Bible Study - Spiritual Growth - Go - John 1 - September 25, 2011

Bible Study – Spiritual Growth – Go – September 25, 2011

This is our final lesson in the series entitled “Balanced Spiritual Growth.”

Our scripture is John 1:29, 35-46, 49-51.

This is our final lesson in our series of study. We have studied connect, grow and serve. Christians must be connected to GOD by the Holy Spirit, which means people cannot be Christians in name only. When they are truly connected to GOD, they are also connected with each other in the living body. When Christians are connected by the Holy Spirit, GOD equips them with gifts to minister and serve. As they obediently serve, they grow in knowledge of HIM through Bible study and activity.

Christians can be fully equipped with Spiritual gifts and power but they must share it with others as led by the Holy Spirit. Sharing or witnessing to others often frightens many Christians. They fear not being able to answer a Spiritual or Biblical question - I know, I have been there.

There is one powerful weapon you have that answers the most complicated Biblical questions, your personal testimony. It is like the man born blind whom JESUS healed. When questioned by the religious leaders about how his healing had been accomplished, he responded with “I was blind but now I see.” Darkness turned to light. At a point in time our spiritual darkness turned to Spiritual light.
You may have to tell some people, that you are not able to answer all their questions but this you know -----. Tell them how you came to know CHRIST as your Savior.

Your testimony can be modeled after Paul’s testimony regarding his conversion on the road to Damascus found in Acts 26. He told of his life before CHRIST, his conversion experience (how he came to CHRIST), life since he encountered CHRIST and how to become a Christian. Prepare a 2-3 minute testimony for times when time is of the essence and a longer testimony 15 – 20 minute when you have the time. Write it down and practice it.

When witnessing to some, you may have the opportunity to ask them to pray to receive CHRIST. Ask them to pray for CHRIST to forgive them for their sins, acknowledging that HE died for them and ask HIM to come into their life. When they pray such a prayer, ask them to thank JESUS for coming into their life.

Help them to understand that CHRIST in them makes them a Christian, not the church they join. Encourage them to read the Bible, pray and attend a church where the gospel of CHRIST is preached and taught. It is vital for the new Christians to receive Spiritual nourishment for them to grow Spiritually. The Gospel of John is a book in the Bible for them to begin reading.

When you witness, when possible go in pairs and always pray before, during and after witnessing.

I have found that when GOD leads you to bear witness, HE has prepared the way. Do not be discouraged if the person you witness to does not ask CHRIST into his/her life. Use scripture when you present the plan of salvation because GOD’S Word never returns void. The Roman road to salvation is good to use – Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and 10:8-10. But also, keep in mind, it is not the person saying the exact words but the attitude of the heart of the person to whom you witness. I have heard of people simply saying, “LORD, I give up” and the miracle of rebirth takes place quicker than the twinkling of the eye. GOD’S desire for a person to become a Christian is more than your desire.

The indwelling Holy Spirit gives balance and courage to Christians as they grow, mature and obediently serve GOD. Dying to self is part of the process of sanctification, through the renewing or transformation of the mind, which happens when building the right relationship with CHRIST. Christians must decide who will rule their lives - self (flesh) or the Holy Spirit. This requires a decision such as, “LORD here I am, as I am, help me to be all YOU want me to be. I yield my life to YOU. Lead and guide my life.” This begins a wonderful journey. It will not be a journey of ease but a journey to make you into the image of CHRIST.

Our lesson is on go. When we accept CHRIST as our Savior, our lives are transformed from walking in darkness to walking in the light. When we see the light of CHRIST, we have a choice. Do we share the Good News or do we keep it to ourselves?

Christians know the cure for sin and its consequences, which is eternal death. If we knew the cure for a dreaded disease and a friend of ours had that disease, would we keep that information to ourselves? I don’t think so.

CHRIST commissioned Christians to go and make disciples. All Christians are to bear witness as GOD gives them opportunity. As mentioned earlier, some may say, “I am scared to witness.” Sorry, all Christians bear witness either silently or not so silent – drug store, grocery, school, shopping, restaurants, church, driving, work, socials and the list goes on. Christians must remember who they are.
GOD calls some into special service.

We saw in last week’s lesson that HE calls and gifts missionaries, pastors, teachers, apostles, evangelists and prophets. It is vital that GOD issues the invitation. Our scripture will focus on the calling of the disciples to follow JESUS.

Keep in mind that the Apostle John wrote the Gospel of John. It was written after 70 A. D. John was giving a firsthand account of the ministry of CHRIST after walking with CHRIST as HIS disciple. HE witnessed the adult life, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension of CHRIST, the coming and anointing of the promised Holy Spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit through ministry.

Let’s read John 1:29 and 35-39: (Why We Go)

The Lamb of God (My insert)
29 The next day John (John the Baptizer or Baptist, Jesus’ cousin) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the One I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who has surpassed me, because He existed before me.’ 31 I didn’t know Him, but I came baptizing with[27] water so He might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John testified, “I watched the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He rested on Him. 33 I didn’t know Him, but He[28] who sent me to baptize with[29] water told me, ‘The One you see the Spirit descending and resting on—He is the One who baptizes with[30] the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God!”[31]35 Again 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 10 in the morning.[32]

John the Baptist was JESUS’ cousin. John was called by GOD to be the herald or forerunner for the Messiah. John the Baptist preached repentance and baptism as evidence of that repentance. GOD had revealed to John the Baptist that he would know Who the Messiah was when he saw the Spirit descend upon that person. John saw the Spirit come upon JESUS when he baptized HIM. John knew that JESUS was the promised Messiah WHO would take away the sins of the world. John knew the sacrificial system. Worshippers had to make animal sacrifices through the shedding of blood to atone for sin. HE knew that JESUS was the Lamb of GOD WHO would take away the sins of the world. John baptized with water but JESUS baptized with the Holy Spirit.

When John the Baptist identified JESUS as the Lamb of GOD, two (2) of his disciples left him and followed JESUS. JESUS wanted to know, “What are you looking for?” This is a very important question. When you follow JESUS, what are you looking for? Is it to be socially correct? Or do you see HIM as your Savior and you want HIM in order to obediently serve HIM. Ponder this question.

They wanted to know where he was staying which indicated that they wanted to get to know HIM and hear what HE had to say about serving GOD. They were planning on a long term relationship. They called HIM teacher, which indicated that they were committed to HIM. They were seeking a closer relationship with GOD through HIS teaching. In their walk with HIM, they would learn that HE was GOD incarnate but this would take time and involvement.

The Spiritual walk of the disciples is much like the walk of many Christians. Salvation is the beginning process of building an intimate, loving relationship with CHRIST. As they grow Spiritually, they get a deeper personal understanding of HIM. As they continue their walk, false notions about being a Christian are dispelled and their feet become more solidly planted upon the solid rock of CHRIST. Truth emerges from a sea of misconceptions, doubts and fears. HIS light becomes ever more brilliant as our relationship becomes more intimate. Christians will never reach their pinnacle until they see HIM, which will be their glorification, but the journey is awesome.

Christians need to look at the lives of the disciples to see their struggles when following JESUS. It was not easy. It was not always clear but we have the opportunity to know the end result and we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to teach us and lead us to truth.

In our next scripture, we learn the identity of one (1) of those who left John the Baptist to follow JESUS and a good idea who was the second person.

Let’s read John 1:40-46: (Whom to Tell)
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John (the Baptist) and followed Him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah!”[33] (which means “Anointed One”), 42 and he brought [Simon]* to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He said, “You are Simon, son of John.[34]You will be called • Cephas” (which means “Rock”).

The Apostle John identified one (1) of the disciples who left John the Baptist as Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Speculation is that the Apostle John was the second person to leave and follow JESUS. There are other Bible scholars who believe it was Philip since he was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. I personally believe it was the Apostle John, the writer because he seems not to refer to himself.

Follow could mean literally follow as accompanying JESUS or follow as becoming a follower of JESUS or both. We know that they became disciples of JESUS, thus followers.

This raises an interesting question, would you define yourself as a follower of JESUS by association or a follower of JESUS by application or both? Are you willing to obediently follow HIM and serve HIM regardless of the cost?

Andrew searched with purpose for his brother, Simon because he had made a marvelous discovery, “We have found the Messiah!” When we have made a wonderful discovery, we want to share it with others. Sharing JESUS with others is the best news we can share. It is life changing.

When JESUS saw Simon, HE gave him a new name meaning “Rock.” The word “saw” means more than noticed but carries the idea of penetrating to the heart to really know him and what he was capable of. Yet, we know Peter denied CHRIST not once but three times. But Peter repented and was broken hearted for what he had done. JESUS knew Peter’s heart. It may be that Peter needed to be broken before he could be an effective disciple. JESUS had a wonderful plan for Peter’s life in service for HIM and the Kingdom of GOD.

Likewise, GOD has a wonderful plan for your life as well. Do you need to confess something that may be holding you back? If so, lay it on the table and talk to CHRIST about it. Time is wasting.

GOD never gives up on HIS children; do not give up on yourself. Confess your sins, repent because GOD forgives, restores and empowers.

Philip and Nathanael
43 The next day He[35] decided to leave for Galilee. Jesus found Philip and told him, “Follow Me!” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael[36] and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth!” 46 “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him. “Come and see,” Philip answered.

JESUS left Bethany to go to Galilee, the area in which HIS hometown of Nazareth was located. The word “found” indicates that JESUS searched for Philip and a call to follow HIM. Philip responded and searched for Nathanael. Philip’s excitement indicates that he and Nathanael had been searching the scriptures and pondering who the promised Messiah could be. Would it be someone in their lifetime and if so how would they identify HIM?

When Nathanael heard Philip say it was JESUS from Nazareth, it was like “Gee, Nazareth is a nothing place. Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Often reality revealed disappoints our expectations. Many of us build false notions regarding what living the Christian life is all about. When we commit our lives to CHRIST and the rubber hits the road, false expectations are replaced with reality. These false expectations must be dispelled for us to be able to walk in the Spirit of truth depending upon the power of GOD.

The next two (2) disciples to be called were Philip and Nathanael. Notice that JESUS found Philip. Often, GOD seeks us and reveals Himself to us. But notice that Philip found Nathanael. GOD works through Christians to reach others. HE directs us to those ready to receive salvation. You must trust HIS leadership.

When our lives have been touched by JESUS, we want to share the Good News. Nathanael questioned Philip about this person called JESUS. Philip told him to come see for himself. We may not have all the answers and we have to say, “Come see for yourself.” GOD welcomes questioners because HE has the answers.

Let’s read John 1:49-51: (What Results)
47 Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said about him, “Here is a true Israelite; no deceit is in him.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered. 49 “Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus responded to him, “Do you believe [only]* because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You[37]will see greater things than this.” 51 Then He said, “• I assure you: You[38]will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending[39] on the • Son of Man.”

As Nathanael approached JESUS, JESUS spoke to him words which would open his Spiritual eyes that HE was truth. When Nathanael encountered truth, he acknowledged JESUS as the “Son of GOD.” They connected. JESUS told him that this was only the beginning of their journey together. This is JESUS’ message to all who accept HIM as their Savior and make HIM the LORD of their lives.

When JESUS calls, we are to respond. We must keep in mind that we were not made for time but for eternity. When Christians respond to HIS call, HE will equip and empower them. Our part is to be available. HE opens closed doors and closes open doors.

We have probed some Spiritual depths regarding Spiritual growth in these lessons. It is all about having the right relationship with CHRIST. Why CHRIST? Because HE is the promised Messiah, WHO gave HIS life, through the shedding of HIS blood to pay the debt for sin that every human owes. By trusting in CHRIST as your SAVIOR, you can be set free from the penalty of sin, which is eternal death and separation from GOD WHO loves you. You can experience the miracle of the rebirth and be born into GOD’S family and receive the gifts of eternal life and grace.

If you have not ask CHRIST to forgive you and to come into your life, please do it right now. Eternity is just a heartbeat away. Blessings to all.