Tag: Real Life

The Miracle and Me

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The Miracle and “Me”
John 6:1-25
5 Ways Jesus Impacted His Disciples
in the Feeding of the 5,000
and Walking on Water.

  1. He centered their focus on the spiritual impact of the moment. (John 6:1-4)
    1. The reason people were following Jesus. (John 6:2)
    2. The how – Jesus sat and taught his disciples. (John 6:3)
  2. He built their faith. (John 6:6-9)
    1. The why – Jesus was going to test them. (John 6:6)
    2. Jesus’ question showed how differently people can think about life.
      1. Managerial.
      2. Missional.
  3. He involved them personally in His work. (John 6:10-13)
    1. The disciples are involved. (John 6:10)
    2. The Father is involved. (John 6:11a)
    3. The Savior is involved. (John 6:11b)
  4. He proved His presence with them in the storm. (John 6:14-18)
  5. He settled their fears. (John 6:19-21)
    1. Storms = struggles
      1. Soul care (John 6:20) – his care for us, our care for others.
      2. Jesus stands above that which brings us fear. (John 6:19)
    2. They were WILLING to let Jesus in the boat? (John 6:21)
    3. How often are people unwilling to let Jesus into their lives?

Questions for Further Study:

  1. What is the most difficult situation in which you have ever found yourself?
  2. In what exciting events have you recently participated? What made them exciting?
  3. Where did Jesus go? (John 6:1)
  4. Why did the crowd of people follow Jesus? (John 6:2)
  5. Where did Jesus and His disciples go? (John 6:3)
  6. What Jewish feast was near? (John 6:4)
  7. What question did Jesus ask Philip? (John 6:5)
  8. Why did Jesus ask Philip a question? (John 6:6)
  9. How did Philip respond to Jesus’ question? (John 6:7)
  10. Who was Andrew? (John 6:8)
  11. What role did Andrew play in feeding the five thousand? (John 6:8-9)
  12. What solution did Andrew propose to Jesus’ question? (John 6:8-9)
  13. What miracle did Jesus perform? (John 6:10-11)
  14. How much bread was left over? (John 6:12-13)
  15. How did the crowd of people respond to Jesus’ miracle? (John 6:14)
  16. What did the crowd of people intend to do? (John 6:15)
  17. What was Jesus’ reaction to the crowd’s intention? (John 6:15)
  18. For what reasons do people follow Jesus today?
  19. What makes you want to follow Jesus?
  20. What is your typical reaction to situations that seem to present no readily available solution?
  21. With what situations in life do you have a difficult time trusting God?
  22. What does God provide for us on a daily basis?
  23. In what ways do people attempt to use Jesus or His name inappropriately?
  24. What misconceptions have you had about Jesus or His role in your life?
  25. How and when has God miraculously provided for your needs?
  26. How can we trust God with our needs?
  27. What things do you need to thank God for providing?
  28. What tough situation do you need to trust God to work out in your life this week?

Proven by Jesus

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PROVEN BY JESUS
What is the Real Truth of Christianity?
John 5:18-47 reveals two responses to the volatile attacks against the truth of Jesus.

  1. The First Response: the Self-Disclosure of Christ (John 5:18-30)
    1. Jesus: the fulfillment of God’s Word, Work, and Will (John 5:19)
    2. Jesus: God’s Only Son (John 5:20)
    3. Jesus: the Only Source of Life (John 5:21)
    4. Jesus: the Highest Place of Honor (John 5:22-23)
    5. Jesus: God’s truth and the Object of Our faith (John 5:24)
    6. Jesus: Relevance for every life (John 5:25-27)
    7. Jesus: The One Who Holds Eternal Life (John 5:28-30)
  2. The Second Response: The Testimonies of Heaven and History (5:31-47)
    1. God testifies (John 5:32, 37).
    2. John the Baptist Testifies (John 5:33-35).
    3. The Works of Christ Testify (John 5:36).
    4. The Scriptures Testify (John 5:38-40).

Questions for Further Study:

  1. What different groups of people have suffered persecution throughout history?
  2. What are some of the positive aspects of your relationship with your parents?
  3. Why did the Jews persecute Jesus? (John 5:16)
  4. Whose work did Jesus do? (John 5:17)
  5. Why did certain Jews want to kill Jesus? (John 5:18)
  6. What did Jesus say that the Son could do? (John 5:19)
  7. What did Jesus tell the Jews that He would show them? (John 5:20)
  8. What did Jesus say He was able to do? (John 5:21)
  9. To whom did God entrust all judgment? (John 5:22)
  10. Why did God entrust judgment to Christ? (John 5:23)
  11. How did Jesus say a person can gain eternal life? (John 5:24)
  12. What time did Jesus say had already come? (John 5:25)
  13. What did Jesus say the Father has in Himself that He has granted to the Son? (John 5:26)
  14. What time did Jesus say was coming? (John 5:28-29)
  15. Whom did Jesus say He desires to please? (John 5:30)
  16. In what way does the world persecute Christians today?
  17. How have you been persecuted as a believer?
  18. When have you experienced pressure not to practice or share your faith in Christ?
  19. Why does the world persecute Christians?
  20. How can we honor the Son and the Father with our lives?
  21. How can we know for sure that we have eternal life?
  22. Why should we feel secure in our relationship with God?
  23. How should we prepare ourselves for Jesus’ judgment?
  24. In what way are we like Jesus with respect to our relationship with God the Father?
  25. In what way is Jesus an example for us to follow?
  26. What steps can you take this week to enjoy more fully your relationship with your Heavenly Father?
  27. What can you do today to bring honor to God?
  28. How will you allow Jesus’ example in this passage of Scripture to influence your life this week?

Dangerous Substitutes for the Real Truth

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Dangerous Substitutes for the Real Truth…
(and how Jesus corrected each)
John 5:1-17

  1. Substitute #1: culture.
    1. Three false conclusions: the lame man’s culture said,
      1. this is as good as it gets
      2. there is nothing you can do
      3. this is your normal. (John 5:5)
    2. One powerful truth: Jesus said, do you want to get well? (John 5:6)
  2. Substitute #2: limitations.
    1. Limitations bring helplessness and hopelessness. (John 5:7)
    2. Jesus brings restoration to your lost years. (John 5:8)
    3. Your mat: you carry IT, no longer let it carry YOU.
  3. Substitute #3: legalism.
    1. Jesus restores and frees: walk by My restoration in your life. (John 5:8-9)
    2. Legalism confines and restricts: walk by our rules. (John 5:10)
  4. Substitute #4: the status quo.
    1. The status quo always seeks a human standard of blessing.
      1. Don’t walk around like everyone else.
      2. Don’t sin any more; new life is now yours.
    2. Jesus always offers an eternal blessing. (John 5:14, 17)

Questions for Further Study:

  1. Why might someone prefer rules and regulations to freedom?
  2. In what way are relationships more important than rules and regulations?
  3. For what event did Jesus go to Jerusalem? (John 5:1)
  4. Who came to the pool near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem? (John 5:2-3)
  5. How long had the one invalid man been at the pool? (John 5:5)
  6. What did Jesus ask the invalid man? (John 5:6)
  7. How did the invalid man respond to Jesus’ question? (John 5:7)
  8. What did Jesus command the invalid man to do? (John 5:8)
  9. What happened to the invalid man after Jesus spoke to him? (John 5:9)
  10. On what day of the week did this miracle take place? (John 5:9)
  11. What did the Jews say to the healed man? Why? (John 5:10)
  12. How did the healed man respond to the Jews’ question? (John 5:11)
  13. What did the Jews ask the healed man? (John 5:12)
  14. Why didn’t the man know who healed him? (John 5:13)
  15. What did Jesus tell the man he had healed on their second encounter? (John 5:14)
  16. What did the healed man do after he spoke with Jesus a second time? (John 5:15)
  17. In what way do you think life is unfair?
  18. When have you felt as if life has dealt you a bad hand?
  19. When have you felt that God was waiting too long to do something you’d trusted Him to do?
  20. When do we tend to get impatient with God’s timing in our lives?
  21. On what in life, other than God, do we sometimes depend?
  22. Why do we attempt to take matters into our own hands, rather than trust God to work them out?
  23. When has someone tried to squelch your freedom in Christ with religious rules or regulations?
  24. Why do some people care more about keeping certain “religious” rules than they do about developing a meaningful relationship with Jesus?
  25. What rules tend to interfere with your enjoyment of your relationship with Christ?
  26. In what way has Jesus made you well?
  27. What is something you need to trust God with today?
  28. Who is someone you can encourage to enjoy his or her relationship with Christ this week?
  29. What “religious” rule that hinders your relationship with Christ will you make secondary to that relationship this week?

The Significance of a Life of Faith

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The Significance of a Life of Faith
John 4:43-54
[ Full Outline Found Here ]

Faith is COMMON
Faith is CONVERSION
Faith is CONTEMPLATIVE
Faith is CONTINUAL

What is it in this Story that Involves Faith?

The PLACES (John 4:43-46a)
The PREDICAMENT (John 4:46b)
The PLEA (John 4:47)
The PROBLEM (John 4:48)
The PERSISTENCE (John 4:49)
The PROMISE (John 4:50)
The PATH (John 4:50)
The PAYOFF (John 4:51-54)

Faith is CONFIRMED (John 4:51-53a)
Faith is CONTAGIOUS (John 4:53b-54)

The Movement of this Father’s Faith…

A man having faith in Jesus’ POWER
A man having faith in Jesus’ PROMISE
A man having faith in Jesus’ PERSON

Questions for Further Study:

  1. What are some things that people believe in that they either haven’t seen or can’t see?
  2. What celebrity would you gladly welcome as a guest in your home? Why?
  3. Where did Jesus go after He left Samaria? (John 4:43)
  4. What did Jesus say about prophets? (John 4:44)
  5. Why did the Galileans welcome Jesus? (John 4:45)
  6. What had Jesus done in Cana? (John 4:46)
  7. What did the royal official ask Jesus to do? (John 4:47)
  8. What did Jesus say about miraculous signs? (John 4:48)
  9. How did the royal official respond to Jesus’ comment about miraculous signs? (John 4:49)
  10. What did Jesus say in response to the royal official’s renewed request? (John 4:50)
  11. What was the royal official’s response to what Jesus said? (John 4:50)
  12. When did the royal official’s son get better? (John 4:51-53)
  13. What impact did Jesus’ healing have on the royal official’s household? (John 4:53)
  14. How many miracles had Jesus performed? (John 4:54) What do you think John calls these miracles, “signs”?
  15. For what reasons are people interested in Jesus today?
  16. In what ways are we typically more interested in what Jesus can do for us than what we can do for Jesus?
  17. What miracles have you asked Jesus to do in your life?
  18. When do we usually find ourselves asking God to help us?
  19. Why is it sometimes hard to take Jesus at His word?
  20. What are some things God has told us in His Word that are hard for you to believe?
  21. How have you exercised believing—sight unseen—faith in Jesus?
  22. What miraculous signs are people looking for today?
  23. In what ways are we demanding of God in our relationship with Him?
  24. What impact would a miraculous event have in your life?
  25. What are some miracles God has worked in your life?
  26. What is something specific you can thank God for doing in your life?
  27. How do you need to trust in God this week to handle a situation you can’t control or work out on your own?

The Answer to Life’s Brokenness

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The Answer to Life’s Brokenness
(The Story of the Woman at the Well)
John 4:1-42 (15-26, 39-42)

1. Brokenness – 4 Ways we mask our Brokenness

  1. Religious labels (John 4:9)
  2. Traditional accomplishments and claims (John 4:11-12)
  3. Self-interests (John 4:15)
  4. Non-essentials (John 4:19-20)

2. Answers for our Brokenness – 4 Ways Jesus Breaks Through

  1. An invitation to come to Jesus
  2. The reality of abundant life (John 4:13-14)
  3. The restoration from sin (John 4:16-18)
  4. A true experience of God in the Life of Jesus (John 4:21-24)

Questions for Further Discussion:

  1. How do people satisfy their hungers and thirsts in life?
  2. Why are the messages in TV commercials so appealing and persuasive?
  3. In what ways are people you know prejudiced?
  4. What had the Pharisees heard about Jesus? (John 4:1)
  5. What did Jesus do when he heard what the Pharisees were saying about Him? (John 4:3)
  6. Through what place did Jesus have to travel? (John 4:4-5)
  7. Why did Jesus sit down by Jacob’s well? (John 4:6)
  8. What did Jesus say to the Samaritan woman? (John 4:7)
  9. Where were Jesus’ disciples? (John 4:8)
  10. Why was the Samaritan woman surprised that Jesus spoke to her? (John 4:9)
  11. How did Jesus answer the Samaritan woman’s question? (John 4:10)
  12. What did the Samaritan woman think Jesus was talking about? (John 4:11-12,15)
  13. What did Jesus say would be the result of drinking the water He offered? (John 4:13-14)
  14. Whom did Jesus tell the Samaritan woman to go and get? (John 4:15)
  15. How did Jesus respond to the Samaritan woman’s answer to His request? (John 4:17-18)
  16. How did the Samaritan woman respond to Jesus’ statements about her situation? (John 4:19-20)
  17. How did Jesus say people would worship God? (John 4:21-23)
  18. What kind of worshipers does God seek? (John 4:23)
  19. What did Jesus say about God? (John 4:24)
  20. Who did Jesus say He was? (John 4:25-26)
  21. What groups of people do you feel uncomfortable being around? Why?
  22. How might a person feel put off by another’s background, nationality, or race?
  23. How can prejudice affect a Christian’s witness?
  24. How have you responded to Jesus’ invitation to receive His living water?
  25. How is Jesus’ gift of salvation different from what the world offers?
  26. How is the world’s need for salvation and eternal life like thirst?
  27. In what other ways besides thirst might you describe eternal life?
  28. How can we worship God in spirit and in truth?
  29. How can you encourage others to quench their spiritual thirst this week?
  30. What are some prejudices you will ask God to help you overcome?

The Need of Every Life

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What is Salvation?
The Need of Every Life
John 3:1-36

4 Truths of Salvation and How to apply them to Our Lives:

  1. Salvation: described as being born again. (John 3:1-12)
  2. Salvation: indicating that faith in Jesus is absolutely necessary. (John 3:13-21)
  3. Salvation: not from religious works or ceremonies, but from Christ alone. (John 3:22-30)
  4. Salvation: always demands a response. (John 3:31-36)

Questions for Further Discussion:

  1. When have you felt like you wanted to start life all over again?
  2. Why do people like to get new things (such as clothes, cars, or gadgets)?
  3. What is the best gift you have ever received?
  4. How would you feel if a friend received more recognition than you for something you both did?
  5. What makes someone’s testimony about an event seem either credible or incredible?
  6. To what group did Nicodemus belong? (John 3:1)
  7. At what time did Nicodemus visit Jesus? (John 3:2)
  8. Why did Nicodemus believe Jesus was from God? (John 3:2)
  9. What is the qualification for seeing the kingdom of God? (John 3:3)
  10. What did Nicodemus think Jesus meant when He said that a person must be born again? (John 3:4)
  11. What is required to enter the kingdom of God? (John 3:5-6)
  12. How did Jesus compare the wind to the Spirit? (John 3:8)
  13. Why should Nicodemus have understood what Jesus said? (John 3:10)
  14. About what category of things did Jesus say He was talking? (John 3:12)
  15. Who did Jesus say had gone to heaven? (John 3:13)
  16. How did Jesus compare Moses’ snake with the Son of Man? (John 3:14)
  17. What is the result of believing in the Son of Man? (John 3:15, 18)
  18. How did God demonstrate His love for the world? (John 3:16)
  19. Why did God send His Son into the world? (John 3:17)
  20. How does the person who lives by truth respond to the light? (John 3:19-21)
  21. What did Jesus do with His disciples in the Judean countryside? (John 3:22)
  22. What was John doing at Aenon? (John 3:23)
  23. What eventually happened to John? (John 3:24)
  24. What took place between John’s disciples and some Jews? (John 3:25)
  25. What news did John receive? (John 3:26)
  26. What did John say a person can receive? (John 3:27)
  27. Who did John say he was, as well as who he wasn’t? (John 3:28)
  28. How did John describe his feelings about Jesus becoming more important than him? (3:29)
  29. What did John say about his future status? (John 3:30)
  30. What did John say about Jesus’ future status? (John 3:30)
  31. Who is above all? (John 3:31)
  32. What did Jesus come to say? (John 3:32)
  33. What did the people do who accepted Jesus’ testimony? (John 3:33)
  34. What did the person whom God sent do? (John 3:34)
  35. What has the Father done for the Son? (John 3:35)
  36. What is the result of either believing or rejecting the Son? (John 3:36)
  37. When would you say you were born again?
  38. How would you describe what it means to be born again to someone?
  39. What were some of the circumstances that led you to Jesus?
  40. What were some of the things that caused you to believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
  41. Why are spiritual truths often hard to understand?
  42. What are a few spiritual truths that you struggle to understand?
  43. How does God’s gift of His Son affect our lives?
  44. How can a person live by the light?
  45. In what way do people only receive what is given to them from God?
  46. Why is it sometimes hard to give God credit?
  47. How are we like John?
  48. What are some areas in which you struggle with being humble?
  49. How can we certify that God is truthful in our lives?
  50. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus?
  51. How does a person reject the Son?
  52. What are the consequences of rejecting the Son?
  53. How will you change your daily routine to better appreciate and enjoy God’s gift of His Son?
  54. For what specific spiritual truths will you seek answers this week?
  55. How can you give Jesus the place of prominence He deserves in your life today?
  56. What can you do this week to show that God is truthful in your life?
  57. In what area of your life will you ask God to help you to be more humble?

A Life that Misses Him

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How Should We Respond to Jesus?
A Life That Misses Him
John 2:12-25

5 Ways A Life can miss the truth of Jesus

  1. When we become satisfied with religious convenience. (John 2:12-14)
    1. The sacrifices were right onsite, no need to travel with animals used in the sacrifice.
    2. There was obvious commotion, with all the activity in the courtyard.
    3. Whatever was going on, it was disturbing to Jesus.
  2. When we are driven by our own personal gain. (John 2:15)
    1. The exchanges were on commission.
    2. We cannot serve God and money. (Luke 16:13)
    3. We are working for what profit? (Mark 8:36)
  3. When we do not honor what is dedicated to God. (John 2:16-17)
    1. The commerce was abusing worship, God, and others.
    2. Is this house dedicated to the Father or simply a place to get my personal needs met?
    3. We are the temple of God (Romans 12:1)
  4. When we have more religion than we do relationship. (John 2:18-21)
    1. Church attendance is not the end goal.
    2. How to keep teenagers from graduating God and the church after they graduate from high school?
      1. A meaningful relationship with Christian parents.
      2. A relationship with a mentor who is not a parent.
      3. A dynamic relationship with Jesus.
  5. When we ignore the condition of our heart.(John 2:22-25)
    1. If we are not following, we are not believing.
    2. They believed in Jesus, but he did not entrust himself to them.
      1. “Entrust” is the same word “believe” in the previous verse.
      2. While they believed in Jesus, he did not believe in them – may this never be said of us as a church, or me as an individual.
      3. God help us to avoid shallow or superficial faith.

Questions for Further Study:

  1. How do you feel after a much-needed bath or shower?
  2. Why do we put off necessary cleaning (such as the bedroom, car, or garage)?
  3. With whom did Jesus go to Capernaum? (John 2:12)
  4. What time was it when Jesus went to Jerusalem? (John 2:13)
  5. What did Jesus find in the temple courts? (John 2:14)
  6. What did Jesus do in the temple courts? (John 2:15)
  7. How did Jesus respond to those who were selling doves? (John 2:16)
  8. What did Jesus’ disciples remember? (John 2:17)
  9. What did the Jews demand from Jesus? (John 2:18)
  10. How did Jesus respond to the demand from the Jews? (John 2:19)
  11. What temple did the Jews think Jesus was talking about? (John 2:20)
  12. What temple was Jesus talking about? (John 2:21)
  13. When did the disciples remember what Jesus had said? (John 2:22)
  14. How did the people respond to Jesus’ miracles? (John 2:23)
  15. What was Jesus’ response to those who believed in Him? (John 2:24-25)
  16. How has Jesus cleansed our lives?
  17. What does Jesus still need to clear out of our lives?
  18. What do we demand from Jesus?
  19. How do we attempt to use the church to our own advantage?
  20. In what ways do people accuse the church or believers of being corrupt or hypocritical?
  21. What sign has Jesus given us to believe in?
  22. Why is it sometimes hard to recognize how God is working in our lives?
  23. What will you ask Jesus to clear out of your life this week?
  24. What demanding attitude do you need to change today?

A Life That Obeys Him

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How Should We Respond to Jesus?
A Life That Obeys Him
John 2:1-11

We often associate obedience with something negative, but it also provides freedom… Ken’s illustration of the purchased slave being set free. You mean I can go wherever I want, do what I want, be whatever I want? Yes. Then I choose to be with you.

5 Questions that Help Define Obedience to Jesus:

  1. Do we recognize our desperate need for Jesus in the routine matters of life? (John 2:1-3) – Ken emphasized the common place, people, public gathering, and practical need. If we don’t trust Jesus with the details, we have a pseudo-faith.
  2. How well do we know Jesus? (John 2:4) – When Jesus used the term “woman” he was emphasizing the change in his identity. He was moving from a familiar context to a formal Christ.
  3. Are we prepared to trust Him before we ever get the details? (John 2:5) – Mary tells them to do whatever he asks. He is the authority, don’t let fear stop us.
  4. How much do we value Jesus including us in His work? (John 2:6-8) – Jesus does not just speak the miracle but involves others to make it happen. 2 Corinthians 3:6 refers to our being made adequate.
  5. Do we really understand that Jesus’ way is far better than anything we could ever achieve or offer? (John 2:9-11) – the disciples were invited to observe and become believers. We are called to the best life, not one of mediocrity.

Be the empty pot and allow Jesus to fill us as he sees fit. What we bring is never enough but Jesus can change what we are into what he needs us to be. Allow Jesus to fill us to the brim.

Questions for Further Discussion:

  1. Why are people interested in miraculous or supernatural events?
  2. What makes an event miraculous or supernatural?
  3. What supernatural or miraculous events have you witnessed?
  4. Where did the wedding take place? (John 2:1)
  5. Who was at the wedding? (John 2:1-2)
  6. What did Jesus’ mother say to Him? (John 2:3)
  7. What was Jesus’ response to His mother? (John 2:4)
  8. How did Jesus’ mother respond to His reply? (John 2:5)
  9. What were the water jars used for? (John 2:6)
  10. What did Jesus tell the servants to do? (John 2:7)
  11. To whom did the servants take the water? (John 2:8)
  12. What happened to the water? (John 2:9)
  13. What was the banquet master’s response? (John 2:10)
  14. Why did Jesus perform this miracle? (John 2:11)
  15. How did Jesus’ disciples respond to this miracle? (John 2:11)
  16. How have you had faith in Jesus’ power this week?
  17. What is something you would like Jesus to change in your life?
  18. What recent miracle has Jesus done in your life?
  19. How does Jesus reveal His glory to us today?
  20. In what ways has Jesus transformed you into a new person?
  21. How has Jesus given you a new life?
  22. What things has Jesus done that have caused you to have faith in Him?
  23. What is one specific habit or characteristic you will ask God to change in your life this week?
  24. How will you enjoy today the new life Jesus has given you?

A Life That Follows Him

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How Should We Respond to Jesus?
A Life That Follows Him
John 1:35-51

7 Facts about Following Jesus

  1. Following Jesus is more about who Jesus is than about what you do? (John 1:35-36) “Behold” has the idea of gazing intently for consideration.
  2. Following Jesus is foundational to every spiritual activity. (John 1:37) They heard and followed, indicating a completed action.
  3. Following Jesus always involves two key responses: (John 1:38-39)
    1. Turning – take a look, come find out, come and see, is Jesus a person worth following?
    2. Remaining – the call is to leave the past and move toward the future; today’s attrition rate is overwhelming, people don’t remain with Jesus.
  4. Following Jesus is always missional. (John 1:40-41) How does your faith show and shine?
  5. Following Jesus is a journey of spiritual growth. (John 1:42-46) Jesus saw Peter for who he would become, not just for who he was. If you are not growing, you are not following. Come as your are, knowing you are not mature.
  6. Following Jesus requires coming as you are. (John 1:47-50)
  7. Following Jesus is validated by the fullness of Christ’s identity. (John 1:51) As a shepherd calls his sheep, they hear his voice, regroup, and follow their shepherd; even in the midst of distress, danger, and discouragement.

Questions for Further Discussion:

  1. What gets you excited or enthusiastic?
  2. How would you feel if a good friend abandoned your friendship in favor of someone else?
  3. What nicknames have you had over the years?
  4. Who besides Jesus had disciples? (John 1:35)
  5. What did John say when he saw Jesus? (John 1:36)
  6. How did John identify Jesus for his disciples? (John 1:37)
  7. What did John’s disciples do when John identified Jesus? (John 1:37)
  8. What did Jesus ask John’s disciples? (John 1:38)
  9. What did John’s disciples call Jesus? (John 1:38)
  10. What did John’s disciples ask Jesus? (John 1:38)
  11. What was the first thing Andrew did after he had followed Jesus? (John 1:40)
  12. Who was Andrew’s brother? (John 1:40)
  13. What did Andrew tell his brother about Jesus? (John 1:41)
  14. What nickname did Jesus give to Simon? (John 1:42)
  15. What words did the author interpret for us? (John 1:37, 41, 42)
  16. What does it mean to follow Jesus?
  17. What hinders us from following Jesus?
  18. What must we leave to follow Jesus?
  19. To what friends and relatives could you introduce Jesus?
  20. How can we spend time with Jesus to get to know Him better?
  21. Whom do you want to introduce to Jesus this week?
  22. How could you introduce Christ to a friend or relative?
  23. What change in your daily routine would enable you to follow Jesus better?

Real Life Revealed

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Real Life Revealed
John 1:19-34

Now that Jesus is revealed, there are two necessary responses:

  1. THE EVERYDAY: a proper disposition of one’s life. (1:19-28)
    Three attitudes we cannot avoid:

    1. self-denial
    2. humility
    3. reverence
  2. THE ETERNAL: a proper recognition of His life. (1:29-34)
    Three truths we cannot miss:

    1. the answer to sin
    2. the fullness of life
    3. the promise of God’s personal presence with His own through the Holy Spirit.

Ken Quotes:

  1. Knowing Jesus is not based on knowledge, but how we follow him.
  2. If we know him well, our lives will tell.

Questions for Further Discussion:

  1. Why do people enjoy boasting about themselves and their accomplishments?
  2. Why is it hard to be humble?
  3. What are the characteristics of a humble person?
  4. What function do initiation rites serve in a club or society?
  5. What can you infer about someone from his or her title (such as Doctor, Professor, or Prince)?
  6. What did the Jews want to know? (John 1:19)
  7. Who did the Jews think John was? (John 1:20-21)
  8. What did John say about who he was? (John 1:20-22)
  9. In what way was John a “voice of one calling in the desert”? (John 1:23)
  10. What does the phrase “make straight the way for the Lord” mean? (John 1:23)
  11. How did John “make straight the way for the Lord”? (John 1:23)
  12. Why did the Pharisees care that John was baptizing people? (John 1:24)
  13. What did John say he was not worthy to do? (John 1:27)
  14. Who did John say was coming after him? (John 1:27)
  15. Where did these events take place? (John 1:28)
  16. Why did John call Jesus the Lamb of God? (John 1:29)
  17. What are the sins of the world? (John 1:29)
  18. What does Jesus do with the sins of the world? (John 1:29)
  19. What did John mean that Jesus surpassed him because He was before him? (John 1:30)
  20. How was Jesus before John? (John 1:30)
  21. Why did John say he didn’t know who Jesus was? (John 1:31)
  22. What reason did John give for baptizing Jesus? (John 1:31)
  23. Why did John come to baptize people? (John 1:31)
  24. What creature represented the Spirit of God? (John 1:32)
  25. Why did the Spirit come down upon Jesus? (John 1:33)
  26. With what did John baptize? (John 1:31, 33)
  27. With what will Jesus baptize? (John 1:33)
  28. What title did John ascribe to the person he baptized? (John 1:34)
  29. In what ways can you honor Christ with your accomplishments?
  30. How can we point others to Christ?
  31. In what situations is it difficult for you to be humble?
  32. If you had been John how would you have felt about your role?
  33. In what ways is your life like John’s?
  34. What special or unique means has God given you to share His Word?
  35. What sin of yours has Jesus taken away?
  36. How do we receive the forgiveness that Christ bought for us?
  37. In what way do you share Jesus’ identity as a child of God?
  38. What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life?
  39. How does Jesus baptize us?
  40. In what way can you be a voice for Jesus?
  41. What are some areas in which you struggle to be humble at this time in your life?
  42. In what specific ways can you point others to Christ this week?
  43. How can you honor Jesus’ Sonship with your life this week?
  44. What steps can you take to appreciate better who Jesus is?
  45. In what way can you reveal Christ to others this week?