Bible Study - Second Nature (7) - Andrew: Active Witness - John 1:35-42; 12:20-26 - November 26, 2017

Bible Study – Second Nature (7) – Andrew: Active Witness – November 26, 2017

This is lesson seven (7) and our final lesson in the series entitled “Second Nature.”

Our focus scripture is John 1:35-42; 12: 20-26.

CHRIST-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference.

[Christians need to be prepared to give their testimony regarding how they became Christians. Often, we hear dramatic testimonies and we think, "Our testimony is dull." In fact, I know of Christians who wished they had sinned more so they would have a dramatic testimony." No! Each Christian's testimony is powerful and unique. One of the most powerful testimonies was given by a man who became a Christian at 9 years old and served the LORD. But each Christian needs to think through his or her testimony. A good guide is Paul's testimony he gave to King Agrippa as recorded in Acts Chapter 26. Prepare a short testimony and one that may be 15-20 minutes. Always pray for opportunity to share JESUS with others no matter where we go in a day. Equally as important is that we see and respond to the opportunity. We may plant a seed, do some weeding, watering, encouraging or harvesting. Trust GOD for the results. Satan will do all he can to discourage you because he wants you to be silent. Do not let that happen. It is like a story I heard many years ago. A pastor was preaching a revival and there was young man who loved the LORD but had special needs. There was a prominent man coming to the revival and the pastor could sense that he was under conviction. It came to the last night of the revival and the pastor gave the invitation for those desiring to to ask JESUS into his or her heart to come forward. The pastor noticed the special needs person go up to this prominent person and say something. That person immediately darted out of the church. The pastor thought "Oh, no, this person was so close but now he is gone or something to that effect." The next day the man called the pastor at his office. The pastor began to try to apologize for the special needs person's action, when the man stopped him. It was what the young man said to me is the reason I am calling you. I have not slept all night thinking about what he said. The pastor was eager to know what the young man said. "What did he say to you?" The man replied, "He came up to me and asked me "Do you want to go to Heaven?" I said, No! He said then "Go to Hell!" This was the wake up call this man needed. He had one of two choices - Heaven or Hell. He told the pastor that he wanted to go to Heaven and he prayed to receive CHRIST as his Savior. We cannot brow beat others into Heaven. We must pray and trust GOD as HE gives opportunity to dig around, fertilize, water, weed removal, harvest, etc. GOD uses every Christian to be part of the process. Never give up because GOD loves that person more than we do. Be available to respond when GOD gives opportunity and trust the direction of the conversation. Do not worry but pray, respond as GOD provides opportunity and leave the results to GOD. Depend upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit.]

Let’s read John 1:35-42:

35 Again the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples.

This John is referring to John the Baptist.

36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look! The Lamb of God!"

John the Baptist identified JESUS as the promised Messiah. John the Baptist lived preaching truth and living what he preached. When he revealed the Messiah two of John the Baptist disciples did not question him but made the decision to leave him and follow JESUS, the Messiah.

John the Baptist preached repentance and living according to the Law and commandments but he knew that the promised Messiah offered salvation and a true relationship with GOD through faith and forgiveness of sin. John the Baptist knew that GOD had called him to be the herald for JESUS and for those who would encounter JESUS to prepare to receive JESUS as the promised Messiah.  

37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus.

When two of John the Baptist’ disciples acknowledge JESUS as “The Lamb of GOD,” they immediately followed JESUS. When we see truth, we are to stop following what appeared to be true and follow truth. When we see JESUS as truth, we are to respond to the wooing of the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit reveals truth.

Seeing JESUS as The Messiah is step one in building the right relationship with HIM and GOD. I asked JESUS into my heart and life when I was about 9 years old. That was step one in my Spiritual journey. Then it has been a lifetime of getting to really know JESUS and GOD through study, application and the revelation, enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Have I arrived at 80 years old? NO! I am still building and learning. There are false notions that still have to be dealt with, ego and waiting, trusting and letting GOD work and acting only when HE says to act. 

But one thing certain, I belong to JESUS and will be in HIS presence before my earth suit experiences death and so will all who have placed their faith on JESUS. Death is like the butterfly breaking from its cocoon getting ready to 

spread its wings and soar.

Salvation from sin and its consequence of eternal death is based upon one thing. When a person asks JESUS to forgive him or her for his or her sins and for HIM to come into his or her life, the miracle of Spiritual rebirth takes place in an instant. That person is instantly born into the family of GOD and becomes HIS Son or Daughter with all the rights and privileges of being a child of the King. Discovering these rights and privileges is revealed during our walk with JESUS and GOD, which is called sanctification. It revolves around our desire to build the right relationship with GOD through obedient service.

Have you asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and to come into your heart believing that HE gave HIS life for you?

Who were these two disciples of John the Baptist who immediately left John the Baptist and followed JESUS? One we know for certain was Andrew and the other is thought to be John, who became a disciple of JESUS and wrote the Gospel of John, 1, 2, 3 John and Revelation. The other possibility is Philip.  

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?"

When we follow JESUS, why are we following HIM? Do we think of HIM as a good luck charm or someone who can help us out of earthly trouble? Or do we see HIM as the LAMB OF GOD WHO paid the price, in full, for our sin? 

In doing so, HE gives you eternal life through faith in HIM because HE is GOD’S Only SON, Who came to earth in the flesh, and willingly gave HIS life. HE gave HIS sinless life by the shedding of HIS blood to pay, in full, the price GOD required to redeem every person who places his or her faith in HIM from sin. Our sin cost JESUS HIS physical life, which HE gave willingly because of HIS love for each of us.

GOD resurrected HIM from physical death as proof that HE has the power and authority over eternal death and the resurrection of the dead. JESUS died as the sinless LAMB of GOD and GOD resurrected HIM. That is why each person must accept JESUS as his or her Savior. Thus, when Christians die their destiny has already been determined. The Christian will be with JESUS and GOD in Heaven and will be resurrected and receive their Glorified bodies at the second coming of JESUS. Those without JESUS will be cast into outer darkness. The choice belongs to each person.

Here is an “I think.” What happens to miscarriages, babies, young children and some others when they die? “I think they go to Heaven because they have not reached the age of accountability.

One important point is recorded in 1 Corinthians 6:20 - 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. – That price was the sinless, perfect life of JESUS.

The good news is that JESUS did not stay dead. GOD resurrected HIM on the third day as proof and assurance that JESUS was indeed the promised Messiah. The resurrection of JESUS is the assurance of every person who places his or her faith in HIM will not experience eternal death but receive the gift of eternal life. Not only eternal life but will receive an eternal Glorified body which will be like the Glorified body of JESUS.

The indwelling Holy Spirit is the Christian’s down payment and guarantee that he or she will have eternal life.

JESUS saw the two men following HIM. They referred to HIM as “Rabbi,” which means teacher. They recognized HIM as “Teacher.” Some people stop at seeing JESUS as a Teacher and not seeing HIM as the Messiah.

Then the two went to the next level by asking “Where are you staying?” This question revealed that their desire was to get to HIM in a deeper way. Their interest was not casual but in-depth. We want to spend time with you to get to know you in an intimate, personal, probing manner.

Do you want to really know JESUS or just to know about JESUS? If you want to really know HIM, you must spend time to get to know HIM e.g. Read and study your Bible, prayer, obedient service as led by the Holy Spirit, getting into a Bible teaching and believing Church and the list goes on.

When we have the desire to get to know HIM, HE invites us to --- as we read in our next verse ---

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.

Here we have to decide, was it 10 AM or 4 PM? I think it is correctly translated “10 in the morning.” Some translations do not translate but leave it as “the tenth hour.”  It is a matter of discerning if the Apostle John used Jewish time or Roman time. I think the statement “they stayed with HIM that day” settles it. It was “10 AM” and they stayed with HIM that day.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Him.

We learn more about Andrew. He was Simon Peter’s brother. Andrew knew that JESUS was the promised Messiah and he wanted to share HIM with his brother. This is natural. When we discover something or someone of great importance, we want to share this information. The Jews had been looking for the Messiah and Andrew was convinced that JESUS was the Messiah.

41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which means "Anointed One"),

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 means "Rock").

It was likely that Andrew was excited and wanted his brother Simon to meet HIM. The word “brought” carries the idea that Andrew was likely “compelling” Simon to go with him, whether he wanted to or not.  Before Andrew could introduce Simon to JESUS, JESUS reached out to Simon. JESUS called Simon by his name and immediately called him “Cephas or Rock.”  

It is interesting that the Greek version of the Aramaic form of Peter means “Rock.” In Hebrew the language distinguishes between stones and rocks. A stone was any size of rock that could be lifted. It includes small to huge. Any size stone product quarried. However, when “Rock” is used in reference to JESUS it refers to an immovable rock or solid foundation upon which those who place their faith can trust. That is why Christians build upon the solid rock of JESUS.

This concept is captured in 1 Corinthians 3:9-17:

9 For we are God's co-workers. You are God's field, God's building.

10 According to God's grace that was given to me, as a skilled master builder I have laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it,

11 because no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid-that is, Jesus Christ.

12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw,

13 each one's work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one's work.

14 If anyone's work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.

15 If anyone's work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.

16 Don't you know that you are God's sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

17 If anyone ruins God's sanctuary, God will ruin him; for God's sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are.

This is the good news of placing our faith in JESUS and our desire should be to share it. Notice verse 15. That is where we get the idea of salvation is getting one’s “fire insurance.” But when we live obediently serving our LORD it leads to rewards that Glorify HIM.

Andrew is a good example of taking the Good News of JESUS as the Messiah to others. Andrew began with his family. He likely knew that Simon was also looking for the coming of the Messiah and once Andrew had discovered JESUS, he wanted to share HIM. Andrew immediately had the desire to share JESUS. That should be the desire of every Christian. The key is to share as led by the Holy Spirit.

Sharing JESUS should be a natural outflow of the revelation from within. But each person must respond, as the Holy Spirit gives him or her, the revelation and need for salvation. It would be wonderful if we could open a person’s mind and pour that revelation in but each person must see his or her need on his or her own. Christians can present the Good News and then live the Christian life, pray for that person and trust GOD with the results and an opening to share the Gospel.

Each Christian should be prepared to share a 1-3 minute testimony with those he or she may encounter as he or she walks through life. In the Christian business man’s world, the idea is to share our testimony during an elevator ride. Again, as the LORD gives opportunity be ready to respond.

Let’s read John 12:20-22:

Jesus Predicts His Crucifixion

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.

To me this has always been heartwarming scripture. There were some Greeks who were in Jerusalem who wanted to see JESUS. Their request was more than seeing HIM physically, they wanted to meet with HIM to get to “know and understand” JESUS. These Greeks could have been Jewish proselytes or GOD-fearers.

Proselytes in that time period were Gentiles who were going through the rituals to become a Jew e.g. circumcision, offering certain sacrifices, accepting the Law of Moses and following Jewish regulations.

GOD-fearers were Gentiles who were studying Judaism but had not become full converts.

This group of Greeks approached Philip. Philip was from Bethsaida in Galilee which, in turn, was the town of Andrew and Peter.  Philip went and told Andrew. Then, Andrew and Philip went and told JESUS about the Greeks request to meet HIM.

We do not know the specific questions they had for JESUS but we do know the response of JESUS to them in the next verses.

But let’s consider their request to Philip, “Sir, we want to see JESUS.” That is a request many of us desire to ask. We would like to come into HIS presence and talk to HIM and ask questions. But those seeking truth were just like all of us today. JESUS was very close to HIS passion. JESUS had already passed the test on the Mount of Transfiguration. JESUS had ridden on a donkey into Jerusalem where the people lined the road with palm branches leading into Jerusalem. This was to welcome JESUS as King. The crucifixion of JESUS was just days away. The death of their King was a serious blow to those who saw JESUS as an earthly king.

The assumptions we make in life can get in the way of reality and in particular Spiritual reality. Often, we need to pause and ask JESUS to open our Spiritually blind eyes to truth.

The Greeks were about to be told truth from JESUS to prepare them for what was about to happen. Let’s read on ---

Let’s read John 12:23-26:

23 Jesus replied to them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

JESUS often referred to Himself as the “Son of Man.” In essence, all has been fulfilled and now it is time for the final act, the hour has come. The rulers desperately wanted to kill JESUS. As you may recall, GOD keeps certain matters hidden until the right time, as we read in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8:

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,

8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

24 "I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop.

JESUS used many examples from nature to explain Spiritual truths. HE had to give HIS life in order for many to receive salvation and the gift of rebirth into GOD’S family and the gift of eternal life.

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.

We read in John 14:6 - 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

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.

JESUS gave HIS life so that all who place their faith in HIM will be forgiven and restored to the perfection GOD intended for them in the beginning. Our sins are washed away and we are whiter than snow. Heaven is our destination and home. I hope to see you there. The decision is yours to make. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Second Nature (6) - Hannah: Trust-Filled Prayer - 1 Samuel 1:9-18; 2:1-3 - nOVEMBER 19, 2017

Bible Study – Second Nature (6) – Hannah: Trust-Filled Prayer- November 19, 2017

This is lesson six (6) in our series entitled “Second Nature.”

Our focus scripture is 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 17-18, 26-28; 2:1-3.

CHRIST-centered living chooses prayer, not helplessness.

What is prayer? Prayer is talking to GOD but first a person must believe that GOD exists. GOD revealed Himself to the Israelites. They chose the One True GOD, YAHWEH, Who revealed HIS name to Moses. HIS name means, as recorded in Exodus 3:14: 14 And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

GOD has always existed. HE has no beginning and no end.

GOD loves each of us regardless of what sin we may have committed in our lives. HE forgives when we ask HIM, cleanses and restores us.

GOD is love but also HE is the GOD of wrath.

Our lesson on Hannah reveals the heart of GOD toward Hannah. Hannah’s heart needed to be brought into sync with GOD’S plan.  

Our former pastor was also a counselor. He said the Chinese symbol (ideogram) for trouble is two women living under one roof. 

This was Hannah’s situation. Hannah was Elkanah’s first wife but he had a second wife. Her name was Peninnah and she was very fertile and produced children. Peninnah taunted Hannah because of Hannah’s inability to conceive and bare children. This was a serious source of emotional trauma for Hannah.

Hannah loved her husband and he loved her. Elkanah treated Hannah well and did not hold it against her for not being able to produce a child. But Elkanah’s love and care did not comfort her for not being able to conceive and birth a child. What was she to do? Where would she turn? To whom would she turn? Let’s explore!

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:1-16:

Hannah's Vow

1 There was a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. His name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

2 He had two wives, the first named Hannah and the second Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was childless.

Hannah was the first wife of Elkanah. Hannah was childless which likely led Elkanah to seek a second wife.

3 This man would go up from his town every year to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were the Lord's priests.

Shiloh was located about 30 miles from Jerusalem. It had become a primary site for worship because a tabernacle with an altar for offering sacrifices had been constructed there. There Elkanah would offer sacrifices each year. 

4 Whenever Elkanah offered a sacrifice, he always gave portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to each of her sons and daughters.

5 But he gave a double portion to Hannah, for he loved her even though the Lord had kept her from conceiving.

This practice expressed Elkanah’s love and respect for Hannah. This did not set well with wife number two, Peninnah as we learn as we read on ---

6 Her rival would taunt her severely just to provoke her, because the Lord had kept Hannah from conceiving.

7 Whenever she went up to the Lord's house, her rival taunted her in this way every year. Hannah wept and would not eat.

8 "Hannah, why are you crying?" her husband Elkanah asked. "Why won't you eat? Why are you troubled? Am I not better to you than 10 sons?"

Elkanah’s reassurance of his love and devotion to Hannah was not enough for Hannah to get beyond the fact that she had not conceived and birth a baby. 

Peninnah knew that she was getting to Hannah. What was Hannah to do? She was distraught. 

Keep in mind that Hannah’s husband loved her and she knew it. However, what was Hannah’s relationship with GOD? Was she bitter toward GOD because HE had not given her a child? There are times in our lives when we need to be honest with GOD.

9 Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh. Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's tabernacle.

10 Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears.

11 Making a vow, she pleaded, "Lord of Hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant's affliction, remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut."

Notice, Hannah’s prayer was “If YOU will?”  It seems that Hannah was yielding to GOD. GOD, please pay attention to me. She was committing her life to GOD. She made her request. 

Often, we have to get to the end of our will and desire and place our faith and confidence in GOD. She referred to GOD as the “LORD OF Hosts,” which is evidence that she had placed her prayer into the hands of GOD WHO has the power to make her request come about. It also carries the idea of complete confidence and conviction that GOD hears and answers the earnest requests of those who love HIM. It is a reflection of her faith in GOD. She placed her request into GOD’S hands and would leave it there and trust HIM with the result.

That is exactly what GOD needed for Hannah to do. HE needed to bring Hannah to the point of her being willing to give HIM her first born because HE had a plan for him, Samuel. Samuel would anoint King David to succeed King Saul. GOD’S ways are not our ways. We get to see HIS hand working to prepare someone who will be used in the years to come. Hannah’s son, Samuel, would anoint the future of Israel, King David, who would be in the lineage of JESUS.

GOD has a plan for your life. DO NOT GIVE UP ON GOD BECAUSE HE HAS NOT GIVEN UP ON YOU! PRESS ON BECAUSE “JOY COMES IN THE MORNING.”

12 While she was praying in the Lord's presence, Eli watched her lips.

Eli the priest was observing her. Often, what we think or observe misses the mark of reality.

13 Hannah was speaking to herself, and although her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk

14 and scolded her, "How long are you going to be drunk? Get rid of your wine!"

Priest Eli jumped to a conclusion which GOD used for the benefit of Hannah.

You talk about adding insult to injury, the priest thought poor, distraught Hannah was DRUNK! This false assumption by Eli may have been GOD’S way of getting Eli to take a personal interest in Hannah and listen to her explanation why she had a heavy and broken heart.

15 "No, my lord," Hannah replied. "I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven't had any wine or beer; I've been pouring out my heart before the Lord.

16 Don't think of me as a wicked woman; I've been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment."

Hannah poured out her heart to GOD. She acknowledged that she was angry and harbored resentment. Was she angry with GOD or Peninnah and/or others or all? The point is that she dug deep within herself and came at grips with the source of her situation. It wasn’t GOD, her husband, Peninnah or others. It was her and she was the only one who could do something about it with GOD’S help.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:17-18 and 26-28:

17 Eli responded, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you've requested from Him."

Eli did not know what her petition was but he knew that whatever it was, she was broken hearted and was seeking GOD for a solution. She apparently did not mention the promise she made to GOD, which was if she had a son, she would dedicate him to GOD. This is good because, this agreement was between Hannah and GOD. She could have backed out when the baby was born but we know she was sincere because we know the rest of the story.

How many times do we renege on a promise we have made to GOD if HE would help us out of a jam? We need to confess such times and seek HIS forgiveness. Doing so helps us build the right relationship with GOD.

18 "May your servant find favor with you," she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer appeared downcast.

In essence, it seems that Hannah was saying, “When GOD answers my prayers may you be pleased with the results.” When we pray and ask GOD and HE says “YES!” there is a peace and an assurance that HE has heard and there will be a result. Hannah left her place of worship with that sweet assurance that GOD had heard her and she would accept GOD’S answer. She had gone before GOD with an honest heart of faith and trusted HIM to answer her request.

Have you ever experienced that sweet precious assurance from GOD? GOD has heard you and something will take place and whatever it is you know it is GOD’S will for you. Your desire is to be obedient in your availability, trust and service to GOD. 

Let’s read 1 Samuel 1:19-28:

Samuel's Birth and Dedication

19 The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow and to worship the Lord. Afterwards, they returned home to Ramah. Then Elkanah was intimate with his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her.

I imagine that Hannah had a spring in her step and a song in her heart as they returned home. She knew GOD had heard her.

20 After some time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, because [she said], "I requested him from the Lord."

21 When Elkanah and all his household went up to make the annual sacrifice and his vow offering to the Lord,

22 Hannah did not go and explained to her husband, "After the child is weaned, I'll take him to appear in the Lord's presence and to stay there permanently."

A child in Biblical times was weaned between 4 and 6 years old.

23 Her husband Elkanah replied, "Do what you think is best, and stay here until you've weaned him. May the Lord confirm your word." So Hannah stayed there and nursed her son until she weaned him.

24 When she had weaned him, she took him with her to Shiloh, as well as a three-year-old bull, two and one-half gallons of flour, and a jar of wine. 

Though the boy was [still] young, she took him to the Lord's house at Shiloh.

25 Then they slaughtered the bull and brought the boy to Eli.

26 "Please, my lord," she said, "as sure as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord.

I can almost hear Eli think, “Oh, yea that is when I stuck my foot in my mouth.”

27 I prayed for this boy, and since the Lord gave me what I asked Him for,

Hannah had a message for Eli, "Now, you know what I was praying about and GOD answered my prayer."

28 I now give the boy to the Lord. For as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord." Then he bowed and worshiped the Lord there.

GOD answered Hannah’s prayer for a son. She named him Samuel and followed through with her vow by giving him to serve GOD. It is not clear who bowed, Samuel or Eli. But it was a time for giving thanks to GOD for answered prayer.

GOD blessed Hannah with three additional sons and two daughters.

Let’s read 1 Samuel 2:1-3:

Hannah's Triumphant Prayer

1 Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is lifted up by the Lord. My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.

“My horn” is a reference to strength. Hannah’s strength and confidence in GOD had been renewed. She witnessed the hand of GOD and could rejoice with victory over her enemies. Answered prayer resulted in her rejoicing from being pulled from the miry clay of despair and the funk she had gotten into. GOD pulled her out and placed her feet upon the solid rock of faith and trust in GOD.   

2 There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides You! And there is no rock like our God.

3 Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogant [words] come out of your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and actions are weighed by Him.

We as humans cannot boast of what we can do compared to what GOD can do. 

GOD has full knowledge and the timetable when HE will take action on our requests. When we boast of our ability to take charge of matters, it reveals our attitude toward GOD. When we boast about our ability, we have the wrong attitude and relationship with GOD. That must change if we desire to have the right relationship with GOD. Hannah got it right. Trust GOD with the matters of life.

Hannah had to acknowledge that GOD was the One Who had the power to grant her request. She had to yield her will to GOD. When she did, GOD became the “rock” or solid foundation in her life.

Is JESUS your solid foundation? Are you still trying to run your life yourself? Trust JESUS to lead and guide your life. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Second Nature (5) - John the Baptist - John1:26-34; 3:26-30 - November 12, 2017

Bible Study – Second Nature (5) – John the Baptist – November 12, 2017

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Second Nature.”

Our focus scripture is John 1:26-34; 3:26-30.

CHRIST-centered living chooses to exalt CHRIST, not self.

Let’s read Isaiah 40:3:

3 A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

The prophet Isaiah wrote these prophet words which would be fulfilled some 700 years later. Let’s fast forward to about 29 A.D.

Let’s read Luke 1:5-25: (Background regarding John the Baptist’s Birth.)

Gabriel Predicts John's Birth

5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah's division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 Both were righteous in God's sight, living without blame according to all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.

7 But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.

8 When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,

9 it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense.

10 At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.

11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.

12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear.

13 But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.

14 There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother's womb.

16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.

18 "How can I know this?" Zechariah asked the angel. "For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years."

19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.

20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.

22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them and remained speechless.

23 When the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home.

24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said,

25 "The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people."

Let’s skip to and continue to read in Luke 1:57-66:

The Birth and Naming of John

57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son.

58 Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her His great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

59 When they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day, they were going to name him Zechariah, after his father.

60 But his mother responded, "No! He will be called John."

61 Then they said to her, "None of your relatives has that name."

62 So they motioned to his father to find out what he wanted him to be called.

63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote: HIS NAME IS JOHN And they were all amazed.

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue [set free], and he began to speak, praising God.

65 Fear came on all those who lived around them, and all these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea.

66 All who heard about [him] took [it] to heart, saying, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the Lord's hand was with him.

Let’s read Luke 1:67-80:

Zechariah's Prophecy

67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and provided redemption for His people.

69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David,

70 just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets in ancient times;

71 salvation from our enemies and from the clutches of those who hate us.

72 He has dealt mercifully with our fathers and remembered His holy covenant-

73 the oath that He swore to our father Abraham. He has given us the privilege,

74 since we have been rescued from our enemies' clutches, to serve Him without fear

75 in holiness and righteousness in His presence all our days.

76 And child, you will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways,

77 to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.

78 Because of our God's merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us

79 to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

80 The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

This leads us to John the Baptist’s public ministry.

We also need to remember that Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist and Mary, the mother of JESUS were cousins. (Luke 1:36 - 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth-even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren.)

Let’s read John 1:26-30:

26 "I baptize with water," John answered them. "Someone stands among you, but you don't know [Him].

John the Baptist message was a message of repentance. John the Baptist would “baptize with water.” But the yet to be identified person would offer more than repentance and physical water. What HE would offer is recorded in Matthew 3:11-12:

11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to take off His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

JESUS, THE MESSIAH, will cleanse and indwell all who will place their faith in HIM.

12 His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out."

John the Baptist was the forerunner or herald who announced the coming of the promised Messiah. When a king came to an area, village or town a herald or forerunner would go before the king to announce the coming of the king so the people would be prepared to come out and pay homage to and welcome the king.

JESUS’ public ministry had not begun but HIS ministry was on the threshold of beginning and it was John the Baptist who GOD had called to announce HIS coming and to baptize HIM for ministry. 

27 He is the One coming after me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to untie."

John the Baptist made it very clear that he, John the Baptist, was not the promised Messiah. In fact, he was not worthy to untie this person’s sandal. The promised Messiah was JESUS.

28 All this happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

This Bethany is different from the village where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. John the Apostle referred to area as Bethabara. It is thought that the Apostle John made this distinction purposely.

The Lamb of God

29 The next day John 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.'

John the Baptist knew that JESUS had been sent by GOD from Heaven to live upon earth as a human, yet divine.

Let’s read John 1:31-34:

31 I didn't know Him, but I came baptizing with water so He might be revealed to Israel."

John the Baptist knew JESUS as a relative but not HIM as the Messiah until it was revealed to him.

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 who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The One you see the Spirit descending and resting on-He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

34 I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God!"

We need to keep in mind that John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit while inside his mother’s womb. (Look back to Luke 1:15) The Holy Spirit had revealed to John the Baptist vital information regarding what would identify the Messiah.

Let’s read John 1:35-36:

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!"

This is John the Baptist’s confirmation to others that JESUS was the promised Messiah. The term “The Lamb of GOD” was very revealing because JESUS would be the perfect sacrifice necessary to redeem mankind from sin and its consequence eternal death. This would be accomplished by HIS sinless life and HIM willingly shedding HIS blood to pay, in full, for the sin of all who will place their faith in HIM.

The passion of JESUS reflected the Jewish sacrificial system. The sacrifice of a lamb without blemish by the shedding of its blood was an eternal placeholder until JESUS willingly gave HIS perfect, sinless life for all who will place their faith in HIM. That step of faith results in salvation from sin and its consequence eternal death.

Salvation is the beginning of building a loving, personal, intimate, dynamic relationship with GOD through faith in HIS Only Son JESUS. Building this relationship is the process of sanctification, to be made “Saint-like” or “being set aside to obediently be available to be used for HIS purpose.   

Let’s read John 3:25-30:

25 Then a dispute arose between John's disciples and a Jew about purification.

26 So they came to John and told him, "Rabbi, the One you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing-and everyone is flocking to Him."

27 John responded, "No one can receive a single thing unless it's given to him from heaven.

28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of Him.'

29 He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice. So this joy of mine is complete.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease."

John the Baptist again confirmed JESUS as the promise Messiah.

Have you asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins and asked HIM to come into your heart? If not, now is that opportunity. As recorded in Romans 10:9-10:

9 if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.

What is referred to as the Roman road to salvation is found in: Romans 3:23 (All have sinned); Romans 6:23 (The penalty for our sin is eternal death); Romans 5:8 (JESUS died to pay the debt for sin, which opened direct access to GOD through faith in JESUS paying that debt.); Romans 10:9-10 is the expression of that faith.

The Holy Spirit confirms our salvation and is the guarantee of salvation in every person’s heart that he or she is GOD’S Son or Daughter through the miracle of rebirth in his or her spirit. If you have asked JESUS into your life and confess HIM as your Savior, welcome into the family of GOD and blessings as you obediently serve HIM. Blessings!!!