrites – Jesus lived it
• Way of the Cross
  • Meant more than a joyful precession: it meant a surrender of one’ whole life and of His sovereignty.
  • God or Money - Luke 16:13
  • Do not conform to the world = new life - Matthew 5:1-7:29
  • Love was found in obedience (John 14:21)
  • Cross – willingness to die to self so that other may live
• Strong Teachings
  • Not many followed (many left) - John 6:66
  • Jesus did not go running after them to get them to stay
  • Must be willing to pay the price

• Disciples were slow to learn the deeper truths of Jesus’ life.
  • What the kingdom of God was all about
  • The fact that Jesus was going to die on the cross
  • Serving others above their own needs
  • Who was greatest in the kingdom of God
  • Harsh judgment on those how disagreed with them
• Jesus was patient with their failings
  • Disciples went back to their old fishing business – did not seem to be an act of disobedience
  • Jesus come follow him but they did not realize what that meant until later
  • Their capacity to receive truth would if they continued to practice with what truth they did understand
  • They were not asked to commit to doctrine but to the Person who was the doctrine.

• When Jesus spoke about obedience, they had the ultimate example in front of them.
• Jesus found joy in doing the work of His Father
  • He expected nothing from His disciples – Luke 17:6-10, 8:21, Mark 3:35; Matthew 12:50
• Development of character is by living and seeing it each day. (Father teaches and expects them to be like him)
• Jesus knew what they were up against
  • Half-hearted evangelism = not effective
  • Required absolute obedience to the Master’s will, with a complete abandonment of their own
• We are engaged in a spiritual war – no missing around with God’s commands
• A day we are indifferent with to our responsibility = day lost to the cause of Christ
• Lack of zeal in church is a lack of obedience
• The need of the hour is not despair but action.

• Disciples realized that they were responding to Jesus who was willing to give of Himself for them
• Examples of Jesus giving himself away
  • Gave away what the Father gave to Him - John 15:15
  • He gave them peace - John 16:33
  • He gave them despite pain and suffering - John 15:11
• Love is not love until it is given away
• Jesus – God gave away His most precious possession
• No greater love than to lay down our live for others
• Jesus impressed the deep compulsion of His eternal purpose
• It was clear that the Master considered no service too small or sacrifice too great.
• Jesus denied Himself many of the comforts and pleasure of the world and became a servant
• He continually gave His life “for their sakes”
• Disciples learned not in theory but in practice (painful and hard to accept)
• Jesus life was the measure by which they were to regard their own service.
  • To give freely as they had received – Matthew 10:8
  • Love one another as He loved them - John 13:34
  • Calvary love was the standard

• Prayer
  • Jesus often let His disciples see Him conversing with the Father (They ask, not forced)
  • Unless they grasped the meaning of prayer and practiced consistently – not much would come from their lives.
    
• Using Scripture
  • He never ceased to use the Scripture in His conversation with them.
  • 66 references to the Old Testament
  • 90+ Old Testament references speaking to others
  • Jesus could freely recall scriptures by heart
• Everything that he did and said had some relevance to evangelism
  • Revealing the truth
  • How to deal with men
  • Disciples may (at the time) have not known that they were being taught
• Jesus was the Master of His own teachings
  • Presentation was not flashy; the truth was the main attraction.
• Disciples observed how to:
  • Jesus drew people to Himself
  • Won their confidence and inspired their faith
  • He called them to the way of salvation and He called them to make a decision

• Jesus considered their ability and taught them with patience
• At first, Jesus did not say anything about evangelizing the world
  • Showed them how to have a relationship with God
  • Showed them how He worked
  • Their need to follow
• He did not discourage spontaneous acts of faith
• Duties performed by His disciples
  • Baptized some - John 4:2
  • Food arrangements
• Jesus kept the vision in front of them
• Little evangelism was done on their own at the beginning
  • We should be patient with new disciples
• First evangelist mission with the 12
  • Began with Jesus’ third tour through Galilee
  • Sent them forth - Mark 6:7

• His teaching rotated between instruction and assignment
• Questions, illustrations, warnings, and admonitions were calculated to fill His work to evangelize the world.
• When the disciples were sent out they gathered themselves to see what things had been done
  • They were expected to share their experiences
  • Previous mission there was no mention of any spectacular success
  • They gain additional experience
  • Jesus cautioned the disciples against pride in their accomplishments
• Demon-possessed boy – lesson on how they needed more prayer and fasting
• Loaves and fish – lesson on faith they God will provide
• Lessons of patience
  • Danger of discouraging any sincere work - “Those who are not against you are for you” - Mark 9:50
  • Do little the little one stumble - Mark 9:42
  • Encounter resistance - Call down fire from heaven - Luke 9:51-54
  • Jesus came to save not destroy - Luke 9:55

• On the job training – let followers have experience or make some observations of their own
• Gave them greater awareness of their deficiencies
• Kept disciples going toward the goal He had set before them.
• He did not expect more from His disciples than they could do
• He did expect their best
• We never assume the work is done. Ask lots of question / probe.
• There are many things that can happen to frustrate, discouraged or defeated.
• The goal is world conquest.
  • Never dare to let a lesser concern capture us.
  • No further training or inspiration needed.
  • Focus can easily be on us.
• The ability of a worker is not developed if there is no supervision
• Our little efforts can be a excuse for not doing more.
• We can lose the advantage years of hard work and sacrifice.
• Disciples must be brought to maturity
• We have not been called to hold the fort but storm the heights.

• Jesus built into the disciples the structure of the church; Mustard seed - Matthew 13:32
• Jesus’ vision was for the church to be world-wide
• The church would have many trials and battles but would never be overcome - Matthew 16:18
• Peter finally realized what was going on - Matthew 16:18
• Must see the direct relation:
  • Bearing witness to Christ
  • Ultimate Victory over the world
• If the disciples did not evangelize, there would not be any Christians today.
• “Through the Word” – Others would believe in Him too. - John 17:20
• We must do what Jesus – He made disciples, we should walk as Jesus walked
• He taught His disciples to reproduce
• He had no other plan

• The Test
  •  Could His disciples do a good job without His bodily supervision as they could with it?
  •  Human point of view: Never could be sure that His investment in their lives.
•  Life-sustaining power of the vine was not to be given to endlessly upon lifeless branches
  •  A barren Christian is a contradiction.
  • A tree is known by its fruit
• Principle throughout His ministry
  • Reward of His own sacrifice for the world - John 12:24
  • Distinguishing work of those who did the will of His Father - Matthew 7:16-23
  • Wages given to His disciples for their work in the harvest - John 4:36
  • What was lacking in the Sadducees and Pharisees - Matthew 3:7-8

• Two-year olds
• nervous people
• lazy-minded
• superficial people
• self-conscious people

• Confidence
• At peace
• Clear-minded
• Alert
• Deep and Focused

1. Our Father in heaven - Set our minds on personal and intimate relationship we have with our God
2. Hallowed be your name  - Praise and honor him
3. Your Kingdom come  - Pray for his church, disciples, leaders, people whom the gospel has not reached
4. Your will be done - Pray for a submissive heart toward will of God in our lives
5. Give us this day our daily bread - Pray through today's schedule, needs, relying on God
6. Forgive us our debts - Confess specific sin
7. As we also have forgiven our debtors - Commit before God to resolve conflict, hurts, concerns in all relationships
8. Lead us not into temptation - Wrestle with God to be submissive and repentant in areas of weakness
9. Deliver us from the evil one - Pray that God to stop Satan and than God for victories in him

What occupies my mind?
What concerns me?
When I think of security, is my focus on God or money?

If we are eager and driven to gain more we will stray from the faith and be pierced with many griefs - 1 Timothy 6:10

Secret to being content, I can do everything through him that gives me strength - Philippians 4:12-13

Judas: example of someone trying to live with 2 masters:

• Expressed concern for a waste of money that could have gone to the poor - John 12:4-6
• The hold money had on Judas' heart eventually led to his betrayal of Jesus

• Everything must be re-examined
• Everything must be reconsidered
• Every desire, dream, use of money and time
• Now everything must have a kingdom-first focus

1. When you don't have daily times with God in the Bible and prayer
2. Responsibilities to the church are a burden
3. Not happy or consistent in giving
4. Personal comfort, desires direct life's decisions
5. Can't find the time to share your faith
6. Gain greater feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction serving another "kingdom"
7. You have greater regard and protection of your schedule
8. Discipleship times, family devotionals not deep or consistent
9. Gaining one more than is greater than gaining one more soul
10. Dreams center more in this world than in the kingdom

• Touched the leper - Matthew 8:3
• Healed many - Matthew 8:14-17
• Broke social and racial barriers - John 4
• Compassion for a woman caught in adultery - John 8:3-11
• Noticed a woman's suffering in a crowd - Luke 8:47
• Called little children to him - Luke 18:16

Bad Trees

Bad trees always produce bad fruit

• Shallow hearts produce shallow disciples
• Hypocrisy multiplies hypocrites
• Impure hearts produced doomed disciples
• Criticaless spreads like a virus
• Faithlessness topples cold heart after cold heart

Until someone sits down and studies the Bible with someone it is impossible to know what kind of heart they have

• Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23
• Fruit of making other disciples - John 15:16

The Greek word for encourage is "Parakaleo"

• It is used 28x in the gospels and acts
• Most frequent is the sense of "to beg" or "to plead" or "to comfort"
• Command form is translated "I urge you"- end of the first part of a letter or begging of the second section
• Depends on the speaker
  • Parent asking for healing for a sick child = to beg or plead
  • Leader addressing a group of disciples = to encourage

Greek Lexicon

1. To call to one's side; Come-on-we-can-do-this attitude
2. Appeal to, urge, exhort, encourage
3. Entreat, implore, comfort, and cheer up

Old French word encoragier = to put courage in

• First converts - Lydia and her household
• The jailer and his house hold
• God using an earthquake to bring unlikely people into the kingdom of God - Acts 16:22

• His Pharisaic crust was broken
• His independence had melted
• He recognized and braced the true Lord

• He called his own sheep by name - John 10:3
• He laid down his life for them - John 10:11
• He knew his sheep - John 10:14

A successful life is not life from difficulty, trial, or tragedy - Philippians 1:12-14
While Paul was imprisoned, he learned how to live

He saw God the same - no matter what happened in his life

In an earlier letter he saw illness as an opportunity bring the gospel to the them - Galatians 4:13

He saw imprisonment for a chance to convert Romans
There became disciples is Caesar's household - Philippians 4:22
Something "not good" can be turned into the complete opposite when in God's larger pattern

Paul not giving up deepen their convictions - he emboldened them to share the message

Whatever happens in life can serve to advance the gospel when we are living by faith

• Show the life of Christ in his life
• Tell others the good news
• Mature those who were disciples

• Delivered from prison
• Delivered from his life and struggles
• Delivered from his loneliness and anxiety

• Their growth - he would pay the cost
• Patient with someone who was weak - he would pay the cost
• Someone taking advantage of his humility - he would pay the cost
• Was through sticky, uncomfortable issues - he would pay the cost

Paul wanted to remind the Philippians of the blessings of their relationship with Jesus - Philippians 2:1-4
He called them to "be like-minded, having the same love" for each other

By this all men will know we are Jesus' disciple by our love - John 13:35

"Sharing in the common life" ws his heartfelt vision for them

He applealed to them to be one to initiate this kind of love
To love like Jesus is to love first
We love because he first loved us - 1 John 4:19
God did not wait for us to initiate and get an attitude because we didn't

It is not natural to love this way
Jesus does not ask of us something he did not do or something we cannot do

Will we trust the message he lived and taught?
Will we be the kind of friend to others that he has been to us?

Jesus Christ is Lord
Everyone who lived will say these four words - Philippians 2:9-11

Whoever disowns Jesus before men, he will disown him - Matthew 10:32-33

No one comes to the Father except through Jesus - John 14:6

Give up for God = Gain
Lose for God = FInd
Bow before God now = stand

Bow when:

• You naturally want to be selfish
• You want your needs meet
• You doubt his love

Each disciple must decide that he or she lives among other "for their sake" - 1 Thessalonians 1:5

• He looked out for the interest of others
• He lived out the message
• He knew what it meant to go to the cross
• He was convinced that he was more alive when he was dead
• He discipleship was a matter of practice
• He had no trouble seeing the mission of Jesus
• He did not run aimlessly but purposeful, selfless, and dedicated servant of Jesus

• They study to become like this
• They are discipled to become like this
• They do whatever it takes

• The prophets - Suffered because they were opposed by the religious
• Job - Maintained his integrity despite not understanding why he was suffering
  

Disciples are priests and ministers in function - using the righteousness of Jesus - 1 Peter 2:4-6

Preist, by definition, is holier than the common man

The clergy-laity system is flawed because of there reasons:

• It is elitiest
• Fosters a double-standard
• It is unbiblical

Consider today's denominational titles:

• Father - Jesus said to avoid this title - Matthew 23:9
• Pope - means father; Peter was suppose to the first one but he never claimed that he was
• Paster - Latin for shepard; refered only in - Ephesians 4:11
• Bishop - Greek for overseer
• Priest - corruption of the Greek presbyteros, meaning elder
• Female pasters - Roundly rejected by the NT; See 1 Timothy 3 and 1 Corinthians 14
• Monks and Nuns - created in the 2nd and 3rd centuries; Jesus said we are in the world but not of the world

• Changed lives - the people were amazed

• Amazed at his wisdom
• Knowledge he had was above all.

• Obedience to the civil laws
• Gave Ceasar what is Ceasar's

Disciples were amazed by Jesus

Mark 6:30-44

• Reminded them what is is to be a disciple
• Mark 10:24 = 100% commited

Jesus was amazed by the people

Mark 6:4-6

• Amazed by their lack of faith
• Hand-cuffed by their lack

Luke 7:1-10

• What is needed?
  • Prayer
  • Obedience

The answer is out there

John 5:16-23

• If this is true then there is nothing else
• Religious are looking for answers. Why?
  • Easier
  • More followers
  • Do not want to look bad

You are in the right place

John 6:68-69

• No where else to go
• What are you looking for?

What are you going to do?

Examples of desires used for bad then good

King David - passions got him in trouble, then gave us our book of worship

Peter - was hotheaded disciple always quick with a reply
First to acknowledge that Jesus was the Messiah and became a key apostle

Paul - extremely zealous for the traditions of his fathers, killed Christians
Jesus captured his zeal for good - he worked harder than all the other apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:10

Those who killed their passion altogether would murder the very essence that makes heros of the faith
Killing our desire is like the thinking of curing our sickness by bleeding out the bad

Causes of Sickness:

Break Down of System

Our spiritual immune system can break down:

1. Time with God isn't exciting...less time spent
2. Dynamic prayer becomes nonexistant
3. Desire to go to Church decreases
4. Becomes critical toward the church, people, even God

• I didn't become a disciple to be here and then fall away
• Sin gives birth to death...maybe slow maybe fast.

You must be prepared:

1 Peter 4:1-11

• Because we are not prepared
• Wolves are all around us.

Ephesians 5:10-18

• Comes when we make excuses.
• Like shotting ourselves in the foot.

Will you let him?

Myth tell us three truths, the second is:

2. There is a great struggle or quest or battle that is well under way

Christianity isn't about:

• Going to Sunday school
• Being nice
• Holding car washs
• Sending clothes to Mexico

As good as those things might be, this is a world at war
We live in a far more dangerous and dramatic story than we ever imagine

Reason we love these is because it is telling us that this is our most desperate hour

• The Chronciles of Narnia
• Star Wars
• The Matrix
• The Lord of the Rings

Without this buring in our hearts, we lose the meaning of our days

Notice that those who have tried to wake up to this reality were ususally killed

• The phophets
• Jesus
• Stephen
• Paul
• Most of the disciples in the Bible

Has it occured to you that someone is trying to shut them up?

• Do not rush the field - Luke 14:31
• Train yourself to discern good from evil - Hebrews 5:14
• Live as through your life is at stake - Matthew 10:16

• Against "wisdom", the disciples were asked to go Saul, the one who used to murder Christians, and lay his hands on him - Acts 9:13-14
• Would you counsel a father to sacrifice his only child?
• Take on a fortified city by slashing your ranks from 32,000 to 300?
• Jesus to give himself up to the authorities and let himself get killed

• What group did Jesus tangle with the most?
• Who start the rumors about Jesus to discredit him?
• Where did the open opposition to Christ come from?
• Who paid the 30 pieces of silver for Jesus' capture
• Who got the crowd to start yelling Barabbas when Pilot was ready to let Jesus go?

• Be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor - Deuteronomy 15:11
• Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me - Matthew 25:40
• All I ask is that you remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do - Galatians 2:10

1. Parable of the Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-15
   1. God expects us to be honest yet shrewd in the use of money (v. 1-8)
   2. Money is a tool to be used to gain friends (souls) (v. 9)
   3. If we are not trustworthy in handling money, God will not entrust us with true riches (people's souls) (v. 10-11). God will keep us from leadership if we are not trustworthy with finances (v. 10-11).
2. Whose Money Is It? Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1; Luke 14:33
   1. We are managers (stewards), not owners. An owner does what he pleases with his money/possessions, while a manager submits to the will of the owner.
   2. As disciples, our attitude must reflect a willingness to "give up everything" to advance God's kingdom.

1. What ways am I not being shrewd honest, or trustworthy with my money/possessions?
   Examples:
   • Checkbook not balanced
   • Credit card debt - paying high monthly interest rates
   • Interest rates
   • Not paying bills on time
   • Writing bad checks
   • Not living by a budget
   • Borrowing from Christians or others and not repaying
2. What ways can I use God's money to win souls rather than serve myself?
3. How do I view my money/possessions? Who owns them? Do I have the attitude of "giving up everything for the kingdom?"

1. The Blessing of Giving - Acts 20:33-35
   1. Paul did not desire anyone else's money or possessions.
   2. He worked hard and sacrificed to help the weak.
   3. He knew that giving brought more joy than receiving.
2. Living for Eternal Possessions - Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 10:32-34
   1. When our treasure is in heaven not on earth, our hearts will be in heaven also.
   2. As disciples, we will look foolish to the world because our hearts and our treasures (money) are in heaven not on earth.
3. All Things For Our Enjoyment - 1 Timothy 6:17-18
   1. It is very easy for us who have wealth to put our hope and trust in money/things rather than God.
   2. As disciples we are commanded to be generous and willing to share.
   3. When we follow God"s plan we can feel great about enjoying the blessings God has given us.

1. Which do I desire more, to give or to receive?
2. How can I put all my treasure in heaven so that all my heart will be there also?
3. How am I being generous and willing to share on a daily basis?
4. Am I enjoying God's blessings or do I feel guilty about the things I have?

1. The Obstacle of Worry - Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:4-9
   1. As disciples, we sin when we worry about finances.
   2. Worry is a result of a lack of faith.
   3. Ways to overcome worry:
      1. Prayer
      2. Rejoice always
      3. Be thankful in all situations
2. The Obstacle of Laziness - Signs of Laziness According to Solomon
   1. The Sluggard
      1. Proverbs 6:9-11, 19:15, 20:13, 26:14
         Oversleeping and eating too much
      2. Proverbs 13:4, 15:19
         Not accomplishing goals, something always getting in the way
      3. Proverbs 19:24, 26:13
         Making excuses
      4. Proverbs 20:4
         Unwilling to work hard
   2. Results of Laziness: Poverty - Proverbs 10:4, 12:24
   3. Overcome laziness by hard work - Proverbs 14:23

1. What do I worry about? How will I overcome it?
2. How does worry affect my relationship with God?
3. What signs of laziness do I need to overcome? Be Specific.

1. God's Plan for Your Life - Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 3:13, 22; 2 Thessalonians 3:10
   1. It is God's will for us to work hard in order to earn the bread we eat.
   2. God wants us to find satisfaction in our work.
   3. If a person will not work, he cannot eat.
2. Responsibility of the Employee - Colossians 3:22-25; Ephesians 4:28; Acts 5:29
   1. Obedience: We are to be a disciple to our boss on the job. God expects us to obey our boss not just to win his favor, but out of reverence for Christ.
   2. Wholeheartedness: God expects us to put our whole heart into our work. As Christians, we should be the most sincere and hard-working employees on the job.
   3. Do not steal from your employer (e.g. receiving pay for work you did not do, taking supplies, submitting false or exaggerated expense reports).
   4. Obey God first. If asked to do something that is illegal, unethical, or sinful - obey God over men.

1. What do I need to repent of in relation to my job? Be specific.
2. Am I doing anything as a part of my job that is sinful or goes against my conscience?

1. Honor God with your Wealth - Proverbs 3:9
   1. Will I obey the scriptures
   2. Will I, as a mature Christian, increase my weekly giving?
2. Guard Your Heart - Proverbs 4:23
   1. What sins of the heart have I confronted and repented of in regard to my finances?
   2. Am I ready to give out of a pure heart and a sincere love for God?
3. A Living Sacrifice - Romans 12:1
   1. In what ways am I going to live a more sacrificial lifestyle in order to advance God's kingdom?
4. Give and It Will Be Given To You - Luke 6:38
   1. Have I made decisions to give by faith and to give joyfully to the Lord?
5. A Spirit of Self-Discipline - 2 Timothy 1:7
   1. Have I prepared a budget that I am ready to live by? If not, when will I have it completed?
   2. Have I sought input?
6. Free At Last - Romans 13:8
   1. Have I gained deep convictions about getting out of debt?
   2. What is my plan to eliminate sinful/foolish debt from my life?
7. A Light to the World - Matthew 5:14
   1. How am I going to work at my job in such a way that my life is an upward calling to everyone around me?
   2. Am I fulfilling my financial responsibilities as a disciple in the areas that God expects?

• Humbles us because we have receive from others
• Shows us the true disciples of Christ

• Whose heart might open?
• Whose attitude might soften
• Who might get curious and start asking spiritual questions?