NOT A FAN

Becoming A Completely Committed Follower of Jesus: Bible Study Lesson 7

In the final chapters of his book Idleman begins to stress the urgency for those of us who have hesitated to fully follow Jesus to resist waiting to make that decision to totally and completely give over our entire life to Jesus in every possible way.  He warns us against the dangers of procrastination and how ignorant all of us are concerning how close we are to entering eternity. Idleman leaves no room for vacillating. You are either a fan or a follower! Chose your side today!

Is There A Question That God Cannot Answer?

There appears to be a question that even God cannot answer:

Heb 2:3-4

3 How shall we escape, if we neglect (ignore) so great salvation?; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?  KJV

Now, be careful how you might attempt to answer a question that God cannot answer. There are some people who have attempted to establish some “ways” of escaping. But Solomon, the wise man, made this observation about them:

Prov 16:25

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. KJV

The Destructive Force of Negligence

QUESTION: So, what does a person need to do in order to be eternally lost and separated from God?

It is important to point out here that the Hebrew writer is not writing to sinners but rather to the saved. Also, he is not talking about “rejecting” salvation but he is speaking of neglecting or ignoring the salvation we have obtained through Christ.  Making this point in:

 Heb 2:1

 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away NIV

When we neglect God's Word, prayer, worship with God's people (see Heb. 10:25), and other opportunities for spiritual growth, we start to drift into spiritual paralysis. 

QUESTION: If neglect requires no action on our part, what makes it so powerful?

In order for a business man to go bankrupt he doesn’t have to frivolously spend his money, all he needs to do and sit and just do nothing; likewise, for a sick man to die he doesn’t need to commit suicide but he needs only to simply stop taking his necessary medications. 

QUESTION: How are these examples relevant with Hebrew 2:3? How does a person “neglect” salvation?

DO YOU AGREE?: “More spiritual problems are caused by our neglect than any other cause.”

Ignoring So Great Salvation

QUESTIONS: What makes our salvation so great?

The writer of Hebrews makes an inquiry regarding exactly how the “almost-a-follower” of Jesus plans to escape the judgment of God if they continue to ignore the great salvation provided for them through the cross.  It is called a “great salvation” because it saves or delivers men from the kingdom of darkness, ignorance, error, superstition, and idolatry; and provides all the means to free them from the power, guilt, and contamination of sin.—

As those who are called “Christians,” we would do ourselves much good to consistently remind ourselves of how “great” our salvation really is! It is great because it was first introduced by Jesus himself! It is a great salvation because it requires no works on our part for it is freely given to us. It is great because the giver is not some deceased oracle or perished prophet but a living loving God full of mercy and grace towards us. It is great because this salvation  wasn’t purchased with corruptible things like silver or gold, but it was bought with the blood of his only begotten Son! It is great because it is not esoterically distributed but rather made available to “whosoever will” come unto our God. It is great because there is no power in heaven, earth or hell that can render it impotent or void; nor is there any sin or sinner that can resist its cleansing sanctifying power!

It stands to reason that if God held the nation of Israel accountable for their sins even though they only had a written law, prophets, judges and kings as earthly representatives, how much more will God hold us accountable for our sins and trespasses who have been given heavenly representatives in the person of the Word made flesh in the form of Jesus Christ his Son and the person and work of the Holy Spirit as our guide, sanctifier and keeper? Like a person who perishes because they refuse to take the medication that would cure their ailment, so is the sinner that refuses so great salvation being administered by Jesus the great physician.

It’s More To Salvation Than Just “NOT” doing certain things

Phil 2:12-13

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. KJV

Paul does not say “work for” your salvation but “work out” your own salvation meaning to go on to completion; much like someone working out a mathematical problem. Our lives have tremendous potential but like a farmer’s field, it must be worked. The scripture also speaks to our individuality. We are never to become cheap imitations of other Christians! Paul was calling for the church in Philippi to put their salvation to action addressing the problems in their church.  Paul assures us that this “work” is not accomplished through our own power but through God’s.

NOT A FAN

Becoming A Completely Committed Follower of Jesus: Bible Study Lesson 6

Kyle Idleman in chapters eleven and twelve continues to stress the sacrificial nature of being a follower of Jesus. When speaking of the conditions of the crucifixion as it relates to the condemned persons actually transporting their own cross he writes:

“You can’t carry a cross without suffering. There is no comfortable way to carry a cross; I don’t care how you position it.”  (Idleman pg. 160).

QUESTIONS: What point is idleman trying to make with this statement? What are some of the crosses that followers of Jesus must bear?

Any Volunteers For Suffering?

There are three would be “followers” of Jesus who ended up showing their true colors as mere fans of Jesus!

2 Tim 3:12-13

Yes, and those who decide to please Christ Jesus by living godly lives will suffer (persecution) at the hands of those who hate him. TLB (italics mine)

It stands to reason that if Christianity is against the devil than the devil is most certainly against Christianity and all of those who are called by that name. Consequently, the Christian should expect no less that Satan’s worst. Satan, and all those that are his conspire against God and all those that are his. Paul was a man who lived by godly principles and pursued a walk that was pleasing to God. That journey brought him into direct opposition to Satan and his demonic host. The question that Idleman asks is “Am I really carrying a cross if there is no suffering and sacrifice?” (Idleman pg 161).

Luke 9:57-62

FAN NUMBER ONE “The Comfortable Servant”

57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

During those days the students or disciples of a rabbi would be required to follow him everywhere he went and to partake of whatever the rabbi did. So when the rabbi ate, the students ate and when he rested, they rested etc. Knowing in advance that he might have to follow Jesus into homelessness, the man had some thinking to do.  It is believed that the man to which this text was addressed was himself a scribe and had probably witnessed some of the miracles of Jesus and had most likely believed that by being a follower of Jesus he would be placed in a very profitable position to receive some worldly advantages.

However, once there was a determination that the disciples were not staying at the Hilton or the Ritz Carlton or being entertained at the homes of the rich and famous, this would be follower withdrew his proposal.

QUESTIONS: Given all of the hardships that Jesus’ disciples had to endure, why would anyone want to volunteer to become one of them?  Do people seek out Jesus today because of some perceived advantages?

FAN NUMBER TWO “The Mis-Prioritized Servant”

59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

This particular man received a personal call from Jesus to follow him, but declined because he had something of more importance of which to engage his energies. He tell Jesus, that before he responds to Jesus’ request that is something of greater importance he must attend to.  He must go “first” and bury his father. What this is mostly likely to mean is that the man wanted to put off following Jesus until after his father died. Oddly enough, this man was concerned more about preparing for his father’s funeral than he was his own funeral and eternal home. Perhaps this man was a first born son and wanted to be sure to be home to claim his inheritance!  Jesus was not suggesting that the man dishonor his family or neglect his responsibility but was rather making the point that we cannot allow any relationship or responsibility to have a greater priority to doing God’s will.

QUESTIONS: What really disqualified this man from following Jesus? What would this man have lost to have followed Jesus? What would have gained if he had followed him?

FAN NUMBER THREE “The Distracted Servant”

61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.KJV

This particular man announced his willingness to follow Jesus but rather than looking forward to his walk with Christ chose rather to look backward upon the life from which Jesus was about to lead him from. He was distracted by the people and things of his past.  Jesus requires total dedication from his followers not half-hearted commitment. QUESTION: When does helping out your family or bidding farewell become a sin?

“Snuggie Theology”

This is the term used by Idleman to describe the soft and easy; non-sacrificial perception of discipleship held by many Christians.  He writes “we are by nature comfort seekers, not cross bearers.” (Idleman pg. 212). It would seem that modern day Christians bear little resemblance to their earlier counterparts. Many churches in order to fill their pews preach a more comfortable doctrine one that sets their listeners in a state of spiritual ease regardless of the reality of their standing with the word of God.

2 Tim 4:3-5  3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.KJV People today would rather hear men’s opinions than the word of God concerning life’s matters. They would rather follow man’s wisdom than Gods’ word. They look for teachers who’s gospel requires no suffering, dying to self or sacrifice of worldly lust. They no longer desire “preachers” but they now want “speakers.”

NOT A FAN

Becoming A Completely Committed Follower of Jesus: Bible Study Lesson 4

What I Say vs. What I do

Matt 7:21

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. KJV

Author Kyle Idleman wrote: “Jesus makes a distinction between fans and followers by contrasting the word “says” with the word “does.” We live at a time when we have become increasingly comfortable with separating what we say we believe with how we live.” (Idleman pg 104).  It would appear that it is possible for many of us to believe one thing and yet act or live in complete opposition to that belief. So, a person could actually believe the healthy eating and exercise is vital to good health but they neither eat healthy nor exercise. QUESTION: How can such a conflict exist within a person?  Would you agree that in all honesty, everyone lives with some level of contradiction in their life? Why is this?

Exactly What Is Hypocrisy?

Frank is a deacon in his church. His church teaches against drinking alcohol and smoking. James does both and when he comes to church; he attempts to cover the smell with cologne, mints and gum. Is Frank a hypocrite?

QUESTIONS: If a person “knows better” but fails to “do better” is that person a hypocrite? Can a believer live up to all that he or she knows or has in the Lord? One could argue that only when a person deliberately attempts to deceive others would such a person be considered a hypocrite.

QUESTIONS: So, considering this assertion, is Deacon Frank a hypocrite? Considering Deacon’s Frank’s struggle, what actions could result in Deacon Frank’s spiritual growth and what actions might hinder his spiritual growth in this area?

Church Member See, Church Member Do

In the scripture lesson above, Jesus contrasts the believer who expresses a “said” faith with those that show a “demonstrated” faith.  One is draped in what may have been the best of intentions while the other is heavy with solid results. Often times people will settle for giving others the illusion of Christian virtues as long as such a false display gains them the praise, acclaim and esteem that they so desperately desire.

It has been said the “imitation” is the best form of flattery. Perhaps this is true in some cases but certainly not when it comes to being an authentic follower of Jesus Christ. There is a lot of misery in the world today that comes from people trying to look like something rather than actually being that something.

Acts 4:36-5:5

36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 5

5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled (crammed) thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. KJV

It would be beneficial to this lesson to reflect, if ever so briefly, on the concluding verses of chapter 4. This section of scripture tells of an immensely benevolent spirit within the early church. Not only was Barnabas giving cheerfully but an outpouring of sacrificial giving was present throughout the church as a whole. It is important to keep this in mind when studying the events in chapter 5 so that a clear contrast might be evident.  It must be noted here that the couple in this narrative were under no obligation to sell their possessions nor if they did so, to give the money they got from the sale to the apostles. This was something that was solely left to an individual’s discretion. Furthermore, this couple were no doubt disciples; believers and followers of Christ who have confessed faith in the finished work of Christ.  Nevertheless, they pretended to have been operating under the influence of the Holy Ghost to deliver the complete amount of the sale for the use of the ministry.  This was a demonic assault on the church of which this couple mutually consented to and gave place to the devil to pervert the Holy Spirit’s purpose and create a role for hypocrisy among its followers.  QUESTIONS: Why would Ananias and his wife attempt such an action? We’re they influenced by someone else? What do you believe their initial intentions were prior to receiving the money? Were they aware of the potential consequences of their actions? Shouldn’t they have been warned of such consequences in advance? If Satan “filled” Ananias’ heart, was he powerless to resist such a temptation? (READ: I Cor 10: 11 – 13)  Always consider that God is gracious, but He is also holy.

God’s Pattern Of Judgments

Scripture shows that God judges sin severely at the beginning of any salvation period

·         Lev. 10: 1 – 2  Opening of the Tabernacle

·         Joshua 7: 24 – 25 Entrance Into the Promise Land

Lies Have Purpose

All lies are told for one purpose, and that is to deceive. QUESTION: So who were Ananias and Sapphira trying to deceive and who was really deceived? It is startling to see that while Satan appeared to have talked this couple into an elaborate scheme to deceive the church members, Satan’s actual plans were to deceive the couple. So, the purpose of this lie was to destroy this couple. QUESTION: What is the ultimate purpose or outcome of hypocrisy in a Christian? In the end, if you’re not right with God, it doesn’t matter who else thinks you’re right. 

NOT A FAN

Becoming A Completely Committed Follower of Jesus: Bible Study Lesson 3

Believing Is Not Enough For the City (of Heaven)

In chapter 5, Idleman tells a story of a famous marksman who was on the brink of earning a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics. When he had only one more shot to make to earn the gold, he fired and hit the bull’s eye… unfortunately, he had aimed at the wrong target and ended up in eight place. Idleman says that when it comes to being a true follower, “It’s not a question of effort or desire. They are following hard.  Here is the problem; it’s not Jesus they are following. Without realizing it, they are aiming at the wrong target.” (Idleman pg. 69). The passage below illustrates such a dilemma.

Matt 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (I never acknowledged you or approved of you) : depart from me, ye that work iniquity. KJV

Most Christians at some point were required to confess their faith in Jesus Christ as a means of their public acknowledgement of their belief that indeed Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of the world. Such a confession is totally biblical and is most certainly relevant to the salvation experience. However, most of us who have publically confessed our belief in Christ were never publically asked to confess our willingness to following him and fully obey his will. Jesus informs his listeners that just because someone acknowledges his authority, power and divine nature and believes in his office as the only wise God does not guarantee them entry into heaven.

QUESTIONS: If believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and having faith in his atoning death and resurrection isn’t enough to get me into heaven what is? And, what Christian practice really changes a person?

 Obedience to his will is the test of true faith in Christ! The lesson here is a fearful lesson. It at once speaks both of the great mercies of God and the terrible judgment of God. God in his great mercy blesses the gifts he has placed upon this individual allowing his Spirit to accomplish his mission in the souls of those that are being ministered to while at the same time rejecting the very vessel in which these gifts are operating.  These are those who point out the road to others but fail to walk on it themselves!

Rom 1:18

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; KJV

QUESTION: Why would God use someone that is “holding” his truth in unrighteousness to accomplish his will?

In reality, God may use any agency that his sovereign will determines. He may gift the unsaved surgeon to save a life just as easily as he uses an unrighteous preacher to lead others to Christ. God doesn’t require your permission to gift someone.

QUESTIONS: How do you feel about this statement? Shouldn’t God only entrust his miracles to those that are authentically and genuinely serving him is righteousness? Why would he make such exceptions? Keep in mind, that God didn’t save you and gift you because of your stellar resume. He did it out of his grace and sovereign will.

We who believe we are working for God must understand that the final test is not what we think of ourselves, or what others may think. The final test is: What will God say?—

EXPLAIN what you feel the author meant when he wrote: “Jesus doesn’t expect followers to be perfect, but he does call them to be authentic” (Idleman pg. 73)

What Is it All About?

Matt 23:5

"Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear extra long tassels on their robes. NLT

Being a true follower of Jesus is more than just saying “Lord, Lord” and then NOT obeying his commands! Words and religious practices are never a substitute for obedience. In this text in Matthew, Jesus confronts the so-called religious leadership of his day (the Pharisees) and accuses them of being hypocrites. Such a term refers to ancient theatre where one talented actor played many roles by constantly holding a different mask over his face. The audience would be mesmerized by the actor’s talents but they would never see the actor’s real face. 

Matt 23:27-28

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. NIV

Like a skilled actor, many people work hard to keep up outward appearances of looking like a follower when in fact they have died inwardly.  I am told that Hepatitis C is a very critical disease of the liver but you will never see its effects on the outside of the body for some time; “instead it just eats your insides” (Idleman pg. 76). If the disease would attack people’s face rather than just there liver, then they would probably act faster to address the problem. An interesting observation is that unrighteousness in the life of a sinner tends to show outwardly because they tend to have little motivation to conceal that which they see as their normalcy. But unrighteousness in the life of a Christians, like Hepatitis C, tends to be kept more inwardly as the Christian must thwart off the convicting power of the Holy Ghost and labor to keep up a righteous front for others to see. 

NOT A FAN

Becoming A Completely Committed Follower of Jesus: Bible Study Lesson 2

This is the first of a series of bible studies based on author Kyle Idleman’s book “not a fan.” In his book the author challenges the reader to consider whether or not we are truly committed to following Jesus or if we are as the title implies, just an enthusiastic “admirer” of Jesus.

Are You A Professional Student?

I recall returning to the university where I had gotten by undergraduate degree a few years after I had graduated and discovering that one of my former college friends had not yet graduated and was actually still attending classes.  After exchanging some pleasantries I popped the real question.. “why are you still here?” I will purposely not give you their response (sorry to all you nosey folk…), but I rather you would answer that question personally about your own growth and development. “Why are you still “here” in walk with Christ? Our challenge in this bible study series is to take an honest look at our level of commitment as a true follower of Christ. Are we a true sacrificing follower of Jesus or just an “enthusiastic admirer?” Do you look for opportunities to do and give more to the Lord, or search for excuses to keep from giving or doing more? Would you rather just stay in the confines of your comfort zone rather than move out of your stagnation in to a pursuit of godly excellence? QUESTION: Why do you think people linger in spiritual childhood and adolescence? It is possible to be a perpetual student and never graduate to accepting the truth and putting it into practice.

Information Minus Application Equals Stagnation

2 Tim 3:7   Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge (discernment) of the truth. KJV

The author Idleman writes:  “The problem isn’t knowledge. The problem is that you can have knowledge without having intimacy. In fact, knowledge can be a false indicator of intimacy.” “..We have established systems of learning (within the church) that result in knowledge but not  necessarily in intimacy.” (Idleman pg 44 italics mine) In reality, I am not asking if you know about Jesus, I am asking if you know him! QUESTIONS: How could someone confuse knowledge of God with intimacy with God? How could you recognize someone in that predicament?

There is without question a biblical mandate that we as Christians “study to shew ourselves approved unto God…” (2 Tim. 2:15) and yet such study without an authentic desire to translate that acquired knowledge into practice is a pointless operation.  Simply attending bible studies, reading religious books and attending Christian conferences without specific application in our daily lives can easily make us a prime example of the apostle is speaking of in this verse.  In this particular text we discover that many of those who heard the preaching of Paul received little to no real benefit from his instruction. QUESTION: Why were many of Paul’s listeners never able to come to truly understand the truth? Was it because of Paul’s inferior doctrine or preaching ability? The mere acquisition of information is not the same as a real relationship with Jesus Christ.

There is some question whether or not everyone really wants to find “truth” especially, when that truth points out our own falsehoods, flaws and sins.  We are perhaps better able to hear the truth about others more than we are prepared to hear the truth about ourselves.  Following Christ is hard work; the bulk of which is done within us. Truly knowing Jesus is the only way to really know what truth is. QUESTION: Why would someone be reluctant to embrace truth?

Interestingly in this text the Apostle Paul is confronting a band of false religious teachers who had been peddling a bootlegged gospel that was geared to give the people a false doctrine that afforded their followers a false sense of spiritual comfort and security. QUESTION: Who do you think was most susceptible to these false teacher’s doctrine? (READ 2 Tim 3: 5 – 7)

Is Your Heart Really In It?

Matt 15:8   These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. NIV

The term “these people” refer to the well bible-trained but highly hypocritical Pharisees who in their conversations professed a relationship with God while in reality they did not possess a relationship with God.  Just keeping regular religious practices is no guarantee that one’s heart is in the matter. QUESTION: Why might someone go through the motions of real devotion when in reality there is none? The Pharisees had confronted Jesus about allowing his disciples to eat without the purifying themselves to the ceremonial washing of their hands. Like the Pharisees, we ask our children if they have washed their hands before they come to the table, but have given little regard to what they have watched on television. Which is the greater issue?  How much easier it is to just say the right things rather than to do the right things. And, how much easier it is to weigh the sins and errors of others on the personal scales of your own judgment while never stepping on that same scale yourself!

Fans and Followers

READ: Luke 7: 37 – 50

There have always been fans and followers and I suppose this will always be so. The reasons why men seek out religion is as diverse as snowflakes. In the scripture referenced in this section we meet one named Simon a religious leader of his day; a Pharisee who invites Jesus to join him in the courtyard of his home for a meal. Upon Jesus arrival the food was served and Simon and his guest sat down or as was the custom of the time, reclined on a pillow placing their feet behind them. As dinner was underway suddenly an uninvited woman crashed the party and immediately fell at the feet of Jesus crying on his feet and wiping the tears away with her hair, kissing his feet and anointing them with very expensive perfume.  QUESTIONS: What were the reaction of the other guest? What had the woman did that Simon the host failed to do? Who was more of a fan in this story and why?

Where Does Jesus Stand In Your Life?

Luke 14:26  "Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters-yes, more than his own life-otherwise he cannot be my disciple. TLB

“Jesus isn’t just saying, “I want to be first place in your life.” He is saying, I don’t even want there to be a second place. Fans will try to make Jesus one of many even the first many…” (Idleman pg 59).  Following Christ requires your whole heart.  EXPLAIN “Fans don’t want to put Jesus on the throne of their hearts. Instead they keep a couch on their hearts and offer Jesus a cushion.” (Idleman pg. 63). QUESTION: Can you really follow Jesus part time? 

NOT A FAN BIBLE STUDY

NOT A FAN

Becoming A Completely Committed Follower of Jesus: Bible Study Lesson 1

This is the first of a series of bible studies based on author Kyle Idleman’s book “not a fan.” In his book the author challenges the reader to consider whether or not we are truly committed to following Jesus or if we are as the title implies, just an enthusiastic “admirer” of Jesus.

Following Jesus Is Never Without Cost

Matt 19:16-23 (companion scriptures: Mark 10:17, Luke 18:18 )

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. KJV

The young man in the scriptures here presents a most important question to Jesus; essentially asking Jesus “What do I do to be saved?”  In the gospel of Mark we are told that this young man came running demonstrating a sense of urgency and fell on his knees before Christ humbly pleading for Jesus’ response.  He calls him by the title “teacher” so then acknowledging his need for enlightenment from the master teacher. The young ruler demonstrates his respect, reverence and even his belief that Jesus is worthy of his admiration and even worship and that he has within his person the capacity to answer this most important question concerning his eternal destination.  After some questioning by Jesus regarding the young man’s religious practices the young man affirms his stellar performance yet confesses that despite his best efforts at following religious rules he still feels a lacking in his life. Jesus responses to him by telling him if he would indeed by “perfect” being translated as “complete in every part” he would need to sell all he possessed and give it to the poor and follow him. Perhaps the young man was looking for an easy entry into discipleship.

QUESTIONS: What did Jesus mean by the remark “Why calleth me good?, none is good but one, that is God?” Was the young man attempting to gain salvation though his works and was Jesus somehow endorsing a salvation by works? Read Rom. 3:28.

EXPLAIN THIS STATEMENT: Jesus didn’t bring up the law to show the young man “how” to be saved, but rather that he needed to “be” saved.  

The Human Lacking Remains

Mark 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Though, like the young man, we may do many righteous things, our righteous expressions cannot be defined by one or two “good” actions or a particular area of sacrifice and commitment. For example, merely paying your tithes without sharing Christ readily with others shows and incompleteness. Faithful church attendance without any responsibility to expand the gospel of Christ shows incompleteness. There was a calling upon this young man’s life that was yet unanswered. This left him, despite his religious practices, with a sense of lacking and incompleteness. During Jesus’ questioning of him, he declares his love for God and his neighbor yet is not willing to sacrifice mere things to express his love of either.

QUESTIONS: Do you think that the young man sincerely wanted an answer? Why? What was Jesus offering this young man? Why were other disciples willing to take Jesus up on his offer but not this young man? Why did Jesus ask him to sell all his possessions when He never asked anyone else to do so?

Despite that fact that he had “great possessions,” the young man must have been experiencing some sense if incompleteness and emptiness all of which had driven him to seek out Christ only to walk away from his answer back into the state of discontent from which he had come. Jesus had offered the young man discipleship. An office that would have landed him squarely in the service of God and would have translated his temporary earthly possessions into eternal treasures in heaven.  It is good to have all the things that money can by unless it causes us to lose all the things money cannot buy! Without Christ the young man would simply die and become one of the richest men in the graveyard.

QUESTION: Do Christians turn down God’s employment opportunities to work in his kingdom today? If so, why?

Fan or Follower?

“Fans often confuse their admiration for devotion, knowledge of Jesus for intimacy with Jesus, and assume their good intentions make up for their apathetic faith.” Idleman pg.27

Author Kyle Idle says: “I think Jesus has a lot of fans these days.” He goes on to define a fan as an “enthusiastic admirer” and explains how “Fans sit safely in the stands cheering, but they know nothing of the sacrifice and pain on the field. Fans of Jesus know all about him, but they don’t know him.” He further states: “The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually interested I following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.”

QUESTION: If you could speak with this young man, what advice would you give him? What examples in your own life would you use to show that you are a follower and not just a fan?