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?