Free Pexels Photo By Jonathan Bonatti
It seems whenever we start a new series, new sisters come on and then drop out because they feel like they don’t belong. Pray with me that we will make them feel welcome and that they will stick it out for a few weeks, even if they do feel like the outsider. Soon they won’t feel like that if they can just keep swimming with us.
]If you are brand new, just read, make a comment, and give your name and e-mail. (Your e-mail will not show up.) I must approve you the first time, but after that, I don’t need to unless you come on with a different device. Stick with us and participate, and you will soon feel part of us, for we want you!!!
This is a place where we can draw near to God on our own schedule, and then share our gleanings, and in so doing, enrich one another. We truly are stronger together. Proverbs 17:17 tells us we sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron. I love that about this rich fellowship.
As the calendar turns to 2025, we are going to turn toward the journey toward the cross finishing (Lord willing!) on Resurrection Sunday at the end of April. Did you know that well over half of each gospel takes place in the last week of Jesus’ life? That’s why a deep look will take us all the way to the end of April.
Important things are said when time is running out.
Free Unsplash photo by Nathan Dumlao
We will be doing the last half of the gospel of John with the help of Tim Keller’s sermons, a man who is considered the C. S. Lewis of the last century. He died last year, but left over a thousand sermons available online for free. I have also purchased his transcripts from Logos. However, I hope you listen to Keller, even if it is as you read the transcript, for he is so gifted as a preacher and his words penetrate our hearts.
We will also spend the following two weeks going through an essay by Francis Schaeffer called “The Mark of a Christian” based on Jesus’ prayer in John 17. It left an indelible mark on my heart, and I pray it will on yours as well. But for this week, we are doing Keller’s overview of John 17.
Here is the link to the sermon — if you download it you can listen even where you don’t have internet:
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-glory-of-the-triune-god/
Here is the transcript:
Tweaked Glory of the Triune God
Sunday: WELCOME!
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first!
2. If you are new, tell us a little about yourself and why you have come!
Monday: The Opening Text: John 16:13-14 and John 17:1-5
Keller titled His sermon The Glory of the Triune God, though debated about calling it “The Deep Things of God.” This is so deep, so we need one another and definitely His Spirit. Pray now for understanding.
Do your best answering and the sermon tomorrow will help you fill in the blanks.
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13?
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say?
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul. Here is an example from me:
Dermatology appointments are terrible as I was way too much in the sun when I was young. I left one yesterday in pain and looking like a leper. But I am thankful to stop cancer in the bud, and I do know that I will get a new body, fresh and young one day. Last week, we looked at Jeremiah 31, where we are promised, in the new heaven and earth, to be like “a well-watered garden.” I will have skin eternally that is like a newborn baby – as soft and fresh as rose petals!
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how?
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts to you have on this?
B. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why?
C. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)?
D. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts?
D. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian?
E. What does Jesus say He has done? And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next?
Tuesday: Beginning the Sermon
Listen up to “Secondly, we now know why God created the world” or Read up to Wednesday.
7. What stands out to you upon your first listening/reading and why?
8. What do you learn about why God created the world and us? Ponder this and share your thoughts.
9. What did you learn about what it means to glorify another? How might you apply this to your life right now? If possible, give an example. I’ll do one in red.
Listening between the lines to someone is a way to bless others and please God. I will draw someone who seems lonely out with questions after church today.
10. Meditate on the whole concept of glorifying — giving honor — serving.
A. Keller says glorifying God and others gives us joy — have you experienced this? If so, share.
B. How is this opposite from what the world thinks?
C. Why does Keller say we were made to give glory?
D. What are some of the best ways you can glorify God?
Wednesday: The Closing of John 17 and More of Keller’s Sermon
11. Read John 17:20-26
A. How can you see this prayer is not just for the apostles?
B. What is the first thing He prays here and why? (verse 21)
C. What do you learn about oneness in verses 22 and 23?
D. What is the result of unity in the body of Christ according to verse 23? Have you experienced this?
E. What do you learn about the depth of God’s love for you according to verse 23?
12. Listen/Read the Sermon up to when he says: “The Ultimate Hour” or when you see Thursday.
A. What stands out to you after listening/reading this part and why?
B. Why does Keller say God created the world and how does He support this from this passage?
C. What does Keller say leads to true happiness for us? Have you experienced this? If so, explain.
Thursday: The Ultimate Hour
Go slowly – -so rich and transforming!
Listen/Read up to The Ultimate Glory or Friday
13. What stands out to you and why?
14. What does D. A. Carson say is the ultimate glory and why?
15. Can you think of an illustration of someone (other than Jesus) giving up his or her glory for the glory of another?
16. Why did the Puritan Joseph Flavel explain that the pain Jesus experienced in separating from the Father was so deep?
17. What does Keller tell us is going against the grain for which we are made? How is this the opposite of what the world, and we ourselves, sometimes believe?
Friday: The Ultimate Glory
Read or Listen to the end.
18. What stands out and why?
19. What did you learn from C. S. Lewis?
Saturday:
20. What is your take-a-way and why?
244 comments
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first!
I am so grateful for this place that Dee provides. I stumbled onto this blog/bible study in the summer of 2014. I was so hesitant to participate.
If you are new here, maybe this song will help you feel welcome and safe here. We are all broken in some way and we need each other.
Song “You Are Welcome Here”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbf0HEXApZs
Some of the lyrics beautifully depict this online fellowship of sisters:
“Come all you wounded and weary
Come all you heavy of heart
Come with your fear
And your burden
Come with your pain and your scars.
Come to the ocean of mercy
Be revived, renewed and refreshed
Whereever you are
No matter how far
Come find your peace and your rest
You are welcome here
As you are.
You are welcome here
With open arms
Bring your burdens
Bring your pain
Bring your sorrow and shame
You are welcome here as you are….. ”
Nila,
You always bless us with music offerings. 🎶 😊
Thank you, Nila! This speaks so much to me as I reflected on the first time I came here to participate. I have felt the welcoming love of all of you.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful song, Nila. I have felt this welcome love, as well. It is a blessing to be here, where love and acceptance is so present. The Lord is so good.
Of course you would welcome them with a song, Nila — and a great one!
How lovely, dear Nila!
Thanks Nila for starting us off with this beautiful song.
I heard Dee speak in McCook, Nebraska on Hosea many years ago and have been a participant of this Bible study ever since, but mainly as a silent participant because I am also involved in Bible study in my local area. I appreciate the depth and truth through these studies. Thank you for offering this on-line. I look forward to it every Sunday when it pops up on my email.
Hello Becky,
I am often a silent participant as well. More so in the past year. Hello to all silent participants.
Hi Becky! I heard Dee speak in McCook too at one of her conferences only it was on Friendships of Women. I lived in Grant at the time but we moved back home to Broken Bow the next year. Thanks Dee for blessing us Nebraska women while you lived there. 💕
Hi Becky. It is good to know you are here. I had a few silent years too. Welcome to all, it is a place of spiritual growth, comfort and compassion. Thank you Dee for this safe and secure place to learn, to share and to pray for one another.
Welcome Becky and so appreciate what you shared.
Hello!
That’s fun to know, Becky. Glad to have you however you want to participate.
Welcome, Becky!
I am also a silent participant because I am busy doing/leading Bible studies here at my church in Yulee, Florida. I found this blog many years ago as I was searching for a Bible study to do for Lent. It has been a blessing to me ever since. I don’t always read the comments, but when I do, I’m encouraged. Sometimes I am doing another study so I don’t have a lot of time to invest in this one. But when I come back to it, I always feel refreshed, and I love it. Thank you Mrs. Dee for taking the time to host this Bible study. I have shared it with many other women and so appreciate the stability you offer here. I have learned so much through the years and have always felt welcomed when I do comment.
Michelle — sooo glad to see you!
Sunday: WELCOME!
—As I read the last of yesterday’s (Saturday) responses to last weeks lesson I decided to write some comments here on Sunday because of timing.
I want to start by responding to Patti’s last post on her take-away from last week.
Thank you Patti for the very sweet testimony of what God is doing in your life and where He has put you at this time alone in a new place. It has had to be an overwhelming experience but I believe you are a tremendous testimony to what a persevering Saint looks like and you are an example of someone who is enduring for the Lord until he comes back for us or takes us home. You serve as a wonderful encourager to all of us other women on this blog. Oh how we pray and ask God to richly bless you this coming year.
And as I read Chris’s take away from last week how well you put it. Talking about your desire to have things in life made whole you said “BUT the hope we have in CHRIST and HEAVEN! We must still trudge through this life, but we have hope of our eternal home! Praise the Lord.”
I was personally very blessed by you girls as I know the others were too.
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first!
—My encouragement to anyone starting new is what I wrote above. It is an example of the encouragement I received from a couple of the sisters here. But all of them bless me with their thoughts at different times in different ways.
As I think back to when I started honestly it was just simply figuring out the format and how I could best handle the technology. I’m just not the most astute with it but finally set up a system that works best for me where I just copy Dee’s questions into my notes and answer everything there where I have time to think and edit as necessary. Then when I’m finished I copy and paste my answers to the blog page and send them off. Just hang in there to familiarize yourself and find what works best for you. But please do feel Welcome!
Oh, Bev! I was so encouraged by Chris, as well. And I loved your “casita” story of making home to be near family. Iron sharpens Iron is so true. Thank you for all of your encouragement and prayers, dear Bev.
Thank you, Bev! I love your posts as well!
That’s an interesting way to do it, Bev!
Bev, you always have a unique way of encapsulating things in such an understandable way. I so much appreciate your insight.
Bev, thanks for sharing how you do the study. I started doing that with this study and I really like it.
A friend just sent me your blog info this week. I am very interested to see where it takes me!
I just purchased your book, Idol Lies, boy has it already grabbed my attention!
Welcome Jamie❣️Everyone, Jamie is a sweet friend I have come to know through our husbands as they used to do business together. We also do a Bible study by Zoom that her brother leads every Tuesday evening. So glad you’re here Jamie❤️
Welcome!
Jamie — so fun to know you are a friend of Sharon’s!
Hello, Jamie! Welcome to our group!
Yes Welcome Jamie. A friend of Sharon’s! How great is that 😊
Welcome, Jamie! How sweet to be a friend of Sharon’s!
Welcome Jamie!!
Welcome, Jamie! What a blessing to have you here!
Sunday: WELCOME!
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first!
I couldn’t remember when I first came here but distinctly remember the outpouring of love and support during my sister’s cancer diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent death. I was halfway across the world in my home country, the Philippines, in a lonely hotel room, crying my tears out as I thought of Grace, my only sister, my very good friend leaving this earth. Yet in that very room, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit’s comfort made tangible by the words of my sisters here.
At the start, I struggled with keeping up, especially as English is not my first language. Some of the quotes and thoughts from people like Tim Keller were way over my head. But I continued to press on asking the Holy Spirit to illumine my mind. And He did!
As the years went by, my love for God and His Word and for others, especially the ladies here have grown exponentially. And I have found so much grace from Dee and the ladies here. There are many examples of perseverance against all odds, trust in God when circumstances seem bleak, a safe place to share. I have found Proverbs 17:17 so true in this blog!
I want to add a song to the one our own Nila shared here. We sang this song at the new church in the Philippines my husband and I helped start, every time we had our greetings. We walked around and shook hands with one another!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5G4OLBpYqc&t=52s
“ Welcome to the family we’re glad that you have cometo share your life with us as we grow in loveand may we always be to you what God would have us be a familyalways there to be strong and to lean on.May we learn to love each other more with each new daymay words of love be on our lips in everything we saymay the Spirit melt our hearts and teach us how to praythat we might be a true family.”
Oh, Bing! I did not know the story of how you came to the blog. What a lovely testimony of the Holy Spirit’s comfort, at this very difficult time of loss. I am so thankful that you are here. You have such a heart for the Lord and for others. Your posts are always a great testimony for your love of God and trust in Him, in all that life brings your way. I am so grateful the all of the love you have shown me, since I have been here.
How I remember that hard awful time for you, Bing!
Thank you, Patti and Dee! I love being here.
Bing, I didn’t know your story of when you were first on the blog either because I came on several years after that. But I was blessed right away by your posts.
What would we do without you, Bing! What a dear friend you have become to me and to so many others!
Bing, I didn’t know your story of how you found this blog…thanks for sharing. I consider you my “Berean” sister as you bring in scripture that I know you have examined…love that about you! Yes, Proverbs 17:17 is true to this blog
Bing,
Thank you for sharing this song.
So grateful for your input on this blog.
Bing, I think I remember that time oh so long ago. I’m very glad you came here and stayed. I have so appreciated your thoughts and prayers. You have helped me through so much. Thank you!
Sunday: WELCOME!
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first!
I was apprehensive when I first came on this blog as doing Bible Studies on other blogs it just seemed I was by myself…no interaction or encouragement from other bloggers. The atmosphere is so different here…the sweet ladies are welcoming and very encouraging. I know when they say they are praying for me, they are. I feel very safe to share my heart and I have learned so much …as Dee said, “Iron sharpens iron.”
If you are new here, welcome and I encourage you to join us on a regular basis. I also want to say it’s ok if you miss here and there (I do) as we know sickness, busy-ness and other things come up. If you follow silently, we’d love to hear from you once in a while.
Good word from Sharon!
Sharon, am glad that you mentioned that even if anybody is a silent follower they would be encouraged to jump in once in a while.
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first!
I was silent when I first came to this lovely spot. I had never done an online study, though I knew Dee, had heard her speak and had read all of her books. Knowing Dee’s love of God and her heart for others, gave me great comfort. I started to participate slowly. Even without commenting, I found that I was learning so much and thriving, just by doing the lessons and reading the godly wisdom and experiences of others. I have enjoyed being more active and I have learned so much from each of the women here, who are always encouraging and loving. I feel very safe in sharing with each of you. I was unable to be here part of this year, and I missed you all so much. I would encourage new friends to come and stay; it is a wonderful place filled with the Love of God.
Patti, I’m so glad you didn’t remain silent…God knew we needed your “Barnabas” heart!!
Amen!
Perfectly said, Sharon! Patti is awesomely dear and precious!
Patti, I agree with Sharon! you are our Barnabas! And you have blessed me so much in many ways. Our short visit when ruth and I were in Seattle was a pure gift from God!
Patti,
You are such an encourager. So grateful to know you through this blog.
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first! Reading all of your comments here today is so encouraging. The Lord created us for community and this community online is one I have found to be particularly encouraging and always turns my heart back to our Savior, especially in times of trouble. If ever I am feeling lost, alone, sad, discouraged, I can come here and be lifted up. Though many here probably have more biblical knowledge than what I do, I’m encouraged by the ready acceptance of others as we all work together to change our hearts and apply the Word to our lives, by the work of the Holy Spirit. I’m not really sure when I found the blog, and I have definitely been on/off again, sometimes active, sometimes silent, but over the years its been a great comfort when I needed it. I have a few of Dee’s books and one of my favorite is the children’s book about her sweet dog. Looking forward to the next few months and new friends here!
I always enjoy your thoughtful posts, dear Chris. So good to see you back.
Chris, I feel the same: If ever I am feeling lost, alone, sad, discouraged, I can come here and be lifted up.
I’m always thankful for your contributions to this blog, Chris!
Chris
I really value your vulnerability and encouragement in what you share here.
Grateful for your insights.
Dear Dee and sweet sisters in Christ: I am not new as I have been doing these studies for several years. I have loved them! I am not one to comment because I just seem to love hearing what others have to say and not my own words. I’m praying that this year, the Lord will give me words to say to encourage others and to be more vocal about my love for Christ. The Holy Spirit is leading me to a more vibrant time with Him. Pray with me that I will be more open about my faith to others and that I will allow the Holy Spirit to speak through me. I’m excited about sharing this time and I pray and hope new people will stick with the study as it is a joy to learn with Dee.
Alma Stanfield-Bigard
Oh, Alma! Welcome! Am so glad you are encouraged to speak here. I used to be very timid about sharing but the ladies here are so understanding and gracious finally found my voice and a special family in cyberspace! I would love to hear how God is working in your life and so would others here for sure.
Welcome Alma! Looking forward to what the Holy Spirit has for you to share here!
Alma,
Sweet to have you here and no doubt God has a place for your voice among us.
I would love to hear more from you, Alma!
Alma, I am glad you have felt compelled to post. The discussions here are rich! We love to hear what others have to say and can’t wait to exchange ideas.
Oh Alma — we are praying just as you said, that you will be given words to say and be more vocal about your love for Christ. We love introverts here!
Welcome, Alma. I will pray with you that you will be more open about your faith and allow the Holy Spirit to speak through you. What a precious prayer. We all learn from one another and these ladies all share such rich and thoughtful words of wisdom. I hope you will feel comfortable sharing your heart.
Prayers Alma, that your more vibrant time with the Holy Spirit strongly continues and out of His overflow to you, you easily encourage others. May others continue with these studies and be drawn closer to Him.
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first! These ladies are a group of loving, kind Christ followers. There are prayers for one another and encouraging words. I learn from them and also get insight from the way Dee asks the questions to help me think deeper about the passage. I come away from the lessons feeling closer to Jesus
Judy, isn’t this so true? And we are learning from you! “I learn from them and also get insight from the way Dee asks the questions to help me think deeper about the passage. “
Judy, I agree with Bing! You have so enriched this group with all you share.
Amen to Bing and Sharon, Judy! Your gifts have given me encouragement and new insights.
You ladies are all so kind. You’re making me smile on this cold, ice covering everything night. I woke up this morning and thought maybe I was in Wisconsin, Thank God He’s keeping us safe and hopefully powered restored soon for all. I’ve been blessed to have it.
Just hopping in to say ‘Welcome!’ to the new ladies!! I’ve been silent for the most part for a number of years (my husband asked me to cut way back on my commitments, and though it pained me, it seemed the Lord wanted me to submit.) I started silently after hearing Dee speak at a women’s retreat in Nebraska City, maybe 15 years ago? After some time, someone challenged me to quit being silent. It was scary, for it felt like I was breaking into a group who were already known to each other and having a great conversation. But it wasn’t like that at all! Please, please jump in as you can! Dee does a phenomenal job providing all of us with deep and meaningful studies, and everyone contributing makes it especially rich. I particularly appreciate that it never degenerates into small talk or gossip, but stays focused on scripture. That doesn’t mean you can’t share where you’re at, but the main thing is always the main thing. I love all the speakers, books and music I’ve been exposed to here. I can’t express without crying how much I long to come back on a regular basis. But God has His timing, and whether it is during our lifetime here or when we can meet each other in heaven, I look forward to it.
mary berger
Mary, so glad you hopped in…miss seeing you here and reading your words of wisdom but definitely understand cutting back on commitments. All you shared here today is so good…thank you and God bless.
Mary, Loved seeing your face and hearing from you. Glad you hopped in with your comments. We do miss your input. It is exciting to think someday in eternity we will get to sit down with each other and share.
My dear Mary! How much I miss reading your deep contributions here. God knows. May He allow you to rejoin us here in a fuller way again in His time..
Mary, so glad you hopped in! Do join us once in a while. I miss your voice here but do understand cutting back on commitments.
Oh Mary! I have missed you! Thank you for coming back to join us.
So good to see you “hopping in,” Mary!
Mary! So good to see you here! I always enjoy your wisdom. I think about you often and our connection of growing up so near one another in Minnesota!
Welcome to all the newcomers here! This group of ladies and lovers of Jesus has been such an encouragement and balm to me over the years. I hope you will feel welcome and will continue with us as we seek to learn more about and grow to
be more like Jesus. Not sure why I got cut off but I probably hit the wrong key. The ladies here have helped me through a deep dark time in my life and I truly believe were instrumental in causing me to see the light of Jesus in the darkness. I cannot tell how thankful I am for this group and for dear Dee who spends so much love and time on us. I only wish I could join in more deeply but usually am prohibited with my current life responsibilities.
Missy, your voice here is always a balm to my spirit. “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place” no matter when you and others come to chime in!
Missy, I appreciate that in your current life responsibilities that you do jump on here once in awhile…I always love to hear from you and, God willing, we will be able to meet in person one of these days.
Missy — Amen to Sharon’s comment!
Oh Missy, I am always so blessed when you stop in to share with us. There is something sweet about knowing you are a constant in the background. Your honest transparency with us and with God takes us deep with God when you do share.
Missy,
I’m very grateful for your part here. I too am on and off in my comments and participation but always grateful for this group.
Blessed be the tie that binds.🎻🎵
Missy, You have such a busy life, but you always encourage all of us with your wisdom. Each of you ladies have such gifts of love and wisdom to share. Love what Bing wrote: “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place” no matter when you and others come to chime in! AMEN!
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first!
Oh my! Well…..Dee and the sisters here have saved me from myself. I have been here many years; at least 10+. When I was at my lowest point, they lifted me. They encouraged me. They challenged me. They taught me. I have learned so much. I am so thankful for this site and the wisdom of Dee and the ladies who have participated and lent their hearts to us. Thank you to all ♥️.
Laura — you are a joy here, often because you are so very honest, like “the sisters have saved me from myself.”
Laura, You have shared your gifts and your heart so generously. I love that we are all comfortable sharing and asking for prayer. You are a blessing! Always love your “science” ideas and your love of creative dancing. This is such an amazing group of godly women!
Monday: The Opening Text: John 16:13-14 and John 17:1-5
Keller titled His sermon The Glory of the Triune God, though debated about calling it “The Deep Things of God.” This is so deep, so we need one another and definitely His Spirit. Pray now for understanding.
Do your best answering and the sermon tomorrow will help you fill in the blanks.
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13?
The Last Supper starts out with Jesus washing the disciples feet and getting push back from Peter which He uses as a teaching moment. Jesus predicts the betrayal of Judas. Jesus gives them a new commandment, to love one another as He loved them. And lastly, Jesus predicts Peter’s denial.
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say?
There will be a time when you’ll be scattered and leave Me alone. Yet He’s not alone as the Father is with Him. He tells them this so they may have peace in Him. On earth you’ll have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul.
I am feeling helpless in what my daughter is going through. She puts up a strong front but I know she is hurting. I continue to pray and be available whenever she needs me. It gives me comfort to know I have Jesus to talk to, that I’m not alone and neither is she.
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how?
In the verses in Chapter 16 it seems to be saying that the Holy Spirit will speak in truth and not on His own because of what He has heard from the Father and will bring Jesus glory by telling what He receives from Jesus. In the verses in Chapter 17 it is much clearer as the Son and the Father shared glory before the earth began. There has been a communication between the three from all eternity.
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts to you have on this?
My initial response is, other gods are not happy because they aren’t real.
C. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why?
He’s talking about His death. In 17:4, Jesus says, “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.”
D. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)?
He’s given power and authority over all mankind, to give eternal life to all whom the Father has given Him.
E. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts?
I don’t think He’s just talking to the 11 as back in verse 2 it says He says “all mankind.”
F. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian?
To know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
To know is to have an intimate relationship .
I would say eternal life is having an intimate relationship with the true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent as they are one.
G. What does Jesus say He has done?
He has glorified the Father on earth by completing the work He gave Him to do.
And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next?
To glorify Him together with the Father, with the glory and majesty that I had with Him before the world existed.
Love this, Sharon! You are always so perceptive.” I don’t think He’s just talking to the 11 as back in verse 2 it says He says “all mankind.”
Sharon, I am praying that the Lord will give you and your daughter a closeness during this difficult time she is going through. I pray that she feels your love, prayers and compassion, even though words are not spoken.
Sharon — very good observation on “all of mankind.” Certainly brings up the thorny doctrine of election.
I feel badly, but I need you to refresh me on what your daughter is going through or at least tell me how to pray.
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13?
Jesus was washing the feet of the disciples and He was speaking of his betrayal by Judas, as well as Peter’s denial. He also knew that they did not totally understand Who Jesus was; The Son of God. He told them that He would be leaving and where He went they could not come, but would follow later. The disciples did not understand that Jesus would be glorified by His sacrificial death on the Cross.
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say?
He told the disciples that they would be scattered and leave Him all alone. He would not be alone, for His Father God would be with Him. He told them these things so that they would have peace. He told the disciples that He had overcome the world, referring to His Resurrection.
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul.
These verses help me to live one day at a time and not worry about tomorrow or two weeks from now. The Lord has your days, Patti. He has planned these days long before now. He has plans for the future that you do not know yet. Whatever is in your future, He will be with you. Ultimately, you will spend eternity in His presence and you will be whole and filled with peace and joy in the fellowship of those who love Him and you will be constantly in the light of Heaven.
So good from Patti:
Whatever is in your future, He will be with you. Ultimately, you will spend eternity in His presence and you will be whole and filled with peace and joy in the fellowship of those who love Him and you will be constantly in the light of Heaven.
Patti, love your answer to 5…such a good reminder to live one day at a time as each of them is a gift from God.
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how?
It seems to be talking about communication between the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. In John 17:5, it sounds like the Trinity, which has been One before the world began.
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts to you have on this?
Other gods do not offer anything; gods of this world are false and fleeting. The God of all eternity is the One true God who can give Eternal life to those who believe in His Son.
B. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why?
I think He is speaking of His upcoming Crucifixion.
C. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)?
I think the authority is Jesus giving His life in order to Glorify the Father and give eternal life to those who believe in Him.
D. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts?
I don’t know. I thought it was about those who believe in Jesus~ His sheep. Maybe it is referring to the disciples, who also ultimately give their lives for Jesus.
D. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian?
I somehow have always felt that if you truly “know” God and Jesus Christ , it is about the “heart”. Truly understanding who Jesus is and living your life for Him.
E. What does Jesus say He has done? And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next?
Jesus says that He brought God glory by completing the work God gave Him to do. He asks God to glorify Him (Jesus) in His presence, with the glory He had with the Father when before time began; before the world. It sounds like the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have always been One.
“Truly understanding who Jesus is and living your life for Him.” I agree Patti, the true mark of a believer.
Monday: The Opening Text: John 16:13-14 and John 17:1-5
Keller titled His sermon The Glory of the Triune God, though debated about calling it “The Deep Things of God.” This is so deep, so we need one another and definitely His Spirit. Pray now for understanding.
Do your best answering and the sermon tomorrow will help you fill in the blanks.
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13?
—In John 13 we see and hear Jesus in the Upper Room with his disciples washing their feet and telling them what will happen. Then he identifies Judas as his betrayer and foretells Peter’s denial.
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say?
—He tells them they will all be scattered and go back to their own homes leaving him alone but that he won’t really be alone because God the Father is with him. He wanted them to know so they would find peace in him because troubles were coming for them in this world but He holds the power to overcome the world.
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul.
—Having wayward children was very hard but having wayward grandchildren is now emotionally painful as well. It is painful to see my daughter’s heart broken by her only son’s rejection and shutting she and her husband out of his life. He didn’t come home for Christmas and is not communicating at all. They don’t really know what is wrong but are only left to speculate. There are hints he may have moved into a gay lifestyle but we have no way of knowing. Verse 33 says plainly we will have many trials and sorrows. It comes with living in this world but Jesus says here we have hope because of him and the fact that he has overcome the world. That says to me that we are never without hope in any situation because of Him. I think prayer is a key to taking hold of this situation in our lives and trusting Jesus to work in ways that we know nothing of and are not able to do. I am challenged in my faith to believe He has truly overcome the world. That is a good thing because I have found that in my life He has always been faithful.
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how?
—In verse 14 & 15 of chapter 16 Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will glorify him by speaking to them what ever he tells him to and that all Jesus has is from his Father. They work intricately together. So In chapter 17 Jesus prays to his Father and asks him to glorify himself by glorifying Jesus. Again we see they are intricately bound together and In verse 5 Jesus plainly asks God to glorify him with the glory they shared together before Creation.
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts to you have on this?
—In the beauty of the Trinity and the dance so to speak of them exalting and glorifying one another there is perfection and so perfect joy. God, the Triune God is complete in Himself. All other gods are lifeless and have no capacity for joy. They are empty.
B. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why?
—I think it means the hour or the time of his death on the Cross when He would accomplish what God had sent him to do by having lived a sinless life. He was the perfect sacrifice in the flesh (like the flesh of sinful man) and that gave Jesus authority over all flesh to take away the sin of man and redeem us and restore us to God and bring us victory over sin and death.
C. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)?
—authority over all flesh
D. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts?
—In reading down through the passage Jesus is specifically talking about the disciples and in verse 12 says he has kept them and guarded them and not one of them has been lost except Judas (the son of destruction). Verse 17 He asks that they be sanctified (set apart for holy service to God). So yes that is what it seems to be saying in reference to the disciples.
As far as the “contradiction” between free will and election I prefer to think of it as a mystery. I believe both are truths found in scripture and one doesn’t exclude the other. My favorite illustration is from a former pastor who said when you stand at the doorway to Salvation above it is a sign that reads “Whosoever will may come.” But when you choose to walk through the door and look back there is a sign above it that reads “Chosen before the foundation of the world.” To me that is a mystery and I would argue for both.
D. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian?
—The only way to have eternal life and know God is through Jesus. I believe we come to know God only through Jesus. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” That involves the Cross. Jesus died on the Cross to resolve our sin problem and make the way to God so we can have a relationship with God the Father and to “know” Him.
So we have to recognize our need as sinners and that our sin keeps us from God. But by believing in what Jesus did at the Cross opens the way to becoming a child of God.
E. What does Jesus say He has done? And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next?
—Jesus brought glory to God on earth by completing the work God gave him to do. He then asks his Father to bring him back into the glory they shared in Heaven before they created the world.
Prayers, Bev for the healing of the relationship between your grandson, parents and all of you. Lord, I ask that you turn this young man’s eyes and heart to You. I ask, Lord for this man to make contact with his family and that he has a fresh tenderness towards them desiring regular communication. In Jesus name.
Amen to Judy’s prayer.
Thankyou Judy and Dee. I treasure the prayers of God’s precious people. 🥲
I agree with Judy in prayer, in the Name of Jesus, for your grandson, Bev. May God speak to his heart. I pray for peace and hope for all of you, especially his parents, whose hearts are breaking.
Oh Bev, agree with Judy’s beautiful prayer and will continue to pray.
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13?Jesus washed His disciples feet, final meal with disciples and Jesus reveals someone at table would betray him. He also tells Peter he will deny Him.
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say? That the disciples will scatter leaving him alone, but He won’t be alone because His Father is with Him. He also tells them He told them these things because He wanted then to have peace. They will have trouble in the world but He has overcome the world
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul. Here is an example from me:
Dermatology appointments are terrible as I was way too much in the sun when I was young. I left one yesterday in pain and looking like a leper. But I am thankful to stop cancer in the bud, and I do know that I will get a new body, fresh and young one day. Last week, we looked at Jeremiah 31, where we are promised, in the new heaven and earth, to be like “a well-watered garden.” I will have skin eternally that is like a newborn baby – as soft and fresh as rose petals! I
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13?
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say?
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul. I have said that I would go on a trip to help a church we support in Dubai. It was a huge step for me as I don’t travel much, let alone overseas. I don’t think I have ever been in a plane longer than 2 hours. There has now been feedback why we are going there when there are other places we could spend our time. Two people have dropped out. Another two are considering rescinding. . Lord I pleaded with you asking for confirmation that I should go and what I kept sensing is that You wanted me to step out in faith and trust You to take care of me and see me through. Now all this drama and negativity has come up. I trust You Lord that if I have been wrong, You will make it abundantly clear to me before we meet again. (And after Paige’s lecture in the fall, I’ve asked for no fleece.) So I listen for Your voice to either tell me stay home or I will continue as planned trusting You to see me through. So self relax He will show me the path to walk and point out the right road for me to travel. He will lead me by His truth and teach me for He is the God who saves me.
“I’ve asked for no fleece.” 🙂 Just peace!
Wow Judy, You have a big decision. I pray God will give you the clarity you need for your decision. It is important to trust his voice and wait on Him. Your are right in that it is his truth that matters. Setting aside other voices and letting His Word lead and teach you.
Judy, I’m praying with you.
6. Read John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how? No I don’t get it The Holy Spirit will come and guide them into truth. The Spirit will glorify Jesus because the truths He rceives from Jesus. Jesus prays to the Father and asks Him to glorify Him so the Son can glorify the Father. Jesus’s death and resurrection from the dead will bring glory to the Father. People will then know God is the true God and Jesus is His Son who has been with God from the beginning and all glory to God for His plan to redeem His people
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts to you have on this? Other gods can never offer what our Triune God can. His attributes and power are unequalled and He is going to let us spend eternity with Him. Our ticket paid for by the blood of His Son.
B. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why? the time of His death when He finishes the work the Father sent Him to do. That is why He came to earth to do the will of His Father.
C. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)? authority over all people to give eternal life to those God has given Him.
D. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts? God us beyond my understanding In the depth of His knowledge He knows who will accept Him.
D. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian? Believe in God and believe in Jesus as His Son and Savior. I suppose, when you believe in God and Jesus you will come to a point that you know that you know that you know that God is real not just someone you read about in an ancient book and that Jesus is the one who saves your soul and that you can trust in His promises to you
E. What does Jesus say He has done? And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next? He’s brought glory to God on earth by finishing the work God gave Him to do ( makes my answer incorrect in B, but I don’t know what else to put there.) Jesus aks Gid to glorify Him in His presence with the glory He had with God with God before the world began.
Monday: The Opening Text: John 16:13-14 and John 17:1-5
Keller titled His sermon The Glory of the Triune God, though debated about calling it “The Deep Things of God.” This is so deep, so we need one another and definitely His Spirit. Pray now for understanding.
Do your best answering and the sermon tomorrow will help you fill in the blanks.
1. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13?
Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.
2. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say?
In this world, we will have trouble, but we should take heart because He has overcome the world.
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul. Here is an example from me:
I have been having trouble remembering things these days- it seems that my mind is full of thoughts and ideas. I have been writing things down to jog my memory, but it seems that my list just keeps growing! I have never been this old before lol. Is this how being old is or do I have a more serious problem? These 2 verses help me remember that one day my mind will be as sharp as a tack, and I do not have to remember anything. It is always today in Heaven! And getting older is just getting closer to entering the door to eternity with God whereas one writer wrote, “And our minds will be fully sanctified.” Dr. Kathryn Butler
I Corinthians 15:53 “The perishable will be clothed with the imperishable”
Philippians 3:21” Our lowly bodies will be transformed so they will be like Jesus’ glorious body”
Romans 8:22-23 “We await the redemption of our bodies”.
I think we all worry about our minds going — you seem very sharp here, Bing!
Thank you, Dee! I needed the encouragement. “Be still my soul.” I keep telling myself. I want my priorities to be in place. I find there are many “good” things to do and to participate in. I don’t want to miss Jesus along the way.
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13?
Jesus washes the disciples feet, He tells them one of them will betray Him, and that Peter will deny Him.
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say?
He says they will all be scattered and that He will not be with them. He says it will be okay because He will be with the Father. He assures the disciples that although their lives will be difficult, He has conquered the world. They can rejoice in that.
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul.
I know that He is in charge of everything. One day I will understand why I have never been content with my short, stout body. In heaven I will be 5’ 10” and weigh exactly the proportional weight for that height! I will be a beautiful ballerina, dancing through the streets of gold!
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how?
Jesus tells them the Holy Spirit will come and He prays to the Father. He asks for the glory over Him. He mentions the relationship being one since before the world began.
7. What stands out to you upon your first listening/reading and why?
The Trinity is three persons in One Being, equally loving one another eternally, and before the world began.
8. What do you learn about why God created the world and us? Ponder this and share your thoughts.
God is infinitely happy and He made the world to pour out His joy and love on all of His Creation. He wants to give us His love and blessings. I can glorify Him with my love, obedience and appreciation. I show my love and adoration for Him by Praising Him and serving Him in my earthly life. God is so immense, His Glory and Love are so beyond our comprehension. I so often fail to Praise Him enough. I often slip in to making Him into my own selfish image, by wanting and asking more than Praising. I find that the more I Praise Him and spend quiet time just reading His Word and praying quietly and alone with no distractions, I get a small peek at His Glory. How I pray that I can see His Glory more consistently and give Him the Praise, Adoration and Thanks that is truly from deep in my heart. Lord, help me to love You more dearly, see You more clearly and follow You more nearly.
9. What did you learn about what it means to glorify another? How might you apply this to your life right now? If possible, give an example. I’ll do one in red.
I feel that it means to see one another with the eyes of Christ. How I pray that I can always see the best in others and focus on each person, as the unique and lovely creation of God. Help me Jesus to listen to each person I meet and to want to know them in a deeper way, to see the best in them. I am meeting so many new people in my new town and tonight going to a Bible study with my daughter. I pray that I will make a new friend and learn about who they are, their cares and their needs.
Listening between the lines to someone is a way to bless others and please God. I will draw someone who seems lonely out with questions after church today.
Let us know how the study went — glad Darcy went too!
Tuesday: Beginning the Sermon
Listen up to “Secondly, we now know why God created the world” or Read up to Wednesday.
7. What stands out to you upon your first listening/reading and why?
—The point that love requires that there be interaction between persons. There has to be someone to love or be loved by for love to exist.
Keller said “Love is something one person feels and does to another
person.” So when we say God is love it requires that He is in a relationship. This truth expanded my thinking on God as love and gives it greater depth of meaning.
8. What do you learn about why God created the world and us? Ponder this and share your thoughts.
—From these passages of scripture I see God the Father extending Himself by the power and person of the Holy Spirit through the person of Jesus the Son to those who He has given to Jesus (election) verses 6 & 24 and to those who believe in Jesus (free will) verse 20.
The statements of Jesus in this prayer from verses 21-24 are beautiful in his requests to bring us into the unity and Oneness of the Triune God which reveals his glory at work and his love at work. What a wonderful relationship we are privileged to become part of as believers and children of God. He sheds and shares his love into our hearts as we open them to know and love him and seek his glory.
9. What did you learn about what it means to glorify another?
—That glorifying someone comes out of loving them. To practice love to someone is to glorify them and you do that by praising them, pleasing them and seeking their happiness. Looking for ways to bless their lives.
How might you apply this to your life right now? If possible, give an example.
—My husband takes great pleasure in the cooking I do for him. Cooking is not really his thing at all. He thanks me every day for every meal I prepare for him. I willingly do it not just so we can eat but I know it meets a need in his life. God has put us together in daily life and in our relationship this is a very tangible way of practicing love to him that causes him to lovingly respond.
10. Meditate on the whole concept of glorifying — giving honor — serving.
A. Keller says glorifying God and others gives us joy — have you experienced this? If so, share.
—As I pondered this in my life I realized a big part of who I am and what I do has been preparing food for family and friends. Whether a meal or just a dessert or snacks my family and friends like to be in my kitchen at our dining table. Food brings satisfaction and joy to the lives of many. As I have worked to show my love for them in feeding them good food and special treats they love me for it and we share the joy. I especially find joy in serving my family. The grand kids especially love coming to Grandmas to eat. As wonderful as that all sounds as I have aged I get tired and ache after being on my feet extended periods of time and my sweet husband recognizes my need for a break and regularly offers to take me out for a meal where someone else does the cooking. That is a loving way he serves me.
B. How is this opposite from what the world thinks?
—The world’s philosophy is basically What’s in it for me. What can others do for me rather than what can I do for them. It’s all about serving self even at the expense of others.
C. Why does Keller say we were made to give glory?
—This is why we were made to give glory to others. It is the essence of these comments by Keller.
“There’s no greater happiness than the happiness of making somebody else happy. There’s no greater joy than the joy of making somebody else joyful. When you put your joy in them, so when they’re happy, you’re happy, there’s no greater joy than to see you have sparked their happiness. There is no greater joy than that. There’s no greater love than this.”
— all of this reflects the glory of God as demonstrated to us by the Trinity from eternity past and the present and will be for all eternity.
D. What are some of the best ways you can glorify God?
—By praising and adoring Him every day in prayer, in song or some form of worship. By serving Him by serving others wherever he puts me. And doing these things out of a heart of love and not duty. Loving Him because he first loved me and sent his Son to die for me.
Tuesday: Beginning the Sermon
Listen up to “Secondly, we now know why God created the world” or Read up to Wednesday.
7. What stands out to you upon your first listening/reading and why?
“When two people are in love, what do you do? Glorify each other.”
I never looked at it that way before. My husband is so sweet in how he takes care of me and is very helpful and it’s because that what he wants to do. I remember when he was working I made a lunch for him everyday and there were times I did it grudgingly and God showed me my poor attitude, so I started praying for him while I made it and that helped immensely.
8. What do you learn about why God created the world and us? Ponder this and share your thoughts.
To glorify.
To me it shows what a loving and relational God He is.
9. What did you learn about what it means to glorify another?
a. Praise, appreciate and adore.
b. To serve and please.
c. Done all out of love.
How might you apply this to your life right now? If possible, give an example.
Be more sensitive to others needs and be helpful in meeting those needs. Cooking a meal for my son’s family as his wife works long hours due to tax season.
10. Meditate on the whole concept of glorifying — giving honor — serving.
A. Keller says glorifying God and others gives us joy — have you experienced this? If so, share.
Yes, since my sister has moved close to us my husband and I have tried to help her when she needs it and just try to show her the love of Christ.
B. How is this opposite from what the world thinks?
The world’s thinking is doing it to get a pat on the back or expecting something in return.
C. Why does Keller say we were made to give glory?
Because from eternity the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have been glorifying one another.
D. What are some of the best ways you can glorify God?
Praising God for who He is.
Serving others with an attitude of love.
I also think of the two greatest commandments…Loving God with all my heart soul and strength and my neighbor as myself. And also the new commandment Jesus gave…Love one another as I have love you.
I think it is helpful to look at it through our first love time with our spouse —
Sunday: WELCOME!
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first! – Oh Ladies, do not stop coming. I met Dee many years ago at a Ladies Bible Retreat with a previous church. What a blessing she has been in my life. I have grown so much, have met so many wonderful ladies (and even in person) by being here. I sometimes can’t participate all week, but just doing what I can is a huge help for me. I’ve grown to miss these ladies and the blog when I am not here. I’ve gotten so much insight from reading the other comments and even when I don’t have time to read them all, just pondering the questions from Dee is so helpful for me. Keep logging on and you will see, this group and all the ladies is like a magnet. I didn’t respond much in the beginning, but I am doing so much more now. We can’t wait to get to know you more.
2. If you are new, tell us a little about yourself and why you have come! – I’m not new, but so excited to see all the new Ladies.
Monday: The Opening Text: John 16:13-14 and John 17:1-5
Keller titled His sermon The Glory of the Triune God, though debated about calling it “The Deep Things of God.” This is so deep, so we need one another and definitely His Spirit. Pray now for understanding.
Do your best answering and the sermon tomorrow will help you fill in the blanks.
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13? – It was before the Passover Feast and Jesus knew his time was near. They were eating and the devil had already clouded Judas Iscariot’s mind with lies to betray Jesus. Jesus knew he was going back up to the Father and he prepared to wash the disciples’ feet. Jesus became very troubled in his spirit and new who was going to betray him. He commanded them to love one another in order for others to know that they were Jesus’ Disciples.
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say? – Oh my! Jesus tells them it’s time for him to go and when he does, they will scatter to their own homes and leave him alone. But in his heart, he will not be alone because His Father is with him. He warns them again that they will have trouble in the world but to not be afraid because He has overcome the world.
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul. Here is an example from me: – Jesus, knowing what he was coming to earth for, prepared us for so many things that would come up. He didn’t lie to us and say it would be smooth sailing, he told us the truth. We WOULD have trouble. I’ve struggled in my life, some in small ways and some in big ways. The one that has always stuck with me, is the time as a single mom of two young boys. There were months I didn’t know where the money would come from to provide food, a roof over our heads and gas for the car to get to work. But I cried out to Him and when I did, (I even showed him the low balance in my check book once), He always came through and provided what we needed at the right time. His faithfulness to me and my boys during this time of my life has been the greatest and biggest reminder that His Word is true, and he will never leave me.
Dermatology appointments are terrible as I was way too much in the sun when I was young. I left one yesterday in pain and looking like a leper. But I am thankful to stop cancer in the bud, and I do know that I will get a new body, fresh and young one day. Last week, we looked at Jeremiah 31, where we are promised, in the new heaven and earth, to be like “a well-watered garden.” I will have skin eternally that is like a newborn baby – as soft and fresh as rose petals!
Great testimony of the Lord as your provider, Julie.
Julie, That must have been so hard, and even frightening as a single mom. How faithful you were in leaning on the Lord, and His faithfulness to you – such an encouragement. A beautiful testimony.
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts to you have on this?
If “your” God is happy then so will you be happy.
B. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why?
His death. He is preparing them for the event.
C. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)?
To give anyone eternal life.
D. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts?
I don’t see the connection here. I checked 3 translations and I don’t see that He gives an “out” to some. I do think John makes the case for the out though, in John 1:12:
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12 NLT
D. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian?
Eternal life is to know God and Jesus. I guess it means to be with Him? I would probably just say it means to be in heaven with God.
Monday: The Opening Text: John 16:13-14 and John 17:1-5
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how? – In chapter 16 Jesus is talking about the Spirit coming when he is gone and that the Spirit will do what he hears from Jesus. The Holy Spirit is a vessel Jesus will use to help us. In chapter 17 Jesus is talking to the Father and letting him know he is ready for the hour at hand. He’s asking the Father to glorify him so He can glorify the Father. Jesus is wanting us to know the true God and Jesus. This shows to me they are One. He also mentions that he wants the glory again that he had before creation existed.
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts do you have on this? – I think we need to lift each other up. Give credit where credit is due and not take on the spotlight. I think the only way we can grow as an individual is to remember we don’t know everything, that we don’t have everything in line. We need others’ opinions and thoughts to help us think outside of the box. Doing this may just open our eyes to a better truth. Being almost 65, YIKES, I’ve been asked if I can take instruction from someone younger than me. Yes, I can, if they know more than I do, great. I’m open to learning.
B. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why? – He is talking about his crucifixion. The time when He takes on my sins so I can be free from sin and be free to have an eternal life with God in Heaven. I’m not sure I know the answer to why other than from learning and reading that His work on earth was finished and to complete it he needed to die on the cross for us.
C. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)? – God gave Jesus authority over all flesh to give us eternal life. But as I read on, I’m seeing more to this now. Those of us who God has given to Him, Jesus. Is this meaning those of us who have been elected to his kingdom, or ALL who choose to follow Jesus and accept him as Lord and Savior? I know not all will accept him and there will be a time it is too late to ‘change’ your mind. So much to think about in this verse.
D. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts? – Well, my answer above shows I didn’t read ahead, LOL. Hmm, well at this point in scripture Jesus has not been arrested yet. Could it be one last effort for Judas to remember the truth of the gospel and change his course and repent? Judas was given to Jesus at one time, but we all have a choice to walk in truth or walk in darkness. Jesus doesn’t want to see anyone perish, and I’m grateful for that. It helps me to know the true and loving God wants to see me in eternity and has a lot of patience with His children.
D. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian? – Does ‘know’ here mean believe? It seems like it could. Explaining it may be like ‘to know is to believe there is only one True God that through his only Son Jesus, who came to earth to save us, can bring us salvation and a life of eternity. There is no other god that can do this.’
E. What does Jesus say He has done? And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next? – He says that he has accomplished the work on earth that he was sent to do. Jesus is asking the Father to glorify him again as he was glorified before the world was even created.
Tuesday: Beginning the Sermon
Listen up to “Secondly, we now know why God created the world” or Read up to Wednesday.
7. What stands out to you upon your first listening/reading and why? – Truly loving someone should not be a chore. Love should just come naturally, overflowing every minute. Love as the Trinity loves is a mutual love. None of them are fighting for attention. None of them are grumbling because they are loving the other more than the love they are receiving back. Their love for each other, just is love. They complement each other in word and deed. This is so eye opening to me. I am a very independent person and have learned to do things on my own, which has made the love my husband shows to me seem to be like he’s hovering over me. This is showing me he does this out of love and protection. Oh my, I’ve got some work to do in this area.
8. What do you learn about why God created the world and us? Ponder this and share your thoughts. – He wanted fellowship and wanted to be happy. He didn’t want to be alone. You can’t give away the love in your heart if no one is around you and you can’t see what love from another is by shutting people out.
9. What did you learn about what it means to glorify another? How might you apply this to your life right now? If possible, give an example. I’ll do one in red. – I can appreciate them for who they are and what they do. I can see them as God sees them and not how I want them to be. I agree with you Dee, I do try to listen closely when someone talks, to hear if they are speaking of a need in some way. I can work on opening myself up to others and not stay in the background. I can use the gift of helps when I see a need in front of me. God help to have eyes open to these needs and provide what I need to help.
Listening between the lines to someone is a way to bless others and please God. I will draw someone who seems lonely out with questions after church today.
10. Meditate on the whole concept of glorifying — giving honor — serving.
A. Keller says glorifying God and others gives us joy — have you experienced this? If so, share. – I have been helping our secretary at church and by doing this, I can see how busy she is. I’ve been able to see her qualities as a leader and all she does for us. I’ve told her this and when I met her mom I told her what a great Lady she has raised.
B. How is this opposite from what the world thinks? – The world is all about me, me, me. The world doesn’t want you to help others, they think you are crazy when you do. What a sad world it is becoming to see the world in need and have closed eyes to it.
C. Why does Keller say we were made to give glory? – We were created in God’s image, a loving and happy God. One who freely gives unconditional love to us. So that is what we should be doing as well. We should be giving our love away freely too. He wants us to love and to be happy, like he created us to be.
D. What are some of the best ways you can glorify God? – Give him all the praise for my being, for my success, for the growth I’ve seen. To let others know just how much love he has shown me in my life, even when I wasn’t close to him, he was still there. To let others know that I am who I am because of God and how patiently he waits as I continue to grow.
What I love about Julie’s answer to 7 is she did the hard work of inductive study — really looking at the meaning of the passage and then said, “Oh my, I’ve got some work to do in this area.” That’s the point of Bible study!
Listen up to “Secondly, we now know why God created the world” or Read up to Wednesday.
7. What stands out to you upon your first listening/reading and why? All of it The loving description of how the Trinity have interacted in joy, love snd serving one another from eternity
8. What do you learn about why God created the world and us? Ponder this and share your thoughts. To share what He and the Trinity have The love the happiness and delight in each part of the Trinity I’ve never comprehended this before. It’s beautiful and encouraging. I think Bev’s answer yesterday mentioned the dance It’s captivating what They have and then God created us to share in this beauty and wonder of being in relationship with them.
9. What did you learn about what it means to glorify another? How might you apply this to your life right now? If possible, give an example. I’ll do one in red. It means to praise, appreciate, adore, serve and please someone out of love. You have hit on it for me, Dee. It’s genuinely listen to someone Ask questions and pay attention Maybe I can sit down, take time and hear them. Old saying people don’t remember what we say but how we made them feel,
Listening between the lines to someone is a way to bless others and please God. I will draw someone who seems lonely out with questions after church today.
10. Meditate on the whole concept of glorifying — giving honor — serving.
A. Keller says glorifying God and others gives us joy — have you experienced this? If so, share. I’ve questioned the last few weeks if I loved my hubby well? In listening to this message I remembered I would go out of my way to get him a treat he liked or remind him of something I knew he would want to see or read about. It pleased me to do such small things that I knew he liked.
B. How is this opposite from what the world thinks?
C. Why does Keller say we were made to give glory? Forever the Father, Son and Holy Ghost have been glorifying and delighting in one another. Because They share their glory with us, we as His creation are made to give glory
D. What are some of the best ways you can glorify God? Pray that the fruit of Holy Spirit is evidenced in me. Serving with gentleness and humility whoever I come in contact whether at a 4 way stop or getting in a checkout line. Looking at self for “ me first” attitudes and getting rid of them and getting rid of hurry so I don’t neglect putting others first.
Love your response to 8, Judy.
“Serving with gentleness and humility..” That’s a timely reminder for me, Judy and to apply it with whoever I come in contact is so important.
Monday: The Opening Text: John 16:13-14 and John 17:1-5
Keller titled His sermon The Glory of the Triune God, though debated about calling it “The Deep Things of God.” This is so deep, so we need one another and definitely His Spirit. Pray now for understanding.
Do your best answering and the sermon tomorrow will help you fill in the blanks.
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13?
It was the night of Jesus’ betrayal at the supper. Jesus washed ALL the disciples’ feet (even Judas). Jesus says he is showing them an example to live by, serving others. Jesus tells Judas to go quickly (He knows it’s a betrayal). Jesus talks about His glorification, about going away, and then gives a new commandment to the eleven to love one another as He has loved them (which will take on greater meaning after His death and resurrection). He lastly tells Peter of his soon coming denial of Jesus.
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say?
Jesus says that He will be leaving, but they won’t be alone, He will send the Spirit of truth (Holy Spirit from the Father) to be their comforter and guide. Chapter 15 is the beautiful chapter about the vine and the branches, abiding in Him and He abiding in them. Jesus tells them again about loving each other. More comforting words about the Holy Spirit, and how the disciples’ sorrow will be turned too joy. Jesus tells them that they will scatter and leave Him alone, and that they will have tribulation (persecution, even death) in this world, but Jesus will give them His peace, and He has overcome the world, so they need not fear.
All the hard things Jesus states are surrounded by comforting and encouraging words. How beautiful. I think this is an example of how to speak truth about hard things, but done in love.
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul. Here is an example from me:
As I age, my “brain disease” makes mobility trickier. I tip over often, but I don’t fall. I need to be very careful where I place my feet when walking. The truth I speak to myself is 2 Corinthians 4:16.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
My body is just a cracked vessel, my “inward man” is made fresh each day. Praise the Lord! I’ve also come to see that the Lord’s light shines through my “cracks.”
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how?
Jesus says in Jn 17:5 that He was with the Father before the world was created, that they shared glory. He talks about glorifying the Father through obedience and the Father glorifying Him. In Jn16: 14 Jesus says the Spirit will glorigy Him aftr Jesus is gone from the earth. It can be seen that the Father, Son, and Spirit glorify each other.
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts to you have on this?
I would say that our God is perfectly complete and completely perfect. The Father, Son, and Spirit do not NEED anything or anyone to augment their total satisfaction/joy in each other. “Other gods” need sacrifices, worship, praise from men/women to prove their importance; they need the recognition of others.
B. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why?
I think He is talking about all the forthcoming events, the time for teaching was over. It’s similar to us saying, “Enough talk, just get on with it.” Of course that is NOT what Jesus said. but I hope you get my thought.
C. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)?
Jesus was given authority over all flesh (every person) to bestow eternal life on whomever He would.
D. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts?
Oh Dee, volumes have been written on this topic, and you are asking for MY thoughts? All I can tell you is what the Bible says.
John 1:14 “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 15:15 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you… ” Ephesians 1:4,5 “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”
So I would say yes, Jesus is talking about the eleven, but also the other followers who had come to believe in Him such as Mary and Martha, Lazarus, Nicodemus, Joseph of Aramethia, etc.
D. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian?
eternal life: to know the only, true God an Jesus Christ. To know God is: to see Him as He is, holy, just, creator, etc., and to see yourself as rebellious, unholy, undone. It’s to understand that He is God, you are not God. He is sovereign over all, and it’s only through Jesus that we may approach Him.
For a nominal Christian I would try to get them involved in Bible study. The Holy Spirit would reveal truth thru scripture, that’s what I would be praying to happen. I might ask her a question about her thoughts on a scripture passage, maybe over lunch or a cup of coffee.
E. What does Jesus say He has done? And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next?
He has glorified the Father and completed the work He was sent to do. He asks the Father to glorify Him now, with the glory they shared before this physical separation.
Lots of good verses on election, Cheryl. Sharon pointed out that because John 17:2 she thinks Jesus is talking about all people and not just the 11. I think so too now.
I love this, Cheryl Ann: My body is just a cracked vessel, my “inward man” is made fresh each day. Praise the Lord! I’ve also come to see that the Lord’s light shines through my “cracks.”
6E. What does Jesus say He has done? And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next?
He has brought glory to God by completing the assigned work. He asks for glory in the next phase of the plan.
Tuesday: Beginning the Sermon
Listen up to “Secondly, we now know why God created the world” or Read up to Wednesday.
7. What stands out to you upon your first listening/reading and why? What first stood out to me is Keller’s explanation of true love, that you’ll want to give glory to the other person, lift them up and serve them. How when you put your joy in them and “sparked their happiness,” it increases your own joy/happiness. This is the eternal love between the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, glorifying each other.
Then John 16:22 grabbed by attention: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
The glory the Father gave Jesus, he in turn gave that glory to His apostles! So logically speaking, I think, granting us the indwelling Holy Spirit also has given us a part of God’s glory. Then we in turn give glory back to the Lord. An ongoing circle of love.
8. What do you learn about why God created the world and us? Ponder this and share your thoughts.
God created the world and us for His glory. Applying Keller’s sermon, creation (which involved all three persons of the Trinity) was an expression of their eternal/ancient love for each other. I suppose this is one of the “deep things,” because it certainly has my mind spinning in a lot of directions.
“The chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” Westminster Shorter Catechism
9. What did you learn about what it means to glorify another? How might you apply this to your life right now? If possible, give an example.
I learned that serving someone, encouraging and building them up, pouring your joy into them, are ways of glorifying. I can/will send encouraging messages to women in my study group. I can/will respond to women’s comments on this study blog. Thank you, Dee, for facilitating these studies. Your faithfulness to the Lord shines so brightly.
10. Meditate on the whole concept of glorifying — giving honor — serving.
A. Keller says glorifying God and others gives us joy — have you experienced this? If so, share.
The Bible study I’ve been leading has given me great joy. Helping other women to really study the Word and discuss it, to see them growing in grace/knowledge, to listen to their conversations as relationships blossom, has been a highlight of my life this past year and a half.
B. How is this opposite from what the world thinks?
The world would put an individual’s own interests first: What I want, what I like, whatever makes ME happy, I’ll help if it does not interfere with MY plans/desires.
C. Why does Keller say we were made to give glory?
If we were made as an expression of glory the triune God had for each other, then our lives would reflect that glory/love back to God.
D. What are some of the best ways you can glorify God?
Obedience to the Word and leading of the Holy Spirit, serving others however I can (time, money, talent, etc), praise and worship (private and corporate)
Wednesday: The Closing of John 17 and More of Keller’s Sermon
11. Read John 17:20-26
A. How can you see this prayer is not just for the apostles?
—Because in verse 20 he says “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,”
B. What is the first thing He prays here and why? (verse 21)
—He asks that all believers be unified together as one just as God the Father and Jesus the Son are united as one. And that they be unified into the Oneness of God and Christ.
C. What do you learn about oneness in verses 22 and 23?
—Jesus shares his glory with believers which is the essence of Who he is in his Oneness with God the Father. Out of that we as believers can experience perfect unity with each other through Him. And it is an example to the world around us as they see Jesus in our lives. What is reflected out of our unity with each other and our unity with Jesus is God’s love. Love is the mark of a Christian who walks in unity with God.
D. What is the result of unity in the body of Christ according to verse 23? Have you experienced this?
—looks like I already answered that in C. 😊
—Yes I have experienced the unity and love of the body of Christ (the Church) many times throughout my life. Believers in and followers of Jesus have influenced and blessed my life many times over with their prayers and by acts of love and caring through the troubles of life. And they have shared my joys as well as we have often celebrated together the amazing Salvation and works of God.
E. What do you learn about the depth of God’s love for you according to verse 23?
—Often in his preaching about God’s love for us my son would say only when God stops loving Jesus will he stop loving us and we can be clearly assured from the Word of God that He will never ever stop loving his Son. So He will never ever stop loving us.
—The depth of God’s love for Jesus is a perfect, unending eternally secure love. I think of Romans 8:31-37 where Paul talks about God’s everlasting love. Verses 37-39 speak volumes about God’s love.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:37-39 ESV
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how?
The term” glory” is mentioned in both passages. The Father gives glory to the Son and the Son gives it back to the Father. The Holy Spirit gives glory to the Son by His very presence with us. The Trinity all shares in the glory.
I love the video of “The Biggest Story” children’s book by Kevin DeYoung, narrated by Michael Reeves.
https://www.thebiggeststory.com/ Jesus is also God.
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts to you have on this?
Other gods are demanding and are not pleased with their “servants”. Our other “gods” are never satisfied and are always claiming more.
B. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why?
The hour is Jesus’ death on the cross. It is specific to an appointed time purposed for why Jesus came to earth as a human being. Philippians 2 The hour is required so that we can have eternal life if we believe in Him.
C. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)?
All authority has been given to Jesus by the Father.
D. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts?
Yes, He may be talking about His disciples except Judas but also those who will receive Him later (Gentiles)
D. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian?
Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ in truth. Not as the man up there but as the One who is spoken about in the Bible- knowing that God is a holy God and there is judgment for sin but He has also provided the payment for it through the death of His son who came in human form. Romans 3:23 “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
E. What does Jesus say He has done? And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next?
He has brought glory to the Father by finishing the work He was given to do. Notice He has not died here yet but it is good as done. Could this also mean that He was done with the calling of the true disciples which would be his first ambassadors?
Bing — what a wonderful resource. I put it on my author Facebook.
Bing,
Thank you for sharing the link to “The Biggest Story.”
It is so well done.
Dee and Nila, I was glad to have found it! I plan to write something about it in our February church newsletter so that parents can consider the book, video, and curriculum for their children.
Dee, I’m thinking of sharing this Keller sermon with my DIL. Is it too much for someone just learning about Christianity? I just don’t know where to start. I think it is so good; how Keller explains the triune God!
Laura — I’d suggest beginning with the 7 part podcast from Keller called Questioning Christianity:
https://qcpodcast.gospelinlife.com/
Okay thanks!
Tuesday: Beginning the Sermon
Listen up to “Secondly, we now know why God created the world” or Read up to Wednesday.
7. What stands out to you upon your first listening/reading and why?
Infinite happiness is the result of making others happy. Wow! Why did I not think of this before? I have noticed it with my loved ones and it seems like time and words coinciding with deeds make my loved ones very happy. I should just do it more often!
8. What do you learn about why God created the world and us? Ponder this and share your thoughts.
I believe He wants us to share in His infinite happiness. And why not? He has everything we would need! And He wants to be with us.
9. What did you learn about what it means to glorify another? How might you apply this to your life right now? If possible, give an example. I’ll do one in red.
It means to serve, praise, and do good to others without expecting anything in return.
Lately, I have noticed that the more considerate and thoughtful I am with my students, the more they seem to rise to the occasion or my expectations. Well, even though I know they are expecting a grade out of their efforts, it makes me happy to see them do better than when we first started.
Like you, Dee, I would like to listen more attentively. Today I am meeting a new lady who will be participating in our Psalm 23 study starting next week. Thank you, Dee, for leading us through this last year! We are meeting so she can have the book and study guide but I want to make it more personal and show interest in her welfare. She shared about her husband’s test results and was glad it was cancer. I don’t want our study to be just getting more ladies to participate (although that will be nice) for numbers’ sake.
One on one sounds great for her, Bing.
Oops… she was glad it was NOT cancer. I got our meeting time mixed up so I was a tad late, but we still got to chat briefly and she was glad that she could participate in the study. She was on her way to buy some medical supplies for her husband. At the last minute before I left home, I grabbed a couple of oatmeal cookies I made the day before from the freezer and gave them to her. She thanked me and said she was going to give one to her husband. I love these opportunities. Yes, Dee, she looked like somebody who would like a one-on-one visit.
10. Meditate on the whole concept of glorifying — giving honor — serving.
A. Keller says glorifying God and others gives us joy — have you experienced this? If so, share.
Seeing people getting out of their comfort zone because of the opportunities they were offered and be successful or show their best efforts at it, brings me much joy.
Giving thanks to God for answered prayers not only gives Him joy but gives me joy as well. I have been dealing with a tooth problem for a couple of months and this morning I woke up with a breakthrough it brought me so much joy and gave praise to God for His timely answer and the lesson on waiting patiently and seeing the goodness of God in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13-14
B. How is this opposite from what the world thinks?
The world thinks MVP, Oscar, and Golden Globes Awards (recently on the news), accolades of any kind, I scratch your back, I scratch yours, listening to the radio station of WII-FM (what’s in it for me?)
C. Why does Keller say we were made to give glory?
We are following the example of the Trinity in giving glory to Him and one another,
D. What are some of the best ways you can glorify God?
Love others unconditionally. Use encouraging words so the hearer can see their God potential (come out of their shell); point others to God; Be humble-I owe everything to God (Romans 8:32)
I haven’t had time yet to start this week, but good news! New grandbaby is here! Asher Liam OBrien. “And of Asher he said, “Most blessed of sons be Asher; let him be the favorite of his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.” “Your bars shall be iron and bronze, and as your days, so shall your strength be.”
Deuteronomy 33:24-25 ESV
My son chose this beautiful verse❤️ Praise be to God, he’s here safe.
What wonderful news, Chris, congratulations to all!
Congratulations Chris and Yes, praise God! Love the name and verse❣️
Yes Congratulations! We have a 19 year old grandson named Asher. He is a godly young man who brings delight to our lives. God bless your little Asher.
Oh, Chris! What a beautiful answer to prayer and the name and verse you shared is awesome! Congratulations!
Thank you, all. It is such a beautiful blessing after such a tragedy.
So thankful for all of you! Makes me think of Chaim Potak’s book Asher Lev.
Chris, Thanking God for this wonderful Blessing from Heaven! I have been praying for baby and mother, as you mentioned she was past her due date! I love his name. What a perfect verse your son chose! Praising God that Asher has arrived fresh from Heaven! Thank you Lord!!
Congratulations!! So happy for you and the family ♥️
Wednesday: The Closing of John 17 and More of Keller’s Sermon
11. Read John 17:20-26
A. How can you see this prayer is not just for the apostles?
In verse 20 He says, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message.”
B. What is the first thing He prays here and why? (verse 21)
That they will be one. So they will have the same relationship that God and Jesus have and that the world will believe that God sent Jesus.
C. What do you learn about oneness in verses 22 and 23?
Oneness comes through receiving the glory that Jesus received from the Father. To be one just as They are.
With God in Jesus and Jesus in them they are perfected and completed into one.
It’s all based on glorifying one another through relationship.
D. What is the result of unity in the body of Christ according to verse 23? Have you experienced this?
The world will see the unity and the love of God.
I experienced it in the missionary school I attended in Kenya. We were all made up of different denominations, but came together as one family, lived together and worshipped the One true God together.
E. What do you learn about the depth of God’s love for you according to verse 23?
That He loves us just as He loves Jesus.
12. Listen/Read the Sermon up to when he says: “The Ultimate Hour” or when you see Thursday.
A. What stands out to you after listening/reading this part and why?
“If I’m not worshipping God and He’s not the number one thing in my life, not just in my head, but in my heart too, you’re cut off from your real origins.”
The number one thing in my life is what I’ll end up worshipping and if that isn’t God then I’m miserable.
B. Why does Keller say God created the world and how does He support this from this passage?
He created it to share it. Verse 22-23…He wanted us to have the glory, unity and love that they have.
C. What does Keller say leads to true happiness for us? Have you experienced this? If so, explain.
Give God glory above everything else and out of that comes giving glory to others.
Yes! To enter His presence with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Waking up each morning with Jesus being the first thing that comes to mind and singing “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace…” to start the day. It helps prepare me to walk in grace in all that I do.
Sharon, I too often sing “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” 😊
Favorite hymn!
Wednesday: The Closing of John 17 and More of Keller’s Sermon
11. Read John 17:20-26
A. How can you see this prayer is not just for the apostles?
V.20 Jesus said this prayer is also for those who will in Him through the message of the apostles. And we are recipients of their message so that includes us as well.
B. What is the first thing He prays here and why? (verse 21)
He prayed for the unity of the Triune God to be ours also and will reflect their relationship to one another.
C. What do you learn about oneness in verses 22 and 23?
We share in the glory of God and through our oneness the world will know that Jesus came and that He loves those who believe in Him.
D. What is the result of unity in the body of Christ according to verse 23? Have you experienced this?
Yes. I see Jesus in my brothers and sisters regardless of denomination, race, personality, and differences of opinion. When the world sees that we are united, we attract them and perhaps, allow them to pause and look for the common denominator in our lives which would be Jesus.
I am excited to meet up with the ladies for our small group Bible Study starting next week. We represent 6 churches in our county.
E. What do you learn about the depth of God’s love for you according to verse 23?
He wants to share His glory with me, and He loves me as much as He loves His Son. I am so glad that I am a part of the family of God!
12. Listen/Read the Sermon up to when he says: “The Ultimate Hour” or when you see Thursday.
A. What stands out to you after listening/reading this part and why?
We are cut off from our original design if we don’t glorify God. We are created in His image, so we are happy when we do the same thing the triune God does; that is, make each other happy.
B. Why does Keller say God created the world and how does He support this from this passage?
“He created the world to share that infinite happiness” He has with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
C. What does Keller say leads to true happiness for us? Have you experienced this? If so, explain.
“…and the only way you will have that infinite happiness is if you worship him and him alone and you give him glory.”
Worshiping God and God alone is like no other. And even when a sad memory comes, because God is worthy to be praised, sorrow turns into joy. So why not do it in all circumstances?
I happened upon a book by Dr. Seuss, “Oh The Places You Can Go” which was given and signed by friends, family, teachers, and classmates of Ruth Ann when she left to go to France to teach for a year. One of the signatures was of a very dear man from our church who passed away a few years ago due to Covid. Just the sight of his signature and name brought tears to my eyes. Yet the very sorrow that enveloped me turned into hope that I would be seeing him again in heaven. And no COVID there and no memories of it. So yes, it is time to worship our God and give Him the glory for eternal friendships still to come!
3. John begins with “After this,” which should lead us to ask, “After what?” Briefly, what happened in John 13? A Quick Look on biblehub.com because its been a busy week: “This chapter is significant as it showcases Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, predicting Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial, and issuing the new commandment of love.”
4. Then, in John 14-16 Jesus tells the disciples that hard things are going to happen, but it is not the end of the story. He sums this up in John 16:32-33. What does He say? He tells them that they will leave him when he goes to the cross and yet the Father will be with him. He tells them they have peace in him, though trouble in the world.
5. How might what Jesus says in these two verses help you in facing whatever hard thing you are facing? Be specific. If we are honest, we worry about a lot of little things. Then speak the truth to your soul. I’ve been stressing out about my husband having shingles. He’s been in a lot of pain and my daughter who is on immune suppressing drugs for autoimmune hepatitis is having symptoms that may be shingles. I need to trust their health to the Lord, but I worry. Lord help me to know that you have all their days written in your book and you love them more than I ever could. Give me your peace through the Holy Spirit-I give them to you as you are the great physician. Thank you, Lord.
6. Read first John 16:13-14 and then John 17:1-5
A. Keller is going to show how these verses show a relationship between God the Son and God the Father from all eternity. Can you see it in the above two passages? If so, how? Jesus speaks to the Father and refers to His authority and how they glorify one another.
B. Keller says glorifying another give them joy, and that the Father, Son, and Spirit have been doing this through all eternity, and therefore have been eternally happy. Other gods are not “happy.” What thoughts to you have on this? When we try to please our idols, we end up in conflict with others or doing some kind of damage. It’s not pretty. When we glorify God, we receive blessing.
B. When Jesus speaks of “the hour” what do you think He is talking about and why? The time for him to go to the cross. Chapter 13:1 “…when Jesus knew his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father…”
C. What authority has God the Father given Jesus (verse 2)? Over all flesh to give eternal life to all given him.
D. Throughout Scripture there seems to be an “apparent” contradiction between free will and election. John 17:2 uses the phrase, “that he might give eternal life to all those you have given them.” It is possible here, that Jesus is talking about 11 of the disciples and excluding Judas. (See also verse 17) What are your thoughts? I believe that our minds our limited and that free will and election can both exist though I do not understand this as I do not understand the Trinity. I do believe all sin can be repented of but verse 12 says, not one is lost except the son of destruction, so I assume he did not repent.
D. What does He say eternal life is? (verse 3) What does “know” mean? How would explain what this means to an unbeliever or nominal (in name only) Christian? That they know God and Jesus who he sent. To know God is more than head knowledge-it’s a heart change.
E. What does Jesus say He has done? And now, what does He ask of the Father for what He faces next? He says he has finished the work the Father gave him and through that glorified the Father. Now he asks the Father to glorify himself in his presence.
Dear Chris, I am so sorry about your husband and daughter. To see loved ones in pain, and mot having the ability to help, is so hard. I pray the Lord gives you peace in the midst of this and that He touches your husband and daughter with His Healing hand, relieving his pain and calming her symptoms. May His love surround you and bear you up.
Lord, please extend your healing hand to Chris’s husband and her daughter. You can and will take care of these rogue cells that are invading their bodies. Ease the pain now as I have heard shingles is very painful. May the medicine or treatment they are both receiving have a good effect. And I pray for Chris’ peace and comfort.
Thank you Bing and Cheryl for your prayers. I’m afraid he just came home from work as the pain is too much to concentrate. Praying that today the doctor can find him relief. I’m afraid it’s nerve pain, which is difficult to treat and although Norco helps, it’s not something he can take on a long term basis.
I like “I do not understand this as I do not understand the Trinity.”
I join the others in praying for your husband and daughter, Chris. We Praise You Heavenly Father and we thank You for the constant and unwavering love that you have for us. Though there are times when we might not sense Your presence, help us to trust in You dear Father. Lord, hear our prayers for Chris and her family. Please anoint her husband and daughter with Your healing balm. Give Chris a spirit of calm and peace, as she cares for her family.
1. If you are not new here, please encourage our new sisters by telling them a specific way you have been helped, and why they should persist even if they feel a bit uncomfortable at first!
Dee spoke at a women’s’ retreat that I attended back in the fall of 2010. I signed up for her online bible study. In the spring of 2011, I received notification that she was starting a new study called The God of All Comfort .It happened to be just a month after I had suffered a tremendous loss in my life. Even though it was the first time that I ever did an online bible study and I was in a very fragile state, I immediately felt that the women here were genuine, caring and loving. The fact that Dee participated in the study really shocked me. I expected it to be a group study that was based on Dee’s materials, but I didn’t expect that she was going to be a part of it.
This group has helped me see that a lot of us face the same challenges and just knowing that there are sisters out there praying for me and encouraging me makes me feel stronger and connected.
You have added such richness, Dawn!
Oh, Dawn, I always love reading your posts. I did not know that this is how you came to the study. I so agree with all that you said and I especially love this: This group has helped me see that a lot of us face the same challenges and just knowing that there are sisters out there praying for me and encouraging me makes me feel stronger and connected.
Dawn,
Amen to what you said here:
“This group has helped me see that a lot of us face the same challenges and just knowing that there are sisters out there praying for me and encouraging me makes me feel stronger and connected.”
Dawn, Thanks for sharing. You bless us with your input here.
Sara Groves sings this song that dovetails into your words here Dawn:
Blessed Be The Tie
SARA GrOVES SONG LYRICS
Words by John Fawcett
Before our Father’s throne
We pour out ardent prayer
Our fears and hopes are one
Our comforts and our cares
Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts
In Christian love
We share each other’s woes
Our common burdens bear
And often for each other
A sympathizing tear
Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts
In Christian love
Oh a kindred heart!
It’s like heaven above
It’s like heaven
Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts
In Christian love.
Oh, Yes to all comments, Dawn! And Nila’s song ties up the sweet fellowship in the blog.
More of Wednesday
12. Listen/Read the Sermon up to when he says: “The Ultimate Hour” or when you see Thursday.
A. What stands out to you after listening/reading this part and why?
—Keller says “What Jesus is saying is the whole purpose of creation and the whole purpose of redemption is not for God to get love, adoration, and
glory, but to share it. That leads to the most important practical thing
you need to realize. If this is true, if this is how God created the world,
then your absolute highest purpose, your meaning, and the only way you’ll ever be happy is if you are glorifying God above all other things.”
—This is new and wonderful thinking to me that this is about God sharing his love, adoration and glory. As he says it is the whole purpose of creation and redemption. As his children we have the privilege of being drawn into the beautiful dance of the Trinity and experiencing joy and glory. All because Jesus made it possible. My heart is full with these wonderful thoughts and applications.
B. Why does Keller say God created the world and how does He support this from this passage?
—well I answered why just above. He supports the premise in verses 22, 23 & 24. Jesus wants us to share in the glory, unity and love.
C. What does Keller say leads to true happiness for us? Have you experienced this? If so, explain.
—He said when we come to rejoice in divine glory as the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit already do then we experience the process of growth in happiness and it will go on forever, eternally increasing unimaginably.
As I said before by glorifying God we get to share in the beautiful dance of the Trinity which results in perfect love, joy, peace and happiness.
—Have I experienced this? I would say in some measure and probably the closest I’ve come would be in times of musical worship. I find great pleasure in times of singing certain praise songs in corporate worship.
Also now that I think about it the other times I have experienced a sense of glory, joy and peace have been a few times of being in the high mountains taking in the magnificent vistas totally away from others and any distractions.
As I have gotten older I have learned to stop and smell the roses so to speak and in being in the Word and prayerful I have sensed his nearness in the beauty of small things too.
Walking with Him just gets better and better.
We’re all delighting in this new and wonderful thinking!
7. What stands out to you upon your first listening/reading and why? There’s no greater joy than the joy of making someone else joyful-when you put your joy in someone-when they are happy, you are happy. Whenever my husband and I have faced trials and one or the other of us is sad, there’s nothing more that we want than to find a way to make the other happy-even for a moment. Currently, he is in agony with pain from shingles and has been in pain since the beginning of November which started with kidney stones. This unending pain has been unbearable. I sure wish I could take it away for him.
8. What do you learn about why God created the world and us? Ponder this and share your thoughts. I’ve been studying Revelation again recently and am blown away at the images there. I can’t fathom being in the throne room. I can’t fathom the thoughts of God. A memory of my son comes to mind. He was a young teen, maybe 13, doing dishes for me and feeling frustrated at life, when he said in his frustration, “I just want to know what my purpose is!” My immediate thought was his purpose today, but my husband knew he was after his purpose in life and rattled off the catechism answer, which is to glorify God. I remember thinking at the time, yes, this is what he needed to hear-what we all need to hear. We are here to glorify God.
9. What did you learn about what it means to glorify another? How might you apply this to your life right now? If possible, give an example. I’ll do one in red. Putting our joy into someone else, is how Keller puts it. Looking for something to make them happy. I know I tried to do this at Christmas with my gift giving. I usually as for ideas, but also try to come up with something that I think the will give joy or happiness to the receiver. Right now, I’m looking for a way to help my husband through his illness. I sent him the lyrics to “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, this morning. Thanks for the reminder of that great hymn.
10. Meditate on the whole concept of glorifying — giving honor — serving.
A. Keller says glorifying God and others gives us joy — have you experienced this? If so, share. I’ve experienced this in my marriage and family life. Just this Christmas my grown kids each gave me a gift that was very carefully chosen. Each of them found something they knew I wanted or needed. It wasn’t something they had in mind, but rather something I had mentioned in passing, but wasn’t going to buy for myself. They wanted to make me happy with their gifts. I have a daughter who, often thinks of me and will go out of her way to make me happy. She loves to put her happiness in me and it’s obvious that she gets much joy in doing so. My husband also will go out of his way to do things that bring me joy-one of my most treasured memories is when he read me scripture throughout my labor to bring our stillborn daughter into this world. It was a bitter sweet time in our lives when we had to help one another keep our focus on Jesus.
B. How is this opposite from what the world thinks? The world rather pushes the opposite and tells us to glorify ourselves. This is seen in abortion, the corrupt nature of the business world, many television shows and show business in general, etc.
C. Why does Keller say we were made to give glory? If God created us to share his glory with us, then our highest purpose can only be to reflect that.
D. What are some of the best ways you can glorify God? Loving God and loving people- the greatest commandment. Looking out for others needs above my own.
Chris,
Loved this:
“One of my most treasured memories is when he read me scripture throughout my labor to bring our stillborn daughter into this world. It was a bitter sweet time in our lives when we had to help one another keep our focus on Jesus.”
Chris, What beautiful illustrations of giving and receiving joy in your relationships. I pray that God will answer your prayers and ours for your husband to find relief from the pain of shingles.
Chris, your comments brought a lump in my throat. Our Patti at one time shared a quote from Elizabeth Kubler-Ross on FB that has touched my heart given the suffering in this world and what beauty it can bring to us if we allow it.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
I see beauty in you and your husband as you go through this journey of pain together.
Thank you all and for the quote, Bing. That’s beautiful. I will share that with him tomorrow. He is quite discouraged. He has a video visit with the doctor tomorrow. Praying for some relief to pain and especially encouragement for his soul.
Praying, Chris, for a breakthrough in the pain. And for him to feel the company of Jesus when he is in pain.
Amen to Nila. You have been through so much, yet your faith is not moved. Thank you for sharing these personal stories, Chris. Praying for your husband to have relief from the pain and for the Lord to encourage him. Love “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”
Thursday: The Ultimate Hour
Go slowly – -so rich and transforming!
Listen/Read up to The Ultimate Glory or Friday
13. What stands out to you and why?
—“The glory of God does not follow (after) the shame of the cross. It’s displayed in the shame of the cross. What does that mean? It means there is no greater glory than to give up your glory to glorify somebody else. There’s no greater beauty than to give up your beauty to beautify somebody else. It shows us this is what’s in the heart of God. In the heart of God from all eternity, each person has been seeking not his own glory, but the glory of others. Therefore, what Jesus Christ is doing on the cross is something that is actually showing us the heart of God.”
—These comments by Keller brought something into clearer focus regarding the fact that Jesus was not brought back into his glory after the Cross but rather his glory was being displayed in the shame of the Cross. To personalize it for me is that on the Cross Jesus was seeking my glory. He was obtaining my glory by buying my salvation from eternal death and hell. But even deeper in meaning is that he was glorifying God his Father by actually showing us the very heart of God.
I think of the words to an old hymn.
“The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell;”
—That is the heart of God.
14. What does D. A. Carson say is the ultimate glory and why?
—He says it is displayed in the shame of the Cross meaning there is no
greater glory than to give up your glory to glorify somebody else.
15. Can you think of an illustration of someone (other than Jesus) giving up his or her glory for the glory of another?
—I think of the runner who could have won the race and gained the glory of winning but gave up his place and picked up a fellow runner who had fallen and injured himself and helped carry the injured runner to the finish line.
16. Why did the Puritan Joseph Flavel explain that the pain Jesus experienced in separating from the Father was so deep?
—Because as part of the Trinity “from all eternity,
the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have been pouring love, joy, and glory into each other, which
means every person of the Trinity was perfectly happy.” That is the deepest personal relationship that was and is possible but Jesus lost all that on the Cross. Keller made the point from Flavel “that nobody on the face of the earth has experienced anything like what happened to Jesus Christ when he said, ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’”
That is because he had an infinitely perfect, eternal love relationship.
17. What does Keller tell us is going against the grain for which we are made?
—We are made in the image of God and the heart of God is servanthood.
How is this the opposite of what the world, and we ourselves, sometimes believe?
—Basically selfishness goes against the grain of what God has for us. Viewing myself as most important and living for what is most important to me sets me on a path to hell.
In the Lord we lose ourselves to find ourselves.
Good final summary and strong language from Keller.
Thursday: The Ultimate Hour
Go slowly – -so rich and transforming!
Listen/Read up to The Ultimate Glory or Friday
13. What stands out to you and why?
I’m just going to say that I’m still not sure I totally understand all that Keller said in this section. I listened to it and then read it 3-4 times. Doing the questions below helped and of course what C.S. Lewis said still has me pondering.
What stood out to me and continues to is the relationship within the Trinity…it’s quite mind boggling 🧐
14. What does D. A. Carson say is the ultimate glory and why?
What Jesus is saying in 17:1 to the Father is, “Glorify Me now, I’m going to be glorified now. When I’m lifted up and I’m beaten to a pulp and I’m repulsive and I’ve given up everything and I’ve lost everything, that will be the ultimate expression of the glory of God.”
“There’s no greater glory than to give up your glory to glorify somebody else.”
15. Can you think of an illustration of someone (other than Jesus) giving up his or her glory for the glory of another?
For some reason Queen Esther comes to mind. Out of love for her people and to save them, she risked her life by asking for a meeting with the king when it was protocol for her to go before the king only when he asked for her. She was willing to give up her glory as queen so her people and God would be glorified.
16. Why did the Puritan Joseph Flavel explain that the pain Jesus experienced in separating from the Father was so deep?
Because the outpouring of love, joy and glory between the Father, Holy Spirit and Jesus from eternity was broken…the perfect happiness was interrupted. Keller’s quote, “the longer, deeper, more wonderful , and more profound the love relationship , the more painfully searing it is when you lose it. It’s when we understand the relationship of the Trinity, we understand what it cost Jesus to save us.
Oh Lord, may that really sink into my heart and pour out in my life. Please forgive my lack of humility and grace.
17. What does Keller tell us is going against the grain for which we are made? How is this the opposite of what the world, and we ourselves, sometimes believe?
Putting ourselves first. Thinking we’re more important than God, the Bible and others.
I don’t think it’s the opposite, but rather exactly what the world and we ourselves sometimes believe.
10. Meditate on the whole concept of glorifying — giving honor — serving.
A. Keller says glorifying God and others gives us joy — have you experienced this? If so, share.
I loved pleasing my husband and making him smile, especially the last few years as his health declined. It gave me peace and comfort to see him find joy in the little things in life. I love making my children or grandchildren things to eat that they enjoy. Spending time with someone because you want to gives joy to the giver and the receiver. It is different to “make time for someone” than to “cherish time with someone”. When we cherish the time, it shows our love.
B. How is this opposite from what the world thinks?
The world thinks that the more love and adoration we receive from others, the happier we will be. This is so false and it is so often used to market “products” for us to buy to make us happy. I have no memories of “things” bringing joy to my life. I do know that I have made the mistake of thinking that was possible, but it was like getting a “flat tire”….totally deflating.
C. Why does Keller say we were made to give glory?
Because God created us in His image and our joy comes from giving Glory to God and serving others by appreciating and adoring His creation. It starts in the heart by Glorifying the creator and going outward, not by seeking our own inward fulfillment. Giving God glory first is the only thing that can truly satisfy our hearts, because that is how we were designed.
D. What are some of the best ways you can glorify God?
I love Praise music and sharing encouraging scriptures to those who may be hurting. I love talking to unbelievers, in order to understand what is deterring them from God. I love mentoring those who are interested in knowing God. I went to a Bible study at my new church and I loved the depth and sincerity of the couples who attended. They were mostly couples with grown children and several were, like me, seeking community. It was obvious that they all loved the Lord and I could feel that in the room.
Oh Patti, this is so true and made me smile…”I have no memories of “things” bringing joy to my life. I do know that I have made the mistake of thinking that was possible, but it was like getting a “flat tire”….totally deflating.”
Patti, I love this, too: I have no memories of “things” bringing joy to my life. I do know that I have made the mistake of thinking that was possible, but it was like getting a “flat tire”….totally deflating.
Love this thought from Patti: It is different to “make time for someone” than to “cherish time with someone”.
And so happy about your new church!
11. Read John 17:20-26
A. How can you see this prayer is not just for the apostles?
Jesus says that His prayer is not for them alone, but for the believers who hear the message of the apostles.
B. What is the first thing He prays here and why? (verse 21)
He prays for those who will be believers because of the message of the Apostles.
C. What do you learn about oneness in verses 22 and 23?
Jesus has given them the glory that He received from the Father that they may one, united as one. And that their unity will let the world know that they were sent out by Jesus and that God loves them, as He loved His Son.
D. What is the result of unity in the body of Christ according to verse 23? Have you experienced this?
The presence of the Son should be evident in believers, as the Presence of the Father is evident in the Son. I experienced in the Christian school where we worked. We were such a diverse group in many ways, but regardless of race, age, education and more, we were all united by our love of the Father and our worshipping Him together.
E. What do you learn about the depth of God’s love for you according to verse 23?
God’s love for us is as deep, wide and eternal as His love for Jesus.