First, an apology for last week. I didn’t realize until many of you were scratching your heads, that the free podcast I had you listen to was different than the purchased sermon I listened to. Same passage, same preacher, but different sermons. You listened to “Camels and Money” and I listened to “Camels, Needles, and Money.” I’m so sorry and will be careful about that in the future.
This week is a passage that is truly important to understand. It’s titled: “How To Hate Your Parents.” (An attention getter!) It could also shockingly be titled, “How To Hate Your Country.”
With the 4th of July ahead, it is true, we have so much to be thankful for in our country. Patriotism is good, but “Christian Nationalism” is a disordered affection. Our love for God must be supreme, or we will not be good citizens. It isn’t that we should actually hate our parents or our government, but that in comparison to our passion for God, our love for His good gifts should almost seem like “hate.” It is only then, when our affections are ordered right, when God is truly first and where we put our trust, that we will love everything else well.
Jesus turned to the great crowds and said:
This is a smart group, so I know you know Jesus isn’t actually asking us to hate our parents. I laughed when Keller said, “Some of you think you don’t need to hear this sermon, for you already hate your parents.”
Keller refers to the story of Jacob and Leah, and how in comparison to his great love for Rachel, his love for Leah almost looked like hate, though I am convinced from many things, that he truly came to love Leah as well.
Indeed, also, there is so much to love about our country. Many of you, as am I, are celebrating the Supreme Court decision that our constitution never did give the right to abort babies.
We do have a great country, and one of the ways you can determine the value of a country is how many want to get in and how many want to get out.
Yet still, in comparison for our love for God our love for our country should almost look like hate. There are too many “Christian Nationalists” who go beyond patriotism to putting their faith, not in God, but in our country and its leaders, and are devastated when their man is not elected, or feel that the solution to sin is going to come through our fallen leaders.
The only hope for our countries, our families, and our lives is to put our trust in God, and to surrender to Him. In many countries flying the Christian flag about the American flag would result in martyrdom. But for now at least, we are still allowed to put God first and live.
Here’s the link to the podcast:
https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/how-to-hate-your-parents/
Sunday:
- God did you see God in your life this week?
Monday: Discipleship is Not Optional
From beginning to about 7:30 on the sermon.
2. Read Luke 14:25-27 and answer: To whom is Jesus speaking and what does He tell them? Comments?
3. Listen through Keller’s first point in the sermon (Discipleship is not optional.)
A. What did Keller mean when he said there are not two kinds of disciples, that there are no double standards?
B. How does this impact you and why?
C. What else, if anything, stood out to you from this section of the sermon?
Tuesday: Discipleship is Unpredictable
From about 7:30 to 12
Keller quoted Lewis, that Aslan is not a tame lion. When we follow Jesus whole-heartedly, without our own agenda, we don’t know where it will lead. Linda Strom told me that when you try to use God for your own agenda, you miss the great God adventure.
4. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. What has happened in your life when you have tried to fit God into your agenda instead of following His?
B. Practically speaking, what would a day look like when you were simply following His agenda?
C. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
Wednesday: Discipleship is Emotional
From about 12 to 24
This week I’ve been listening to Ann VosKamp’s Way Maker. She tells how as a newlywed she couldn’t relax during intimacy and it troubled her husband, who asked her what he was doing wrong. She said “It isn’t you, it’s me. I don’t feel good about myself and it makes me tense.” Her counselor told her to pray for self-forgetfulness, so that she could love her husband well and find joy.
I think there is a parallel here.
5. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. How does the Rachel and Leah illustration help you, if it does?
B. Think of your greatest earthly love. How does your love for God compare?
C. What might help you, do you think, to love God well — even passionately? And how has your love for God helped you to love others?
D. What did Augustine have to say about this? Comment?
E. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
Thursday: Discipleship is to Die with Christ
One of the ways I realize I must die to myself is to die to denial. I faced that in a small way a few weeks ago when, to my shock, as I’ve had 4 shots to avoid Covid, that I tested positive for Omicron. I almost didn’t want to take the test because I had so much coming up that would have to be re-arranged. I kept telling myself It’s just a cold. But I knew in my heart that could be my deceptive heart, denying that I might have Covid so that I didn’t have to be so inconvenienced. I did do what was right, but came very close to not doing it. And indeed, there have been many times I haven’t died to self, and denial is my way out, persuading myself that “this time” it’s okay to do what I want to do..
From about 24 to 29:30
6. Read Luke 14:27. What does it say? What does this mean to you practically?
7. Listen to Keller through this point and share what stands out to you and why.
Friday: Discipleship is Unconditional and Gradual
From 29:30 to the end
8. Listen to the end and answer:
A. Keller said to drop your conditions. Why is this important?
B. What point did he make about patience and why? How might you apply this?
Saturday:
9. What is your take-a-way and why?
105 comments
1. How did you experience the riseness of Christ or see God at work in your life this week? What thoughts do you have on the above, with the 4th of July around the corner?
Jesus showed me in a memory verse I’m working on, Psalm 103: 1-5 that He crowns me with His love and His compassion for He was crowned with hate, disgust, mocking so that He could shower me with His compassion, and love, and BOY do I need His compassion lately for my heart truly is deep swirling waters like Dee described in Idol lies!
I have to add that yesterday we had to shop for a new office chair for me at home. My shopping experience was a bit different than before our study here on the blog last week. 🙂
On to July 4th and the second part of Dee’s question. 😉 I’ve always been so thankful for our freedom and especially freedom to worship, though I can take that for granted.
As far as our country and putting that above God. Oh yes I have! It’s easy to tell when I have for I have degraded and began to hate people on the other side in the past. I did! 🙁 Through the years God’s changed me for I think we can learn from one another if we are viewing life through the lens of scripture and I did learn from the other side. My motto now is, I don’t trust my heart so I look to God in His Word. My identity is in Christ, not in my political persuasion though I vote conservative politically due to my pro-life and economics stance. That said, I’ve seen where I’ve been short sighted for example regarding immigration and helping the poor. It’s really sad that we can’t come together on those issues in order to work together to help. The issue of abortion is clear though and I refuse to vote for any candidate or party who are pro-abortion. I also think economic issues are important. Anyway, I hope I didn’t make anyone mad! That’s not my intention, though I do hope we can come together and see life through the same lens. God’s Word.
There is so much Spirit soaked sanity in Rebecca’s last paragraph — in my opinion! 🙂
Amen! Thank you, Rebecca!! I love that term, Dee: Spirit soaked sanity
He crowns me with His love and His compassion❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for sharing Rebecca!!
Rebecca,
I do agree with what you say, and I know we “align” on most political issues. The immigration one is tough. I do not believe we should just allow anyone into our country; that is irresponsible. Not only do we not have enough money, we do not have the resources to take in non-English speaking people into our schools, the justice system, or the medical system. It is putting HUGE pressure on these areas and they will eventually collapse. I see it in education. Many people coming are not good people. They are from around the world. The best example of this is the murder of Kate Steinle in California. She was killed out in the open by an illegal person who had been deported 6 times by the government. That should not happen to Americans.
What should happen is what we used to do in this country (I’m sure the laws are still on the books)….my family “sponsored” 4 Vietnamese “boat people” in 1973-74 when they were banished from their country. My dad was a Richard Nixon Republican and my mom was a staunch Democrat. They were both well educated (masters degrees). The Vietnamese could not speak a lick of English. I was 10-11 years old. There were 3 siblings and their cousin. Ages were about 25, 20, 19, and 14. One day they went to my dad and asked to go to the “welfare” office because their friends were doing that. Dad said, “No, we are going to the Social Security office. You are going to work.” They did and long story short, they became a Nun (Zung), and the brothers (Hoa and Tu) owned a restaurant in New Orleans; they were chefs. The youngest went to school with me and became a chemical engineer. I think she (Lan) worked for DOW chemical. This is how immigration should work. We, Americans choose to sponsor those who APPLY for citizenship. It should not be we the American people afraid for our lives because we are letting anyone and everyone into our country.
Finally (sorry), my son married a Swedish woman last year. She is not allowed to stay in our country for an extended period of time. Also, they are going to be living in The Netherlands because it costs so much to apply for her green card here, and takes so much time as well. I told them they should have flown into Mexico and come across the southern border like everyone else. Heck, they would have gotten a cell phone, money, and a free flight to New Hampshire! How is this right? Why can’t I say I will sponsor her so she can stay like the Vietnamese did?
Did you know that our government has collected 500-750 TRILLION dollars more last year compared to the year before? Where is that money?
Off the bandwagon…..
What a heritage — what a story about the Vietnamese refugees, Laura!
Yes, it is a beautiful story and I am happy we, as a family, had the experience. Unfortunately, we lost touch with them. My dad died a couple years after they came to live with us and when they went off on their own we didn’t stay in touch. I think I saw Lan on a Glenn Beck program about legal immigrants years ago, on Fox News. I always wanted to call to she and find out, but alas! My procrastination kicked in (or I was really overwhelmed with my teens at the time…). I would love to meet up with them ♥️
Laura, there is more than just one thing that I love about you! Your mind is amazing, clearly a gift! Your example with the Vietnamese refugees is truly an example of how things should be. They are taken in and taught to work and also have a place to live and thrive. I agree that we need to teach them to fish, but in the process as your example stated feed and clothe and share the Gospel with our generosity and our words.
Dee, is this the sermon?
https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/how-to-hate-your-parents/
Oh Sharon, thanks. I will fix this! I took it off to check and never put it back on!!!
1. How did you experience the riseness of Christ or see God at work in your life this week? What thoughts do you have on the above, with the 4th of July around the corner?
My husband hired somebody to do a retaining wall south of our property. He and his crew of two men worked steadily for 4 days this past week. It was great to visit with them when they were on break. I have made cookies for another occasion and gave some to them one day. There is nothing like food being a good conversation starter. (Smile)
The main guy stopped by on Friday and gave me the bill as Richard was out at a musical rehearsal. I did not look at it till he left. Whoa! I did not expect the bill to be so high. But I asked myself, “What do I know about things like these anyway?” I had to come to the Lord to check my heart attitude. I told Him I was grateful for providing money to pay the bill and for what was clearly an excellent job by this guy and his crew. A laborer is worth his hire.
But I told Richard I thought the bill was a little too high. He checked with the guy later and came to find out, that his secretary (wife-ahem), has made a mistake! It was way less (over a thousand dollars lesser) than what was in the invoice! I really believe God prompted both my husband and me to question the amount graciously. And we both felt like it was an honest mistake and was not a ruse to take advantage of us. I am very grateful.
I have to ponder for a little while my answer to the second question.
Oh Bing, no doubt did the Holy Spirit shine through you and your husband…“ I really believe God prompted both my husband and me to question the amount graciously.”
I love when things like that happen, Bing. I’m always glad that I kept a good attitude when things aren’t going as I think that they should.
Great story, Bing.
Oh, Bing! What a wonderful ending to your story. You and Richard are filled with grace.
I really hope to participate this week. There has been rain in my life lately and I never asked Him “out loud” to cause growth, but that is what He is doing. I have so much growing to do spiritually and He never promised that it would be easy and oh how I wish it was! I’m a work in progress and my prayer comes from Ephesians 1:17, Asking God…to give me spiritual wisdom and insight so that I might grow in my knowledge of Him.”
I am so glad this world is not my home and I’m just passing through and I always think of Daniel’s praise, “That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.””
Daniel 2:19-23 NLT
I keep this quote from Keller in mind when having disagreeing opinions…
“Tolerance is not approving an opinion you do not hold.
It’s about treating the person who’s saying what you can powerfully disagree with – with respect, humility, and love.”
Wonderful Keller quote, Sharon.
Amen! Love the Keller quote! So True!
You just don’t know how refreshed I was to read your opening paragraphs, Dee! My heart has been quite distressed in the past few days with the Supreme Court decision regarding Roe v. Wade. I was raised in the Bible Belt in the southeast in churches and Christian schools where God and country reigned as co-equals. In my observation, country has trumped God for allegiance and devotion. I, too, love my country dearly. However, I see it as one of the greatest idols of current American Christianity. And how true it is that Christians have marched and railed against the awfulness of abortion for many years, and yet usually do far too little to care for the needs of many desperate women and the children who are brought into this world unwanted and grow up in neglect and abuse. I have immersed myself in the world of this chaos when I planted my house in the middle of a black inner city neighborhood full of drugs and prostitution and severely neglected children. 35 years later, I am still here, but not with the same heart and outlook I had when I first moved into this neighborhood. My heart and soul have been deeply moved and exercised as I have lived among the down and out of this world. Sad to say, many Christians at church have looked the other way or downright condemned me, especially for bringing in dirty, misbehaved ruffians into a church service. I often had up to 10 ragamuffin kids tagging along with me on Sunday mornings as we went from church to church seeking a place where we would be welcomed. I had the blessing of raising some inner city children as my own and now have adopted international gypsy children. How much I have longed for the church to welcome and embrace my precious babies. A few have, and I am grateful. But most have held us at arm’s length. Yesterday, I posted an article encouraging the Christians who have fought for the overturn of Roe v. Wade to now step up to the plate and help these who will now find themselves with children they don’t want. It is a natural outworking of true religion and undefiled before God. Yet, my own brother-in-law, a staunch church member, berated me openly on Facebook for daring to suggest that he should have to do anything to support “the sinful choices of others.” I retorted that the children did not decide to be born and yet must suffer, and that we have all made poor choices and fallen short of the glory of God. My adopted daughter chimed in and told him off too. My children have keenly felt the non-support and unacceptance of my extended family, even though they are faithful members of sound churches. Someone anonymously reported my post to Facebook and the powers to be deleted my post and comments. It angered me that I was so silenced when I was only speaking up for truth, and yet I did come to realize that it was likely God protecting me and my babies from further hurt and anger from my own family and fellow believers. How refreshing to come here and find the same sentiments expressed in your opening comments. I have so much to say on this subject but I know I’ve said more than enough for now. God give me grace to speak the truth in love and not from the bitterness that often reigns in my heart, as that is not of God either. Thank you for your heart for the truth of God’s Word. May we all love Him supremely and seek to be His heart and light to a benighted world of sorrow and suffering.
Wow! Missy, I had no idea of your struggles. I am saddened that you and your “crew” have been treated that way, by Christians no less! UGH. Didn’t Jesus acknowledge and take on the “sinful choices of others?” How will people ever change if they are not led by love to do so? Plus, although I haven’t done some of the things others have, I have my own sin I must deal with too. Chin up! You are a brave woman; I admire your will to do what is right. Last bit of advice (if you want it)….get off and stay off social media. It is EVIL. I have never felt so free as when I did so a couple of years ago! Yee-haw!
Oh my, Miriam. What a surrendered life you live. I’ll pray Proverbs 16:7 for you “When a man’s ways please the Lord He makes even his enemies be at peace with him.” I know Proverbs are generalities and not promises, but can pray it will be true for you!
Wow, Missy! You have been through much sorrow and heartbreak, yet you are a beacon of light for Jesus. You are such an amazing woman of God! You are doing just what Tim Keller is telling us we need to be in order to follow Christ!! You have carried your cross for your beloved children. I totally agree with you that we all need to do much more to support all the children of this country and world. These children deserve care and love! My girls were not loved by their birth mother and they have suffered because of that. So many children are the victims of bad choices of adults! What a mission you have in your own neighborhood. It is sad to hear of churches that have held you at an arm’s length. I cannot understand this behavior, especially from Christians. Thank you so much for sharing this. I am copying this whole statement to re -read often. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts, Missy.
These words are perfect. I hope you write more. May God bless you and keep you and your children in His care every day.
How refreshing to come here and find the same sentiments expressed in your opening comments. I have so much to say on this subject but I know I’ve said more than enough for now. God give me grace to speak the truth in love and not from the bitterness that often reigns in my heart, as that is not of God either. Thank you for your heart for the truth of God’s Word. May we all love Him supremely and seek to be His heart and light to a benighted world of sorrow and suffering.
Not sure what is going on for me online these days! I don’t see number 1 on my phone OR on my computer (?). I am going to answer based on what others have posted.
1. We had our VBS at church this past weekend and I saw God in the faces of the children and the volunteers. So beautiful, in each and every way! I am thankful for programs like VBS. I learn so much and the kids and I continue to sing the songs year round. I even remember some from 25 years ago 😉
I guess I am conflicted on what you are calling “Christian Nationalism.” I am patriotic; my father and father-in-law both served in the military and were in WWII and the Korean War. I love that our country jumps up first to help others. I also believe that God placed America here to be the light for the world. Haiti has a hurricane, who sends money and resources? We do. It is what we do. I believe it comes from God. Whether people like it or not, God is threaded throughout our government, from scripture at the top of the Washington Monument, to a mural of Moses and biblical scenes in the Capitol building. I understand that God is first and I believe that being the country we are, reveals that.
On a side note….although it is good that Roe v Wade was struck from federal law, it does not mean that the protection of babies lives is occurring right now. This website makes me sick to my stomach, as many states have provisions where a woman may get an abortion up to the birth of the baby. It’s disgusting that anyone would think this is an okay practice. Check out this website:
https://datavisualizations.heritage.org/life/state-protections-for-unborn-children/?email_ID=87105
You are patriotic, not a Christian nationalist, Laura. I define a Christian nationalist as someone who has whitewashed our history and puts his faith in our government or particular leaders, though he may also claim to be a Christian.
Got it!
I didn’t see a #1 either, Laura.
Monday
2. Read Luke 14:25-27 and answer:
To whom is Jesus speaking and what does He tell them? He’s speaking to a large crowd that is following Him. ““If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.”
Comments? It seems like such a harsh thing in saying “hate everyone else”, but that is in comparison to wanting to be His disciple…He wants our whole devotion, the love of all our heart, soul, mind and strength towards Him. We can’t ride the fence as Satan owns the fence.
3. Listen through Keller’s first point in the sermon (Discipleship is not optional.)
A. What did Keller mean when he said there are not two kinds of disciples, that there are no double standards?
There is only one standard for the Christian, which means only one kind of disciple. Jesus has to be first… full complete sacrificial discipleship is the only thing we can do in order to relate to Him.
B. How does this impact you and why?
It is convicting, causes me to do some soul searching as to where I stand in all this. All I can say is the heart is willing but the flesh is weak. I am thankful for the glorious grace He has poured out on me because I belong to His dear Son.
C. What else, if anything, stood out to you from this section of the sermon?
To be a disciple is to be a Christian. He does not hide the cost and difficulty of being His disciple.
2. Read Luke 14:25-27 and answer: To whom is Jesus speaking and what does He tell them? Comments?
3. Listen through Keller’s first point in the sermon (Discipleship is not optional.)
A. What did Keller mean when he said there are not two kinds of disciples, that there are no double standards?
You are either in or out. You either carry the cross or you don’t. He is not sugar coating anything. He is upfront with all.
B. How does this impact you and why?
I can’t be a Christian on Sundays and Wednesdays, and then be a different person during the work week. I’m either a Christian or I’m not. I have really just learned this in the past few years. I am striving hard to be authentic as a Christian, period.
C. What else, if anything, stood out to you from this section of the sermon?
I guess what stands out is that I don’t have as hard of a time with this as others might. I lost my father at a young age, and my extended family is very small. My mom is deceased. I really feel like I have been mostly alone my whole life. I know I am married and have my own kids and grandkids, but it’s different than your actual mom, dad, sister, brother relationships. When God told me He would always be my Father (as my dad was dying), I took that as the way it would be; always. It will be hard to leave those I love in my family, but I know God is in charge.
Laura,
I love your answer to C.) Thank you so much! We, also, have a very small extended family. My husband was an only child and I had only one brother, who died in Feb. We have our kids and grandkids, a niece and nephew. Yet, my parents always taught us that God was our Heavenly Father and He would be with me no matter what. I cling to that still and feel that He is in charge in all things. It is so comforting and always has been.
I love this, Patti:
Yet, my parents always taught us that God was our Heavenly Father and He would be with me no matter what. I cling to that still and feel that He is in charge in all things. It is so comforting and always has been.
2. Read Luke 14:25-27 and answer: To whom is Jesus speaking and what does He tell them? Comments?
Jesus was speaking to large crowds and He tells them they must put Him first above family members and even above his/her own life or he cannot be His disciple. Whoever does not carry his cross and come after Me, cannot be My disciple. My Bible footnotes: The cross is an instrument of death and here it symbolizes the necessity of total commitment ~ even unto death. This all emphasizes the importance of real, true commitment, not just lip service or a “a fan club”.
3. Listen through Keller’s first point in the sermon (Discipleship is not optional.)
A. What did Keller mean when he said there are not two kinds of disciples, that there are no double standards?
There are not classifications of Christians: regular and devoted. Jesus has to be number one in your life always. He wants a full, complete and sacrificial commitment. I once read a comment on this~ “if it does not cost you something, it is not sacrificial.” This says it all.
B. How does this impact you and why?
This makes me know that I need to be much more diligent in so many things in my life, to truly follow Jesus. I need to guard my thoughts, actions and words every single minute. It is so easy to give in to my idols. I need to rely totally on Him for each day. I need to live for Him first each day.
C. What else, if anything, stood out to you from this section of the sermon? Loved it all.
Patti, the comment you quoted, “if it does not cost you something it is not sacrificial” is good and I continue to ponder what that looks like in my Christian walk.
I ponder this daily too, Sharon!
1. Where did you see God in your life this week?
We had a good few days away as a family and enjoyed the mountains and lake, hiking and fishing. I have been processing through a lot, reading some good books, and though in some ways I feel more stripped bare than ever, I also feel more loved by Him, closer to Him than ever in my life, and I am so thankful for the wounds that have brought me here.
2. Read Luke 14:25-27 and answer: To whom is Jesus speaking and what does He tell them? Comments?
Jesus is speaking to the crowds and tells them “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
I have not listened to Keller yet, but I think I have a glimpse of understanding of this now in my life. The people we tend to hold most dear as well as those who have the strongest hold on us, are able to keep us from walking as closely with Christ as we are called to. I know for me, the voice of my family can often speak louder to me than the voice of Jesus. I can easily become more committed to making them happy than to follow Him, and I can seek to find joy in them more than in Christ alone. In especially the last few years I have experienced such a “stripping” of family that I know for me, I would not have clung to Christ as I do now, if I had their approval, comfort, love. But I feel His love for me so strong, and I long to have it be my greatest pull, for Him to be the One who has the greatest hold on my thoughts, actions, heart.
This testimony from Lizzy is so on target for this sermon.
The people we tend to hold most dear as well as those who have the strongest hold on us, are able to keep us from walking as closely with Christ as we are called to. I know for me, the voice of my family can often speak louder to me than the voice of Jesus. I can easily become more committed to making them happy than to follow Him, and I can seek to find joy in them more than in Christ alone. In especially the last few years I have experienced such a “stripping” of family that I know for me, I would not have clung to Christ as I do now, if I had their approval, comfort, love. But I feel His love for me so strong, and I long to have it be my greatest pull, for Him to be the One who has the greatest hold on my thoughts
Lizzy, your time in the mountains sounded so wonderful and relaxing…it seems you had a spiritual revival on a personal level and experienced His awesome love for you❤️. He knows just what we need and when.
Oh, dear Lizzy! Your words so speak to my heart! It is so true that we need to listen to our Master’s voice above all other voices! You worded this so beautifully!!
Lizzy, so wonderful to meet with you here! Just reading your testimony has encouraged me today and this stood out, to have Christ be the One who has the greatest hold on my thoughts, heart and actions. So who has the greatest hold on my thoughts on a daily basis? That’s something I am going to specifically ask God in my quiet time this morning.
4. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. What has happened in your life when you have tried to fit God into your agenda instead of following His?
A mess for sure! Although we always went to church, we (our family) did not truly know Jesus. We went through the motions. We have definitely flipped it this time around. We have Jesus embedded into all of our days. Life is so much better this way! We have some wonderful help from the young families in our church. I SO appreciate them! They love the Lord and help us to remember what is the best way to live our life. Thank You Jesus for these young families at Centerpoint Community Church!
B. Practically speaking, what would a day look like when you were simply following His agenda?
Bible study in the morning, bible study in the evening, bible study at supper time! Seriously, I try my best to keep scripture in the front of my conscience all day long. It helps to remind me of what is truly important in our lives. When I have a problem I can ask Him for help. If He answers quickly then I know what to do. If I don’t hear from Him then I wait. It’s hard.
C. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
I don’t know if I can say that I truly come to Him for all the “right” reasons. Meaning I just want Him. I mean, He is all the good things in my life (marriage, relationships, etc.) but I do ask Him for help in these areas because I need help. It’s a fine line….how much do I want the good things in this life? What does wanting Him mean? If I only focus on Him aren’t I neglecting the things He has provided for me on Earth? The things right in front of me everyday? I guess I don’t really understand.
Keller quoted Lewis, that Aslan is not a tame lion. When we follow Jesus whole-heartedly, without our own agenda, we don’t know where it will lead. Linda Strom told me that when you try to use God for your own agenda, you miss the great God adventure.
4. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. What has happened in your life when you have tried to fit God into your agenda instead of following His?
It is never successful. My agenda is an idol and I need to bury that and not dig it up. My ideas of what I have wanted it life might be good, but they are not the BEST. God always has the BEST way, even if it takes time and has detours. He needs to be in the “Driver’s seat” in my life. I need to trust Him and be obedient, listening to Him for direction. His way is always good!
B. Practically speaking, what would a day look like when you were simply following His agenda?
When I am following His agenda, I start with prayer and my Bible. I let go of my expectations and I pray for direction from Him for my day. I am much more relaxed and I don’t get frustrated when my plans get rearranged~ because the plans for my day are in His and in His hands. I loved ” Throw away your script!”
C. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
This stood out to me: “You are not my disciple unless you come to Me and say: I am with You, whatever .” This study has always caused me to get out my book: Idol Lies. I am re-reading it and going over my original answers….helps me to see if I am growing. 🙂
”Throw away your script!” I like that!!!
So simple but so hard to do from Patti: When I am following His agenda, I start with prayer and my Bible. I let go of my expectations and I pray for direction from Him for my day.
And I too love Throw Away Your Script. Did Keller say that in this sermon?
Yes, Dee~ I think Keller did say that in this sermon….
He did, near the end.
Tuesday
4. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. What has happened in your life when you have tried to fit God into your agenda instead of following His?
It becomes self-centered and selfish.
B. Practically speaking, what would a day look like when you were simply following His agenda?
I like to start my day in prayer (doesn’t always happen like I want it to) but at least start out acknowledging Him and meditating on His Word. As I go through my day I ask God to help me recall His Word, whether it’s what I read that morning or am memorizing. I can tell when I’m following my agenda or His as I will either ignore (my agenda) or listen (His agenda) to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I must be in step/obedience to what He wants me to do. Of course this must take place while going through my daily activities. He quickens me to a thought, attitude or action that may not be pleasing to Him.
This is so good: He quickens me to a thought, attitude or action that may not be pleasing to Him. Thank you, Sharon!
Regarding the 4th of July: I am thankful for all the opportunities I have as an American citizen. I received my American citizenship in 1990 and that was a very special day for me. I value the freedoms that we have here not only as citizens but also as Christians. The day is just a faint whisper of the freedom that we have in Christ. And oh, what a cost for Him! I do not want to take it for granted.
I was reminded of this verse from I Peter 2: 16 Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but use it as bond-servants of God. NASB
Yes, we are citizens of a great country. But I need to be reminded, that when I accepted Jesus Christ, even though I live in this physical world, I must live like a citizen of heaven, and I am only passing through. “They pass their days upon earth, but they are citizens of heaven. Obedient to the laws, they yet live on a level that transcends the law.”
I love this article and I hope it will open for you: https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/christians-soul-world-diognetus/
Beautifully said, Bing! Love this: “They pass their days upon earth, but they are citizens of heaven. Obedient to the laws, they yet live on a level that transcends the law.”
Patti, “…living on a level that transcends the law”. What a challenge. Only through the Holy Spirit are we able to do this!
Thank you for the article Bing; very interesting!
Always special to think of you becoming a citizen, Bing.
Bing, thanks for this article…so appropriate, thanks!
Great article!
Thank you for this article.
Monday: Discipleship is Not Optional
From beginning to about 7:30 on the sermon. Luke 14:25-27
1. Read Luke 14:25-27 and answer: To whom is Jesus speaking and what does He tell them? Comments?
He was addressing everyone: His disciples as well as the large crowd that was following Him. The movie, The Chosen, just featured some clips of the feeding of the 5,000. I wonder out of those people became followers.
3. Listen through Keller’s first point in the sermon (Discipleship is not optional.)
A. What did Keller mean when he said there are not two kinds of disciples, that there are no double standards?
According to some people, there are 2 kinds of disciples: one kind is the regular who believe, they go to church and the second one is the devoted ones.
Jesus is upfront: He does not hide the cost. To be a Christian is to be a disciple. Jesus wants full discipleship. He wants Him to be first in my life if I want to be His disciple. Full complete sacrificial discipleship is the full requirement for being a Christian. Discipleship is not optional.
B. How does this impact you and why?
A question to ask myself-is Jesus REALLY the first place in my heart; Am I full-throttled in Him? Ouch, ouch.
C. What else, if anything, stood out to you from this section of the sermon?
Hate your father and mother MY way, not your way. Oh, wow! This really makes sense to me. I don’t think I fully understood this passage before. Not to hate them because they are raining on my parade; nor because they have boundaries, etc. Jesus’ way is a matter of Him being first and forsaking other loves.
Tuesday: Discipleship is Unpredictable
From about 7:30 to 12
Keller quoted Lewis, that Aslan is not a tame lion. When we follow Jesus wholeheartedly, without our own agenda, we don’t know where it will lead. Linda Strom told me that when you try to use God for your own agenda, you miss the great God adventure.
4. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. What has happened in your life when you have tried to fit God into your agenda instead of following His?
Not very good. I should not take God as an afterthought. This is more common than I want to admit. The Spirit is helping me, though. But take the example of prayer. Do I only come to Him as a last recourse? Do I go to Him first?
B. Practically speaking, what would a day look like when you were simply following His agenda?
There will be pauses to seek His will. To go with my “Jesus’ flow”. I find it amazing that when I go with my Jesus’ flow, my time is often used wisely and at a pace where I do not feel ragged and hurried. And even when my body is physically tired, my soul is refreshed. Joy and peace come as a result.
C. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
Come to me just for me and you will find everything that you are looking for. Throw away your script and do it gladly.
I thought of some of the training I have received with patients living with dementia. The speaker said you may have an agenda (like giving them a shower which is important) but do not push your agenda. Find where they are at and go with their flow. You may have accomplished a far better “agenda” and in the process even meet your care agenda!
And shouldn’t we be excited to know that even though discipleship is unpredictable, the one we follow is good though He may not be safe. For, after all, He is the King!
Great analogy from Bing:
I thought of some of the training I have received with patients living with dementia. The speaker said you may have an agenda (like giving them a shower which is important) but do not push your agenda. Find where they are at and go with their flow. You may have accomplished a far better “agenda” and in the process even meet your care agenda!
Bing, I SO “get” the dementia training you had, because it’s just like the kids (no more babies here…)! I have to definitely “go with the flow” some days 🙂 Not my schedule sometimes!
Monday: Discipleship is Not Optional
From beginning to about 7:30 on the sermon.
2. Read Luke 14:25-27 and answer: To whom is Jesus speaking and what does He tell them? Comments?
—In this passage Jesus is talking to everyone. Not just the 12.
Basically he says you have to put him ahead of everyone and everything else in your life. He is to have absolute first place. He requires total commitment.
3. Listen through Keller’s first point in the sermon (Discipleship is not optional.)
A. What did Keller mean when he said there are not two kinds of disciples, that there are no double standards?
—My son when preaching about this topic of discipleship tells the people in the church (Christ’s body) that there is no Varsity team and then a Jr. Varsity or second team. We are all on the very same team with the same level of commitment. God doesn’t give some people a higher place and others a lesser place. We are all on the same team with the same value to the team. We tend to think there are degrees of Christians and that it is ok to be that way. As if paid pastoral Staff and missionaries have a higher calling. But that is not true. We are all called to commit our lives to Him and serve accordingly where He puts us.
B. How does this impact you and why?
—It actually gives me value personally to know by giving my life completely to Jesus He is completely mine.
C. What else, if anything, stood out to you from this section of the sermon?
—The point that these hard sayings of Jesus are like hard Candy and take time to get down to the deeper layers and take time to absorb. Just by doing these sermons I am understanding them better after many years.
Love the analogy with no Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. Your son sounds like a good preacher!
Bev, I love your son’s way of preaching! Excellent points! God doesn’t give some people a higher place and others a lesser place.
I too like your sons analogy! My experience in being in churches where we’re looking for a pastor everyone works together but as soon as we get a pastor we all step back and “watch” so to speak, like he’s on a “better” team!!
Tuesday: Discipleship is Unpredictable
From about 7:30 to 12
Keller quoted Lewis, that Aslan is not a tame lion. When we follow Jesus whole-heartedly, without our own agenda, we don’t know where it will lead. Linda Strom told me that when you try to use God for your own agenda, you miss the great God adventure.
4. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. What has happened in your life when you have tried to fit God into your agenda instead of following His?
—I usually end up pretty frustrated with the results. People don’t shape up and fall into line like I would want them to. I end up disappointed.
Del Tackett of The Truth Project in his latest series called The Engagement Project says we all have our own script for our lives the way we want it to go. And we want everyone else to follow it too. So when people or even God messes up our script we get very unhappy. Same point Keller makes.
God has a better script for us to follow. God is way bigger than my little agenda and he can do far greater things if I will just submit all to him.
B. Practically speaking, what would a day look like when you were simply following His agenda?
—I think it would be less full of busyness and more oriented toward other people.
C. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
—Points that Keller makes are God will not be used. Don’t come to Him for your own reasons. Come to Him for Himself. For Who he is. Him alone.
I’m ashamed to admit I have spent way too much of my life coming to
God for some of those things Keller mentioned. What he could do for me and how he could improve my life and not coming to him just for him.
Tuesday
C. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
Jesus doesn’t want us to come to Him because we want to be a better wife, have a happy family or a more fulfilled life but He wants us to come to Him, for Him. Our life is the means and He is the end…not vice versa. We are His disciple when we come to Him and say, “I’m with you whatever.”
I’m with you whatever.
Reminds me of Ruth’s vows.
Dee, love that you brought up Ruth…what a good example😊
Keller quoted Lewis, that Aslan is not a tame lion. When we follow Jesus whole-heartedly, without our own agenda, we don’t know where it will lead. Linda Strom told me that when you try to use God for your own agenda, you miss the great God adventure.
4. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. What has happened in your life when you have tried to fit God into your agenda instead of following His? Whenever I do this and it doesn’t matter what it is, I feel distant from God like there is a huge boulder in the stream of intimacy.
B. Practically speaking, what would a day look like when you were simply following His agenda? I’m not sure because it would depend on what He puts in front of me. 🙂 I would be talking with him a lot more throughout the day but I think it would make the day a lot more exciting or adventurous, yet scary too!
C. What else stood out to you from this section and why? I think I’m getting what Jesus is teaching in this passage in Luke. It’s clearly how we order who we want to have intimacy with and love most and it has to be Jesus before anyone and anything else. That seems to be the theme of the old and new testament!
This is so true! Thank you Rebecca!!
Whenever I do this and it doesn’t matter what it is, I feel distant from God like there is a huge boulder in the stream of intimacy.
Wednesday: Discipleship is Emotional
5. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. How does the Rachel and Leah illustration help you, if it does?
—First of all it clarifies that Jacob didn’t feel a hatred as we think of against Leah but comparatively he emotionally loved Rachel far more deeply.
I think that helps give me perspective in some of my own relationships. I realize clearly that Jesus would require me to love others even the unlovely. And there are people in my life that I really like. But those relationships that Jesus lists of parents, spouse, children, siblings and close friends are some who I love much more deeply by comparison. Therefore it gives perspective to the kind of love God wants from me. A love above and far deeper by comparison of my best loves on earth.
B. Think of your greatest earthly love. How does your love for God compare?
—I would say it grows deeper all the time because I have just barely begun to understand and fathom the depth of his love. I’ve come to realize he is the high point of all loves in my life. And the most meaningful loves I have are ones that he is part of or in the middle of. My sweetest loves are made richer with people who love him too.
C. What might help you, do you think, to love God well — even passionately?
—Without question it involves time spent with him reading his Word and in prayer communicating with Him. We enjoy being with and close to those we love. Having a greater awareness of him as involved in all of my life and knowing he deeply loves and cares about all aspects of my life makes me want more of him. I quickly realize how dry I begin to feel when I short my time spent with him.
Frankly it also involves slowing down and being quiet before him and just meditating and being with him. Appreciating him and what he has created whether I am sitting up in the mountains observing his magnificent handiwork or in my back yard looking at a tiny flower in bloom, the warmth of sunshine and the clear call of a cardinal. As with my husband it is God’s small affectionate touches that stirs love in my soul.
And how has your love for God helped you to love others?
—If I put aside my own self focused preconceptions and critical eye toward others and let God show them to me through his eyes and his heart for them I soften greatly in my own heart for them. He sheds his love into my heart when I open my heart to love him more.
D. What did Augustine have to say about this? Comment?
—He talked about the fact that if something or someone is too important to your heart and you love them more than God in your life it will keep you from finding peace and freedom. I think that was that point?
E. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
—“You don’t love anything too much. You love Jesus Christ too little in comparison to them.”
This quote by Keller. I realize it is easy to get my loves inverted and love Jesus too little in comparison.
My goal is not to love others less. But to love him more.
Contemplating this from Bev: I’ve come to realize He’s the high point of all the loves in my life.
Elaborate, Bev!
I think like many others the loves of my life that I felt the deepest for were my husband, my children and grand children and some select other people in my life. Those I am closest too. It wasn’t until I clearly understood a few years ago how deeply and unconditionally He loved me that I began to see Jesus as the one perfect love in my life. He loves me perfectly and as we are studying this section I am being reinforced with my need to love Him foremost above all other loves in my life. But the beauty in his love for me is that it enhances all my other loves.
I love this, Bev!! But the beauty in his love for me is that it enhances all my other loves.
Beautiful, Bev.
5. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. How does the Rachel and Leah illustration help you, if it does?
I suppose it helps. I think the word hate is too engrained in my brain though. It’s hard to imagine it as something else. To me he is saying that Jacob didn’t love Leah “as much.” I get that.
B. Think of your greatest earthly love. How does your love for God compare?
I feel like I am deficient in love. What is love? The closest I think I have ever felt to true love is when I had my first child. My husband love is different than that love. My parents love was different than that. I do love the Lord, but I’m not sure how…..
Wednesday: Discipleship is Emotional
From about 12 to 24
This week I’ve been listening to Ann VosKamp’s Way Maker. She tells how as a newlywed she couldn’t relax during intimacy and it troubled her husband, who asked her what he was doing wrong. She said “It isn’t you, it’s me. I don’t feel good about myself and it makes me tense.” Her counselor told her to pray for self-forgetfulness, so that she could love her husband well and find joy.
I think there is a parallel here.
5. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. How does the Rachel and Leah illustration help you, if it does?
Jacob’s love for Rachel is more than his love for Leah. He does not actively hate Leah.
This reminded me of my wedding vows…promise to love, honor, cherish and be faithful to her through sickness and adversity, as well as health and prosperity, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live?”
I think this means that in forsaking others, you have to “hate” them in comparison to the one you have chosen to love. If there is ever an iota of interest in my heart that is not Richard, then I should hate that person, or I would not be loving my husband fully.
So it is with my love for Jesus. See my answer to B
B. Think of your greatest earthly love. How does your love for God compare?
I am sorry to say that my great earthly loves are more than I love Jesus. I take Him for granted knowing He is always there for me. I get so busy loving my earthly loves in many ways that I often delegate Jesus to the periphery. Jesus, forgive me and help me love you above all.
C. What might help you, do you think, to love God well — even passionately? And how has your love for God helped you to love others?
To seek Him first before I start my day. To be verbal about my love for Jesus and to be in a posture of gratitude.
Only when I allow the Spirit to enable me to love others I can do so. My auto-response is often to judge people according to my standards.
D. What did Augustine have to say about this? Comment?
The key to transformed character, great life, courage, forgiveness, peace, and a great heart that you want to have is the right ordering of our loves.
I truly believe this. It is so obvious that I still couldn’t see this kind of ordering my loves sometimes even if it is in front of my face. I must pray to the Spirit to help me discern it when the ordering of my love is not right.
E. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
Self-forgetfulness. Wow! The enemy is just like the wily coyote. He takes my eyes away from the truth (deny yourself, forget self) and tells me lies (you need to think of yourself also. See, he just added the word “also” and it made it more palatable to me, but oozing with pride).
Bing, your comments on self-forgetfulness stand out to me. That is just so true!
Oh, Bing! So true! The wily coyote!!! Self-forgetfulness. Wow! The enemy is just like the wily coyote. He takes my eyes away from the truth (deny yourself, forget self) and tells me lies (you need to think of yourself also. See, he just added the word “also” and it made it more palatable to me, but oozing with pride).
C. What might help you, do you think, to love God well — even passionately? And how has your love for God helped you to love others?
Not sure? Continuing my studies about Jesus? Reading my Bible and trying to understand how much God loves his people? Putting myself in the stories (but I don’t think we are supposed to do that for some reason?) Imagining myself in heaven with Him?
I definitely have changed how I view people based on my learning more about who Jesus was. I am less judgmental, less harsh, more forgiving, etc.
“I definitely have changed how I view people based on my learning more about who Jesus was. I am less judgmental, less harsh, more forgiving, etc.”
This made me smile!
Wednesday
5. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. How does the Rachel and Leah illustration help you, if it does?
Jacob didn’t actually hate Leah but compared to how much he loved Rachel, his attitude toward Leah looked like hate. This does help because Jesus is using the word hate in the same way…I am to love Him above all other kinds of love…familial, sexual and friendship. In comparison, those lives should pale in comparison to my love for Him!
Thursday: Discipleship is to Die with Christ
From about 24 to 29:30
6. Read Luke 14:27. What does it say?
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
What does this mean to you practically?
—It is about the cost of discipleship. It’s one thing to come to Christ for salvation. Jesus offers salvation to all and wants all to come to him but discipleship requires a choice to count the cost of following Jesus. We have looked at the reality of putting the Lord as first in all our loves and if I commit to be his disciple then my cross is a place of death to my own agenda for my life. In discipleship my life has to become one of obedience to him. It is my agreeing to do what he wants me to do and go where he wants me to go.
7. Listen to Keller through this point and share what stands out to you and why.
—It was good to be reminded of where I am positionally in Christ. I died with Christ when I accepted what he did on the Cross for my salvation. He paid the price for my sin and overcame the power of death. Keller said we need to practice self-forgetfulness and live everyday in the shadow of the Cross which obtained our salvation.
I think of Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Wednesday
B. Think of your greatest earthly love. How does your love for God compare?
I can’t honestly say it pales in comparison in my love for God. My greatest earthly love has skin, I can touch, I can have a conversation, have a request that gets a reply…sometimes my love for God seems so distance or maybe it’s not my love but just not being able to touch, converse or receive an instant reply. This is a good question and as you can tell I’m struggling with it…I feel like Mary Magdalene at the tomb, I just want to touch Him, to sit with Him, to know that He really is listening but I also know this is where faith comes in.
C. What might help you, do you think, to love God well — even passionately? And how has your love for God helped you to love others?
I really don’t have a great and spiritual answer for this. I know God is real and I desire to love Him well, so I just have to believe that He knows my heart, my desire.
My love for God has helped me love others with grace, compassion and selflessness.
I love this, Sharon: I feel like Mary Magdalene at the tomb, I just want to touch Him, to sit with Him, to know that He really is listening but I also know this is where faith comes in. So honest and true…I can relate. I want to touch Him and sit with Him.
And this: My love for God has helped me love others with grace, compassion and selflessness. How I pray to be like this.
“I can honestly say it pales in comparison in my love for God.”
That is saying so much about your heart!
Oh Dee, I wish that was my heart but I said “I can’t honestly say it pales…🥲
5. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. How does the Rachel and Leah illustration help you, if it does?
Jacob loved Leah and she bore him many children, but he was passionate in his love for Rachel. That love was where his heart was centered.
B. Think of your greatest earthly love. How does your love for God compare?
The older I get, the more I see that I have spent time in my life making idols of my husband, children, grandchildren and maybe even friends, at times (in addition to idols of approval etc.). I have learned that I ultimately need to love Jesus first, the most, to trust Him the most, to depend on Him the most. When my heart is centered on Jesus, the other relationships fall into place. It is a daily choice and it is easy to be distracted from this goal. The world pulls us to itself, but we must always keep the pull of Jesus stronger.
C. What might help you, do you think, to love God well — even passionately? And how has your love for God helped you to love others?
I love Tim Keller’s idea (and Ann Voskamp’s counselor too) of “self forgetfulness”. I have Tim Keller’s booklet on this and it is excellent. This is a quote from the back cover of his booklet: “He is not after some superficial tinkering, but instead, deep rooted, life altering change that takes place on the inside….A truly gospel-humble person, is not a self hating person or a self loving person, but a self forgetful person.” This phrase could be a whole study! Self forgetfulness helps me to look at the needs of others and to love them right where they are. I pray to be perceptive to the needs of others and to just be available to listen or pray or help.
D. What did Augustine have to say about this? Comment?
St. Augustine: The essence of being a Disciple: the key to transform character, to a great life, to forgiveness, to courage, to commitment, to peace to a great heart -is the right ordering of our Loves.
E. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
I come back to the idea of self forgetfulness so often in my life and I love the way you have included it, Dee. I have loved these “hard sayings of Jesus”. It is drawing me deeper into seeing the importance of following the way Jesus walked. He did not take things personally. He lived a life totally focused on the Father and on drawing others to the Father. How I long to live that kind of life.
Patti! You just reminded me that I have the book on self forgetfulness by TK too! I bought it and never read it….I do that a lot! UGH. Never enough time. I am going to try to get some of it read now 😉.
What a gem from Keller (and Patti!)
A truly gospel-humble person, is not a self hating person or a self loving person, but a self forgetful person.”
Lord help me to be self forgetful!
5. Listen to Keller through this point and answer:
A. How does the Rachel and Leah illustration help you, if it does? It helps me to understand that what Jesus is saying in the passage means to love Him more compared to my family, etc. He means to pour out all kinds of passionate, delightful and more love on Him, It doesn’t mean to literally hate anyone.
B. Think of your greatest earthly love. How does your love for God compare? OUCH. oooooh..I can so easily pour out my love on the greatest earthly love I’m thinking about more than God. 🙁
C. What might help you, do you think, to love God well — even passionately? And how has your love for God helped you to love others? I think memorizing His Word really helps for He wants to continue soaking in layer after layer of the Gospel inside me so that my passion bubbles up and pours out onto Him so much so that I am more and more careful with what I say and do because my desire and passion is to let His Holy Spirit inside me direct me. So what flows out of my life is not thinking of myself but pouring out His love on others. I’m memorizing Psalm 103: 1-5 right now and whoa is that a balm.
D. What did Augustine have to say about this? Comment? The key to transformation is the right ordering of our lives.
E. What else stood out to you from this section and why? You are not a disciple unless you are emotional about me. That is what Jesus is saying. He could have said he needs to be more important than anything or anyone else which he does say in other passages, but in this one he wants every kind of love from me that I would normally pour out on other things or on other people flooding over Him.
So true on memorization! Since Twila moved away I haven’t been as good about it.
This made me smile:
I’m memorizing Psalm 103: 1-5 right now and whoa is that a balm.
Wednesday
D. What did Augustine have to say about this? Comment?
The essence or key to a transformed character, a great life, courage, forgiveness and peace is not will power or working hard but the ordering of loves. The love of Jesus Christ has to be so real to us that it eclipses all other loves…hating these things comparatively.
E. What else stood out to you from this section and why?
To be a disciple we must be emotional. This stood out to me because it has always been impounded in me that our relationship with Christ can’t be based on emotion. It seems there must be a balance.
Thursday
6. Read Luke 14:27. What does it say?
“If you do not carry your own cross and follow Me, you cannot be My disciple.”
What does this mean to you practically?
I like what the Amplified version says in parentheses, “expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come.” And “believing in Him, conforming to His example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying of faith in Him.” “Crucifixion is metaphorically used of the renunciation of the world, that characterizes the true Christian life.” (Vines)
Just as Christ walked to His self-death, so must I.
7. Listen to Keller through this point and share what stands out to you and why.
This stood out to me as it brought clarity for me…”To take up the cross means putting ourselves in the place of the condemned criminal and putting myself in the place of this condemned criminal (Jesus) is that everyday (die daily) when I get up I remind myself of who I am in Christ…I have died, I’ve nothing to prove, I’m accepted. Everyday I live in the shadow of the cross.”
Friday
8. Listen to the end and answer:
A. Keller said to drop your conditions. Why is this important?
With no conditions we are able to follow Him no matter what. A person under the cross is under arrest…we’re no longer our own, no longer a dependent person. As long as we have Him we have no need to be bound or influenced by what others may say or think.
B. What point did he make about patience and why? How might you apply this?
Discipleship is gradual, crucifixion is a slow process, we aren’t zapped into having this life instantly and He is ready to be patient with us.
I need to be patient with myself as well, not beating myself up over failures but rather grow from them.
5D. What did Augustine have to say about this? Comment?
“The key to a great life is the right ordering of our loves.”
I have always heard “God, husband, family” from somewhere 🤷🏻♀️. It is an ordering, as Keller and St Augustine are suggesting. I suppose I love God first? I follow what I believe are His ways mostly. I think it’s easier to love the tangible husband and family though. They are right in my face. With God, I have to remind myself constantly He is there. I do know that I have learned when I struggle through the awful parts of my life, there is a beautiful reward at the end. This makes me want to know how He will reward me through the next awful parts of my life. It’s the anticipation. He is good. So good.
I am so grateful He has brought you to this sweet time, Laura.
Yes Dee, me too. It means I can look forward to the next struggle instead of dread it. I am in the midst of a personal one right now and He is here. I often recite Rebecca’s statement that she knew He wouldn’t leave her in pain. It helps me remember. Thanks be to God for Godly reminders here on Earth.
I pray for you frequently, Laura. I can see the change he has brought about in you. You have a influence on your grandchildren!
6. Read Luke 14:27. What does it say? What does this mean to you practically?
I have to carry my own cross and be able to relate to Jesus by doing so. I guess part of my cross is losing my dad at a young age. I had to live a different life from other kids. No dad at my high school and college graduations, no giving me away at my wedding, no grandfather for my kids, etc. when challenges occur I need to think of His death and resurrection. I need to remember the joy in the morning!
7. Listen to Keller through this point and share what stands out to you and why.
I remember I have TK’s book on self forgetfulness! I am definitely going to read it. I like his points on no self loathing. Ego crucifixion! I struggle with this and it is so freeing to be able to forget myself and focus on Him.
6. Read Luke 14:27. What does it say? What does this mean to you practically? Whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow Him can’t be His disciple. I need to take up my cross daily and follow Him. Practically it means to daily die to myself.
7. Listen to Keller through this point and share what stands out to you and why.
Taking up the cross is to put myself in the place of a condemned criminal. Realize when Jesus died, you died. Jesus is saying Identify with me. Set your mind on things above… I died. My life is hidden with Christ in God. The minute I became a christian I died on the cross and was buried with Him. As far as God sees me I’ve paid it all via Christ. Remind myself daily of who I am in Christ, not beat myself up for my failures. I need to daily remind myself that I am approved and accepted. Whatever I am doing I am doing in the fullness of what He did for me. I am being called to an ego crucifixion. Self forgetfulness is what I’m being called to. I have nothing to prove to anyone, I know who I am in Him. That makes those big things in this world that can crash me become so little compared to who I am in Christ. I don’t care if I don’t get that job or I’m snubbed, etc.
8. Listen to the end and answer:
A. Keller said to drop your conditions. Why is this important? You don’t walk under the cross and say, this isn’t working for me. When you are under the cross you are under rest. Jesus is saying you can do without everyone you love as long as you have me.
B. What point did he make about patience and why? How might you apply this? Discipleship is gradual. Scripture doesn’t say to zap it out of existent. Crucifixion is a slow and painful death. He says take up your cross..not gun, or electric chair, so that means He is patient.
Friday: Discipleship is Unconditional and Gradual
From 29:30 to the end
8. Listen to the end and answer:
A. Keller said to drop your conditions. Why is this important?
—Any conditions we put on our discipleship will hinder us from giving Jesus absolute first place in our lives. Keller said there is an all or nothingness to it. There is a finality to our decision to commit and follow Him. It puts us under arrest. We are no longer our own when we choose to follow Jesus.
I think it is important make up our minds and settle in our hearts that to follow Him is the direction we will go. Vacillating creates instability. The call is clear and commitment should be clear as well. It is what keeps us going when it gets tough. And it does and will get tough. But we are never ever alone.
B. What point did he make about patience and why?
—Keller says crucifixion is a slow death. It’s painful and it takes time. It is not immediate. But Jesus is ready to be patient. That says to me it is never an easy process and it takes time to come to a real understanding of what Jesus is asking.
How might you apply this?
—The fact that Jesus is patient should cause me to appreciate Him more and encourage me to count the cost as I establish the commitment of my heart to Jesus and my desire to follow him. The end result will be worth it all.
8. Listen to the end and answer:
A. Keller said to drop your conditions. Why is this important?
If you have accepted Him, and take up your cross, it means that you are “under arrest.” You are no longer an individual. It is unconditional and that means no matter what. It means that you can “…do without your family if you have Me.” You are bound to Him. If there are any “ifs” then you are not serving Him at all. It won’t be a fast conversion and He knows this and is patient. You can’t live in both worlds. You are either taking up the cross or you are not. The bible says you can only serve one master. Living in both worlds is fake. He knows where your heart lies. I think the hardest thing for me is when my family members do not see this.
B. What point did he make about patience and why? How might you apply this?
He said that crucifixion is a slow death. It is painful. God knows this and will wait for you. Your conversion will not happen overnight. I am definitely going through this currently! After 50+ years. Wow. I can remember to look to Him when I am in an earthly “pickle” and know that He has the correct answer for me if I just listen and wait (SO HARD). I will make mistakes because I am human.
Oddly enough, I am finishing reading The Cross and the Switchblade and the stories of the drug addicts’ conversions is remarkable. Some had setbacks, but when they received the Holy Spirit via baptism, the setback was not as harsh as it should have been (compared to addicts who did not receive the Holy Spirit). They prayed when they were at their weakest point. I was able to go to a service that David Wilkerson preached, gosh, probably 12 years ago, in NYC at The Times Square Church, with a friend. I didn’t know who he was at the time. He died in 2011 in a car accident. His book is making me think. I like that 🙂
9. What is your take-a-way and why? I listened to the sermon twice, there is so much there to absorb. What stands out most to me is that taking up your cross/discipleship is a process not a quick one time event. Hating your parents, family, etc. is a comparison. Your regard for those people and things should look like hate compared to your love for Christ.
While I wouldn’t say that I beat myself up over my failures as a Christian, I have found that the first thing that I do is berate myself. I call myself all kinds of negative things. This is a self focused and not Christ focused. I need to repent for making it about me and my failures instead of about him, his grace and mercy, and the price he paid for my failure.
Dawn, I love everything about your takeaway, especially about being Christ-focused and not about us.
Saturday
9. What is your take-a-way and why?
This was such a good study this week. Convicting and thought provoking. I also enjoyed everyone’s input…lean so much!
My desire is to put into practice what I have learned, such as “self-forgetfulness”, “throwing away my script”, and remembering that “discipleship is gradual, like crucifixion is a slow death.” I’m so thankful that He is patient with me and may I in turn be patient with others and myself. And may my love for family and friends pale in comparison to my love for Him!
Even though I missed a couple of days, I want to chime in and share my takeaway:
Discipleship is a process and Jesus is patiently working in me to where He wants me to be.
Self-forgetfulness will be a daily challenge but I have the Holy Spirit in me to make this possible. I will keep on looking to Jesus as my example.
May Jesus be my first love, above all other loves this world has to offer.