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?