What can we expect if we follow Jesus today?
(John 21:15-19; Phil. 2:5-8; 1 John 3:16-18) Blog 20-26 Sep. 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus tell others about God’s saving love. Since every human being is a creation of God and a purchase of Jesus then God’s desire is to save everyone. Through intercessory prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to win others to Jesus. If we follow the example of New Testament believers, the Bible will be the basis of our testimony and Jesus’ methods will be ours. We will present the truth in love and organize small groups for Bible study, prayer, encouragement, and outreach. The central theme of our witness will be the story of Jesus and in these last days we must emphasize the present truth of his closing ministry in heaven.
The Condescension of Jesus (Isa. 53:1-3Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 1:1-4; 2:10-18)
1. What was heaven like before Jesus came to earth? It was most gloriously beautiful beyond human description & all the angel’s of God worshipped & adored him.
2. How much like God the Father was Jesus before his incarnation? He was heir of all things, co-creator of the universe, of equal glory with the Father, the express image of his person (same substance), and all-powerful – he was equal with the Father.
3. When Jesus became man what was the first step in his self-humiliation? He made himself of no reputation, in other words, his humanity had no special attractiveness.
4. What other steps did Jesus take in his condescension? He took the form of a servant, then he accepted death, even the cruel, painful death of the cross.
5. While serving humanity what environment and reception did Jesus receive? He was surrounded by filth, squalor, & wretchedness & even his own people rejected him – all this was just the opposite of his home in heaven.
Whom God Calls (Matt. 4:18-22; 9:9; Luke 9:23; Acts 9:10-20)
6. Whom does Jesus call to humble themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him? All who accept him as Saviour & Lord – that’s us.
7. When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, John. and Matthew what was their response? They forsook everything (their means of support, family, and occupation) & followed Jesus which meant a daily life of self-denial & sacrifice.
8. What must have gripped the minds of these disciples when Jesus called them to follow him? They must have regarded his call as an invitation to a higher occupation that the one they were leaving.
9. What can we expect if we follow Jesus today? That we will be entering a higher calling even though we have to give up luxuries & innocent pleasures as we humble ourselves for the good of others.
10. When God called Saul of Tarsus to be his missionary why did he ask Ananias to do part of the work? Because God wants us always to work in harmony with his church on earth.
Motives & Consequences (John 21:15-17; 1 John 3:16-18; 2 Cor. 5:14-15)
11. What does Paul say motivated him to witness? Christ’s love for him demonstrated by dying for all humanity making everyone no longer just a person but now a purchase of Jesus.
12. How does John describe the love of God in his first epistle? As great enough to lay down his life for us.
13. According to First John three, how should we respond to God’s love? By laying down our lives for the brethren & lovingly sharing our resources to fulfill their needs.
14. When Jesus confronted Peter after his resurrection what motive did he suggest would result in feeding God’s flock? That of our love for Jesus.
15. To what extent did Jesus tell Peter that sharing his faith would bring him? To death on a cross.
16. When we give ourselves to serve God and take up our cross daily what are we accepting? We are accepting death rather than retreat.