Ekklēsia - The Assembly of the Church
Part  - Plugging In

Church Attendance
Read Heb 10:24-25 / 1 Cor 16:2 / Acts 20:7. Answer the following questions.
Is there a mandate on how often to meet? Why is it important to meet regularly?

Volunteerism
Read Jas 2:14-17
What does James mean when he says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead?”

Now, read Mk 10:43-45. What does it mean to be a servant (diakonos) in this context?

In Galatians 1:10 we read, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
The word servant (doulos) here is clearly different and an important point to make when talking about volunteerism.

Diakonos – one who serves; assistant; attendant. This is where we get the word Deacon.

Doulos – A slave, devoted and owned by another to the disregard of one’s own interests.

In Col 3:23-24 we read, “"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Keeping Col 3:23-24 in mind, how should be serve in the local church? To help in your response, read Gal 5:13.

Small Group Attendance
Read Acts 2:42-47, concentrating on vv. 46-47 to answer the following question.
How often was the early church meeting and what does that mean for us in our churches today?

Now reference Jas 5:16 and answer the following question.
What two actions are we to perform if we are to apply this verse to small groups? What are some of the benefits of these actions?

In Jn 13:34-35 Jesus gives us a command. What is this command and how does it benefit the church?

Importance of Bible Intake (Study) and Accountability
Read Mt 4:4. Why is it so important to consistently read, study, meditate upon, and pray upon the Scripture?

Can we effectively do what Prov 27:17 says if we don’t self-study and prepare ourselves for meeting with others to study Scripture?

Being Vulnerable
Now read Gal 6:2. What does this verse tell us about vulnerability and actively participating in the lives of others in the church?

In 2 Cor 12:9-10 we read about Paul and the thorn that was given to him. After asking the Lord to take this “thorn” away from him the Lord responds to him:

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (ESV).

In light of Gal 6:2, what does this tell us about our own afflictions/weaknesses?

Ekklēsia - The Assembly of the Church
Part 2 - Spiritual Maturity

Read 1 Cor 12:4-7 and answer the following questions:
1) Who is promised spiritual gifts?
2) Did you find anything in this Scripture that helps to understand or explain who God is? If you need help, read 2 Cor 13:14.

Read 1 Cor 12:27-31 and answer the following questions:
1) What are the eight appointments for the benefit of the church?

2) Now read Eph 4:11-13 and circle the appointments above that are repeated from 1 Cor 12:27-31.

Read Rom 12:6-8 and answer the following questions:
What gifts are given to the Body of Christ?

Share your top 3 spiritual gifts based on your spiritual gift assessment below. Remember, this assessment is a tool; a means in helping you identify likely gifts.

How are spiritual gifts confirmed? See 1 Tim 4:14 and Phil 1:9.

Read 1 Pet 4:10-11. How are we to use our spiritual gifts and why?


SPIRITUAL MATURITY
You may ask: why do children, why do people, why does anyone stray from Christ? There are many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons that people stray from Christ is because they have not developed their walk with Christ. I was not working “out [my] salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12), and the church where I grew up was not helping. The church I grew up in was a country church where the preacher preached and families attended church. Yet, there was not an intentional plan to help young Christians grow and develop. The leaders of the church were good and godly people, but there was no intentional effort to help young believers grow and mature spiritually. This story is not uncommon.

Unfortunately, many churches are not intentional when it comes to focusing on equipping and empowering new believers to grow and develop to their full potential for the King and kingdom. As a result, many new believers stray from their Lord and Savior. The new believer is not strong enough to handle the “triple threat”—lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—and they fall away from their Lord and Savior (1 John 2:16).¹

• Based on what you read above, how long can someone be stuck in a state of being a spiritual infant? Why do you think this is? Read Heb 5:12-14 in preparation for your response.
• Now read 1 Cor 3:1-3. How does Paul need to address the church in Corinth and why does he have to address them in this way?

Look at the diagram and assess where you are on the wheel. Are you dead, an infant, child, young adult or parent in the faith? Provide a couple of reasons why you made that assessment and share it with the group.

Spiritual maturity in Scripture:

• Spiritually dead – Eph 2:1-5
• Infant – 1 Pet 2:2-3
• Child – 1 Jn 2:12 and 1 Thess 2:10-12
• Young adult – 1 Jn 2:13-14
• Parent – 2 Tim 2:1-2

Indications (taken from Disciple Shift by Putman and Harrington: 2013):

Spiritually dead individuals say:

• I don’t believe there is a God.
• The Bible is a bunch of myths.
• Religion is a crutch for the weak.
• I don’t believe in hell. People just make their own hell.
• There is no absolute right and wrong.
• I’m spiritual but don’t really connect to any religion.

Spiritual infants say:

• I need to go to church regularly? I’ve never heard that before.
• I didn’t know the Bible said that.
• Tithing? What’s that?
• Being outside is my church. I connect with God through nature.
• I know Jesus is God, but isn’t karma real too?
• I don’t need anyone else. It’s just me and Jesus.

Spiritual children say:

• I don’t know if this church is meeting my needs anymore. Maybe I should go to a different church that does better.
• Don’t branch my small group into two. We won’t get to be with our friends.
• Who are all these new people in the church? It’s getting too big.
• I didn’t like the music today. They should play more contemporary stuff.
• I wasn’t fed at all by that sermon today.
• Why don’t they have a ministry for singles in this church? They need to have one for singles.

Spiritual young adults say:

• In my devotion I came across something I have a question about.
• I really want to go on that mission trip this summer.
• I just love being a worship leader. I love seeing the congregation worship together.
• Frank and Hilda missed our small group today so I called them to see what was up.
• Look at how many are at church today. It’s awesome!

Spiritual parents say:

• I wonder if God is leading me to invest in "Frank" and help him mature in his faith.
• We get to baptize someone in our small group today. When is the next class meeting where we can get him plugged into ministry for his growth?
• The most important discipleship is with my children. Will you hold me accountable to lead devotions with my kids? I get so busy that I forget and become inconsistent.
• I have a young adult who is ready to be an apprentice in our group; it won’t be long before we are ready to branch out our small group.

1) What are some indicators of spiritual growth/maturity? See Gal 5:22-23.
2) Do we have any help from within the church to help us understand where we are in our growth? See Acts 20:28-30.

Here are some practical disciplines to help strengthen or start growing spiritually:
1) Pray consistently
2) Read your Bible daily
3) Fellowship with other believers regularly, both on the Lord’s Day and in small groups
4) Perform acts of service
5) Worship in word and deed
6) Give faithfully as your heart leads



¹Rod Dempsey, Disciple Making Is . . .: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2013), 38–39.

Ekklēsia - The Assembly of the Church
Part 1 - Membership

Memory Verse: James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Study Questions:
1. How does James encourage patience during suffering? How does looking to the Lord’s return help us endure?

2. What role does prayer play in the life of a believer? How does this passage encourage your prayer habits?

3. How does confessing sins to one another promote healing? Why do believers struggle with this, and how can we overcome those barriers?

4. How should this passage affect our confidence in prayer?

5. How can we help restore someone who has wandered from the truth of Jesus Christ?

6. What does this passage teach about the importance of biblical community in faith? How does genuine accountability strengthen believers?

7. How can we cultivate a culture of prayer and restoration in our church? What are some risks of avoiding these practices?

8. Call to Action: Dedicate time to pray for someone in need. Take action by reaching out to them with encouragement, offering to help, or by walking alongside them.

Memory Verse: James 5:5, “You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.”

Study Questions:
1. What is James’s main critique of the rich in this passage? How does this passage warn against misplaced security in wealth?

2. The cries of the laborers and harvesters have reached the Lord. What does this reveal about God’s concern for justice?

3. How do these warnings challenge cultural attitudes about wealth, success, and self-indulgence?

4. What is the connection between wealth and spiritual accountability? How does James contrast earthly riches with eternal priorities?

5. How can believers steward wealth in a way that honors God?

6. Why is self-indulgence dangerous? What are some signs that wealth might be leading us away from God?

7. How can we, as a church, cultivate generosity and justice? What are some practical ways to prioritize people over possessions?

8. Call to Action: Evaluate your resources, whether financial, time, or talents, and intentionally use them to bless someone in need this week.

Memory Verse: James 4:15, “Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Study Questions:
1. What does God's Word mean by describing life as a mist? How should this perspective of life shape our priorities?

2. Why is it important to view our earthly life through an eternal lens? How does this mindset influence our daily decisions?

3. Why is it arrogant to plan without considering God’s will? How can we guard against this attitude?

4. How can we balance making plans while still submitting to God’s will? What are some ways we can seek His guidance in practical decision-making?

5. How does acknowledging God’s sovereignty change our approach to decision-making?

6. How does “know the right thing to do and fail to do it” challenge us in areas where we might delay obedience?

7. What are some examples of subtle boasting we might not recognize? How can we shift from self-reliance to God-reliance in these areas?

8. Call to Action: Identify a specific plan or decision in your life and submit it to God in prayer. Ask Him to align your heart with His will.

Memory Verse: James 4:6-7, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Study Questions:
1. What does God's Word say is the root cause of quarrels and fights among believers? How does this challenge us to examine our own hearts?

2. According to this passage, what is the result of “friendship with the world”? How does this contrast with being faithful to God?

3. How does submission to God strengthen our ability to resist temptation?

4. What are some practical ways we can actively draw near to God?

5. How does God’s call to “cleanse your hands” and “purify your hearts” challenge both our actions and inner motives?

6. What does this passage teach about the connection between humility and grace?

7. What kind of judgement is James warning against? How can we hold one another accountable and address sin in the church while still honoring God as the ultimate judge?

8. Call to Action: Surrender a struggle in your life to God by submitting to Him. Then take one specific step toward humbling yourself before God while trusting.

Memory Verse: James 3:17, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

Study Questions:
1. How does God’s Word describe earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom? How do the outcomes of the two differ?

2. What do the qualities of heavenly wisdom (v. 17) look like in daily life? Which of these is most challenging for you to live out? Which quality of earthly wisdom is most tempting for you?

3. How have you seen the wisdom of God impact yourself or someone else’s life?

4. What is a current situation where you need God’s wisdom?

5. How does heavenly wisdom promote peace in relationships and communities? Can you think of an example where godly wisdom defused conflict?

6. Based on James 3:14-17, how can we test whether the wisdom we receive is from God or the world?

7. Call to Action: Ask God for His wisdom in a current situation. Then, pray for His strength to follow His wisdom in faith.

Memory Verse: James 3:5, “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.”

Memory Verse: James 2:18, “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

Memory Verse: James 2:8-9, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”

Memory Verse: James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Memory Verse: James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

     When Jesus was born in Bethlehem during a census directed by Caesar Augustus (Octavian), He was born into a Greco-Roman world that, while wrought with military and political confusion just a few decades prior, was stable and relatively peaceful.¹ The region under Roman rule, which included modern-day Europe, northern Africa, and the Near East, was culturally Hellenistic. While Romans spoke Latin, Greek was the universal language of the time and Hellenistic influences permeated the region, particularly stressing literary and intellectual accomplishment. Monotheistic Jews were contrasted by Greek influences in the occult, philosophy, and religious syncretism, all of which would prime the region for the acceptance of the gospel message.¹
     By God’s grace, Jews were afforded a fair number of religious freedoms, which is significant when we consider the beginnings of Christianity. Of particular importance was the fact that the Sanhedrin remained intact and was the very vehicle through which the crucifixion of Jesus was carried out, ensuring Old Testament prophesies regarding the Messiah’s death, burial, and resurrection would be fulfilled.
     The Acts of the Apostles documents the setting and context of the early Christian Church. The very place where Jesus was crucified was the place where the Apostles were to remain, awaiting the anointing of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Before His ascension, Jesus promised they would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Luke 1:5, ESV). While Christians now, and in the first century, live in the present evil age, a key facet of the early Christian self-understanding was the conviction that, with the coming of Christ and the Spirit, the “last days” had dawned.² We are in an “already but not yet” time leading to the age of the Kingdom of God, where Jesus will overthrow Satan once and for all.³ In Romans 16:20 we read, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."
     With the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost those who were indwelt with the Spirit of God were sealed for the day of redemption (cf. Eph 4:30). Those who have since put their faith in Jesus Christ enjoy that same promise. While all Christians know this to be true, what is less understood may be the significance of the early church in organizing and proselytizing.
Without the narrative accounts in the book of Acts, which accounts for over 10% of the New Testament, we would not have the story of Pentecost, Stephen’s martyrdom after his speech before the high priest, Saul’s conversion story, and the Jerusalem council, to name a few.  Furthermore, we may not get the full picture of how Judaism is the foundation of Christianity; how the early Church did not necessarily forsake such events as meeting together daily in the temple courts. In Acts 2:42 Luke notes that fellowship involved community gatherings where believers learned the Apostles’ teachings, broke bread, and prayed. These were common practices that were taking on a whole new meaning.
     Dr. Stacy notes that Luke wrote Acts to remind his audience (then and now) that irrespective of distances between Judaism and Christianity, Christianity began as a legitimate movement within the piety of first century Judaism.⁴ Old Testament commands, which warranted certain Jewish disciplines, served the early church well, assuming it was understood that Jesus did not come to abolish the law, but fulfill it, as He indicates in Matthew 5:17; that the perfectly holy life He led fulfilled the moral requirements of the Torah.
     Peter appealed to the “Jewishness” of the early church by referring to the prophecy of Joel regarding the last days, quoting Joel 2:28-32. Peter will also reference back to David’s writings in Psalm 16. While the grace of God and His sovereign will is what drags men out of their sin and death (cf. Jn 6:44) and into life in Christ, the means through which the Apostles were able to witness so effectively was by their eyewitness accounts of the risen Christ, the giftings (such as healing) which proved their divine appointment and apostolic authority, and by appealing to the pious and practicing nature of a Jewish, monotheistic (which was exclusive to Judaism), society.
     As a final example of this appeal, the concept of baptism was well-known in Jewish Levitical practice. The Jewish mikvah, which was a cleansing from physical, spiritual, or moral impurity was an early signal of what was to come in the ordinance of believer’s baptism. While mikvah was a ceremonial cleansing, accomplished with a purpose and carrying significant meaning, modern-day Christianity largely considers baptism an afterthought. This shouldn’t be so! We should not separate the act (repentance) from the ritual that signifies it (baptism).⁴
     In conclusion, let us never forget that the early Christian Church was built upon the foundation of Jewish beliefs and Old Testament promises, fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While members of the religious elite summarily denied the deity of Christ, Jesus took ordinary men and used them to build the early Church into an eschatological community of the new age.

God’s Three-in-Oneness: The Trinity

Questions to consider while reading the Scriptures of this study:

1. Why is the doctrine of the Trinity unique among the various religions of the world?
2. How would you explain the biblical evidence of the Trinity?
3. What are the essential elements of the doctrine of the Trinity?
4. What, if anything, do analogies contribute to our understanding of the Trinity?
5. Why is the doctrine of the Trinity Important?

THE ONENESS OF GOD

• The exclusivity of worshiping the one true God
• The prohibition of idolatry
• Biblical references: Ex 3:13-15, Deut 6:4-6,13-14, Zech 14:9, 1 Cor 8:4-6, 1 Tim 2:5-6, Jms 2:19)

THE DEITY OF THE THREE

• Father (Matt 6:26, 6:31-32, 19:23-26, 27:46, Mark 12:17, 24:27)
• Son (Matt 12:28, 13:41, 19:14, 21:21, 21:43, 24:30, 25:31-33, 26:63-64, Mark 2:8-10, 14:62, Luke 12:8-9, 15:10, John 1:1-5)
• Holy Spirit (John 3:8, 16:8-11, Acts 5:3-4, 1 Cor 3:16-20, 1 Cor 12:4-11)

THREE-IN-ONENESS

• Matt 3:16-17, 28:19-20, John 1:33-34, 13:5, 14:16, 15:26, 16:7, 20:21-22, Acts 2:33/38, Rom 15:15-16, 2 Cor 13:14, Gal 4:6, 1 Pet 1:2

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF TRINITARIAN DOCTRINE

1. God is one, not several.
2. The deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit must be affirmed.
3. The threeness and oneness of God are not contradictions.
4. The Trinity is eternal. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have always existed and have always been divine.
5. The functions of the three may seem subordinate at times, but are never inferior in essence. Non are ever less than another.
6. The Trinity cannot be fully understood.

References: Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013. 

The Immanence & Transcendence of God

Immanence:

• Definition: God’s presence and activity within nature, humans, and history.
• Biblical References: Gen 1:2, Gen 2:7, Jer 23:24, Job 27:3, Job 33:4, Job 34:14-15, Ps 104:29-30, Acts 17:27-28.
• Implications:
  1. God is not limited to working directly to accomplish his purpose. In other words, God can work through his created agents to accomplish his purposes.
  2. Example: God miraculously heals, but also works through surgeons to bring healing
  3. God isn’t limited to working through only Christian organizations. God can work through non-Christian and nominally Christian people and organizations to accomplish his will.
     • Example: Chastening of Israel by pagan leader (Isa 44:28).
     • Example: Rebuilding of the Temple, funded by pagan leader (Ezr 1:2-4).
  4. When biblical truth is not violated, Christians and the church can work with non-Christians for God’s purposes.
  5. God’s immanence makes a way for non-believers to come into contact with the gospel of Christ (Matt 1, Luke 1, Matt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).
• Personal Reflection and Application:
  1. How can an understanding of God’s immanence encourage you in your  walk with Christ?  
  2. Where do you see opportunities to join God’s work in your community or workplace, even through non-Christian individuals or organizations?  
  3. What steps can you take this week to reflect God’s presence and activity in the way you live and interact with others?  

Transcendence:

• Definition: God is separate from and independent of nature and humans. God is superior to his creation.
• Biblical References: Isa 55:8-9, Isa 6:1-5, Isaiah 57:15, Ps 113:5-6, Ps 123:1, Jn 8:23
• Implications:
  1. There is something higher than humans.
  2. God, truth, and value are not determined by a shifting world, but by a high and exalted God.
  3. God can never be completely captured by human concepts.
  4. Our salvation is not our achievement.
  5. There will always be a difference between God and humans.
  6. We ought to have reverence to and for God in our relationship to him.
  7. We should expect and anticipate genuinely transcendent working by God.
• Personal Reflection and Application:
  • How does an understanding of God’s transcendence shape your prayer life and worship?  
  • In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge that God’s ways are higher than your own?  
  • What practical steps can you take to show reverence for God in your daily life?

Definitions, implications, and biblical support references were derived from the following resource:
Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013. 

Introduction
Life is filled with distractions, whether from the demands of our daily routines, the pressures of work, or even the lure of entertainment. In the midst of all this noise, it’s easy to lose focus on what truly matters—our relationship with the Lord. When we lose focus on Jesus, we lose focus on making wise decisions. In this passage, we’ll dive into the story of Martha and Mary from Luke 10:38-42, exploring three key areas: prioritizing the Word, praying to the Lord, and preferring the good portion.

1. Prioritize the Word (Luke 10:38-40a)

• Background & Providence of God (v38):
  • In Luke 10:38, we see Jesus visiting Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in a humble village near the Mount of Olives. Jesus visited their home by the divine intervention of God. Despite their modest living conditions, Martha and Mary’s story illustrates that distractions are not confined to wealth or poverty; distractions are a universal challenge that can prevent us from focusing on the Lord.
• Contrasting Prioritization (v39-40a):
  • Mary: Sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching, which led to transformation. The term "listening"  is in the imperfect tense, indicating a that future change will occur. When we listen to the Lord, He transforms our hearts and minds (Romans 12:2).
  • Martha: Although she started by listening, she soon became distracted by secular concerns.
  • Who do you most identify with, Mary or Martha?
  • If we’re not careful, we may find ourselves prioritizing worldly activities over God’s Word. To make wise decisions, we must emphasize making God's Word a priority in our lives (Psalm 111:10).

2. Pray to the Lord (Luke 10:40b-41)

• The Heart of the Issue (v40b):
  • Martha’s issue wasn’t simply that Mary wasn’t helping her; it was that she felt overwhelmed, bearing the weight of her circumstances alone. However, in Christ, we are never alone in our burdens (1 Peter 5:7). Even in her frustration, Martha’s conversation with the Lord highlights the importance of communicating with God.
• Jesus Ministers to Martha (v41):
  • Jesus gently corrects Martha, pointing out her anxious and troubled heart. Prayer isn’t about changing God; it’s about changing us and aligning us with His will (John 16:13).
  • When we pray, even in our frustration, God hears our prayers and ministers to us. Therefore, we must remain vigilant in prayer, knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

3. Prefer the Good Portion (Luke 10:42)

• Let God Lead Us, Not Our Worries (v42):
  • Mary chose to be led by Jesus, while Martha chose to be led by her worldly concerns.
• The Necessity (v42):
  • Jesus emphasizes the need to choose the good portion—Himself and His Word. By preferring Christ, we secure eternal rewards rather than temporary solutions to worldly issues.
• Grace Leads to Obedience (v42):
  • Reflecting on this passage, we see that God’s grace prompts us to choose Him and His ways. The encounter between Jesus and Martha was no accident; it was a divine intervention initiated by God.
• Good Portion Guaranteed:
  • Choosing Jesus leads to eternal, unshakeable rewards (Philippians 3:12-13). In Him, we find eternal security and peace as our good portion.

Conclusion

• Life’s distractions can easily pull us away from our relationship with the Lord. By prioritizing the Word, staying vigilant in prayer, and preferring the good portion, we can keep our focus on Jesus. As we reflect on the story of Martha and Mary, let’s strive for the one thing that is necessary—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Scripture References:

• Luke 10:38-42
• Romans 12:2
• Psalm 111:10
• 1 Peter 5:7
• John 16:13
• Philippians 3:12-13

Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit | Encouragement from Oliver L.

At some point, everyone struggles with exercising the fruit of the spirit under their own power. Unfortunately, one of the worst tragedies of turning to the flesh instead of the spirit is a church split. However, the Bible teaches believers to rejoice during tribulations and trials (Rom 5:35, 1 Thes 5:16-18). Being patient in Christ can be challenging, but believers are reminded to follow God during both the good and the bad. God’s word says, “if anyone desires to come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). In Luke 9, believers learn from scripture about being faithful in all circumstances. Often, this is easier said than done, but it is through Christ that believers can embrace the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Another difficult aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control, especially when tempted. However, (1 Cor 10:13) teaches, “no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to to bear it.” Although there are many aspects to the fruit of the Spirit, this discussion will cover how believers can embrace the Spirit of God while applying the fruit of the Spirit to their lives by practicing patience, faithfulness, and self-control.

Patience is a challenging aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. Whether someone is working at a job with a terrible boss, or does not want to accomplish something that must be done. For example, at church there are new visitors all the time. I find it difficult to greet visitors, but I take a deep breath and remember being hospitable to them is for God, not for me, so I carry on with greeting. With that said, patience in the Spirit goes along with faithfulness, which brings me to my next point.

Faithfulness is an important aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. In 2020, my family moved to Florida. We found a great church up until the church experienced an awful split. The church split was difficult for my entire family, I lost a best friend, and I did not know why God allowed this tragedy to take place. Through this experience, and after much praying, I eventually came to realize this experience was testing my faith. After some time, God used this experience in my family by leading us to plant a church to continue spreading the Gospel and making disciples.

In addition to patience and faithfulness, self-control is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that will continually need focus in the believer’s life. For example, when things do not go as planned, believers are often tempted to follow their flesh when struggling with the temptation of snapping at others. The only way believers can keep from snapping at others when under pressure is by embracing the Spirit of God and responding with love, kindness, and gentleness. Thankfully, even when believers fail at embracing the Holy Spirit and exercising self control, they can approach God in repentance and receive grace upon grace as written in 1 John 1:9, “forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This discussion covered a few different aspects of the fruit of the Spirit to include patience, faithfulness, and self-control. Learning from God’s word and writing this discussion was edifying for me, and I hope it was edifying for you. Often, when we fail to embrace the fruit of the Spirit, it is because we have given into our own wisdom instead of embracing God’s wisdom. Although perfection is beyond our reach on this side of heaven, as believers we can strive to love our neighbor as ourselves and learn to embrace God and not our flesh. I hope you are encouraged to embrace Christ and rely on his Spirit instead of your own and that you continue to grow in your faith.

What Causes You To Rejoice? | Luke 10:17-20

Introduction
The 72 disciples have returned from their mission trip and are reporting to Jesus that even the demons were subject to them in His name.

Key Theme
A Christian’s joy does not stem from what they do, but from who they are in Christ.

Sermon Points

1. Working for the Lord (v17)
   • When walking in the name, character, and instruction of Christ, believers will accomplish many works for the Kingdom of God. Which begs the question, what should be the source of our joy?
   • The 72 disciples were filled with  joy because of the work they accomplished in the Lord's name. In John 15:5, we learn that apart from Christ, believers can do nothing. What brings you joy?
2. Authority of the Lord (v18-19)
   • Since Christ has delegated authority to believers, and has conquered sin and death, believers serve the Lord from a place of victory.
   • Jesus has given power to his followers to overcome opposition from the evil one. Through Christ, believers have the ability to escape temptation (1 Cor 10:13) and are given help when facing doubt (Matt 9:24). However, our enemy are not other people inside or outside the church, but the evil spiritual forces at war against the Kingdom of God (Eph 6:12).
   • Jesus instructed his disciples that nothing will hurt them. However, this does not mean that Christ followers will not suffer at times. Throughout scripture we learn that God often accomplishes his will in a broken world through suffering. Read about Joseph in Genesis, Paul and Silas in Acts 16, or the crucifixion of Christ. Believers must remember that nothing can harm our eternal status as sons and daughters of God through Christ (John 1:12, Eph 1:13-14).
3. Joy of the Lord (v20)
   • To understand the true source of our joy, we must consider the fullness of this passage and all of Scripture. Our position as reconciled to God the Father through God the Son is based on the work of Christ Jesus, not ours. Our power to overcome the attacks of the enemy is bestowed upon us from the Son, not from ourselves.
   • We must guard our hearts against placing our joy in the wrong areas. Where we place our joy can lead to where we place our identity. If our joy is in works, our identity will soon follow. However, if our joy is anchored in the person of Christ, then our identity will also be centered on Him.
   • Therefore, Jesus is the source of our joy, not our achievements or work.
   • If Jesus is the source of our joy and our identity, then no matter the successes or failures, emotions or feelings, joy in him alone will sustain us.

Reflection

• Is Christ Jesus the cause for your rejoicing?

Introduction
Jesus deployed 72 disciples to prepare for His visits, assigning them tasks, ensuring their needs were met, and teaching them to handle both acceptance and rejection of His message.

Key Theme: Christians have been deployed and commissioned by God to share the peace of Christ according to his prescribed mission and manner.

Sermon Points

1. Mission Assignment (Luke 10:1-3)  
   • Mission: Jesus commissioned the 72 disciples to prepare a the way for him. This parallel with Old Testament prophets, John the Baptist, the mission of the 12 in Luke 9, Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, and the mission of the church today.
   • Situation: Jesus depicted a ripe harvest awaiting workers, highlighting the urgent need to pray for more laborers in God's mission.
   • Assignment: Jesus sent the disciples as lambs among wolves, emphasizing their need to rely on the Him as the Good Shepherd for protection and guidance. (Psalm 23:4)
   • Consider the spheres God has you in now. Could it be that God has deployed you to your current assignment to prepare a way for Christ in the lives of those around you.
2. Mission Execution: (Luke 10:4-9)  
   • Provision: Jesus assured His disciples of God's provision, teaching them to depend on Him. Look at Deut 8 for a parallel on how God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness.
   • If we pursue the mission God has given us, according to his word, he will provide our needs.
   • When Received (v5-9)
     • First things first: Begin with speaking the peace of Christ. He is our ultimate peace and Christ himself is the message. (Eph 2:13-14).
     • To be Kingdom minded is to be Christ minded and to be Christ minded is to have his message of peace at the forefront of all we do.
     • The term "sons of peace” refers to those who are open to the gospel. If you are wondering who to share the message of peace with, start with those who are around you. Ask yourself: How did they respond?
     • God is always working around us and he is the God who goes before us as we go on mission for him. Read Acts 10 for further study.
     • Work for God where you are seeing growth and acceptance take place. Be patient, it might not happen overnight. In those deployments, continue to enjoy the work, the provision, and the community until God calls you away to another field
     • Keep in mind that miracles demonstrate God's power and serve as a testament to the world and authenticating the Kingdom's message. After all, the Kingdom of God, and the message of reconciliation through Christ is the only real message of hope for our world. As you go out, will you trust Christ as he assigns your mission, provides for your work, empowers you by his Spirit, and equips you to accomplish that which he has set out for you to do?
   • When Rejected (v10-12)  
     • Unfortunately, not all who hear the message of Christ will receive Jesus as their Lord and as their Savior. Keep in mind, it is not us who they are rejecting. Consider that the assignment did not come from us, nor the provision, nor the practice. Remember that it is only God who saves. We do not measure our success by the numbers of converts and baptisms, but we measure our success based on whether or not we have been obedient to the assignment we have received from God. Do not take rejection personally, because it is not you, but God who is being rejected.
     • If you have pled with God and worked the fields he has called you too. If after much rejection, there is no fruit, then we are called to prayerfully break ties and move on to the next assignment. Our exit of a field is a stark warning to those who have rejected the good news of Christ Jesus our Lord.
     • When the whole world has heard the message of Christ, the end will come (Matt 24:14). There will come a day when all when stand before the throne of Christ in judgement. Part of that judgement will include whether or not people have received or rejected Christ. There will be no second chances in judgement, our present reality is a matter of eternal life and death. Action (v11)  : Shake off the dust and move forward, signaling a break from those rejecting the message.

Challenge:

• For Believers: Will you view your current situation as God's deployment? Will you engage in the mission of Christ where you are right now? As you go about that mission, will you remember that God’s mission does not rely on human ability, but on the work of his Spirit to convict the world of Sin and draw people to Him through Christ?
• For Unbelievers: Will you view your life in the light of eternity? The offer of salvation and reconciliation with God through Christ is a matter of eternal life and death.

The #1 Priority: Jesus | Luke 9:57-62

Overview: In this passage, Jesus interacts with three individuals, highlighting the priority of following Him in motivation, importance, and commitment.

I. Motivation for Following Jesus (Luke 9:57-58)

• Excited to Follow Jesus (v57)
  • One person declares his intention to follow Jesus anywhere.
  • Attracted to Jesus' reputation: great teacher and miracle worker.
  • Question: What excites us about following Jesus? Stability, financial peace, or a "normal" life?.
  • When we make those our conditions for following Jesus, then’s he’s not our motivation.
• Expectations for Following Jesus (v58)
  • Jesus’ response highlights that the man’s motivation may very well be based on wrong expectations.
  • Here we learn that Jesus’ motivation was not status or position according to the world’s standards. Jesus was focused on the will of the Father, which was preaching forgiveness of sins and pursuing the cross. This would not win Jesus a huge worldly following, but rejection by the world. Resulting in having no where on this planet to go, similar to the rejection by the Samaritan Village.
  • Zoom out, big picture, and look at Jesus’ life: no place to be born, betrayed by friends, denied by friends, hated and sent to the cross, alone.
  • The right expectation for those who wish to follow Jesus: same belief as Jesus, same message as Jesus, similar cost to Jesus.
• What’s Your Motivation for Following Jesus?
  • Are we in love with the idea of Jesus? Or are we in love with Jesus?
  • When our motivation to follow Christ is based on conditions, when we encounter difficulty our responses  could be similar to the Disciples: betrayal, denial, abandonment of the Lord.
  • Our motivation to follow Christ should be love for Jesus, inspired by His love for us (1 John 4:19).
  • When our motivation has the right focus, we know that God will provide for our needs, even in difficulties. When we trust God, even when hardship come our way, we can hold on to the promise of John 16:33.
  • If Christ is our #1 priority, we will follow him, not for what he’ll do for us, but because of what he has already done for us.

II. Importance of Following Jesus (Luke 9:59-60)

• A Call to Follow (v59-60)
  • Jesus calls another man, who requests to bury his father first.
  • Burial in Jewish tradition was urgent (same day), but Jesus’ response, “Let the dead bury their own dead,” highlights the urgency and importance of proclaiming God’s Kingdom.
• Life and Death (v60)
  • Proclaiming the Kingdom is the only thing that can bring life; it is a matter of life and death.
  • Jesus’ intent was not for the man to dishonor his father. That would go counter to God’s Word. However, Jesus’ intent was for him to follow Jesus with an emphasis of importance on the Kingdom of God.
• Is Jesus Most Important?
  • If so, it might cost you comfort, security, and more. If he is most important, you’ll carry his message with urgency Since it is a matter of life and death, since proclaiming the gospel is a command straight from our Lord, can you think of anything more important?
• Application: 
  • Drastic Importance: Read about Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 22.
  • Following Jesus often calls for drastic adjustments. Those drastic adjustments often lead us to either choosing God, or choosing something else.
  • There is nothing more important than listening to, and following, God’s Word.

III. Commitment to Following Jesus (Luke 9:61-62)

• Another Reasonable Request (v61)
  • The third man asked to bid farewell to his family. When called by Elijah, Elisha had a similar request (compare to 1 Kings 19).
  • God’s call takes precedent over everything and demands our highest commitment.
• All-In Commitment (v62)
  • (Phi 3:13-14)
  • Specifically: follow me now.
  • Generally: full commitment, with no turning back. (Compare to Lot’s Wife). In her heart, she never truly committed to following the Lord. Same for us if we hesitate & look back.
• Application: Be all in, with no option to look back
  • Follow Jesus: He's calling us to be all in, not perfect. He takes care of covering us.
  • Commit fully to Jesus without turning back.
  • Reflect on areas where we make excuses and where we look back.
  • Avoid sin and distractions that pull us away from Jesus.
• Bottom Line: Make Jesus our number one priority in motivation, importance, and commitment.

Reflective Questions

1. What is your current motivation for following Jesus? Is it centered on worldly gains or genuine love for Him?
2. How do you prioritize Jesus in your daily life? Are there areas where you need to make Him more important?
3. Are you fully committed to following Jesus, or are there distractions and fallback options that hinder your commitment?

Sermon Study Guide: Christ Takes the Initiative | Luke 9:51-56

Overview
This Sermon Study Guide outlines Christ’s initiative in calling us to follow Him and His continuous guidance once we are in a relationship with Him. The narrative uses biblical passages focusing on Luke 9:51-56.

1. Christ Calls Us (Luke 9:51-53)

• Setting and Context (v51)
  • Shift in the Gospel: This passage marks a significant turning point where Jesus sets out for Jerusalem, signaling the final phase of His earthly ministry.
  • "Taken Up": This term points to the completion of Jesus’ earthly mission: His virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection, post-resurrection appearances, ascension, and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
  • "Set His Face": Indicates Jesus’ initiative and resolute determination to go to Jerusalem to fulfill His mission willingly and purposefully, not begrudgingly.
  • Jerusalem’s Significance:
    • Historical Importance: Jerusalem was the capital of Israel prior to the exile and the location of the temple, making it the center of Jewish worship.
    • Symbolic Role: For Jesus, Jerusalem represents the culmination of His sacrificial journey, akin to the Passover lamb’s sacrifice as recounted in Exodus 12.
    • Passover Parallel: The Jews annually celebrated the Passover commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt in Exodus 12. Similarly, Jesus is the Lamb of God, taking on our sin. His sacrifice for believers leads to God passing over us with judgment.
• Sending Messengers (v52)
  • Purpose: Jesus sent messengers to prepare a place in a Samaritan village on his way to Jerusalem.
  • Background on Samaritans: They were Israelites who intermarried with pagans during the Assyrian exile, creating religious and ethnic tensions with the Jews. They accepted only the first five books of the Old Testament and did not recognize the temple in Jerusalem as the place of worship.
• Rejection of the Messengers (v53)
  • Rejection by Samaritans: This rejection underscores their incomplete acceptance of God's revelation and the longstanding enmity with Jews.
  • Implications: Rejection of Jesus’ messengers is not rejection of them, but of Jesus and by extension, rejection of God.
  • Church’s Mission: Like the messengers, the church is called to prepare the world for Christ’s return. Rejection of the gospel is a rejection of God’s offer of salvation, but it is not the messengers who are rejected personally.
• Some Takeaways
  • Although Jesus knew the history of the Samaritans, their rejection of God's instruction, and their rejection of his prophets, he still extended his forgiveness, grace, and presence to them.
  • Our parallel. While were dead in our sins and trespasses, Jesus died for us. In the same way he extended himself to the Samaritans, Jesus extends forgiveness of sins  and grace to us (Rom 5:8, Eph 2:8-9).
  • Will you receive Jesus Christ?

2. Christ Guides Us (Luke 9:54-56)

• The Disciples' Response to Rejection (v54)
  • Common Responses: When inviting someone to church, sharing that Christ is the reason for their joy, or sharing the Gospel of Christ with others, believers may respond to rejection with fear, confusion, or anger.
    • Sometimes we fear rejection because of potential social repercussions.
    • Sometimes confusion arises from because we simply cannot comprehend how someone would reject the free gift of salvation offered through Christ (Rom 6:23)
    • Other times, we get angry because we are offended when people reject Christ.
      • James and John fell into the category of anger. We see this by their desire to call down fire on the Samaritan village. It seems their recommendation to call fire from heaven reflects what Elijah did in 2 Kings 1. However, their request is out of context and misapplied. In this context, Jesus’ mission is about sharing the good news with the purpose of saving people who are already condemned for disbelief (John 3:16-18).
• Jesus’ Rebuke of the Disciples (v55)
  • Correction of Disciples: Jesus rebukes James and John, teaching that the proper response to rejection is not retaliation but love and prayer. In other words, Jesus rebukes them because their response to rejection was not inline with his teaching such as those in Luke 6:27-32 and Luke 9:5.
  • Scriptural Basis for Rebuke: Jesus’ rebuke also highlights a great act of love for his followers. Although the disciples have struggled with disbelief, pride, and now misapplication of his teachings, he did not give up on them. Praise God, Jesus does not give up on us either! Jesus correction in love is a real-world application of Leviticus 19:17-18.
  • Biblical Guidance in the New Testament: As seen in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Scripture provides necessary reproof and training in righteousness, preparing us for the work God has for us to do.
• Moving On (v56)
  • Shake the Dust Off: Jesus demonstrates his instruction from Luke 9:5, moving on from persistent rejection but continuing the mission of sharing the good news.
  • Model of Behavior: Jesus’ actions provide a blueprint for believers: when faced with rejection, respond with love, prayer, and perseverance in the Great Commission.

• Reflection Questions

1. Think back to when you came to know Christ as Lord and Savior. Can you recall how God initiated calling you to follow Jesus? How did you respond?
2. How do you typically respond to rejection when sharing Christ? How can you apply this passage to your life?
3. How has God’s Word shaped your understanding of Jesus? How has the instruction of God's Word been reflected in your daily living?