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.