Keller opens this chapter in the King’s Cross with
the stark fact that Christianity moves away from wealth.
How true that has been in America.
In this time of Covid 19, we cannot help but wonder if God’s patience with us has finally come to and end, and this is judgment. Jesus tells us in this week’s lesson that it is very hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.
Likewise, this week’s lesson shows how easily we trust in our wealth instead of God.
We in America and Canada have been shielded from much of the suffering the world has known.
But not now.
America used to be a vital Christian nation.
But not now.
Of course I do not know, but I know that our greatest concern
should not be our finances, but our hearts.
As I read the prophets and their oracles of judgment, there is always the promise of hope that God will relent if there is true repentance. Take, for example, Jeremiah 26:2-3:
Stand in the courtyard of the LORD’s house…tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and each will turn for their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.
I know I have been pondering my own heart more, repenting more, seeking Him more desperately.
I’m choosing a picture of repentance and prayer as our symbol for the week.
Many of us are wondering what we can do during this time. I would say foremost is to repent and to pray for revival. It is true that our nation has spiraled into great depravity, but 1 Peter 4:17 tells us judgment begins with the house of God. So though we must pray for our nation, we must first personally repent.
This week Jesus asks a rich man to give up his idol of wealth, and he cannot. Jesus asks everything of us. Historian Andrew Walls said:
…there is a certain vulnerability, a fragility, at the heart of Christianity. You might say that this is the vulnerability of the cross.
True Christianity means dying to self,
something we are not naturally prone to do.
It’s hard!!!!
But Jesus said, “with man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.”
Highlight from Last Week:
Our own Sharon gave a link to this 23 minute broadcast from Tony Evans on what the Bible would show us should be our response to this pandemic. The closing analogy of him wooing his wife to be his, is worth the whole sermon!
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Jesus could see that his wealth was what was most important to the rich young ruler. How does this speak to you in this time of Covid 19?
Monday: Overview
3. Read Mark 10:17-28 out loud and share anything that quickens you. Can you use it as a springboard for prayer? Repentance?
4. Read the opening section of “The Trap,” (Chapter 11 in the King’s Cross) and share notes and comments.
Tuesday: Caught in The Trap
5. Keller says the disciples came from a culture that believed prosperity was a sign of God’s favor. How do you see this in Bilah’s comments to Job in Job 8:6?
6. Read Mark 10:17-22 again
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask, and what inherent fallacy
is in the question?
B. The ruler called Jesus a teacher. But what is implicit in Jesus’ reply: “No
one is good — except God alone?”
C. Why do you think Jesus told him to sell everything he had?
D. Did Jesus ask you to turn from anything when you came to Him?
E. When you are still before Him, what is He asking you to turn from now?
7. Read Mark 10:23-27
A. Why do you think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
B. What can make it possible? What made you want to surrender?
8. Read the section entitled “Caught in the Trap” and share your notes and
comments.
Wednesday: What Matters Most
Suffering is also a time of great opportunity for believers. Throughout history, it has been Christians who have gone into the plagues. Cuban Christian medical people have gone to Italy to help. We have women on this blog, and many of us have family in the medical profession who are entering in, putting their own lives at risk. I am asking God how I and our little church can reach out — for often hearts are open at this time. Because our church is a home church, we are having small zoom Bible studies that allow us to continue to interact. We are praying about doing Alpha by zoom. We each must be seeking God for how He would have us follow Him in these times.
9. Read Mark 10:28-31
A. What does Jesus say here?
B. What are some circumstances that might call for this? How would this
call for the eternal view?
Once in conversation with a pickleball friend from a liberal church, he said, “Dee — we agree on what’s most important — don’t we? It is to love your neighbor as yourself.”
I said, “Yes — that is important. It is the 2nd greatest commandment.”
I was trying, gently, to show him the importance of the 1st greatest commandment. For unless we love the Lord enough to surrender to Him, we will never have the power to love others well, to live sacrificially with the eternal view. I know that is very true of me, and I must remember it daily.
10. Read the section “Revealing the Trap” up to the quotation of Mark 12:28 and share your notes and comments.
11. Read Mark 12:28-34
A. What stands out to you from the above and why?
B. Why do you think Jesus told him he was not far from the Kingdom of
God?
Thursday: Revealing the Trap
11. Read the rest of the section “Revealing the Trap” and share your notes and comments.
Friday: Avoiding the Trap
12. Read the rest of the chapter and share your notes and comments.
13. Pray for yourself and those close to you on the basis of what you have
learned.
Saturday: Reflections
14. What do you think you will remember from this week and why?
125 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I am so glad to be here this week!
I have been wondering too if God’s patience is waning with us but I can’t think of other’s sins (hoarding all the toilet paper, flour and other staples) without looking at my own first!
2. Jesus could see that his wealth was what was most important to the rich young ruler. How does this speak to you in this time of Covid 19?
It is so easy to look at that passage and point my finger at the rich young ruler when my heart is just as dark. The foxes can get in the vineyard so easily-even after I have repented and turned. Repentance and turning is needed daily!
Here is something obviously petty (and kinda funny) to illustrate this: Last Saturday I was on my way to get my hair done and while steaming with delight that I was ahead of the Covid business shutdown. I wouldn’t have to suffer the loss of nice hair and hiding my gray-Yay! I mean I have suffered the loss of toilet paper so at least I get this. While bragging about it on my cell as I was on my way there I ran over something on the highway and my tire went flat -10 minutes before my appointment. While waiting on the side of the highway for my husband to arrive I had to cancel my appointment. They closed down the following Tuesday- so no appointment, and I will have to live with it-I usually wait 8 weeks between hair cuts to save money. 🙂 I know that was of God. I know it was. I haven’t ran over something that gave me a flat that fast on the highway since I was in my early 30’s and I am 56! It wasn’t a punishment but an opportunity to search my heart.
Ohhh Rebecca. Love your heart.
Your story made me smile. I can identify — we thankful to get in before the salon closed for who knows how long. So silly in light of the gravity of life and death.
Yes. more like foolishness in light of the gravity of life and death-and that is reality. We need to take our eyes off ourselves and onto others. I heard recently that no state will get away from this so it will get worse.
Rebecca, oh my gosh. Thank you for that touch from God. I am right there with you and praying my rescheduled appointment doesn’t get cancelled, but it will be what God wants me to see in the end.
1. What stands out and why?
Just listened to the link with Tony Evans. Thank you, Sharon, for calling this to our attention. You were right, Dee, word picture with the roller coaster at the end is such a beautiful nugget~ A few notes from Tony:
~ II Chronicles 15:4 “But in their distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought Him and He let them find Him.”
~ That’s what God does, He creates distress because He is after relationship.”
~ The God who causes the distress also alleviates the distress when we return to Him.
~ Corona Virus is a “divine disruption” ~
I am preparing to teach all 15 of my guitar students online this week. I need the Lord’s help with the technology!
I am also asking the Lord to give me more students as I find ways to supplement significant loss of income for our household and a couple of my adult children’s households. But also as a way to encourage others to sing and make music and worship our way through this pandemic ~
Maybe this song that I have been learning in recent days will encourage you as much as it has me. Thinking especially of Jill and Susan. Mercy and courage on these two beautiful women on our blog and any other medical workers here. Please protect them in miraculous ways, Lord.
Song titled: Lord from Sorrow Deep I Call
Lord from sorrows deep I call
When my hope is shaken
Torn and ruined from the fall
Hear my desperation……
Oh, my soul, put your hope in God
My Help, my Rock, I will praise Him
Sing, oh sing, through the raging storm
You’re still my God, my Salvation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYGhnbXtqbU
Lord, please be with Nila as she ventures online as a guitar teacher. May it go so smoothly.
Thanks for the good song, too.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
This stood out to me, “…we must first personally repent.” Having attended many revivals and yes, even those held in tents, I remember attending one as an adult where the speaker said, “We need to remember that revival starts in each of us individually, repentance must take place in your own heart before revival can take place in our country.” Embarrassingly, I had never thought of that, but it really made me see revivals so differently and made me realize how important the condition of our heart is to Him. He wants us to come to Him in our brokenness, seeking His forgiveness and turn from our sin.
I too enjoyed how he wooed his wife and the cause of what moved her close to him can move us close to God. Also, I liked what he said about this not being called “social distancing “ but rather “physical distancing.” With technology we can still be social, which was good for me to hear as I tend to be a loner but I still need to reach out.
2. Jesus could see that his wealth was what was most important to the rich young ruler. How does this speak to you in this time of Covid 19?
It puts into perspective what is important. This virus shows no favoritism so what good are riches? God has blessed us and I do want to be aware of others needs.
I liked that too — physical distancing but not social. We are having great zoom Bible studies — just finished with 20 from our church. It was sweet.
What stands out to me is the relevancy of the study to our lives. I am also thankful for the video of Tony Evans, Divine Disruption.
He put this crisis into the Biblical perspective. We, as a nation, give lip service to God. But we are not likely to sacrifice what we enjoy, whether it
be wealth, position, sports etc.
“The sins of the church are far more offensive to God than the sins of the nation.” Yes, repentance begins with us. We need to let go of pride, selfishness, and worship that pleases us by being entertaining rather than glorifying God. My small church has been in a spiritual battle for a year and it seems to be related to pride and selfishness. Looking forward to this week’s study.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – Loved the sermon from Tony Evans, thanks Sharon for bringing it to our attention. I missed that link last week, but so happy I took the time to listen. And on that note, ‘time’ it all plays back to what are we spending our time on. So many things have stopped because of the virus, are we taking this ‘slow down’ for granted. Are we grumbling, complaining, or are we using it to get closer to the people who God has put in our lives and especially are we using it to grow our relationship with Him. WOW so many ways to look at this virus that has come upon us. Time to reflect deeper than my own inconveniences and find what the true meaning is. I agree, I think like Tony Evans said, it is ‘Relational absenteeism of God’. Thank you Lord for opening my eyes in so many ways. My prayer is that more see and hear the Truth.
2. Jesus could see that his wealth was what was most important to the rich young ruler. How does this speak to you in this time of Covid 19? – I currently am still working, so I’m not seeing the hard times as much as others are. But at one time, I have seen what I thought was so important in my life be taken from me right before my eyes. Nothing we have is set in concrete, He can take anything from us that will turn our eyes from Him. I don’t want my life dependent on ‘stuff’ I want my life to be dependent on my daily needs supplied by God. I need to remember what is more important and what is set in cement. It is only the Lord Himself.
So good, Julie:
He can take anything from us that will turn our eyes from Him. I don’t want my life dependent on ‘stuff’ I want my life to be dependent on my daily needs supplied by God. I need to remember what is more important and what is set in cement. It is only the Lord Himself.
Julie, This convicts me “I want my life to be dependent on my daily needs supplied by God.” I kinda like it when I can see that he has provided a few days out!! Ugh… thinking of the Lord’s prayer and how much I (don’t?) mean part of it.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I loved Tony Evans’ sermon! He is so clear to me.
I am not focusing at all in the news. I cannot do that. It pains me to hear of the Italians plight, and my daughter who has immunity issues is in NYC. Ugh. I have wondered if God is at hand here.
2. Jesus could see that his wealth was what was most important to the rich young ruler. How does this speak to you in this time of Covid 19?
I am so happy that people are seemingly taking care of each other. This is good. This is God. Money does help though, for those who have nothing coming in right now. I know that I should only be concerned with the heart, and I will say that I am not usually not concerned with money, but then again my husband and I are not lacking at all. If we weren’t allowed to work then I might gave a different outlook. It is hard. I have gotten better at understanding that God will provide no matter what in just the last few years.
Special prayers for your daughter, Laura. My Sally is in Albany, not quite as dangerous — but we can pray for one another’s daughters.
Yes Dee, thank you! I will pray for Sally and her family.
3. Read Mark 10:17-28 out loud and share anything that quickens you. Can you use it as a springboard for prayer? Repentance?
I’m not sure I understand why Jesus asks why the man calls Him good?
Oh Lord, how I have coveted our possessions! I am sorry. Thank You for showing us how we can get side tracked by things that are not important here on earth, and how we are able to enter Your kingdom with ease. Help me to help others better. Help me let go of earthly possessions and realize that with You I will have everything I need. I need nothing more. I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
4. Read the opening section of “The Trap,” (Chapter 11 in the King’s Cross) and share notes and comments.
Interesting observation; that all other religions have stayed in the same basic places but Christianity has migrated. Of course it is sad for us… the losing of our believers here in North America. Does it mean that it is futile for us to try to win people over to Jesus? If we are going to relinquish the epicenter then why should we bother? I know that sounds harsh, and I don’t plan to not spread the word of God, but I can see how some might think this.
Not futile, but harder to win those who are wealthy. As Jesus says, “Nothing is impossible with God.” And when suffering comes, as it has, people tend to be softer. They say the fertile field for evangelism is children and those who are suffering.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The call to repentance. Our sermon yesterday, from Malachi, focused on repentance—specifically from half-hearted devotion, and the ways we break covenant with God.
I do feel almost an urgency to use this time well. It has given more time for my husband and I to read together, reflect and pray more. Without soccer practice and time at the office, there are no excuses for not making family devotions work! I am thankful for this time together as a family and really want to look back and see that we spent the time well. My job is a bit busier, but still, there is much more interaction with my family and I want to invest wisely.
2. Jesus could see that his wealth was what was most important to the rich young ruler. How does this speak to you in this time of Covid 19?
One thing I have felt about this time is that the virus is a great equalizer. We really are all in this together, all are affected in some way, no one has a higher standing that exempts them from its affects. It has stripped us to some degree and can be a tool to help us remember what is most important, to lure us back to the Cross, and let others see our peace that passes understanding.
So true about the great equalizer. I am in the minor prophets and see so many parallels.
Love to you Lizzy.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why?
Th wondering if this situation we are in could be judgment. I have wondered if this could be the beginning of a more intense time of suffering for the US and perhaps all the earth.
My own concerns about current events haven’t been health-related, except where one of my friends with lung issues in concerned, my anxious thoughts have been more concerned with financial issues, how long can the economy sustain the shut down before things change irreparably.
Finances are an area of weakness for me. The enemy can get me in a place where the way I think about something financial feels like the truth to me and any other way of thinking looks like sin. I have seen this, I am better now at assessing whether I am on that arrogant path, but this is still an area of vulnerability for me. I need to pray then trust God.
Jesus could see that his wealth was what was most important to the rich young ruler. How does this speak to you in this time of Covid 19?
A friend sent this verse via text message last week
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I remember when I first learned that this promise was spoken to God’s people who were in captivity, prisoners in an enemy country. The hope and future God sees for us isn’t dependent on the circumstances we see now.
I think the American temptation is to believe that God will make all of our paths end in happy, wealthy, untroubled lives.
I have this verse printed out and attached to my wall: John 6:29 Amplified Bible (AMP)
29 Jesus answered, “This is the work of God: that you believe [adhere to, trust in, rely on, and have faith] in the One whom He has sent.”
I really do want to ‘adhere to, trust in, rely on and have faith in’ my God, no matter what happens.
I remember you saying your struggles with that, though I think we are all vulnerable. America has not experienced this in a long time, certainly. We all need to trust Him so! Good for you for going on that walk and thinking about repentance. We all need to do this! Love you, Chris.
So, when I went on my walk, I prayed very briefly, my husband came with me which honestly I felt less than excited about because I feel like I need solitude to really meet with the Lord but I did pray that God would help me understand more about repentance. I usually listen to Keller’s sermons while I hike. I wasn’t going to since my husband was there but then thought to skip the earbuds and just play the sermon out loud on my phone.
Well..the Lord heard my weak little prayer, the podcast sermon was called the Sympathy of Jesus. There was a part that was a kiss for me, I went back this morning, listening again and taking notes:
We fail when we will not see the magnitude of his grace
Takes pride to say there’s not enough mercy for me-my sins are too great
Repentance is not just based in humility but in a confident joy in the greatness of the love of Jesus Christ and a continued sense that I am could not be accepted I am unworthy is an insult
“You say you feel overwhelmed with guilt and a sense of unworthiness? Well, indeed you cannot be too aware of the evils inside of yourself, but you may be, indeed you are, improperly controlled and affected by them. You say it is hard to understand how a holy God could accept such an awful person as yourself . . . You then express not only a low opinion of yourself, which is perfectly right, but also too low an opinion of the person, work, and promises of the Redeemer, which is utterly wrong. You complain about sin, but when I look at your complaints, they are so full of self-righteousness, unbelief, pride, and impatience that they are little better than the worst evils you complain of.” – John Newton
His mercy is greater than my guilt
I do not know what real repentance is until there is a fountain of joy underneath it
Joyful confidence that though I am unworthy I have a place at the table
I know I err in this way, I am praying to stop.
I want that fountain of joy.
The marriage counselor asked us to memorize Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
I need to grow in trusting him-trusting that he loves me. Trying to figure out what that needs to look like feels overwhelming. I am praying he will show me the next step.
I love you Dee- I am so very grateful that I know you.
Love this Kiss From the King for you and your husband!
Monday: Overview
3. Read Mark 10:17-28 out loud and share anything that quickens you. Can you use it as a springboard for prayer? Repentance?
It stood out to me that the man “ran up” to Jesus and that he “knelt before him” He was enthusiastic in his desire to know how he could be sure of his eternal destiny.
I thought how easy it is for us to see his error, to choose the riches he had now instead of an inheritance that can never fade or spoil. But how much harder it is to realize this in myself, when I chose approval or comfort over loving Jesus.
I am going to go on a hike and pray and think about the repentance part for me personally.
4. Read the opening section of “The Trap,” (Chapter 11 in the King’s Cross) and share notes and comments.Two things, it is encouraging that the Lord is always growing his kingdom, I like to think that people in other areas of the world are coming to believe in God and trust Jesus even as we feel discouraged by what we see near us, God is on the move!
I also keep thinking that the message of the cross is about giving up power, pouring out resources and serving and how that doesn’t fit with religion, respectable people, trying to “be good”.
It is about motivation, why am I doing what I do. Do my actions come from real faith, I will be okay because Jesus has me, or from faith in my own actions to secure my future?
Monday
3. Read Mark 10:17-28 out loud and share anything that quickens you. Can you use it as a springboard for prayer? Repentance?
There is so much in here that caught my eye. I like how Jesus contrasts being like child, dependent on Him, in the former verses with being rich, independent of Him. This rich man asks, “what can I do.” He wants eternal life based on his works, being good. I think that he felt he was prosperous because he was good and therefore could tell Jesus that he’d kept all those commandments (interesting that Jesus chose the relational ones) from childhood. Jesus saw his heart and knew he didn’t get it, feeling love/compassion for him because he wouldn’t give up his riches, he wasn’t willing to surrender all to follow Him. Dear Lord, Forgive me for clinging to “things” that have caused my heart to drift from You. I confess that it is really hard for me to comprehend what “surrendering all to You” looks like. It’s scary to let go of the “things” that bring me comfort and define who I am. Show me the “things” I need to let go of and help me to fully trust in You.
4. Read the opening section of “The Trap,” (Chapter 11 in the King’s Cross) and share notes and comments.
I found it interesting that Christianity is the only religion that didn’t stay centralized to where it started. Pondering and trying to understand Walls reason for why that is, “there is a certain vulnerability, a fragility at the heart of Christianity. You might say that this is the vulnerability of the cross.” It seems to me that the cross, which is the symbol for Christianity, is susceptible to physical or emotional attack because of what it stands for…the Son of God laying down His life, surrendering all for our sins but it didn’t stop there, He rose from the dead! It’s nothing we do, He paid it all. BUT where the area Christianity is strong, it eventually becomes stagnant because of wealth and stabilization, people no longer see their need for a savior. Just like the rich man they think being good is good enough. Then it’s time for it to move on. I look at this as a way God has caused the gospel to spread.
Sharon, I really like this summary of the Trap; “I look at this as a way God has caused the gospel to spread.”
Monday: Overview
3. Read Mark 10:17-28 out loud and share anything that quickens you. Can you use it as a springboard for prayer? Repentance? – Jesus does not even put himself in the category with God. He told him only God is good. Even though the rich man kept the commandments Jesus mentioned, Jesus knew he lacked the faith to trust in Him alone. And even though the man though of his wealth more than Jesus, Jesus still loved him. Lord this shows me, that though I will fail you every day, I will not lose your love. If I ask how to inherit eternal life you will tell me and you will let me know what I’m missing still. Thank you Lord for bring my sin to the surface so I can repent and work on removing that sin from my life. I can only do this with your help. I am not able to fill my heart up with only you, if I don’t cry out to you for you to hear where I lack. I thank you for your unconditional love no matter what my life looks like at that moment.
4. Read the opening section of “The Trap,” (Chapter 11 in the King’s Cross) and share notes and comments. – Very interesting information on how other religions stay put in the center of where they started, but Christianity is changing all the time. “The heart of the gospel is the cross, and the cross is all about giving up power, pouring out resources, and serving.” Though I think we need to always be in the Word, I think it helps to give up that power at times so a fresh set of eyes may help open up our own eyes to the truth of the Word. I know there are times I have read and reread verses and they mean nothing, but a new perspective comes along, doesn’t change the meaning, but helps me to see what the Word is saying. I think this can also help bring in more people to really want a relationship with Jesus. Sometimes you just don’t understand the teaching of one Pastor, but if you search for a place to be fed, you will find the teacher that will lead you to Christ.
I wondered, but don’t know, if the reason Jesus said “only God is good” was a way of saying He was God. Just a thought!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I had the opportunity to listen to Tony Evan’s sermon today. I found it comforting somehow, although it does not make sense from the world’s perspective, that God is causing the distress. I am relieved to have someone remind me that God is still in control. For a long time, I have been watching the world grow farther and farther from God without seemingly any consequences. I found myself wondering why God did not act. God wants us to repent – as individuals, as churches, as nations. He wants us to come back to him, to snuggle up, as Tony says. I have been hearing the call to repent even before Tony suggested it. Will we? Hopefully, at least some of us will.
Mark 10:17-28 The rich your ruler went away sorrowful for he had great possessions. Yes, his wealth was very important to him.
The disciples were astonished at his comments about how those who trust in riches would find it difficult to enter the kingdom of God.
It is very obvious that many Americans trust in their wealth and now are struggling with the economic situation we are encountering. It shows me how very important it is for me to look at what I have as belonging to the Lord and I must be a good steward of it,using it to honor him.
Wealth and power have never been my goals, but yes, it is good to have what I need. I am now seeing my neighbor/tenant as in a very difficult life situation. Her job is ending, her son is fighting for his life and her family is unkind-siblings and mother. I want to help her and evaluate my own possessions.
My prayer: Father God, You are the giver of all good gifts. I praise you and thank you for allowing me to have all my needs met. Help me to evaluate my own life, to repent of selfishness and pride in what you have blessed me with. As I see my friend, Debbie, struggling at this time in her life, help me to be generous. We as a people have put too much emphasis on material possessions. Forgive my pride in my own situation, and I pray for more humility as we face a huge change in our attitudes about buying to the point of selfishness. Forgive my doubts and help me to trust that you will always provide. Help me to put your desires first, to love you with all my heart and to love others. I pray in Jesus’ name. Psalm 50:15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.
The Trap: Andrew Walls hinted that when Christianity is in a place of power and wealth for a long period, the radical message of sin and grace and the cross can become muted…
We need to pray, to repent individually and as a church. Reading Storming the Gates of Heaven by Anne Graham Lotz she points out her need to repent before God spoke to her as she prepared for a conference. Her list of sins speaks to me, and one that stands out is lack of concern for the souls of others, along with pride, envy and a critical spirit. How these sins creep in and grow insidiously…Forgive us for our sins, Father.
5. Keller says the disciples came from a culture that believed prosperity was a sign of God’s favor. How do you see this in Bilah’s comments to Job in Job 8:6?
If one is pure and is good and upright God will reward him with prosperity.
6. Read Mark 10:17-22 again
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask, and what inherent fallacy is in the question?
What must I do to inherit eternal life? Inheritance in that culture is given to the oldest son-they don’t have to do anything to inherit their parent’s land or fortune. Same with eternal life-we can’t do anything to inherit it or gain it. Jesus did it for us.
B. The ruler called Jesus a teacher. But what is implicit in Jesus’ reply: “No one is good — except God alone?” Jesus was telling him He is God, not just a teacher.
C. Why do you think Jesus told him to sell everything he had?
Because it revealed his heart. His wealth was more ultimate in his life than God and Jesus knew that was something he would have to give up first. The ruler seemed sincere on the outside, but it was clear after Jesus asked him this question that he just wanted “eternal life”, not Jesus for he couldn’t give up his riches. He was seeking more riches in a round about way-to fill the void in his heart only Jesus could fill.
Hi Rebecca!
I was just sharing with Julie the same thought I see you had on Jesus saying only God is good.
thanks for clarifying this Only God is good.
Julie, Isn’t it amazing how God moves on this blog? ..And I love your play-dough heart!
Dee, I didn’t see that you shared with Julie..wow, yes I do think that is what Jesus was communicating.
Did you catch the verse where Jesus looked at him and “loved Him” (Verse 21) right as he challenged him with the most important thing he was lacking, that Jesus knew he was lacking?..amazing love how can it be.
5. Keller says the disciples came from a culture that believed prosperity was a sign of God’s favor. How do you see this in Bilah’s comments to Job in Job 8:6?
He said that if Job were pure and love with integrity that God would restore his home. I’m not sure he is really talking about wealth as much as living as an upright person though.
6. Read Mark 10:17-22 again
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask, and what inherent fallacy
is in the question?
He asks how he can inherit eternal life.
B. The ruler called Jesus a teacher. But what is implicit in Jesus’ reply: “No
one is good — except God alone?”
I’m not sure I really get this part. How is “good” defined? Jesus says only God is truly good. Is this because we have no way of always being good because we are automatically flawed because we are human? So the man is implying that Jesus doesn’t have the human nature?
C. Why do you think Jesus told him to sell everything he had?
Because the idea is that we “… can’t serve two masters…” if we love our money and stuff then we won’t give our focus to what is really important; Him.
D. Did Jesus ask you to turn from anything when you came to Him?
I suppose…I was young so I don’t remember really. I just know that His presence was surreal to me and I knew that He was more important than what was happening here on earth.
E. When you are still before Him, what is He asking you to turn from now?
Oh my Dee, this is a loaded question! How many things, ugh. My comforts for sure.
7. Read Mark 10:23-27
A. Why do you think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
Because our focus is elsewhere, not on God.
B. What can make it possible? What made you want to surrender?
I suppose if we are humble and ask forgiveness? I want to be with God in eternity. I don’t want to live in hell!
8. Read the section entitled “Caught in the Trap” and share your notes and
comments.
Back in those times people believed if you were good you were blessed and if you weren’t then you lived in poverty.
Jesus asks the rich man if he had ever committed one of the 10 commandments. The man does not believe he has. Jesus doesn’t call him a liar, so can we assume that Jesus is ok with wealth?If wealth has been acquired through evil measures, like greed or unjust ways, then, maybe it’s wrong. But if wealth is arrived through hard work and just ways, then it’s acceptable. He doesn’t really seem to have a problem with being wealthy. He doesn’t want us to be greedy with our success. If we think of the woman with the penny…she gave all she had and Jesus noticed this compared to the other who gave a small amount of his huge wealth in the story. But, Keller says that He is warning us that money can blind us and without God’s grace we have no chance of entering heaven. In fact He says we need a miracle to enter heaven.
3. Read Mark 10:17-28 out loud and share anything that quickens you. Can you use it as a springboard for prayer? Repentance?
“And Jesus, looking at him, loved him …” How much Jesus loves us, even in our sin. I sit here in my living room with fear in my heart and deep sadness in my heart over what is happening in the world – suffering , dying, ignoring God and rulers, arrogance, stubbornness, terror. I heard a story on the news last night about a couple from Quebec who in fear of corona, sold all they had and moved, without investigation, to a remote northern community, hoping to ride out the pandemic in freedom and isolation. They chose a community in the far north by random selection. Travelling through many provinces and without self-isolating beforehand, they arrived in this northern community (accessible only by plane), only to discover that they were in fact putting the residents (most of whom are elderly) at risk by their arrival. They were asked to leave by the RCMP. This couple was willing to sell all they had in order to live illness free. Are we willing to do the same for love of Jesus, if he asks?
Lord, help me to forsake my idols and come and follow you, wherever you lead me. I cannot hide. I cannot run away from your presence. I cannot run from the pandemic. But you are there even in this. Help me to do what I can and then trust you. Take away my fear, which represents a lack of trust in you. Thank you that you are with me always. Help me to trust, even if my feeling betray me.
4. Read the opening section of “The Trap,” (Chapter 11 in the King’s Cross) and share notes and comments.
“…the cross is all about giving up power, pouring our resources, and serving. … when Christianity is in a place of power and wealth for a long period, the radical message of sin and grace and the cross can become muted or even lost.”
I am good friends with a bookkeeper for a large church in a large city. Now that church buildings are shut down there, offerings have dropped off dramatically and severe cutbacks of ministry will have to be made. Economically, the church in North America coming out of this pandemic may be a very different church than the one going into the pandemic. How do we serve when the money is gone and the employees are laid off? May we learn the lesson you are trying to teach us, Lord.
I hadn’t even thought about offerings and churches!
Craziness for sure Diane…I had this thought reading your post. I find it interesting that you shortened the name of the virus to “Corona.” It made me think of the Spanish word corona, which means crown. Then my mind drifted to Easter coming soon, and Jesus, who wore a crown of thorns….several people have made comments about how this may be the revival we have waited for and that, “Jesus has His hand on this” just thinking…
Oh yeah, we have been giving through online banking for years, and our church continues to do that through these times.
Online giving is definitely the way to go, Laura, but many rural churches do not have that because their treasurers are mostly seniors and most of their givers are seniors who are not aware or comfortable with that. This makes it hard! Also, many people have lost their jobs and most of their income with the shutdowns happening every where. I’m not sure about where you are but here people are being told “stay at home”; only “one person” should go out to grocery shop only “once a week” and nothing else unless “essential”.
Also, I pray that this will bring a spiritual revival also, Laura. We are in desperate need of it.
Diane, would it help if my husband shared a PowerPoint with step by step directions? He might be able to help. Let me check with him.
6. Read Mark 10:17-22 again
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask, and what inherent fallacy is in the question?
He asks “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” The fallacy is that he can “do” something to earn his place in heaven. He can justify himself before God.
B. The ruler called Jesus a teacher. But what is implicit in Jesus’ reply: “No one is good — except God alone?”
I think it is that Jesus was bringing out that the man didn’t understand who it was that he was speaking to.
C. Why do you think Jesus told him to sell everything he had?
Because it would jar him into an understanding of where his trust was placed.
D. Did Jesus ask you to turn from anything when you came to Him?
Yes, as I think about it. I had to stop acting as if I were too intelligent to believe the gospel.
E. When you are still before Him, what is He asking you to turn from now?
This is painful. I need to lay down the pride that keeps me from believing that I am loved.I don’t understand all of this, but I sure do want to move from where I am now.
7. Read Mark 10:23-27
A. Why do you think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
This says it better than I ever can:“Afflictions quicken us to prayer. It is a pity it should be so; but experience testifies, that a long course of ease and prosperity, without painful changes—has an unhappy tendency to make us cold and formal in our secret worship. But troubles rouse our spirits and constrain us to call upon the Lord in good earnest—when we feel a need of that help which we only can have from his almighty arm. Afflictions are useful, and in a degree necessary, to keep alive in us—a conviction of the vanity and unsatisfying nature of the present world, and all its enjoyments; to remind us that this world is not our rest, and to call our thoughts upwards, where our true treasure is, and where our heart ought to be. When things go on much to our wish, our hearts are too prone to say, “It is good to be here!”
― John Newton
B. What can make it possible? What made you want to surrender?
Sometimes I am aware of how fleeting this life is, sometimes my hope is in the right place. The song We Will Feast in the House of Zion has helped me tremendously again and again.
We will have a place at the table- not because we are good, not because we deserve it- because He is good and kind and generous, one day all this struggle will be done.
“We will feast in the house of Zion
We will sing with our hearts restored
He has done great things, we will say together
We will feast and weep no more”
Wasn’t familiar with this song so watched it on you-tube. So beautiful.
Dee, We will Feast has been such a help to me. Both in my grief over Daniel and then in my grief over the difficulties our church has gone through. The church conflict made us all want to choose sides or positions and justify those choices. It was helpful to remember who the real enemy is, and the song, that picturing of the marriage supper, it helped me lay down much of the pain the circumstances had brought about. Someday, all involved who are in Christ will be reconciled, we will feast together and give him all the glory.
1. What stands out to me…
That there are a TON of reasons for me NOT to come back THIS week: It’s week 14 (seems weird to jump near the end of the study)!! I don’t have the book, here anyway. When I listened to the sermon and got a hint of the political, I thought “oh no, where’s he going with this?” (I was ok because he covered both sides of the aisle and then got to Jesus).
And the reason I’m here: the topic, wealth — and even Rebecca’s post about hair appt (mine needed cutting before this town was shut down, but I didn’t go in because the last time I went in, my stylist told me she had been working when she had the flu & had stayed home only for one day, the day before I saw her).
2. Jesus could see that his wealth was what was most important to the rich young ruler. How does this speak to you in this time of Covid 19? This also is very weird for me (and even weirder for me to acknowledge): This morning, I woke up early, fell back to sleep and had a dream (can hardly believe I am posting this). I have been trying to cut expenses now, but also have been looking for ways to give & to bless people in need. Here’s where the hair thing comes in: I go to the most expensive place in town because I’ve had bad haircuts a couple other places and like their services; I also try to tip generously. BUT, I do get annoyed because they always try to sell me more products than I need — and sometimes overcharge for those.
Someone from there was in this dream this morning — and ordered services from a carpenter (!) and I was charged for the services. My first thought was “well, at least I will save money by not getting my hair cut/highlighted.” And then I woke up — and was (am) convicted.The area in which I am convicted: I can be generous with people who live well beyond their means when/if they treat me well or are generous and with people who generally are in trouble for almost any reason. However, there is a situation in which I either want to avoid people altogether or at least avoid giving: that is with people who have tried to cheat me, overcharge me, or generally have been “cheap” with me or those I love. I KNOW that I am not DESERVING of Jesus love, and now I can see that He is calling me to take generosity to the extent of “blessing those who have cursed me” (when I would rather SOCIALLY distance myself 😉 ). So, I guess I’m back for the week!
Oh we’ve missed you a Renee. And now during this time, there are a TON of reasons we need you, but a big one is you do make us smile.
Happy to see you, Renee. A socially distanced hug to you!
And back at you 😉 !
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Dee you said that the most important thing during this time is to repent and pray for revival. That has been the message since January at a church we’ve been going to – it is time for revival.
2. Jesus could see that his wealth was what was most important to the rich young ruler. How does this speak to you in this time if COVID 19? I am not worried about my family’s finances… I am deeply concerned for others. Our little town is full of small businesses and hourly workers that are probably struggling a lot. I don’t know if wealth is the true idol or if it could be stability. I know I value stability and knowing there will be food on the table. There is an air of superior accomplishment that seems to accompany being able to weather a financial storm.
3. Read Mark 10:17-28 out loud and share anything that quickens you. Can you use it as a springboard for prayer? Repentance? I am quickened by “And Jesus looking at him, loved him, and said…” I think Jesus knew his idols before he bowed before him. Jesus told him what he needed to do to break the idols BECAUSE Jesus loved him. Jesus asked the hard thing of him BECAUSE he loved him. God, I know you ask hard things of me because you love me. You allow in my life things that will free my worldly grip so that I can grip you. Forgive me for grumbling, forgive me for being disheartened by what must be done, let me embrace your ways above my ways, to trust that You and your plan are good and true. Amen.
4. Read the opening section of “The Trap” and share notes and comments. I agree with the opening that Christianity can become a ‘respectable’ way of doing life rather than a radical truth for refining one’s heart. I think a lot of people assume that it is one choice and then they are done. Instead of a journey to continue seeking him. The lack of suffering in their comfortable lives falsely reassures them that the are in God’s favor and so they do not pursue Him.
3. Read Mark 10:17-28 out loud and share anything that quickens you. Can you use it as a springboard for prayer? Repentance?
“And Jesus, looking at him, loved him” quickens me 1) because I don’t have to be afraid/don’t need to “protect myself” with Jesus. 2) My pastor recently has been preaching on the 10 commandments recently and always points to the Gospel. Here, too, I see the Law and the Gospel together. I definitely can use this as a springboard for prayer, including repentance (see previous post), because I know that when I turn to Jesus, he won’t condemn me. When I live in His love, he grants me grace to love others, even those who try to rip me off!, as he has loved me.
Glad you are here Renee 😉
Tuesday
5. Keller says the disciples came from a culture that believed prosperity was a sign of God’s favor. How do you see this in Bilah’s comments to Job in Job 8:6?
Live purely and with integrity and surely He’ll rise up and restore your happy home.
6. Read Mark 10:17-22 again
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask, and what inherent fallacy is in the question?
He asks, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Good teacher.
B. The ruler called Jesus a teacher. But what is implicit in Jesus’ reply: “No one is good — except God alone?”
He’s implying that He is God, which is confirmed in Jesus telling Him,”follow Me.”
C. Why do you think Jesus told him to sell everything he had?
He’s implying to him that his riches will not give him an inheritance to eternal life. Jesus is basically saying to Him, in order to follow Me you must die to self.
D. Did Jesus ask you to turn from anything when you came to Him?
i was a young child so I probably didn’t understand that but as I grew in my faith and over there years He has asked me.
E. When you are still before Him, what is He asking you to turn from now?
7. Read Mark 10:23-27
A. Why do you think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
They become dependent upon their riches rather than God
B. What can make it possible? What made you want to surrender?
God can make it possible. What made me want to surrender is hearing Bible story after Bible story and wanting Jesus in my heart.
8. Read the section entitled “Caught in the Trap” and share your notes and comments.
I like his simple explanation to, “it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle…” It’s just a saying. I have heard that there’s a rock formation that looks like an eye of a needle and in order to get the camel through he has to be on his knees and squeezed through. The explanation being a picture of humility. I agree with Keller, “a bit of an overreach”…something to fit someone’s narrative.Also, “there’s something wrong with all of us – but money has particular power to blind us to it.”
4. Read the opening section of “The Trap,” (Chapter 11 in the King’s Cross) and share notes and comments.
I’d never thought about all the other religions maintaining their centers in the location they began. It’s really interesting that the center of Christianity moves. The fact that it has moved to the global south is a little discouraging for North America, but it’s also exciting. I do believe that we get a better understanding of the whole of Scripture when we begin to see it through the eyes of other cultures. The following quotation is thought-provoking: “The heart of the gospel is the cross, and the cross is all about giving up power, pouring out resources, and serving. Walls hinted that when Christianity is in a place of power and wealth for a long period, the radical message of sin and grace and the cross can become muted or even lost. Then Christianity starts to transmute into a nice, safe religion, one that’s for respectable people who try to be good.” This reminds me of what Christian Smith, a sociologist, referred to as “moral therapeutic deism.”
It’s also interested to me that the center of Christianity in the new earth will be back in Jerusalem (at least that’s what I kinda/sorta understand???)
I saved my email in my other browser — and not only the name/email boxes disappeared but this box (to post responses) disappeared, too. So I switched browsers because I have no idea how to undo the save??? (Might be related to some pop-up blocker or some privacy extension). Not a big deal to switch browsers, but if anyone knows how I messed up, please let me know 🙂
I don’t know if the center of the new earth will be in Jerusalem or not, for it’s a bit hard to discern metaphor (new Jerusalem being the bride of Christ) from what is meant to be literal. I remember Keller’s sermon on moral therapeutic deism!
Good point, Dee. Someone told me that awhile ago (about Jerusalem), and I didn’t even question it. I’m slipping up!!! I vaguely remember Keller’s sermon — but I did hear Christian Smith speak at a conference and recently saw him cited someplace so the phrase had been circulating through my brain in the last month or two.
Tuesday: Caught in The Trap
5. Keller says the disciples came from a culture that believed prosperity was a sign of God’s favor. How do you see this in Bilah’s comments to Job in Job 8:6? – She is worried about Job being pure and upright so God can restore him to the plenty he had before.
6. Read Mark 10:17-22 again
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask, and what inherent fallacy is in the question? – he asks what he has to do to inherit eternal life. I think the rich young ruler believes he has to do something to get the eternal life, when in reality once we have a relationship with Jesus there is nothing more we can do. We are His at that point. We cannot out do Him in any way.
B. The ruler called Jesus a teacher. But what is implicit in Jesus’ reply: “No one is good — except God alone?” – Is Jesus saying that what he teachers is not from Him, but from God through Him.
C. Why do you think Jesus told him to sell everything he had? – I think Jesus wanted to see where his heart was. To see what was more important to him. His things that Jesus allowed him to have, or an eternal relationship with Jesus.
D. Did Jesus ask you to turn from anything when you came to Him? – My old way of life. Having more Christian morals, asking myself if Jesus would be where I was, or if he would be watching what I was watching. I had to change my thoughts and actions.
E. When you are still before Him, what is He asking you to turn from now? – I’m getting better at it, but I still need to look at all situations in a better way. I need to stop crumbling or complaining, especially when I complain to others before going to Jesus with my issue.
7. Read Mark 10:23-27
A. Why do you think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God? – Because we are afraid to give up our control of our lives and to fully give everything to Jesus to control. We think that we know what is better for us then Jesus does.
B. What can make it possible? What made you want to surrender? – We need to let go and get out of the way of God working in our lives. For me, when I heard the testimony of the person who led me to Christ, I wanted what he had. He had so much in his life that was messed up, but when he surrendered his life, things changed for him. I wanted that change in my life too.
8. Read the section entitled “Caught in the Trap” and share your notes and comments. – I loved the analogy of the hard candy comparing it to Jesus’ sayings that are not always clear right from the start. We have to keep at them, keep digging in to them to get to the main point of what he is trying to tell us. And that very last part of that section. Where Keller explains that Jesus is trying to tell us we all have something wrong with us and we need to be careful to not let money or any of our possessions put rose colored glasses on. We need to always have our eyes focused on Jesus over anything else.
I remember Keller using the hard candy analogy with election. Helpful.
In Job 8:6 Bildad says to Job, If you live a pure life, the Almighty will restore your happy home!
Mark 10:17-22 A. The fallacy in the rich man’s question, What should I do to get eternal life? is that eternal life is not earned. None of us deserve this gift only Christ gave by his sacrifice for us.
B. No one is good except God alone! Yes, we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.
C. Jesus told him to sell all that he owned because this was his idol, and he put this above obedience to God.
D.Yes, Jesus asked me to turn from my selfish and destructive ways. It took me time to realize the wrong way I was going.
E. What is he asking you to turn from now? Well, I am seeing that I need to change my priorities and think about others. this pandemic forces a change in my thinking. I had the desire to do more travel and now I must wait on God to direct what is ahead.
This is good: The fallacy in the rich man’s question, What should I do to get eternal life? is that eternal life is not earned. None of us deserve this gift only Christ gave by his sacrifice for us. So here is the conundrum — why do you think Jesus answered him as He did?
Is this to cause the young man to consider that the rabbi was God? that this was a hint for him? but there is no response to this- the young man went away sorrowful, seeing he couldn’t turn from his idol, his wealth.
Mark 10:23-27 Why is it hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom? Because that is their focus and they put their trust in their riches.
What can make it possible? Only God makes it possible because He allows us to see our need, to become humble and turn to Him ,asking for His forgiveness and help.
What made me want to surrender? Well, when I let go of some of my pride , and turned to God in obedience. My lifestyle convicted me of my need.
Caught in the Trap! So Jesus was really saying that there is something radically wrong with all of us. But money blinds us; it deceives us of our true spiritual state. Only divine intervention reveals it. That is a miracle!
D. Did Jesus ask you to turn from anything when you came to Him?
With me it was my life..to give control of my life to Him-to let Him have me.
E. When you are still before Him, what is He asking you to turn from now?
To turn from resting in the security of a very hard relationship in my life to resting in His security.
7. Read Mark 10:23-27
A. Why do you think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
Hmmmm….I think in context this is referring to wealth via money and possessions, but hmmm..after reading this and then hearing Jesus’ answer I think it could go deeper than that because not everyone is materially wealthy-yet we still have idols just as bad. Do you think maybe this “wealth” could be different kinds of wealth we cling to as a way to “save ourselves?”. Like wealth with friends, wealth with ministry, talents, our children and grandchildren. Anything that we place as ultimate for our happiness over God and we cling to it with our life. Just a thought.
Maybe due to me not understanding the language back then I could be mistaken, but I sense the Disciples asked Jesus in a dumbfounded way-then who can enter? Meaning, this covers all of us. Then Jesus’ answer: With man, this isn’t possible but with God ALL THINGS are possible. So Jesus is saying He can break through any chains that bind us even our clinging to worthless idols.
B. What can make it possible? What made you want to surrender?
His dying on the cross and rising from the dead and His Holy Spirit wooing me over time, drawing me to want Him. I wanted Him to take me to be His..all His and wanted Him to straighten my paths for they were crazy crooked.
crazy crooked
🙂
9. Read Mark 10:28-31
A. What does Jesus say here?
He is telling the disciples that those who give up their lives (families, possessions, etc.) will receive more (100 times) that in return. But, He also says we will receive persecution as well. That person will receive eternal life. He says that the greatest now will be least and vice versa.
B. What are some circumstances that might call for this? How would this call for the eternal view?
Well, sometimes I have self pity and think that people don’t really care about me very much. I need to remember what really matters is that God always cares and that’s what really matters. Is this what you mean Dee?
That’s one very good application.
There are many — in this time many of us are losing savings — so we need to trust, and still be generous to those in need.
In this time many of us must be separated physically from those we love, and some are separated from loved ones who are sick and even dying, and cannot say good-bye. But we know Christians, as Lewis said, “never have to say good-bye.”
There’s more and I’d love to hear from this group…
That’s so sad Dee, I never thought of the people dying. I guess I really am not affected by this sickness because I only know 1 family that has the sickness (just quarantined at home like us) and no one who has died.
9. Read Mark 10:28-31
A. What does Jesus say here?
What stood out to me is how easy it is to see that he says whoever follows him will be rewarded and skip over the “with persecutions” in verse 30
Also verse 31 “But many who are first will be last, and the last first”Living in this world we do not accurately assess others, we really do look on and value outward appearances our own included.
B. What are some circumstances that might call for this? How would this call for the eternal view?
I suppose you mean what would call for us to give up property or family. I don’t suppose giving these things up always means walking away from them, in a sense holding our material and relations blessing with an open hand, knowing that they are gifts and not possessions is a way of giving them up.
This is easier to talk about than it is to do. I thought Dee of your Sally faltering at Steve’s funeral when she came to the line that says ‘let goods and kindred go’. It makes me weep.
Oh you just made me weep, Chris — but a good sorrow.
Yes, so hard. We must realize that and be empathetic, as you are.
10. Read the section “Revealing the Trap” up to the quotation of Mark 12:28 and share your notes and comments.
That the young man didn’t realize that Jesus was God and yet called him good showed that he didn’t understand human sinfulness, he thought people could be good, he thought he could be good.
All our efforts at morality can alienate us from God
11. Read Mark 12:28-34
A. What stands out to you from the above and why?
That the understanding and agreement of the scribe prompted Jesus to say that he wasn’t far from the kingdom of God.
I guess the why it stood out was because this exchange was so different from the ones Jesus had with most of the Scribes & Pharisees.
B. Why do you think Jesus told him he was not far from the Kingdom of God?
I am guessing because he understood that underneath the obedience the foundation has to be love?
B. I think you are right.
5. Keller says the disciples came from a culture that believed prosperity was a sign of God’s favor. How do you see this in Bilah’s comments to Job in Job 8:6? Bilah is telling Job that if he were to do the right thing God would restore him to his “rightful habitation.” As in: if we do well the it is our right to be in comfort. That’s what a I hear him saying.
6. Read Mark 10:17-22 again.
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask, and what inherent fallacy is in the question? The man asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The man assumes it is within his power to earn a place that would inherit eternal life.
B. The ruler called Jesus a teacher. But what is implicit in Jesus’ reply: “No one is good – except God alone”? Jesus is God, so He is good. It may be that the man believed this… I wonder though if the man’s idols were manifesting. The man pays homage to Jesus by calling him good in such a way that Christ says “only God is good.” The man was willing to worship whatever would show him the path to what he wanted, eternal life. I don’t think the man was calling him good because he realized who Jesus was I think the man called him good because he would put idols in God’s place.
C. Why do you think Jesus told him to sell everything he had? The text says Jesus loved him by telling him to do this. Jesus saw what it would take for the man to be free from his idols and misconceptions of God. I think Jesus asked him so that he would be free and come close to God if he obeyed.
D. Did Jesus ask you to turn from anything when you came to Him? Approval of people.
E. When you are still before Him, what is He asking you to turn from now? The same… people’s conceptions of me and my actions. Eyes to see only His love and acceptance instead of seeking the approval of man.
7. Read Mark 10:23-27
A. Why do you think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God? I think because it is hard to trust a God when you don’t have to. Those that have wealth logically use their wealth as plan A and plan B. Those with wealth also probably have friends and family for plan c. It is hard to disconnect from the practical thing that gives you stability and comfort to trust in a God who may order your steps through instability and discomfort.
B. What can make it possible? What made you want to surrender? There is a major difference between physical, this-world stability and spiritual, inner-heart, eternal stability. With God we can see things differently. We can see trials of this world as paths to Truth, understanding and hard Beauty in His glory. We can see the world as testimony to His eternal greatness instead of the end of the story. Initially I wanted to surrender because of the fear of hell and eternal suffering. As God woos me through the years I want to surrender for the Beauty and freedom of His presence and the realization that he both deserves my surrender and worship and He is the only ultimate good thing to surrender to.
So good from Jill:
As God woos me through the years I want to surrender for the Beauty and freedom of His presence and the realization that he both deserves my surrender and worship and He is the only ultimate good thing to surrender to.
Jill your whole post here resonated with me.
And this is so true!
“It is hard to disconnect from the practical thing that gives you stability and comfort to trust in a God who may order your steps through instability and discomfort.”
7. Read Mark 10:23-27
A. Why do you think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
Money promises happiness but never quite delivers. It is like an addiction. We always want a bit more.
B. What can make it possible? What made you want to surrender?
We need to see the lies that money tells us.
This is a bit of a ramble because it doesn’t talk about the “love of money.” Money has always been a bit scary to me. I have been raised on the belief that “the love of money was the root of all evil.” So I figured if I just didn’t think about it too much, then I wasn’t “loving” it; I wasn’t sinning in that way. I took courses on financial management, but avoided managing the household finances like the plague. (Side note: that expression “like the plague” now has new and scary meaning because we are now living during a plague/pandemic.) Anyway, as we approached retirement and started talking seriously about buying a house, I did not see how we could afford one. I started consistently keeping track of our spending for the first time in my life – how much we spent each month, comparing each month alongside how much income we had. I began to see how, with careful management, we could afford it, barely.
What is one lesson in this for me? God does not want me to fear money but to use it wisely. God does not want us to love money but to use it as a tool. Someone said a while back, “Every dollar has a job.” If we are wise with our money, it can glorify God because we can see how he has blessed us and can perhaps also see how we have more to give away to serve God in that way.
Good thoughts, Diane. And I am so glad you were able to get a house before this happened!
Yes, Dee. A good point! We need to be grateful that we have a house before this happened. A lot of people are losing most of their savings right now.
Wednesday: What Matters Most
Suffering is also a time of great opportunity for believers. Throughout history, it has been Christians who have gone into the plagues. Cuban Christian medical people have gone to Italy to help. We have women on this blog, and many of us have family in the medical profession who are entering in, putting their own lives at risk. I am asking God how I and our little church can reach out — for often hearts are open at this time. Because our church is a home church, we are having small zoom Bible studies that allow us to continue to interact. We are praying about doing Alpha by zoom. We each must be seeking God for how He would have us follow Him in these times.
9. Read Mark 10:28-31
A. What does Jesus say here? – That if we put everything we have and love on this earth behind Jesus, we will inherit much more than what we already have. If we try to hold on to our belongings and put our loved ones before Jesus we will be last to receive the blessings he has for us.
B. What are some circumstances that might call for this? How would this call for the eternal view? – I’m thinking this means that if we have unsaved friends or relatives or things that take us away from our relationship with Jesus we need to really give that all up.
Once in conversation with a pickleball friend from a liberal church, he said, “Dee — we agree on what’s most important — don’t we? It is to love your neighbor as yourself.”
I said, “Yes — that is important. It is the 2nd greatest commandment.”
I was trying, gently, to show him the importance of the 1st greatest commandment. For unless we love the Lord enough to surrender to Him, we will never have the power to love others well, to live sacrificially with the eternal view. I know that is very true of me, and I must remember it daily.
10. Read the section “Revealing the Trap” up to the quotation of Mark 12:28 and share your notes and comments. – Oh my! There is so much in this chapter that I highlighted, but for me the slap in the face was “It’s one thing to have God as a boss, an example, a mentor; but if you want God to be your Savior, you have to replace what you’re already looking to as a Savior.” So eye opening for me. I need to search myself to find what my saviour is and ask my Savior to come in and replace it.
11. Read Mark 12:28-34
A. What stands out to you from the above and why? – Loving God and loving your neighbor stand above anything I could try to give or do to impress God. There is nothing more than love. The love he showed to us is what I need to always try to give to Him and others. And if I’m following Him and his ways, I can’t help but love others and when I do all the other commandments will have been followed.
B. Why do you think Jesus told him he was not far from the Kingdom of God? – My first thought was that Jesus knew this man was going die soon. But I wonder if it means that this man is studying the Word and is getting to complete understanding of what is required in our relationship with Jesus.
Mark 10:28-31 Jesus says, “there is no one who has left home or land for my sake who will not receive a hundredfold now and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
B. what are some circumstances for this? Whenever one chooses to serve Jesus, there may be a need to leave one’s home or land. those who leave a religion of their family, like Islam will often be persecuted.
How would this call for the eternal view? Looking forward to eternal life, I assume, when all things will be made right.
Revealing the Trap: Keller says that if you want eternal life, intimacy with God, you have to change how you relate to your gifts and successes, You have to repent of how you’ve been using your good things. the rich young ruler was grieving because money was the center of his identity.(his way of having covered the stain). You’ll need to repent of how you have used the good things in your life to fill the place where God should be.
Mark 12:28-34 What stands out is Jesus’ answer from the Old Testament teaching, verses 29,30,31.
B. Why do you think Jesus said, you are not far from the kingdom of God? Perhaps because he knew the right answer, but was not completely following.He may have been trusting in his knowledge and not from his heart…
Yes, on B — your latter answer!
8. Read the section entitled “Caught in the Trap” and share your notes and comments.
OH…okay I think I understand more now. I had no idea about their culture-that if you are wealthy that is your reward for moral behavior and if you are poor you haven’t lived a good moral life. It makes sense now when the disciples said to Jesus, then who can be saved? While it was awful, it makes sense why Job’s “friends” were judging him.
I can see why riches can be a huge stumbling block.
10. Read the section “Revealing the Trap” up to the quotation of Mark 12:28 and share your notes and comments.
wow…I’m not sure of the point of Jesus asking the man why he calls Him good and then saying only God is good. Not getting that.
The word “grieve” is interesting to me; how Keller explains it. I’m thinking of my own possessions. I don’t have a problem getting rid of them, but I do wonder if Jesus is really there in the place of everything. Sometimes, like now, I need Him and He isn’t there. Oh, I still pray and do my bible study, etc. but I feel empty. This is right now. It’s not like I lived back in those times like the man and could truly follow Jesus around. Hate to admit this, but alas it’s the truth. Where is He for me today? Do I give away my possessions literally and then what? Sit on a pile of “dung” somewhere like Job, and then do what? What does it accomplish? Who does it help? Or, do I mentally release the things of this world and not fret when the bad comes because I don’t care about those things anymore? You see, I am about at that stage in my life right now, but Jesus is hiding. I don’t hear Him, see Him, or feel Him. Although I go through the motions, it doesn’t seem to help.
11. Read Mark 12:28-34
A. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I am interested that Jesus accepts the man’s explanation no questions asked.
B. Why do you think Jesus told him he was not far from the Kingdom of God?
I think it’s because the man was saying that all the religious stuff didn’t matter, only the spiritual part (knowing God).
Laura, it is hard when we don’t feel God; when it seems like Jesus is hiding. May we learn to patiently wait while God is silent, trusting that He is still with us and has everything under control. Perhaps he is taking us to a deeper level of trust.
Good point Diane.
Oh Laura — you are under lots of stress — but I do see how you hunger for Him and serve Him. Diane has a good word for you.
I’m going to be joining Manhattan Bible Church prayer time by phone tomorrow night — remembering how wonderful you were during that retreat last year. I’m sure they are truly under stress.
That’s a good idea Dee. Joveda did invite me too, I’m just struggling keeping everything straight. Our church also has a mini service at night so it’s hard to do it all with my situation. I might try one night though.
Hugs and prayers…sometimes silence isn’t always golden, but persevere sweet lady, persevere.
Thank you Sharon.
Laura, this song ministered to me this morning. Hoping it will encourage you. Andrew Peterson’s “The Silence of God” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cY4SJ_aBnY&list=PLIdJWlzi4Ps4DRQXmOpmlOX9bpmapeLyk&index=4
Thanks Diane. Beautiful song!
Thursday: Revealing the Trap
11. Read the rest of the section “Revealing the Trap” and share your notes and comments.
The gist of this chapter, for me, was so timely. The last question of “where do you want to live?” Trusting my security to worldly shakeable things like our gross income do I want to be moved by Jesus’s sacrifice to a place of trusting in him come what may.
I do want the latter with my spirit, but I know my flesh fights against that rest and trust. I need to believe that every time that battle rages that there’s grace for me, that I am not a complete disappointment because I struggle.
That voice that tells me that I don’t do all of this properly keeps me from running as fast as I can back to the Father in repentance.
I thought of this passage:
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
I want to more and more grasp the high, wide, deep love of Christ and be changed.
Such a good passage for prayer!
Wednesday
9. Read Mark 10:28-31
A. What does Jesus say here?
If you give up all that you’ve gained in this world for Me and the gospel, it will be returned to you 100 times more, along with persecutions in this present age; and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
B. What are some circumstances that might call for this? How would this call for the eternal view?
The first thing that comes to my mind is Missionaries. I think of my grandparents who gave up everything to go to Africa. The eternal view was not in things they could gain for themselves but for the kingdom of God. They were storing up treasures in heaven that would last for eternity.
10. Read the section “Revealing the Trap” up to the quotation of Mark 12:28 and share your notes and comments.
What is it for me? What am I looking to as my savior that I need to replace? If I want intimacy with God, getting over a sense that something is missing, it will have to become Him that I love with all my heart and strength.
11. Read Mark 12:28-34
A. What stands out to you from the above and why?
That the scribe, a expert in Mosaic Law was really listening and noticed that Jesus answered well. I do think he was trying to trip Jesus up by asking which commandment was the most important in hopes of proving Him wrong.
B. Why do you think Jesus told him he was not far from the Kingdom of God?
He understood the commandment, what he had to do to love, but he didn’t understand that Jesus was the One he needed to love and obey in order to enter the Kingdom. I agree with Shirley…the 18 inches was lacking.
9. Read Mark 10:28-31
A. What does Jesus say here? He says that those who sacrifice for him and the Gospel will be rewarded 100 fold.
B. What are some circumstances that might call for this? How would this call for the eternal view? My first thought is missionaries who leave all behind to share God’s love. But there must also be application for those not called to different countries. In my own life I struggle with ‘leaving all behind’ with cultural priorities such as: Do I really want to spend money on furniture (we have very little) when there are people hungry in our community? Or spend money on a different paint color for the house when others are homeless? I have thought for a long time that I should be an African missionary in a mud hut just helping people…
10. Read the section “Revealing the Trap” … share your notes and comments. The quote that stood to me the most was: So Jesus is saying to the man in this passage, “You have put your faith and trust in your wealth and accomplishments. But the effort is alienating you from God. Right now God is your boss; but God is not your Savior, and here’s how you can see it: I want you to imagine life without money. I want you to imagine all of it gone. No inheritance, no inventory, no servants, no mansions – all of that is gone. All you have is me. Can you live like that?”
11. Read Mark 12:28-34
A. What stands out to you from the above and why? That the scribe told Jesus that he answered correctly. The scribe was not asking to learn but to test and try to change Jesus to act like they thought he should act. How absurd in hindsight to realize you were arrogant enough to “grade” Jesus’ response!
B. Why do you think Jesus told him he was not far from the Kingdom of God? The scribe actually shows keen insight into what God desires (“much more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”) But the scribe obviously still relies on his own understanding and accomplishment for God’s favor. He sees that God wants our hearts but does not yet see that God gives His Grace as a gift .. so the scribe is near but not quite there yet.
Jill, your comment, “I have thought for a long time that I should be an African missionary in a mud hut just helping people…” made me smile. I’m sure God is using you right where you’re at…He sees your heart!
Amen to Sharon’s comment, Jill!
9. Read Mark 10:28-31
A. What does Jesus say here? that those who give up (whatever) for Jesus’ sake and the sake of the gospel will receive WAY more back.
B. What are some circumstances that might call for this? How would this call for the eternal view? the current ones?! The eternal view helps us realize that we really aren’t giving up much at all, even when it appears that we’re giving up everything. One area in which I need to examine myself before God is the reason(s) I give up something, whether big or small. I don’t think it’s “for show” but sometimes I suspect it’s for the sake of the people I’m giving to — and I forget all about Jesus and the Gospel.
10. Read the section “Revealing the Trap” up to the quotation of Mark 12:28 and share your notes and comments.
This JUMPED out at me because of the words dislocation and disorientation. I’ve felt a little dislocated and disoriented during this pandemic stuff. But I couldn’t quite describe it. Although I certainly haven’t experienced “ultimate” dislocation and disorientation, this quote does point straight to the solution. My spiritual center is Jesus. I haven’t lost my Father, and the Holy Spirit indwells me. FOCUS 🙂
11. Read Mark 12:28-34
A. What stands out to you from the above and why? (1) The oneness of God. Because when I started to answer the question above, I wrote that “my spiritual center is Jesus” and then started thinking about the Trinity. (2) That two commandments were listed, and Jesus didn’t say “pick one!”
B. Why do you think Jesus told him he was not far from the Kingdom of God? My wild guess is because it’s not enough just to say it or know it in one’s head. If we believe it, it will show.
You got the kindle version! Yay!
11. Read the rest of the section “Revealing the Trap” and share your notes and comments.
The first quotation confirms the link between the law and love, i.e., love fulfills the law. The second one hits me right now for another reason. Keller wrote that if we concentrate too much on rules, we can feel pretty righteous. Well, I’ve been concentrating on rules/expectations for myself, and I feel pretty hopeless — cuz I’m not meeting them, and then kinda feel as if I am letting God down, too. The solution both for self-righteousness and “self-hopelessness” is the same: God’s grace and mercy.
I love this Renee:
“The solution both for self-righteousness and “self-hopelessness” is the same: God’s grace and mercy.”
I need to remember the solution too.
Thursday: Revealing the Trap
11. Read the rest of the section “Revealing the Trap” and share your notes and comments. – I’m a rule follower for the most part and don’t think it matters who you are, or how high on the chain you are, if a policy, procedure or rule is in place everyone should follow it. But seeing what Tim Keller writes on this, “If we concentrate on rules and regulations exclusively, we can begin to feel pretty righteous, but when we look at the heart attitude that the law really is requiring and getting at, we begin to realize how much we need grace and mercy.” This is something I will need to work on, and really think and search my heart before I speak out on something. Could there be a good reason someone is not following the rule? Is that considered sin, by not doing what is right? Oh man so many questions now for me on this.
just popping in to say I love you all. I’m following comments as well as I can, but have not been able to read Keller as much. My job at church is much busier right now (speaking of online giving Diane & Laura!) that has increased things a lot for me (and just a note–I can give you other “no-fee” options for giving through your bank if wanted Diane. Our church receives a lot of online giving but I try to educate people that using a credit card takes high fees, there are other ways. Sorry for that rabbit trail! ) Our school is going on Spring Break so no more “home school” for a bit–hoping I can catch up!
Renee–SO good to see you! And you too, Christina. I know you’ve been back a while, but it still makes me smile to see you again 🙂
Thanks, Lizzy. I want to know more about online giving, too — have been thinking for a couple weeks about driving out there with a check (and food for the food bank). But I figure if I can pay for some things automatically through my checking account, there has to be a way to give to church, too (without them giving me their account number!!).
Renee-yes (and sorry Dee for this rabbit trail!) but Renee, you just add your church as a “bill pay”–you can set it to recurring/monthly..etc. All you need is your Church’s mailing address and your bank will send your church a paper check in the mail. We have always received the majority of our giving this way, and especially now. I always advise this way because it’s as convenient as using a credit card, but is free. I always ache when someone gives a large gift via credit card because the church looses ~3-4 %. You have my email Renee if that didn’t make sense 🙂 love you!!
Thanks, Lizzy. for the financial advice. I saw your comment to Renee as well. I’m not sure if Canadian banking is the same but we will check into it, if we decide to go that way. Right now, we are “church hopping” having retired and not sure what church to settle into. Aubrey has been supply preaching a bit here and there (though that won’t be happening during the covid lockdown.) We are giving to a variety of Christian organizations and I feel for small churches (or charities) who do not have online giving set up.
Diane–praying now for you & Aubrey as you search for a church home. I know that is so hard. Praying for Him to lead you in that. much love to you dear friend~
We have done this for years as well.
Lizzy – never worry about rabbit trails here.
5. Keller says the disciples came from a culture that believed prosperity was a sign of God’s favor. How do you see this in Bilah’s comments to Job in Job 8:6?
Bildad tells Job that if he acts right “pure and upright”, God will restore his wealth
6. Read Mark 10:17-22 again A. What question does the rich young ruler ask, and what inherent fallacy is in the question?
He asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. The fallacy is the thought that there is some works we can do. It is by grace we are saved, through faith, not by works.
B. The ruler called Jesus a teacher. But what is implicit in Jesus’ reply: “No one is good — except God alone?”
All that is good comes from God alone. He is the only One who is good. Jesus is good because He and the Father are One.
C. Why do you think Jesus told him to sell everything he had?
Jesus knew the man’s heart and that his possessions, his money, were idols for him.
D. Did Jesus ask you to turn from anything when you came to Him?
My self-righteousness, thinking I could earn His favor.
E. When you are still before Him, what is He asking you to turn from now?
Selfishness. Pride. He continually reminds me that humility is a mark of holiness. Serve others, humble myself. Displace self from the inner throne of my heart and enthrone God.
Lizzy, I love you answer to E
“Displace self from the throne of my heart”
I think that is the essence of repentance in a nutshell.
Thanks for the nod in your comment above my friend… I have love for you 🙂
7. Read Mark 10:23-27 A. Why do you think it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?
I do think it is harder to recognize our dependency and need when we have much. I remember back in February, hearing about the Corona-virus in China. I hate to admit that I did not have much concern. I thought about it, prayed once or twice…but nothing like when it hit the U.S. When it came here, and began stripping away our securities, I felt my inability to control even my daily plans, and as it progressed, we realize more our human frailty, our weakness, our dependency on God’s Sovereignty. I do think that is a beautiful part of all of this—we cannot rest in the governments’ decisions or the best doctors coming up with a vaccine…but we are on the side of the One True God who holds ALL the power and is ALL good. That is true peace.
B. What can make it possible? What made you want to surrender?
I typed so much for the above question, and then read this—guess I answered! I think knowing God’s heart, His character—not safe but Good. We trust Him.
I wouldn’t be surprised if that was true for most of us, Lizzy. It certainly seems real now.
11. Read the rest of the section “Revealing the Trap” and share your notes and comments.
Keller explains that the most important commandment is love. I’m not sure I understand why he is calling it a trap though?
12. Read the rest of the chapter and share your notes and comments.
So I figured out it’s not love that is the trap, rather money. Keller says Jesus is pointing out that if we are married to our money we miss the greatest commandment of love.
13. Pray for yourself and those close to you on the basis of what you have learned.
Oh Lord, how we need to remember that the greatest commandment is love. It is difficult when we have to pay bills and just live. We can be greedy and stingy with our money. Thank You for showing us the correct way to live our lives. Help us to be better at being generous. Help my husband see this and understand. He is always so stressed about our living situation. He sees it as his job to be the “provider,” so in his mind he is doing his best to take care of us. He means well, but he is missing the point that Jesus wants us to be loving before this. He sees it as loving to be providing. It is a conundrum for sure. I’m not sure how to help him out of his ingrained ways. Lord would you provide a way to reveal to my husband how he needs to live with You close to his heart versus money being such a draw to him? Thank You Lord for being the guide.
Love your prayer, Laura. Love the prayer for your husband. How we need to lift them in prayer. They realize they are to be providers, and their role is difficult.