Sometimes it seems that to trust or obey God would lead to disaster. In certain instances speaking the truth, maintaining financial integrity, remaining sexually pure or faithful run counter to our basic instincts or human reasoning. Personal Reflection: 1. Make a list of people that you consider trustworthy. For each person you list think of an example of how you have actually put your trust in him or her. 2. When is it hard for you to trust God?
“All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Tertullian, an early church theologian, boasted in one of his works that this statement of Jesus had become a fact. Even their enemies, writes Tertullian, marveled: “look how they love one another.”
Think of a Christian you consider compassionate. What stands out to you about that person?
Personal Reflection. Who has shown you compassion? Praise God for that person’s grace in your life.
Unfortunately the church has not always been marked by compassion and self-sacrifice. Far too often we speak of love but fail to back our words with deeds of kindness and mercy. We need to drink deeply from the simple but profound message of the story of the good Samaritan. Its familiarity has so weakened its impact that it is seen as an exception rather than the norm for the citizens of the kingdom of God. As you read this passage, imagine that you are hearing it from Jesus himself for the first time. Read Luke 10:25–37.
For many people the word holiness conjures up images of a self-righteous person who is totally removed from the problems of the world, talks only about “spiritual things” and is serious and even sullen in appearance. Yet the New Testament word holy is used to describe God’s people in general and not a select few. Personal Reflection: People often view pastors, priests, missionaries and fulltime Christian workers as more holy than other Christians. Why do you think this is so? How do you feel about studying holiness?
Perhaps nothing so persistently plagues Christians like temptation. Abraham was tempted to lie and fear. David fell prey to sexual immorality. Paul wrestled with pride. Even Jesus faced innumerable temptations.
Personal Reflection. How would you define the word “temptation”? Spend some time reflecting. What areas of temptation do you struggle with the most? Ask God to use this study to help you with that temptation.
In Genesis 39 we observe one man’s struggle and victory over temptation. Joseph was the favored eleventh son of Jacob. His jealous brothers sold the seventeen-year-old Joseph into slavery. In Egypt he was again sold, this time to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. This passage recounts the first test for Joseph as God prepared him for the crucial role he would play in Israel’s history.
Over one billion people today—almost one-fourth of the world’s population—call themselves Christians. In the first century, too, multitudes flocked to Jesus. They came for various reasons and with various expectations: to satisfy curiosity, to be healed, to sit at the feet of this eloquent and controversial rabbi or simply to go along with the crowd.
Group Discussion. What about Jesus initially attracted you to him?
Personal Reflection. Picture yourself sitting at Jesus’ feet and learning from him. What would it be like?
To some, Jesus of Nazareth is a revolutionary, leading the masses in their struggle for freedom from oppression. Others see him as a staunch conservative, fully supporting and representing the status quo. Still others view Jesus as a pious, meek and mild do-gooder who loves everyone and avoids confrontation at all costs.
Group Discussion. How did you view Jesus before you became a Christian?
Personal Reflection. How has your picture of Jesus changed?
We all have a need for acceptance. In fact our self-concept is often determined by the approval or rejection of those around us, whether family, peers, business associates, fellow students or even Christian friends. We tend to do and say what we hope will win people’s favor.
Group Discussion. What kinds of things have you done to try to earn someone’s favor? Perhaps you can recall a humorous incident from your dating life or a way you tried to gain favor with a schoolteacher.
Personal Reflection. This tendency to try to earn favor often carries over into our relationship with God. What are some ways you have tried to earn God’s approval?
