When reading through the Bible, Keller said that sometimes you come across a passage that may be challenging, and instead of digging in, you say “Hmmm,” and just skip to the next. John 3:22-36, particularly 31-36, could be one of those, so even though this is a very mature group, I believe digging in will result in AHA moments. The tape begins several minutes in. You do not hear the reading of this passage, and perhaps Keller showed a clip from the movie “Witness” with Harrison Ford, for he refers to the movie, and wouldn’t have been legally allowed to tape it and sell the tape. (Or the person recording just got a late start!)
“Witness” is the story of a little Amish boy who is the only witness to a policeman committing a brutal murder. He is then hunted down by the policeman and his allies. The boy is the only witness who knows the truth. Here’s the clip.
Keller says in the sermon: “Just like in the movie, Jesus knows the truth, but the truth is lethal to his opposers, so they hunt him down.”
There are so many times when God’s ways are confusing to us, or His commands are challenging. Keller opens with a great word picture of how the testimony from above has so much more clarity than the testimony from below. Imagine being behind a slow vehicle on a long and winding road, and you want to pass, but you just can’t see if it is safe. A helicopter pilot, however, has the clarity from above and could tell you:
“Don’t do it!” Or, “Go ahead — it’s clear for miles!”
That’s the clarity of the testimony from above.
One of Keller’s famous tweets is:
If we knew what God knows, we would ask exactly for what he gives.”
The Sermon: Witness
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/witness-5467/
The Transcript
Sunday:
1. How have you experienced the presence of God this week?
2. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Monday: The Text
Last week we considered what it meant to be born of the water and the Spirit and looked at the prophecy in Ezekiel 36:25-26 with the water representing the cleansing that comes from the Spirit, and then the Spirit representing His coming to live in us. “After this” there is controversy.
3. Read aloud John 3:22-26
A. With what two words does this section begin? Relevance?
B. What is happening here? What concern do the disciples of John have?
C. Do you see any parallels with jealousy among churches? What should we learn from this?
4. Read aloud John 3:27-30
A. Meditate on this and share your observations.
A. How does John answer them by first, explaining his purpose?
B. What word picture does he then give and how does this explain his point?
5. Read aloud John 3:31-36
A. Meditate on verse 31. Who is John the Baptist talking about and why is His vision superior?
B. How are people responding to the testimony from the One from above according to verse 32?
C. What do you learn about the one who does accept His testimony?
D. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 34 and 35?
E. What great divide is explained in verse 36?
Tuesday: Clarity
Listen up to about 8:30 when he moves into “Lifestyle”
6. Keller says Jesus brings clarity to the mystery of your jigsaw puzzle life. How has Jesus brought clarity to the mystery of your life and helped all the pieces fit together?
7. Jesus is the authoritative truth-teller. Keller said it is possible to go after Jesus yet reject his testimony. What did he mean and how does this relate to you?
8. What was Keller’s point with the helicopter analogy? How you could apply this right now?
9. How did John the Baptist have the right attitude?
10. Did anything else stand out to you? If so, what?
Wednesday: Lifestyle – Believing What Jesus Believes
Listen up to about 16:45 when he says “A Witness Brings Authority”
I have personally found that in our crazy mixed-up world, instead of trying to defend things the world accepts about gender, or sex, or abortion is usually counter-productive, but sometimes a simple “I believe what Jesus believes” is powerful.
10. Jesus has the clarity and authority to tell us how to live. What were some of the areas that Keller mentioned concerning this? You may think of others. Take an area where you struggle with His authority and contemplate why you do and how you could talk to your soul.
11. He said if we reject seeing sin in ourselves, we are rejecting the testimony from above. We need to regularly pray for God to search our hearts — how well do you do at this?
Recently while speaking locally I told a story I’ve told before about my friend Marty who didn’t think she was a sinner. I didn’t respond to her but I prayed and God showed her. I asked her before I spoke how He did that and got more of the story. She said, “I was so frustrated about the whole sin thing I decided not to go to Bible study that day but to ride my bike. While I was riding He showed me my sin, but then how much He loved me. I was overwhelmed.” That is why she came in late to Bible study so excited! It made realize when I really am upset with someone to pray that God will show us both our sin — for He can do it!
87 comments
1. How have you experienced the presence of God this week?
I have been at peace with my struggle, in life, this week. God is with me.
2. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Oh how wonderful it would be to have the knowledge of what’s ahead in my life so as to make the right choices in difficult situations!
Good to hear of His Peace, Laura.
Yes — why we must ask Him for wisdom, as James exhorts!
Laura, It is good to hear that you are experiencing His peace after your recent struggles with your feelings. He is faithful. 😊
Thank you Lord, for the peace you are giving Laura. Thank you for sharing, Laura.
Laura, peace from God about our lives is a beautiful thing!
1. How have you experienced the presence of God this week?
I’ve found myself in awe of our God who is a God of Love and of wrath. I’ve sensed God’s presence as I’ve meditated and pondered on last week’s study.
As far as an ‘event’ last week. (long story, but it’s kind of funny, and yet amazing.), I ran over a pillow on a side street on the way to work. 🙂 I thought I cleared it, but it stuck to the bottom of my car. While on the highway I was listening to a sermon and at the same time sinning via my anger. 😉 Venting to myself and God about something my husband said that morning that angered me. At that point I didn’t care about my self pointed anger. In my peripheral vision I saw a car pacing me in the fast lane, and I mumbled to myself, “that figures, everyone is always in a hurry! I’m going 8 miles an hour over the speed limit but that’s not good enough!?”. lol. Anyway, I ignored him, then another car paced me and I thought, oh no, something might be up. So I glanced over and she pointed at me and mouthed, “Your car is on fire!!” “Your car is on fire!!”. So I immediately pulled onto the shoulder of the highway. She pulled over too. She got out of her car and said, hurry get out of your car, but my mind works like a task list, so I thought and prayed, Lord, I’m okay if I live or die right now but if I live and my car burns, I don’t want my purse, laptop or garage door openers burned because it’s a pain to replace them and besides, if my car blows up I get to be with you face to face! I have nothing to be afraid about. As I saw the smoke rising up on the side of my door, I grabbed everything including my coffee in my arms as it spilled all over my skirt and the door of my car.
So I got out of the car, and we went to the back to look and saw a pillow on fire about six feet away from the back of my car. It dislodged when I pulled over though I don’t understand how there could be smoke coming up the side of my door if the pillow was that far behind me. She said, “Oh praise God, I was worried about you but am glad that you are all right and your car seems okay.” I sensed she knew the Lord. I thanked her but didn’t get a chance to ask her.
The burn marks under my car show that the pillow was on fire and close to my gas tank. There is so much that could’ve happened that would be disastrous if that pillow dislodged on the highway. I believe God protected me but also wondering if God was reminding me of what really matters. My time is short. This definitely took my attention off of my frustrations and back onto Christ! I didn’t see this as a punishment for venting to God, but as a distraction from the things that I waste my time thinking about. My time here on earth is short. We are pilgrims here for such a short time. So I asked God to help me be aware today of those around me who need Him. This definitely isn’t our home, and praise God it isn’t.
Oh my goodness, Rebecca. The Lord was surely watching out for you!!!
Just waiting on my husband before we head out the door to church and read your account of the burning pillow. Oh My!!!! God at his best looking after his Rebecca. Girl you keep this blog interesting in unusual ways but again I love your transparency and your assessment of the “distraction”.
Oh, Rebecca! Wow! And the fury in the driver next to you, was a protection from our Heavenly Father! So thankful you are are safe!!I can get so distracted by the truly unimportant things in life, and miss the big picture! What a great lesson!
Rebecca: “I didn’t see this as a punishment for venting to God but as a distraction from the things that I waste my time thinking about. My time here on earth is short.” I could easily have felt guilty for ranting about my husband if I were in your place (and have been there) and could be tempted to consider the incident as a punishment from God. Your view of the experience as a distraction from the things that I could waste my time on is so spot on for me. Indeed, our time here on earth is short.
Thank God for watching over you and for sharing your experience. You have refreshed my spirit.
Thank God you are okay. I admire you response to pray and trust
Your amazing story speaks a lot to me. I’m so glad God spared you and that others were willing to stop you.
Oh my gosh! A scary story and look how calmly you handled it! I would have been so afraid of what if??? Thank You Jesus for protecting Rebecca.
1. How have you experienced the presence of God this week? Rebecca’s story took my breath away. Our Father in heaven is so present!! I had a little wake up call of love and fury too. …Rabbit trail …… I had a difficult morning with my husband and his memory issues on Saturday and I was crying out to God, to hear some positive message from Him. A few hours later, I was praying, as I was walking my dog through a greenbelt close to home. I suddenly caught the edge of my shoe on a tiny root sticking up and I tumble forward. When I landed, my ring finger top digit bent backwards and split the inside of my finger and did something to the bottom joint. It was so painful and looked broken ~I straightened the bent joint.(ouch) I quickly called my granddaughter to come over to stay with her Papa. She was so happy to do that. On the way to the ER, I was praying…really Lord, am I going to hear positive messages from You at the ER?? ( ER=a most feared place in my heart) I had a sweet young woman check me in and after several x-rays, a long stay and some very lovely and kind caretakers, who seemed to be heaven sent, the dr. told me I was very fortunate and just had a bad sprain. When I say “Oh, Praise the Lord”, she said “Yes!” He heard my prayers! He answered it in a place I fear…..How God’s love and fury showed up and how it immediately re-set my priorities. I heard messages sent by Him, through several of these caretakers. I always ask if there is a story with their artwork, if they have tattoos ….and I heard sweet stories in an unexpected time and place. The nurse who dressed my hand, was wearing a cross that his grandmother had given him just before she died. And as I drove home, crying with joy, I knew He showed up and gave me those specific “angels unaware” to speak to my soul. I am refreshed and I much as I REALLY DO NOT LIKE hospitals, I returned home with a thankful heart for the way God answered so many prayers.
Patti, so good for God to take what was a frightening and painful experience and turn it around to refresh your soul. I had no doubt that He was speaking to you and know that your heart is in the right place-willing to listen to His voice and to have him take care of you. Happy to read of your granddaughter helping. Continuing to pray for you and Ronny; I can see how memory issues can be complex for you. Seeing his frailty must be hard for you as well. I am blessed by your positive spirit.
I love this Patti! How you could have been self-concerned and rightly so for you were in a lot of pain both physically and mentally, but you were other centered by asking your caretakers the story behind their tattoos. Like Christ! I see how God was before you, beside you, above you, around you, and in you. I’m sure your caretakers saw Him in you too.
Patti, So sorry to hear about your fall and the resulting ER visit. But blessed by your account of how God was there for you with the caregivers. Praying it heals well for you. You asked in your last post yesterday about my mother. She remains the same and is doing ok. She doesn’t really have any clarity about time, dates or details but just mostly sleeps. But my sis and I are grateful that she knows us and is sweetly appreciative of when we come to see her. The light in her eyes and the sweetness of her smile blesses us both. We don’t see any significant changes in her physically at this time. We are all just waiting on Jesus. Thank you so much for praying for her. You bless my heart greatly.
Thank you all for your sweet comments. My hand is healing well. Thank you for the update on your sweet Mom, Bev. Praying for Jesus to uphold all of you, as He prepares a sweet place for her, in His time.
Oh my Patti — I don’t even know what to think about that. I’m so sorry about your fall. I’m glad you felt cared for at the hospital. Oh my.
Thank God you are okay. I admire your response to pray and trust and remain calm.
Dear Patti! You are going through such hard trials. I’m so glad God revealed Himself to you even at a place and time full of fear and pain. You are so precious to Him.
Patti! I just read your story! Oh my what a terrible fall but wonderful ending with God in charge ♥️. I can’t stand hospitals either, and same for the ER. I’m so thankful it was only a sprain too! God knows just what we need at all times.
Sunday:
1. How have you experienced the presence of God this week?
Our very trustworthy and excellent church nursery worker of 2 years, Anneliese, is leaving for college this fall. We have prayed for her replacement for a while now and the pool of possible “candidates” in our small town is minimal. I have tried asking around and was getting a little impatient. But God…He always does things well. He sent, not just one, but two (and they are sisters!) to either take turns with or help each other. We do have another high school girl who attends our church with her family who promised to pitch in periodically.
Last Thursday, we had 15 little ones at our Annual Children Summer Fellowship and these 2 sisters came with Anneliese. I watched as they interacted with the kids. I felt God winking at me and pointing to the girls as His provision. On a side note, their mother is a single mom who belongs to an organization I am a part of. We have had a little “rough” time this past year getting to work together as officers, so this connection is very significant to me. God is doing a great thing in this family. And in me as well.
2. What stands out to you from the above and why?
what stood out to me was the illustration of the helicopter having clarity from above and Tim K.’s quote. If we knew what God knows, we would ask exactly for what he gives.” I also remembered the phrase, “Our Heavenly Father knows best.” He does for sure and if I could just be patient while waiting on Him. And to stay rooted in His Word, the truth.
So thankful for God sending workers — sisters, even!
So thankful for such a sweet answer for you and for this family. I love how Jesus weaves us all together in answers to prayer.
1. How have you experienced the presence of God this week? In church this morning preacher talked about birth of their second son ( 4th child) on Wednesday. Their other son was so excited to have a brother that when they let him hold baby he just beamed and started to hum over him. The child had never done that before. Preacher said that is a picture of God singing over each of us.
2. What stands out to you from the above and why? The trust the little boy had to have had in the police officer to reveal the killer. Strange place surrounded by strangers Then look at the blind curves the trust you would need in the helicopter pilot. To build that absolute trust and confidence in God
Love the picture of the little boy singing over his little brother.
Sunday:
1. How have you experienced the presence of God this week?
—In the last post I made on Friday I mentioned going to the movie “The Sound Of Freedom” and the darkness and emotional heaviness of it. As I watched the movie about half way in I was struggling under the weight of the story. It was then I made a conscious decision to pray and refocus my thoughts onto God as the Sovereign God of the universe and the world. I made it a point to recognize Him as the power above it all and the reality that He will redeem and renew everything as well as execute perfect justice for every victim of the horrendous crimes of sex trafficking and the slavery. I experienced his presence in that prayer and He gave me the strength to continue watching the story to the end. He is the God of hope in a broken sinful world.
2. What stands out to you from the above and why?
—It’s the quote from the Tim Keller tweet.
“If we knew what God knows, we would ask exactly for what he gives.”
It is good to be reminded of the omniscience of God Who is all knowing and all powerful and that He has absolute authority. My son talked in his sermon this morning about God’s authority in our lives and our need to submit to that authority. In the end when we do that we find freedom. So from that tweet we realize if we knew what God knows from beginning to the very end we would understand the whys and how everything works for our good.
Bev, I have friends in the Philippines who work with former prostitutes in the Philippines. Their stories are heartwrenching. But The Samaritana (founded by my friends Jonathan and Thelma) give these women hope for their tomorrows. Some have been trafficked.
I hesitate to watch the movie so I am not sure if I am going to watch it sometime in the future. I was a mess watching “The Passion of Christ”. Reading other responses online about the movie makes me hesitate some more. If I do, I will pray as well as set by your example. I cannot imagine what these victims had to go through. A while back, I read Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love; I couldn’t sleep for many nights. Visual images of some of the scenes I read were hard for me to erase from my mind.
Probably better not to go, Bing. My opinion for you. I know IJM (International Justice Mission) has found it more effective to go after the traffickers as the victims are so drug addicted they tend to return. What has been the experience of your friends?
Thank you, Dee. I am leaning toward not going to see the movie. Thankful for Bev who braved it to watch.
I am not sure what the percentage of women going back to prostitution is after they have been taken in by Samaritana. I know they are taught a marketable skill and some of them have grown gardens for their families and even are able to sell them at the market! I checked their website and it seems like the organization has grown exponentially as a non-government organization (NGO) and has expanded its services in cooperation with some other Christian ministries. Praise God!
One thing I would want to say regarding the rescue of victims is their age. The story of this movie is about children. Small children needing rescued. I’m sure older prostitutes who have become drug addicted would be hard to rehabilitate but these are very young children being abducted and used. That’s what makes the movie so hard to stomach. That’s the heart cry being made for people to be made aware. It’s about children. Bing, I think it probably is best you not go but I would encourage your husband to go. My daughter-in-law doesn’t feel she can either and I support her in that but I told my son he should go. You called me brave but I am not. I really didn’t want to go and I didn’t have too much time to think about it. I was only able to keep my perspective and finish watching because I had to pray hard and consciously refocus on God clingIng to the reality that he is sovereign, in control and his justice will be served. All I can say is “Come quickly Lord Jesus!! Come quickly for the children!”
Oh, this film sounds so heart wrenching. I have nightmares just thinking of these small innocent children. I agree with your last sentence, Bev. “All I can say is “Come quickly Lord Jesus!! Come quickly for the children!”
Oh, Bev! That is heart-wrenching! I saw the little boy in the promo ad and did not realize that the rest are also children. Yes, come quickly, Lord for the children! My friend’s organization’s outreach is to older women (but could be young girls in their teens but NOT little children.) I have heard Sound of Freedom has reached $400 million (!) in ticket sales already!
Monday: The Text
3. Read aloud John 3:22-26
A. With what two words does this section begin? Relevance?
—“After this”
After the conversation Jesus had just had with Nicodemus.
B. What is happening here? What concern do the disciples of John have?
—Jesus had gone out to the river and people were now coming to him to be baptized. It would seem John’s disciples saw it as competition to John’s ministry.
C. Do you see any parallels with jealousy among churches? What should we learn from this?
—Sadly, yes I’ve seen where churches that grow in numbers people think of them as “more successful“. Or a church may have a pastor who has a more charismatic personality or is a better teacher and will have more people coming through their doors. Assessment of a church should only be based on the work that God is doing in its midst whether large or small in numbers.
4. Read aloud John 3:27-30
A. Meditate on this and share your observations.
—John was acknowledging that Jesus was greater than he himself was and that the ministry Jesus had was from God. John told them that he was not the Christ but rather the forerunner and seeing Jesus brought him joy. Jesus would become prominent and he John would have a lesser place. John was humble and knew his place of ministry.
A. How does John answer them by first, explaining his purpose?
—He plainly reminded them that he was not the Christ.
B. What word picture does he then give and how does this explain his point?
—He describes the relationship he has with Jesus as Him being the Bridegroom and he John is the friend of the Bridegroom and to hear his voice and see Him come brought him great joy. There was no competition or hint of jealousy on the part of John.
5. Read aloud John 3:31-36
A. Meditate on verse 31. Who is John the Baptist talking about and why is His vision superior?
—It is Jesus and John is acknowledging his Deity. He comes from Heaven speaking the truth that He knows and has experienced which is far above earthly thinking and perspective.
B. How are people responding to the testimony from the One from above according to verse 32?
—They are rejecting it. The religious leaders were opposing what Jesus taught.
C. What do you learn about the one who does accept His testimony?
—Those who accepted the words of Jesus verified that what God said was true.
D. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 34 and 35?
—That He was sent from God and was speaking truth from God and for God. He had the Holy Spirit in full measure and God the Father loved him and had given all authority.
E. What great divide is explained in verse 36?
—Whoever (anyone)who believes in Jesus has eternal life but anyone rejecting Jesus does not the promise of eternal life and remains under the wrath of God.
The great divide is believing in and embracing the truth about Jesus as the Son of and his finished work on the Cross which results in living with Him forever. Or being disobedient to that truth about Him and remaining condemned without the living work of God to save you from eternal death which is separation from Him.
Believing or not believing is truly a matter of life and death.
3. Read aloud John 3:22-26
A. With what two words does this section begin? Relevance? After this. This is after the cleansing of the temple and dialogue with Nicodemus. This is a stretch but I kind of see the water and the spirit exemplified in the cleansing of the temple, and in what Jesus was teaching Nicodemus regarding the spirit.
B. What is happening here? What concern do the disciples of John have? Jesus is baptizing as is John so they were concerned that Jesus was doing the work John was doing. Jesus was overshadowing John it seems jealousy is developing.
C. Do you see any parallels with jealousy among churches? What should we learn from this? I see more of a “we are right and you are wrong” mentality with one church to another. Inside the church among the body of Christ I see parallels of jealousy. Like what John said, Jesus Christ is above all. So when this happens in my heart or anyone else’s, I can encourage myself and others that God is above all and has put this person where he/she is for this moment and time.
3. Read aloud John 3:22-26
A. With what two words does this section begin? Relevance?
“After this…” not sure of the relevance.
B. What is happening here? What concern do the disciples of John have?
Baptism of believers. John and Jesus were both baptizing others. The disciples of John are thinking there is a “competition” of sorts.
C. Do you see any parallels with jealousy among churches? What should we learn from this?
Yes, some have better music, more people or small groups, nice facilities, etc. We need to remember that it only matters that as many as possible are connected to God. It matters not who or how this occurs.
3. Read aloud John 3:22-26
A. With what two words does this section begin? Relevance? After this. I don’t know. Jesus had done his first miracle, cleared the temple and 1 Pharisee, Nicodemus, had come to Him at night. Now Jesus has disciples and is baptizing and teaching, a bigger ministry and less secluded.
B. What is happening here? What concern do the disciples of John have? John s disciples were fooling their Rabbi. They were protective of him and jealous that another Rabbi was gettin more attention and followers.
C. Do you see any parallels with jealousy among churches? What should we learn from this? Yes. It can be hard to see another church grow and thrive and have your friends now attend the new church. Purpose of church should be Christ is glorified.
4. Read aloud John 3:27-30
A. Meditate on this and share your observations. I love the humility of John, He understood his purpose and didn’t grasp for more and understood that th attention was passing from him to Christ. He must increase and I John must decrease.
A. How does John answer them by first, explaining his purpose? That a man can only receive what he is given from heaven and that he was not the Christ
B. What word picture does he then give and how does this explain his point? He was the friend of the Bridegroom He attends, listens to waits for and is full of joy and complete when he hears Bridegroom’s voice
5. Read aloud John 3:31-36
A. Meditate on verse 31. Who is John the Baptist talking about and why is His vision superior? One from above is Jesus He has come from the Father and what He has comes from God Almighty.
B. How are people responding to the testimony from the One from above according to verse 32? No one receives His testimony.
C. What do you learn about the one who does accept His testimony? They lose eternal life and the wrath of God remains on them.
D. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 34 and 35? Jesus speaks the words of God and has the Spirit without measure. God loves Jesus and has given all things into His hand
E. What great divide is explained in verse 36? If you believe in the Son you have eternal life. If you reject the Son you won’t see life and God s Wrath remains on you.
Judy, I agree with your comment in answer to D. “Purpose of church should be Christ is glorified.“
Amen to Bev! Christ is glorified!
Monday: The Text
Last week we considered what it meant to be born of the water and the Spirit and looked at the prophecy in Ezekiel 36:25-26 with the water representing the cleansing that comes from the Spirit, and then the Spirit representing His coming to live in us. “After this” there is controversy.
3. Read aloud John 3:22-26
A. With what two words does this section begin? Relevance?
After this are the two words. Jesus had time with Nicodemus, a prominent person but then He also went out into the countryside. There was no mention of what Nicodemus did after his meeting with Jesus. The people in the countryside listened and followed with a step of obedience by being baptized. I am not sure of the relevance.
B. What is happening here? What concern do the disciples of John have?
Jesus and John were baptizing people in different areas of the region. John’s disciples were concerned that Jesus is taking away people from John’s followers.
C. Do you see any parallels with jealousy among churches? What should we learn from this?
Yes, I have seen this among churches. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should be discerning of the motives of our hearts. We need to work together with a focus on Jesus Christ and not our denominations.
This week, our church and another church of a different denomination are working together to do Vacation Bible School in our community. It is a joy to work together.
4. Read aloud John 3:27-30
A. Meditate on this and share your observations.
A. How does John answer them by first, explaining his purpose?
John was sent ahead of the Messiah. He becomes greater and I become less. When the Messiah comes, his joy is complete. It is so with us. Jesus has come and He should be preeminent in our lives.
B. What word picture does he then give and how does this explain his point?
He used the illustration of a wedding where the bride (church) belongs to the bridegroom (Jesus). John is the friend who waits on the bridegroom (Jesus).
A question: Was John for such a time as when he was here on earth? Can we also be Johns as well as Jesus’ bride now?
5. Read aloud John 3:31-36
A. Meditate on verse 31. Who is John the Baptist talking about and why is His vision superior?
Jesus is the one John is talking about as the one who comes from above and is above all.
C. How are people responding to the testimony from the One from above according to verse 32?
They are not accepting it.
D. What do you learn about the one who does accept His testimony?
He who accepts his testimony has accepted that it is the truth. He is the truth.
E. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 34 and 35?
He speaks the words of God and has the Spirit.
F. What great divide is explained in verse 36?
Either one believes or rejects the Son who gives eternal life. One has to make a choice.
Bing — I wanted to reply about your friends’ organization, for I am certainly in favor of rescuing women — the battle needs to be on all fronts. Glad to hear success stories.
Dee & Bing, I made some more comments above in the thread where we discussed this earlier. Just hadn’t scrolled down to reading these comments yet or would have put them here. I’m encouraged people in my community are talking about it and becoming more aware.
Oh, that it involves small children. Such depths of sin man is capable of. Yes, they need to be rescued.
I saw the movie and it was really well made and so good. I highly recommend it unless you have a past that deals with this sort of act. Even then, it will rise within you the desire to help out IJM and other organizations that are out fighting this. At the end of the movie we couldn’t hear a pin drop in the theatre. Total silence. I came home literally feeling nauseous and it didn’t go away until a few hours later.
Even though they didn’t show any of the evil acts, the repugnant stench of evil that you know will happen to those sweet innocent faces was enough to make me sick. Nevertheless, I am now aware that it includes children at VERY young ages, even newborns. The way the traffickers lie to them to capture them is twisted and ruthless. It’s clearly born of satan.
Thank you, Dee. I may see them when I visit my extended family in the family next summer.
4. Read aloud John 3:27-30
A. Meditate on this and share your observations.
He seems joyous. He sees himself as the bridegrooms friend.
A. How does John answer them by first, explaining his purpose?
He says he is not the Messiah, rather someone to pave the way for Him.
B. What word picture does he then give and how does this explain his point?
The word picture is of the bride and groom. He says he is happy that he could stand as His (the bridegroom) friend. That he should be able to hear Him say His vows, and that he (John) should become lesser and lesser and Jesus should become greater and greater.
5. Read aloud John 3:31-36
A. Meditate on verse 31. Who is John the Baptist talking about and why is His vision superior?
He is talking about Jesus. He comes from God, therefore He has superior vision. He sees all.
B. How are people responding to the testimony from the One from above according to verse 32?
Only a few believe.
C. What do you learn about the one who does accept His testimony?
Those who believe can affirm that God is true.
D. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 34 and 35?
He has the Spirit of God within Him. He speaks God’s words freely. God loves His Son and entrusts Him with everything.
E. What great divide is explained in verse 36?
The difference between eternity or wrath of God.
Tuesday: Clarity
6. Keller says Jesus brings clarity to the mystery of your jigsaw puzzle life. How has Jesus brought clarity to the mystery of your life and helped all the pieces fit together?
—Jesus brings clarity because he brings truth and he makes sense of things. I’m not sure I can say “all” the pieces fit together yet. But when it comes to my salvation from my sin and my eternal destination based on the truth of his Word I find my confidence in Him alone to complete the good work he has begun in my life. The truth of his Word also show me how to live out the mystery of this life.
7. Jesus is the authoritative truth-teller. Keller said it is possible to go after Jesus yet reject his testimony. What did he mean and how does this relate to you?
—Keller says though we may appreciate, admire, affirm, respect Jesus even like Him but if we reject his testimony we are lost. He said people love Jesus as a miracle worker, an inspirational teacher, as a moral teacher and go to Him. But when they hear his testimony and what he says about wrath, about sin, about judgement, about faith and commitment they reject it. But it’s what the Bible teaches and if you reject his witness you reject everything about Him.
I think I have lived long enough to see many people who just want a “feel good” Jesus who fixes their problems and does miracles for them and those they love. I would have been in their camp at one time as well but just as we learned last week in the sermon on God that He is a God of love and fury or wrath there is the reality that he brings that dichotomy into our lives if we choose to follow him. He is God of both and I can’t have one without the other. When I made my commitment to follow Him it means I rejected the World’s way for his way.
8. What was Keller’s point with the helicopter analogy? How you could apply this right now?
—the helicopter pilot rides above the traffic on the winding twisting road below and he is able to see the entire road and everyone’s position on it below. Where the drivers are limited in their view of what’s ahead on the road he can see and has the ability to direct their moves to pass safely or not. To strike out on their own puts them in danger of crashing.
—Jesus as God sits above the whole of my life and can and will direct my life from his vantage point if I accept his witness to me. He can see the beginning from the end. His teaching, what He says, is what will guide and protect me. I may not always like what he is teaching but to reject it puts me in danger. I must “decrease” by humbling myself and let him “increase” knowing that he truly has my best interest at heart.
9. How did John the Baptist have the right attitude?
—He understood the need to humble himself and step aside (decrease) and let Jesus (increase) and come to the forefront and reveal himself as the Christ the Messiah. John had plainly told his own disciples “I am not the Christ”
“You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’”
John 3:28 ESV
10. Did anything else stand out to you? If so, what?
—I think it was good to be reminded my life in Christ has purpose. It has purpose and meaning because of Christ. It may feel like the some of the puzzle pieces are laying around not in place yet and the mystery of the book has not been revealed yet but the Hand and Eyes above are in control of my life can be trusted. My responsibility is to submit to his way and maintain my commitment to trust Him.
From Bev:
I think it was good to be reminded my life in Christ has purpose. It has purpose and meaning because of Christ. It may feel like the some of the puzzle pieces are laying around not in place yet and the mystery of the book has not been revealed yet but the Hand and Eyes above are in control of my life can be trusted.
2. What stands out to you from the above and why? I think the analogy of the traffic on the winding road is so good and so true in my life. How I need to trust Jesus for what I cannot see on the road ahead. Trust is my word for this year, so this really speaks to my heart.
3. Read aloud John 3:22-26
A. With what two words does this section begin? Relevance? “After this” Jesus had been preaching and He and the disciples left Jerusalem and came to Judea, where they spent time together. Relavance: Spending time with Jesus is the only way to really know Him.
B. What is happening here? What concern do the disciples of John have? Many were going to Jesus to be baptized. John’s followers did not understand the John was not competing with Jesus, but drawing people to Jesus.
C. Do you see any parallels with jealousy among churches? What should we learn from this? Judy’s answer is perfect: The purpose of the church is to draw people to Jesus; the place where Christ, only is glorified.
4. Read aloud John 3:27-30
A. Meditate on this and share your observations. John understood his own purpose, and he rejoiced at those coming to Jesus.
A. How does John answer them by first, explaining his purpose? I am not the Christ, but I have been sent ahead of Him.
B. What word picture does he then give and how does this explain his point? John is the friend of the bridegroom, who is Christ. He must increase, but I must decrease.
5. Read aloud John 3:31-36
A. Meditate on verse 31. Who is John the Baptist talking about and why is His vision superior? John is speaking of Jesus. Jesus comes from heaven, so His words are perfect and true.
B. How are people responding to the testimony from the One from above according to verse 32? No one receives His testimony.
C. What do you learn about the one who does accept His testimony? He who receives His testimony has set his seal that God is true.
D. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 34 and 35? Jesus was sent from God; He speaks the words of God; He gives the Spirit of God. Jesus is the Son of God; God loves His Son; His Son gives the Spirit to all who are believers.
E. What great divide is explained in verse 36? Whoever believes in the Son of God has eternal life; He who does not obey (rejects) the Son of God will not see life, but the wrath of God abides in him.
6. Keller says Jesus brings clarity to the mystery of your jigsaw puzzle life. How has Jesus brought clarity to the mystery of your life and helped all the pieces fit together? Abiding and trusting in Him and His word. Looking back over the years, I see answered prayers and unanswered prayers; yet He has a purpose in all of them and He has woven it all into a wonderful tapestry that causes me to trust only Him during the good times. And to trust Him, during the very hard times, when I cannot see or imagine a purpose in the moment.
7. Jesus is the authoritative truth-teller. Keller said it is possible to go after Jesus yet reject his testimony. What did he mean and how does this relate to you? It is possible to be a follower of Jesus, yet not see myself as a sinner. The first thing I realize is that I am a sinner and that I have no human resource to change that. My belief and trust in Jesus’ testimony, means that He is my only Authority. The grace He gives me, teaches me accountability for my sins, my beliefs, my thoughts and my behavior.
8. What was Keller’s point with the helicopter analogy? How you could apply this right now? Jesus is like the helicopter over the traffic. His testimony comes from above, He can see the whole road, what is ahead ~ and I cannot see anything except where I am right now! If He is directing me, I can trust that He knows the way and can direct me from His perspective.
9. How did John the Baptist have the right attitude? Yes, John the Baptist knew that he was from below and Jesus is from the Father, above. I must decrease and He must increase.
10. Did anything else stand out to you? If so, what? Michael Keller posted this today. I thought it went well with this week’s lesson : Quote from Tim Keller: Every faith is “narrow.” Even the faith that says all faiths are equal excludes those who disagree. Therefore, it’s a mistake to assume some beliefs are more “open” than others. They all exclude those that disagree with them. The Christian faith though, has Jesus dying for people who don’t love or care for Him. Placing Him at the center of your life will allow you to do the same for those who don’t love or care for you. That makes Christianity the most inclusive of all exclusive faiths.
Patti, I love this: “The Christian faith though, has Jesus dying for people who don’t love or care for Him. Placing Him at the center of your life will allow you to do the same for those who don’t love or care for you. That makes Christianity the most inclusive of all exclusive faiths.”
Patti posted this from Tim Keller, via his son Michael:
Every faith is “narrow.” Even the faith that says all faiths are equal excludes those who disagree. Therefore, it’s a mistake to assume some beliefs are more “open” than others. They all exclude those that disagree with them. The Christian faith though, has Jesus dying for people who don’t love or care for Him. Placing Him at the center of your life will allow you to do the same for those who don’t love or care for you. That makes Christianity the most inclusive of all exclusive faiths.
I’m going to share this quote with my boys. So good.
Excellent Patti, Thanks for sharing the Keller quote.
Tuesday: Clarity
Listen up to about 8:30 when he moves into “Lifestyle”
6. Keller says Jesus brings clarity to the mystery of your jigsaw puzzle life. How has Jesus brought clarity to the mystery of your life and helped all the pieces fit together?
One of the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle of my life was my birth in the part of the Philippines where my maternal grandparents lived for a while. That is where my grandparents came to know Chuck and Bobbie Miller, Southern Baptist missionaries. Later, when my parents moved to the city where I spent most of my growing-up years, the Millers were there as well. I attended the church they started. Then another move for a teaching job brought me to another city where Chuck Miller ended up starting another church! He contacted me and asked me to bring my guitar to provide some music during a Bible Study he led with young professionals and college students. When I went to visit my parents, I went to the Millers’ home church where Chuck introduced me to this young American named, Richard, new to our country as a Navigator missionary. In god’s providence, Richard and his Filipino counterpart were also living and ministering to college students in the city where I was teaching. We ended up helping Chuck Miller start the church which is still going strong now. I would never have thought that a short introduction would lead to friendship, co-laboring in the ministry, and marriage.
One of my favorite verses about Richard and my story is found in Acts 17:26b. ” He determines the times set for them and the exact places they would live.” (mine)
7. Jesus is the authoritative truth-teller. Keller said it is possible to go after Jesus yet reject his testimony. What did he mean and how does this relate to you?
Put another way, people love Jesus as a miracle worker. They go to Him as a miracle worker, as an inspirational teacher, as a moral model. They go to him. But when they hear his testimony, when they hear what he says about wrath and about sin and about judgment and about faith and about commitment, they reject it.
We want to see Jesus as our assistant, our Santa Claus, a vending machine, or a genie in a bottle. As long as He does not infringe on what we think are our “inalienable rights”, He is okay for us. But when He brings judgment and asks for commitment, we do not want anything to do with Him.
8. What was Keller’s point with the helicopter analogy? How you could apply this right now?
We can only see as far as our physical eyes can see but Jesus can see the whole picture or the whole road from above. He knows the beginning and the end of our life’s journey.
I need to trust the all-knowing God for the road ahead. It does not come naturally but I am committed to seek and trust Him.
9. How did John the Baptist have the right attitude?
He is of the earth; He is only the friend of the Bridegroom, and he said he must decrease, and Jesus will increase.
This shows John’s humility and tells others that our focus should be on Jesus and not on ourselves. It could be a temptation especially when one is in the ministry to desire some form of acclaim. John does not have anything to do with that. And so should I.
10. Did anything else stand out to you? If so, what?
“He can see the whole road.” And the One who can see the whole road is the TRUSTWORTHY ONE from above.
At our wedding, one of the songs that was sung was Trust and Obey. At times when trusting and obeying is hard for me whether in our marriage or in our ministry, God reminds me of the song. “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word…”
Bing, I enjoyed reading about the how the pieces of the puzzle of your life fit together from birth through your growing up years to meeting and marrying your husband. It is a beautiful picture of God’s hand orchestrating it together for his glory and your good. A wonderful testimony of God’s overseeing faithfulness.
Thanks, Bev. He is faithful, indeed.
Oh, Bing! Your jigsaw puzzle of your childhood to meeting and marrying Richard brings tears of joy. What an great and amazing God we have. What a sweet history and legacy for you and Richard. God had each of you in His hand, directing yours paths to meet and marry. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Thanks, Patti and Bev. I feel very blessed with my husband, Richard. And to think I was intent on marrying a former nurse classmate of mine. God was merciful to me to take me out of that relationship before I met Richard. And the Millers (again!) were so kind to me during that heartbreak.
4. Read aloud John 3:27-30
A. Meditate on this and share your observations. I picture John with this indescribable joy that his time of paving the way for Jesus has been fulfilled for the bridegroom is here! Instead of feeling minimized, or useless or any of the other human emotions, it’s clear the Holy Spirit radiated from John.
A. How does John answer them by first, explaining his purpose? His purpose is to go in front of Jesus, he is not the Messiah.
B. What word picture does he then give and how does this explain his point? He gives the word picture of a wedding. He explains that he is like the best man to the groom at a wedding, and after the groom and bride are married, he steps away completely. (The message is great with this passage.)
5. Read aloud John 3:31-36
A. Meditate on verse 31. Who is John the Baptist talking about and why is His vision superior? Jesus Christ. His vision is superior because He is the Son of God and God, and part of the Trinity and obviously has experience as to what He saw and heard in heaven and is a part of. So His testimony and insight are way and far above ours here on earth.
B. How are people responding to the testimony from the One from above according to verse 32? They are rejecting it.
C. What do you learn about the one who does accept His testimony? Has affirmed that God is true.
D. What do you learn about Jesus in verses 34 and 35? God sent Him, and He speaks God’s words for God has given Him the Spirit without measure, and given all things to Him.
E. What great divide is explained in verse 36? The one who believes in Christ will have eternal life with God for because of Christ he is not under God’s wrath, but the one who doesn’t believe in Christ, God’s wrath remains on him. So the great divide is related to God’s wrath, but also to truth. So the world doesn’t accept the truth, but we do.
10. Jesus has the clarity and authority to tell us how to live. What were some of the areas that Keller mentioned concerning this? You may think of others. Take an area where you struggle with His authority and contemplate why you do and how you could talk to your soul.Tell the truth, don’t spend money on self, but be radically generous, sex dehumanizing outside of marriage, love your enemies. Be radically generous not there yet. After James study I’ve made decisions differently about spending but I’m not radically generous. Where can you be radically generous this week who can I bless. Lord show me the way.
11. He said if we reject seeing sin in ourselves, we are rejecting the testimony from above. We need to regularly pray for God to search our hearts — how well do you do at this? I try to take time to ask forgiveness every day but I need to slow down and pause and let Holy Spirit prompt so that I deeply identify and claim my sin.
Recently while speaking locally I told a story I’ve told before about my friend Marty who didn’t think she was a sinner. I didn’t respond to her but I prayed and God showed her. I asked her before I spoke how He did that and got more of the story. She said, “I was so frustrated about the whole sin thing I decided not to go to Bible study that day but to ride my bike. While I was riding He showed me my sin, but then how much He loved me. I was overwhelmed.” That is why she came in late to Bible study so excited! It made realize when I really am upset with someone to pray that God will show us both our sin — for He can do it!
Well put: sex is dehumanizing outside of marriage
Wednesday: Lifestyle – Believing What Jesus Believes
10. Jesus has the clarity and authority to tell us how to live. What were some of the areas that Keller mentioned concerning this? You may think of others. Take an area where you struggle with His authority and contemplate why you do and how you could talk to your soul.
—Well, as it is always the way with our Lord he introduced something to me from my son’s sermon this past Sunday that relates directly to this question. In his message he pointed out several “Truths about God that we need” from the passage he was preaching on. One was that God has authority over all things in a believer’s life. He challenged us to consider any area where we might need to let God have authority.
Keller listed 4 things: “be honest, don’t spend your money on yourself, don’t have sex outside marriage and love your enemies”.
But as I had considered the challenge from the sermon on Sunday I realized I was failing to let God have authority over my marriage. Last week in my mind I was struggling with some things about my husband that are hard for me and because we are two sinners still living in fleshly bodies who have strong opinions and definite ideas and we occasionally have our conflicts. Because it had been a heavy week on several fronts I felt the enemy pushing his lies into my mind and that old desire to “change” my husband was surfacing. But God checked me on that Sunday when He pointed out He has authority over my marriage and I don’t.
I thought this was a powerful statement by Keller of how we can be in the flesh.
“And you are too wrapped up in your own problems to love either. You’re a sinner. That means you seek to be your own God. You recognize no authority higher than your own needs and desires.”
The beautiful thing is that confession of my sinful thoughts and ways brings his grace and peace quickly back into my life. These verses in Peter 1: 2-4 NIV have served to greatly encourage my heart.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
11. He said if we reject seeing sin in ourselves, we are rejecting the testimony from above. We need to regularly pray for God to search our hearts — how well do you do at this?
—I wish I could say regularly but too often it is my misery from my sin that pushes me to do it. But much quicker than when I was younger. 😊 Because He is so faithful to prompt me with his Word and a deeper knowledge of him and his love for me.
Bev, I thought I was the only one who struggled with wanting to “change” my husband! Like you, this week was heavy for us. I have to be careful when Richard and I have busy schedules. My selfishness shows up and I can get into the blame game quickly. Thankful for your vulnerability to share and your example to return to the Word and seek His face. The verse in I Peter is one of my favorites. We are never alone in our struggles; God is faithful in providing what we need to live a life of godliness.
Bev — love your honesty and desire to let God have authority over your marriage — and your humility. Some of the most godly women I know have hard marriages — several right here on the blog, including you!
6. Keller says Jesus brings clarity to the mystery of your jigsaw puzzle life. How has Jesus brought clarity to the mystery of your life and helped all the pieces fit together?
I don’t know if I know the answer to this question because I’m not sure all the pieces are fit together yet. Am I who I am supposed to be? Are the pieces all fit together? I feel like I am still a mess.
7. Jesus is the authoritative truth-teller. Keller said it is possible to go after Jesus yet reject his testimony. What did he mean and how does this relate to you?
Jesus brings clarity to us. He tells the truth. Think he means that we like the idea of Jesus but when push comes to shove we bail out. It’s too hard. I do love Jesus. I do struggle being a Christian.
8. What was Keller’s point with the helicopter analogy? How you could apply this right now?
The helicopter pilot can see everything from above. He has advice as to where you should drive based on his vantage point. We might like knowing where we are headed prior to going that direction. I think looking back in history might help us. Jesus brings testimony from above. He sees all.
9. How did John the Baptist have the right attitude?
He had the right attitude because he realized he was from the earth, not above. He was humble and had wisdom.
10. Did anything else stand out to you? If so, what?
Thursday: A Witness Brings Authority
Listen up to about 21:48 when Keller says “Lastly, how can you receive it?”
12. What stands out to you from this section and why?
—Keller’s comments “….Jesus is speaking words, the words, the very words of God…. Jesus is the only one who has seen God face to face and who created you. If you want to know inside information about a family, ask a member of the family. If you want to know inside information about life, ask the creator of that life.”
This is the essence of Who Jesus Christ is as God the Son. He not only speaks the words of God He is God and He is the Word. And He is Creator. My Creator so that makes him the source of all knowledge and information about life. About my life.
13. What is the difference between a human religious teacher and Jesus?
—A human religious teacher can only give you hearsay evidence. They can only speak to what they have heard. But Jesus has been , is and always will be “face to face” with God. He has complete authority to speak as a witness of God.
14. An easy reference to remember is John 3:33 – what did Keller say about this?
—Keller said “Jesus Christ, we’re told, brings the words of God. Do you see that? And down in verse 33, it says, the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God for God gives the Spirit without limit.”
15. What was his point about someone coming to a poem and saying to the author, “Well — I disagree with you– I think this means…”
—He basically said to disagree with the author about a poem on the meaning of his own poem that he wrote is foolish because as the author of it he has complete authority of what he meant when he wrote it. So also Christ as creator of my life has complete authority over the meaning of my life.
16. What was his point about the Ulysses story?
—We have to “bind ourselves to the mast” in other words be completely committed to Christ no matter what life brings. Bound to Him so that when the siren calls of life happen and I’m tempted to be drawn away from Him and his will for my life I am so intricately tied to Him I just can’t leave.
Great story about Steve using the quote of asking to be bound to the mast. 😊
Thanks Bev — I love that story too.
12. What stands out to you from this section and why? The part about hearsay. Jesus knew God first hand and has seen God and His witness are the words of God. Humans don’t have the firsthand witness that Jesus has. He did say his words are only right if they line up with God s words. Why. It’s an interesting observation I like to think preachers hear from God but of course, it couldn’t be in the same as Jesus witness who was with God in the beginning, and is the exact replica of the Father.
13. What is the difference between a human religious teacher and Jesus? Jesus speaks the word of God , humans speak words about God
14. An easy reference to remember is John 3:34? what did Keller say about this? For God sent Jesus and He speaks the words of God for God gives the Spirit without limit
15. What was his point about someone coming to a poem and saying to the author, “Well — I disagree with you– I think this means…” point is the author of the poem would know the meaning of the poem not the person reading it Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. His words have authority because they come from God.
16. What was his point about the Ulysses story? That we are to put ourselves under the authority of Christ who knows the beginning and the end and everything in between. We can look back at the messes in our lives and to turn things in the right directions we need to bind ourselves and submit to His authority because He knows all things because of His from above view.
Good notes, Judy.
10. Jesus has the clarity and authority to tell us how to live. What were some of the areas that Keller mentioned concerning this? You may think of others. Take an area where you struggle with His authority and contemplate why you do and how you could talk to your soul. I think for me it is in the area of loving people. Because I am a more introverted person. I don’t like to go through all of the effort of talking to people that I’m never going to see again or getting to know someone like a temp employee because they will be out of my life in a short period of time. Plus a part of me feels like they probably could care less about interacting with me anyway. I need to tell my soul that some of the most meaningful encounters that are relayed in the Bible are one time interactions i.e. Jesus and the woman at the well, Philip and man in the chariot, and that God directs every moment, person and encounter that I have for His purpose.
11. He said if we reject seeing sin in ourselves, we are rejecting the testimony from above. We need to regularly pray for God to search our hearts — how well do you do at this? I am constantly reminding myself of 1 John 8: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. So I know that when I am not aware of any sin in my life then I need to pray for it to be revealed because it is always going to be in my life.
I wrote this last night, but I guess I didn’t upload it. I’m glad it was still on my screen when I got home from work today!
How I love your insightful answer to 10, Dawn.
Dawn, I love your answer to 10 as well. One-time interactions! Oh, Lord, let me not despise the day of small things (a brief interaction wit ha stranger).
12. What stands out to you from this section and why? Last night I read a Facebook post where someone said “Tie me to the mast.” I thought it was pretty funny that this quote came up in today’s study.
What stood out to me was when talking about debating the meaning of a poem, Keller said “The author looks at you and says, what do you mean? I wrote the thing. -Well, I think it means something else.- (W)ell, you’re crazy. I wrote it. That’s the end of the discussion.Because he has authority, because he’s the author.” The reason this stuck out to me was because it brings more clarity to the fact that you can’t argue with the author. He knows what he meant!
13. What is the difference between a human religious teacher and Jesus? Jesus has seen God face to face and is an eye witness to what God says. He is one with God.
Takeaway
Again this has been a good good study lead by Keller’s sermon. I have certainly been encouraged by it and the comments of this group.
This weekend I have house guests and a big family dinner at my house this evening and then we have our annual church conference Sunday through next Wednesday so I will probably be in abstentia for a few days.
My takeaway this week is summed up in this comment of mine from Tuesday.
“My responsibility is to submit to his way and maintain my commitment to trust Him.”
Tie me to the Mast!! 😊
Love this, Bev! Amen! “My responsibility is to submit to his way and maintain my commitment to trust Him.”
Tie me to the Mast!! 😊
14. An easy reference to remember is John 3:33 – what did Keller say about this? That a man who believes this sets his seal that God is true. There’s no wiggle room.
15. What was his point about someone coming to a poem and saying to the author, “Well — I disagree with you– I think this means…” You can’t tell the author what you think was meant about something that he wrote. He is the only one to say what he meant.
16. What was his point about the Ulysses story? That we need to be bound to Him through all of our failures, fits of insanity, poor priorities and do what He wants us to do.
17. What stands out to you from this and why? That there’s a difference between setting your seal on Jesus and the Gospel, and just testing the waters to see how this goes.The hard times are when you find out if you are really committed.
18. Keller says the key to receiving this truth is in verse 33. Do you get it? If so, explain. Yes, I do. I’ve had so many events in my life that have caused me to question my beliefs about God. Times when I could see why some people would turn away, but each crisis in faith has made me aware that Jesus is my only hope.
19. He made a parallel with couples who live together but don’t marry saying, “We’ll see how this works out” with the way some people approach Christianity. What was his point? That people tend to commit only to the point where they are comfortable and happy, but if anything hard comes up they want to have an out.
20. What was His point with the “signet ring with the wax seal?” That a signet ring with a wax seal is a done deal, something that cannot be undone and is a 100% total commitment.
21. He talked about renewing our covenant. Thoughts? We renew our covenant with God when we pray together, exhort one another, sing praises to God, lift each other up and just keep reminding each other of the promises and the faithfulness of God.
Your answer to 18 makes me think of Peter saying to Jesus, “Where else would we go but to you, Lord?”
Wednesday: Lifestyle – Believing What Jesus Believes
Listen up to about 16:45 when he says “A Witness Brings Authority”
I have personally found that in our crazy mixed-up world, instead of trying to defend things the world accepts about gender, or sex, or abortion is usually counter-productive, but sometimes a simple “I believe what Jesus believes” is powerful.
10. Jesus has the clarity and authority to tell us how to live. What were some of the areas that Keller mentioned concerning this? You may think of others. Take an area where you struggle with His authority and contemplate why you do and how you could talk to your soul.
Tell the truth; Sex outside of marriage is dehumanizing; Don’t spend money on yourself; Love your enemies.
Lately, I tend to be impatient with a few things that I have been waiting for. I am thankful for the Scriptures on waiting on Him to speak to my soul:
Isaiah 64:4 ESV From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear; no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.
Psalm 130:5 ESV I wait for the Lord, my soul waits and in His WORD I hope.
He also has brought me a praying friend who prays for me in this area.
11. He said if we reject seeing sin in ourselves, we are rejecting the testimony from above. We need to regularly pray for God to search our hearts — how well do you do at this?
We want to blame somebody. We do not want to acknowledge our sins. We don’t want to acknowledge we are sinners. We are too wrapped up in our needs and problems. We seek to be our own god. We are moral if it benefits us. If the Bible is right, and we are all sinners, salvation can only come from the outside. Jesus says sign yourself over to me.
18. Keller says the key to receiving this truth is in verse 33. Do you get it? If so, explain. Jesus taught what He heard from the Father. When we accept those words we are agreeing with Jesus and the Father and putting ate faith and trust in what Jesus says.
19. He made a parallel with couples who live together but don’t marry saying, “We’ll see how this works out” with the way some people approach Christianity. What was his point? The people who do that are wanting an escape clause in case things don’t go the way they think it should. How hard they will work in the relationship would remain to be seen because they always have the option to walk away. The point is that we are not to look for a loophole in our walk with Jesus we are to be fully committed no matter what.
20. What was His point with the “signet ring with the wax seal?” We are to bind ourselves to Jesus and be committed to His way.
21. He talked about renewing our covenant. Thoughts? We need to not wander off the path and to do that we need to be in the word and have accountability to other Christians and communion with Jesus.
Thursday: A Witness Brings Authority
Listen up to about 21:48 when Keller says “Lastly, how can you receive it?”
12. What stands out to you from this section and why?
There are no good guys; everyone is a sinner. Salvation has to come from outside. Jesus is calling us to Himself because He is the one who has the higher power to save us.
13. What is the difference between a human religious teacher and Jesus?
A human religious teacher only has hearsay evidence. Jesus came from above and He has the very words of the Father. He is the creator of life so we can ask Him any questions about life because He created us.
14. An easy reference to remember is John 3:33 – what did Keller say about this?
Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.
15. What was his point about someone coming to a poem and saying to the author, “Well — I disagree with you– I think this means…”
You cannot disagree with the author because He wrote it. So it is with Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. He has our story and He knows the beginning to the end. We cannot disagree with his testimony because He is the only One who came from above.
16. What was his point about the Ulysses story?
He tied himself to the mast. To be committed to the truth of God’s word no matter what. To put me under the authority of Jesus even when the world’s insane siren call tempts me to do otherwise.
I can’t resist here telling a story about my husband. He and his partners were dedicated to ministering to the poor. One day the clinic’s administrator brought in a slick salesman who told them if they built a much bigger and more impressive clinic they would get more wealthy patients and accumulate more wealth themselves. Steve whispered to his partner “Tie me to the mast.”
13. What is the difference between a human religious teacher and Jesus?
Jesus is a witness to God. Humans so not have such authority.
14. An easy reference to remember is John 3:33 – what did Keller say about this?
Jesus brings the Words of God Himself. He has the authority to do so.
15. What was his point about someone coming to a poem and saying to the author, “Well — I disagree with you– I think this means…”
Your view only matters until the actual author comes in the room and explains what his actual meaning was to what he wrote. Jesus is the author who explains the meaning to us.
16. What was his point about the Ulysses story?
Ulysses wants to hear the sirens but not be affected by them. He puts himself under the authority of the sailors because he knows he needs it to survive. We put ourselves under the authority of God to survive. I’m going to be asked to do hard things so if I am bound to the mast, under the authority of God, I will make it.
18. Keller says the key to receiving this truth is in verse 33. Do you get it? If so, explain.
We “set our seal” to Jesus. We are bound to Him.
19. He made a parallel with couples who live together but don’t marry saying, “We’ll see how this works out” with the way some people approach Christianity. What was his point?
There is no true commitment. Your seal is not set. There is no independence.
20. What was His point with the “signet ring with the wax seal?”
The king would sign important documents with the wax seal to show his agreement. We are asked to sign with our seal.
21. He talked about renewing our covenant. Thoughts?
Are we continually renewing ourselves with Christ? It is important that we do this because we need clarity and authority in our lives that comes from Him.