What God Wants for Me

Transcription

1 What God Wants for Me Pursuing a Relationship with Jesus By Faith Communicating with God Connecting with Christians Caring for Others Experiencing Transformed Life Loving God Loving People Living Like Jesus 580 Brookwood Point Place. Simpsonville SC brookwoodchurch.org

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3 What God Wants for Me: Part 1 Pursuing a Relationship with Jesus In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 1:4 (NIV) Jesus is the source of life. The absolute most important thing anyone can do is pursue a relationship with him. You may not know Jesus at all, or you may have known him all your life... either way, there is more. More freedom. More life. God is passionate about restoring us to a place of deep intimacy with him, where walking and talking with him is the most natural thing we do. Jesus is Supreme Jesus came to earth as a man. He was born and walked among us. But one of the most important things about Jesus is that he always was, always is, and always will be. He is eternal. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is fully God. He is supreme. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV) 1. List words and phrases from this passage that describe Jesus as being God. 2. Which of these words or phrases is most meaningful to you? Why? 1

4 3. Read Hebrews Chapter 1. How is Jesus superior to the angels in vs. 4-5? vs. 6? vs ? 4. Write down several things that are true about Jesus in Hebrews 1: Which of these truths is most meaningful to you? Why? Many people agree that Jesus was a great man. Some say he was an amazing prophet. Others say he was simply the founder of a new religion. But Jesus claimed that he was God. If this claim were not true, he could not be called even a good man. He would be a fake. An imposter. A liar. Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators Jesus Became Man Not only is Jesus God - eternal, supreme, divine - but he is also fully human - personal and near. This offers much comfort to us. He knows what we are going through. Though he never yielded, he identifies with us when we are tempted. He knows our suffering. He felt betrayal. He feels for us and has compassion. 6. How do each of the following verses help us understand Jesus humanity? John 4:6 John 4:7 John 11:35 Luke 24:39 Luke 2:52 Matthew 26:38 2

5 Gethsemane They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, Sit here while I pray. He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death, he said to them. Stay here and keep watch. Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. Abba, Father, he said, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. Mark 14:32-36 (NIV) 7. What words describe how Jesus was feeling? 8. How much do you think about Jesus being human? How does it strike you that he got tired and hungry? Write some thoughts and reflections here. Jesus our Sacrifice Being justified (made right) and experiencing redemption (made holy) are part of one grand purpose: that we would be reconciled (brought back into a full, right relationship) to God. Jesus death enables us to have a joy-filled relationship with God, which is the highest good of the cross. Paul writes, And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him (Colossians 1:21-22, ESV). It s helpful to see how this works in our relationships with other people. When we sin (violating the law of love), not only do we hurt the person we sin against, we harm the relationship. It will never be the same until we seek forgiveness and restoration. This is the same in our relationship with God. We enter this world sinful, and as a result, we re alienated from God. Only forgiveness - forgiveness which was purchased at the cross - can heal the relationship so that we are able to enjoy fellowship with God. Jesus sacrifice makes it possible to know God and walk with him. 3

6 He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:22-26 (NIV) 9. Write down at least five things that are true according to this passage. 10. Read 1 John 1:5-10. What cleanses us from sin (vs. 7)? How do we fool ourselves (vs. 8)? What should we do when we sin (vs. 9)? 11. Time to be honest... what are some areas of your life that are not honoring to God? 12. How would your life be different if God cleansed you of those things and changed you? 4

7 God Cares for You John 1:1-18 is one of the most amazing places in Scripture that clearly ties together the ideas that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. Take some time to read that whole section. 13. Read John 1:1-5 and list at least four things that are true about Jesus. 14. If Jesus is the Creator of the Universe and knows all things, think about how much he knows you. In Psalm 139:1-6, King David mentions several areas of his life that God has searched and known. List at least four of them. 15. How did David respond in Psalm 139:23-24 when he realized how completely God knew him? 16. What was the greatest demonstration of God s love in 1 John 4:9-10? The cross neither jewelry, nor icon, nor charm, the cross held a lover who died in my arms. The lost art of living was found again, when the cross became loving, and Christ became friend. Robin Pasley, singer/songwriter, 100 Portraits 5

8 Living in Pursuit According to Webster, to pursue is to chase, to continue with, or to try to get something or someone; to strive to gain; seek to attain or accomplish. 17. Why do you think it is so important for you to continually pursue Jesus? 18. Think of the men or women you know and write their names in one of the three following categories that best describes their life: Alive, living free in Christ. Given up hope, spend most of their time in despair. Basically Neutral, OK with how life is, but not really going anywhere. 19. Can you think of seasons in your life when you ve experienced each of these categories? Which category best describes you these days? We are desire. It is the essence of the human soul, the secret of our existence. Absolutely nothing of human greatness is ever accomplished without it. Not a symphony has been written, a mountain climbed, an injustice fought, or a love sustained apart from desire. John Eldredge, Desire 6

9 20. What are the biggest challenges you face when it comes to pursuing Jesus? 21. How is it possible to, on the one hand, be content in God; yet on the other hand, to always be in pursuit of more of God? Identifying Some Next Steps Consider for a moment your current life situation and the various roles you have. You may be a parent, single, young or old. You might be unemployed or at the height of your career. Think through where you re at, and reflect, How does what I m learning apply to specific areas of my life? Then spend a few minutes in silence, asking God to put in your mind any next steps he wants you to take. Use this space to write your thoughts: Responding in Prayer Spend some time looking over the last few pages of things you ve been reading and writing. Ask God to help you hear what he is saying to you. Then use this space to write out a prayer to God. Tell him what you re learning. Thank him for who he is. Use words to tell him what s in your heart. 7

10 A Prayer to Receive Jesus Christ as Savior The most important relationship for every one of us is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Choosing to believe that he is who he claimed to be the Son of God and the only way to salvation. Receiving him by faith as Lord and Savior is the most vital step anyone can take. We want life. He is Life. We need cleansing. He is the Living Water. Pursuing a personal relationship with him is the most important thing you can do. Here is a simple prayer someone might pray to give their life to Jesus and receive him by faith: Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, that you died on the cross to rescue me from sin and death and to restore me to the Father. I choose now to turn from my sins, my selfcenteredness, and every part of my life that does not please you. I choose you. I give myself to you. I receive your forgiveness and ask you to take your rightful place in my life as my Savior and Lord. Come reign in my heart, fill me with your love and your life, and help me become a person who is truly loving a person like you. Restore me, Jesus. Live in me. Love through me. Thank you, God. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. 8