For these 2 months....

THE GREAT DIVIDE
November-December 2007


'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.' John 1:14

One simple phrase has been described as 'The Great Divide of Christianity': 'The Word became flesh ...'

These words from John's Gospel separate the Christian faith from all other religions. Here we read of the Living Word, who stepped out of eternity and into our lives. Instead of following a set of rules, we can follow a Person – Jesus. And this Person, who is also our God, has identified with our humanity and defeated death for us.

In this issue, Selwyn considers the uniqueness of Christ. See how, through our Saviour, we have the inexhaustible resources to face anything and emerge 'more than conquerors'!

Click here to download PDF of first week. To get the devotional data for the whole bimonth, please approach any good Christian bookstore to get a copy.

Source: http://www.cwr.org.uk/publishing/edwj/latest/index.php

Flawless character

Luke 23:13-15,41,47

1. What did people acknowledge about Christ?

They examined Christ and realized he has done nothing to deserve death. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."

Hebrews 7:11-28

2. What divided Jesus from other religious leaders?

Jesus is one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Life creative

2 Kings 4:8-17

1. How did the woman express creativity?

When the woman saw Elisha, a man of God, she urged him to stop for a meal. She even make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.

Colossians 1:1-10

2. What are we called to express?

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.

We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

The reason for living

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

1. Why is personal sacrifice for others insufficient?

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

2. What are the characteristics of pure love?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

An open heart

Luke 10:25-37

1. What was Jesus' teaching about love?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

2. What was Paul's teaching about love?

Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.

One burning message

Philippians 1:1-11

1. What was Paul's prayer for the Philippians?

Paul's prayer: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

2. Why did Paul commend the Thessalonians?

It is because their faith is growing more and more, and the love every one has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God's churches they boast about their perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials the Thessalonians are enduring.

Where your love starts

Luke 23:39-43

1. Why would a criminal go into paradise?

It is because the criminal admitted his sins and confess Jesus is Lord who is punished for doing nothing wrong. Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Ephesians 2:1-10

2. What was God's motivation to save us?

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

The greatest pain

John 14:25-26

1. What would the Holy Spirit do?

The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 16:7-15

2. Why was it good for the disciples that Jesus was going away?

It is for the disciple's good that Jesus was going away. Unless Jesus goes away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if Jesus goes, He will send him to them. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Jesus said "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."

'Listen to Him!'

Psalms 19:1-7; Hebrews 1:1-3

1. How has God spoken to us?

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

2. What is different about Jesus?

Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Unafraid!

Jeremiah 31:1-6

1. Why is God's love perfect?

God's love is perfect because He has loved you with an everlasting love and He have drawn you with loving-kindness.

Hebrews 4:14-16

2. What can we do with confidence?

Since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Pull out all the stops!

John 15:12-13

1. Why may some unwillingly die?

We do not follow this command of God: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Ephesians 3:14-19

2. What did Paul pray for?

Paul pray that out of Christ's glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And He pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

What compels us?

Matthew 26:69-75

1. How did fear affect Peter?

Fear caused Peter to deny Jesus three times.

Mark 7:24-30

2. What compelled the woman to argue with Jesus?

Jesus entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."

Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

'The great destroyer'

Matthew 26:47-56

1. What does fear cause to do?

When Jesus was seized, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"

Fear causes us to act rashly.

John 20:19-20

2. What does Jesus do when we hide in fear?

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Fear- the thing to fear

Isaiah 43:1-7

1. Why need we not fear?

The Lord says, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west."

Matthew 14:25-33

2. Why did Peter sink?

Peter was at first with faith to walk on water with Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and fearful and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!".

The basis of certainty

Romans 8:11-17

1. What have we received?

The Father gives life to our mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Galatians 5:22-25

2. What happens when we allow the Holy Spirit to help us?

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

'Nor anything else'

Jonah 2:1-10

1. What was Jonah's experience of God's reach?

From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. "When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.

And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Romans 8:35-39

2. Why can nothing separate us from God' love?

In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Trouble with authority

Psalms 8:1-9

1. What did the psalmist affirm?

The psalmist affirmed that who is man that God is mindful of whom God made a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. God made men ruler over the works of our hands and put everything under our feet.

John 19:1-11

2. How did Christ view Pilate's authority?

When Pilate said "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?", Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

How never to be old

Psalms 92:12-15; Romans 8:18; Galatians 1:3-4

1. What may we expect in old age?

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.

2. How did Paul view the present?

Paul consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Seeing good as evil

Philippians 4:10-13; Luke 10:17-20; 1 Timothy 6:6-18

1. Why should we not fear demons?

This is because even the demons submit to the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

2. What secret did Paul share?

Paul have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. We can do everything through him who gives us strength.

Let us pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

'Room to grow up in'

Acts 20:22-24

1. Why did Paul not fear life's hardship?

Paul considered his life worth nothing to him, if only he may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given —the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

1 Thess. 4:13-18

2. Why can we be encouraged in the face of death?

We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Not blinkered or blind

Acts 16:16-34

1. How did Paul and Silas respond to persecution?

After they were thrown into jail for casting out an evil spirit, they did not blame or get angry with God. Instead they were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

2. What was the result?

Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.

The way of realism

2 Corinthians 11:23-33

1. What was Paul's experience?

Besides all the hardship, he face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and he do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and he does not inwardly burn?

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

2. How did he overcome weakness?

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

"If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying."

'In all things'

Matthew 7:24-27

1. Why is it foolish to ignore Christ's teachings?

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

2. What was Paul's testimony?

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Why do we struggle

Luke 9:57-62

1. What did Jesus explain about being His disciples?

As the people were walking along the road, a man said to Jesus, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." till another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."

Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Luke 14:25-35

2. What are we to carry and what to lay down?

Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Christ cannot be His disciple.

Anyone who does not lay down everything cannot be His disciple.

Duality brings disaster

1 Kings 11:1-11

1. Why was Solomon unwise?

The Lord told Solomon that he must not intermarry with the foreign women, because they will surely turn his hearts after their gods. But Solomon did not take deed and indeed committed idolatory.

So the Lord said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates."

James 4:8-10

2. What are the double-minded to do?

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

A spiritual diarchy

Luke 18:18-25

1. What diarchy did the ruler have?

Wealth and riches is the diarchy that the ruler have, that he does not willing to part in order to obtain eternal life.

James 1:5-8

2. What is the result of double-mindedness?

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Crying for the Shephard

Luke 15:3-7

1. How does Jesus feel about His sheep who have strayed?

Jesus will rejoice, " I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

Luke 1:5-10

2. Why may we be deceived?

We may be deceived by our current states, because we do not see the bigger picture that God sees across time and space.

Purity is not maturity

Matthew 15:1-20

1. Why were the Pharisees offended?

Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites for they honor Christ with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. They worship in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.

2. What did Jesus explain?

What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'

Whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.'

No immunity!

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

1. How can we escape temptation?

(i) Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry."

(ii) We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.

(iii) We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes.

(iv) And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:9-12

2. What should we pursue?

As man of God, flee from all this evil, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Pardon and power

Romans 6:1-14

1. What part do we and God play in overcoming sin?

We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Romans 7:21-25

2. Why is God's grace not limited to forgiveness?

God's grace is not just limited to forgiveness but also to give us the strength to live an overcoming life for His glory. Without His strength, it is impossible to escape being a slave to the laws of sin.

'Naturalised defeat'

Numbers 13:26-14:4

1. What was Caleb's natural attitude to difficulties?

Caleb's reaction was that they should go up and take possession of the land, for they can certainly do it with the strength of the Lord.

Joshua 14:6-12

2. What was the Israelites' natural attitude?

The Israelites reacted and said that the people in that land are stronger and bigger, thus a defeat looks very possible.

Non-expectancy

Acts 3:1-19

1. What did the crippled man expect to receive?

The crippled man expected to receive money from Peter and John.

2. What did Peter and John expect him to receive?

Peter and John expect him to receive healing in the name of Jesus, and indeed the crippled man could walk after that.

Moral winners

2 Corinthians 1:3-11

1. How did Paul conquer his situation?

Paul was under great pressure, far beyond ability to endure, feeling the sentence of death. But this happened that they might not rely on themselves but on God, who raises the dead. God has delivered Paul from such a deadly peril. On Him, Paul have set hope that God will continue to deliver them.

Philippians 4:10-13

2. Why can we be more than a conqueror?

It is because we can do anything not by our own strength but through the strength of God.

'Disorganised grammar'

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

1. How can we understand the deep things of God?

No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Ephesians 1:15-23

2. To what does Paul compare God's power?

God's power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Old word - new content

Ruth 1:1-18

1. Contrast the love of Ruth and Orpah for Naomi.

When Naomi, their mother in law, sent Ruth and Orpah to go back home after their husbands died, Orpah kissed goodbye to Naomi and left.

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me."

When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

Ephesians 5:1-2

2. How are we to love?

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

New wineskins

Matthew 12:1-14

1. How did the Pharisees respond to Jesus' new teaching?

At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."

Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"

He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

1 John 5:4-5

2. What conquers the world?

For everyone born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

The ladder

John 5:16-18; 6:32-42; 10:30-38

1. What links heaven and earth?

Jesus is the bread that came down from heaven to earth. So that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life.

2. Why did the Jews try to kill Jesus?

Because Jesus was doing good things through work on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus said "Father is in me, and I in the Father".

'Nothing to equal it'

Hebrews 2:10-18

1. Why did God's Son become human?

Since we have flesh and blood, Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 10:1-10

2. What did God prepare for His Son?

God prepared not sacrifices or offerings, but a body so that Jesus can do the Will of God, through crucification and resurrection, that our sins have been forgiven.

'The great divide'

Matthew 1:18-23

1. Why was Jesus given the name Immanuel?

Immanuel means, "God with us."

John 20:24-31

2. Why did John write his gospel?

John write his gospel so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

For these 2 months....

TOUGH SAYINGS FROM A TENDER HEART
September-October 2007

'and he will be ... a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.'
Isaiah 8:14

Many people focus on the words of Jesus that appeal to them and ignore those they find puzzling or offensive. Their sole desire is to be comforted. The result? A form of Christianity devoid of power.

Jesus, with His tender heart of love, knows it is only as we are challenged that we change. In this issue Selwyn Hughes examines ten of Jesus's tough sayings – sayings that cut across our preconceived ideas and cause us to re-evaluate our lives.

Jesus is looking for out-and-out disciples. Are we willing to consider His sayings about what complete commitment involves?

Click here to download PDF of first week. To get the devotional data for the whole bimonth, please approach any good Christian bookstore to get a copy.

Source: http://www.cwr.org.uk/publishing/edwj/latest/index.php

All the way

Luke 5:27-28; Philippians 3:7-21

1. What was Paul's desire?

Paul's desire is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, we should press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

2. How did people live as enemies of the cross?

Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. To live by the cross is to deny everything and follow Christ immediately when He called us.

Give! Give! Give!

Acts 20:32-35

1. Why is less more?

The Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

Our God, when we obey Him, can build us up and give an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Philippians 4:10-19

2. What secret had Paul learned?

Paul said "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

The Gift of gifts!

Matthew 26:6-16

1. What motivated Judas?

Money motivated Judas to betray Jesus.

When Mary took expensive perfume to pour on Jesus' feet, Judas, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages."

He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

John 12:1-16

2. Contrast the attitudes of the woman and Judas to wealth.

The woman gave up her wealth and property to serve the Lord while Judas betrayed the Lord so as to gain wealth.

Jesus told about Mary, "I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Be warned!

Deuteronomy 6:10-12

1. What was God's warning to the Israelites about prosperity?

When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

1 Timothy 6:6-19

2. Why may we experience many griefs and much evil?

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Who is master?

Matthew 6:1-4

1. How should we give?

Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:19-24

2. Why may it not be possible to serve God?

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

The money test

Proverbs 11:24-28

1. What happens to the person who gives away their wealth?

The person who gives away will gain even more. A generous man will prosper. Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

Mark 12:41-44

2. What did Jesus commend a woman who gave only small coins?

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

'A den of robbers'

1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20

1. What are we?

We are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you, whom we have received from God. We are not our own but bought at a price. Therefore honor God with our body.

1 Timothy 2:1-5

2. What should we do first of all

First of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

Friend of sinners

Luke 7:34-50

1. As Simon looked at the woman what did he see?

Simon see the woman as a sinner.

2. What did Jesus see?

Jesus see the woman as humble and of faith to seek for forgiveness of sin. She even used perfume to wash Jesus feet.

The heart of the matter

Ezekiel 36:26

1. What does God desire?

God says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

Luke 18:9-14

2. What was the focus of the Pharisees?

The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Compassion vs custom

Matthew 12:7-14

1. Why did Jesus heal on the Sabbath?

Jesus desires mercy, not sacrifice.

He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.

Luke 13:10-17

2. How did the Pharisees react to these miracles?

The Pharisees were humiliated yet reacted indignantly to the miracles. They even went out to plot how they might kill Jesus.

You can't get away

Matthew 23:1-5

1. What did the Pharisees do?

The Pharisees do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. "Everything they do is done for men to see.

They are full of greed and self-indulgence. They are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside they appear to people as righteous but on the inside are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Matthew 23-28

2. What did the Pharisees neglect?

The Pharisees neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. They should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

One body!

Romans 3:1-12

1. What are the differences between Jews and Gentile?

The Jews were entrusted with the very word of God.

But in fact, the Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."

Romans 15:5-13

2. What is the basis of accepting one another?

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy.

'Whoever will may come'

Romans 10:9-13

1. What determines God's blessing of salvation?

That 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.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Galatians 3:6-14

2. How is a Gentile believer a child of Abraham?

Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Christ Jesus redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Himself, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

A Gentile's recognition

Romans 3:29-30

1. What do Jews and Gentiles have in common?

Our God is the God of Jews and also the God of Gentiles. There is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

Galatians 3:21-29

2. What no longer exists in Christ?

Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

God of outsiders

Ephesians 2:11-3:9

1. What has Christ destroyed?

For Christ himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

2. What mystery did Paul reveal?

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

We are to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery.

Almost a lynching

Acts 10:1-11:4

1. What did God teach Peter?

It is of well aware that it is against the law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown to Peter that he should not call any man impure or unclean. So when he was sent for, he came without raising any objection.

Peter said "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."

"We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

2. How did the believers react?

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."

Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened.

Tough words!

Romans 12:9-21

1. How can we love sincerely?

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

1 Peter 3:8-12

2. How should we repay evil?

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Equal doses

Romans 14:13-15:3

1. How can we truly love others?

If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."

Philipians 2:1-5

2. Whose interests should we promote?

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

The rule of reciprocity

2 Samuel 9:1-13

1. How did David show unrepayable love?

David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

Then David said to Mephibosheth, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."

Romans 5:1-8

2. How did God demonstrate the nature of agape love?

Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Get off your donkey

Luke 6:32-36

1. Contrast sinner's love with disciples' love.

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

1 John 3:11-24

2. How do we know we have eternal life?

Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

One-legged law

Luke 23:32-34

1. How did Jesus follow His own teaching?

When Jesus was crucified, at the point near death, he said "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example, that we should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For we were like sheep going astray, but now we have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Acts 7:54-60; 1 Peter 2:21-25

2. Why was Stephen a faithful disciple?

While the crowd were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

He was faithful as he loved his enemy as himself even to the point of death.

Staying the course

Matthew 25:34-45

1. Why may we miss opportunities to serve Jesus?

Whatever we do for our brothers, we do it for Jesus.

Thus, whatever we do not do for our brothers, we do not serve Jesus.

James 1:22-27

2. Why may we be deceived when we read scripture?

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Fidelity to opportunity

Proverbs 24:30-34

1. What lesson was learned?

A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.

Luke 19:11-16

2. What mistake was made?

A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.

But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'

God's generosity

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

1. What was special about the Macedonians' giving?

1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

2. How are we to give?

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Significant boundaries

Colossians 3:22-24

1. Why should we be careful?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1 Corinthians 3:6-15

2. What does Paul explain about our earthly work?

We can plant a seed, water the seed, but eventually it is God who made it grow.

Each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.

If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

The rate for the job

Genesis 37:1-4

1. What does our attitude to others being blessed reveal about us?

When Joseph's brothers saw that their father loved Joseph more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

We tend to be self-centred and jealous, or even angry when we see others being blessed.

Ephesians 2:1-10

2. Why does God give us what we don't deserve?

It is because it is by grace we have been saved, through faith—and this not from ourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Targeting the right people

Matthew 7:24-29

1. What did the wise and foolish men have in common?

The wise men who hear the Word of God but do not put it into practice will be like the foolish men who didnt even heat the Word itself.

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

2. What help do we have to understand scripture?

God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment.

Our own funeral

Romans 12:1-6

1. What should we offer to God?

We should offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritua act of worship.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Galatians 6:14

2. How should we continue to live?

May we never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Is self cancelled?

Esther 3:13-4:16

1. Of what did Mordecai remind Esther?

Mordecai told Esther "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

2. How did Esther view her own life?

Therefore Esther replied "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

She view her own life as for the Jews, not for herself only.

Christo-centric

Galatians 5:25, Colossians 3:1-17

1. What do we crucify of the self?

We are to crucify ourselves with whatever that belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Also we must rid ourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.


2. What do we resurrect?

We resurrect with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Self-surrender

1 Kings 3:5-14

1. How did Solomon show his lack of self interest?

The LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."

Solomon answered, "give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.

So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."

Acts 20:22-25

2. How did Paul consider his life?

Paul, compelled by the Spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. He only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns that prison and hardships are facing him.

However, Paul consider his life worth nothing, if only he may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Selfism

Isaiah 14:12-15, Proverbs 25:6-7, Proverbs 27

1. What should we avoid?

Do not exalt yourself and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for the king to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both.

Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.

Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman.

If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.

A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.

Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him.

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.

2. What phrase did the morning star repeat?

The morning star is the son of dawn which is Jesus. He came down as a low being to save us.

The self

Psalms 42:1-11; Psalms 43:1-5

1. Who was the psalmist encouraging?

The psalmist was encouraging himself that at times God seems to be not present in his life, he reminded himself to put his hope on the Lord. Though he is oppressed, he will still praise and thank God.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

2. Who was doing the encouraging?

God.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cross-bearing

Luke 12:13-21

1. What does life not consist of?

Be on your guard against all kinds of greed for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

1 Timothy 6:6-19

2. What should rich people do?

Those who are rich in this present world should not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Improving your service

Matthew 23:1-12

1. Why did Jesus criticise the Pharisees?

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Everything they do is done for men to see, they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'

The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

1 Peter 5:1-6

2. What does God give to the humble?

Young men should be submissive to those who are older. We should clothe ourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

The Jesus way

Matthew 20:29-34

1. Why did Jesus serve others and meet their needs?

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.

"Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Mark 8:1-10

2. How did this compare with the reaction of others nearby?

Jesus have compassion for these people who were following Him and that they have already been with Him three days and have nothing to eat. Thus as Jesus feeds the four thousand miraculously from little food, every ate and was satisfied.

Who is the greater?

1 Sam 16:1-13; Psalms 78:70-72

1. What qualified David to be king?

God does not consider appearance or his height. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

David shepherded the sheep with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

Acts 9:36-42

2. What made Dorcas worthy of special mention?

Dorcas was always doing good and helping the poor. When she dead and was revived, everyone believed in the Lord.

Tools of our trade

Acts 6:1-8

1. What may be the result of practical service?

The result of practical service will be of great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

James 3:13-16

2. What does true wisdom produce?

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Therefore, true wisdom produces humble deeds through a good life.

The meaning of greatness

Mark 10:35-45

1. Why did Jesus come?

Jesus said that whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

James 2:1-4

2. Why should we disregard appearance?

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.

If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

No going back

Genesis 19:14-26; Luke 17:28-33

1. Why should we not look back?

When the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah to punish them for their homosexual sins, he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.

On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot's wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

Numbers 11:4-6

2. What mistake did the rabble make when remembering the past?

The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"

A volcanic eruption

Mark 1:1-8

1. What was John's ministry?

John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

Acts 19:1-7

2. Why was it incomplete?

Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

Therefore, Jesus completes the ministry, not John.

The new Torah

1 John 3:11-18

1. How are we to love?

We should love one another. Do not be surprised, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 4:7-21

2. Why are we to love?

Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Jesus the revolutionary

Matthew 5:31-48

1. How did Jesus revoluntionise people's thinking?

Jesus revolutionise people's thinking in different ways.

Divorce

"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.

Oaths

"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

An Eye for an Eye

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

John 4:7-9

2. What was revolutionary about Jesus' behaviour?

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans)

Jesus - violent?

Matthew 11:28-30

1. How did Jesus describe Himself?

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus described Himself as gentle and humble in heart.

Matthew 26:47-56

2. How did Jesus choose the path of non-violence?

Once one of His disciples cut the enemy's ear when Jesus was captured, Jesus said "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"

'Nearest and dearest'

Haggai 1:2-11

1. What was the evidence of people's wrong priorities?

The Lord said “Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”

The Lord said “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the LORD of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house. Therefore the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. For I called for a drought on the land and the mountains, on the grain and the new wine and the oil, on whatever the ground brings forth, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”

Malachi 1:6-8; Malachi 3:6-10

2. How may we despise and rob God?

We may despise God by not honouring him, not reverending him, by defiling food on His altar and gone away from His ordinances.

We may rob God in tithes and offerings. And thus God will not pour out His blessings.

'Hate' scrutinised

1 Kings 11:1-10

1. Why was Solomon unwise?

King Solomon loved many foreign women, whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.”

Solomon clung to these in love. He did not heed God's word.

For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God. Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not fully follow the LORD.

So the LORD became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the LORD God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not keep what the LORD had commanded.

Matthew 6:19-24

2. Why can we have only one first love?

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Intentionally shocking

Luke 14:12-23

1. How may even our generousity be self-centred?

We must be generous, not to those we can afford to treat us back, but be a blessing to the poor who cannot repay us, so we will be repaid through Christ.

2. What different types of excuse did people use?

People use different patterns of invalid excuses to avoid things intentionally.

Drawing blood

Luke 12:49-53

1. Why must Christianity produce conflict?

In these words, we hear Jesus’ great call to radical discipleship, his call to total commitment. We must fight against anything that comes in the way to our following of Christ.

Ephesians 5:22-6:4

2. How should we relate to our family?

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Can this be true?

Matthew 10:34-39

1. How did Matthew phrase Jesus' words about 'hate'?

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

The word hate is to be phrased as when one must put Christ first and hate to let other things take priority. It does not mean hate our family but hate the overtaking of God's priority.

Luke 9:57-62

2. How did Jesus explain the cost of following Him?

Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

To follow God, we must give our all, and not be half-hearted.

One hundred per cent!

Matthew 4:18-22; Matthew 9:9

1. How did the disciples respond to Jesus' call?

They immediately left the boat, net and their father, arose and followed Jesus

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

2. What did Paul's suffering produce?

The life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Feed on Him

John 4:34; John 7:37-39; 1 Corinthians 11:17-30

1. How can we eat and drink of Jesus?

Jesus says " If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

2. Why is the Lord's supper so important and how should we take it?

The Lord's food is to do the will of the Father who sent Him, and to finish His work.

Jesus says “Take, eat this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Examine Yourself. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.