Berean Bible Fellowship Church

Kingdom Principle: Jesus, our Lord and Savior calls us to come and die in order that we might live. The call of Christ our King is to deny our self, pick up our cross, and follow him. This can only be done as we trust in his cross bearing work in and through us. This is seen in losing our life and believing our Lord. Losing ____________________ LifeLuke 9:24 (ESV) — 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:24 (NASB95) — 24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. Luke 9:24 (NIV) — 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. The problem that Jesus is addressing here, is our innate and ardent desire to preserve our own life.the contradiction is in what the self (flesh) sees as life giving. The problem is not in Jesus’ logic, the problem is in our definition of what is life giving. Because our natural perception of what is truly prosperous is so skewed, we think we are pursuing life when really we are pursuing death.Proverbs 26:11–12 (ESV) — 11 Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. 12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. The real life giving prospect in this world and the world to come is advancing the kingdom of Christ.Luke 18:27–30 (ESV) — 27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” 28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” 29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Jesus has promised me, and you, that if you spend your life for the gospel it will yield eternal gains. Believing ________________ LordLuke 9:25–26 (ESV) — 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. To be ashamed is more than a feeling of discomfort because we have done something wrong, like “I feel so ashamed”. It is worse than that. To be ashamed of Christ is to see Jesus as disgraceful.Romans 1:16 (ESV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. The consequence of not trusting Jesus is being ashamed, or we could say being wrong about Christ. The problem, beloved is that we don’t believe God, the Father when he says something. The problem is that we do not believe Jesus the Son, when he says something to us. Questions to ConsiderWhat are some things you believe will grant you life? How is Jesus calling you to lay those things on the alter and trust him with your things?In what ways is the Lord calling you to trust him in faith?

Kingdom Principle: Jesus, our Lord and Savior calls us to come and die in order that we might live. The call of Christ our King is to deny our self, pick up our cross, and follow him. This can only be done as we trust in his cross bearing work in and through us. Deny _________________ SelfLuke 9:23 (ESV) — 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself…The self is never neutral. It is always seen in relation to its thoughts and impulses. And those thoughts and impulses are either corrupted by sin, or renewed in Christ.Romans 6:6 (ESV) — 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. The old (natural) man is ruled by his passions, unable to receive spiritual things and incapable of pleasing God. Colossians 3:5 (ESV) — 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you (what belongs to the old self): sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry…1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) — 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Romans 8:6–8 (ESV) — 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. "…let us not be deceived by man’s natural intelligence, which may shine in earthly matters, but is utterly darkened when it comes to heavenly wisdom… man is so perverted in every part of his nature that he is wholly blind and depraved. This is not because man's natural faculties have been destroyed, but because they have been so corrupted that they can no longer be relied upon. His mind is blind and his heart is deceitful; his will is enslaved to evil desires. Whatever is of man's own nature, apart from the grace of God, is unworthy and corrupt." –John Calvin InstitutesPick Up ________________ CrossLuke 9:23 (ESV) — 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.After a criminal’s condemnation, it was the custom for a victim to be scourged with the flagellum, a whip with leather thongs, which in our Lord’s case doubtless greatly weakened him and hastened eventual death. He was then made to carry the cross-beam (patibulum) like a slave to the scene of his torture and death, always outside the city, while a herald carried in front of him the ‘title’, the written accusation. It was this patibulum, not the whole cross, which Jesus was too weak to carry, and which was borne by Simon the Cyrenian. The condemned man was stripped naked, laid on the ground with the cross-beam under his shoulders, and his arms or his hands tied or nailed (Jn. 20:25) to it. This cross-bar was then lifted and secured to the upright post, so that the victim’s feet, which were then tied or nailed, were just clear of the ground, not high up as so often depicted. The main weight of the body was usually borne by a projecting peg (sedile), astride which the victim sat. There the condemned man was left to die of hunger and exhaustion. Jesus’ point in calling us to pick up our cross, is that the life of the Christian is never intended to be glorious, in this world. Follow ____________________ SaviorLuke 9:23 (ESV) — 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Kingdom Principle: Who you see Jesus to be is the most important question in your life. If you see him as merely a fascination he will fail to be your Lord and Savior. But if he is Lord, then he is to be followed in everything. Is Jesus a _____________________________Luke 9:7 (ESV) — 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, Who is Jesus?Luke 5:20–21 (ESV) — 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Luke 7:20 (ESV) — 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ ” Luke 8:25 (ESV) — 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” Herod is motivated to inquire about Jesus more from an interest in who Jesus might be and not in a genuine search for the nature of his true person. Herod is fascinated by this prophet he keeps hearing about.Luke 23:8 (ESV) — 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. Jesus is not merely a fascination, He is the one to follow.Jesus is to be _______________________________Luke 9:18–20 (ESV) — 18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Matthew 16:15–16 (ESV) — 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus is not only the promised one, He is the exalted one.Luke 2:4 (ESV) — 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, Luke 2:11 (ESV) — 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 1:31–35 (ESV) —31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Allegiance to Jesus comes with an undaunted commitment to follow him into death.John 15:18–20 (ESV) — 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

Big Idea: We are commanded to be careful how we conduct ourselves in this life, out of reverence and love for our Heavenly Father. We must hold the tension of trusting the Lord’s work in us while also living in the fear of the Lord. 1. The ____________ of our Father.1 Peter 1:17 (ESV) — 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,Proverbs 3: 11-12 (ESV) — 11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.Impartial = without respect of persons.Jerimiah 17:10, Proverbs 21:2 1 Samuel 16:7He has not saved us that we might be happy as we are. Rather, He has saved us so that we might become like Him in holiness.2. The ________ nature of this life.1 Peter 1:17 (ESV) — 17 conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,If we recognize the exilic nature of our lives here, we will better be able to live in view of our rightful King and permanent state in the Kingdom of heaven.Hebrews 11:13 3. The _____________ price of our redemption. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV) — 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.The price paid to redeem us from our sinful way of life is far too precious to ignore. It is far too precious to continue living as if nothing has changed in us. We have been redeemed by the blood of Christ!1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV) — 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in-God.All of our Christian life is to the credit and glory of God. The planning of redemption, the work of redemption on the cross, the resurrection, the ascension, and yes, even the belief we have as children of God are all accomplished by God. Because of this, we put our faith and hope in God.Questions to Consider- Is there an area of your life where you are tempted to live carelessly? In what ways is God specifically calling you to into fearful living?- Do you view yourself as an exile in this world? How can you better live as one who is a citizen of Heaven?- Read Hebrews 12. Meditate upon the truth that God is our Father and Judge. How does that lead you into deeper worship of Him?- How can you refresh yourself in Christ this week?

Kingdom Principle: The Apostles are granted authority to perform miraculous deeds in order to establish them as those who would form the doctrinal foundation of God’s church. (Eph. 2:20) They are unique in their abilities and because they are unique, it make their ministry universal. If we want to hear from God in this day and age, we must hear from the Apostles and the Prophets, whose words are preserved in the Bible. The __________________________ Nature of Apostles’ MinistryLuke 9:1–2 (ESV) — 1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. The Apostles’ authority is a delegated authority and is directly connected to their task of establishing the truth of the kingdom of God.Matthew 10:5–6 (ESV) — 5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.Luke 22:35–37 (ESV) — 35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” There are a few times in the history of God’s people where we see God use miracles to indicate a significant moment in the history of God’s people. That is to say that not all of history sees these exceptional outpourings of God’s power. And these times mark significant advancements in the progress of redemption. Exodus 4:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’ ” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” 3 And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. 4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— 5 “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 1 Kings 18:36–39 (ESV) — 36 And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.”What are we intended to learn with this series of events? God’s plan of redemption is about to advance significantly in the ministry of the 12 Apostles. Moses and Elijah brought the plan of God for his people forward substantially, but Jesus is about to change the game entirely. And he is going to do this through the ministry of the Apostles.The Apostles’ ministry is universal because it is unique.The __________________________ Nature of Apostles’ MinistryLuke 9:13 (ESV) — 13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” Jesus is delegating his authority to these 12 men specifically and primarily. They are to be the ones who will sustain and nourish the church universal.Acts 3:1-4:4

Kingdom Principle: Jesus encounters a ruler in Israel who has a dying daughter. Jesus brings this little girl back from death. It is a powerful miracle. It points to Jesus' command over life and death. It points to Jesus’ work on the cross and in the resurrection. Beloved we no longer have to fear death, or anything for that matter, because Jesus has conquered all things in his death and resurrection.A __________________ Greatest ___________________Luke 8:49 (ESV) — 49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” What is our only hope in life and death?That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.The remedy to our fear, is the sovereign control and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not even death is outside of Jesus’ authority. Philippians 1:18–24 (ESV) — 18 …Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. If death is defeated, what can this life bring, that won’t ultimately lead to our full and final deliverance?The ____________________ Greatest ______________________Luke 8:54–55 (ESV) — 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.Physical death is only a temporary state. (Matthew 25:31-46_Intermediate State: Where we spend our time between our ____________ death and our _______________ destination. Luke 23:42–43 (ESV) — 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 16:22–23 (ESV) — 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. "The souls of the saints are not sleeping, but are gathered around Christ, beholding His glory and resting in His love, yet still longing for the day of full redemption when they will be clothed again with their glorified bodies." –Jonathan EdwardsHebrews 2:14–15 (ESV) — 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. We all face death, but in Christ, we no longer have to fear death. Question to ConsiderHow does this reality bring you comfort in the midst of your trials?

I.  Two OpposingVoices  (1-6, 13-18) Proverbs 9:1-6 (ESV) — 1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. 2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, 5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”   Proverbs 9:13-18 (ESV) — 13 The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.  14 She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, 15 calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, 16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, 17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” 18 But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.      II.  One Critical Way of Listening  (7-12) Proverbs 9:7-12 (ESV) — 7 Whoevercorrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incursinjury. 8 Do not reprove a scoffer,or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, andhe will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase inlearning.  10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and theknowledge of the Holy One is insight.  11 For by me your days will bemultiplied, and years will be added to your life.  12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bearit.

Kingdom Principle: Jesus encounters a woman with an incurable condition. In spite of all of her attempts to be healed by physicians, her condition has only gotten worse. But a simple touch of Jesus’ garment, grants her the cure she longed for. She is completely healed by the power of Jesus. This causes us to ask another question, if Jesus is so powerful to save, why do we often suffer for so long? Because our suffering is often the means, by which God ministers his grace to us. The ______________________ of the _____________________Luke 8:43 (ESV) — 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. Mark 5:25–26 (ESV) — 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. One thing that is beyond a shadow of a doubt is that the physical and spiritual toll that this took on her is obviously overwhelming. And it makes her desperate. The _________________________ of the ________________________Luke 8:44 (ESV) — 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. If Jesus’ is able to heal so easily, why the delay. If the woman’s issue is one that can be remedied so quickly, by a simply touch of Jesus’ garment, why make her wait so long to be healed.2 Corinthians 12:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Corinthians 1:3-11 (pg 906)We are afflicted so that we might feel the comfort of Christ in the midst of our affliction. And we feel the comfort of Christ in our affliction, so that we might comfort others who also suffer, with the same comfort we receive.Galatians 6:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. James 5:16 (ESV) — 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. The greater our suffering on this earth, the greater impact our deliverance will have. Romans 8:18–25 (ESV) 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Question to Consider In what ways is Christ calling you to suffer? How does this prepare you to comfort others who also suffer?Why is it so hard for us to imagine God’s purpose in suffering? Why would we prefer to just be free of our suffering?

Kingdom Principle: Jesus is Lord. This is the message that was championed by the early church. It is one that effects every avenue of life. When we understand that Jesus is Lord over all things, we humbly submit to his will for our lives and declare his goodness to all we encounter. Romans 10:9–13 (ESV) — 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 2 Responses to Jesus’ Saving PowerThe _____________________________ ResponseLuke 8:37 (ESV) — 37 Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. There are a lot of reasons someone might reject Jesus, but at the end of the day it is because they cannot tolerate his presence among them. The demands he places on them is too much to bear.The _____________________________ ResponseLuke 8:38–39 (ESV) — 38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. The Man’s MissionLuke 8:39 (ESV) — 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” Jesus redirects this man’s purpose from what he might expect or even what he pleads for.2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (ESV) — 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Jesus’ mission for this man was sufficient even though it wasn’t what he pleaded for. Whatever mundane mission field the Lord has called you to may be exactly where the Lord desires for you to be. The Man’s MessageLuke 8:39 (ESV) — 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.”This man had been transformed. He did not know the saving power of Jesus merely in theory, he knew it in application. He was to tell of all that the Lord did for him.John 9:24–25 (ESV) — 24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” God has made himself evident in the transformation of the sinner. What Jesus has done for each one of us is a powerful testimony to his existence and grace. Questions to ConsiderIn what ways is the Lord calling you to submit to his good and sovereign plan for you life?In what ways might you declare Jesus power to save in your life?

Kingdom Principle: Jesus’ encounter with the great tormentor Legion, shows that Jesus can overcome the greatest spiritual force. There is no enemy that Jesus cannot defeat through his power and mercy. Jesus is ____________________ to the _______________ Spiritual ForceLuke 8:28 (ESV) — 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” The legions were the best soldiers in the army. At different times in Rome’s history, the legion numbered between 4,500 and 6,000 soldiers. It was composed of differently skilled men: spearmen, commandos, skirmish specialists, calvary, and reserves.At the core of the meaning of the demon’s name was the reality that they were a force to be reckoned with. Each one of these details is intended to convey the extensive and overwhelming nature of the oppression of this demon over men. But Jesus is no ordinary man.Mark 5:3–7 (ESV) — 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” …the main point is the demonstration of the power of Jesus to deal with an especially severe case of demon possession; through Jesus God did great things for an unhappy victim (8:39).There is no spiritual force that can stand against the power of Jesus Christ. If Jesus is able to overcome the demon Legion, he is able to overcome the power of your sin. And he has overcome it on the cross. Jesus is ____________________ to the ________________ of His CreaturesLuke 8:28 (ESV) — 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” Jesus willingly grants mercy to the least of these.Romans 9:22–24 (ESV) — 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? If Jesus is willing to show mercy to a tyrannical tormentor, he is all the more willing to show mercy to those who repent of their sin and give themselves to his saving purposes.1 Timothy 1:15–16 (ESV) — 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. Question to Consider Do you feel like there is sin in your life that cannot be overcome by the power and mercy of Jesus? How is the Lord calling you to repent and trust in his power to save?

Kingdom Principle: The storms in this life are designed to force us into the stern with Jesus. When we turn to Jesus and his Word, we are reminded that nothing befalls us that is not part of God’s sovereign plan and completely controlled by his capable hand. “Know Jesus, Know Peace. No Jesus, No Peace.”John 16:33 (ESV) — 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” The ___________________________Luke 8:24 (ESV) — 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. The one thing that is of note in this text is the contrast between Jesus,asleep in the stern, and the disciples,afraid of the storm. Mark 4:35–41 (ESV) — 35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” The disciples saw the care that Jesus had for others, but lacked confidence in the care he had for them, personally. The ____________________________Luke 8:25 (ESV) — 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” Why is Jesus so Confident?Jesus knows and has complete confidence in the Father’s plan for his life. Psalm 135:5–7 (ESV) — 5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. Psalm 145:17 (ESV) — 17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. Jesus is in complete control of the circumstances in the boat. The calm that was intrinsic to Jesus’ nature because of his confidence in the Father, was made explicitly demonstrated in his command over the circumstance.John 14:27 (ESV) — 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. It is not theaction of the disciples that deserves Jesus’ rebuke here, it is thespirit that provoked and motivated those actions.It wasn’t trust that forced the disciples into the stern, it was fear.Psalm 118:5–7 (ESV) — 5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?7 The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. The waves that threaten to undo us, force us into the stern of the boat where Jesus rests. If your soul is filled with unrest this morning, then turn to Jesus.Question to Consider: What circumstances is the Lord calling you to trust him with?

Kingdom Principle: Since Jesus’ kingdom, in the current iteration, is a spiritual kingdom, that is to say he rules in the hearts of mankind primarily, and what may seem obvious to the physical realm, isn’t always true in the spiritual realm. Because of this reality, only a fraction of those, to whom you present Jesus’ kingdom, will be truly born again and persevere unto eternal life. The ___________________________ Soil Luke 8:13 (ESV) — 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. There is the real potential of receiving the benefits of a savior and not receiving the savior himself. What Jesus is getting at here, in this soil in particular, is that there are those who hear a message of salvation and want the salvation more than they want the savior who secured it. John 6:25–27 (ESV) — 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Kairos: a _____________________ moment What manifests a lack of depth is a definitive moment. There is a moment in their life when the spurious nature of their faith is found out due to trial and tribulation. The _______________________________ Soil Luke 8:15 (ESV) — 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Grain crops were the staple food of rich and poor alike, although the poor may have had to consume barley bread rather than the more palatable wheat. Both were sown by scattering the grains into prepared land usually ploughed by draft animals. The parable of the sower (Matt. 13:3–23; Luke 8:5–15) provides an interesting account of grain sowing and the subsequent fate of the seed. Peasant agriculture, unlike modern farming practices, was unsophisticated with primitive implements often used in harsh conditions where rocky ground and vigorous weeds militated against a good yield. Hence it would be normal for some of the scattered seed to fall on a path of compacted soil where it would not be covered and lie vulnerable to birds. Similarly, some seeds would fall at the margins of the fields where thorny thickets and rapidly growing thistles easily suffocated the germinating wheat. Shallow soil and lack of moisture during the hot dry summer encouraged the withering of the seeds that did sprout into young plants on the field’s outer borders. Those seeds that fell on moist, deep soil grew and matured their ears ready for harvest. In order for the seed of the gospel to take in the soil of one’s heart, it must be properly prepared by God. John 6:43–45 (ESV) — 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— The endurance proves the quality of the soil it does not establish it. Hear this, one’s salvation is not dependent upon his endurance, one’s endurance is dependent upon his salvation. James 1:2–4 (ESV) — 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Kingdom Principle: Since Jesus’ kingdom, in the current iteration, is a spiritual kingdom, that is to say he rules in the hearts of mankind primarily, what may seem obvious to the physical realm, isn’t always true in the spiritual realm. Because of this reality, only a fraction of those, to whom you present Jesus’ kingdom, will be truly born again and persevere unto eternal life. The ___________________________ of the Parable Luke 8:4 (ESV) — 4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, A farmer went out. In Luke’s setting it is unlikely that this is to be interpreted as a reference to Jesus and his preaching ministry, for the sowers of God’s word for Luke’s readers are the apostles and their disciples. At this point in Jesus’ ministry he is insanely popular. And if the disciples aren’t careful, they may begin to expect that this will always be the case. Luke 9:46–48 (ESV) — 46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Jesus takes time, in this parable, to address both the temporary popularity of his ministry and the ambition of the disciples, by teaching the disciples that although they saw temporary acceptance of Jesus, this does not necessarily portend, full and final acceptance of Jesus. John 15:18 (ESV) — 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. The _______________________________ of the Parable Luke 8:15 (ESV) — 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. What seems apparent in the physical realm, may not necessarily be true in the spiritual realm. The Parable of the soils shows us, that at the end of the day, what determines the success of the gospel mission is the condition of the soil in which the seed of the gospel is planted. The condition of the soil is made evident over time, in temptation, and through tribulation. The purpose of light is to make plain our sight what is hidden. Jesus applies this principle to the parable of the soils. What may not be plain at first in those who receive the gospel, will be made plain as the light of God’s Word and the refining fire of tribulation brings to surface those things that are hidden beneath. Luke 8:18 (NRSV) — 18 Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.” 1 John 2:18–19 (ESV) — 18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. In Christianity, those who belong to Christ are those who have been transformed by the Holy Spirit in the inner man. They are those who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Questions to Consider Why does Jesus tell his Apostles this parable? Why is this important to the church in our era? Does this text give you confidence in your salvation? Why or Why not? Is Jesus’ intent here to cause you to doubt, or to give you a clear marker to the authenticity of your faith?

Big Idea: God has called men and women in the church to fulfill unique but complementary roles. Men are called to shepherd and women are called to support. In these roles, we manifest the Lord Jesus as we advance the gospel message.  Both, men and women play a significant role in Jesus’ ministry.  Both, men and women have a particular role in Jesus’ ministry.  Men are primarily called to lead in the ministry of Jesus and therefore in the church.  Women are primarily called to serve in the ministry of Jesus and therefore in the church.  Both roles are essential to the success of the spread of the gospel and the discipling of the nations.  Women are called to _________________________ Luke 8:1-3 (ESV) — 1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God… 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities… and many others, who provided for them out of their means.  The original frame of reference for the use of the entire word group of the διακ- stem in secular Greek was that of table service. The basic meaning of the vb., correspondingly, was wait on tables. From this meaning the wider sense has been derived: care for one’s livelihood, and finally serve in general. Acts 16:11-15 (pg. 870) God has called women to lift up and support, to provide for the flourishing of, and to partner with the spread of the gospel in the home, church and society. That the woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved. “Quick test: who are some of the most famous and exemplary women in the Old Testament? Don’t think too hard or too long. Who came to mind? Probably names such as Sarah and Rebekah, Rachel and Leah, Rahab and Ruth, Deborah and Abigail, Eve and Esther. To be sure, these were imperfect women marked, at times, by disobedience (Eve), unbelief (Sarah), and deception (Rebekah). But where the women are exemplary, it is often on account of the good influence they exercised in steering, advising, assisting, and coming alongside men. Sarah modeled respect for her husband (1Pet. 3:6). Rahab hid the two spies (Josh. 2). Deborah strengthened the resolve of Barak (Judg. 4). Ruth convinced Boaz to allow here to come under his protection (Ruth 3). Abigail dealt kindly with David, while also pleading forgiveness for her foolish husband (1Sam. 25). Esther risked her life and intervened to direct her husband to the true threat in his kingdom (Est. 7). These heroic women took chances and overcame difficult rulers and difficult circumstances, and they did so – only sometimes as wives to husbands – as the intelligent helpers God designed them to be.”  –Kevin DeYoung, Men and Women in Ministry, pg. 41 Women Ought to Support Like a _______________________ Mark 10:42–45 (ESV) — 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  To serve and support others ought not to be something to bemoan or belittle, it ought to be seen as one of the greatest callings in all of humanity. For, as men model Jesus as the good shepherd, women model Jesus as the great servant. John 13:12–17 (ESV) — 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.  Question to Consider Men, how has God called you to shepherd? Women, how has God called you to serve?

Big Idea: God has called men and women in the church to fulfill unique but complementary roles. Men are called to shepherd and women are called to serve. In these roles we manifest the Lord Christ as we advance the gospel message.  Both, men and women play a significant role in Jesus’ ministry.  Both, men and women have a particular role in Jesus’ ministry.  Men are primarily called to lead in the ministry of Jesus and therefore in the church.  Women are primarily called to serve in the ministry of Jesus and therefore in the church.  Both roles are essential to the success of the spread of the gospel and the discipling of the nations.  Men are Called to _____________________________ Luke 8:1 (ESV) — 1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him,  Gen. 2:7-25 (pg. 2) The typical pattern throughout the entire bible is that men are called to lead God’s people according to his Word and into biblical flourishing. “From start to finish, the leaders among God’s Old Testament people were men. We see this pattern first of all with the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Though imperfect men to be sure, they were responsible for the safety and well-being of their families. The Old Testament doesn’t emphasize the father’s rule in ancient Israel as much as it underscores the central role the father fulfilled as the provider and protector of the household… following the patriarchs, we see that the leaders of the exodus and the conquest were men: Moses, Aaron, and Joshua. As Israel’s worship and polity developed, we see that the leaders under Moses were all men (Ex. 18:21-22). The priests and Levites were all men. The judges, with one exception, were all men. The priests, of every rank, were all men. The monarchs of Israel, with one exception, were all men. The most significant public prophets…were all men. All the writing prophets were men. All those who rightfully occupied a governing office in Israel were men.”  Kevin DeYoung; Men and Women in the Church, pg 36 Men Ought to Lead as ________________________________ 1 Peter 5:1–4 (ESV) — 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.  Ezekiel 34:1-10 (pg. 676) In every instance, we see that a man’s model of leadership is most expressly derived from those responsibilities and concerns that a shepherd holds in caring for his flock. Know the Sheep John 10:1–3 (ESV) — 1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  Protect the Sheep Acts 20:28–32 (ESV) — 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.  Feed the Sheep John 21:15 (ESV) — 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Lead the Sheep Psalm 23:1–4 (ESV) — 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Big Idea: There is an already, not yet aspect to Christ’s salvation in the gospel. He has already renewed our spirits, that is to say he has re-made us internally so that we are new creations in Christ, ready to do God’s will. And he will also remake us eternally, so that we might reign with him forever in the age to come. 4 Aspects of the future resurrection of our fallen bodies: The __________________________ of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:20 (ESV) — 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  2 Timothy 2:16–18 (ESV) — 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.  1 Corinthians 15:45 (ESV) — 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.  Since we all die in Adam (the first human), we will all be made alive in Christ (the last human). Amen! The __________________________ of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:23–26 (ESV) — 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.  Paul’s explicit point in this text is that there is a chronological order to the resurrection of all things, which substantiates that the resurrection has not taken place yet. We will be resurrected and receive our glorified bodies when Christ returns, and we will reign with Christ over the nations in the age to come, that is the age of Jesus Christ’s reign on earth.  Matthew 19:28–30 (ESV) — 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.  The __________________________ of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:35 (ESV) — 35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” The new body will be some kind of curious, although glorious, mixture of what is and what will be.  Luke 24:36–43 (ESV) — 36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.  The __________________________ of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:54–55 (ESV) — 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”  The point that Paul is making is that he put his life on the line for the very fact that the resurrection of God’s saints is so irrefutable and certain. Moreover, you can put your life on the line too, with an unshakable hope of future resurrection. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliot Questions to Consider How does the reality of the gospel, encourage you to use your suffering as a platform for the good news of the resurrection of our mortal bodies? How might you make different choices as you think about the future resurrection?

Big Idea: The grace of God supplies the power we need to live the Christian life. In Christ we are a new creation, with new desires and a new empowerment toward right-living (living ever dependent upon God and his Word). In the Christian life, we trust and we act, we act and we trust. This is the constant interplay between our doing and God supplying the power we need to do. 2 Crucial Components to the Grace of God: The ___________________ of God ___________________ 1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV) — 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Psalm 6:2 (ESV) — 2 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. (grace is equivalent with providing healing) Psalm 86:16 (ESV) — 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. (grace is equivalent to giving strength) 2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV) — 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (grace is equivalent with granting all sufficiency for every good work) When God grants his grace, He makes up where we are lacking, whether that is righteousness to stand before Him (justification), life to walk with Him (sanctification), or a glorified body to rule with Him forever (glorification). God’s grace is demonstrated in exercising power not in enduring ineptitude. Colossians 2:12 (ESV) — 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. Romans 8:11 (ESV) — 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Galatians 1:11-16, 22-24 (pg 913) The effectiveness of grace is manifested in a transformed life. We __________________ by the ________________ of God 1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV) — 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV) — 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. It is important that we recognize the tension in Paul’s words here. God works and we work. What Paul does here, to be sure, is to make sure we do not get away with the idea that God’s grace does nothing in the personal expression of the powerful working of God in and through an individual. Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV) — 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. James 2:18-22, 26 (pg. 951) Real Faith in anything produces a trust so secure that it moves toward the object of faith in action. Question to Consider: What does the grace of God look like in your life? In what ways is God calling you to move toward others in faith?

Big Idea: The resurrection is the crux of Christianity. Without the resurrection, Jesus death would be empty. Without the resurrection we will still be dead in sin. The resurrection vindicates Jesus’ sacrifice for sin on our behalf and grants us the power to walk in the power of the Spirit in the obedience of faith.  3 reasons the resurrection is crucial to Christianity: It is the ________________________ of Scripture 1 Corinthians 15:4 (ESV) — 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,  Psalm 16:9–10 (ESV) — 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.  Acts 2:22-36 (pg 856) At the heart of the good news is that Jesus is saving us from the power of our sin through His resurrection and our union with Him in being raised from the dead. It is the _______________________ of our Life in Christ 1 Corinthians 15:2 (ESV) — 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  The good news of Jesus is only good news if (conditional statement) Jesus was crucified and raised on the third day. The good news of Jesus is not good news, if Jesus was not resurrected. 1Cor. 15:12-19 Colossians 2:8–15 (ESV) — 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.  We stand on the cross (for our justification), we walk in the resurrection (for our sanctification). It was ______________________________ to by Many Witnesses 1 Corinthians 15:5 (ESV) — 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.  The Christ who was raised on the third day appeared to various people in a known sequence on five occasions, as implied by ‘next … then … next … then’. The Gospel of John also notes a specific sequence of three occasions when Christ appeared to his disciples ‘after he was raised from the dead’ (John 21:14; cf. 20:19, 26). Nonetheless, neither Paul’s ‘tradition’ nor John’s account is complete. There are omissions from Paul’s list—the various women witnesses (John 20:14–18; Matt. 28:9), the two men going to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35), the disciples apart from Thomas (John 20:19–23), the seven disciples at the lakeside (John 21:2) and the Twelve in Jerusalem before his ascension (Acts 1:4–8). If the various accounts in the Gospels and in the pre-Pauline tradition are set side by side it appears there were at least twelve separate occasions when the risen Lord appeared to many hundreds of people over a thirty seven day period between the resurrection and the ascension (Acts 1:3; cf. 13:31). Questions to Consider Why is the Resurrection so important to the good news? How have you seen the power of resurrected life displayed in your life?

Big Idea: Jesus died for sins, in accordance with Scripture. It is not that Jesus’ arrival on earth was haphazard. God, who ordains all things, carefully planned and orchestrated it. Jesus’ ________________________ Foretold 1 Corinthians 15:3 (ESV) — 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures… The City of His Birth Micah 5:2 (ESV) — 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.  The Condition of His Birth Isaiah 7:14 (ESV) — 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.  The Consequence of His Birth Jeremiah 31:15 (ESV) — 15 Thus says the Lord: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”  The Calling of His Birth Hosea 11:1 (ESV) — 1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.  There are over 300 predictions found in a catalogue of Scriptures that were written before and sealed 500 years prior to the coming of the Christ to earth. And Jesus fulfills them all! Hebrews 10:5–7 (ESV) — 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ”  Jesus’ _______________________ Foretold 1 Corinthians 15:3 (ESV) — 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures… How Jesus would die Psalm 22:16 (ESV) — 16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—  Who Jesus would die for Isaiah 53:1-12 (pg 574) 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.  Here is the hope of eternal life, beloved, Jesus died for your transgressions against a holy God. Jesus suffered for your rebellion against God’s holy will. Jesus was the substitute lamb for your sins.  John 1:29 (ESV) — 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  Question to Consider: How does the gospel align with the Christmas message? How might you take time this week to reflect upon what Jesus has done for you in dying for your sins?

Big Idea: The good news of Jesus stands strong in a culture that has lost its significance because it transcends men. The Message of Christmas is delivered by God and received by men, therefore it is sturdy enough to stand on. A Message _________________________ 1 Corinthians 15:1 (ESV) — 1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received… Eu-anglion: This verb… is used for bringing news, especially of a victory or some other joyous event, in person or by letter. Luke 2:8–11 (ESV) — 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. The message of the good news of Jesus Christ is not something men have conceived but something men have received from God. (1Peter 1:19-21) 2 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV) — 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. A Message to ______________________ _________________ 1 Corinthians 15:1 (ESV) — 1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which (upon which) you stand, The reason we are not shaken in the good news of Jesus is because the message we proclaim has roots that extend all the way down into the origination of man himself. 1 Corinthians 15:20–22 (ESV) — 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For (explanation) as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For (justification) as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Genesis 1:1-2, 26-27; 2:15-17; 3:1-15 The good news is that God made a promise. The good news is that God would not leave Adam and Eve, and all of their descendants, to suffer the consequences of their rebellion forever. The good news is that God would send a redeemer. The good news is that redeemer is Jesus Christ. The good news of the gospel is so sturdy, so foundational, because it rests in the character of God. Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” 1 Corinthians 15:21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Questions to Consider Why has the gospel message stood the test of time? What aspects of the message of Christmas do you rejoice in this season?

Big Idea: Jesus is a worthy savior. He is the one who forgives sins. He is the one who overcomes sin and death. He is the one who grants us victory in our battle against sin. Those who belong to Christ’s kingdom are those who put their full faith and trust in him. Jesus saves us. Our faith ought never be separated from the one who is worthy of our trust. ___________ _______________ _____________ Luke 7:9–10 (ESV) — 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. Everything in this chapter heightens the reasons for why we should trust him. The stories of healing of the Centurion’s servant and the widows son are examples of Jesus power over sickness and death. They are given not as a model necessarily, but as a means of confidence in Christ. When we say that Jesus is the object of our faith we are saying that our faith rests in Him. John 20:24–29 (ESV) — 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus authority to grant salvation spans the continents and the centuries. Jesus is the object of our faith because he is not limited to time and space. He is Savior all the time and all the time he is savior. Romans 10:13 (ESV) — 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ___________ ______________ ________________ Luke 7:47–50 (NASB95) — 47 “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” If we are not careful we will begin to see our faith as the linchpin, as the determiner of our success. It is not. The object of our faith is so much more important than the exercise of our faith, although the exercise of our faith should not be diminished. “Faith rests in the person of Christ—coming, hearing, seeing, trusting, taking, embracing, knowing, rejoicing, loving, and triumphing. It leaves its case in the hand of Christ as the great Physician, taking his prescriptions, following his directions, and trusting in his finished work and ongoing intercession. Luther said, ‘Faith takes hold of Christ and has Him present, enclosing Him as the ring encloses the gem.’ Faith wraps the soul in Christ’s righteousness. It appropriates with a believing heart the perfect righteousness, satisfaction, and holiness of Christ. It counts the efficacy of Christ’s obedience and blood as the righteousness of God himself. It weds the soul to Christ; experiences divine pardon and acceptance in the Beloved, and makes the soul partake of every covenant mercy.” –Joel Beeke; Reformed Systematic Theology Questions to Consider In what ways are you trusting in Christ’s salvation in your life? What does it look like for you to trust him moment by moment?

Big Idea: Who are those who belong to Christ’s kingdom? Should we be able to tell them apart from the world? What we will see over the next several weeks is that those who belong to Christ’s kingdom are the humble, the hurting, the honest, and the humiliated. The ____________________ ________________________ Luke 7:44 (ESV) — 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. This encounter with Jesus revolves around the contrast between the Pharisee and the sinner. Romans 16:16 (ESV) — 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. What we find is that the Pharisee does not believe that Jesus is a Prophet, he does not believe that he is a teacher, he does not believe he has come from God. For a “godly” man would immediately rebuke such a woman for touching him. Simon’s attitude toward Jesus is seen in his actions toward Jesus and his attitude is not good. Contrast this with the attitude of the woman. The main point of this story is to highlight that Simon’s actions are a reflection of his attitude, not only toward Jesus but also toward his sin. Furthermore, the reason Simon has this attitude toward Jesus is because of his attitude toward sin. On the other hand, the reason the woman has this attitude toward Jesus is because of her attitude toward sin. How we view our sin, will always determine how we see Jesus. The ______________________ _____________________ Luke 7:47–50 (ESV) — 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Jesus forgives the one who recognizes their utter sinfulness and brings it to him in order that it might be covered by his mercy and grace. And this is a free and full forgiveness. [The perfect tense is] the verb tense used by the writer to describe a completed verbal action that occurred in the past but which produced a state of being or a result that exists in the present. Luke 7:47–50 (NASB95) — 47 “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Jesus then speaks directly to the woman, saying simply, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ No-one ever heard any more important words than those this woman heard that day in the house of Simon the Pharisee. Every demeaning, dishonest and immoral act that this woman of the city… had committed, was totally cleansed from her record when the Son of God said, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Psalm 103:11–12 (ESV) — 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Big Idea: Who are those who belong to Christ’s kingdom? Should we be able to tell them apart from the world? What we will see over the next several weeks is that those who belong to Christ’s kingdom are the humble, the hurting, the honest, and the humiliated. The ____________________ ________________________ Luke 7:20 (ESV) — 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ ” Matthew 11:2 (ESV) — 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples John’s doubt is not in Jesus but in what John thought Jesus should be. Isaiah 61:1-4, 62:10-63:6 (pg 581) How often are we disappointed in God not because God has failed us, but rather because God has failed to fulfill our expectations of what we think God should be or do? How often do we doubt God’s goodness not because he has denied us some good thing, but rather, because he has denied us what we expected that good thing would look like? Luke 22:42 (ESV) — “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” The ______________________ _____________________ Luke 7:27 (ESV) — 27 This is he of whom it is written, “ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Malachi 3:1 (ESV) — “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. Luke 1:76 (ESV) — And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, Sometimes our experiences can mislead us, but the Word of God will never lead us astray. Psalm 119:105 (ESV) — Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. The reason we need a regular dose of God’s Word in our lives is because the natural man is so prone to doubt, and fear, and hopelessness, and distrust. A disciple of Christ is not only confident in God’s Word, he is also contented in God’s ways, because God’s ways are the best ways. The problem with the human heart is that God has promised us all good things, but we are still intent on having our own way. If true peace comes through self-denial, are we content to deny ourselves and follow Christ to the cross? Luke 9:23–24 (ESV) — And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Questions to Consider Do you believe God’s ways are the best ways? What is the solution in those moments where you are doubting God’s goodness? In what ways is God seeking to teach you humility? Generosity? Dependence? Etc? Does he normally teach you these things the way you expect? What might it look like to surrender your ways to the Lord in order that he might accomplish his good and perfect will in your life?

Big Idea: Who are those who belong to Christ’s kingdom? Should we be able to tell them apart from the world? What we will see over the next several weeks is that those who belong to Christ’s kingdom are the humble, the hurting, the honest, and the humiliated. The ____________________ ________________________ Luke 7:12 (ESV) — 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. Together with the fatherless and the sojourners, widows were members of a disadvantaged class in ancient Hebrew society… the widow, in her frequent poverty and dependence upon public charity, was particularly vulnerable and easily exploited. Its repeated mention in the prophets and elsewhere testifies to the prevalence of such treatment (e.g., Isa. 1:17, 23; Ezek. 22:7; 10; cf. Job 22:9; 24:21; Ps. 94:6). In addition, widowhood was held by many to be a disgrace (cf. Ruth 1:19–21; Isa. 4:1; 54:4). … and if her husband died prematurely, this was considered a judgment for the life he had led, and she became an object of reproach, partly for her inability to prevent his untimely death (Ru 1:20, 21; Is 54:4). The widow from Nain is not only devastated by the personal loss of a loved one, but also the societal loss of honor and respect. It is in the midst of all this commotion (which is quite a fitting description of our own lives when we suffer tragedy), that Jesus sees the woman. And in seeing the woman, we see the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ. The ______________________ _____________________ Luke 7:11–13 (ESV) — 11 Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” What we learn from this text, and the rest of scripture, is that Jesus sees you in the midst of your tragedy. Psalm 56:8 (ESV) — 8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Beloved, imagine the infinite care of a God who makes a ledger of all of our tossings, who places our tears in his heavenly repository and records them in his celestial catalog. Isaiah 57:15 (ESV) — 15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. “God’s eternity does not remove him from time, but magnifies the wonder of his grace because the transcendent, eternal God dwells with the contrite to revive them in the time of their brokenness. God is not subject to time, but he lovingly draws near to the believer in their darkest times in order to sustain them. He who is eternal vivacity revives their hearts.” –Joel Beeke; Reformed Systematic Theology Romans 8:31-39 Questions to Consider Are you hurting this morning? In what ways is the Lord calling us to trust him in the midst of our hurt? In what ways have you seen the Lord Jesus meet you in the midst of your hurting?

Big Idea: Who are those who belong to Christ’s kingdom? Should we be able to tell them apart from the world? What we will see over the next several weeks is that those who belong to Christ’s kingdom are the humble, the hurting, the honest, and the humiliated. The Un-_____________________ ________________________ Luke 7:2 (ESV) — 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. The slave is respected or highly regarded by the centurion, but it is hard to be sure of the exact force of ἔντιμος (entimos) (BAGD 269 §2; BAA 543 §2; Plummer 1896: 194; Marshall 1978: 279). If the centurion regarded the servant as an asset or possession, “valuable” is the better translation (1 Pet. 2:4, 6); but if the centurion was the moral, sensitive man that the account suggests, “dear” or “esteemed” may be [a] better [translation] (Luke 14:8; Phil. 2:29). Matthew 8:5–6 (ESV) — 5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” The centurion is humble because he is helpless. “God permits what he hates, to accomplish what he loves.” –Steve Estes The ______________________ _____________________ Luke 7:6–7 (ESV) — 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. Jesus has authority over every single realm in the created order. Jesus can heal! Jesus can save! Colossians 1:15–17 (ESV) — 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. The centurion comes to Jesus believing that he can heal his servant but not that he will heal his servant. He is at the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (ESV) — 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. The faith that this centurion demonstrates, and is commended by Jesus, is in both his belief in Jesus’ abilities and in his surrender to the Lord’s plan for his life. Questions to Consider How it the Lord humbling you? Have you asked him for help? Are you trusting in his good and gracious will for your life? What does it look like for you to surrender to the Lord of all creation in your hardship?

Big Idea: Jesus is Lord! But what does that mean? It means he demands our loving obedience because he is the good and rightful ruler of the universe. But how are we to obey? If what we learned last week is true, and we are the bad root, how will we ever produce good fruit. The answer… Jesus! In order to properly obey God we must be found in Christ and be fond of his ways. Obedience is __________________ service to our ________________ lord. Be ______________________ in Christ’s Work Luke 6:47–48 (ESV) — 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. Question: What is the chief end of man? Answer: The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Proper obedience is the product, not the cause, of our union with Christ. To properly obey God’s Law we must be rooted in Jesus and built upon the rock of his work in salvation. John 15:5 (ESV) — 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Matthew 16:18 (ESV) — 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Jesus has established our righteousness, both in our standing before God and our service to others. Jesus is the foundation of our obedience, not us. We need Jesus every time to bear good fruit because our original root always bears bad fruit. Be _________________________ of God’s Ways Luke 6:46 (ESV) — 46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? The kind of Lordship that Jesus is speaking of is a kind of joyful obedience, pledge by a servant (or even a son) out of love and respect for the man who is the king. It is fealty to an individual and not an office. In this kind of Lordship, we serve because we want to serve, not because we are obligated to serve. John 14:15 (ESV) — 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Our actions will be consistent with our allegiances. Psalm 40:8 (ESV) — 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 119:47 (ESV) — 47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. In Christ, we don’t have to obey, we want to obey. The proper motivation for service is love for the Lord, but it is not our love for the Lord, it is Jesus’ love for the Lord, which is now our love, in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:14–17 (ESV) — 14 For the love of Christ [possessive genitive] controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Questions to Consider What does it look like to serve God in Christ? What are some things you are reluctant to do? How is this sourced in the flesh and not the Spirit? What must you do to properly obey God in these areas?

Big Idea: What do our actions, especially the things we say, show us about our hearts (spiritual condition)? Jesus gives us a proper test to know what needs to change. It isn’t so much our behavior as it is our inner man. The internal drives the external. To change the external we must first change the internal. Only Jesus can transform our inner man, which then produces truly good fruit. A _____________________ Analogy Luke 6:43–44 (ESV) — 43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. What Jesus is saying is, you can tell the condition of the root of a tree by examining its fruit. However, this does not mean we can change the condition of the root by changing the fruit. If the root is bad, you can do all that you want to the fruit, but the fruit will continue to be rotten because the root has not changed. In order for the fruit to change, you must tend to the root. No good tree, that is to say no good tree at all, produces bad fruit. No bad tree, that is no bad tree at all, produces good fruit. Our external actions and reactions are indicative of our internal condition. What kind of heart do you have? A ___________________________ Test Luke 6:45 (ESV) — 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. The tongue is the best indicator of our spiritual state, because the tongue, or what we say, is the purest representation of our hearts. James 3:5–8 (ESV) —5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. The point is that our tongues, or the things we say, most readily show us the condition of our hearts. The tongue has a direct connection to your heart. If our hearts are bad, what hope do we have of producing good and eternal fruit. Fruit suited to the kingdom of God. The solution is a new heart. The solution is the good news of Jesus Christ. The solution is for Jesus to perform heart surgery. Ephesians 4:20–24 (ESV) — 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Questions to Consider In what ways is Jesus teaching you that your heart is bad by the things you say? How might you trust in Christ this week with your tongue in order to produce good fruit, fit for his kingdom?

Big Idea: What does Jesus mean by, judge not? Does he mean that we ought to suspend all spiritual discernment and loving confrontation? Or is Jesus referring to the spirit in which we do these things? How should we approach one who is struggling with sin? With a humble spirit and understanding of God’s grace for all. ________________________ Luke 6:37 (ESV) — 37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; To judge can mean to decide, discern, or separate. Luke 7:41–43 (ESV) — 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Judgement can be of the spirit-ual nature, where we determine whether or not an attitude or behavior belongs to the Spirit of Christ or the spirit of this world. Galatians 6:1 (ESV) — 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. James 5:19–20 (ESV) — 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. ____________________ ______________________ Luke 6:37 (ESV) — 37 “Judge not… condemn not… forgive… There is a Judge, to whom we will all answer, and before whom we will all stand, but it is not you or me. It is God himself! Hebrews 10:30–31 (ESV) — 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. When Jesus says, judge not here, he is saying that we are not to be the Judge of others. We are all equals. Equal in the depths of our sin and our need for God’s grace. Titus 3:1–7 (ESV) — 1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For (reason) we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life ________________________ Luke 6:42 (ESV) —42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. If a self-righteous man tries to lead a sinner to grace, he will end up leading him not to grace but to self-righteousness. Questions to Consider Can a sinner help another sinner grow in Christ? What must he know first? Do you understand the grace of God for you? How might you lead others into it?

Big Idea: What do you want? This is a difficult questions? Mankind is a conflicted being. One thing is for sure, in the natural man we don’t want to love our enemies. Jesus transforms us and makes loving our enemies not only something we are capable of doing but something we want to do. Proverbs 20:5 (ESV) — 5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ re-ordering our desires so that we want the very things that God wants, in the new man. What _______________________ we do? Luke 6:27–28 (ESV) 27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Loving your enemy is to desire what is best for those who want what is worst for you. What does Jesus mean in verses 29-30? You should reject your initial reaction, which is defense, and act for the benefit of your enemies. You should act, not react. With a settled mind and spirit, you should ask yourself how might I help this one who wants to harm me? How might I provide for them at the cost of my own provisions? Why don’t we do what we ____________________ do? Luke 6:32 (ESV) 32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. What Jesus is calling for here is something super-natural. It is something that goes beyond what we are naturally inclined to do. The reason we love our enemies, hear this if you have ears to hear, is because God loves his enemies! Why __________________ we do what we ________________ do? Luke 6:36 (ESV) 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Romans 5:6–8 (ESV) 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus Christ, in his great love for us, willingly came to this earth to die for his enemies. The very ones who conspired against him, who ripped his beard from his face, who hoisted him up on a cross to die of asphyxiation, who crucified not only an innocent man, but their greatest benefactor. To those very ones, JESUS… GIVES… ETERNAL… LIFE. Why should we love our enemies? Not only because Jesus has done it before us, more than that, Jesus does it in us and through us. John 3:16 (ESV) 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Questions to Consider In what ways is Jesus calling you to love your enemies (those who hurt you or offend you)? What might this look like tangibly? What does it look like to identify with Jesus in loving them?

Big Idea: Where’s your focus? Is it on things in this world? Or is it on the world to come? Jesus teaches us here, that what we are waiting for is far superior to what we have now. This is a hope to the poor and a warning to the rich. If your security is in your earthly accomplishments, you have missed the eternal realities of the world in which we live. Jesus wants to re-orient you. _____________________-________________________ Luke 6:20 (ESV) — 20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Jesus rightly interprets every situation on this earth in light of what will be and not by what may be now. How do we conduct ourselves in this world while representing the king of the next? We keep one eye on our responsibilities and one eye on the God who created the good things that we are now responsible for. Luke 6:29–31 (ESV) — 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. It is to the poor, in this world, that he says blessed are the poor. It is to the hungry that he says, blessed are the hungry. It is to those who weep now, because they have had to see their child go without far too often, that he says, blessed are those who weep now. Jesus delivers this sermon on the plain to the poor, to the hungry, and to the weeping. Luke 6:20 (ESV) — 20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ______________________ _____________________ Luke 6:21 (ESV) — 21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (ESV) — 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. These woes are addressed to those who find their fulfillment in money. The second group consists of those who are materially well off and enjoy the world’s favour. Jesus’ expression of sorrow for their condition is not directed against prosperity in itself but against those who enjoy such prosperity, are satisfied with it, and do not look beyond the satisfaction of their own desires. In general, however, the followers of Jesus, like the godly people described in the Psalms and wisdom literature, are literally poor and down-trodden, whereas many of those who reject the gospel enjoy material plenty. Riches can keep men out of the kingdom of God, and disciples must be prepared for poverty by worldly standards. Luke 12:13-21 What will be is exceedingly better than what is. Questions to Consider In what ways is Jesus teaching you about the permanence of eternal things? How might you use the good things that God has given to you to be a blessing to others?

Big Idea: Jesus begins his training of the Apostles. Jesus is intentionally in everything he does. He is the epitome of living life on God’s mission. There isn’t a wasted moment or a casual encounter. Jesus trains the twelve, in the context of ministry, with an intent to win the world. The _____________________________ Luke 6:17 (ESV) — 17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place… Here is the reality about mankind, we are much better imitators then we are memorizers. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) — 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Philippians 3:17 (ESV) — 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Imitation is the greatest form of duplication. “God not only created us, but he created the developmental process. There is a reason the saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is generally true. Children learn much, if not most, of the important things in life through observation and imitation of their parents. From language to values, from personal habits to worldview, God designed children to absorb and reflect what their parents teach and model. This is why parenting is effective.” Michael Lawrence 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV) — 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. What has God called you to steward well for his kingdom? The _____________________________ Luke 6:17 (ESV) — 17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples… The crowd of disciples are the context in which Jesus trains the 12. He teaches the crowd, with an eye toward his Apostles. And he teaches the Apostles with an eye toward the crowd. Luke 9:10–17 Imitation is one of our greatest assets in discipling others. And ministry is a great arena for others to imitate us. Whatever responsibility God has given you in the church, your greatest responsibility is to teach others to do that ministry alongside of you. People are our Greatest Responsibility. The _____________________________ Luke 6:17 (ESV) — 17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, Early on, Sidon produced and transited wealthy commodities to trading partners in Assyria, Egypt, Cyprus, and the Aegean region. It then became a capital under the Assyrian and Persian domination…The center prospered under Greek and Roman rule thanks to its commercial vocation and its role as a bridge between the Near East and the Mediterranean. Jesus trains the 12, in the context of ministry, with an eye to win the world.

Big Idea: There are many similarities and difference between these men, but chief among them is their final destiny. What makes these men so different and why is this so? We find there are many dynamics at work, each important in establishing our own fates. ________________________ and ________________________ Luke 6:14, 16 (ESV) — 14 Simon, whom he named Peter… 16 and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Luke 22:1-6, 31-34 (pg 828) There a few similarities between the actions of these men, but the difference is striking, maybe the most striking difference among the Apostles. Satan successfully enters into Judas but he is prevented from having Peter. Matt. 27:3-4, 26:75 (pg 783) 2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV) — 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. John 21:15–17 (ESV) — 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ________________________ and _______________________ We ought to say that the fate of these two men is determined by their own personal choices, providential intervention, and the purposes of God. John 12:4–6 (ESV) —4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Judas choose to betray Jesus because that is what he wanted to do. Colossians 1:21 (ESV) — 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, Judas betrayed Jesus because that was God’s purpose for him. Acts 1:16 (ESV) — 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. Matt. 16:13-18 (pg 771) “There is a long-standing controversy in the Church as to whether God is really Lord in relation to human conduct and saving faith or not. What has been said shows us how we should regard this controversy. The situation is not what it seems to be. For it is not true that some Christians believe in divine sovereignty while others hold an opposite view. What is true is that all Christians believe in divine sovereignty, but some are not aware that they do, and mistakenly imagine and insist that they reject it. What causes this odd state of affairs? The root cause is the same as in most cases of error in the Church⎯the intruding of rationalistic speculations, the passion for systematic consistency, a reluctance to recognize the existence of mystery and to let God be wiser than men, and a consequent subjecting of Scripture to the supposed demands of human logic. People see that the Bible teaches man’s responsibility for his actions; they do not see (man, indeed, cannot see) how this is consistent with the sovereign Lordship of God over those actions. They are not content to let the two truths live side by side, as they do in the Scriptures, but jump to the conclusion that, in order to uphold the biblical truth of human responsibility, they are bound to reject the equally biblical and equally true doctrine of divine sovereignty, and to explain away the great number of texts that teach it.” J.I. Packer

Big Idea: Matthew and Simon had interesting backgrounds. One a tax collector, one a Zealot. This would have made for interesting dynamics within the group of twelve. How could two who had such different backgrounds come together and lead the New Testament Church? It is only through the power of the gospel. Since Jesus reconciled us to God, we can be reconciled to men. _________________________ between Men Luke 5:27–28 (ESV) — 27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. Tax collectors, also known as publicans (publicanus), charged tolls and taxes on behalf of the Roman government. These private government subcontractors would tax travelers who were carrying merchandise between properties or delivering goods along certain well-defined roads. Rome preferred to hire locals who were familiar with a region’s inhabitants, land, and roads. Some tax agents were responsible for such large territories that they functioned as subcontractors, hiring their own employees to collect the taxes. Zacchaeus seems to fit this category, as he is described as a “chief” tax collector (Luke 19:2–10)… Since the Jews considered themselves victims of Roman oppression, Jewish tax collectors who overtaxed their fellow countrymen were especially despised. Jews viewed such favor for Rome as betrayal and equal to treason against God. Rabbinic sources consistently align Jewish tax collectors with robbers. The party of the Zealots, described by Josephus as the ‘fourth philosophy’ among the Jews (BJ 2.117; Ant. 18.23), was founded by *Judas the Galilean, who led a revolt against Rome in ad 6 (*Census). They opposed the payment of tribute by Israel to a pagan emperor on the ground that this was treason to God, Israel’s true King… When the revolt of ad 6 was crushed they kept its spirit alive for 60 years. What we have here, are two individuals who find themselves on completely opposite ends of the political spectrum. Matthew a tax collector, Simon a Zealot. Matthew, an agent of the state, Simon, an enemy of the state. I can only imagine the tension that existed between Matthew and Simon. ______________________ together of the Gospel Ephesians 2:14–16 (ESV) — 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. These two groups had completely different customs, completely different eating habits, completely different fashion statements, completely different religious practices, completely different household structures, vocations, and political allegiances to say the least. You couldn’t get two more dissimilar groups than these two. Beloved, there is no greater display of loving your enemies than what Jesus did on the cross. Romans 5:8 (ESV) — 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. If God has overcome the greatest chasm we have, by reconciling us to himself, through Jesus Christ, how much smaller and more insignificant are the differences we face? It is only the person of Christ within you that has the ability to overcome the power of bitterness and pettiness that you harbor in your heart toward your fellow man. You don’t forgive others as a way to repay Christ, you do it as an expression of Christ in you. (Rom. 8:2-11) Question to Consider Who are you struggling to forgive? How does Jesus’ forgiveness of your sins grant you the power to forgive others? In what relationships is he calling you to exercise the love of Christ in you?

Big Idea: The next two Apostles in order are Philip and Bartholomew (Nathanael) who have a unique relationship. These two friends teach us much about how we might go about inviting others to meet Jesus. After Philip is called, he cannot help but share the good news with his good friend. And in Nathanael doubt, he invites him to come and see Jesus for himself. ______________________ Evangelism (connect with others) John 1:44–45 (ESV) — 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” The name Bartholomew is an Aramaic patronym meaning “son of Tolmai/Talmai” or “son of Ptolemy” (“bar” is Aramaic for “son of”). A patronym could function as a person’s proper name; other biblical examples are Barnabas and Barabbas. However, patronyms more often served as surnames that specified people by using the name of their father (e.g., Peter is called Simon Barjona in Matt 16:17). Philip is called by Jesus and the first thing he does is finds his friend, Nathanael Bartholomew, to share the good news with. The relationships we have with others can serve as a great vehicle to introduce them to Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:3–5 (ESV) — 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. If our greatest ambition is to make disciples, might we, by the power of the Spirit, invest in the relationships that seem to be the most conducive to winning people to Christ? ______________________ Evangelism (confidently invite others to see Jesus) John 1:46 (ESV) — 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Nathanael is not convinced that Jesus is the Messiah. Philip responds with a confident invitation, “Come and see”. Romans 8:29–30 (ESV) — 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. We do not save people, Jesus saves people. Our job is simply to introduce people to the Savior. John 4:7–42 John 4:35 (ESV) — 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. The fields of Stroudsburg are white for harvest. The people of Stroudsburg are waiting to be introduced to Jesus. Jesus is able to save them. We can’t answer every theological question they might have or address every hesitation they may hold, but what we can do is introduce them to Jesus. Questions to Consider Who are you connecting with? How might you confidently introduce them to Jesus?

Big Idea: James and John are the Sons of Thunder. Similar in personality, but wholly different in purpose. James is called upon to be the first Apostle to be martyred for his faith. John is the last of the Apostles to die. Each of their ministries unique, each a privilege. James the Be-______________________________ Luke 6:14 (ESV) — 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James… Mark 3:16–18 (ESV) — 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew… Luke 9:51-56 James, the Greater, was impassioned to see Christ receive the glory he deserved. Matthew 20:20-28 (pg 774) Acts 12:1–3 (ESV) — 1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. “The next martyr we meet with, according to St. Luke, in the History of the Apostles' Acts, was James the son of Zebedee, the elder brother of John, and a relative of our Lord; for his mother Salome was cousin to the Virgin Mary. It was not until ten years after the death of Stephen that the second martyrdom took place; for no sooner had Herod Agrippa been appointed governor of Judea, than, with a view to ingratiate himself with them, he raised a sharp persecution against the Christians, and determined to make an effectual blow, by striking at their leaders. The account given us by an eminent primitive writer, Clemens Alexandrinus, ought not to be overlooked; that, as James was led to the place of martyrdom, his accuser was brought to repent of his conduct by the apostle's extraordinary courage and undauntedness, and fell down at his feet to request his pardon, professing himself a Christian, and resolving that James should not receive the crown of martyrdom alone. Hence they were both beheaded at the same time. Thus did the first apostolic martyr cheerfully and resolutely receive that cup, which he had told our Savior he was ready to drink.” Fox’s Book of Martyrs James is privileged to hold the title among the Apostles as the first to be martyred for his faith, for this was the purpose for which the Lord Jesus called him to. John the Be-_______________________ Luke 6:14 (ESV) — 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John… John is called to walk closely with Jesus well into his old age. John 19:24-27 (pg 851) Reclining at meals had become a custom among people in NT times. Guests would recline three to a couch in the Greco-Roman fashion, leaning on their left elbow while leaving their right hand free to dip food from the common dish. The guests on each couch reclined in such a way that each rested his head near the breast of the one behind him. John died in old age and he served the church all his days, for this was the purpose for which the Lord Jesus called him to. Questions to Consider What was the Lord’s purpose for James? What was the Lord’s purpose for John? What is the Lord’s purpose for you? Are you content with this purpose?

Big Idea: Peter and Andrew are brothers but could be more opposite. Peter is the first of the Apostles and serves in the foreground of the New Testament Church. Andrew faithfully serves in the background and loves to introduce others to Jesus Christ. We can learn much from these men in their life and ministry. Peter in the ___________________________________ Luke 6:14 (ESV) — 14 Simon, whom he named Peter… Peter serves a prominent role in the establishing of the early church. Matthew 10:2 (ESV) — 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter… Both in Peter’s life and in his ministry we find he is a born leader. And it seems his ambition gets the best of him at times. Sometimes, Peter gets a little ahead of himself. Sometimes, it appears Peter says things without considering all the facts. Sometimes Peter reacts, when he should respond in faith and trust. Mark 8:31-33 Peter’s ardent support of Jesus and his commitment to the Jewish ideal of the Messiah, betrays him here. He gets out ahead of himself. He puts the cart before the horse. He wants the glory without the cross. Acts 10:9-16, 11:1-18 Beloved, it is good to admit when you are wrong. It is godly to admit when you are wrong. Andrew in the ___________________________________ Luke 6:14 (ESV) — 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother… Andrew faithfully served in the background and had an ardent desire to introduce others to Jesus. John 1:35-42 John 12:20–22 (ESV) — 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. If Peter was a bit reluctant to introduce the gospel to the Gentiles, Andrew is eager to introduce the Greeks to Jesus. If Peter is behind the ball, Andrew seems to be in front of it, and rightly so. Luke 14:7–11 (ESV) — 7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Too often beloved, some of us aspire to be like Peter, when we should first be content to be like Andrew. For those who humble themselves will be exalted. Questions to Consider What are some things we can learn from the life of Peter and Andrew? What is the Lord teaching you as you seek to faithfully serve him?

Big Idea: Jesus purposely reconstitutes his people to be particularly relational and peculiarly regular. God uses these ordinary men to do extraordinary things. P______________________ R________________________ Luke 6:13 (ESV) — 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Deuteronomy 4:37 (ESV) — 37 And because he loved your fathers and chose (same word) their offspring after them and brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power, to be his special people. Deuteronomy 7:7–8 (ESV) — 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Deuteronomy 14:2 (ESV) — 2 For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. The choosing of the twelve was an intentional calling back to the election of God and his people in the Old Testament in order to directly connect and continue God’s purpose of election in the Old Testament to these 12 Apostles. In effect, by ordaining these twelve men, God was establishing a new Israel. Just as the twelve sons of Jacob founded the Old Testament people of God, so also the apostles established the foundation for God’s new people in Christ. P______________________ R________________________ Luke 6:13–16 (ESV) — 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. There is an obvious order of Apostles in these lists. What we learn about Jesus’ relationships with the twelve is that he prioritizes his time and investment in a few of them. Jesus chooses twelve, but he invests in three. Matthew 10:2 (ESV) — 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter… Luke 8:51, 9:20, 9:28-29, Mark 14:32-33 “When will the church learn this lesson? Preaching to the masses, although necessary, will never suffice in the work of preparing leaders for evangelism. Nor can occasional prayer meetings and training classes for Christian workers do this job. Building men is not that easy. It requires constant personal attention, much like a father gives to his children… [Jesus’] concern was not with programs to reach the multitudes, but with men whom the multitudes would follow.” –Robert Coleman, Master Plan of Evangelism P______________________ R________________________ Acts 4:13 (ESV) — 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 1Cor. 1:26-2:5

Big Idea: Jesus chooses the twelve men who will be the leaders of his new covenant people of God after his death. These men are deliberately chosen by Jesus to form the foundation of the church. Jesus _________ ______________ the Twelve through __________________ . Luke 6:12 (ESV) — 12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. Matthew 6:5–6 (ESV) — 5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Prayer is tuning our hearts, through a focused meditation on the Word of God, to the heart of the Father, which in turn synchronizes our actions and decisions with God’s good will on this earth. John 15:7 (ESV) — 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Nothing happens by accident, but that all is sovereignly orchestrated by the hand of an omniscient and omnipotent God. When you pray, look into God’s Word, and then look around at what God brings you. Jesus ________ ______________ the Twelve as ________________________. Luke 6:13 (ESV) — 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Luke is looking back, from his vantage point in the ministry of Paul and his construction of the book of Acts, and giving the 12, whom Jesus choose this official title and office of Apostle. In the New Testament, “apostle”… More often… refers to a person sent out as an authorized agent, either of Jesus or, in the early missionary work, of a distinguished congregation. This may be related to the rabbinic use of “emissary” or “sent one” (שָלִיחַ, shaliach), which refers to someone who is authorized to act on behalf of another and represents the authority of that person. The Apostles where the twelve men, chosen specifically by the Lord Jesus Christ, to form the foundation stones of the New Covenant Community of God’s people. Revelation 21:14 (ESV) — 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Ephesians 2:19–22 (ESV) — 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Jesus gives the Apostles miraculous powers and signs, to establish their official position. Luke 9:1-2, 6; 2Cor. 12:12; Acts 2:42-43, 4:32-33, 5:12 Qualifications for an Apostle (Acts 1:1-14): 1. They had to be present for Jesus’ ministry while on the earth so that they could serve as eyewitnesses. 2. They had to be privy to all that Jesus taught and did in his earthly ministry 3. They were personally selected by the Lord Jesus Christ to serve as Apostles. 4. They were granted the power to do miracles to authenticate both their selection by Jesus and to form the doctrinal foundation of the Church. 5. They had to be of one accord (doctrinally and convictionally) with the other Apostles.

John 15:5 [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV) I. The Illustration of the Christian Life: The Vine and the Vinedresser II. The Danger of Not Abiding III. The Fruitfulness of Abiding • Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. (ESV) • Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (ESV) We abide… 1. …by having his Word abide in us. 2. …through depending on him in prayer.

Big Idea: What is truth and who determines it? The world will tell you that you are your own personal arbiter of truth. That “your truth” is the truth. The Pharisees certainly believed they had a corner on the truth. But they were wrong. Jesus is the way the truth and the life and he establishes his sovereignty over this realm in our passage for this morning. Jesus ______________________ the Purpose of the Sabbath Luke 6:1–2 (ESV) — 1 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” Why did the Pharisees think that picking grain was against the law? The answer is that they had developed their own list of regulations for keeping the Sabbath. To make sure that they did not violate the fourth commandment, they specified all the different ways that someone could break the Sabbath, and then avoiding these activities became their law. According to the Mishnah, no fewer than thirty-nine different kinds of work were forbidden on the Sabbath, including reaping, threshing, winnowing, and preparing food… So with every mouthful, the disciples were violating the law four different ways. Thus said the Pharisees. The law of God is inherently beneficent. That is to say that God’s law is always for the promoting of life in mankind. The Law is pro-mankind. Matthew 7:11 (ESV) 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Exodus 20:8–11 (ESV) 8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. The Sabbath day was intended to be a relief, not a burden. It was given so that we might worship God, not be enslaved to man-made conditions. The Sabbath was intended to serve mankind, not because they deserve it, but because they need it. Mark 2:27–28 (ESV) 27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” Jesus _________________________ the Purpose of the Sabbath. Luke 6:10 (ESV) — 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. Jesus doesn’t avoid eye contact. He isn’t ashamed of his actions. He doesn’t make excuses for his good intentions and clear demonstrations of authority. Jesus directly challenges the Pharisees. John 10:10 (ESV) 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. In our text Jesus isn’t only healing this man’s hand, the healing that Jesus offers extends to every facet of this man’s life. Questions to Consider Are their ways you are opposing Jesus in your life because you desire to hang onto your traditions? In what ways does Jesus desire to grant you full restoration of your life in Him? What is holding you back? In what ways are you declaring this truth to others? How might you pray for boldness in doing so?

Big Idea: Is it appropriate for Jesus’ disciples to fast? Yes, if we have the right motivation. There is a wright and a wrong way to fast. To fast properly we ought to afflict our physical bodies to remind us our spiritual dependency. This realization should then lead us to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the end of our fasting. Acts 26:4–5 (ESV) — 4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. The Pharisees developed a tradition of strict interpretation of the Mosaic law, developing an extensive set of oral extensions of the law designed to maintain religious identity and purity. Colossians 2:20–23 (ESV) — 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. What is __________________________________? Luke 5:33–34 (ESV) 33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” 34 And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? At the heart of fasting is deprivation. Fasting is intended to impress upon the souls of men their emptiness, not their fullness. The point of fasting is to inflict intentional grief upon the body as a reflection of the grief we feel in our souls. Romans 8:22–25 (ESV) — 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. What is the ______________________ way to fast? Luke 5:35 (ESV) — 35 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” Fasting is an affliction of the soul. Fasting is an external/physical action that either reflects or promotes an internal/spiritual vexation. There are times when fasting is the result of an afflicted soul. But there are also times when we intentionally afflict the body, in order to make the soul more aware of our spiritual deprivation. “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses Romans 7:21-8:4 Fasting is a discipline that reminds us of our spiritual need so that we find the fulfillment of that need in Jesus Christ. What is the ___________________ way to fast? Luke 5:33 (ESV) — 33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” We shouldn’t fast because we are establishing our own ability but to heighten the reality of our inability. If the right way to fast is find your hope and fulfillment in Christ, then the wrong way to fast is to find your hope and fulfillment in self.

Big Idea: There is a level of irony in our text this morning. Jesus is embraced by those who would seem to reject him and rejected by those who you think would embrace him. The tax collector embraces him because he knows Jesus is his only hope. The Pharisee rejects him because of his obsession with man-made religion. The question is do you see yourself in the tax collector or do you act like the Pharisee? The Tax Collector __________________________ Luke 5:28–29 (ESV) —28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them.  The class designated by this word in the New Testament were employed as collectors of the Roman revenue. The Roman senate farmed the direct taxes and the customs to capitalists, who undertook to pay a given sum into the treasury. Contracts of this kind fell naturally into the hands of the richest class of Romans. They appointed managers, under whom were the actual collectors of taxes and of customs. The custom-house officers examined each bale of goods, assessed its value more or less arbitrarily, wrote out the ticket and enforced payment. The system was essentially a vicious one. The collectors were encouraged in the most vexatious or fraudulent exactions, and a remedy was almost impossible. They overcharged whenever they had an opportunity (Luke 3:13); they brought false charges of smuggling in the hope of extorting hush-money (Luke 19:8); they detained and opened letters on mere suspicion. It was esteemed by the Jews the basest of all livelihoods. It brought the class into ill-favor everywhere.  …The publicans were despised; were denominated apostates and traitors; were regarded as utterly defiled by their interactions with the heathen; were denounced as the shameless tools of the oppressor. The sin of the tax collector is his want and desire for that which he is not entitled to. He takes more than he deserves.  If Jesus does not eat and drink with tax collectors, then he does not eat or drink with any of us. James 4:1–4 (ESV) — 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.  What is remarkable and ironic about this passage is that the tax collectors should be terrified to see Jesus, the Judge of all the earth, but they are not. They seem the most excited and the most comfortable in his presence. The Pharisees _____________________ Luke 5:33 (ESV) — 33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” The Pharisees response is the exact opposite of Matthew’s response. Jesus calls Matthew to repent, and he turns and follows him, and celebrates Jesus. Jesus calls on the Pharisees to repent and they cite their religious practices.  Luke 5:36–39 (ESV) — 36 He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’ ”  The issue at hand in this parable is our fear of losing what we are familiar with. The issue at hand in this parable is our death grip, that is our refusal to let go of, well-used tools and comfortable clothes.  Q: What are you refusing to let go of that is keeping you from trusting yourself fully to Jesus?

Big Idea: Jesus asserts that he has the authority to forgive sins. The Pharisees accuse him of blasphemy. What they don’t understand is that Jesus, being God, has the authority to forgives sin because, as God, he has the power to overcome sin on the cross. Jesus’ ____________________ to Forgive Sin Luke 5:15 (ESV) — 15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. Jesus has more people to serve than he is capable of serving in his human capacity. Luke 7:20–23 (ESV) — 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ ” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Jesus sending the leper to the priests was not merely so that the leper could return to his relationship with God and men, it was also to signify to the priests, that is the high ranking officials in Jesus’ day, that the Messiah had come. 1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV) — 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Whether it’s long days at work, hard days at home, or overwhelming responsibilities in the church, each one of us can become drained and weakened by the week’s end. An ___________________ _____________________ from the People Luke 4:42 (ESV) — 42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place… Luke 5:16 (ESV) — 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Jesus gets away to a place where there are no people. He is bombarded by people all day long, the crowds close in on him, he is constantly serving, and here we see that Jesus removes himself from all of this commotion to get to an isolated and quite place. A place where he is alone. A place where he can focus his mind and his heart on his essential relationship with his Father in heaven. Where do you retire to in order to spend a focused time in prayer and meditation? Luke 6:12 (ESV) — 12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. Luke 9:18 (ESV) — 18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone… A ____________________ _____________ near to God Luke 5:16 (ESV) — 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Spending time alone with God focused Jesus’ mind, heart, and will on his primary purpose, that was to preach the good news of the kingdom to all the towns. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) — 3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Questions to Consider: Are you too busy to pray? How might you make space in your day to withdraw from people and intentionally seek out God in prayer? Where is your quiet place? What is God’s primary purpose for your life right now?

Big Idea: Jesus takes regular breaks from ministry in order spend time with his heavenly Father in prayer. His desire is to focus his earthly mind, heart, and will on the kingdom of God and it’s advancement. An ___________________ _____________ of the People Luke 5:15 (ESV) — 15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. Jesus has more people to serve than he is capable of serving in his human capacity. Luke 7:20–23 (ESV) — 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ ” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Jesus sending the leper to the priests was not merely so that the leper could return to his relationship with God and men, it was also to signify to the priests, that is the high ranking officials in Jesus’ day, that the Messiah had come. 1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV) — 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Whether it’s long days at work, hard days at home, or overwhelming responsibilities in the church, each one of us can become drained and weakened by the week’s end. An ___________________ _____________________ from the People Luke 4:42 (ESV) — 42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place… Luke 5:16 (ESV) — 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Jesus gets away to a place where there are no people. He is bombarded by people all day long, the crowds close in on him, he is constantly serving, and here we see that Jesus removes himself from all of this commotion to get to an isolated and quite place. A place where he is alone. A place where he can focus his mind and his heart on his essential relationship with his Father in heaven. Where do you retire to in order to spend a focused time in prayer and meditation? Luke 6:12 (ESV) — 12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. Luke 9:18 (ESV) — 18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone… A ____________________ _____________ near to God Luke 5:16 (ESV) — 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Spending time alone with God focused Jesus’ mind, heart, and will on his primary purpose, that was to preach the good news of the kingdom to all the towns. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) — 3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Questions to Consider: Are you too busy to pray? How might you make space in your day to withdraw from people and intentionally seek out God in prayer? Where is your quiet place? What is God’s primary purpose for your life right now?

Big Idea: Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. When we see ourselves in the leper, and cry out for God’s mercy in Jesus, our relationship with God and men is restored.   ___________________ of the Leper Luke 5:12 (ESV) — 12 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”  In many cases, there was no treatment for leprosy. Therefore, many with leprosy were forced into permanent quarantine. Leviticus 13:1–3 (ESV) — 1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 2 “When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a case of leprous disease on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests, 3 and the priest shall examine the diseased area on the skin of his body. And if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease. When the priest has examined him, he shall pronounce him unclean.  Leviticus 13:45–46 (ESV) — 45 “The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ 46 He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.  Leprosy is an ugly but accurate illustration of our spiritual condition before we are healed by the gospel. At the time of Christ, people generally assumed that leprosy was God’s curse against sin. This was not necessarily true, but leprosy still serves as a symbol of our sin—what R. C. Trench has called an “outward and visible sign of innermost spiritual corruption.” Sin makes us unclean. Our depravity is a disfiguring disease that distorts the person God created us to be. Indeed, it is a kind of living death, because the Bible says that apart from Christ, we are “dead in our trespasses” (Eph. 2:5). This leads us to ask a question the apostle Paul once asked, and that the leper in Luke’s Gospel knew how to answer: “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7:24). The answer is Jesus, so the man went and “fell on his face and begged him, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean’ ” (Luke 5:12). The cry for cleansing here is intended to communicate our need for full spiritual restoration from sin. 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) — 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  …Jesus touched the man, firmly resting his hand on the dreadful disease. In that electric moment, as the high voltage of divine power coursed through the strong arm of Jesus, the leper was healed. Ordinarily, when something clean touches something unclean, it becomes unclean as well. But here, for the first time in history, things ran in the other direction, as the cleanliness of Jesus healed the unclean leper. It was a total cure. The man’s cleansing was complete. He had brand new skin from head to toe. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) — 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  ____________________ to the Priest Luke 5:14 (ESV) — 14 And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”  Lev. 14:1-9, 20 (86) When Jesus cleanses us of our sin, we are restored again to fellowship with God and with men and we begin to live out God’s purpose for mankind.  You no longer live outside the camp. You are no longer alienated from God and man. You are freed to conduct all of your business within the King’s walls. (Col. 1:9-14) Questions to Consider What does it look like to live in the walls of Christ’s Kingdom? Are you ever tempted, like the leper, to return to the leper’s colony? How do we counter this? 

Big Idea: Jesus connects this miracle on the Sea of Galilee with the commission for all of his disciples to go into all the world and call people into his kingdom through the preaching of the good news. Matthew 4:19 (ESV) — 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” _________________ Men, _________________ Commands Luke 5:2 (ESV) — 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Luke 5:10–11 (ESV) — 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Jesus methods are not the world’s methods and Jesus message is not the world’s message. John 18:36 (ESV) — 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” What Jesus wanted then, and what Jesus wants now, are those who will trust him and follow his simple commands. Luke 5:5 (ESV) — 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” Jesus does not say let down your nets in vain. He says let down your nets because he is about to do something with the nets that are cast. _________________ God, ________________ Purpose Luke 5:5–7 (ESV) — 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. Not only is Jesus all-knowing, he is also all powerful. Psalm 135:5–6 (ESV) — 5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. Psalm 33:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. Just like Jesus’ power attended these commands for Peter to cast out into the deep and let down his nets, so to will Jesus’ power attend his commands in the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) — 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The same Jesus, who had the power to direct the fish into the nets, is the same Jesus who can call people unto himself. Acts 2:36-41 Questions to Consider What is the connection that Jesus makes in our text for this morning? What does Matt. 28:19 promise us? Who might you preach the gospel to this week, trusting the Lord’s power to save? In what other areas of your life is Jesus calling you to trust his simple commands?