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Leader's Guide

foundationscurriculum

VENTURE UP

ENCOUNTERING CHRIST IN SCRIPTURE

Volume 2, Book 2

TEACHING PLANS

Alan R. Buescher

Copyright 2015

EquippedChurch.es, a publishing ministry extension of Brentwood Baptist Church

VENTURE UP: Encountering Christ in Scripture, Volume 2, Book 2

TEACHING PLANS

These teaching plans are designed to be used by adult leaders to lead learners in their

individual spiritual journey to Christ l ikeness .

PROJECT LEADERSHIP TEAMJ. Steven Layton, Concept & Strategy

Roger Severino, Content Design, Scope & Sequence

Norma J. Goldman, Project Manager

EDITORIAL STAFFAlan R. Buescher, Teaching Plan Writer

Brenda A. Harris, Teaching Plan Editor

Scotty Smith, Content Writer

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN 978-1-941231-06-7

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard

Bible Copyright 1999, 2000, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman

Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB© and HCSB© are federally registered trademarks of

Holman Bible Publishers.

To view or purchase Foundation Curriculum Resources visit us at www.equippedchurch.es

To learn more about the JourneyOn Network of Churches and/or JourneyOn Resources, email us at

[email protected] or visit us on the web at www.journeyondiscipleship.com.

what business are you in?As I was walking by a dark restaurant in a nearby town I noticed a sign in the window, “Out

of Business because we didn’t know what business we were in.” Pausing for a moment I

wondered, how could they not know what business they were in? A sign above the door clearly

stated “restaurant,” which was confirmed by the presence of tables, chairs, menus, and a

kitchen on the other side of the window. Surely, when this business began they knew what

business they were in—but somewhere along the way they lost their excitement, intention-

ality, and perhaps their love for serving deli-

cious meals. I couldn’t help but think about

the untold number of other businesses that

have gone by the wayside. Then I thought

of churches and Christ-followers that had

lost sight of the business they are in.

God’s Word tells us that we are to be

formed, conformed, and transformed into the image of Christ (Gal. 4:19; Rom. 8:29;

2 Cor. 3:18) so that the personality and deeds of Jesus will naturally flow out of us where

we live, work, and play. The destination of our journey and the business we are in is

movement toward a Christ-centered life.

This Travelogue focuses on Christology, a study of the Person and work of Christ. Use it

alongside an open Bible with pen in hand to record your journey. It is our hope and prayer

that along the way you will know and become more like Jesus.

Enjoy the journey,

J. Steven Layton, D.Min.

Discipleship Minister

Brentwood, Tennessee

“ Christ-followers cannot lose sight of the business they are in.”

study to know the teacherWelcome to the JourneyOn Christological study. I know, “Christological” is a big word, but it basi-

cally means, “the study of Christ.” So, welcome to our discipleship series based on a study of Christ.

This, of course, is what sets Christianity apart from the other world religions. We don’t study to

know the teachings better. We study to know the Teacher. Sure, we study the Scriptures, but we do

so to better know and to get closer to—Jesus.

Dallas Willard, in his book The Divine Conspiracy, says that Jesus is the wisest person to have ever

lived in our world. Jesus knows things about life and what makes life worth living that no one else

knows.

That’s why we want to know Him. We want to get as close to Him as we can. In order to do that, we

study. But where do we begin?

We put together this study to help you do just that—to begin what we pray will be a lifelong jour-

ney of knowing Jesus at ever-deepening levels. We want our lives transformed by His Presence. We

want our lives empowered by His wisdom and truth.

Our prayer is this study helps you get started in the most important process of our lives—knowing

Christ. After all, Jesus is the only One to have come from God and He’s the only One who knows

the way back.

Michael Glenn, D. Min.

Senior Pastor, Brentwood Baptist Church

Brentwood, Tennessee

introduction to the travelogueRoger Severino

The travelogue for Encountering Christ in Scripture is designed to be a companion to an individual

or corporate Bible study experience. It will help learners encounter Jesus in the pages of the Bible

and hopefully experience Him in new and fresh ways.

The goal in this series is to reflect deeply on Jesus so that we can know Him intimately and be

transformed more and more into His likeness (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; 1 John 3:1-3).

There are different types of journeys. Some are ones we take with friends or family, while

others are adventures we pursue on our own. The travelogue is designed to be used either way.

Learners may dive into these lessons by themselves, so the journal is designed to stand on its own.

Others may gather a group of friends, going through the travelogue together, sharing insights each

has gained during private times of engaging the material. Finally, we have developed teaching

plans that allow these lessons to be taught in a more traditional format, such as a LIFE Group or

Sunday School class.

The travelogue is designed to encourage practicing at least four different spiritual disciplines

in each lesson. First, learners engage a text of Scripture, thus practicing Bible study. Secondly, a

memory verse for each lesson encourages the habit of Bible memorization. Third, journaling will

be part of the experience as learners write out their thoughts as they engage the material. Finally,

prayer is an essential part of this experience as we reflect on how God is speaking to us.

Each travelogue (Book 1: Venture In and Book 2: Venture Up) has 13 lessons on Jesus, seen

through the lens of Jesus’ Titles, His Teachings, Actions, Character, Person, and Work. For each

category, two lessons are in Venture In and two lessons in Venture Up, with an introductory lesson in

Venture In and a concluding lesson in Venture Up (see Table of Contents for Overview).

We hope you will find these lessons to be a true source of joy and encouragement as you take

your next steps on the journey to becoming more like the Jesus you encounter in the pages of

Scripture.

Happy travels!

who is jesus to you?Norma J. Goldman

Your thoughts about Jesus have been shaped by what you’ve seen, heard, and experienced up to this

point, but do these views and life experiences line up with Scripture?

Upon hearing what others were saying about Him, Jesus asked His disciples, “‘But you, who do

you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’” (Matt.

16:15-16)!

Of course, Peter had it right. But we want to know more, to understand more fully just what

“Messiah, Son of the living God” means. And God wants us to know more. In sending Jesus, He

demonstrated His desire and willingness to be known.

The Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) present different, but complementary

views of Jesus, emphasizing specific roles of: Messiah, Suffering Servant, Savior of the world, eter-

nal Son of God, and Creator of the universe. But, “Who is Jesus to you?”

The two books that comprise this study on Encountering Christ in Scripture were designed to help

you answer this important, deeply personal question and further, to cause you to love Him more

deeply than you ever imagined possible.

When a person falls in love, the object of his affection falls under intense scrutiny—what does

she like; not like; where did he grow up; what kinds of food, music, and entertainment does he like?

How does she think, what influences her, what are his goals, and why? Humans display a single

focus for a period of time, just discovering answers to all these—and more—questions.

We want you to fall deeply in love with Jesus, as Savior of the world and (we pray) your personal

Savior. We want you to discover who He is in eternity past, present, and future; to know why He

came from heaven to dwell in human flesh; and how He manifested the love of God in choosing

death on a Roman cross.

To do that will take work, likely causing you to challenge previous ideas, broaden and deepen

your understanding, or even change a misconception. As Peter was transformed by knowing Jesus,

may you know Him, experiencing that same transformation.

christology overview CATEGORIES 26 LESSONS

The Titles of Jesus 1. Messiah / Christ 2. Lord 3. Son of God 4. Son of Man

The Teachings of Jesus 1. Discipleship 2. Kingdom of God 3. Religion vs. the Gospel 4. Ministry to Others

The Actions of Jesus 1. Calls Others to Follow 2. Miracles and Healings 3. Confronts Evil 4. Preaches and Proclaims

The Character of Jesus 1. Compassionate 2. Courageous 3. Humility 4. Sacrificial

The Person of Jesus 1. His Humanity 2. His Deity 3. Unity of His Person 4. Trinity of the Godhead

The Work of Jesus 1. His Cross—Atonement 2. His Resurrection and Ascension 3. His Work Today 4. His Return

Book 1 1. Introduction to Jesus 2. The Titles of Jesus: Messiah / Christ 3. The Teachings of Jesus: Discipleship 4. The Actions of Jesus: Calls Others to Follow 5. The Character of Jesus: Compassionate 6. The Person of Jesus: His Humanity 7. The Work of Jesus: His Cross—Atonement 8. The Titles of Jesus: Lord 9. The Teachings of Jesus: Kingdom of God 10. The Actions of Jesus: Performs Miracles and

Healings 11. The Character of Jesus: Courageous 12. The Person of Jesus: His Deity 13. The Work of Jesus: His Resurrection and

Ascension

Book 2 1. The Titles of Jesus: Son of God 2. The Teachings of Jesus: Religion vs. the

Gospel 3. The Actions of Jesus: Confronts Evil 4. The Character of Jesus: Humility 5. The Person of Jesus: Unity of Person 6. The Work of Jesus: His Work Today 7. The Titles of Jesus: Son of Man 8. The Teachings of Jesus: Ministry to Others 9. The Actions of Jesus: Preaches and Proclaims 10. The Character of Jesus: Sacrificial 11. The Person of Jesus: Trinity of the Godhead 12. The Work of Jesus: His Return 13. Epilogue Lesson

resourcesHELPFUL BOOKS RELATED TO THE LIFE OF CHRIST AND CHRISTOLOGY

Blomberg, Craig L., Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, Second Edition.

Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2009.

Stein, Robert H., Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ. Downers Grove, IL:

InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Strauss, Mark L., Four Portraits, One Jesus: A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels.

Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007.

Witherington, Ben, The Christology of Jesus. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Press, 1990.

HELPFUL BOOKS RELATED TO THEOLOGY

Alexander, T. Desmond and Brian S. Rosner, eds., New Dictionary of Biblical Theology.

Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Erickson, Millard J., Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013.

Ferguson, Sinclair B. and J. I. Packer, New Dictionary of Theology. Downers Grove, IL:

InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Grudem, Wayne, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine.

Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.

Packer, J. I., Concise Theology: a Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs. Wheaton, IL:

Tyndale House, 2001.

HELPFUL COMMENTARIES AND OTHER BIBLICAL RESOURCES

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville: Holman Reference, 2003.

Holman New Testament Commentary Set. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

The IVP New Testament Commentary Series. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

The New American Commentary Set. Nashville: Broadman Press.

The New Bible Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

The New Bible Dictionary. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR BIBLE STUDY

www.MyStudyBible.com | www.biblegateway.com | www.e-sword.net

To view or purchase Foundations Curriculum Resources visit us at www.equippedchurch.es

To learn more about the JourneyOn Network of Churches and/or JourneyOn Resources email us at

[email protected] or visit us on the web at www.journeyondiscipleship.com

about the writing team

Alan R. Buescher wrote the teaching plans for this study on the person

and work of Christ. Alan previously served as a pastor in Alaska and as staff

member for several churches in Texas. He is presently a paralegal in the

Tennessee Department of Human Services, Office of General Counsel in

Nashville.

Dr. Buescher’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in business admin-

istration from Samford University, and a master’s degree in economics from Baylor University. He

also holds master’s degrees in divinity and religious education from Southwestern Baptist Theologi-

cal Seminary, a graduate certificate in Middle Eastern Studies, Institute of Holy Land Studies in

Jerusalem, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He and his wife, Rhonda are members of Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, Tennessee,

where they both play in the orchestra.

Brenda A. Harris edited the teaching plans for this study, bringing a wealth

of experience from her work as content editor for Explore the Bible and HomeLife

magazine at LifeWay Christian Resources. She currently serves as Communica-

tions Associate and Prayer Coordinator for Christian filmmakers, The Kendrick

Brothers.

Brenda has been married to her best friend Mike for more than 43 years and

they currently serve the Lord at Northside Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee. At a young age,

Brenda committed her life to Christ during a study of Luke in the New Testament, and she subsequently

developed a deep love of Scripture.

Scotty Smith wrote the 13-lesson Foundations study on Encountering Christ

in Scripture. He has authored several books, including Objects of His Affection,

Restoring Broken Things (with Stephen Curtis Chapman), The Reign of Grace, and

Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel Centered Faith.

Scotty holds degrees in religion from The University of North Carolina

and Westminster Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from

Covenant Theological Seminary.

As founding pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, Scotty oversaw its growth

for 26 years. Now serving as Teacher in Residence at West End Community Church, Scotty also serves

as adjunct faculty at Covenant Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary, Redeemer

Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Western Seminary.

Scotty and Darlene, his wife of 42 years, live in Franklin, Tennessee. They have two adult children

and love doting on their two grandsons.

table of contents

VENTURE UP: Teaching Plans Volume 2, Book 2

What Business Are You In? - J. Steven Layton

Study to Know the Teacher - Michael D. Glenn

Introduction to the Travelogue - Roger Severino

Who Is Jesus to You? - Norma J. Goldman

Christology Overview

Resource Page

About the Writing Team

Lessons 1-13

1. Son of God: Beyond Comparison - John 5:18-29 11

2. Good News: Religion vs. the Gospel - Luke 7 19

3. Confronting Evil: His Work, Our Work - Luke 4:1-36 26

4. Humility: Countercultural Leadership - John 13:1-30 33

5. Jesus: The Fullness of God in Human Form - Philippians 2:1-11 40

6. Jesus at Work: A Present Reality - Ephesians 4:4-16 47

7. Son of Man: The Servant King - Matthew 26:32-68 54

8. Ministry to Others: Conduit of His Grace - John 17 61

9. Preaching with Authority: Grace and Truth - Matthew 4:23-7:29 67

10. Sacrifice: A Demonstration of Love - John 10:1-21 74

11. The Trinity: Ultimate Community - John 13-17 82

12. His Return: Living with Hope - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 89

13. Jesus: Worthy of Worship - Revelation 1:1-8 97

T E AC H I N G A I M :

WHY S T U DY T H I SL E S S O N :

D E S I R E D O U T C OM E/PR AC T I C E :

son of godbeyond comparison

page 1 1 son of god

To gain a clearer understanding that one of Jesus’ primary focuses in ministry was to teach what it means to follow Him as a disciple.

Jesus’ identity as Son of God reveals the uniqueness and eternality of His re-lationship with God, and is the basis upon which we become children of God and live in hope.

To understand that Jesus is the unique Son of God, who not only fulfills the Davidic Kingship of the Son of God, but also has a unique relationship with the Father that includes honoring Him and worshiping Him as we do the Father.

Background

Passage:

J O H N 5 : 1 8 - 2 9

scripture

Passage:

J O H N 5 : 1 8 - 2 3

• The Jewish leaders take offense that

Jesus calls God His Father, making

Himself equal with God (v. 18).

• The Son does what the Father tells

Him to do (v. 19).

• The Father loves the Son (vv. 20-21).

• The Father has delegated judgment to

the Son (v. 22).

• We honor the Father the way we

honor His Son (v. 23).

Memory

Verses:

J O H N 3 : 1 6 - 1 7

For God loved the world in

this way: He gave His One

and Only Son, so that every-

one who believes in Him will

not perish but have eternal

life. For God did not send His

Son into the world that He

might condemn the world,

but that the world might be

saved through Him.

LESSON 1

2 son of god

PREPARING TO TEACHChristians can easily take for granted the title “Son of God” without

realizing its unique significance as part of the relationship within

the Trinity. Son of God implies Jesus’ fulfillment as the Davidic

King.

Ponder these questions as you prepare to teach this week: Did

the divine Father/Son relationship exist before earthly fathers and sons

existed, so that the divine Father/Son relationship illuminates the relation-

ship between earthly fathers and sons? Or did the designations Father and

Son (for two persons of the Trinity) arise after human history began only as

a means for God to help us understand Him better via earthly realities?

Thoroughly study and meditate on all the Scriptures listed in

this lesson plan as well as in the Venture Up Travelogue. The meaning

of the title “Son of God” rests heavily on God’s Word and cannot be

understood simply through logic and opinion.

Prepare five cards on which you’ve written one of these sets of

verses. Enlist class members to be prepared to read them: Hebrews

1:1-14; John 1:14, 18, 34, 49; John 14:9; John 3:16, 36; John 20:31.

Since this lesson references many Bible passages, print the text

of the verses on a separate page or place bookmarks in your Bible for

quick reference while you teach.

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS

BELOVED OF A FATHER

As class members arrive, direct them to silently review “Beloved of

a Father” from the Travelogue (pp. 9-10). After a few minutes, relate

the following story, prefaced with this statement: I am going to share

another family story after which I’ll ask you a few questions so we can

compare the two.

Share a synopsis of this story or share your own personal family

story:

The greatest thing my father did for my siblings and me, apart from

cultivating his relationship with the Lord, was to love our mother. Their love

for each other created a home of love, warmth, acceptance, provision, and

safety and that love overflowed toward my siblings and me.

3 son of god

Our father expressed his love for his family openly in word and deed.

We were never too old to receive his hugs and kisses. I have many fond child-

hood memories of my dad. As older children, our parents told us that they

only required us to do our best—give 100 percent—in whatever we did. Our

performance did not determine their love for us; it actually never can for

anyone. That’s not love.

Our parents’ love provided us with an acceptance that allowed us to

pursue excellence, try new things, and discover what we enjoyed in life based

on the gifts God had given us.

My father died over 13 years ago, but he still provides this for me: I

know so much what God is like and who God is because I know my father.

Lead learners in a comparison of this family story with the one

in the Travelogue by asking questions such as the following:

• How does an earthly father’s relationship with his child affect

the way the child sees God the Father?

• Why do some fathers have more difficulty expressing uncon-

ditional love than other fathers?

• As a church, how can we strengthen families so that children

know their parents love them?

Begin the study time with prayer.

BELOVED OF THE FATHER

Before reading Matthew 3:17, establish the context of the event

in which the words were spoken: Jesus’ baptism by John. Say: The

Travelogue (p. 10) states: “But those words weren’t spoken for

Jesus’ benefit, but for ours.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

Allow time for discussion. Note that in Mark and Luke, the words

are directed to Jesus, for Him to hear: “You are My beloved Son; I take delight in You!” (Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22).

Then comment: How do you think that statement from the

Father affected Him? Allow time for discussion.

Indicate that as stated in the Travelogue on page 10, the title, Son

of God, “is used more than any other title in the New Testament to reveal who

Jesus is, and to help us understand what He came into the world to accomplish.”

Comment: What is astounding to us is not that the Father loves

Jesus perfectly, but that God loves us as much as He loves Jesus.

4 son of god

Read aloud John 17:23. Ask: What keeps people (Christians and

non-Christians) from believing that God loves them as much

as He loves Jesus? Allow time for discussion.

______________________________________________________________________________

Teaching OptionIf time permits, dig deeper into the relationship between God the

Father and God the Son, but keep the focus of the lesson on the

teaching aim.

Ask: What is the most important word in the English

language? Record responses on the board; then share the follow-

ing excerpt from Oscar Thompson’s book, Concentric Circles of

Concern:

“The most important word in the English language, apart

from proper nouns, is relationship. You say, but love has to

be the most important word. I ask you, though, where is love

going if there is no relationship? Relationship is the track.

Love is what rolls over the track. Love moves through a rela-

tionship. But the thing that satisfies the deepest longing of

your being is a relationship with someone.”1

Explain: Elohim is the Hebrew word for God. In the titles

of God, the name El is often used instead of the full name

Elohim. Elohim is a plural noun.

Enlist a class member to read the Shema from Deuteronomy

6:4-5. Explain that these verses are called the Shema and shema is a

command meaning “listen” or “hear.”

Ask: How do you reconcile the plural name Elohim (God)

with the reality that God is one? Field answers and then explain

that, with the final revelation of God through Jesus Christ, the

concept of the Trinity could likely explain the plural noun Elohim.

(For further insight, see Millard J. Erickson’s Christian Theology

[Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013, pp. 298-299] or the online

article “Gods” at www.biblehubcom/topical/g/gods.htm.)

Briefly explain: Within the being of the one God, Elohim

(a plural noun), there exists a relationship among the Trinity:

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is

so much more than our mortal minds can comprehend that

analogies are sometimes used to help us understand the Trin-

5 son of god

ity. One important way God has expressed part of this relation-

ship among the Trinity is the Father/Son relationship between

God and God Incarnate (Jesus). But this divine relationship is

more than simply an analogy.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ask: Why do you think God chose the father/son rela-

tionship to express the relationship between Elohim and

Jesus? Why not siblings, husband/wife, or master/slave? Field

answers.

Lead learners to examine some aspects of an earthly father/son

relationship by asking: What are some phrases parents say to

their children when disciplining them?

Write the phrases on the board as learners respond. Be sure to

include:

1. Do as I say, not as I do.

2. This hurts me more than it hurts you.

3. I brought you into this world; I can take you out.

4. Just wait ‘til your father gets home.

5. Go to your room.

______________________________________________________________________________

Teaching OptionUse the five answers to play an abbreviated version of Family Feud.

Say: We surveyed our audience and got the top five answers

to this question: What do parents say to their children when

they discipline them?

______________________________________________________________________________

Ask: Why do parents discipline their children? Did Jesus

ever need to be disciplined by God the Father? Why or why not?

Summarize responses. Say: Jesus never needed discipline

because He never sinned. Scripture says “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Heb. 5:8). Obedience wasn’t automatic. Jesus learned

obedience.

Call attention to the phrase: “Do as I say, not as I do.” Say: The

relationship between God the Father and the Son of God was

6 son of god

entirely different. Jesus said nothing nor did anything but

what He heard or saw His Father saying and doing.

Read John 5:19-20, 30; 12:49-50. Remind learners that His life

was lived in total obedience to the Father.

Say: One key aspect of the relationship between God the

Father and Jesus, the Son of God—Jesus obeyed the Father 100

percent. Write that statement on the board. Then read Philippians

2:5-11.

Comment: Because Jesus emptied Himself and lived life

as a human being, He had to obey the Father completely to

accomplish His purpose of redemption. And because He

accomplished our salvation, we are made sons of the living

God through faith in Christ, the Son of God.

Read Galatians 3:26. Highlight this statement from page 10 of

the Travelogue: Jesus’ Sonship makes our ‘sonship’ possible.

Enlist a volunteer to read John 1:12-13; 1 John 3:1-3.

JESUS’ SONSHIP AND KINGSHIP

Remind class members that the relationship between Jesus, the Son

of God, and God the Father manifests itself in fulfillment of the

promise made to David—from his lineage, God would establish a

king forever.

Based on your study of Scripture and the Travelogue (pp. 11-12),

present a brief lecture of this material. If time permits, use all the

Scriptures cited but be sure to include 2 Samuel 7:8-17 and Revela-

tion 19:16.

Direct learners to respond to the question on page 12 of the

Travelogue: How would you live your life differently if you really believed

Jesus is already King of kings and Lord of lords, and is sovereignly reigning

over world politics, issues in your family, and the brokenness and struggles in

your own heart?

THE UNIQUENESS OF JESUS’ SONSHIP

7 son of god

Say: Always remember that Jesus’ Sonship is unique. He is the

only begotten Son of God (John 3:16).

Enlist a volunteer to read aloud John 5:18-23. Emphasize that

the Pharisees understood the Son of God as equal to God (John

5:18). Call on volunteers to read 1 John 2:22 and John 5:23b.

Say: Since Jesus is the Son of God, it means He is equal to

God. Write on the board: Jesus = God.

Ask the five class members you enlisted earlier to read the

Scripture passages indicating that the Son of God is God. Guide

discussion of these verses.

BELOVED CHILDREN, UNSURE OR-PHANS, OR FEARFUL SLAVES?

Ask: What does Jesus’ equality with God the Father and His

total obedience to the Father mean for us? Field answers.

Read Galatians 4:4-7. Direct class members to three truths Paul

pointed out that are listed in the Travelogue (p. 17): We are adopted into

the family of God. We are given the Spirit of His Son. We are made heirs of

God our Father. Guide a discussion of the benefits of these truths and

what each one means to us as believers.

Review the information under “Marks of an Unsure Orphan,”

“Marks of a Fearful Slave,” and “Marks of a Beloved Child” on pages

17-18 of the Travelogue and guide learners to examine their own

personal relationship with God the Father.

CONCLUSIONClose the session by saying: Jesus prayed to the Father, “May they be

made completely one, so the world may know You have sent

Me and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23b).

Ask: Can you imagine the difference it would make in your

life if you really believed that God loves you as much as He

loves His One and Only Son?

8 son of god

Challenge learners to take time today to ponder the question

on page 11 of the Travelogue: What are the biggest obstacles in your life to

really believing God loves you as much as He loves Jesus?

Close in prayer.

FOLLOW THROUGH• Pray for each class member by name at least once during the

coming week. Pray that each one will realize that God the Father

loves him/her as much as the Father loves the Son.

• Text or email learners this week to remind them of at least one

truth that was discussed in class about our unique relationship

with God the Father.

1 W. Oscar Thompson, Jr., Concentric Circles of Concern (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1991), 13.




spiritual practicesintroduction to spiritual practices

page 1 9 communion with god

To teach the biblical principle of implementing certain spiritual practices and habits into our lives in order to conform us more into the image of Christ.

Though we are saved by grace through faith alone and not by any self-effort, we are called to cooperate with God’s work in our lives and live out certain biblical practices as a means to allow God to make us more like Jesus.

The goal of all the spiritual practices is not to win “brownie points” with God, but rather to put us in a position to hear from Him and allow Him to transform us so that we become more like Jesus.

Background

Passage:

1 T I M O T H Y 4

scripture

Passage:

1 T I M O T H Y 4 : 6 - 1 0

• Training in the faith and in good

teaching should lead us to be good

servants of Jesus Christ (v. 6)

• Training for godliness has benefits in

this life and the life to come (vv. 7-8)

• Though we are saved by grace

through faith, we train and labor to

cooperate with God to become godly

people (vv. 9-10)

Memory

Verses:

But have nothing to do with ir-reverent and silly myths. Rather,

train yourself in godliness.

1 T I M O T H Y 4 : 7

LESSON 1




GOOD NEWSReligion VS. the Gospel

page 1 9 good news

To lead group members to increasingly allow God’s grace to guide their lives through faith, rather than trying to be “good enough” or “better” through human effort to please God.

The gospel and religion are antithetical. The gospel is what God did to estab-lish a relationship with us through Jesus. Religion is man’s effort to gain a relationship with God apart from Jesus.

Each class member will be challenged to spend more time strengthening their personal relationship to God through faith and prayer, thanking Him for His love and grace and learning to rely more on Him.

Background

Passage:

L U K E 7

scripture

Passage:

L U K E 7 : 3 6 - 5 0

• The self-righteous judge, sinners love

(vv. 36-39).

• The parable of two debtors (vv. 40-43).

• The parable applied (vv. 44-47).

• Jesus pronounces forgiveness already

received (vv. 48-50).

Memory

Verse:

L U K E 7 : 4 7

Therefore I tell you, her

many sins have been for-

given; that’s why she loved

much. But the one who is

forgiven little, loves little.

LESSON 2

0 good news

PREPARING TO TEACHDo you always please God? As believers in Jesus Christ, we are new

creations. Our sins are forgiven, the penalty for our sins having been

fully paid by Jesus on the cross where He became sin for us. And yet,

as believers we realize that we will never attain to sinless perfection.

Works do not save us; but when we sin, this cannot possibly please

God. As Paul exhorts the church at Thessalonica, “Don’t stifle the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19).

Victorious Christian living comes only through faith, just

as new life in Christ begins only by faith. And yet, the writer of

Hebrews states, “In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (Heb.

12:4). How do our efforts play into our faith-walk with Jesus? As you

prepare to teach this week, meditate on Luke 7 (the background

passage), Romans 7-8, and Galatians 2:15–3:3.

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher HelpsFor additional commentary on Luke 7, go to www.mystudybible.

com. Enter the Scripture passage. When the passage appears, open

the Commentary Tool under Cross References or go to Video Tool to

view a 7-minute lesson by Dr. Gene Getz.

________________________________________________________________________


PLEASE, DON’T “GIVE ME THAT OLD TIME RELIGION”

Welcome group members and guests. Ask them to consider: What

is the difference between religion and a relationship with God? Allow time

for discussion. (Be sure to include in the responses that that people

often see “religion” as a list of things you shouldn’t do.)

Comment: Although such a list like the Ten Command-

ments is definitely part of a relationship with God (they are

God’s words after all), it’s easy to misunderstand such a list of

1 good news

commands as a means by which we enter a relationship with

God, which is impossible since no human can keep God’s laws.

We all sin and fall short of God’s glory.

Present the following scenario to your class: A young man repents

and places his faith in Jesus. After several months of soaking up Scripture

like a sponge in his unfolding relationship with the Lord, the young man

realizes that sin remains a reality in his life. He asks you, “Why do we still

have to sin?”

Ask your learners: How would you answer him? Field

responses and encourage group discussion.

Ask: What are the requirements for becoming a Christian?

As you write responses on the board, encourage the learners to

provide Scripture passages to support their responses. If they are

slow to respond, mention some Scripture references such as John

3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:20; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans

8:1-4; and others.

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher OptionAs an alternative to the above question, summarize the writer’s

testimony from Venture Up Travelogue, pages 19-20. Then invite the

learners to respond to the following question (p. 21): How would you

explain the difference between religion and the gospel to someone who has

zero background in Christianity, the church world, or the Bible?

________________________________________________________________________

Read, or enlist a volunteer to read, the focal passage, Luke 7:36-

50, while other learners follow along in their own Bibles.

Ask the following two questions from the Travelogue on page 22:

• How does Simon personify the fruit of religion in a

person’s life?

• How does the woman personify the fruit of grace in a

person’s life?

Continue the examination of these verses by asking: Does

Jesus’ statement in verse 50 indicate that the woman received

salvation at that moment, or was she already saved before she

entered Simon’s house? (She had already had a saving encoun-

ter with Jesus previously. Her expression of love toward Jesus

2 good news

in worship indicated her thankfulness for her sins having been

forgiven, as the verb tense in verse 47 shows: “her many sins have been forgiven.” Also, Jesus’ parable shows that the expres-

sion of love comes after forgiveness is received.)

State and ask: Jesus told the woman that her faith had saved

her. How do you know when your sins are forgiven? (Part of

the answer should include reliance on God’s word; e.g., 1 John 1:9:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrigh-teousness. We cannot rely on feelings, emotions or wishful

thinking.)

Now ask learners to respond to this statement from page 22 in

the Travelogue: Believers need the gospel just as much as nonbe-

lievers. Allow for discussion and ask for Scripture passages to back

up the responses.

Say: As we know, no Christian is perfect. We all still sin.

Read 1 John 1:8

Say: The Christian life should be one of growing in the

grace of Christ, which will result in sinning less as time

passes. Read Romans 8:12-13. Note that the verb used here

expresses continuous action.

Summarize the truths of these discussions using these ideas

and your own thoughts: Becoming a Christian does not give us

instant, sinless perfection or maturity. Becoming a Christian

means that God has established a relationship with us by our

faith through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and

that this relationship is one that should grow and mature. As

we come to know God better, we will probably continue to

grow in our worship of Jesus and express our gratitude as did

the woman who washed, kissed and anointed Jesus’ feet in

deep gratitude. Most of us have discovered that the closer we

get to God, the more we see our sinfulness and total depen-

dency on the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

Direct learners to the final response section under “True

Worship” on page 25 of the Travelogue. Provide a time of silent

reflection.

3 good news

WHO IS THIS MAN?

Say: After Jesus had told the woman that her sins were forgiven,

look at the response of the men dining with Jesus: “Those who

were at the table with Him began to say among themselves,

‘Who is this man who even forgives sins?’” (Luke 7:49).

Ask: Does Jesus have the ability to forgive sins? Why? (Use

the material in the Travelogue on pp. 25-26, especially the last three

paragraphs of “Who is This Man?” to add to what the learners say.)

________________________________________________________________________

Teaching OptionIf time allows, briefly touch upon the struggle Christians have

with sin as shown in Romans 7:14-25. State and ask: Paul says in

Romans 7:25, “So then, with my mind I myself am a slave to

the law of God, but with my flesh, to the law of sin.” How can

a Christian serve two masters? How can your mind serve the

law of God while your flesh serves the law of sin? (See Matt.

6:24 which addresses the question, “Who or what is supreme in your

life: God or the things of the world?” Similarly, the Bible states that

greed is idolatry [see Col. 3:5]. Continue to Rom. 8:1-17 to examine

God’s way of conquering sin and living by His Spirit. Note that your

group members will have already read Rom. 8:12-13.)

________________________________________________________________________

THE WAY OF THE GOSPEL OR THE WAY OF RELIGION?

Use the Gospel/religion statements on pages 26-28 of the Travelogue

to summarize the study. Divide the group and ask half of them to

read the Gospel statements in unison (one statement at a time) and

then instruction the other half to respond with the religion state-

ment that follows.

Allow time for comments and discussion, either between each

set of statements or after all of them have been read aloud.

4 good news

__________________________________________________________________Teaching OptionReplace the Gospel/religion exercise with this activity. Say: Paul

writes to the Galatians about how to live the Christian life.

Enlist a volunteer to read Galatians 2:16–3:3. Guide a discussion of

this passage noting the following:

• We are saved and receive the Spirit by hearing with faith.

• Just as we can only begin a relationship with God by faith in

Jesus, so also we can only mature in our relationship with God

by faith.

• A works-based religion is man-made and can save no one.

• Faith-plus-works religion is also man-made religion and can

save no one.

• Any religion that denies that Jesus is the Son of God, and

relies upon works to any degree for salvation is a false religion.

Only faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died for us,

and whom God raised from the dead, can provide forgiveness

of sins and eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

______________________________________________________________________________

CONCLUSIONRead 2 Peter 3:18 and Romans 1:16-17. Comment briefly on verse 17:

The phrase “from faith to faith” is indicative of how the righteous-

ness of God manifests itself in us. We have no righteousness of our own—the

righteousness of God is revealed in and through us as we live continually by

faith in Jesus Christ.

If you normally have a time for prayer requests after the lesson,

take those requests and pray. Then have your group members

continue in prayer as you lead them as follows:

Say: As we continue in prayer, take some time now to

silently praise God for some aspect of His character—His

patience, loving-kindness, purity, or almighty power. Talk to

Him now.

Allow enough time of silence for each learner to pray silently,

then continue.

5 good news

Now confess to God any sins you have committed this past

week that you have not yet confessed. God already knows; He

just wants you to tell Him.

Again, allow time for silent confession, then continue.

Ask God’s Holy Spirit to search your heart and show

you anything in your life in which you are not trusting God.

Perhaps you need to say to God, “I do believe! Help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24b).

After time for silent confession, close the prayer time with this

prayer or a similar one of your own:

Our Heavenly Father, the only righteousness we have is

the righteousness of Jesus; and that’s more than sufficient. So

through the love, faith and confidence we have in your Son,

Jesus Christ, we affirm your Words that say, “Therefore, since

we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us,

let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares

us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before

us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our

faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross

and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand

of God’s throne” (Heb. 12:1-2). We offer this prayer in the holy

name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

FOLLOW THROUGH • Pray for each group member by name that he/she will grow in

the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

• Contact and/or have others in the class contact (either by

phone, email or card/letter) members who have not been pres-

ent in class recently.


WHY S T U DY T H I SL E S S O N :D E S I R E D O U T C OM E/PR AC T I C E :

confronting evilhis work, our work

page 2 6 confronting evil

To observe that Jesus came to confront and overcome evil in the world, both in its spiritual, demonic form, and also evil that resides in the human heart.

Understanding Jesus’ victory over the Devil, the powers of darkness, and evil is critical for our growth and freedom in Christ, and for defining and empower-ing us for our mission in the world.

Believers recognize that Jesus Christ in them is greater than the one (Sa-tan) who is in the world (see 1 John 4:4). The One we serve confronts evil in all its forms. We are called to join Him in confronting evil in our own hearts and in overcoming evil in the world by putting on the full armor of God (Eph. 6).

Background

Passage:

L U K E 4 : 1 - 3 6

scripture

Passage:

L U K E 4 : 1 6 - 2 1

• Jesus worshiped regularly in His lo-

cal synagogue (v. 16).

• Jesus presented Himself as the

promised Messiah and announced

His fulfillment of part of Isaiah’s Mes-

sianic prophecy (vv. 17-21).

Memory

Verse:

J A M E S 4 : 7

Therefore, submit to God. But

resist the Devil, and he will

flee from you.

LESSON 3

7 confronting evil

PREPARING TO TEACHAre you living victoriously in Christ? Do others see the fruit of the

Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) in you? Do you feel you can teach others how to

engage in spiritual warfare?

Spend time this week studying the Venture Up Travelogue, partic-

ularly concentrating on the section titled “Putting on Christ as Our

Greatest Weapon.” Memorize and meditate on the memory verse,

James 4:7. Invest the time to do word studies on “submitting” to God

and “resisting” the Devil through the use of Bible dictionaries, books

on Christian theology, and other resources.

In preparation for the study, read this article and print a copy

for use during the session: “Superheroes: Good vs. Evil Isn’t Really

Much of a Theme” (www.rogerebert.com/scanners/superheroes-

good-vs-evil-isnt-really-much-of-a-theme. Highlight the passages

you will to refer to during the discussion. Provide the URL address

for class members who may want to read the entire article after class

time.

Write these two quotes on the board:

• “Good and evil exist only in the human heart and mind and

cannot be artificially separated. One always contains the seeds

of the other” (Jim Emerson, film critic).

• “There is, however, no human decision that does not spring

from an intimate mixture of both good and bad motives. It is

impossible ever to disentangle them entirely”1 (Paul Tournier,

Christian physician / author).

Provide hymnals or lyrics to “O For A Thousand Tongues to

Sing.”

This week’s study involves the use of several Scripture passages.

Write some of the references on cards and enlist volunteers who

don’t mind reading. Distribute the cards as they arrive. To aid in

locating the ones you will read aloud, mark them in your Bible

ahead of time.

8 confronting evil


CARTOON THEOLOGY, DUALISM, AND A LITTLE JESUS

Ask your learners: Name some movies whose primary theme

is “good vs. evil.” Record responses on the board. (Some possible

answers: Star Wars, Spider Man, Superman, The Lord of the Rings trilogy,

and many Disney movies.)

Refer to the first quote written on the board: “Good and evil exist

only in the human heart and mind and cannot be artificially separated.

One always contains the seeds of the other.”

Point out and read Paul Tournier’s quote: “There is, however,

no human decision that does not spring from an intimate

mixture of both good and bad motives. It is impossible ever to

disentangle them entirely.”

Comment that Emerson argues that the “good vs. evil” theme

is really meaningless. Say: In his article “Superheroes: Good vs.

Evil Isn’t Really Much of a Theme,” Emerson argues that the

motivations of the Nazis were not totally evil. From their

point of view, they thought their actions would produce a

better world. In other words, all humans act from mixed

motives, both good and evil. Emerson wrote that the Nazis

“were people like you and me who found themselves capable

of doing monstrous things in the name of a Great Cause in

which their faith was pure and fervent and unshakeable.

That’s the stuff of history, and that’s the stuff of drama.”

Remark: Tournier believed that no motive is purely evil and

no motive is purely good.

Guide a discussion of these quotes by asking: Do you agree

or disagree with these views on good and evil? Include these

comments to enhance the discussion:

• If we are to encounter non-believers in the world, we need to

be willing to hear what they have to say without judging them.

They may have some insights that are legitimate.

• Ask: Can good and evil be separated in the heart and

mind? Explain. Enlist two volunteers to read these Scripture

9 confronting evil

passages: James 3:7-12 and Romans 7:21-25.

• Read this sentence from Emerson’s article: “They weren’t

monsters – they were people like you and me who found

themselves capable of doing monstrous things in the name of

a Great Cause in which their faith was pure and fervent and

unshakeable.” Ask: Is there any issue for which non-Chris-

tians think this sentence is applicable to Christians?

Explain.

• Comment: Many non-Christians may believe that Chris-

tians want nothing to do with people who are not like

themselves, who do not share the same values and beliefs

on a variety of topics, whether theological issues, social

issues, or political issues (such as abortion, marriage, and

education curriculum). Ask: Are they right? Why or why

not?

• Ask: How do you reconcile your beliefs to Tournier’s

remark that no motive is purely good or evil? Or can you?

Explain.

Refer to the Travelogue and the writer’s description of Donald

Duck’s dilemma and his own struggle (p. 30). Summarize by read-

ing the paragraph that begins “The Scriptures are clear …” Guide

a discussion of their responses to the two questions following that

paragraph.

A BIG JESUS, A LIVING HOPE, AND THE ULTIMATE JUBILEE

Summarize in your own words: The reality of human existence is that

“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom.

3:23). Once we repent and believe the gospel, we discover that we still sin as

Christians. We may actually sin when we think we have proper motives.

Too often we find ourselves experiencing Romans 7, and discover the same

principle that Paul discovered: “So I discover this principle: When I want to do what is good, evil is with me” (Rom.

7:21).

Could it be true as Jim Emerson stated, “Good and evil exist only in

the human heart and mind and cannot be artificially separated”? At least

0 confronting evil

we can affirm somewhat similarly: I see the reality that good and evil exist

in me, one who has already been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of

God. Recognizing this inner tension between good and evil in ourselves, we

cry out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from this dying body” (Rom. 7:24)?

Distribute hymnals (or lyrics) and direct learners to Charles

Wesley’s hymn, “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” Lead the group

in reciting the fourth verse. Call particular attention to the first

two lines: “He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the pris-

oner free.” Ask: How do these lines apply to these verses from

Romans?

Enlist a volunteer to read the focal passage, Luke 4:16-21, while

others follow along in their Bibles. Comment: The passage that

Jesus read was a Messianic prophecy from Isaiah 61. Jesus

claimed to fulfill this prophecy; in other words, He said that

He was the Messiah. Note particularly that Jesus came to

proclaim release to the captives.

Continue: In verse 19, “the year of the Lord’s favor” refers to

the year of Jubilee. Use the explanation of the Year of Jubilee on

page 35 in the Travelogue to show how Jesus fulfills the Year of Jubi-

lee as the Messiah, emphasizing that its complete fulfillment will

occur when Jesus returns to earth.

Direct learners to page 33 in the Travelogue. Read the following:

Jesus liberates us from various imprisonments and captivi-

ties. By the grace of the gospel, Jesus breaks our personal

enslavements to sin (Rom. 6:14), idolatry (Ezek. 14:1-5), and

unbelief (Mark 9:24)—the core captivities of the heart. But he

also frees us from systemic brokenness, godless worldviews,

and graceless value systems we’ve inherited from our families

or absorbed from the world (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15).

Call on various class members to read aloud each of the Scrip-

ture passages mentioned: Romans 6:14; Ezekiel 14:1-5; Mark 9:24;

Romans 12:1-2; and 1 John 2:15.

1 confronting evil

PUTTING ON CHRIST AS OUR GREATEST WEAPON

Read or summarize: The Christian life is not a life of sinful

perfection. Yes, we are still in bodies that will die because of

sin, and yet we have been redeemed with all of our sins, past,

present and future having been paid for by the death and

resurrection of Jesus.

The reality is, though, that good and evil can be separated,

in contradiction to Jim Emerson’s viewpoint in the article

we read earlier. Satan and his demons are real, but Jesus has

already conquered Satan, sin, and death. After Jesus left Naza-

reth on that eventful Sabbath day, He traveled to Capernaum

and on another Sabbath day cast out a demon from a man in

the synagogue.

Enlist a volunteer to read Luke 4:31-36.

Ask the class: How do we live in victory over the world, the

flesh, and the Devil?

Use the material in the Travelogue on page 36 (beginning with

“With every bone in my body . . .”) to lead the learners in a discussion

of this question. Include the statement: “A better perspective is to see

how Paul equates ‘putting on armor of light’ with putting on ‘the Lord Jesus

Christ.’” Ask a class member to read Romans 13:12-14.

Guide a discussion of these three numerated items in the Travel-

ogue on pages 37-38 using comments from the Travelogue as a starting

point:

1. To put on Christ is the best way to resist Satan’s primary

scheme and attack…

2. To put on Christ means that we are constantly learning and

savoring the riches of the gospel…

3. To put on Christ means that we are proactively cultivating a

lifestyle of communing with Jesus…

2 confronting evil

CONCLUSIONBe prepared to read the following Scripture passages. Say: Listen to

these passages knowing that God’s Word is truth.

• “Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

• “The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the Devil’s works” (1 John 3:8b).

• “. . . the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4b).

• “. . . whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Conclude by saying: In spiritual warfare, we must take the

offensive, for “the forces of Hades will not overpower it

[the church]” (Matt. 16:18b). These are God’s words for God’s

people. Hear them, believe them, and live.

Close in prayer.

FOLLOW THROUGH • Pray for each class member by name. Pray that each person

will not be led into temptation, but that God will deliver them

from evil.

• Be observant this week of people you encounter that you don’t

know. Pray silently for each one. Pray that the person will

know Jesus and the power of His resurrection. Ask God to use

you to His love and hope with others.

1 Paul Tournier, The Person Reborn (San Francisco: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1966), 79.









Background

Passage:

1 T I M O T H Y 4

scripture

Passage:

1 T I M O T H Y 4 : 6 - 1 0









people (vv. 9-10)

Memory

Verses:



1 T I M O T H Y 4 : 7

LESSON 1



humilityCounter-Cultural Leadership

page 3 3 humility

As Christ followers we are to live in a way that exemplifies Jesus Christ rather than standards of the secular world. This lesson will illustrate the humility of Christ and challenge us to live a life of service-oriented humility rather than self-promotion.

Our grasp of the gospel is no better than our awe of Jesus’ humility. Rather than being one of Jesus’ many admirable qualities, humility is central to His person and work.

Gaining a deeper understanding of Christ’s character and service to others should increase our desire to live as He lived and prompt us to identify places in our lives that do not align with the will of God. It’s been said that humility is not thinking less of ourselves but less about ourselves (see Rom. 12:3).

Background

Passage:

J O H N 1 3 : 1 - 3 0

scripture

Passage:

J O H N 1 3 : 1 - 1 7

• In this act of humility Jesus de-

stroyed the notion that Christians are

to be served. We are to take on the

role of a servant.

• By washing the feet of His disciples,

Jesus made it clear that we are to

serve one another (v. 14).

• By washing the feet of Judas Iscariot,

Jesus demonstrated that our service

to others should not be contingent

on their behavior but be fueled by

obedience.

Memory

Verse:

J O H N 1 3 : 1 4

So if I, your Lord and

Teacher, have washed your

feet, you also ought to wash

one another’s feet.

LESSON 4

4 humility

PREPARING TO TEACHThe focal passage for this lesson, John 13:1-17 will probably be

familiar to you and most of your class members. As you prepare your

lesson, read this passage several times from various translations.

Take time to meditate on each verse. Allow God to speak to you

through His Word first; then use insights the Holy Spirit reveals to

you in your preparation of the lesson.

Review the Teaching Tip in this lesson about the washing of

feet. Be prepared to explain this custom to your class members

if you think any of them may not be familiar with it. Besides the

online source indicated in the Teaching Tip, you may have addi-

tional reference works in your home or church library that explain

the custom of washing feet in biblical times.


TAKING THE LOW PLACE

Welcome class members and guests as they arrive. Explain: We are

going to do some word associations. I am going to say a word;

then I want you to say the first word that comes to mind.

Use the words below.

• Arrogance

• Judas Iscariot

• Humility

Once you say the word, write it on the board and record the

responses that are given. Many of the class members will respond

simultaneously, so just take the time to capture each response and

write it on the board. Leave these words on the board for later use in

the lesson.

Ask: Is humility a virtue? Why or why not? Why should

we want to be humble? Field responses and allow time for group

discussion. (Some class members may respond with references to

Scripture, but at this point, it isn’t necessary to include Scripture

references in the discussion.)

Ask: Can we achieve true humility? Explain. Is it hard to be

humble? Again, allow time for group discussion.

5 humility

Ask: What is the greatest obstacle to our being humble?

Allow time for responses.

Refer to this quote which was part of last week’s discussion (see

Lesson 3 Teaching Plan). Say: Do you remember our discussion

last week about this quote from a Christian physician and

author from Switzerland, Paul Tournier? “There is, however,

no human decision that does not spring from an intimate

mixture of both good and bad motives. It is impossible ever to

disentangle them entirely.”1

Ask: If Paul Tournier is correct, and our motives can never

be pure, do you think that the more humble we become, the

easier it will be for us to take pride in our humility? What

does this say about our need for God’s grace?

____________________________________________________________________________

Teaching OptionAs an option, you may choose to begin the class by summarizing the

story of Jack and Rose Marie Miller from the Venture Up Travelogue

on pages 39-41 and then discussing these questions: Looking back

over your spiritual journey, who has most clearly shown you the beauty of

grace-fueled humility and the power of servant love?

After several class members have responded, ask: Do you see

a common denominator in the humility that each of these

persons exhibit? Why do you think they are/were humble?

Ask: What is so attractive, inviting, and disarming about

genuine vulnerability and humility? Likewise, why do proud,

unbroken, controlling leaders easily offend us?

______________________________________________________________________________

FOOTWASHING OR TABLE TURNING?

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher TipSome class members may not be familiar with the custom of foot

washing in biblical times. Be prepared to briefly explain this custom.

A good resource for this custom “Washing of Feet” at

http://biblehub.com/topical/w/washing_of_feet.htm.

________________________________________________________________________

1

6 humility

Call on a volunteer to read John 13:1-5. Ask: What does verse 3 tell

us about Jesus’ actions in verses 4 and 5? Note that Jesus had

confidence in knowing who He was and what His relationship with

God the Father was. Explain that He knew His mission and that

the Father’s purpose for the redemption of mankind required Jesus’

submission to His Father’s will. Say: Jesus displayed a spirit of

sacrificial service to those for whom He would die.

Direct members’ to this statement on page 42 in the Travelogue:

Those who are most secure in the Father’s love are most free to serve the

Father’s purposes.

Ask: Why is this statement true? Allow time for responses

and discussion. Emphasize that when you are most secure in the

Father’s love, you have nothing to prove to anyone; you know who

you are and whose you are. Comment: God has tasks for His

people. Some of the tasks may seem trivial or demeaning;

but, when you know you are in God’s will, there is purpose in

everything you do.

Comment: Jesus took the position of a servant when He

washed His disciples’ feet. Did you notice that Jesus even

washed Judas’ feet? Knowing what Judas would soon do, how

do you think Jesus felt about washing Judas’ feet?

Say: Look at this question in the Travelogue on page 43

and respond to it: How does your relationship with the Father

impact your calling to love “difficult people” and to take the

role of a servant?

Ask: Without naming names, who are the “difficult people”

we need to love? What makes such persons difficult to love,

difficult to serve?

Present this rhetorical question: Think about this: we are

speaking of others as “difficult” to love. But do you suppose

another Bible study in some other church may be happen-

ing right now in which the class members are talking about

people like us being “difficult” to love? (Note: pause briefly in

case someone wishes to respond; but be prepared to continue with-

out further comment.)

Ask: Now think about this question: Is it ever difficult for

God to love you? Be sure to emphasize that God loves all of us, in

fact God loves us as much as He loves Jesus: I am in them and

7 humility

You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me (John 17:23). Comment: Jesus’ crucifix-

ion is evidence of God’s love for us. John 3:16 affirms God’s

love for us. However, some people (Christians and non-Chris-

tians alike) may think that because of sin in their lives, God

may not love them, or at least be very displeased with them.

Ask: How did you respond to this question from the Travel-

ogue on page 43: What are the biggest obstacles to your resting

in the love of Jesus? Because of the personal nature of this ques-

tion, do not press for oral responses; instead, give time for personal

reflection.

Call for a volunteer to read John 13:6-11. Ask: What is the

difference between a foot washing and a body washing? What

was Jesus saying to Peter and the other disciples? Emphasize

that Jesus was saying that those who have their sins forgiven are

clean; they are in a right relationship with God. Explain that the

person who belongs to Jesus only needs a daily cleansing from

sins—a foot washing—since no one will ever reach sinless perfec-

tion on earth. Comment: Jesus was emphasizing that this foot

washing allowed the disciples to maintain fellowship with

God. The complete body wash received through faith in Jesus

established their initial relationship with God. [For additional

commentary on these verses, see Mathew Henry’s Concise Commen-

tary and Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible at (www.biblehub.com/

john/13-8.htm).

Read aloud John 13:12-17. Ask: What does it mean that we

should wash one another’s feet? Allow time for discussion. Stress

that the basic idea is that we should serve one another; love one

another; look after the well-being of each other.

Guide a review of the questions at the end of “A Model, Not Just

a Moment” (Travelogue, pp. 45-46). Spend time in silent prayer as

directed in the Travelogue.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Teaching OptionShare this fictional story (obviously not theologically sound, but it

makes a good point): St. Peter gave a man a tour of heaven and

hell. In hell, the man observed the people gathered around a

8 humility

huge banquet table loaded with delicious food. However, the

people had forks that were longer than their arms, so they

were all starving and miserable. St. Peter then took the man to

heaven where he observed people gathered at a great banquet

table filled with delicious foods. The people, likewise, had

forks longer than their arms. However, they were well fed and

happy. The man asked St. Peter, “I don’t understand the differ-

ence.” St. Peter replied, “Look again, and you’ll see that the

people in heaven are feeding each other.” Encourage discussion

about this human attempt to explain the concept of humility.

______________________________________________________________________________

THE WAY OF GRACE AND HUMILITY

Enlist a volunteer to read Philippians 2:1-4. Ask the question in

the Travelogue on page 47: How does God’s grace alone make it

possible for us to think of others more highly than ourselves,

and to serve them with a heart of humility?

Say: True humility will always result in total submission

to God’s will. Listen as I read what Jesus’ humility did for us as

expressed in Philippians 2:5-11:

“Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

9 humility

Encourage class members to set aside time to examine them-

selves by working through the questions at the end of this session

on page 48 of the Travelogue.

Conclude with a prayer.

FOLLOW THROUGH • Send a text or email to class members, reminding them to

spend time rereading Philippians 2:1-11 and completing the

questions at the end of this session in their Travelogue.

• Pray for each of your class members—that they will humble

themselves before God, submitting themselves to His will in

every aspect of their lives. Pray the same prayer for yourself.

• Ask God to reveal anything in your life that keeps you from

resting completely in the love of Jesus.

____________________

1 D.A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1991), 467.

2 Paul Tournier, The Person Reborn (San Francisco: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1966), 79.




jesusThe Fullness of God in Human Form

page 4 0 jesus

To understand the biblical teaching that Jesus is fully human and fully God, two natures in one person. A correct understanding of Christology will strengthen our worship of Jesus and how we relate to Him today.

Because Jesus is both fully God and fully man, we worship Him—for God alone can save; and we relate to Him—for Jesus experienced the full range of our temptations.

Believers must be fully convinced of Jesus’ deity and humanity. Jesus’ human-ity allows us to relate to our sympathetic High Priest who understands our suffering and temptation. Jesus’ deity allows us to relate to Him as sovereign and all-powerful Lord.

Background

Passage:

P H I L I P P I A N S 2 : 1 - 1 1

scripture

Passage:

P H I L I P P I A N S 2 : 5 - 1 1

• Jesus was/is in very nature God (v. 6).

• Jesus emptied Himself (made Him-

self nothing) of His glorious divine

privileges, but not of His deity (v. 7).

• Jesus assumed our humanity and

even died a human death (vv. 7-8).

• Jesus has been exalted to the highest

place and all will recognize that He is

Lord (vv. 9-11).

Memory

Verses:

J O H N 1 : 1 , 1 4 A

In the beginning was the

Word, and the Word was with

God, and the Word was God. .

. . The Word became flesh and

took up residence among us.

LESSON 5

1 jesus

PREPARING TO TEACHOur limited human minds may struggle to fully comprehend that

Jesus is fully God and fully man. But Scripture affirms this truth. If

Jesus were only a man, then we’re all in a heap of trouble: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom.

3:23). No mere man could die for the sins of the world. If Jesus

were not a man, then this rejects God’s Word and witness that “The Word became flesh and took up residence among us”

(John 1:14a).

Consider this explanation from Millard J. Erickson’s book, Chris-

tian Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013, 645): “Humans

cannot by their own moral effort counter their sin in order to

elevate themselves to the level of God. If there is to be fellowship

between the two, they have to be united in some other way. This, it

is traditionally understood, has been accomplished by the incarna-

tion, in which deity and humanity were united in one person. If,

however, Jesus was not really one of us, humanity has not been

united with deity and we cannot be saved. For the validity of the

work accomplished in Christ’s death, or at least its applicability to us

as human beings, depends upon the reality of his humanity, just as

its efficacy depends upon the genuineness of his deity.”

As you prepare to teach, carefully read and examine all the Scrip-

ture passages in the Venture Up Travelogue on page 54 under the two

lists “Jesus is fully God” and “Jesus is fully Man.” Explore the topic of

Jesus’ deity and humanity further by reading from Erickson’s book

Christian Theology, Wayne Grudem’s book Systematic Theology (Grand

Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), or by doing research online at www.

mystudybible.com, www.biblegateway.com, or www.biblehub.com.

Depending on how you choose to use the lists “Jesus is fully

God” and “Jesus is fully Man” from page 54 of the Travelogue, you may

want to write each list on a separate tear sheet or photocopy the lists

so that learners have adequate space for writing notes as the Scrip-

ture passages are read and discussed.

2 jesus


IT WAS A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY

Greet class members and guests as they arrive. Relate the follow-

ing incident from “All in the Family,” a classic TV sitcom: In one

episode, Archie Bunker and his son-in-law Michael were argu-

ing about Archie’s anti-Semitism. Michael exclaimed, “Well,

Jesus was Jewish,” to which Archie promptly retorted, “Yeah,

but only on his mother’s side.”

Ask: Was Archie Bunker’s theology sound? Allow time for

discussion. Comment: One interpretation of Archie’s response

is that Archie recognized the humanity of Jesus since Mary

was His mother, and that God, being His Father, reflected

His deity as the Son of God. Nevertheless, Archie’s theology is

probably not one we want to emulate.

Say: Many religions provide a place for Jesus in their

beliefs, but their Jesus is not the real Jesus. Briefly share the

following information about what two other religious groups

believe about Jesus (or do your own research on the Internet or at

the library regarding other religious groups that are prominent in

your own community):

• Muslims believe God created Jesus but they reject Jesus’ cruci-

fixion. They deny that Jesus is the Son of God. They reject the

divinity of Jesus and believe He was a man created by Allah—a

good man, perhaps even a prophet, but only a man. (See www.

josh.org/resources/study-research/answers-to-skeptics-ques-

tions/what-are-the-beliefs-of-islam/ for more information on

Muslim beliefs.)

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)

affirms that Jesus is God’s Son but they also hold to the

distorted view that Satan and Jesus are brothers. (See www.

christianpost.com/news/what-do-mormons-believe-ex-

mormon-speaks-out-part-two-58494/ for more information on

Mormons beliefs.)

Summarize: If we would worship Jesus “in spirit and truth”

(John 4:24), then we must grow in our understanding of Jesus

3 jesus

to truly and truthfully worship Him. The best way to recog-

nize a counterfeit is to know the genuine article. As Jesus

asked His first disciples, so He asks us, “Who do you say that I

am?” (Mark 8:29).

Begin the study time with prayer.

FOUR EXAMPLES OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY OF CHRIST

Direct learners to the Travelogue (pp. 52-53) and the “Four Examples

of Mistaken Identity of Christ.” Call for four volunteers to read the

descriptions: Apollinarianism, Nestorianism, Monophysitism and

Arianism.

Ask your learners: Which of these four cases of mistaken

identity do you see more prevalent in people’s belief systems

today? Explain your response. Allow time for discussion.

Call for learners to complete the two statements in the Trav-

elogue on page 53: Finish this statement: “If Jesus wasn’t fully

God…”and finish this statement: “If Jesus wasn’t fully man…”

Write their responses on the board. Briefly discuss their responses.

Direct attention to the two tear sheets you prepared earlier (or

distribute the copies you made). Point out the lists in the Travelogue

on page 54.

Enlist a volunteer to read the Scripture passage after each state-

ment under “Jesus is fully God.” As each Scripture is read, ask learn-

ers to provide a one-word response or short phrase to describe who

Jesus is for each passage. Record responses. For example:

• He created Adam (John 1:3)—Creator.

• All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him (Col.

2:3; John 21:17)—Omniscient.

Complete the same exercise for “Jesus is fully Man.”

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher TipSome of the items in the “Jesus is fully Man” list are not conducive to

discovering a variety of additional words or phrases that describe the

character of Jesus. For example, “He was King David’s son (Matt.22:45).”

4 jesus

Such reiterations will suffice as answers. The main purpose is to under-

stand that Scripture teaches that Jesus was fully man.

________________________________________________________________________

THE FULLNESS OF JESUS’ “EMPTINESS”

Read aloud Philippians 2:5-11 while class members follow along

in their Bibles. Invite learners to note any differences in the text

from the translation they are using. Based on the information in the

Travelogue on pages 55-58, lead the class in discussion of the Focal

Passage. Emphasize the following:

• Note that the word form (v. 6) “doesn’t imply mere likeness, but the

same nature. Jesus didn’t merely reveal the image of God; He is ‘the image of the invisible God’” (Col. 1:15) (Travelogue, p. 56).

• Jesus emptied Himself (v. 7). Reiterate what the Travelogue

states: Jesus did not empty Himself of His Deity. Enlist a

volunteer to read the paragraph on pages 56-57 of the Travel-

ogue under “The Humanity of Jesus.” Share this quote from

Wayne Grudem: “The emptying includes change of role

and status, not essential attributes or nature” (Grudem,

Systematic Theology, 550).

• Refer to this statement from page 57 of the Travelogue: “In the

fullness of time, He, who has eternally been one with

the Father and the Holy Spirit, came into the world to

execute the story of redemption, planned before the

world began (Eph. 1:3-12; 1 Pet. 1:18-20).” Discuss the rami-

fications of His grace.

• Inquire: Philippians 2:9-11 says that every knee will bow . . . and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Does that mean God will save everyone? To aid in under-

standing these verses, share technical grammatical observa-

tions about Philippians 2:10-11. Explain that the verb “will

bow” and the verb “should confess” are both in the subjunctive

mode. Say: The first word in verse 10 is the word hina,

translated “so that,” which indicates purpose when used

with the subjunctive mode. In their book A Greek Gram-

5 jesus

mar of the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press,

1979, 103), authors Curtis Vaughan and Virtus Gideon

state: “In certain types of dependent clauses the subjunc-

tive is the normal mode to use. These are purpose clauses

(generally introduced by [hina] or [hopos]) . . . .” Also note

that A.T. Robertson indicates that both of the verbs bow

and confess are in the subjunctive mode which indicates

purpose when used with hina. “Not perfunctory genu-

flections whenever the name of Jesus is mentioned, but

universal acknowledgement of the majesty and power of

Jesus who carries his human name and nature to heaven.”

(A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament,

Volume IV [Nashville: Broadman Press, 1931], 445-446).

Summarize: Thus, the purpose of Jesus’ exaltation is that

everyone should bow and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord.

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher OptionIf time permits or if needed for additional clarification, ask learners

to read Isaiah 45:22-25. Verse 23 ends, “. . . Every knee will bow to Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.” However, this

does not mean that God will save everyone since verse 24 states,

“All who are enraged against Him will come to Him and be put to shame.”________________________________________________________________________

HOW THEN SHALL WE RESPOND?

Direct learners to complete the two sentences in the Travelogue on

page 58:

• Looking back over this lesson, what comfort do you find in being able

to affirm the deity of Jesus? Finish this sentence, “Because Jesus is God,

I…

• Likewise, what comfort do you find in being able to affirm the

humanity of Jesus? Finish this sentence, “Because Jesus is man, I…”

6 jesus

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher OptionIf time permits, share the following: Reza Aslan, author of New

York Times Best Seller, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus

of Nazareth (New York: Random House, 2013), states that he

found Jesus when he was 15 years old at an evangelical youth

camp in California. Born in Iran and reared in a family of

“lukewarm Muslims and exuberant atheists,” Aslan pursued

academic religious studies in college where he decided that

Jesus was only a man, not God. He “angrily discarded [his] as

if it were a costly forgery” (Aslan, xix). Aslan states, “Today,

I can confidently say that two decades of rigorous academic

research into the origin of Christianity has made me a more

genuinely committed disciple of Jesus of Nazareth than I ever

was of Jesus Christ” (Aslan, xix-xx). (NOTE: Aslan refers to the

man Jesus as Jesus of Nazareth. He uses the term Jesus Christ as

the formulation of Christians who never knew Jesus on earth, who

wanted to believe Jesus was divine: God in the flesh.)

Ask: Is it possible to be a true follower of Jesus the Man,

and reject His divinity? Allow time for discussion.

________________________________________________________________________

Conclude the study by sharing the lyrics and/or audio of Mark

Schultz’ song “Love Has Come.” (Lyrics are at www.azlyrics.com/

lyrics/markschultz/lovehascome.html ; audio at www.youtube.com/

watch?v=EIIAf2lS_Us.)

Lead in a closing prayer.

FOLLOW THROUGH • Pray for each class member that he/she will worship God this

week with a greater awareness of the divinity and humanity of

Jesus.

• A few days after your study, text or email class members and

ask them question: How has your week been affected by

the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord?









Background

Passage:

1 T I M O T H Y 4

scripture

Passage:

1 T I M O T H Y 4 : 6 - 1 0









people (vv. 9-10)

Memory

Verses:



1 T I M O T H Y 4 : 7

LESSON 1

T E AC H I N G A I M :WHY S T U DY T H I SL E S S O N :


jesus at worka present reality

page 4 7 jesus at work

To understand how Jesus Christ is active in the world today.

Jesus’ work continues by the Holy Spirit, in and through His church. This encouraging truth shapes how we live the Christian life and take our place in God’s story.

To understand that Jesus continues to work in a variety of ways in the world today. When Jesus departed to be with the Father, He did not leave us alone to fend for ourselves. He cares deeply for us and intercedes continually for us. He is active in the world today through the presence of His Spirit, which indwells all believers. Additionally He is the head of the church, by which He guides all true ministry carried out in His authority (Matt. 28:18-20).

Background

Passage:

E P H E S I A N S 4 : 4 - 1 6

scripture

Passage:

E P H E S I A N S 4 : 7 - 1 6

• Christ has united all believers into His

family: the church.

• Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to gift and

equip the saints for the work of min-

istry.

• The head of the church is Jesus Christ.

• Jesus ensures that the church reaches

maturity and fullness in Him.

Memory

Verses:

E P H E S I A N S 4 : 1 1 - 1 2

And He personally gave some

to be apostles, some proph-

ets, some evangelists, some

pastors and teachers, for the

training of the saints in the

work of ministry, to build up

the body of Christ.

LESSON 6

8 jesus at work

PREPARING TO TEACHThis lesson calls for the use of many Scriptures. Be sure to read all

passages cited during your preparation. You may not use them all

but select the ones you feel will best convey the intent of the lesson.

Place bookmarks in your Bible or copy and print the Scripture

passages, using a website such as www.mystudybible.com.

Read through your Venture Up Travelogue this week, not only

for your personal edification, but also since much of the lesson plan

comes directly from its pages.

This is a powerful lesson, especially in light of the growing

persecution of Christians in the world today. Ask God to bless you

and your learners as you study how Jesus is working in the world

today.


WWJD OR WIJD?

Ask these questions from the Travelogue on page 61: What do you

envision Jesus doing in heaven right now? What Scriptures

would you use to support your answer?

Write learners’ responses on the board. Possible answers should

include:

• Jesus is seated at the right hand of God (Ps. 110:1; Mark 16:19;

Luke 22:69; Acts 2:32-36; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20-21; Heb. 1:3;

10:12; 1 Pet. 3:22).

> Being seated at the right hand of God indicates comple-

tion; specifically, completion of His work of redemp-

tion: “After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high”(Heb. 1:3b).

> It indicates His authority received from the Father over all

creation. See Ephesians 1:20-21; and 1 Peter 3:22.

> It also indicates the authority to pour out His Holy Spirit

on the church (Acts 2:33).

> It does not mean Jesus is sitting idle. In his book System-

atic Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994, 619), author

9 jesus at work

Wayne Grudem uses this analogy: “Just as a human king

sits on his royal throne at his accession to the kingship,

but then engages in many other activities throughout

each day, so Christ sat at the right hand of God as a

dramatic evidence of his completion of his redemptive

work and his reception of authority over the universe,

but he is certainly engaged in other activities in heaven as

well.”

• Jesus, at least on one occasion, stood at the right hand of God

(Acts 7:56). Enlist a volunteer to read Acts 7:54-60. Ask learners

why they think Jesus stood when Stephen was martyred.

• Jesus walks among the seven gold lampstands (Rev. 2:1).

• Jesus intercedes for us (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1).

________________________________________________________________________

Teaching TipIf possible, include all the Scriptures cited above in your discussion.

However guard your time so that the majority of the discussion can

focus on the background passage, Ephesians 4:4-16.

________________________________________________________________________

WHAT ON EARTH IS JESUS DOING?

Say: We read several passages about Jesus being seated at the

right hand of God. This action of Jesus directly affects what He

is doing on earth now.

Ask a volunteer to read aloud the entire background passage,

Ephesians 4:4-16. (Note: you will go back over sections of this

passage in more detail as the lesson progresses but, for now, read the

entire passage.)

Direct learners to the Travelogue on page 62, beginning with the

statement: Paul begins with a quotation from Psalm 68:18. Summarize or

read this section in the Travelogue (five paragraphs). Guide a discus-

sion of the information given.

Read aloud an excerpt of Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost

found in Acts 2:32-33: “God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this. Therefore, since He has been

0 jesus at work

exalted to the right hand of God and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit, He has poured out what you both see and hear.” Say: As stated in the Travelogue on pages 63-64: So the

ascension conveys a much bigger story than simply Jesus

moving from Point A (earth) to Point B (heaven). The ascen-

sion represents an inauguration of a new status for Jesus.

The ascension didn’t lead to a Christ-deserted world, but to a

Christ-filled world. Jesus isn’t sitting at the right hand of the

Father as a distant, passive observer. No, as we shall see, Jesus

is a present, active King—advancing His kingdom in and

through His church.

Ask: Before Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension,

what did He tell His disciples about His coming departure?

Direct learners to John 14:16-31 and ask a volunteer to read the

passage aloud.

Ask: Where is Jesus’ Holy Spirit today?

Enlist a volunteer to read Ephesians 4:9-10.

________________________________________________________________________

Teaching OptionIf time permits, comment on verse 9 (Jesus’ ascending and descend-

ing). Ralph P. Martin in The Broadman Bible Commentary, Vol. 11

(Nashville: Broadman Press, 1971), 155-56, offers a good discussion

of this verse with three points of view. The third point of view he

presents, which was proposed by G. B. Caird, interprets the ascent

as pertaining to Jesus’ ascension, and the descent as pertaining to

the coming of the Holy Spirit to earth at Pentecost, which preserves

the chronology of the actual events. (See also discussions in “Parallel

Commentaries” at www.biblehub.com/ephesians/4-9.htm.)

________________________________________________________________________

Concerning verse 10, read this paragraph from the Travelogue

on pages 64-65: Theologically, Paul uses the concept of “fill-

ing” as a way of expressing the good news of the arrival and

advancement of the kingdom of God. Through the life and

death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, all the promises,

1 jesus at work

visions, and hopes of Israel’s prophets will be fully realized.

Jesus fills-to-the-full every promise God has made to be a great

Redeemer and cosmic Restorer. For as Paul states, “every one

of God’s promises is ‘Yes’ in Him” (2 Cor. 1:20).

State: The coming of God’s Holy Spirit after Christ ascended

to the right hand of God means that God’s plan and purpose for

Jesus to “fill all things” is occurring right now. Paul expresses

that in Ephesians 1:20-23. Read Ephesians 1:20-23.

Ask: How does He “fill all things” today? (through the

church)

Say: Look again at verses 22-23—And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over every-thing for the church, which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way. Ask a series of questions to guide the understanding of these

verses: Who is head over everything? (Jesus) Who is the body of

Christ on earth? (His church) Christ is head over everything

for whom? (The church) How is the body of Christ described?

(“the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way”)

Summarize: Now think about that for a moment. At Pente-

cost, Jesus came to us in His Holy Spirit, filling believers from

that point on. His Holy Spirit fills His church. He is working

His dominion through His church on earth. The very power

that raised Christ from the dead lives in us (Rom. 8:11), and

so we obey Him, our Head, our Authority, to accomplish His

purposes on this earth. Jesus said of His church, “. . . and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18).

Remind learners that we are indeed on a mission; we have been

given our marching orders. Ask a volunteer to read Ephesians 4:11-16.

Enlist a volunteer who has a King James Version of the Bible

to read Ephesians 4:11-12: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

2 jesus at work

Say: Verse 11 tells us some of the gifts Jesus gave to His

church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

Ask: What is the purpose of these gifts according to verse

12? After responses, note that, based on the commas in this state-

ment, the purposes are to 1) perfect the saints, 2) do the work of the

ministry, and 3) edify the body of Christ.

Say: Thus, some might think that church staff members

are hired to do the work of ministry. But that isn’t the case. All

Christians are ministers. No commas appear in the original

Greek text; other translations do a better job but omit the

commas. Thus, these particular gifts expressed (in verse 11)

are to be used to perfect or train the saints for the work of

ministry.

Ask: As Christ works through His Holy Spirit, through

individual believers who together constitute His church, His

body, what will that look like? Point learners to Ephesians 4:12-

16. (Some key points are: strengthening the body, growing in unity

in the faith, growing in a unity of the knowledge of Jesus, maturing

as Jesus fills us.) Remind learners that, as maturing believers, we will

not be misled by false teachings, but will be able to stand firm in the

truth and love of Christ—the power that is above all powers: Christ

in us.

Quote: “The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4b).

Briefly discuss responses to this question from the Travelogue

on page 67: Someone says, “I love Jesus, but I don’t really have any heart,

energy, or time for the church.” How would you respond?

CONCLUSION Say: Christians are under attack in this world like never

before – even in the United States. We need to obey our Lord

Jesus Christ, so He can fill us, His people, His church, with

His Holy Spirit so that His will be done on earth as it is in

heaven. To God be the glory.

Close immediately with a prayer.

3 jesus at work

FOLLOW THROUGH • Email class members and call attention to this instruction

from page 68 of the Travelogue: Spend an unrushed season of prayer

for your church family, and for its leaders—that God would be pleased

to deepen a vision of the exalted Jesus, His coming Kingdom, and the

day when God’s glory will fill the earth, as the waters cover the sea.

• Spend time in personal prayer this week, submitting yourself

to your head, Jesus Christ, in all aspects of your life (at home,

work, school, church), asking God to fill you with His Holy

Spirit.



son of manthe servant king

page 5 4 son of man

To gain a clearer understanding of Jesus’ most frequent designation of Himself, “Son of Man.” This term stresses Jesus’ humanity and His identification with the people of God, His atoning death on their behalf, and the glory He will receive following His suffering.

Jesus used the title, Son of Man, more than any other when referring to Him-self. It’s a title which affirms not only Jesus’ deity and sovereignty, but also His humanity and suffering.

To understand that Jesus’ role as Son of Man points to His humanity and destiny to suffer and die as a “ransom for many” (Mark 10:45) and His role as the One seated at the right hand of God. Following the Son of Man means we accept His suffering in our place, follow Him in His suffering, and worship Him as exalted Lord.

Background

Passage:

M AT T H E W 2 6 : 3 2 - 6 8

scripture

Passage:

M AT T H E W 2 6 : 5 7 - 6 8 S E E P A R A L L E L I N M A R K 1 4 : 5 3 - 6 5

• Jesus was falsely accused before the

Sanhedrin.

• The High Priest asked Jesus to

declare whether or not He was the

Messiah, the Son of God.

• Jesus affirmed His identity (v. 64).

• Jesus applied messianic prophesies

from Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13-14

to Himself.

• Jesus was accused of blasphemy and

deserving of death.

Memory

Verse:

M A R K 1 0 : 4 5

For even the Son of Man did

not come to be served, but to

serve, and to give His life—a

ransom for many.

LESSON 7

5 son of man

PREPARING TO TEACHThe “prosperity gospel” is alive and well in the 21st century. It may

affect Christians more than we realize, especially in the United

States, because Americans have enjoyed unprecedented prosperity

that freedom engenders.

Spend much time in prayer and meditation on the focal passage

and memory verse for this week’s study. Suffering is not an idea we

like to incorporate into our theology but it is a necessary reality. The

Kingdom of God truly turns the world’s view of prosperity upside

down.

Write one of the following “prosperity gospel” quotes [cited by

Hank Hanegraaff, Christianity in Crisis (Eugene, OR: Harvest House

Publishers, 1997)] and the person who said it on four separate tear

sheets or posters (do not include the reference):

• “Not only is worrying a sin, but being poor is a sin when God

promises prosperity!”—Robert Tilton [Success-N-Life television

program (27 December 1990); quoted in Hanegraaff, 186]

• “Give $10 and receive $1,000; give $1,000 and receive

$100,000. . .Give one house and receive one hundred houses or

one worth one hundred times as much

. . .Give one car and the return would furnish you a lifetime of

cars. In short, Mark 10:30 is a very good deal.”—Gloria Cope-

land [God’s Will is Prosperity (Tulsa, OK: Harrison House, 1978);

54, quoted in Hanegraaff, 199]

• “The Bible declares that the work was done 2,000 years ago.

God is not going to heal you now—He healed you 2,000

years ago. All you have to do today is receive your healing by

faith.”—Benny Hinn [Rise & Be Healed (Orlando, FL: Celebra-

tion Publishers, 1991), 44; quoted in Hanegraaff, 242]

• “. . . how can you glorify God in your body when it doesn’t

function right? . . . What makes you think the Holy Ghost

wants to live inside a body where He can’t see out through the

windows and He can’t hear with the ears? What makes you

think the Holy Spirit wants to live inside of a physical body

where the limbs and the organs and the cells do not function

right? . . . The only eyes that He has that are in the earth realm

are the eyes that are in the body. If He can’t see out of them

then God’s gonna be limited. . . .”—Frederick K.C. Price [Is God

6 son of man

Glorified Through Sickness? (Los Angeles: Crenshaw Christian

Center, n.d.) audiotape #FP605; quoted in Hanegraaff, 259-60]


ABBA, FATHER, OR SUGAR DADDY?

Distribute the four tear sheets or posters you prepared of the “pros-

perity gospel” quotes from various people. Instruct the person with

Robert Tilton’s quote to read it aloud. Ask: Is this good theology or

bad theology? Why? Are there Scripture passages that support

or refute this theology?

Continue this same method of questions and discussion for

each quote.

Call for a volunteer to read Luke 17:19. Ask: Does this Scrip-

ture support prosperity theology (“name it and claim it”)? Why

or why not?

Call for another volunteer to read Matthew 13:57-58. Ask: Does

this Scripture support prosperity theology (“name it and claim

it”)? Why or why not?

________________________________________________________________________

Teaching TipIn order to fully understand these two passages, read the entire

context (Luke 17:11-19 and Matt. 13:1-58) prior to the class time.

Share as needed from your study so that learners will also under-

stand the context for Jesus’ words.

________________________________________________________________________

To aid in the discussion of these two passages, share this infor-

mation with your learners in your own words: “Name it and claim

it” or prosperity theology is not totally devoid of truth. Proper

relationship with God requires faith. The Bible presents

many instances where faith moved mountains and unbelief

resulted in failure. For example: For who heard and rebelled? Wasn’t it really all who came out of Egypt under Moses? And who was He provoked with for 40 years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And who

7 son of man

did He swear to that they would not enter His rest, if not those who disobeyed? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief (Heb. 3:16-19). However, the healings Jesus

performed bore witness to His fulfillment of Scripture as the

Messiah (see Luke 4:18-21). Prosperity theology uses Bible

passages involving faith and misinterprets them so as to apply

them for selfish, personal gain.

Direct learners to page 72 in the Travelogue and lead them in

responding to the following questions: When you hear Christians talk-

ing about “blessings” or a “blessed life,” what are they (and you) most often

referring to? Are hardship, weakness, and brokenness ever to be considered

gifts or blessings from the Lord? What Scriptures come to mind?

Now direct them to respond to the next two questions on page

72 in the Travelogue: What are the implications of the sufferings of Jesus for

us? Why is it important to have a good theology of suffering?

Use some of the following Scripture passages as you discuss

responses to the previous questions:

• Some men were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might

gain a better resurrection, and others experienced mockings and

scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned,

they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about

in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. The

world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on

mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these were

approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was

promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they

would not be made perfect without us (Heb. 11:35b-40).

• Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my

flesh what is lacking in Christ ’s afflictions for His body, that is, the

church (Col. 1:24).

• For it has been given to you on Christ ’s behalf not only to believe in

Him, but also to suffer for Him, having the same struggle that you

saw I had and now hear that I have (Phil. 1:29-30).

• My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the

fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, assum-

ing that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead (Phil. 3:10-11).

Say: Compare these Scriptures about suffering for Jesus to

8 son of man

Jesus’ words in John 10:10: “I have come so that they may have

life and have it in abundance.” Ask: What does this say about

the abundant life Jesus provides?

A KING LIKE NONE OTHER

Direct learners to find today’s focal passage, Matthew 26:57-68, in

their Bibles. Enlist a volunteer to read this passage in its entirety.

To generate discussion, ask questions such as:

• Why did the chief priests and Sanhedrin want to put

Jesus to death?

• Why did Jesus keep silent rather than respond to the

false accusations against Him? (Note: His silence fulfilled

messianic prophecy: Isa. 53:7.)

• When Caiaphas the high priest asked Jesus if He was “the

Messiah, the Son of God,” why do you think Jesus referred

to Himself as the “Son of Man”?(Jesus did not deny the

high priest’s command: “Tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus quoted Dan. 7:13 as His response to

indicate that He was the Messiah, referred to by Daniel as the

Son of Man.) Read Daniel 7:13-14 aloud: I continued watch-

ing in the night visions, and I saw One like a son of man

coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached

the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He

was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so

that those of every people, nation, and language should

serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion

that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will

not be destroyed (Dan. 7:13-14). Say: The religious rulers

knew exactly what Jesus said: that He was the Messiah,

fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy. This is why the high priest

tore his robes and cried “blasphemy!”

Use additional material in the Travelogue to guide the class in

thoroughly examining the focal passage. End the discussion of the

focal passage by enlisting a volunteer to read the last three para-

graphs under “A King Like None Other,” (Travelogue, pp. 75-76),

beginning with “Don’t miss the magnificence of this moment. . . .” and

9 son of man

ending with “—God suffering in our place.”

AN EARLY EXPRESSION OF PROSPERITY THEOLOGY

Read aloud Mark 10:35-45. Ask: What aspects of a “prosperity

theology” do you see in James and John’s request of Jesus?

(Note: Seats to the right and left of a king’s throne were places of

honor. James and John still saw Jesus fulfilling His messianic role as

having an earthly kingdom. Their request was totally selfish. They

did not understand the suffering that Jesus would have to endure to

be established on His heavenly throne.)

Summarize in your own words: A prosperity theology is

nothing new. As human beings we want to avoid suffering and

enjoy the good things of this earthly life. When good things

happen to us, then, yes, we thank God for these things. But we

must realize that Jesus secured our salvation from sin through

His suffering, death, and resurrection. As His body on this

earth, the church, we endure sufferings that somehow God

uses for His kingdom purposes. Our theology must include a

place for suffering; otherwise it is an inaccurate theology.

CONCLUSION Conclude by reading 1 Peter 4:12-13: Dear friends, don’t be

surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test

you as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead,

rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that

you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His

glory.

Invite learners to pray silently, thanking God for Jesus, the Son

of Man. Close the prayer time, thanking God for the privilege to

share in His sufferings.

FOLLOW THROUGH • During your prayer times this week, meditate on the memory

verse for this week: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

0 son of man

• Pray for your learners by name at least once this week, that

they will submit themselves to God so that they can enjoy the

abundant life that Jesus promises, one that will include suffer-

ing for Him.



ministry toothersConduit of His Grace

page 6 1 ministry to others

To help learners recognize that Jesus’ teaching often consisted of calling His fol-lowers to minister to others. Obedience to Jesus’ teaching includes a life dedicated toward ministry to others.

As Jesus has loved us and continues to love us, so we are to love one an-other. This is the heartbeat, measure, and goal of all ministry—loving as Jesus loves us.

To understand that Jesus has called His followers and taught them to minis-ter to others. As the Father sent Jesus into the world, so we are sent into the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are called to be good stewards of all Jesus has entrusted to us and to minister to others in a way that God receives the credit and the glory.

Background

Passage:

J O H N 1 7

scripture

Passage:

J O H N 1 7 : 9 - 2 0

• Jesus prays for His disciples before

He returns to the Father (vv. 9-11).

• Jesus prays for their protection, unity,

and joy (vv. 11-13).

• Jesus prays they will be in the world,

not of the world (vv. 14-17).

• Jesus prays that they will minister in

the world as He has ministered (vv.

18-19).

• Jesus prays for those who will believe

in Him through the ministry of His

disciples (v. 20).

Memory

Verse:

J O H N 1 7 : 1 8

As You sent Me into the world,

I also have sent them into the

world.

LESSON 8

2 ministry to others

PREPARING TO TEACHBegin your preparation with prayer; then read the opening story

under “Consumers or The Consumed?” in Venture Up Travelogue,

pages 79-81. As you read and study the lesson in the Travelogue,

invite the Holy Spirit to examine your own life and ministry.

Prepare cards with one of the Scripture references and the

passage itself printed on each card. Use these as a part of your discus-

sion about constructing a definition of ministry. You may choose to

add additional Scriptures as well.

• 1 Chronicles 25:6

• Matthew 28:19-20

• Acts 1:8

• Acts 6:4

• Acts 20:24

• Romans 15:1-3

• Romans 16:1-2

• 1 Corinthians 12 (Print select portions only.)

• 1 Corinthians 14:26

• Ephesians 4:11-16

• Colossians 1:28

• Colossians 4:2-6

• James 1:27

• 1 Peter 4:10


CONSUMERS OR THE CONSUMED?

Ask: How would you describe the ideal church? What would

be some of its characteristics? Allow time for discussion. Record

responses on the board as they are mentioned.

Say: Look in your Venture Up Travelogue on page 81 at

the paragraph that begins “Though the theme . . .” and follow

along as I read: Though the theme of every-member-ministry

has always been relevant, it’s critical in our day. For ours is the

era of ecclesiastical consumerism—finding a church that will

meet my family’s needs and cater to my particular fancies. For


many Christians, choosing a church family is like standing in

the food court of a mall, staring 17 different cuisines in the

face. “What am I hungry for today? So many choices, so little

time.” Friends, we’re meant to be consumed with God’s glory,

not consumers of our whims.

Ask: Without naming names, do you know persons who

choose churches based upon consumerism as described in

this paragraph? Should Christians attend or serve in the

closest church to where they live regardless of denomination,

theology, ministries, staff ministers, music, age-group minis-

try ministry offerings, and the like? Why or why not?

After adequate discussion, follow up with this question: What

should determine where you worship with other believers?

For those who would be willing to share, How did you choose

your current church family?

Say: Look at the statement and question on page 82 in the

Travelogue: Write down a working definition of ministry. How

would you respond if someone asked, “What is your minis-

try?” Let’s put our minds together and come up with a work-

ing definition of ministry.

Distribute the cards you prepared with Scriptures and refer-

ences. Call for learners to read each card aloud to determine how it

might be helpful in constructing a definition of ministry.

Work together as a class to construct a definition of ministry.

Write it on the board. Then ask these questions, allowing time for

responses and discussion between each question:

• What determines your ministry?

• Does your ministry fit in with any of the programs of

your church?

• If your ministry does not fit in with any of the programs

of your church, how can you find an outlet for your

ministry?

• Must your ministry operate within a church program?

Explain.


WHILE IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM, IT INVOLVES ALL OF US

Enlist a volunteer to read the focal passage, John 17:9-20. Give this

instructions to the other class members before the volunteer reads:

As [name of class member] reads our focal passage, ponder this question from

page 82 of the Travelogue: As you observe Jesus praying in this passage,

what strikes you about His relationship with His Father?

Call on the volunteer to read John 17:9-20.

Ask: What strikes you about Jesus’ relationship with His

Father? Allow time for responses. (Note: This open-ended question

will trigger a variety of responses. Simply allow learners to respond,

and as they do, jot down some common themes on a piece of paper.)

Then ask class members if they can identify a theme that all or most

of the responses share in common.

Continue: Now make a list of who Jesus is praying for, and

the things for which He prays. What is humbling and encour-

aging in what you observe? Allow time for responses. Write the

responses on the board. Note that Jesus prays for His disciples and

not for Himself in these verses. Say: Jesus did pray for Himself

earlier in verses 1 and 5, that the Father would glorify Him,

but this request for glorification had the purpose that the Son

would glorify the Father.

Comment: John 17:10 states: “Everything I have is Yours,

and everything You have is Mine, and I have been glorified in

them.” What do you think it means that Jesus has been glori-

fied in His disciples?

Share the following excerpt from Leon Morris’s book, The Gospel

According to John in The New International Commentary on the New

Testament [(Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1971),

726], to help in your discussion:

But now [Jesus] says that He has been glorified in the disciples.

This really is very like Jesus’ attitude to the glory seen in the cross.

Outwardly the little group was not distinguished. The men of the

day saw nothing about its members to mark them off as eminent

in any respect. But, just as the world’s values were all wrong

concerning the cross, so were the world’s values all wrong concern-


ing the apostolic band. In them the Son of God, none less, was

actually glorified.

In your discussion of verse 10, share the truth that the redemp-

tion of fallen, sinful humans made in the image of God has become

part of Jesus’ glorification. Comment: We are that valuable to

Jesus. He delights in our redemption. We are part of His

glory. It is no wonder that Jesus’ prayer to the Father primar-

ily consisted of petitions for His disciples and ultimately all

believers (see v. 20).

Summarize in your own words: This “high priestly prayer,” as

it is commonly called in John 17, results from the love Jesus

has for the Father, His disciples, and all who would believe in

Him throughout the remainder of human history. Early in

this Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17), Jesus provided His

disciples the key characteristic of His followers and the moti-

vation for all true ministry: “I give you a new command: Love

one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one

another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples,

if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

Direct class members to consider their response to the follow-

ing paragraph that you will read from the Travelogue (p. 83): Do you

get the picture? Ministry isn’t something we simply do for God; it ’s how

we live in communion with our God. He is a missional God, and we are

redeemed to be a missional people. Ministry is overflow—always. It ’s not a

duty, but a delight; not a job, but a joy; not a badge of honor, but a sign of our

discipleship. As the Father loves Jesus, so Jesus ministers to us. As Jesus loves

us, so we minister to others. When ministry ceases to be defined and fueled

by the love of God it ceases to be ministry. It atrophies to manipulation.

Allow time for discussion.

Say: Let’s look again at the definition of “ministry” we

constructed earlier. Reflecting on the words in Jesus’ prayer

in John 17, and considering the new commandment Jesus

gave His disciples in John 13:34-35, do you think we need to

edit our definition of ministry? Allow time for response. Make

changes to the definition on the board as the class directs.

CONCLUSIONReread the focal passage, John 17:9-20. Guide a discussion using


these questions from the Travelogue beginning on page 85:

• When it comes to ministering to others, what reservations and fears do

you have?

• What is the difference between ministering to someone and fixing

someone?

Ask: How do Jesus’ words in John 17:11-16 address the

above two questions?

Use the discussion in the Travelogue on page 87 to lead your

class to understand the meaning of Jesus’ prayer for His followers

to be sanctified (John 17:17-20). Direct the learners specifically to

these sentences: The Word sanctifies us because the Scriptures, alone, have

the authority to define our identity as God’s people and our calling as Jesus’

church. This part of Jesus’ prayer underscores the fact that church is not

optional in God’s plan, and the call to ministry isn’t for a select few.

Say: Before you go to bed tonight, examine this statement

from page 88 of the Travelogue, spend time with God in prayer

and record your response: You are a minister by God’s design

and delight. Therefore, write out your sense of calling, your

ministry passion, and name the spiritual gifts you believe God

has given you.

Lead in a closing prayer time.

FOLLOW THROUGH • Be sure you have responded to these statements as you

directed learners: You are a minister by God’s design and delight.

Therefore, write out your sense of calling, your ministry passion, and

name the spiritual gifts you believe God has given you.

• Ask God to guide you and your class in a fuller understanding

of what it means to minister as individuals and as a class or

church body.

• Contact each class member and guest this week, either by

phone, email, or text. Inquire about the ministries or passions

of each person. Commit to pray for them as they pursue God’s

leading.



preaching with authoritygrace and truth

page 6 7 preaching with authority

Jesus’ utmost priority was to preach and teach the good news of God’s kingdom and to call people to respond. We are called to respond to Christ’s message of salva-tion and to join with Him in preaching and teaching others to observe all that Christ commanded.

Preaching and teaching were central to Jesus’ ministry. Though He was a Master Teacher, the content of His teaching was preeminent. Jesus preached the gospel of the Kingdom.

To see that Jesus’ actions demonstrated His priority of preaching the good news of the Kingdom to people and teaching the message of God with authority. We are called to respond obediently to what Jesus came to preach and teach and to join with Him in proclaiming His good news to our world.

Background

Passage:

M AT T H E W 4 : 2 3 - 7 : 2 9

scripture

Passage:

M AT T H E W 4 : 2 3 - 2 5 ; 7 : 2 8 - 2 9

• Teaching and preaching the good

news of the Kingdom was a priority

for Jesus (4:23).

• Jesus’ preaching, teaching, and heal-

ing ministry resulted in large crowds

following Him (4:24-25).

• In Matthew 5-7, Jesus preached the

Sermon on the Mount.

• Afterward, the crowds were amazed

because He preached as One with

authority, not as one of their scribes

(7:28-29).

Memory

Verses:

M AT T H E W 2 8 : 1 9 - 2 0

Go, therefore, and make dis-

ciples of all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the

Holy Spirit, teaching them to

observe everything I have com-

manded you. And remember, I

am with you always, to the end

of the age.

LESSON 9

8 preaching with authority

PREPARING TO TEACHBegin your preparation with prayer, asking God through the Holy

Spirit to teach you so that you can adequately guide others. This

lesson includes an abundance of Scripture passages. Keep in mind

that you cannot always complete the entire lesson plan. Class

members may have unexpected questions or may need to discuss

aspects of the lesson longer than you anticipated. Be prepared to

be flexible and focus on the essential aspects of the lesson in the

amount of time you have.

Prepare and duplicate a copy of these ten Scripture passages and

the references addressing Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of God

(see passages under “Jesus, The Quintessential Preacher”): Matthew

4:23; Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 12:28; Matthew 19:24;

Matthew 21:31b; Matthew 21:43; Mark 4: 10-11; Mark 9:1; Mark

10:13-15.


“PAPA DON’T PREACH”

Ask the following question from the Venture Up Travelogue (p. 91):

What are the elements of a great sermon? Record responses on

the board in a vertical list. (Elements learners may mention: content,

delivery, pertinence, theologically sound doctrine.) Review the list

and ask this question about each response: Why is this character-

istic important for an effective sermon?

________________________________________________________________________

Teaching OptionAfter you have written the elements of a great sermon on the board,

ask learners to rank them according to importance. This should

generate good discussion and involve all learners’ minds. Don’t

expect to reach a consensus in the rankings. Remind learners that

not all rankings are exactly the same (i.e. College Football Playoff

Rankings, the AP Top 25, the USA Today Poll, and the ESPN Power

Rankings).

________________________________________________________________________


Ask (also from the Travelogue, p. 91): Likewise, when does a

sermon leave you flat, even upset? Allow time for responses and

oral discussion.

Enlist a volunteer to read Matthew 7:28-29.

Ask: What do you think was so different about the way the

scribes taught and the way Jesus taught? (One obvious differ-

ence is that Jesus taught with authority; therefore, the teachings of

the scribes must have lacked authority.)

Summarize this example: In Jesus’ day, the scribes would

quote various rabbis. For example, a scribe might say, “Rabbi

Hillel says this” but another scribe would say, “Rabbi Sham-

mai interprets it this way.” On the other hand, in Jesus’

Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: You have heard that it was

said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders

will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is

angry with his brother will be subject to judgment (Matt. 5:21-

22a). Remind learners that Jesus often taught in this manner (see

Matt. 5:27; 33-34; 38-39; and 43-44).

Ask: How do you know today whether or not someone

is preaching or teaching with God’s authority? Allow time for

responses. Comment: Ultimately, we must analyze teaching or

preaching in light of Scripture, just as the Bereans did with

Paul’s teachings. Read Acts 17:10-12.

Direct class members to the Spurgeon quote on page 91 in the

Travelogue and ask: Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the great British

preacher, once said, “It’s not a sermon ‘til it gets to Jesus.” What

do you think he meant? In the discussion, ensure that the follow-

ing points are made:

• Without Jesus, there is no salvation. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

• Without Jesus, nothing in life ultimately matters. Jesus said,

“What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?” (Matt. 16:24).


JESUS, THE QUINTESSENTIAL PREACHER

Say: Now let’s look at the teaching and preaching of Jesus, the

One who astonished the crowds “because He was teaching

them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes”

(Matt. 7:29).

Enlist a volunteer to read Matthew 4:23-25.

Ask: What are the verbs in these verses? In other words,

what was Jesus doing? (going, teaching, preaching, healing)

Ask: Verse 24 says “. . . news about Him spread throughout

Syria. So they brought to Him all those who were afflicted . . .”

(Matt. 4:24). Do you think the people were coming to Jesus just

to be healed or do you think they were also intrigued with His

teaching and preaching? (Note: This is a subjective question, but

in light of Matthew 7:28-29, the people were probably flocking to

Him because of His teaching and preaching. They were amazed at

the way He taught and they were curious.)

Ask (from the Travelogue on p. 92): According to this passage,

what was Jesus’ venue of choice for His earliest preaching and

why do you suppose He chose this forum? Comment as needed:

Jesus taught and preached in the synagogues in Galilee. He

came first to the Jews to fulfill all prophecy concerning the

Messiah. This was God’s plan when He chose the nation of

Israel as His people. A Canaanite woman asked Jesus for mercy

because her daughter was tormented by a demon. He replied,

“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt.

15:24). Do recognize, though, that because of her persistent

faith, Jesus cured her daughter (see Matt. 15:21-28).

Refer to and read the following Scripture passages as time permits:

Matthew 10:5-6; John 4:22; Romans 15:8-9; Romans 1:16.

Say: Jesus came preaching and teaching first to the Jews,

although He never neglected anyone, Samaritan or Gentile,

who placed faith in Him.

Ask this question from page 92 of the Travelogue: What was the

main theme of Jesus’ preaching—not just in this text, but also


as recorded elsewhere in the Gospels? (the kingdom of God)

Distribute the Scripture cards you prepared earlier to enhance

understanding and discussion. Ask learners with one of the cards to

read their Scripture passage aloud.

• Jesus was going all over Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preach-

ing the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and

sickness among the people (Matt. 4:23).

• After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good

news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come

near. Repent and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:14-15)!

• But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these

things will be provided for you (Matt. 6:33).

• If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God

has come to you (Matt. 12:28).

• “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a

needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matt.

19:24).

• Jesus said to them, “I assure you: Tax collectors and prostitutes are

entering the kingdom of God before you!” (Matt. 21:31b).

• Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you

and given to a nation producing its fruit (Matt. 21:43).

• When He was alone with the Twelve, those who were around Him

asked Him about the parables. He answered them, “The secret of the

kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those outside, everything

comes in parables . . . (Mark 4:10-11).

• Then He said to them, “I assure you: There are some standing here

who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in

power” (Mark 9:1).

• Some people were bringing little children to Him so He might touch

them, but His disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, He was

indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me. Don’t

stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure

you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child

will never enter it.” After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands

on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-15).

Enlist a volunteer to read these statements from the Travelogue (p.

93): There are three elements of God’s kingdom that show up

in every season of biblical history—(1) God, (2) people, and (3)


place. Every kingdom presupposes a king, citizens, and a coun-

try; the same is true of God’s kingdom. Taken together, we can

describe the kingdom of God as God’s family, living in God’s

place, under God’s rule.

Direct all learners to Matthew 6:9-13 in their Bibles. Read aloud

the Model Prayer that Jesus taught His disciples.

Ask (from the Travelogue on p. 94): How does the Model Prayer

reflect all three aspects of God’s kingdom—God, people, and

place? (One petition in the prayer is that God’s kingdom will come;

thus, the Father is also King. God’s kingdom is already established in

heaven, and Jesus instructs His disciples to ask for the Kingdom to

come to earth. Thus two places exist for God’s kingdom: heaven and

earth.)

Comment: Look again at the Model Prayer. How is God

described? What are some characteristics of God evident in

this prayer? [Father (v. 9), King (v. 10), Provider (v. 11), Forgiver (v.

12), and Deliverer (v. 13)] Write responses on the board.

Ask (from the Travelogue on p. 94): If a nonbeliever were to

ask you for a definition of the kingdom of God, how would

you respond with words and images they would likely under-

stand? Allow time for responses.

Read the paragraph on page 97 in the Travelogue that begins

“When Jesus announced…” and ends “and will continue until His return.”

Ask: What aspect of God’s kingdom would you most like

to see on earth in your lifetime? Write learners’ response on the

board as they speak.

CONCLUSION

________________________________________________________________________

Teaching TipPractice before class and find the proper mood or tone in which to

read the following Scripture passage as you close the lesson. Study

this passage in prayer to better understand what Jesus was feeling

with the arrest of His cousin John and the ministry that He knew

was set before Him. Read with emotion and emphasis.

________________________________________________________________________


With no introduction, read Matthew 4:12-17 aloud: When He [Jesus] heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee. He left Nazareth behind and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: Land of Zebulun and land of Naph-tali, along the sea road, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles! The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the shadow-land of death, light has dawned. From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!” Pause after reading the last sentence above, say: Turn to pages

93-94 in your Travelogue. You will see Matthew 6:9-13. As

followers of the Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah, let’s pray

together the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples to pray.

Close by praying in unison: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]

FOLLOW THROUGH • This week, pray the Model Prayer each night. Invite the Holy

Spirit to guide you as you focus and meditate on what the Lord

knows you need to reap from the prayer each time you pray

these words.

• Text or email class members and guests and encourage them to

reread the Model Prayer and to pray through the prayer often

this week.

• Ask God to guide you and your class into a fuller understand-

ing of what it means to live as His kingdom people.




sacrificeA Demonstration of Love

page 7 4 sacrifice

To illustrate the sacrificial nature of Christ in a way that provides greater insight to His character and an increased desire to emulate His lifestyle.

Jesus is the quintessential sacrificial Servant. The great love He demonstrated in laying down His life for us is the foundation and fuel for our life of sacrifi-cial love and servanthood.

To gain a deeper understanding of the sacrificial nature of Christ that results in an increased desire to live in a way that serves others rather than self.

Background

Passage:

J O H N 1 0 : 1 - 2 1

scripture

Passage:

J O H N 1 0 : 7 - 1 8

• The backdrop of Jesus’ Good Shep-

herd discourse is the obvious negli-

gence He perceived among Jewish

religious leadership, especially the

Pharisees.1

• Jesus risked His life for the sheep,

willingly laying down His life for

them, in line with the Father’s will.

It is far from accidental; Jesus’ death

qualifies Him to be the Good

Shepherd. 2

Memory

Verse:

J O H N 1 0 : 1 1

I am the good shepherd. The

good shepherd lays down his life

for the sheep.

LESSON 10

5 sacrifice

PREPARING TO TEACHJesus’ sacrifice secured our redemption. It is a unique event. As

stated in the Venture Up Travelogue on pages 101-102: It’s imperative

that we understand Jesus wasn’t primarily modeling a new way of life

for us. His sacrifice accomplished something enormous—something mere

philanthropy and altruism know nothing about. However, as the lesson

will indicate, Jesus’ sacrifice also provides us with an example to

follow (see 1 John 3:16-17).

Reread the Teaching Aim, Why Study This Lesson, and Desired

Outcome. Keep these directives in mind as you teach. Know the

main points you need to emphasize before you begin. Unexpected

time restriction will often cause you to alter the lesson plan in mid-

stream.

Many of the questions posed in the Travelogue are used in this

teaching plan. Thoroughly study the Travelogue in your prepara-

tion for this study. Pray for each class member by name this week,

asking that God will help each person grow in a greater appreciation

of Jesus’ sacrifice, and as a result, that each one will become more

committed to God’s kingdom.

Write each of the following Scripture references on a card and

distribute the cards to learners as they arrive: 1 Corinthians 15:17;

Romans 3:23-26; Romans 6:21-23; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:13-16;

Colossians 1:19-20; Hebrews 9:12, 22, 26: 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation

1:5b. Ask learners to be prepared to read the Scripture when called

upon.


THE EXCHANGE

Read the following true story: In the late 1970s and early 1980s,

I taught a 7th grade boys’ Sunday School class. During the

general assembly (remember those?) when all the 7th and 8th

grade boys’ and girls’ classes met for announcements and for

a group introduction to the lesson, the superintendent of the

Junior High classes made this statement about the crucifix-

ion of Jesus, which was the focus of the lesson that day: “Jesus

6 sacrifice

dying on the cross was a tremendous way for God to show us

how much He loves us. But if God had wanted to, He could

have shown His deep love for us in a different way, rather

than sending Jesus to the cross.” Well, I couldn’t keep silent. I

immediately raised my hand and responded.

Ask: How would you have responded to this statement

about Jesus’ crucifixion? Would you have said anything? Was

the superintendent correct? Explain.

Allow time for responses and discussion. Lead the learners in

understanding that, without the death and resurrection of Jesus, we

have no salvation. Comment: Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection

did not simply display God’s love for us; rather the crucifix-

ion and resurrection accomplished an exchange: Jesus took

upon Himself the penalty for our sins. He was our substitute.

He endured our hell. He paid the debt that our sin produced:

death—eternal separation from God.

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher TipReview several commentaries on 1 Corinthians 15:17 concerning

the necessity of the resurrection at www.biblehub.com/commentar-

ies/1_corinthians/15-17.htm.

________________________________________________________________________

Ask learners with a Scripture card to read aloud their Scriptures,

using this order:

1)1 Corinthians 15:17; 2) Romans 3:23-26; 3) Romans 6:21-23; 4)

Ephesians 1:7;

5) Ephesians 2:13-16; 6) Colossians 1:19-20; 7) Hebrews 9:12, 22,26:

8) 1 Peter 1:18-19;

9) Revelation 1:5b. Highlight how each of these passages empha-

sizes the absolute necessity of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

Encourage learners to examine the context of these passages for

more understanding as needed.

Say: The necessity of the crucifixion of Jesus indicates

the seriousness of sin. Sin always results in death. Since all

persons have sinned, Jesus died in our place so we could avoid

the penalty of sin.

7 sacrifice

Direct learners to page 101 in the Travelogue and ask this ques-

tion: Where do you see the effects of the fall of humankind

most clearly evidenced in God’s world? Allow time for discus-

sion. If not mentioned in their responses, ask: Is it possible that

for each one of us, what really matters are the effects of sin in

our own lives? Is it possible that we are sometimes blind to

our own sin? Explain your response.

Highlight the next question in the Travelogue (p. 101). Ask:

What hope do you have that Christians can make any lasting

difference in our world and actually overcome evil with good?


INSPIRATION, PHILANTHROPY, AND ALTRUISM AREN’T ENOUGH

Read the focal passage, John 10:7-18, while learners follow along in

their own Bibles.

Ask (question from the Travelogue on p. 102): According to

John 10:7-18, why did Jesus come into our world? List several

reasons.

Include these answers if not given by class members:

• Jesus came to give us abundant life: I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance (v. 10b).

• Jesus came to die for us: The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (v. 11). Also verse 15: I lay down My life for the sheep. (See also vv. 17-18.)

• Jesus came to die not only for those who believed in Him

during His days on earth, but for all persons at all times: But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice (v.

16).

Ask (questions from the Travelogue on p. 102): Historically,

how have we thought about the abundant life (v. 10) Jesus

promises? What can followers of Jesus expect an abundance

of? Once again, support your answer with biblical texts. In the

discussion of these questions, see John 1:4 and John 20:31.

Share this quote by Leon Morris in his book, The Gospel

8 sacrifice

According to John: “Life is one of John’s characteristic

concepts. . . . ‘Life’ in John characteristically refers to eternal

life . . . . Here, however, the term must be taken in its broadest

sense. It is only because there is life in the Logos that there is

life in anything on earth at all. Life does not exist in its own

right. It is not even spoken of as made ‘by’ or ‘through’ the

Word, but as existing ‘in’ Him.”1

Summarize: The abundant life Jesus provides involves

relationship and fellowship with Him. Jesus didn’t come to

inspire us and to do good deeds for people. He came to die for

us that we might truly live. Only as we grow closer to Jesus

through faith and obedience will we live abundantly. True

living exists only in Jesus. Jesus is life (See John 14:6).

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher TipSee Parallel Commentaries on the abundant life at www.biblehub.

com/john/10-10.htm. Look especially at Gill’s Exposition of the Entire

Bible.

________________________________________________________________________

THE ABUNDANT LIFE

Direct learners to page 103 of the Travelogue and read this quote: If

the abundant life is basically a synonym for life in the kingdom

of God, it behooves us to become very familiar with the inter-

ests of Jesus’ kingdom. What does our Savior and Lord really

care about [according to John 10:7-10]? Allow time for responses.

________________________________________________________________________

Teaching TipNote: the phrase, “according to John 10:7-10,” in brackets above was

added to place parameters around the discussion due to time limita-

tions. In John 10:7-10, learners should see that Jesus cares about His

sheep coming into His kingdom through Him (since He is the door

to His pasture), which is salvation. Jesus provides for His sheep by

giving them pasture. He also protects them from those who would

destroy His sheep, namely Satan and anyone opposed to Jesus.

9 sacrifice

As Jesus prayed to the Father, “While I was with them, I was protecting them by Your name that You have given Me. I guarded them and not one of them is lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture may be fulfilled” (John 17:12). So also, Jesus prayed, “I am not pray-ing that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15).

________________________________________________________________________

THE WONDER OF JESUS’ SACRIFICE

Ask a volunteer to read John 10:11-13. Ask: Who is the wolf in

verse 12? Allow time for responses. Add comments based on your

study and understanding of these verses (see Parallel Commentaries at

www.biblehub.com/john/10-12.htm.)

Ask: Who in our day would be considered the “wolf”? Allow

time for discussion.

Summarize: As we encounter evil in our world today, we

need to remember God’s Word such as 1 John 3:8b: “The Son

of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the Devil’s

works.” Also 1 John 4:4: “You are from God, little children, and

you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is

greater than the one who is in the world.”

THE REACH OF JESUS’ SACRIFICE

Ask a volunteer to read John 10:14-18.

Direct learners to follow along in the Travelogue (p. 106) as you

read the following two paragraphs:

The sacrifice Jesus made for us has secured the redemp-

tion of sheep well outside the fold of Israel. Jesus’ sacrifice for

sin guarantees that one day He will have a bride from every

race, tribe, tongue, and people group. All of history is bound

up with this irrepressible promise God has made.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, the Great Commis-

sion isn’t a job for us to get done, but a story for us to partici-

0 sacrifice

pate in. All of history is bound up with Jesus’ commitment to

redeem His bride from the nations.

Reread this statement: [T]he Great Commission isn’t a job for

us to get done, but a story for us to participate in. Ask: Do you

agree or disagree? Why? Allow time for responses and discussion.

OUR RESPONSE TO JESUS’ SACRIFICE

Say: Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished redemption. It was much

more than just an example; however, the apostle John does

indicate that Jesus’ sacrifice provided us with an example to

follow.

Read 1 John 3:16-17. Say: Verse 17 gave one concrete example of

how we can sacrifice for others. However we cannot give away

all of our earthly goods and help everyone. As Acts 3:6 records,

“But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I have, I

give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and

walk!”

Ask: What are other ways we can lay down our lives for our

brothers and sisters? Allow time for responses.

THE JOY OF JESUS’ SACRIFICE

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher TipIf you normally close your teaching time with prayer requests,

receive prayer requests now before proceeding with the suggested

prayer time below.

________________________________________________________________________

Say: As we close in prayer, I will begin by reading Hebrews

12:1-2. After that, I will open up the prayer time for any of you

to voice a prayer, thanking God for the sacrifice of Jesus for us,

or anything else that the Holy Spirit places on your heart. And

then I will close the prayer. Let’s bow our heads now as I read:

1 sacrifice

Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of

witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin

that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that

lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of

our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and

despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s

throne.

After others pray, close with a short prayer of your own.

FOLLOW THROUGH • This week, send a card of encouragement to each member of

your class. Include a Scripture passage, such as Hebrews 12:1-2.

• Ask God to guide you and your class to understand how you

can participate in the Great Commission story.

1 D.A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1991), 386-387.

2 Andreas J. Kostenberger, Encountering John (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1999), 121-122.

3 Leon Morris, The Gospel According to John in The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1971), 82-83.



the trinityUltimate Community

page 8 2 the trinity

To understand that God eternally exists in one essence, distinguished in three per-sons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A basic understanding and acknowledgement of this mystery is foundational to the appropriate worship of God.

Through His relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Jesus reveals the rich fellowship of the Trinity. By His work on our behalf, Jesus calls us to share in this fellowship.

To affirm the mystery that Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, part of the divine Godhead that eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus works in concert with the Father and the Spirit in creation and redemption. We worship God appropriately when we wor-ship Him as our eternal God who exists in three persons.

Background

Passage:

J O H N 1 3 - 1 7

scripture

Passage:

J O H N 1 4 : 1 5 - 2 6

• Jesus asked the Father to send the

Counselor (Holy Spirit) to His fol-

lowers, to indwell them and mediate

Christ’s presence to them (vv. 15-18).

• Jesus is in the Father, and they come

to indwell those who love and obey

Jesus (vv. 19-21; 23-24).

• The Father sends the Holy Spirit

in Jesus’ name to teach and guide

believers (vv. 25-26).

Memory

Verse:

2 C O R I N T H I A N S 1 3 : 1 3

The grace of the Lord Jesus

Christ, and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the

Holy Spirit be with all of you.

LESSON 11

3 the trinity

PREPARING TO TEACHThe Trinity is a difficult concept for our human minds to fully grasp,

as briefly mentioned in Lesson 1. Though we cannot ever fully grasp

the mystery of the Trinity, it is essential that believers affirm its

truth. It is imperative to know and affirm that, as the second Person

of the Trinity, Jesus is eternal. Jesus is God.

As you prepare for guiding this lesson, spend time in prayer

and meditation, thinking about the Trinity and the relationship

that exists between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Contemplate how

nothing exists apart for the eternal God. Can you even imagine God

not existing? Is it any wonder the psalmist said “The fool says in his heart, ‘God does not exist.’” ( Ps. 14:1)?

Read the Venture Up Travelogue for this study and review the

study and teaching plan for Lesson 1 as you meditate on the truth

that there is one God (see Deut. 6:4) in three persons: Father, Son

and Holy Spirit (see John 14:23-26).

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher HelpsTo gain a better understanding of the focal passage, visit www.

mystudybible.com and enter John 14:15. Scroll down the column

on the right to the Video Player Tool and watch the 9-minute video

“The Spirit of Truth” by Dr. Gene Getz.

________________________________________________________________________


OUR RELENTING ACHE TO BELONG

Ask: Why do we have a need to belong? Why is being part of a

group or community important? Allow time for responses. Say:

Our need for relationship arises from the community and re-

lationship that exists between the three persons of the Trinity.

Ask: Would some of you be willing to share a time in your

life when you felt a great sense of belonging with a group of

people, when you felt welcomed, and at home? Allow time for

responses. Then ask: What were the key elements that made you

4 the trinity

feel accepted as part of the group?

Ask: Would anyone be willing to share a time in your life

when you felt excluded from a group, when you felt unwel-

comed, or estranged? What were the key elements that made

you feel excluded?

PARTICIPATING IN THE LIFE, JOY, AND LOVE OF THE TRINITY

Set the context of the focal passage for this lesson by saying: John

13-17 occurs during the night before Jesus is crucified. This is

the last time Jesus would be with His disciples until after His

resurrection. Call on a volunteer to read John 14:15-26.

Ask (from p. 112 of the Travelogue): How is Jesus’ love for His

disciples revealed in this passage? List several ways.

Answers should include:

• Jesus asked the Father to provide for them another Counselor

(v. 16).

• Jesus told them He would not leave them as orphans (v. 18).

• Jesus said He is coming to them (v. 18).

• Jesus promised them life (v. 19).

• Jesus said He loves those who obey Him and will reveal

Himself to them (v. 21).

• Jesus again promised His love (v. 23).

• Jesus said He and the Father will live with those who love Him

and obey Him (v. 23).

Comment: The name Immanuel (God is with us) incorpo-

rates most of these examples of how Jesus loves His disciples:

He will be with them. He will not leave them alone. He will

provide another Comforter.

Call for volunteers to read these three additional passages

concerning God being with His people: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-

23; and Joshua 1:5, 9.

5 the trinity

________________________________________________________________________

Teaching OptionIf time permits, share this excerpt from Dr. Claudia Black’s article

“Understanding the Pain of Abandonment,” from Psychology Today

(June 4, 2010) (see the full article at http://www.psychologytoday.

com/blog/the-many-faces-addiction/201006/understanding-the-

pain-abandonment): When children are raised with chronic

loss, without the psychological or physical protection they

need and certainly deserve, it is most natural for them to

internalize incredible fear. Not receiving the necessary

psychological or physical protection equals abandonment . . .

Shame arises from the painful message implied in abandon-

ment: “You are not important. You are not of value.”

Reread the last sentence for emphasis: Shame arises from the

painful message implied in abandonment: “You are not impor-

tant. You are not of value.”

Say: By assuring His disciples that Jesus was not going to

abandon them, that He was going to send another Comforter

to be with them, and that He and the Father would come and

live in them, He was saying, “You are important. You are of

value. I love you.”

________________________________________________________________________

Direct attention to this question on page 112 of the Travelogue: If

you only had this Bible text (John 14:15-26), how would you describe the

relationship shared between the three members of the Trinity? Allow time

for learners to review the passage and for discussion.

Include these facts in the discussion:

• Jesus had confidence in His relationship with the Father (v.

16). Compare 1 John 5:14-15: Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.

• The presence of the Holy Spirit is the same as Jesus’ presence

(vv. 17-18).

• Note the unity of the Father and the Son and the unity of Jesus

and His disciples (v. 20).

6 the trinity

• The Son and the Father would be with Jesus’ disciples (v. 23).

• The Father would send the Holy Spirit to be with Jesus’ disciples,

just as the Father and the Son would be with the disciples (v. 26).

• Ultimately, these verses express the reality of the Trinity as

well as the unity of the one God.

Direct the learners to John 14:16. Ask learners with various

Bible translations to share what word their Bible uses for the word

“Counselor” (HCSB).

Say: The word “Counselor” in the Greek is transliterated

parakletos. Two words combine to make this one word. The

first word is para, meaning “alongside,” as in our word paral-

lel. For example, in gymnastics, one of the men’s apparatus is

the parallel bars, which consists of two bars that run along-

side each other. The other word is from the Greek verb kaleto,

which means “to call.” Thus, the word parakletos means “one

called alongside.” The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity who is

called to live alongside us, counseling us, strengthening us,

disciplining us, and encouraging us.

Ask: To whom did Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit?

Allow time for responses. (Jesus’ disciples [those present with Jesus

in biblical times], plus followers of Jesus in the present and the

future, including those of us who know Him now)

Ask: If Jesus’ disciples were the ones to whom the Holy

Spirit would come, how does the focal passage describe such

disciples? (True disciples of Jesus are those who love Him, keep His

commands, and know His Holy Spirit [vv. 15, 17, 21, 23].)

Say: Do you see some common threads running through

these verses? Emphasize these facts:

• God is present with His people through the indwelling of His

Holy Spirit.

• The Father and the Son also make their home in those who

love the Lord and who obey Him; thus assuming the unity of

the Trinity.

• Through Jesus, God has made the way for followers of Jesus to

be united with God in relationship and fellowship just as God

fellowships within Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

(This is a difficult, if not impossible concept for our finite

7 the trinity

minds to grasp; but God is so much more than our minds can

fully comprehend.)

Enlist someone to reread John 14:19-22. Ask: How does Jesus

reveal Himself to believers, as He said He would in verse 21?


________________________________________________________________________

Teacher TipAnticipate a variety of responses to this question. Some have been

Christians longer than others and will have had longer to develop

their relationship with the Lord. Some are simply more aware of

the spiritual realm than others, which probably reflects the various

ways Jesus has gifted believers. We are different from one another

in many ways. You may even have some who will share visions

or other manifestations of God and the spiritual realm they have

experienced, which may or may not be real. Be discerning, and filter

responses through the sure foundation of God’s Word.

________________________________________________________________________

Enlist someone to reread John 14:23-26.

Direct learners to the Travelogue (p. 117) and ask this question:

Imagine the Trinity coming to make their home in you and

with you. What does that feel like? I say, “feel” because good

theology is meant to become enlivened doxology. If the gospel

doesn’t raise our affections, what will it take?

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher TipMuch like the earlier question, the responses for this question will

be subjective. It is easy for Christians to neglect the fact that when

God saved us, He saved us—every part of us. God made us with

emotions and feelings and our relationship with God through the

indwelling of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit should include our

emotions. Our love and worship of God should stir our hearts: make

us laugh and make us cry, bring us to our knees, and send us walk-

ing into the world with the good news.

________________________________________________________________________

8 the trinity

CONCLUSIONRead aloud the memory verse, 2 Corinthians 13:13—The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Ask (from the Travelogue, p. 117): How does this one verse

summarize the role of each member of the Trinity in the

Christian life? Allow time for responses and discussion.

Close in prayer.

FOLLOW THROUGH • Ask God to show you more clearly that He is with you and

how you can become more aware of His presence through

faith, obedience, and being filled with His Holy Spirit.

• Text this Scripture to your class members: And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

• Pray for your class members that they will be filled with God’s

Holy Spirit.



his returnliving with hope

page 8 9 his return

To better understand the event of Jesus Christ’s second coming.

The good news of the second coming of Jesus is meant to generate holiness and hope, vision and mission in the lives of God’s people; not passivity and presumption, resignation and stagnation.

To understand the main points and contours of Christ’s return and not get lost in speculation and worry. While there is much we cannot be certain about concerning Christ’s return, we should focus on that which is abun-dantly clear in the Bible. As the church we look forward to Jesus’ return and say together, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20).

Background

Passage:

1 T H E S S A L O N I A N S 4 : 1 3 - 5 : 1 1

scripture

Passage:

1 T H E S S A L O N I A N S 5 : 1 - 1 1

• Christians are not to concern them-

selves with the time and date of

Christ’s return.

• His return will be personal, unex-

pected, visible, and glorious.1

• We live in eager, hopeful expectation

of the LORD’s return.

• A great day of judgment will accom-

pany Jesus’ return.

• There will be a bodily resurrection of

glorified believers.

Memory

Verse:

1 T H E S S A L O N I A N S 5 : 2

For you yourselves know very

well that the Day of the Lord

will come just like a thief in

the night.

LESSON 12

0 his return

PREPARING TO TEACHPrepare a card with one of the following Scripture references writ-

ten on each one: Isaiah 13:6,9; Ezekiel 13:5; 30:3; Joel 1:15; 2:1,11,31;

3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7,14; Zechariah 14:1;

Malachi 4:5; Acts 2:20; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10. Distribute

the cards as learners arrive and instruct them to look up the passage

and be prepared to read it aloud when called upon.

Research commentaries on the second coming of Christ, such

as “The Gospel Day,” by Charles Ebert (www.biblehub.com/library/

orr/the_gospel_day_/the_second_coming_of_christ.htm).


HEIDI, HERSHEY BARS, AND SWITZERLAND

Ask: Why do you think God made mountains? Allow time for

responses. Then suggest two or three of these reasons:

• God made mountains as part of the contributing factor to

earth’s varying climate: “Mountains have a profound influence on

not only their local climate and immediate vicinity, but sometimes in

areas a thousand or more miles away” (Mountain Professor, “The

Mountain Environment and Effects on World Climate” at www.

mountainprofessor.com/mountain-environment.html).

• God made mountains because He loves us and wants us to

enjoy a good cup of coffee as witnessed by the fact that two

optimal climates exist for Arabica coffee beans according to

www.coffeeresearch.org/agriculture/environment.htm:

1. Subtropical areas between 1800-3600 feet above sea level;

and

2. Areas near the equator between 3600-6300 feet above

sea level. (Note: Be prepared to receive both “amens” and

groans from this comment.)

Say: We may not know all the reasons why God made

mountains, but mountains have played a major role in

mankind’s response to life and in God’s revelation of Himself

1 his return

to mankind. Share some of the following items to support that

statement:

• God tested Abraham by telling him to sacrifice Isaac on a

mountain (Gen. 22:2).

• God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on a mountain (Ex.

19:20; 32:15).

• Israel’s enemies worshiped other gods on mountains and high

places (Deut. 12:2).

• Jesus ascended from earth to heaven from Mt. Olivet, and will

return in the same manner (Acts 1:9-12).

(For additional biblical mountain information, see the article

“Mountains” in the ATS Bible Dictionary at www.biblehub.com/

encyclopedia/m/mountains.htm.)

Say: Significantly for our study today, John’s vision of the

New Jerusalem that God will establish at the second coming

of Jesus occurred from atop a great and high mountain. Read

Revelation 21:9-11: Then one of the seven angels, who had held the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues, came and spoke with me: “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” He then carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, arrayed with God’s glory. Her radi-ance was like a very precious stone, like a jasper stone, bright as crystal. Say: In fact, Micah prophesied that, “In the last days the

mountain of the Lord’s house will be established at the top of

the mountains and will be raised above the hills” (Micah 4:1).

Ask (from p. 121 of the Venture Up Travelogue): How often do

you think about Christ’s return, and what are you most look-

ing forward to about His return? Allow time for responses.

THIS IS THE DAY

Read the following synopsis from www.bible.org/illustration/fran-

cis-assisi: Once while Francis of Assisi was hoeing his garden,

he was asked, “What would you do if you were suddenly told

2 his return

you would die at sunset today?” He replied, “I would finish

hoeing my garden” (Moody Monthly, April 1990, p. 76).

Ask: What does this tell you about Francis of Assisi? Allow

time for responses. Comment: One implication from this story is

that if we are living each day according to God’s will, it matters

not whether it’s our last day or if we will live many more

decades; we simply need to do what God has purposed in our

hearts to do.

______________________________________________________________________________Teacher TipThe next several paragraphs below require lecture. While it is

important to involve learners in discussion, sometimes information

must be presented in lecture format. Many of the learners may not

be familiar with the background for Psalm 118 but this will help

them gain a deeper insight into Jesus’ experience during the Lord’s

Supper with His disciples.

______________________________________________________________________________

Say: These words of Francis of Assisi reflect much the

same idea as presented in the Travelogue on page 121 about

Martin Luther. We need to live today (this day) in light of

“That Day” (the day of the coming of the LORD). However, we

need to look at one important aspect of Psalm 118:24, quoted

in this section of the Travelogue.

Then read Psalm 118:24.

Say: Psalm 118 is the last psalm of the Hallel, which

consists of Psalms 113-118. These psalms, expressing thanks-

giving for God’s redemption, are chanted or sung on several

Jewish holy days, including Passover, and significantly,

the Seder or Passover meal (www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/

isource/judaica/ejud_0002_0008_0_08255.html). Listen to

these verses from Matthew 26:26-30: As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is My body.” Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood that establishes the covenant: it is shed

3 his return

for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, from this moment I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it in a new way in My Father’s kingdom with you.” After singing psalms, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Continue: Very likely the psalms Jesus and His disciples

sung were Psalms 113-118 (see www.mystudybible.com refer-

ence at the word “psalms” in Matthew 26:30). Imagine the

emotions Jesus experienced as He sang Psalm 118 with His

disciples, knowing He would soon die on the cross. The words

Jesus sang from Psalm 118 included the following words:

• I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and put me in a spacious place. The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (vv. 5-6).

• I will not die, but I will live … (v. 17a).

• The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone (v. 22).

• The Lord is God and has given us light. Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar (v. 27).

Think how significantly and faithfully Jesus declared on

that particular day, the day He laid down His life for us on the

cross: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (v. 24).

Pause a few moments and let learners silently reflect on the

significance of what you’ve shared. Allow time for questions or

comments.

THE DAY OF THE LORD

Enlist a volunteer to read the focal passage, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.

Then direct learners specifically to verses 1-3.

Ask (question on p. 122 of the Travelogue): Why does Paul

assume believers in Thessalonica don’t need additional infor-

mation about Jesus’ return? Use the three bulleted points from

the Travelogue, p. 123, to lead in this discussion.

4 his return

Call for the learners who have the cards you distributed earlier

to read their assigned passages aloud in this order: Isaiah 13:6,9;

Ezekiel 13:5; 30:3; Joel 1:15; 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah

15; Zephaniah 1:7,14; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:5; Acts 2:20; 2 Thes-

salonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10. Instruct class members to listen for the

phrase “the Day of the Lord.”

Ask: As you heard those Scripture passages read about the

Day of the Lord, what images came to mind? Allow time for

responses.

Ask: In one or two words, how would you describe the Day of

the Lord? (judgment, destruction, God’s vengeance, and so forth)

In the discussion of verses 1-3, bring attention to the fact that the

Day of the Lord will come when no one is expecting it, and that

those who do not know Jesus cannot escape it.

SONS OF THE DAY

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 (previously read in the context of the

entire focal passage).

Ask: Since it is unbelievers (those who belong to the night)

who will be destroyed (Isa. 13:6,9) in the coming Day of the

Lord, why does Paul say in 1 Thessalonians 5 that believers

must stay awake, be serious (v. 6), and put on faith, love and

hope (v. 8)? Us the material in the Travelogue on pages125-127 as an

aid in leading discussion of this question.

Call attention to these additional Scripture passages to help in

the discussion:

• He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves (Col. 1:13).

• What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised

5 his return

from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life. For if we have been joined with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of His resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that sin’s dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin’s claims (Rom. 6:1-7).

• Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Exam-ine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you? –unless you fail the test (2 Cor. 13:15).

THE LORD OF THE DAY

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:9-1l (previously read in the context of the

entire focal passage).

Say or paraphrase in your own words: These verses provide

us with more material to answer the previous question about

why Christians must “stay awake.” Since we are not appointed

for wrath, we need to encourage one another, building our

assurance that we are God’s people, saved by the grace of God

through Christ. Since we are kingdom people, we should act

like kingdom people. With the assurance that God keeps His

word, we can face the coming Day of the Lord with glad expec-

tation, saying in concert with the apostle John, “Amen! Come,

Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20).

CONCLUSIONClose the study time in prayer. Remind learners that no one knows

the time when Jesus will return for His Bride so we must be ready.

FOLLOW THROUGH • Pray daily for yourself and those in the class, that you will

grow in assurance of your salvation in Jesus Christ and that

your lives will more closely reflect to the world that you are

6 his return

part of the Bride for whom Jesus is coming.

• Follow up with any class members or guests who may have

additional questions in regard to this week’s study.

1 Taken from Secret Church 13: Heaven, Hell, and the End of the World Study Guide, pp. 35-37 (http://www.radical.net/files/2459/SC13_SGF.pdf ).









Background

Passage:

1 T I M O T H Y 4

scripture

Passage:

1 T I M O T H Y 4 : 6 - 1 0









people (vv. 9-10)

Memory

Verses:



1 T I M O T H Y 4 : 7

LESSON 1




jesusworthy of worship

page 9 7 jesus

To affirm that Jesus is coming again and we need to be ready. Part of our prepara-tion is to worship His divine attributes revealed in creation and through others, knowing that all truth is God’s truth. Thus God will make us into a royal priest-hood.

To see and know Jesus, as He is revealed in the Scriptures and the gospel, is to be compelled into a life of worship—a lifestyle of declaring Jesus’ worth and serving Him with wholehearted gladness.

To affirm that Jesus is indeed coming again and to acknowledge that those of us who follow Him will strive to worship God every day as we experi-ence Him in all activities of life.

Background

Passage:

R E V E L A T I O N 1 : 1 - 8

scripture

Passage:

R E V E L A T I O N 1 : 4 - 8

• John greeted the seven churches on

behalf of God and Jesus (vv. 4-5).

• Jesus is prophet, priest and king (v. 5).

• Believers are a royal priesthood (v. 6).

• Jesus is coming again (v.7).

• God is the Alpha and Omega, the

great I AM who is coming, the Al-

mighty (v. 8).

Memory

Verses:

R E V E L A T I O N 1 : 5 B - 6

To Him who loves us and

has set us free from our sins

by His blood, and made us a

kingdom, priests to His God

and Father —the glory and

dominion are His forever

and ever. Amen.

LESSON 13

8 jesus

PREPARING TO TEACHSpend time in earnest prayer and preparation for guiding this

final study in the series. Work through the Venture Up Travelogue

and respond personally to each of the questions. Review online

commentaries as needed to insure your understanding of Revela-

tion 1:1-8 (www.biblehub.com, www.biblegateway.com, or www.

mystudybible.com).

Nothing interprets Scripture better than Scripture. Prior to

the class time, prepare cards or strips of paper with the following

Scripture references written on them: Acts 17:16-34; John 14:6; Acts

4:12; Matthew 16:24-26; Revelation 22:13; Hebrews 1:1-2; Hebrew 7: 26-27;

Revelation 19:16; Romans 6:16-23; Exodus 19:5-6; Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corin-

thians 5:18-20; Romans 5:10-11; 1 Peter 2:5; Romans 12:1. Distribute

these to class members as they arrive, asking them to read their

assigned passage aloud when called upon.

Create a bumper sticker that looks like the Coexist sticker

described in “Finding Our Home and Heart in Jesus.” Be prepared to

display it at the appropriate time during the study.


FINDING OUR VOICE AND PLACE IN THE WORLD

Greet members and guests as they arrive. Begin the session by

making this statement: All truth is God’s truth. Ask: Do you

agree? Why or why not? Allow time for responses and discussion.

Choose one or more of these quotes from Arthur F. Holmes, All

Truth is God’s Truth (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing

Company, 1977) to fuel the discussion:

• “Truth is not relative but absolute” (p. 32). The implication here is

that if truth comes from a non-Christian or secular source, it is

still truth.

• “We do not affirm that everything men take to be true is God’s truth”

(p. 8). The “world” can be wrong about some things, but the

“world” can also be right about some things.

• “The God who makes the sun to shine on the just and the unjust

9 jesus

alike graciously works through the processes of nature and history to

preserve in sinful men a degree of wisdom and creativity and civil

righteousness, and thereby he accomplishes his present purposes in

society. Whatever men do that is right and good they do by the good-

ness of God, for every good gift comes from above. Whatever men know

they know by the grace of God, for all truth is God’s truth wherever it

is found” (p. 23).

____________________________________________________________________

Teaching OptionAs time permits, lead a brief discussion of Acts 17:16-34, looking

specifically at Acts 17:22-24. Call for the learner with this Scripture

to read it aloud. Emphasize that Paul did not attack their polytheism,

but rather affirmed they knew that another God existed whom they

worshiped in ignorance. Some would soon believe in the one, true

God, thereby eventually correcting the error in their polytheistic

beliefs (see v.34).

________________________________________________________________________

Direct learners to pages 129-130 of their Travelogues. Say: Hope-

fully you have read your Travelogue this week where the writer

describes the influence The Beatles had on his spiritual journey

with God. Read these select statements from page 130 of the Travel-

ogue: “My initial encounter with ‘Beatlemania’ was an elixir of joy; a quick-

ening of the image of God that lay dormant in my soul.” He also referred

to an experience at a Paul McCartney concert: On a cold winter night

in Atlanta, my heart was strangely warmed as God used a Paul McCartney

concert, of all things, to remind me of His tenacious pursuit, dogged faithful-

ness, and irrepressible kindness throughout my life. After a seven-encore-song

crescendo, I left the concert smiling, inside and out. “All You Need Is Love,”

indeed—the love God lavishes on us fully and freely in Jesus.

Ask: Do you find it unusual that God would use The Beatles

to open someone’s eyes about the things of God? Why or why

not? Allow time for responses and discussion.

Ask: Why do you think God sometimes speaks in non-

conventional or unexpected ways? Allow time for responses and

discussion.

0 0 jesus

Ask these questions from page 131 in the Travelogue: • Who has contributed to the soundtrack of your life?

Whose music and songs have helped you find your voice

and place in the world? Bach, Beethoven, The Beach

Boys, Benny Goodman, B. B. King, Beck, Bob Dylan, Bill

Gaither, or someone else?

• What other art forms has God used to stir your heart,

ignite your imagination, fuel your longings, or expose

your restlessness? Think of movies, novels, poetry, musi-

cals, painters, etc.

• In what ways has God used these artists and art forms to

point you to Jesus?

FINDING OUR HOME AND HEART IN JESUS

Ask: If all truth is God’s truth, why can’t Christians simply slap

a “Coexist” bumper sticker on their cars and let it go at that?

Display the bumper sticker you created and clarify the design of the

Coexist bumper sticker: The “C” is designed as the moon and star of

Islam; the “o” as the hippie peace symbol; the “x” as the star of David;

either the dot over the “i” or the “s” designed as the Chinese philo-

sophical yin-yang symbol; and the “t” as the cross of Christianity

(oei).

During the discussion of this emblem, call for the learners

with John 14:6, Acts 4:12, and Matthew 16:24-26 to read the verses

aloud. Emphasize that only the Christian faith acknowledges Jesus

is the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity. State that other

religions may contain some elements of truth, but as the quote from

Arthur F. Holmes said, “We do not affirm that everything men take to be

true is God’s truth.” Stress: If you get the truth about Jesus wrong, nothing

else ultimately matters.

Enlist a volunteer to read Revelation 1:4-8.

Direct learners to respond to the instruction and question on

page 132 of the Travelogue: List every title and description of

Jesus you can find in this opening section of the last book in

the Bible. What does John want us to remember about Jesus?

0 1 jesus

Guide a discussion of the responses recorded. Include these as

needed:

• The One who is, who was, and who is coming (description

actually pertains to God the Father; see comments below on

the last three bulleted items)

• The faithful witness

• The firstborn from the dead

• The ruler of the kings of the earth

• He who loves us

• He who has set us free from our sins by His blood

• He who has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father

• He to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever

• He who is coming again in the clouds

• He who still bears the marks of the crucifixion

________________________________________________________________________

Teacher TipNote that in verse 8, these last three designations (listed below) are

spoken by God the Father about Himself. However, see Revelation

22:13, which appears to be Jesus applying the designation of Alpha

and Omega to Himself. Robert H. Mounce, in The Book of Revelation

(Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1977,

393), states, “In 1:8 and 21:16 it was God who identified himself as

the Alpha and the Omega. The risen Christ now applies the title

to himself.” Yes, Jesus is God. Jesus is Lord. At the same time, Jesus

spoke of God as His God and Father in Revelation 1:5b-6a: “To Him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by His blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father . . .” These distinctions and similarities express the

mystery of the Trinity: One God in three Persons. Our human minds

cannot fully comprehend the majesty of God.

• The Alpha and Omega

• The One who is, who was, and who is coming (repeat)

• The Almighty

________________________________________________________________________

0 2 jesus

A REVELATION OF JESUS, BY JESUS

Direct learners to page 133 of the Travelogue and read this quote:

John [in the book of Revelation] looks back over the entire

history of redemption, and draws from nearly 250 Old Testa-

ment references or allusions.

Reread Revelation 1:4-5a. Comment: John is saying that,

“Jesus fulfills the three main offices God provided for His

people in the Old Covenant—Prophet, Priest, and King” (Trav-

elogue, p. 133).

Use information in the Travelogue on pages 133-136 under the

subheadings “Jesus Is the Prophet, Priest, and King;” “Jesus Is the

Faithful Witness;” “Jesus Is the Firstborn from the Dead;” and “Jesus

Is the Ruler of the Kings of the Earth” to lead learners in under-

standing Jesus’ fulfillment as Prophet, Priest and King. Use these

key summary points as needed:

• As “the faithful witness,” Jesus fulfills the role of prophet.

Prophets were the mouthpieces of God. God spoke through

His prophets, “Thus says the Lord . . .” Call for the volunteer to

read Hebrews 1:1-2.

• As “the firstborn from the dead,” Jesus fulfills the role

of priest. Jesus’ death was the ultimate sacrifice, offered up

by the ultimate priest, Himself. Call for the volunteer to read

Hebrew 7: 26-27.

• As “the ruler of the kings of the earth,” Jesus fulfills

the role of king. Call for the volunteer to read Revelation

19:16.

WE ARE A LOVED AND CALLED PEOPLE

Read Revelation 1:5b-6. Ask: How does sin enslave us? Allow time

for responses and discussion. Use these points in the discussion as

needed:

• Being a slave means there is a master. Ask: What kind of

master is sin? What kind of master is God? Allow time for

responses. Write these responses on the board.

0 3 jesus

• Call for the volunteer to read Romans 6:16-23, then share these

answers to the questions above: 1. Sin is a master that brings

shame and death. 2. Obedience to the LORD brings sanctifica-

tion, righteousness, and eternal life.

Say: Having been freed from slavery to sin, God has now,

through the blood of Christ, made us not simply citizens

of His kingdom, but priests in His kingdom; thus fulfilling

Exodus 19:5-6. Call on the volunteer to read Exodus 19:5-6.

Ask: In what way are we priests in God’s kingdom? Allow

time for responses. Explain: In the Old Testament, priests

ministered to the LORD in the Temple. Thus, they had access

to God, and through the sacrificial system, intervened for the

people before God. Through the death and resurrection of

Jesus as our great High Priest, all believers now have direct

access to the throne of grace. Call for the volunteer to read

Hebrews 4:16.

Emphasize that this new position in Christ also carries respon-

sibility. Say: As priests, we have an obligation to be ministers of

reconciliation since Jesus reconciled us to God through His

sacrificial death. Call for the volunteers to read 2 Corinthians 5:18-

20 and Romans 5:10-11.

Call for the volunteers to read 1 Peter 2:5 and Romans 12:1.

Discuss how we are priests in God’s kingdom.

WE LIVE AND LOVE WITH HOPE

Read Revelation 1:7-8.

Instruct learners to work together to construct a one- or two-

sentence summary of today’s focal passage, Revelation 1:4-8. Record

suggestions on the board. Collaborate, edit, and discuss until the

majority comes to a consensus about the summary statement.

CONCLUSIONSummarize, using your own words and the summary statement the

class constructed: Regardless of the specifics of Jesus’ second

coming, one thing we know for sure: Jesus is coming again.

He’s coming for His bride, the church, for whom He died. And

0 4 jesus

He will bring us into His kingdom as a royal priesthood who

will serve and rule with Him (see Rev. 22:3, 5). Therefore, we

need to live faithfully in this world that God created (Ps. 37:3),

watching God reveal Himself through His creation (Rom.

1:20) and through others, since all are made in His image. He

is preparing us now for eternity. We need to stay alert and

work while it is day. Praise be to God the Father, God the Son,

and God the Holy Spirit.

Close with a time of silent prayer.

FOLLOW THROUGH • Pray that class members will worship God every day as they

experience Him through the daily activities of life.

• Contact via phone or email those members who may have

not been attending on a regular basis. Let them know they

are missed, and ask if they have any prayer requests. Let them

know that a new study will begin next week.

0 5 journaling

page titleHow

page 1 0 5

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? The Bible calls it “the good news,” the message about Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God and salva-

tion. The gospel message is a summary of God’s work through Jesus, at His initiative, and our

response to that work, which leads to salvation.

To help us understand what God has accomplished through Jesus to save us, the gospel message

always includes four key elements:

God: God rules. The Bible tells us God created everything, including you and me, and He is in

charge of everything. Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16-17

Man: Man sinned. We all choose to disobey God. The Bible calls this sin. Sin separates us from God

and deserves God’s punishment of death. Romans 3:23; 6:23

Christ: God gave Jesus. God sent Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from

the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone

saves us. John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9

Response: We respond in repentance and faith. Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you

through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God

and others that your faith is in Jesus. John 14:6; Romans 10:9-13

WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS? When you respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ, everything changes. Your next steps of faith include:

Professing your Faith – When something this life-changing happens, your first response is to

tell others. You declare your faith in Jesus by telling the story of your salvation with others. Most

people begin by sharing their decision to follow Jesus with their closest family and friends and with

a pastor or minister.

Baptism – Baptism is a powerful outward symbol of the inner change that has happened. It is a

lived out picture of the death of your sin and your new life with Christ.

Join the Church, a Body of Believers following Jesus Together – Jesus designed the church

for every one of His followers to have a place to grow in what they believe, a place to belong to a

community of faith and a place to become more like Him.

how is your church making disciples?

Implementing a comprehensive discipleship strategy across multiple age groups and multiple settings can be a challenge. Messaging, promotion, teaching, and planning all require many hours and dollars, both of which are often scarce resources. Enter the JourneyOn Network…a complete set of tools and traits, maps and markers, designed to help you move toward Christ-likeness. Learn more or join the network! JourneyOnDiscipleship.com

JourneyOn Foundations ... a key resource supporting the JourneyOn Network of Churches

Following the same format as the current series, JourneyOn Foundations is building out with a focus on seven core foundations supporting each individual’s journey toward a Christ-centered life. These foundations include…

1. Life of Christ/Christology 2. Spiritual Practices 3. Biblical Studies 4. Theological Foundations 5. Healthy Relationships 6. Missions and Evangelism 7. Spiritual Leadership

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