RevoDevos - Acts 4
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sunday, July 19
Read: Acts 4
Luke 4 is an amazing chapter that shows the power of sharing the story of Jesus to others. Peter and John were aware of the dangers that came with speaking about Christ, yet they did so anyways. There are a few important things to point out about sharing the word of God.
First of all, speaking about Christ must be lead by the Holy Spirit. After being arrested, Peter and John were brought amongst people of high authority to be questioned. Before answering from where they get their power, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit. The spirit of God is what guides us. We must remain in the spirit so that when we share Christ with others, it will actually be the words of God through us that are being spoken.
The second thing is that it takes courage to share the word of Jesus Christ. Peter and John knew that the authorities opposed their viewpoints. These were the men that have just arrested them for healing a crippled man. Imagine what must have been going through their heads when they brought before the officials. They knew full well severe consequences that may be taken on them for speaking about Jesus. But the boldness and courage of Peter and John astonished them!
The final aspect to point out is that sharing the word of God has the overwhelming power to convict. When the religious leaders saw the courage of Peter and John, they came to the realization ordinary people compared to these men of Christ. They “took note that these men had been with Jesus” (v. 13). If that is not conviction, I don’t know what is!
Peter and John both new that by spreading the word of God they were bringing about the revolution of Christ. But when have you ever heard of a revolution happening through silent, boring and overly polite people? Nowhere! Christ’s overwhelming victory over sin has been completed. We are called to share that victory with the rest of the world!
We must not be timid when we share the word of Christ to others. When we speak of Jesus we must remember these three things that are evident with Peter and John speaking about their faith. You have learned many things through the month and have experienced something very spiritual. Now is the time to prepare yourself to enter back into your normal routine with the spirit of God upon you.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Process:
We must prepare our hearts to be placed back at the corps at home. It is important to remember to remain in the Spirit of God in all that we do in the church. Take this time to pray for each individual’s corps. Bring certain needs of the church before God.
Then spend time praying each other. If there are any certain areas that God can strengthen you, lift that up in prayer before God. Pray that God will equip you with the spirit and strengthen you for the ministry back at home.
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RevoDevos - Acts 3
Saturday, July 18
Read: Acts 3
Four important events happen in this chapter.
First, Peter and John, on their way to the Temple, see a man in need. They claim to not have money but Peter offers him something worth more than that.
Second, the man is healed in the name of Jesus.
Third, the man praises God by walking and leaping and jumping. He recognizes what has just happened. He has a heart full of praise for God because he knew it was only by God’s power that he was healed. Peter addresses the crowd giving glory to God.
And fourth, the message to repent is preached.
Everything we do should be done in the name and glorification of Jesus. Peter and John were simply obeying Jesus by going daily to the Temple to pray, and just like Jesus had stopped because they saw someone in need. They were confident in the power of the Holy Spirit that was at work within them.
They see a need, they meet the need, God is praised and given glory and the message of repentance is preached. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8) is started. They don’t linger around for a while before getting to work, they don’t hide in their shells but they boldly carry and proclaim the name of Jesus not timid to rebuke those that sent him to his death.
How many times on your way to church, or anywhere for that matter, have you seen someone in need? How many times do you feel prompted to help that person? How many times do you shy away from doing so out of fear or because of the hurry you’re in? Take note that Peter is still human. A human open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Jesus, on his way anywhere, would always take time to be with people. In the gospel of John when he stops at the well in the Samaritan town just for a short break he ends up staying there three days teaching the people. He was never in a hurry.
As bearers of Christ’s name we must be a good example of the name. God calls us to “the least of these” and too many times do we miss out on the blessing of sharing the gospel with others because of our selfishness, fear and doubt. The name of Jesus is the most powerful name in the world. With it come healing, salvations, miracles, joy, peace and comfort. With it comes the power to change things. Don’t be afraid to use it.
Process:
- Have you ever had the opportunity share Christ’s love with someone but chose not to? What stopped you?
- When we are actively seeking God and the Holy Spirit we are going to start seeing the need and the Spirit is going to prompt us to act. We can choose to ignore it or we can obey it and start to see a change in this world. What do you want to see: people continue to sin and cry out or a nation turned upside down and praising the Lord for his mighty deeds?
- Through the Holy Spirit you have the power to change your neighborhoods, schools, state and country. Pray against fear and doubt and that you would be filled with the Holy Spirit.
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RevoDevos - Acts 2
Friday, July 17
Read: Acts 2
Act two has to be one of the most epic moments in the Bible! Christ has already died for the sins of mankind; his resurrection has given us victory over sin and an eternal life in the kingdom of heaven! Now we have the last segment of Jesus’ promise being fulfill, the coming of the Holy Spirit. The blowing of a violent wind (v. 2) is the Holy Spirit descending upon the earth. It was described as tongues of fire. Remember the prophecy that John the Baptist gave in Luke 3?
“I baptize you with water, but the one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3:15-16)
With the Gift of the Holy Spirit we have the start of the church (v. 42-47). God initiated the church through Holy Spirit. In these versus we are given the example of the first church body in complete community. They shared everything with each other and devoted their spiritual lives in fellowship. The beautiful thing here is that in unity God added them in their numbers. Their church was a growing church!
We are called to be a unified body of Christ, a church of the kingdom of God. Here we are given an example of how the first church lived in community. They found joy in their community with “glad and sincere hearts” (v.46). In no way are Christians called to live a life of faith alone. We are to have community with our church with the same focus on Christ in our hearts. Though we are different, God blesses us in our church.
Now these people of the church in Acts 2 were very different. At first they all spoke various languages. But the Spirit broke those barriers and brought them together. There are no barriers in this world that can restrict Christians from being unified in Christ. God does not call us to all be the same, but to be unified through God. Unity isn’t about uniformity. Unity is about a bunch of different people coming together and being able to work together for one purpose. God made each one of us differently. He has chosen each of us for a specific purpose. In the body of Christ all parts are needed to accomplish the will of God and the kingdom of heaven.
Through the Salvation Army we are blessed with what an amazing family this church has become and what a community of love there is amongst us. But let us not forget the other churches of Christ. The Salvation Army is only of one part of a much larger body. Let us not forget how vast the body of the church truly extends to.
Process:
- Are we spending enough time with our church families? It is easy to get caught up in the routine of Sunday worship. But how much time is devoted to the community of the church?
- Remember, the church community extends beyond the walls of a building. The community is built up on the people and not a building. We can enjoy fellowship with our congregations in settings in various locations.
- Verse 44 says “all the believes were together…” Are there any barriers in our corps that create segregation amongst the community? Are there any barriers between you and the people of your church? How can we better unify the church body, despite these obstacles?
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RevoDevos - Acts 1
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, July 16
Read: Acts 1
There are over 1 billion Christians in the world leaving over 5 billion people untouched or unaffected by the gospel. If you think about it though that’s pretty amazing considering that the church started with only 120 members (v. 15) just over 2,000 years ago.
After Jesus’ resurrection he appears to the disciples many times continuing to teach them. It is here, in the beginning of Acts, that the apostles are given their last mandate from Jesus until His return. The disciples are told to wait in Jerusalem and they will receive the Holy Spirit to be his witnesses through all Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
This one statement entailed so much. Jesus was telling them that they had a job to do; they were to take everything he taught them and share it with the world. He promises the Holy Spirit will give them the power, strength, courage and boldness to do such a task.
This mandate is still in force today. We are part of the church that started in these first few chapters of Acts. The message Jesus gave them is still the message He gives us today. All who have heard and believed the apostles teachings have become witnesses and in consequence becomes a member of the missional church.
As Jesus ascends into Heaven the apostles just kind of stand there, bewildered. In return they are rebuked by two angels reminding them that Jesus will come back, but in the meantime there is work to be done.
In the world today we have what is called the 10/40 window. The world’s most unreached people groups live in places stretching across the maps of northern Africa and Asia. Two-thirds of the world's population, more than 3.2 billion people, live in the 10/40 Window.
*Here are some staggering statistics involving this part of the world.
• 95% of the people living in the 10/40 Window are unevangelized. Many have never heard the Gospel message even once
• Eighty-five percent of those living in the 10/40 window are the poorest of the world's poor.
• Half of the world's least evangelized cities are in this window.
In addition to the 10/40 window here are some more general facts about the world’s most unevangelized people groups.
- 865 million unreached Muslims or Islamic followers in 3330 cultural sub-groupings
- 550 million unreached Hindus in 1660 cultural sub-groups
- 150 million unreached Chinese in 830 groups
- 275 million unreached Buddhists in 900 groups
- Forming a smaller -- though important -- unreached group are the 17 million Jews scattered across 134 countries
- 2550 unreached tribal groups with a total population of 140 million
Process:
- What do you think it must have been like for the apostles to have to wait in the room for something they were unsure of? What do you think they were going through?
- Does it come as a shock to you that you are called to evangelize? Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the thought that once we become Christians we’re good. But Jesus gave us a specific mission. How are you fulfilling that mission? By now we have all done some intense evangelization, how has this experience challenged you? How have you grown?
- Notice that their ministry started in Jerusalem and then expanded form there. Mission work and evangelization don’t just pertain to overseas, but starts in your hometown. So if you are too young to go overseas yet, start at home, maybe with your family, your neighbors and your friends.
- Prayer is powerful! Know that your prayers are heard by God and he will always respond to our prayers. There is so much going on in the world that sometimes it is too overwhelming and seems hopeless. Your prayers are effective. Pray for the unreached people groups in this world and that the gospel will be accepted among them. Pray for the missionaries hard at work and who are in perilous conditions. Pray that the gospel would be spread and accepted
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RevoDevos - Luke 24
Wednesday, July 15
Read: Luke 24
Can you think of a time when you had to trust someone completely? Maybe it was when you played a part in one of those ridiculous trust-fall exercises. You know, the ones where you fall backwards, hopefully into the arms of your partner and not onto the solid ground? So many times when that game is played, people are so hesitant to trust their partner completely, assuming that they’re going to bust their head on the ground for sure.
When people think about doubt and the resurrection, most quickly remember Thomas. However, when you read Luke 24, it’s obvious that Thomas wasn’t the only one that doubted Jesus’ resurrection. Quite the contrary, it seems like he was in good company.
The chapter starts with “the women” going to the tomb with “the spices they had prepared” so that they could preserve Jesus’ body. If they were going with spices for the body, that means that they weren’t expecting the body to not be there. They were expecting Jesus to still be laying lifeless in his burial cloths. Needless to say, they were pretty afraid to not only find that Jesus wasn’t there, but to be greeted by two angels. The interesting thing is that the angels themselves point out to the women that they should have expected to find no body!
The angels said, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you In Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered in to the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”
The women rushed back to tell the apostles what they had seen, but then the apostles don’t believe them. In fact, they thought their story was “nonsense”. The Greek word for “nonsense”, leros, was the same word used to refer to the crazy stories very sick people told or to the tall tales told by those who had trouble perceiving and grasping reality. Verse 12 is the one dim glimmer of hope in this passage of doubt, as Luke describes how Peter ran off to the tomb based on the women’s testimony. However, even though he finds the tomb empty, Scripture records that he went away wondering what had really happened.
Then there are the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus enters in on the scene, but his identity is “kept” from them. Darrell L. Bock suggests that Jesus did this intentionally, but not out of cruelty. His purpose was to slowly reveal himself to them so that they could learn about trusting God’s promises. Nevertheless, as the disciples tell their new friend on the road what had happened over the last few days, they are also told that they shouldn’t have been surprised. Jesus sets them straight, telling them that everything that happened was written in the prophets long ago.
Jesus finally makes an appearance to the Eleven, who seem to be finally getting it now. That is, until Jesus shows up in the flesh. As everyone gathered together, reports kept coming in about how Jesus was indeed alive, and that he had even revealed himself to Simon. Everyone probably started to get extremely excited, when, out of nowhere, Jesus appears, saying, “Peace be with you.”
Almost immediately, thinking they were looking at a ghost (or spirit), and quite obviously frightened, Jesus reassures them that he is indeed the real deal. As he eats some fish to prove to them that he was a real man, he again reminds them how he told them that he was going to be tried, crucified, and then risen from the dead. Jesus opens their minds so they could understand the Scriptures, and they finally, finally, get it.
Process:
- The consistent theme in this passage is definitely how the disciples were surprised about Jesus’ rising from the dead, even though Jesus and Scripture had foretold them it was going to happen anyway. What are some promises in your life that God has made to you? Why is it so easy to doubt what we know to be true?
-Even though this is the last chapter of Luke, Luke is not done with his story for Theophilus. Verses 47-48 are really a brief synopsis of the first few chapters of Acts, one of the key ideas being how the disciples will preach forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name. Take the time to pray for the people you know that need to be saved.
-Read Ephesians 1:18-23. That same power that God used to raise Christ is available to us daily. In what areas of your life do you need to live out the victorious resurrection of God? Take time to pray over each other, asking God to allow you to live in his power.
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RevoDevos - Luke 23
Tuesday, July 14
Read: Luke 23
“Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free. For God the just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me.” (Charitie L. Bancroft, Before The Throne Of God Above)
There is no doubt that the underlying theme of this section is Jesus’ innocence. The amount of times that this is emphasized throughout all the ensuing trials makes this unmistakably true.
To recap a bit, the council that convened in Luke 22:66, made up of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law (collectively known as the Sanhedrin), were able to judge internal Jewish matters on their own. They had their case against Jesus in the bag in verses 70-71 (as Jesus admitted that he was the Son of Man), but they needed the Roman government to approve any sentencing resulting in death. Enter Pilate.
Unwaveringly believing from the get go that Jesus deserved death, the “whole assembly” hurled charge after charge against Jesus to Pilate: He’s subverting the nation, not paying taxes (which wasn’t even true), and claims to be the Christ, a king.
Attempts to make Pilate concerned about these charges fail (even though Jesus agrees to being the king of the Jews), and declares that he could find no reason to sentence Jesus. “But they insisted” anyway (verse 5). Finding out that Jesus was from Galilee, not wanting to deal with the Sanhedrin pressing him, and not really having a basis to sentence him, Pilate passes the buck to the Jewish ruler Herod.
Quite pleased to see Jesus, Herod hopes for a magic show as he had wanted to see Jesus “perform” for some time. And even though Herod asked Jesus many questions, Jesus never answered (Isaiah 53:7 says, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”). It seems as though Jesus is done dignifying their questions. Even still, the chief priests and teachers of the law continued to point the finger at Jesus, trying to get what they wanted: Jesus dead. As Herod finds no reason to accuse Jesus either, he mocks Jesus’ true kingship (something they obviously had not discovered) by parading him around in an imitation royal robe. Now two men have declared Jesus innocent.
Jesus’ return to Pilate’s court doesn’t immediately amount to death, but it does serve as a good portrait of Jesus’ innocence being trampled over without care. As Pilate tries to settle the crowd by offering up a hearty serving of punishment (most likely a sever beating with a whip leaving the accused just barely on this side of life), in unison the crowd cries out for the release of Barabbas, a convicted murderer. Pilate tries to defend Jesus again, but the crowd still wants him crucified. Almost bewildered, Pilate shouts back, “Why? I have found no grounds for the death penalty!”
“But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.”
The crowd had won. They pushed and they pushed until the sinless Savior was finally condemned to death. The innocent Jesus, the perfect, spotless righteous one was tried, found guiltless, and yet was still sentenced to die. The sinner walked away a free man, while the blameless had only begun his journey to the cross.
Perhaps the most amazing thing of it all is that Jesus’ conviction leads him to show kindness, compassion and mercy to his enemies. After Jesus tells the weeping women to not feel bad for him (and instead mourn for those who reject him as Savior), he is crucified along with two men who rightfully deserved their judgment. Yet even though they deserved this death, Jesus’ first words on the cross were, not only to them but to us all, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
The rulers and soldiers began to slaughter Jesus with insults, making fun of him saying that if he was the Christ of God, he should just save himself. Then one of the criminals joins in, agreeing with their remarks. And then finally, after hours of humiliation, torture, and down right injustice, truth comes from where it’s least expected. The second criminal silenced the other saying:
“Don’t you fear God since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Process:
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus became sin for you so that you could be reconciled to God?
-Now read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. Knowing that Christ died for you, how do you think you should live?
-Talk about what it must have felt like for Jesus to love his enemies while he was being beaten and killed. Then read Luke 9:27-36. Who is God calling you to love and be merciful to?
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RevoDevos - Luke 22
Monday, July 13
Read: Luke 22
We are reaching the end of Luke and the beginning of the passion story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. After the Passover meal, Jesus is trying to warn the disciples of the importance of guarding their hearts in a time of temptation. Jesus knows that the enemy is doing what he can to try and altar the faith of the disciples and of Jesus. When asked which is the greatest amongst the apostles, Jesus answers that it the one who sees himself as the youngest. During the time of Jesus, the young ones were considered the least significant. This was Christ’s way of telling them that greatest are the ones who humbly serve God. This is not a new theme in Luke’s gospel, yet Jesus is trying to stress this importance right before a time of temptation (he already warns them that one apostle will betray him and another will deny his name).
We then get this interesting incidence of the swords (v. 36-38). Jesus is urging the apostles to have a sword and even suggests that they sell their cloak for one (cloaks and garments for the night were considered of high importance). But when the disciples pull out two swords, Jesus reaction is to tell them, “this is enough” (v.38). It is important to know that Jesus is not saying the two swords are enough, instead he is ending the conversation with frustration because the apostles are not understanding the point he is trying to make. Jesus is not talking about a literal sword but of figurative spiritual sword. Look at Ephesians 6:11-18. In this passage Paul is a talking about equipping ourselves with what is necessary for spiritual battle with the enemy. “Take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). The sword that Jesus is referring to in Luke 22 is the sword of the Spirit! In no way is Christ trying to suggest the use of violence. Jesus never preaches the coming of the kingdom of God through violence. Instead, Jesus is telling his apostles to hold onto the teaching that he has given to them. The temptations of Satan are approaching and it is the word of God that can help them overcome that.
We even get a little glimpse of Jesus being tempted. In versus 41-44 we get to hear a prayer from Jesus to the father. Yet, he pleads with the Father, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from yet not as my will, but as yours be done” (v.42). Jesus is asking the father to remove this cup, which he is referring to as the suffering he must go through. Simply put, Jesus is afraid and not looking forward to going through such harsh pain. Yet, he never looses site of the importance of the Fathers will! Jesus death is the will of God, but instead of just telling that to Jesus, He sends an angel to strengthen Jesus.
This is one of the most human sides we see of Jesus in all of the gospels. It is important to remember that Jesus was both fully God and fully Human. He felt temptations the same way we did, and the enemy was always ready to attack him. Here was a moment when Christ would rather not have to go through such suffering for God will to be done. He would prefer another way. Yet Jesus is strengthened through his prayer! And although he was still “anguished” Jesus prayed more earnestly. This meant that he was accepting the fact of Gods will for him rather than praying for a new will. This is why he urged his disciples to pray, so that they may be strengthened just as he was. And this is another reason why we must pray continually! God strengthens us through prayer!
Process
-In Luke 22:49-51, the disciples saw a moment where they believed violence was a justified act. Yet Jesus response is to stop the fighting and to heal the servant of the high priest, an enemy of Jesus. Jesus is showing how we are to truly love our enemies! No where in the teachings of Christ does he ever preach the use of violence or war, yet it is still a very real thing in our world. How do humans sometimes justify war as being acceptable by God? Is war and or violence acceptable under Christ’s teachings?
-What other worldly things do human try to justify as acceptable by God?
-Jesus urged his disciples to pray for strength and he even prayed to strengthen himself. BOS is reaching its last week and it will be different stepping away from such a strong community of Christians. This is a time when the enemy really likes to attack. Take some time to pray for one another, pray that God will strengthen you now and when you return home.
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RevoDevos - Luke 21
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sunday, July 12
Read: Luke 21
This passage of scripture may seem like Jesus is just talking about end-time events, when He will come back. But in reality he is talking of two similar events; the fall of Jerusalem and of His return. Both these events mirror each other, meaning that they will be similar. Let’s talk first about the fall of Jerusalem.
In verses 5 and 6 the disciples marvel at the sight of the temple. This is the temple that has been throughout all of Scripture, the temple of the Lord, the center of Judaism. This temple is actually in the middle of being rebuilt. This time the building started in 20 AD and it is now 33 BC, so it is in its 53rd year of building. It gets finished in 63 or 64 BC.
Okay, so the Jews lives revolved around this temple, for this is where God dwelt, this is where their sins were atoned for and where feasts (like Passover) were celebrated. Jesus is telling them here that this temple will be destroyed. Along with its destruction will come many other events. He is saying there will be wars, rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famines, earthquakes, pestilences, etc. He warns them as well that they will be persecuted. In verse 14, 15 and 19 He basically tells them that if they abide in Him they will not have to worry about their fates. In verse 20 He lets them know how it will happen when nations surround Jerusalem.
This prophecy came to fruition in the year 70 AD, about 37 years after Jesus’ death. In 66 AD the Jews led a revolt against the Roman Empire that ended in 70 AD when the Romans breached the wall surrounding Jerusalem and set fire to the city, resulting in the destruction of the temple.
Starting in verse 25 we read about the second event Jesus describes as His return when He comes to call His saints home, resulting in the end of the world as we know it. This event, as Jesus depicts, is going to mirror that of the destruction of the temple, but will not be exactly the same.
Similar to the destruction of the temple we read about the signs that will take place. What were the signs Jesus describes? (v. 25-27)
Someone read verses 19 and 28. How are they similar? Are they both in reference to the same event or the two different events? What do you think these verses mean? How do they, particularly verse 28, pertain to you?
Jesus’ words are in warning; first for His disciples, and then for us. Back while Jesus was alive He thought to warn us of what we are to expect. Just as Israel was awaiting the birth of their Messiah, we are awaiting His return.
In the following passage, v. 29-36, Jesus gives words of warning, confirmation and encouragement.
Process:
- Verses 19 and 28 both mention standing firm. This is Jesus’ encouragement for us to abide in him and when this time comes we’ll be able to stand strong and persevere. Scripture is full of these same encouragements.
Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Timothy 4:15-16, 1 Corinthians 15:58 and 16:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:20-22, Galatians 5:1
Read over these with your cell or by yourselves. Take some time meditating on these and praying them over yourselves that when the day of trial comes you would stand firm in your faith.
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RevoDevos - Luke 20
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday, July 11
Read: Luke 20
Here in Luke 20, Jesus is in the Temple teaching everyday (see Luke 19:47). We get a description of one of those days that Jesus is teaching and in this instance, the religious leaders were trying to trap Jesus so that they may accuse him of wrong doing. Each question asked is an attempt to trick Jesus, yet he remains one step ahead each time and provides answers that out smart the religious leaders.
Jesus then gives this parable of the tenant that frightened, and probably offended, the teachers of the law. Here we have God, the father, as the owner of the vineyard, the tenants as the religious leaders, and the son of the owner as Jesus Christ. Now the tenants continually beat up on the servants that the owner sent, but when the son came, the son of God, they decided to kill him. The owner’s response would be to get rid of the tenants, to kill them. Jesus is saying that this is the rightful judgment that the tenants, or the religious leaders, deserve for opposing God. And he said this right to their face! Talk about smack talk!
The religious leaders use to call themselves the builders of Israel, but Jesus is telling them that they are rejecting the capstone in which the kingdom is built up on. The kingdom of God is only built up through Jesus as the capstone and the appropriate judgment will come to the tenants who oppose him.
After saying these things, the religious leaders continued to question Jesus so that there may be fault of Christ exposed. Yet Jesus steps up in courage (even though the people seek to arrest him) and answers each question with convicting truth! As Christian, we will be asked many questions. Sometime, questions will be proposed to try and expose flaws within Christianity. This can come from many sorts: opposing religions, atheists, or people who just desire to live in a sinful lifestyle. Just as Jesus was prepared to tackle these questions, we are to do the same! We must prepare our minds and our hearts to express truth to those who oppose the word of God.
This passage does not suggest that Christians should go up and offend people for doing things wrong. Jesus still asks us to love our neighbors. Yet He is suggesting that we speak up in boldness. To equip ourselves with the knowledge of the word and to be ready to show what is truth to those whose view of scripture may be skewed.
Process
- Have you ever been approached with challenging questions about your faith? Did you know how to answer those questions?
- Do you think you would be ready to answer questions by someone who opposed the word of God? Questions asked by a Muslim or a Jew? How about from an atheist of an existentialist? How can we better prepare ourselves to engage in these challenging types of conversations?
-It is ok to not know all the answers, no one ever does. But it is important to try and know the word of God the best we can. The more we study His word, the better we know His character. Also, the Holy Spirit is what reveals his truth to us through the word. So by studying the bible, we become more in tune with the spirit of God.
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RevoDevos - Luke 19
This passage is so powerful! Before Jesus enters Jerusalem he tells his disciples what to expect in the parable of the ten minas. This parable is a hidden foreshadowing of the triumphal entry, as well as a warning.
The ten minas are really about stewardship. You guys have heard the verse, “live up to what you’ve already attained” right? It’s in Philippians 3:16. Well, this is what Jesus was talking about.
In the parable Jesus is the King. He has come to one land but is now leaving to claim his kingship in a distant land, which is Heaven. The servants represent us, his followers, and he is going to leave us with a responsibility with the promise to come back and see what we did with that responsibility. What do you think our responsibility is?
The first two servants bring in more than what they were given. They were both faithful and were given a reward appropriate to what they had done. The third however, is a different story. The third servant represents religious leaders, hypocrites and anyone who associates themselves with Jesus but don’t really follow him. This third “servant” is rebuked, called a hypocrite and stripped of everything he has. Harsh.
Okay, so here’s the parallel to the triumphal entry.
In those days Kings and Rabbi’s (Jesus was both of these) had the authority to request the use of a colt from anyone and that person was obliged to give it up. Strange, huh? Notice how Jesus, in verse 30, says that the colt has never been ridden? Well, the significance of this is that a King’s mount (colt, donkey, horse) was to be ridden only by the King himself. Nice. This is also a fulfillment of prophecy mentioned in Zechariah 9:9, further confirmation that Jesus is King. As Jesus enters Jerusalem he is welcomed with a King’s greeting: the lying down of cloaks, shouts of praise and the waving of palm branches (not mentioned here in Luke but in other gospels). And also note that the Pharisees are quite opposed to what is happening. They tell Jesus to rebuke his disciples. Jesus replies by telling them that if he did this the very stones would cry out. This is a stab at them hinting that even inanimate objects understand what is happening more than they do. Pretty cool, huh?
Can you find the link? Before reading on, take some time discussing this and see what you come up with.
In the parable of the ten minas it is believed there are three people groups. The first servants, who were given ten minas, were people who were totally devoted to their master and lived a life accordingly. The second group of servants knew their master and were faithful but didn’t fully understand. And the third group of servants, you know, the ones that didn’t like the master; they didn’t want him to be King.
Similarly, there are three groups of people in the triumphal entry. The disciples, the crowd and the Pharisees. The disciples knew and understood who Jesus was. They proclaimed him King. The crowd knew and kind of understood who Jesus was, believing he was a great prophet. And the Pharisees were opposed to Jesus and really just wanted him dead. Can you see how these three groups within each story relate? Cool.
What’s the point? Well, let’s focus on the ten minas story. Jesus, while he is waiting to come back, expects something of us. When he does come back he will judge us according to our faith and good deeds. With spiritual growth and blessings more is expected of us. James tells us to not only be hearers of the word but doers as well (James 1:22). The more we learn the more is expected of us. God has given each of us a mission, a purpose.
Process:
-Who are you in this passage of scripture? The disciples, the crowd or the Pharisees? Are you going to go out and produce fruit with what has been given to you or are you weary of Jesus and who he claims to be?
-What responsibility has been given you? Are you someone God can trust to do great things, as well as little things for him?
-Take some time, individually, and ask God what he requires of you. Write it down, pray about it and talk to a leader about it if you feel led to or if you have any questions.
Posted By: Anonymous at 12:24 AM : Link : 0 Comments
RevoDevos - Luke 18
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Thursday, July 9
Read: Luke 18
In the beginning of Luke 18, we are given two parables that both deal with prayer. The first one of the persistent widow shows us the importance of continuous prayer. Although the Judge neither cared for God or people, he still gave justice to the widow who showed great persistence. This is how we should pray! Continually and never stopping! And if an unjust judge is willing to answer the plea of an “insignificant widow,” then how much more is a God who cares for our needs willing to answer our prayers! This parable shows us the character of God in prayer, that he does in fact respond to our concerns and needs! So we must remain persistent in our prayer with faith that God just doesn’t hear, but responds to our requests as well.
The second parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector deals with the heart of the person praying. Here we have the Pharisee, someone who was normally considered of a religious and righteous person by society, telling God how he has refrained from sin and goes beyond the expectations of fasting. But he gives no honor to God, no recognition of His glory. It is as if the Pharisee went to God to say, “God, I am so great! Aren’t I awesome?” Worst of all, he tells God how he is not like the tax collector. His pride not only turns his focus towards himself, but he begins to believe that he is above other people and begins to look down on his neighbor. Are we not all created equally in the image of God?
Then we have the tax collector, the most hated profession possible for a Jew, who is sometimes compared with sinners. Yet he is the one who humbly walks to God, knowing he is unworthy of his glory, and asks for mercy. The beating of his breast was common form of contrition, a prayer of repentance. Even though a tax collector may be considered a sinner, his prayer is the righteous prayer. We must remember that all are object of God’s grace and Mercy!
“Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." (Daniel 9:18-19).
We then get this episode of a rich ruler asking Jesus advice to inherit eternal life. God tells him some commandments: do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steel, do not bear false testimony and honor you mother and father. Although the man has kept these commands, Jesus leaves out the first five commandments (look at Exodus 20:1-17). The one Jesus listed to the rich ruler are about how you treat others and love your neighbor. The first five deal with loving God. That is what the rich ruler lacked! If he truly loved God, how can he refuse to fallow Jesus? The two go hand in hand. Although he did a good job loving his neighbor, last five commandments, he forgot one of the most important commands, to love God above all else!
Jesus is not suggesting that to enter into the kingdom of God, we must sell everything we own. He was exposing the man of how he loved money more than God. But Jesus also makes the statement, “it is easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” (18:25). The Greek word used in this verse, belone, literally means a sewing needle. Jesus is saying an expression of the impossible! Yet he doesn’t leave us hanging with disappointment of never inheriting eternal life. Jesus gives a responce about the grace of God in our lives by saying, “what is impossible for men is possible for God.” (18:27). Only when we fully love God, will we inherit the kingdom of God, and through God, he will accomplish the impossible in our lives!
Process:
Prayer extends beyond simply bowing our heads and talking to God. Prayer is being in the presence of God! What other ways can pray. How can we remain in the presence of God. Is it possible to be in prayer all the time?
Take some time to look at Exodus 20:1-17 if you haven’t already. These commandments can be divided as loving your God (1-5) and loving your neighbor (6-11). Are you upholding to both those commands? Are you truly loving God above all else or are the things in your life you tend to place more importance on?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heat and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
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RevoDevos - Luke 18
Thursday, July 9
Read: Luke 18
In the beginning of Luke 18, we are given two parables that both deal with prayer. The first one of the persistent widow shows us the importance of continuous prayer. Although the Judge neither cared for God or people, he still gave justice to the widow who showed great persistence. This is how we should pray! Continually and never stopping! And if an unjust judge is willing to answer the plea of an “insignificant widow,” then how much more is a God who cares for our needs willing to answer our prayers! This parable shows us the character of God in prayer, that he does in fact respond to our concerns and needs! So we must remain persistent in our prayer with faith that God just doesn’t hear, but responds to our requests as well.
The second parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector deals with the heart of the person praying. Here we have the Pharisee, someone who was normally considered of a religious and righteous person by society, telling God how he has refrained from sin and goes beyond the expectations of fasting. But he gives no honor to God, no recognition of His glory. It is as if the Pharisee went to God to say, “God, I am so great! Aren’t I awesome?” Worst of all, he tells God how he is not like the tax collector. His pride not only turns his focus towards himself, but he begins to believe that he is above other people and begins to look down on his neighbor. Are we not all created equally in the image of God?
Then we have the tax collector, the most hated profession possible for a Jew, who is sometimes compared with sinners. Yet he is the one who humbly walks to God, knowing he is unworthy of his glory, and asks for mercy. The beating of his breast was common form of contrition, a prayer of repentance. Even though a tax collector may be considered a sinner, his prayer is the righteous prayer. We must remember that all are object of God’s grace and Mercy!
“Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." (Daniel 9:18-19).
We then get this episode of a rich ruler asking Jesus advice to inherit eternal life. God tells him some commandments: do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steel, do not bear false testimony and honor you mother and father. Although the man has kept these commands, Jesus leaves out the first five commandments (look at Exodus 20:1-17). The one Jesus listed to the rich ruler are about how you treat others and love your neighbor. The first five deal with loving God. That is what the rich ruler lacked! If he truly loved God, how can he refuse to fallow Jesus? The two go hand in hand. Although he did a good job loving his neighbor, last five commandments, he forgot one of the most important commands, to love God above all else!
Jesus is not suggesting that to enter into the kingdom of God, we must sell everything we own. He was exposing the man of how he loved money more than God. But Jesus also makes the statement, “it is easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” (18:25). The Greek word used in this verse, belone, literally means a sewing needle. Jesus is saying an expression of the impossible! Yet he doesn’t leave us hanging with disappointment of never inheriting eternal life. Jesus gives a responce about the grace of God in our lives by saying, “what is impossible for men is possible for God.” (18:27). Only when we fully love God, will we inherit the kingdom of God, and through God, he will accomplish the impossible in our lives!
Posted By: Anonymous at 10:49 PM : Link : 0 Comments
RevoDevos - Luke 17
Wednesday, July 8
Read: Luke 17
Here we have four main themes; sin, faith, duty and praise!
How many of you have been hurt by others before? Is it hard or easy for you to forgive people who have done you wrong? Forgiveness is a huge thing. With true forgiveness we can fully let go of the hurt caused us and restore a right relationship with the person who caused the hurt. Without forgiveness we tend to hold to the feelings of hurt leaving us fearful of further instances, weary and bitter.
The reason Jesus stresses forgiveness first is because he has forgiven us. When we sin we sin unto God which causes a great hurt in his heart. It separates us from him. But we know that when we confess our sin he is merciful and forgives us (1 John1:9). He calls us to do the same.
Jesus also calls us to a life of faith. It's been said that our faith can move mountains, or in this passage, mulberry trees. Now, I don't know when the last time you wanted to move a mountain, or even came across that or a mulberry tree, but if we had faith that huge we could. Faith is the belief that God can do anything he desires and faith is the acceptance that God can do anything through us. It is easy to criticize ourselves, thinking we are too small, but that's the point. We are too small. We can do nothing; especially move mountains, without Christ’s power flowing through us. Jesus stresses that he wants us to believe in him that he can do anything through us.
This next passage of scripture brings conviction. Jesus encourages us to become servants who do what they are told and to expect nothing in return. How does this make you feel? When you serve someone don't you like to at least hear "thank you"? Or when someone has done something great for you, don't you show them your gratitude? Jesus is not saying we don't deserve a "thank you". but that we shouldn't expect one.
This passage speaks a great deal about grace. Grace is getting something we don't deserve. None of us deserved eternal life, we did not earn it nor could we ever earn it. It is only through Christ's death and resurrection that we can partake of the blessing of eternal life. Under God's grace we should serve, for it is our duty, and expect nothing in return, because the simple fact that we can even serve is an act of grace.
The next story brings us to praise. God is worthy of our praise. Ten men were healed of a sickness that kept them out of their own homes and away from their families. Their healings provided much more than restored health, but restored families, friendship and employment. How many came back to praise Jesus for what he had done? Seems pathetic, huh? That mans faith in Jesus and gratitude for the healing saved him.
God is our provider; provider of shelter, life, miracles, healings, etc. Sometimes it is easy to overlook the small things that happen everyday and not credit that they come from God. Read James 1:17. What does this say about good gifts? Who do they come from? What is a good gift? God loves us and provides for us more than we think.
Process:
- Do you find it hard to forgive or easy? Are you still holding grudges against people that have wronged you? How does it feel to be forgiven by others? Remember that God is all forgiving, casting our sins into the deepest of oceans to be forgotten forever. How can we practice this same forgiveness in our lives? This week ask God to help you forgive those you haven’t.
- How much faith do you have? Do you find it difficult to put your faith in God sometimes? Know that God loves you and longs to work in and through you. Ask God for greater faith and He will provide a way that faith will come.
- Do you find the story of duty hard to take? God doesn’t want us to serve him out of fear, but out of love. Jesus is the perfect example of servant hood; do you think he ever expected anything in return for his service? This week practice serving others out of love and expect nothing in return. Your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
- God is deserving of our praise. Keep your eyes and minds open to see and receive his blessings everyday. This week before bed take some time to reflect on the day and see where God has moved. Thank him for the small, or huge, miracles he performs in your life daily. Thank him for using you, providing for you and for his presence in your life.
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RevoDevos - Luke 16
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Tuesday, July 7
Read: Luke 16
After the parable of the shrewd manager, Jesus is making a strong point in this chapter. He talks about how we cannot serve two masters. Jesus talks specifically here about how we cannot serve both money and God, but the money can be in place of anything of the world that man serves. Above all else, the only master we must serve is God. Now this is important to understand for what Jesus talks about shortly after (v. 16). This section emphasizes the how there is a new era of God. The time of the prophets is over and the time of Jesus is the beginning of the kingdom of God. Although these messages were intended for the disciples, the Pharisees were listening in (v. 14). The law of the prophets is what the Pharisees knew and liked. Christ is saying there is a new focus, the kingdom of God, and its main teaching is to serve the master of that kingdom, Jesus himself. The best part of all is that Jesus shows how this kingdom is an inclusive one! “The kingdom of God is being preached and everyone is forcing his way into it.” (v.16).
Luke was an evangelist, and shows us how Jesus intended his kingdom for all! The Pharisees had judgmental opinions towards certain groups, mostly the poor/needy and the Gentiles. They were considered the least of God’s blessings and many times seen as sinners. But Luke knew that Jesus had his message intended for everyone, that all were eligible for the kingdom of God. Jesus made sure that both his disciples and the Pharisees knew this. With Jesus we have a beginning of the era of the kingdom of God and a mission of evangelism that is to share that everyone is invited into the kingdom.
It is difficult to read and not feel a little sorry for the rich man in versus 19-31. Yes he was unkind to Lazarus and he did serve his wealth rather than God. But he received his punishment. Now we kind of get his turn of heart when he wants to warn his brother of the mistake he has made (v. 27-28). He begins to understand that there is no undoing his sins, yet his brothers on earth may still have a chance to change their hearts. But Jesus says that even sending Lazarus, a man who was considered dead, would have no effect on his brothers just as the scripture about Abraham and the prophets had no effect on them. The brother’s hearts were hard! Jesus is suggesting that the word of God should have been enough. Scripture is the greatest authority and (should) carries the greatest conviction! Are we still convicted when we read the word of God? Sometimes, even daily devotionals may become mundane. You may feel like you are re-reading things you already know. But there is such power in the Bible! We must prepare our heart each time before we receive the word of God!
Process:
- We must make sure that we are only serving God and not subsiding to the conformities of this world. What threats and temptations are out there for Christians to serve and turn their hearts away from God? What dangers are there for the church ever loose sight of authentically serving God?
- Throughout Luke we get this constant theme of caring for those in need. How have we shown compassion on this in need during our time in BOS?
- How can we do the same to show that love to the people in our communities back at home?
- To love God is to Love and show compassion to the humanity that he loves.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).
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RevoDevos - Luke 15
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Monday, July 6
Read: Luke 15
This chapter has three very similar parables that are full of symbolism. The first two about the lost sheep and the lost coin are very similar. Something is lost, the owner takes great care and effort in search of the lost item, the item is found and a celebration occurs. Woo-hoo! But it’s the story of the prodigal son that we’ll focus on today.
Like I said, there is tons of symbolism in this text, so to make things easier here is a quick guide to what is symbolic of what. Take some time discussing these things.
*leaders: expand on these a bit. Sharing a bit of your story if you feel led or asking leading questions.
Father – God.
Son – Lost sinner.
Brother – Self-righteous leadership.
Son receiving an early inheritance – God letting his people choose their own way, freewill.
Squandered money and famine- sin and the desperation sin causes.
Employment- seeking salvation in things other than God.
Feeding swine- a great dishonor to Jews. Pigs were considered unclean animals and Jews had nothing to do with them. This shows that he was so desperate he would take any job he could get.
Son reflects his situation- realization that it is because of that causes our desperation and pain.
Realizing his father’s servants has it better- the realization that to be outside of God’s plan is to be utterly alone.
Plan of action- confession.
Alright, now that you know what is symbolic of what let’s get on with the story. After the sons confession his brother gets real angry. What did he say to his father? Why do you think the brother was so angry? Do you feel there are Christians in the church like this today? Have you ever been like this?
What does his father say in response? What is this symbolic of? Is the father upset? Why not?
So, obviously this chapter is about the lost sinner being found and brought back to God. There is a hint that repentance leads to a full reversal of status. Once a coin is found it no longer sits in the coach cushions doing nothing but goes back into the purse to be spent. Once the sheep is found it no longer wanders aimlessly by the brook but can join its fold doing what sheep do. Once a sinner is found he no longer continues in his life of sin and desperation but can have a right relationship with God living the life God intended for him. All reasons worthy of celebration!
Process:
-Did you notice that each chapter ended with a celebration? When was the last time you celebrated a sinner’s repentance or a new member of your church? When was the last time you celebrated your own salvation?
- Today we are simply going to celebrate our salvation! So, for the rest of cell throw a party and celebrate your salvation!
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RevoDevos - Luke 14
Sunday, July 5
Read: Luke 14
Jesus was not a revolutionary to change what the law said, but to change the hearts of those who thought they had the right perception of the law. In Luke 14, we are given the third instance of Jesus healing on the Sabbath and each time there is a different reaction. In Luke 6:6-11, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law become furious when Jesus heals the man with the crippled hand. In Luke 13:10-17 the people in the synagogue become humiliated for their previous misperception of Jesus healing and then become “delighted” with Jesus’ wondrous doings. The situation in Luke 14 is a little different. This time Jesus was a guest at the house of the prominent Pharisee, the ruler of the Pharisees. Now it can be implied that the Pharisees were testing Jesus since he “was being carefully watched” (v. 1). The Pharisees may have even planted the man with dropsy so that Jesus would heal him and the Pharisees could rebuke His healing.
Jesus’ question to the Pharisees is not if it is lawful to do work on the Sabbath but if “it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not.” The Pharisees understood that God alone heals, so who were they to question or object if God is willing to heal? Their reaction to Jesus question is speechlessness. Jesus’ next question of the son and ox is even more challenging. The Pharisees knew that they would be willing to help their son or ox from a well on the Sabbath, something that was considered much more work than a healing miracle. Again, they are silent. Their plan to trap Jesus failed, and now the tables are turned. Instead of trying to convict Jesus of wrongdoing, they are now listening to his teachings!
Jesus gives two parables to the Pharisees, the wedding feast and the kingdom banquet, both of which are a revolutionary way of thinking for the Pharisees. In the wedding feast, Jesus is urging them to humble themselves. Only when they are humbled will they be honored with better seats at the feast. In the kingdom banquet, the original invited servants represent the Pharisees whom Jesus is speaking to. It is interesting to note that the servants were not uninterested in the banquet, they were just too busy with worldly concerns. So now it is the needy who are initiated into the banquet. Back in the time of Jesus, the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind were considered to be the way they were because God was withholding them from His blessings. It was even thought that their social situation was a result of sin. They would be considered among the last to be entered into the kingdom. Yet, Jesus is saying the opposite! The wealthy are not privileged because they are righteous and the poor are not needy because they are sinners. This was a change of perception for the Pharisees and they would have to understand that it was not their social status that granted them a seat into the banquet. Only when we humble ourselves that we have seat in the kingdom of God.
When the needy enter into the banquet and the seats are not full, the servants are sent to the “roads and country lanes” to gather more people to make the banquet complete. This time Jesus is referring to the invitation of the Gentiles, who were considered sinners. Jesus is really pushing the point that there are no limits to which the mercy of God extends to.
At verse 24, Jesus’ time with Pharisees is over and his teaching to the disciples begins again. Jesus is telling his disciples that they must sacrifice everything to serve Jesus, that they must die to themselves. Love is sacrifice. I cannot think of any example of someone loving another person without sacrificing something. Whether it is the love of a friend, parent to children, spouse to spouse… something is always sacrificed. This is why Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for us, because of his overwhelming love for us. Now to serve Jesus, we must sacrifice our lives, not because he asks us to, but because we love our God!
The main point that Luke is trying to get across here is that in order to enter into the banquet of the kingdom of God, we must sacrifice our lives to Christ in humility, for it is the humble who are exalted in the kingdom of God.
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Take off the turban, remove the crown. It will not be as it was: The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will brought low” (Ezekiel 21:26).
Process:
- Are you truly sacrificing your lives to Jesus? Is there an area in your life that you shield Jesus away from? What aspects of our lives still need sacrificing to God?
- In the kingdom banquet, the original invited guests were too occupied with worldly concerns to go to the banquet. What are some worldly concerns that cause us to turn away from the kingdom of God?
- How can we better humble ourselves to Christ? Take some time in prayer asking God’s mercy to reign in your lives and that through his mercy, you would be able to better humble yourselves before Christ.
Posted By: Anonymous at 8:10 PM : Link : 0 Comments
RevoDevos - Luke 13
Saturday, July 4
Read: Luke 13
Trees are wonderful creations. They provide shade, nests for animals, fruit, scenery and even clean our air making it possible for us to breathe. Each tree is different and each type of tree requires different nutrients to keep it growing and nourished so it can nourish others. Even so, there are the similar basics each tree needs in order to grow: sun, water and air.
Let’s look at Psalm 1. Someone read this aloud. How does this image parallel to believers? What do you think the water represents? How does this image relate to the parable of the mustard seed?
If you were to plant a seed in your yard in hopes that it would become a tree you would have to water it, protect it, mend it and prune it throughout the years. You couldn’t just plant the seed and leave it to it’s own to grow and flourish. It needs help.
In verses 6-9 we see what happens when we don’t take proper care of our trees. Someone read those verses again. This tree had grown but was not producing fruit. The man who took care of the vineyards response leads us to believe that he had not taken proper care of the tree, right? If you planted a seed and overtime it didn’t produce fruit would you keep it or throw it out. What is the use of keeping such a tree?
Just like us. The moment we become a Christian isn’t the “end all” of our walk. There’s more to it than that. The fact that each of you are here is testimony that you are striving after these things. Praying, reading the bible, fellowship, accountability, discipleship and service. In order to grow and produce fruit we need these things. They should be like food, water and oxygen to us.
But these passages aren’t only referring to bearing fruit. Can you think of what other point Jesus is trying to make here?
When He refers to the birds of the air that came and perched in its branches He was stating that when we produce that fruit others will come to us. Others will see the beauty of the Lord working in and through us and will want to be apart of that. They will be brought into the Kingdom because of our discipline in spiritual matters that softened our hearts and allowed God to mold us into the sons and daughters He longs for us to be. Just like you when you made a choice to follow Christ. Chances are you saw it modeled in the life of someone close to you whether at home, camp, church or even in school.
God has great plans for you. Your relationship with Him will not be unfruitful unless you forget to do these things. God wants you to draw closer unto Him not only because He loves you but because He wants to bless others through you. He has chosen you to bear fruit and be a blessing unto others.
Process:
- Who have you looked up to for guidance in your spiritual walk? Do you talk with this person and seek advice from them?
- Do you think you are someone who others look up to? Has anyone ever told you that you were a good example to others? How did this make you feel? Did it convict you to change some things that were not so role model-ish?
- Take some time to either think about or discuss the type of example you’d like to be unto others and pray these things into each other.
Posted By: Anonymous at 8:08 PM : Link : 0 Comments
RevoDevos - Luke 12
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Friday, July 3
Read: Luke 12
I had my daily schedule: go to classes, study in the library, find meals somewhere in between, and at 11:30 I would relax in my room and watch Late Night with Conan O’Brian. I know, not too exciting, but it worked for me. It was comfortable. Yet I found myself lacking in my prayer life, I noticed I was not spending nearly enough time in the word. I got distracted amongst my classes, studying, and my Conan that I started to loose focus of what was the main thing.
In Luke 12, Jesus is expressing how essential it is for us to focus on what is truly important. We are given this parable of the rich fool, a parable only found in the gospel of Luke. The message is simple, the rich fool focused his entire life on his wealth, so that is where his treasure was. But when his time came to die, all that had in the world was lost. He stored nothing in God, he had no treasure in heaven. This is why the man is foolish. His wealth clouded his vision to see the true treasure found in God.
Right after he tells this parable, Jesus gives the disciples this message to not worry about their life (v. 22-24). Here is a difficult lesson for anyone to practice. Our humanistic inclination is to worry about the little things. But Jesus is telling us that God will take care of us. It becomes a trust issue. Are you trusting that God will take care of us, even through the little things of life? Jesus tells us that these things such as food and cloths are not of importance now that we know Christ and of God’s Kingdom. We should place our importance on the things that truly matter, focus on aspects of the Kingdom. “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given.” (v. 31).
I got locked up in my daily schedule, focused on what needed to be done. I even placed a stronger emphasis in a time for me to unwind (Conan O’Brian time). But I knew I was lacking in my faith to God. I got caught up in things of the world, that I actually distanced myself from the kingdom. That’s when I began to place more time on Christ. I went on prayer walks and would not let myself watch Conan unless I did my daily devotional. I began to invest my time on God, to invest my riches on the kingdom of Heaven. In this Chapter, Jesus is telling us that as a disciple of Christ we must keep the main thing the main thing. To him the main thing is the kingdom of God, and that is where our heart should be. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (v.34).
Process
-Are there things of this world that you tend to place a stronger emphasis on than on the kingdom? What is your heart focused on? Is it the kingdom of God?
-Jesus here is talking about us not too worry about little things such as food, our body, or cloths. But what about the big things? Can we worry about those big things that truly matter in our lives? Is the God a part of these big things that we worry about?
-Do you have faith to trust that God is providing for you with the essentials of life? We are much more valuable than bird in God’s eye, we must have the faith to trust in the Father’s care for us.
-We have been given an awesome gift, an inheritance in the kingdom of God and to live an eternal life with Christ! “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (v. 48). It is our duty to Christ to uphold the kingdom in our lives, for he has entrusted us with it. I can’t help but think of the words of uncle Ben from spider-man, “With great power comes great responsibility.” We have that responsibility to God and for his Kingdom.
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RevoDevos - Luke 11
Thursday, July 2
Read: Luke 11
“See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you."
What is this “darkness” Jesus is talking about? What is the “light”?
Woe: grievous distress, affliction, or trouble or in this case, a cry for God’s just judgment in light of an action that deserves a divine response.
Jesus goes onto to “woe” the Pharisees and Scribes. What were the six woes cast unto them? What tone of voice do you think Jesus was using?
The Pharisees and Scribes thought they had it. They were convinced they were clean and righteous before God because they followed all the rules. But Jesus point outs to them that their hearts are dirty and ill-intentioned. Calling them “unmarked graves” was probably the worst insult they could have received. For Jews, a dead body was not something to be touched. If touched, they would be unclean and made to go through the purification rituals. Jesus was basically calling them dead bodies, meaning that anyone who comes across them becomes unclean.
Who of you would eat off a plate that appeared to be clean but under careful observation noticed it still had chunks of food stuck to it? Or pulling a glass out of the cupboard, noticing it had lipstick marks on the rim, would still drink out of it? Germs abound in these things causing you to get sick. This is what these passages are talking about. Appearing clean, but in reality is dirty.
Sin, whether seen or unseen by men, is dirty and when it’s in our lives it causes the rest of us to be dirty. Jesus makes it clear that we need to be living lives of integrity. Making sure we practice what we preach in front of others and behind closed doors.
God is all about purity of heart. Condemning the Pharisees and Scribes about hypocrisy is something Jesus did a lot of. Why do you think this mattered to Jesus so much? When someone, maybe an elder, tells you to do one thing but turns around and does the opposite, how does that make you feel?
Look up these next couple scriptures and spend some time discussing them.
1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 19:1 and 23:3-4, Matthew 6:21 and 12:33-35
Process:
- Where is your heart at right now? When you serve are you serving to be recognized by others or by God?
- Where do you see hypocrisy in the world? In your church? In your own lives?
- If we want to keep our hearts pure we must put only good things into it and not bad. What are some things of this world that would make our hearts unclean? What do we need to put into our hearts to keep them pure? Read Psalm 119:9-16. Meditate on this and pray it into your lives
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RevoDevos - Luke 10
Wednesday, July 1
Read: Luke 10
Jesus sending the seventy-two is a very important illustration of ministry. This passage in Luke (v. 1-23) shows a missionary task and by no means does Jesus tell us of this being an easy task. In fact when he says “I am sending you out like lambs among wolves” (v. 3) Jesus is suggesting that there are risks that are involved. Yet, he keeps his encouragement that “the kingdom is near!” Each place we go on BOS, every corps we visit is where God is sending us for his ministry. And after this month is over, each of us will be sent to our separate corps, where God wants to continue to use you all for His ministry. And what joy we have in that! Just like the seventy-two, we have joy in God’s purpose for us. Not even Christ, himself, can refrain from being filled with joy and praising the Father! (10:21).
Jesus later lets his disciples know, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see” (10:23). Jesus is referring to seeing the messiah and the dawning of the kingdom. The disciples and the seventy-two that were sent out lived during a privileged time to see Christ living in the flesh and be with him directly in his ministry. Although the time of Jesus living on the earth as a human has long passed, we still have the gift of a personal relationship with Him on a spiritual level. Not only that, but the kingdom of God is among us! We live in a time where God’s kingdom is present in our reality we just have to notice it. We are blessed just like the seventy-two and the disciples for our eyes to see the kingdom in the ministry that sends us to do.
We then get this well-known parable of the Good Samaritan and the situation with Martha and Mary. Here we have an expert of the law asks Jesus a question of how to inherit eternal life. Now the expert knew for when Jesus asked what was written in the law, the Torah, he gave the correct answer. But when he asked Jesus to elaborate, the answer revolutionizes the perceptions of the expert of the law. In the parable, the first two that ignore the injured man (the priest and the Levite) are both considered higher up in the temple and educated in the law of God. Yet, they both ignore to have mercy on the man. There could have been a number of reasons why the failed to help this man. The priest could have thought he was dead and it was considered ceremonially unclean to have contact with the dead. This two may true for the Levite, or he may have even believed he was not a requirement to help the man since he was not a priest (although Levites were privileged, there were still inferior to priests). In any case, Jesus says that these are not appropriate responses. Then the Samaritan come in, a man who was despised by Jews for being a Samaritan, and helps this injured man. Jesus is telling the expert of the law that even though the priest and the Levite know the law, they failed to do what a Samaritan despised by the Jewish community was able to do. Show compassion on his neighbor.
Jesus is showing that the love for your neighbor is universal. There are no borders to which we must have compassion for people. The foreigners, the outcasts, the poor, and the humble may all receive the mercy of God! Loving your neighbor and loving God cannot exist separately, but by loving our neighbors, we are in turn loving God as well.
Luke is very smart to put this episode of Mary and Martha directly after the Good Samaritan. With the Samaritan we have an example of how to love our neighbor and with Mary, we are shown how someone truly loved God. Martha got so consumed with preparing things that she began to ignore Jesus, and Mary is listening to His every word. Mary becomes an example or someone who loves God above all else. She has this strong desire to be around Jesus and to learn his word, while Martha just got preoccupied.
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way to the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)
Process
-How are you, as individuals, loving our neighbor and your community? How are we loving our neighbors as a church body?
-What are better way that we can show love and compassion to our neighbors in our church, schools, or community?
-Are there any aspects in your lives that keep you preoccupied from hearing the word of God?
-Mary was loving Jesus just by sitting at his feet and hearing his word, the word of God. How is hearing the word of God loving God?
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