Andrew: Active Witness

Transcription

1 7 Andrew: Active Witness What s the best sales pitch you ve heard? QUESTION 1 #BSFLsecondnature BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 115

2 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE Buying a car is an uncomfortable experience for a lot of us. We might feel the pressure of walking around the sales lot, test driving cars, and then sitting down with a salesperson who goes back and forth to check with the sales manager on the finer points of negotiation. What will it take to put you behind that wheel today? A lot of the discomfort comes in knowing that the salesperson, no matter how good he may be at small talk, has one goal in mind: close the deal. Many Christians view evangelism in the same way except they are the salespeople. They think they must do everything they can to move a person from point A to point B, closing the faith deal with a prayer. Andrew, one of Jesus disciples, clearly stood against this philosophy. Virtually every time we see him in the Gospels, he is introducing someone to Jesus. Andrew knew that the true power of evangelism comes not with persuasive arguments from us, but simply in providing an introduction to Jesus. Jesus is more than capable of doing the rest. 116 SESSION 7

3 WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? John 1:35-42 (CSB) 35 The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, Look, the Lamb of God! 37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, What are you looking for? They said to him, Rabbi (which means Teacher ), where are you staying? 39 Come and you ll see, he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, We have found the Messiah. (which is translated the Christ ), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas (which is translated Peter ). The Book of John begins as a testimony to the divinity of Jesus. While the Books of Matthew and Luke begin with Jesus family histories, John opened His Gospel from the very beginning, showing that Jesus is God and has been for all eternity. Throughout John s Gospel, he shows the same truth again and again: Jesus is God who is also the Savior of the world. In the first chapter, we meet John the Baptist, an earthly relative of Jesus, who also was an out-of-theordinary preacher preparing the way for God s chosen One. But while we might know this chosen One is Jesus, the people in John s Gospel only come to realize this in time. This is the case with Andrew. The first time we meet Andrew, he was following John the Baptist. He was one of two disciples who were present when John testified that Jesus was the Lamb of God. That statement was enough for Andrew and his companion (who was probably John, the one who wrote this Gospel). Although they had been followers of John the Baptist, they went with Jesus to hear what He was teaching. After these two disciples spent several hours with Jesus, Andrew emerged with a life-changing confession: We have found the Messiah (v. 41). How did someone introduce you to Jesus? QUESTION 2 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 117

4 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. Let s not miss the gravity of this statement. Generation upon generation had passed, all waiting on the Chosen One from God the Messiah. The people had come to believe that the Messiah would be a political leader whom God would raise up to throw off the Roman oppression under which the people had been living. Like Moses, whom God had used to deliver the people from their servitude in Egypt, the Messiah would deliver the Jews from Rome and re-establish Israel as a national power. At this point, Andrew most likely had no idea that he, like everyone else, wasn t grasping God s true intentions. The Messiah would not deliver the people in a political way; He would do something far better. Rather than merely saving the people from Rome, He would save the people from their sin and death. And rather than being merely the king of Israel, He is the King of all kings. Nevertheless, the first thing Andrew did when he knew he had found Jesus was to go to his brother Simon and invite him to come and see Jesus also. In fact, almost every time we see Andrew in the Gospels, he was doing this same thing: inviting other people to see Jesus. John 12:20-22 (CSB) 20 Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, Sir, we want to see Jesus. 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Through His miraculous signs and unique authoritative teaching, Jesus gained a following. The crowds thickened and grew as people from all over the region wanted to hear, see, and encounter this new rabbi. When we come to John 12, it was the week of Passover. During this festival, Jewish people from all over the known world gathered in Jerusalem. Among them were also God-fearing Gentiles who had come to worship. We don t know if they had heard of Jesus before, but they had now and like many others, they wanted to see Jesus. What can we learn from the examples of John the Baptist and Andrew in this passage? QUESTION SESSION 7

5 What questions might a nonbeliever have about Christ? QUESTION 4 We aren t told why these people approached Philip with their request; perhaps it was because Philip was a Greek name, and they thought he would be more approachable. But it is interesting that when they approached Philip, he went and found Andrew. Maybe all the disciples had become accustomed to Andrew s introductions. They knew Andrew was never shy about introducing new people to Jesus, and here was another chance for him to do so. Many of us have a problem, though. We are rarely in places where we come into contact with people who have questions people in whom the Spirit of God might be working. We find people we like, restaurants we like, and roads we like and that s where we tend to stay. Consequently, our lives are filled to the brim with people who think, look, act, and believe just like us. With our lives so full of people just like us, we may never have the opportunity to meet people who might have questions about life and faith questions only Jesus can answer. We must intentionally fight against that trend for the sake of the gospel. We take active steps to get to know others because we believe: God is constantly at work in us and throughout the world. The gospel is the only hope for every person. We are God s chosen means to spread His message of good news. Because of these truths, every day is filled with opportunities. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 119

6 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. John 12:23-26 (CSB) 23 Jesus replied to them, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Andrew, faithful to his character, introduced these people to Jesus. From the text, it doesn t appear that a lot of pleasantries and greetings were exchanged. Jesus didn t ask the people why they came to Him or what questions they had. He didn t inquire about their social positions, their families, or their occupations. But He did provide a good deal of clarity about what it means to follow Jesus. This is an important point for us today. When we invite others to Jesus and we think it s our chief aim to close the deal, we might be tempted to soften the reality of what it looks like to follow Jesus. But we must be faithful to describe the Christian experience as Jesus did, encouraging would-be disciples to count the cost. Following Jesus is a pathway of self-denial. In Jesus words, we must hate our lives in this world. That doesn t mean we walk through life with a depressed countenance all the time. But it does mean we count everything else in life as a loss compared to the greatness of knowing and following Jesus (Philippians 3:8). Following Jesus is the pathway to life. Following Him will cost us relationships, ambitions, and possessions. But everything we have lost in following Jesus pales in comparison to what we have gained: true life, true joy, and true satisfaction. Following Jesus is the pathway to being with Jesus. When we follow Him, we can know with certainty that where He is we will also be. But this also forces us to reckon with the fact that there is no such thing as a casual relationship with Jesus. He is not interested in hanging out, being our buddy, or being an acquaintance. Jesus is the Lord of all, and nothing less. How would you describe the challenges and benefits of following Christ? QUESTION SESSION 7

7 "I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." PHILIPPIANS 3:8 EXTEND AN INVITATION Which of the following obstacles prevent you from talking to others about Jesus? Check all that apply. They may ask questions I cannot answer. I don t know many nonbelievers. It could harm our relationship. I don t know how they ll respond. I don t feel confident enough. Other: What steps can you take to remove this obstacle? BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 121

8 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. LIVE IT OUT How will you invite others to know Jesus? Identify. What is your biggest road block to a lifestyle that is marked by a consistent witness for Christ? Ask God to remove it in grace. Join others. Instead of starting solo or cold turkey, look for where God is already at work in your community. Jump in. Find friends who can be a part of this with you as you learn more. Listen well. Ask a friend whom you know is not a Christian to meet with you so you can listen to them: their beliefs, their convictions, and their doubts. Extend respect and graciousness. Close by asking if they would be willing to let you share what you believe with them another time. Andrew was certainly not the most famous disciple. We have no record of him preaching to an enormous crowd or writing a theological letter. But when we see him, he is almost always bringing others to Jesus. Andrew, the active witness, shows us that evangelism is not like selling used cars. Instead, simply inviting others to see Jesus should be second nature to those who deeply love and treasure Jesus Christ. My thoughts 122 SESSION 7 Share with others how you will live out this study: #BSFLsecondnature

9 CALEB, ALL WE KNOW BY GEORGE H. SHADDIX Caleb who is he? Caleb what do we know about him? He was one of the twelve spies Moses sent into the land that God had promised His people. The Israelites were positioned to enter the land; however, before entering, Moses chose twelve men, one from each tribe, to go throughout the land to see what challenges the people would encounter. One of those men was Caleb, the son of Jephunneh. At Hebron, a building in a remarkable state of preservation erected by King Herod over the caves of Machpelah. The only land Abraham owned in Canaan, this marks the spot that Abraham bought to bury Sarah. Besides Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, as well as Jacob and Leah are buried in the tombs below. Numbers 32:12 and Joshua 14:6 identify Jephunneh as a Kenezite. ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ DAVID ROGERS/ (4/11/2) The Kenezites may have been a clan that had joined the Israelites and become incorporated into the tribe of Judah. 1 This would explain Numbers 13:6, which identifies Caleb with the tribe of Judah. In Genesis 36:9-11, one of the sons of Eliphaz, a descendant of Esau, was Kenaz. So Caleb s lineage went back to Esau. Esau was one of Isaac s sons and one of Abraham s grandsons. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 123

10 This report was exciting and should have readied the Israelites to go up at once and possess the land. Remember, God had given it to Abraham and his descendants. However, the spies also had a negative report: However, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We also saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites are living in the land of the Negev; the Hethites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan (vv ). ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ DAVID ROGERS (141/15) At Hebron, cenotaphs at the cave of Machpelah, built in honor of Rebecca on the left and Isaac on the right. The cenotaph is not the actual tomb, but a structure marking the site of the subterranean burial cave. The Kenezites may have joined the Israelites when they went to Egypt during a time of famine. If the Kenezites went down with Jacob into Egypt, they may have become identified with his family there. 2 First Chronicles 14:13 14 also identifies Caleb with the descendants of Kenaz. Caleb and the other 11 spies went into the land and found it to be everything they had imagined: The men went back to Moses, Aaron, and the entire Israelite community in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for them and the whole community, and they showed them the fruit of the land. They reported to Moses: We went into the land where you sent us. Indeed it is flowing with milk and honey, and here is some of its fruit (Numbers 13:26-27). 3 A good land, no, a great land; however, people were living throughout the land. The cities were well fortified. The people s excitement quickly turned to a pessimistic outlook. They felt that there was no way for them to enter and dwell in this wonderful land, a land flowing with milk and honey, which God had promised to give them. It was a lone voice, the voice of Caleb, that tried to reassure the people: Then Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, Let s go up now and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it! (v. 30). This statement is a statement of faith and conviction. No doubt, Caleb knew the promise God had given Abraham that this land would be an inheritance to his descendants. Also, Caleb was aware God had said He would give the land to them. Yes, going into the land would be a challenge. Yes, they would do battle with the inhabitants of the land. God had already promised, however, success for His people. The next day, as the people complained and wished they had stayed in Egypt, Moses and Aaron 124 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

11 fell on their faces before the people. Joshua and Caleb tried to convince the people to go into the land (14:7 9): [They] said to the entire Israelite community: The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us. Only don t rebel against the Lord, and don t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us. Don t be afraid of them! Caleb took God at His word and willingly sought to live out that faith through obedience. These two men, Joshua and Caleb, stood apart in their faith and conviction that God would be with the Israelites, if they would simply obey God s instructions. The two saw the possibility, not the impossibility. They were willing to stand against the majority report because they were focused on the ability and promise of God. The people s response was to threaten to stone Joshua and Caleb. Only with Moses intercession did God spare the Israelites. Yet, for 40 years they would be in the wilderness until their entire generation died. Only two from their generation would be allowed to go into the land with the next generation Joshua and Caleb. Comparing Caleb to the unbelieving generation that would never see the land of promise, God said: But since my servant Caleb has a different spirit and has remained loyal to me, I will bring him into the land where he has gone, and his descendants will inherit it (v. 24). For 40 years, these 2 men faithfully waited. Joshua became the leader that would follow Moses. Caleb was 80 years old when the day finally came for the Israelites to enter the land. This fulfilled God s earlier promise. A different spirit Caleb believed God; his faith and trust were not in himself, but in God. This faith resulted in his following God completely. Caleb took God at His word and willingly sought to live out that faith through obedience. Faith, faithfulness, and obedience are important qualities in the life of a child of God. When the land was divided, Caleb was 85 years old. He made a request for the hill country where the Anakim lived in large fortified cities (Josh. 14:7 12). This was the land of the giants. Such a request expressed a continued faith in God and His promises: Now give me this hill country the Lord promised BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 125

12 me on that day, because you heard then that the Anakim are there, as well as large fortified cities. Perhaps the Lord will be with me and I will drive them out as the Lord promised (v. 12). Caleb was also a man of his word. During one battle, Caleb made a promise. And Caleb said, Whoever attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher, I will give my daughter Achsah to him as a wife (15:16). Othniel, Caleb s brother s son, captured Kiriathsepher (also known as Debir) and Caleb gave him his daughter as a wife. Caleb s daughter made the request of springs of water. Caleb generously gave her the upper and lower springs (v. 19). to the south country around Hebron. This was the area Caleb conquered and that he and his descendants received as a possession. Caleb was never a national leader like Moses or Joshua, but he certainly stands out as a man whose heart was stayed upon God. He was a man of faith and faithfulness. He was a man who never avoided a challenge, even at the age of 85. He did not look for an easy way out, but trusted in God and willingly accepted a challenge. Caleb exemplifies the character and faithfulness God continues to seek in those who follow Him. First Samuel 30:14 makes reference to the south country of Caleb. This is probably a reference 1. Caleb in Holman Bible Dictionary, gen. ed. Trent C. Butler (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 1991), Kenezite in The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, gen. ed. James Orr, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1952), All Scripture quotations are from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). This is an edited version of the article by George H. Shaddix that originally appeared in the Winter issue of Biblical Illustrator magazine. Each quarter Biblical Illustrator offers in-depth articles and information that support our weekly Bible study lessons. You can subscribe to Biblical Illustrator by going to biblicalillustrator, by using your church s quarterly literature order form, or by calling BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

13 Join the conversation BibleStudiesForLife.com BibleStudiesForLife Endnotes 1 C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (New York: HarperOne, 2009), IX. 2 Americans Beliefs in Paranormal Phenomena (Infographic) Live Science [online] 28 October 2011 [cited 28 October 2016]. Available from the Internet: 3 Stephanie Mansfield, For 30 Years She Was a Prisoner of Fear, The Washington Post [online] 25 October 1981 [cited 2 November 2016]. Available from the Internet at: ae/. 4 G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man [online]. Available on the Internet: Stephanie Pappas, How Big Is the Internet, Really? Live Science [online] 18 March 2016 [cited 14 October 2016]. Available from the Internet at: BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 127

14 Coming in Winter Jesus Changes Everything Jesus Calls Mark 1:14-20 Jesus Teaches Mark 4:1-9 Jesus Rules Mark 4:35-41 Jesus Saves Luke 2:4-20 Jesus Heals Mark 5:22-24,35-43 Jesus Provides Mark 6:34-44 Jesus Corrects Mark 7:5-15 Made for Something More I Am Wonderfully Made Psalm 139:1-6,13-18 I Am a Child of the King Galatians 4:1-7 I Am a Minister 2 Corinthians 3:4-12 I Am a Priest 1 Peter 2:4-10 I Am Just Passing Through 1 Peter 2:11-17 I Am a Light Ephesians 5: BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

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