October 6, 2014

From Gary.... A Liar???



































Truth, there is just no getting around it.

John 14:6 NASB
(6)  Jesus *said to him, "I am the way*, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

* ὁδός hodos hod-os'
Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively a mode or means: - journey, (high-) way..... From Strong's Dictionary

Matthew 7:13-14 NASB
(13)  "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way* is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
(14)  "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

 * ὁδός hodos hod-os'
Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively a mode or means: - journey, (high-) way..... From Strong's Dictionary

And why would you want to???  Or perhaps you would like to tell me...

WHY YOU THINK THAT JESUS IS A LIAR?

From Gary... Bible Reading October 6






Bible Reading  
October 6

The World English Bible



Oct. 6
Psalms 138-140

Psa 138:1 I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.
Psa 138:2 I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.
Psa 138:3 In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
Psa 138:4 All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh, for they have heard the words of your mouth.
Psa 138:5 Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh; for great is Yahweh's glory.
Psa 138:6 For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but the proud, he knows from afar.
Psa 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.
Psa 138:8 Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me; your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don't forsake the works of your own hands.
Psa 139:1 Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me.
Psa 139:2 You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar.
Psa 139:3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
Psa 139:4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether.
Psa 139:5 You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me.
Psa 139:6 This knowledge is beyond me. It's lofty. I can't attain it.
Psa 139:7 Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Psa 139:10 Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.
Psa 139:11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me; the light around me will be night;"
Psa 139:12 even the darkness doesn't hide from you, but the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you.
Psa 139:13 For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb.
Psa 139:14 I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
Psa 139:15 My frame wasn't hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven together in the depths of the earth.
Psa 139:16 Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there were none of them.
Psa 139:17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
Psa 139:18 If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.
Psa 139:19 If only you, God, would kill the wicked. Get away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
Psa 139:20 For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain.
Psa 139:21 Yahweh, don't I hate those who hate you? Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you?
Psa 139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred. They have become my enemies.
Psa 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.
Psa 139:24 See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.
Psa 140:1 Deliver me, Yahweh, from the evil man. Preserve me from the violent man;
Psa 140:2 those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.
Psa 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper's poison is under their lips. Selah.
Psa 140:4 Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.
Psa 140:5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah.
Psa 140:6 I said to Yahweh, "You are my God." Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh.
Psa 140:7 Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
Psa 140:8 Yahweh, don't grant the desires of the wicked. Don't let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah.
Psa 140:9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Psa 140:10 Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.
Psa 140:11 An evil speaker won't be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
Psa 140:12 I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.
Psa 140:13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.


Oct. 6
Galatians 3

Gal 3:1 Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth among you as crucified?
Gal 3:2 I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?
Gal 3:4 Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain?
Gal 3:5 He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness."
Gal 3:7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham.
Gal 3:8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you all the nations will be blessed."
Gal 3:9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.
Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who doesn't continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them."
Gal 3:11 Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, "The righteous will live by faith."
Gal 3:12 The law is not of faith, but, "The man who does them will live by them."
Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,"
Gal 3:14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Gal 3:15 Brothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void, or adds to it.
Gal 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He doesn't say, "To seeds," as of many, but as of one, "To your seed," which is Christ.
Gal 3:17 Now I say this. A covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which came four hundred thirty years after, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect.
Gal 3:18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise.
Gal 3:19 What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.
Gal 3:20 Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one.
Gal 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law.
Gal 3:22 But the Scriptures imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24 So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Gal 3:26 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise.

From Mark Copeland... Is God Your Father? (John 8:42)

                          "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

                       Is God Your Father? (8:42)

INTRODUCTION

1. We often hear people speak of the "Fatherhood of God"...
   a. Suggesting that all people are the children of God
   b. There is some truth to that, for we are all the offspring of God
      - cf. Ac 17:28-29

2. Yet in one sense, not everyone has God as their Father...
   a. Jesus identified some who did not have God as their Father - Jn 8:42
   b. He even said their father was the devil! - Jn 8:44

3. Who is your Father?  God or the devil...?
   a. If God is your Father, you will love Jesus - cf. Jn 8:42
   b. Love of the Son is proof that we have God as our Father

[Do we love the Son?  How does love for Jesus express itself?  We prove
that God is our Father when we love the Son in at least seven ways.  For
example...]

I. BY TRUSTING IN JESUS

   A. CAN LOVE EXIST WHERE THERE IS NO TRUST...?
      1. Between husband and wife?
      2. Between friends?

   B. SO TRUST IN JESUS IS INHERENT TO LOVING HIM...
      1. He asks us to trust Him - cf. Jn 14:1
      2. How can we say that we love Him, if we don't trust Him?

   C. DO WE REALLY TRUST JESUS...?
      1. To be the way, the truth, the life (enough to put our souls in
         His hands)? - Jn 14:6
      2. To be the provider of our daily needs (enough to put the
         kingdom first)? - Mt 6:33

[If we trust Jesus in this way, we must surely love Him - and thus God
is our Father!  But we also show our love for Jesus...]

II. BY OBEYING HIS COMMANDMENTS

   A. KEEPING HIS COMMANDMENTS IS INDICATIVE OF LOVE...
      1. As Jesus made clear, time and again - Jn 14:15,21,23,24; 15:10
      2. Can anything be more clear?
         a. Yet some might accuse us of "legalism" because we stress
            keeping His commands
         b. If keeping His commandments is legalism, then I plead
            guilty, because:
            1) I love Him and want to abide in His love
            2) Don't you?

   B. YET MANY FAIL TO DO WHAT JESUS TEACHES...
      1. He said to repent (Mk 1:14-15) - but many don't, while
         professing to love Him
      2. He said to be baptized and observe all that He commanded (Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19-20)  
           - yet many say baptism is not a necessary command

[Jesus said it best in Lk 6:46...why bother to call Him Lord if we don't
do what He says?  If God is our Father, we will obey Jesus Him gladly
because we love Him.  We also show love for Jesus...]

III. BY DELIGHTING IN HIS COMPANY

   A. IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE, YOU ENJOY BEING WITH THEM...
      1. E.g., friends, loved ones
      2. Can you imagine someone loving Jesus, but not wanting to be
         with Him?

   B. YET IT SEEMS DO NOT ENJOY BEING WITH CHRIST...!
      1. Demonstrated by their disregard for His Word revealed by the
         Spirit - Jn 16:12-14
         a. They don't make the effort to read it
         b. They don't take advantage of opportunities to study it
      2. Demonstrated by their lack of prayer which Jesus is willing to
         answer - cf. Jn 14:13-14
         a. They don't pray as they should privately
         b. They don't appreciate the blessing of congregational prayer
      3. Demonstrated by their sporadic attendance - cf. Mt 18:20
         a. Where Jesus has promised to be present
         b. Where many seem to pass by opportunities to assemble

   C. WHY SUCH DISREGARD FOR THE COMPANY OF CHRIST...?
      1. For those new in faith, it is likely ignorance
      2. For others, Satan and sin has hardened them into complacency
         - cf. He 3:12-14

[If we love Jesus, we will love the opportunities to be in His company.
We will also show our love...]

IV. BY SPEAKING ABOUT HIM

   A. WE OFTEN DEMONSTRATE LOVE THIS WAY...
      1. "Let me tell you about my grandchildren!"
      2. "You want to see the latest pictures?"

   B. SO THE EARLY CHURCH DEMONSTRATED THEIR LOVE FOR JESUS...
      1. E.g., the apostles - Ac 5:41,42
      2. E.g., those scattered abroad by persecution - Ac 8:1,4

   C. DO WE NOT LOVE THE LORD...?
      1. How can we be the children of God, if we are ashamed to speak
         of His Son?
      2. Imagine treating your family that way

[We should always be ready to speak about Jesus (cf. 1Pe 3:15).  We
also show our love...]

V. BY WILLINGLY SUFFERING FOR HIM

   A. MANY MAKE GREAT SACRIFICES FOR OTHERS...
      1. Parents give up much to be able to have and support children
      2. People are willing to jeopardize their lives for loved ones
      3. Even a dog will risk his life to save his master

   B. DO WE LOVE OUR LORD ANY LESS...?
      1. Especially when we receive salvation through His suffering?
         - He 5:7-9
      2. Paul called Timothy to join in suffering with him for Christ
         - cf. 2Ti 1:7-12
      3. Peter likewise enjoins all to suffer willingly if need be - cf.
         1Pe 2:19-21; 4:1

[Another way to express our love for Jesus, and thereby prove that God
is our Father...]

VI. BY LONGING TO BE LIKE HIM

   A. CHILDREN DEMONSTRATE LOVE THROUGH IMITATION...
      1. By adapting mannerisms of the parents they love
      2. Some good, some not (such as bad habits)

   B. CAN ONE SAY THEY LOVE JESUS, BUT NOT WANT TO BE LIKE HIM...?
      1. Especially when imitating Jesus is the goal of Christian
         doctrine?
      2. Note Col 3:9-11; Ga 2:20

[Finally, we show love for Jesus...]

VII. BY DESIRING TO PLEASE HIM

   A. CONSIDER PEOPLE IN LOVE...
      1. What man or woman won't go out of their way to please the one
         they love?
      2. They'll change clothes, mannerisms, hobbies, etc.

   B. CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE SIMILAR...
      1. For we are a pure virgin betrothed to Christ - cf. 2Co 11:2
      2. Because of His love for us, we should live for Him - 2Co 5:
         14-15
      3. Do you have a compelling desire to please Christ?
      4. You do if you truly love Him!

CONCLUSION

1. If one does not love the Lord Jesus, they are accursed - cf. 1Co 16:22
   a. Why?  Because if you do not love Jesus then God is not your
      Father, Satan is!
   b. If God is your Father, then you will love the Son and demonstrate
      in these various ways!

2. How does one initially become a child of God? - cf. Ga 3:26-27
   a. It involves faith, and putting Christ on in baptism
   b. This demonstrates our love for Christ as well
   c. For we are willing to become one with Him, just as two in marriage
      become one out of love

Is God your Father?  Do you love Jesus enough to obey Him and become a
child of God?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... By This All Will Know (John 13:34-35)

                          "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

                    By This All Will Know (13:34-35)

INTRODUCTION

1. How is the world to know that we are truly disciples of Christ,
   members of His body?
   a. Is it by the name we wear?
   b. Is it by having the right doctrine, organization, worship, etc.?

2. It is certainly important to have all these things; but if we
   think...
   a. That by these things alone we are truly the disciples of Jesus
   b. That by these things alone the world will know we are Christ's
      disciples
   ...then we are sadly mistaken!

3. Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus identified a key mark of
   discipleship...
   a. He gave what He called "a new commandment" - Jn 13:34
   b. It was a command to "love one another" - Jn 13:34
   c. He said "by this all will know" who were His disciples - Jn 13:35

4. Love for one another is how people will know that we are truly the
   disciples of Jesus...
   a. Do we know what kind of love that is?
   b. How do we develop that kind of love?
   c. How do we demonstrate this love?

[In this study I wish to encourage the kind of love Jesus commands of
us, so that "By This All Will Know" that we are truly His disciples!
Let's begin with...]

I. THIS LOVE DEFINED

   A. IT IS A NEW KIND OF LOVE...
      1. There had always been the love of family, friends, etc.
      2. The OT taught to "love your neighbor as yourself" - Lev 19:18
      3. But Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you
         love one another" - Jn 13:34
         a. This is not simply a command to love one another
         b. But a command to love one another in a special way
      -- Jesus is calling us to new and higher standard of love!

   B. IT IS A SACRIFICIAL LOVE...
      1. What kind of love does Jesus command?
         a. "as I have love you, that you also love another"
         b. It is a love patterned after Jesus' love for us
         -- This is what makes it a new and higher standard of love!
      2. The love Jesus had for us can be summarized in one word:
         sacrificial
         a. As Jesus explained in Jn 15:13
         b. As John wrote in 1Jn 3:16-18
         c. As Paul commanded in Ep 5:1-2
      3. It was this kind of love manifested by the first disciples of
         Jesus
         a. The church in Jerusalem - Ac 2:44-45
         b. The churches in Macedonia - 2Co 8:1-5

   C. IT IS A VISIBLE LOVE...
      1. By such love Jesus declared "all will know that you are My
         disciples" - Jn 13:35
         a. The implication is that such love will be visible and
            observable
         b. And visible by ALL, not just by brethren!
      2. To be a visible love, requires a love...
         a. That goes beyond the four walls of the church building
         b. That extends beyond the few hours we are assembled together
         c. That can be observed by those of the world and in the world
      -- In some way, the world needs to have the opportunity to
         observe the disciples in action, in which their love that is
         patterned after Jesus' love can be seen

[Being a "warm and friendly church" while assembled is commendable, but
it alone does not fulfill the command to have a new, sacrificial, and
visible love patterned after the love of Jesus!

If we wish to manifest this kind of love in our lives, where do we
begin?  Consider...]

II. THIS LOVE DEVELOPED

   A. WE ARE TAUGHT BY GOD...
      1. The Thessalonians excelled in this love - 1Th 4:9-10
      2. For they had been "taught by God to love one another"
      3. Certainly God's own love for us teaches us how to love
         - cf. 1Jn 4:9-11
      -- Think of the Father's own sacrificial love for us, in sending
         His Son to be the propitiation for our sins!

   B. WE LEARN FROM JESUS...
      1. Jesus' own example of sacrifice teaches the true meaning of
         love - 1Jn 3:16
      2. The more we contemplate upon the example of Jesus' life and
         death, the more likely we will love like He did!

   C. WE ARE TO BE STIRRED UP BY BRETHREN...
      1. We are to stir one another to love and good works - He 10:24
      2. An important means of doing this is by frequent assembling
         - He 10:25
      -- Perhaps one reason why some don't love as they should, is
         because they don't assemble like they should!

[Through careful study of the Father's love for us, the Savior's love
for us, and through frequent assembling where we stir up another to
love and good works, we can develop the kind of love "By Which All Will
Know" we are Jesus' disciples.  Finally, a thought or two about...]

III. THIS LOVE DEMONSTRATED

   A. IN OUR ASSEMBLY...
      1. When we are assembled and have guests, we have an opportunity
         to demonstrate our love for another
      2. What do our guests see?  Do they see Christians who...
         a. Are glad to see one another?
         b. Are willing to take the time to visit with each other?
         c. Even know each other's name?
      -- Our assemblies may be the only time some guests have the
         opportunity to see Christians interact; do they see an evident
         love and concern for one another?

   B. IN OUR COMMUNITY...
      1. We often have the opportunity to be together in ways that
         others can see...
         a. Perhaps we work with other Christians
         b. Or we have neighbors that are Christians
         c. Or we gather to visit, or do things together
      2. What do those in the world see?  Do they see an interaction
         that...
         a. Reveals a strong love and appreciation for one another?
         b. Shows a sincere interest in each other's well-being?
      3. Where there are differences, is the way we handle them
         different?
         a. Christians will often sin against one another, offend one
            another
         b. But will they see long-suffering and a quickness to
            forgive, even as Christ forgave us? - cf. Ep 4:32; Col 3:13

CONCLUSION

1. Jesus has revealed a powerful tool to persuade the world that we are
   His disciples...
   a. Certainly we show our discipleship by faithfulness to His
      doctrine - cf. Jn 8:32
   b. But in a world that cares little for doctrinal distinctiveness,
      a Christ-like love for one another is how Jesus would have us
      convince the world! - cf. Jn 13:34-35

2. How is your love for your brother in Christ?
   a. Is it Christ-like, i.e., a sacrificial love?
   b. Is it observable, i.e., do people see your brotherly love in our
      assemblies and community?

3. If you admit your love for your brethren needs work (and we all can
   improve)...
   a. Look to God and Jesus as the ultimate teachers of what it means
      to love one another
   b. Utilize opportunities to be with brethren
      1) Which provides occasion to grow and display your love
      2) Which can serve to stir you to love and good works - cf.
         He 10:24-25

So remember...

   "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as
   I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all
   will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one
   another." (Jn 13:35)

   "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
                                                  (1Jn 4:11)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland.... The Way, The Truth, And The Life (John 14:6)

                          "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

                The Way, The Truth, And The Life (14:6)

INTRODUCTION

1. Two of the most remarkable statements by Jesus are found in one
   verse...
   a. "I am the way, the truth, and the life." - Jn 14:6
   b. "No one comes to the Father except through Me." - ibid.

2. These statements were made in a discussion with His disciples...
   a. As He prepared them for His impending death - Jn 14:1-4
   b. Which prompted questions by Thomas and Philip - Jn 14:5,7-9

[In making such statements, Jesus claims to be three things:  "The Way,
The Truth, And The Life."  Let's take a closer look, where we first
observe that Jesus is...]

I. THE WAY

   A. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD...
      1. Jesus clearly claims to the be only way to God - Jn 14:6
      2. As Peter would later proclaim, there is no salvation but
         through Him - cf. Ac 4:12
      -- This may sound politically incorrect, but Jesus states it
         nonetheless

   B. HOW JESUS IS THE WAY TO THE FATHER...
      1. By revealing Him, stressed in the gospel of John - Jn 14:7-9;
         cf. Jn 1:18; 12:44-45
      2. By opening the way to Him, emphasized in the book of Hebrews
         - He 10:19-20
      3. By serving as our high priest, another theme in Hebrews - He 2:
         17-18; 4:14-16; 10:21-22
      4. He now intercedes for us
         a. As our Advocate - 1Jn 2:1
         b. At the right hand of God - Ro 8:34
         c. The one (and only) Mediator between God and man - 1Ti 2:5
         d. Who ever lives to intercede for us! - He 7:24-25
      -- By virtue of His life on earth, His death on the cross, and now
         His service in heaven, Jesus is truly the only way to God!

[Jesus not only is the way to God, He is also...]

II. THE TRUTH

   A. WHAT IS TRUTH...?
      1. The very question posed by Pontius Pilate - Jn 18:38
      2. Consider the meaning of the Greek words translated as "true"
         and "truth":
         a. True (alethes) - "unconcealed, manifest...actual, true to
            fact" - Vine
         b. True (alethinos) - "denotes 'true' in the sense of 'real,
            ideal, genuine;'" - ibid.
         c. Truth (aletheia)
            1) "objectively, signifying 'the reality lying at the basis
               of an appearance; the manifested, veritable essence of a
               matter' (Cremer)" - ibid.
            2) "subjectively, 'truthfulness,' 'truth,' not merely
               verbal, but sincerity and integrity of character" - ibid.
      -- When Jesus speaks of truth, it describes that which corresponds
         to reality, what is factual and absolute, not relative

   B. HOW JESUS IS THE TRUTH...
      1. He proclaims that truth is real and knowable - Jn 8:32
      2. He proclaims that truth can set one free from the bondage of
         sin - Jn 8:32-34
      3. His doctrine is the way to truth that frees one from sin - Jn 8:31-32,34-36
      4. He faithfully proclaimed His Father's Word, which is truth
         - cf. Jn 17:14,17
      -- By abiding in Jesus' teachings, we can know the truth and the
         freedom it offers!

[Freedom from the bondage of sin becomes even more meaningful when we
consider how Jesus is...]

III. THE LIFE

   A. HE OFFERS ABUNDANT LIFE...
      1. As He promised in His discourse as the Good Shepherd - Jn 10:
         10-11
      2. Jesus offers a peace the world cannot give - Jn 14:27; 16:33;
         cf. Php 4:6-7
      3. He gives us His love, which passes knowledge - Jn 15:10; cf. Ep 3:19
      4. He provides His joy, that is inexpressible - Jn 15:11; cf. 1 Pe 1:8
      -- With such peace, love, and joy, what an abundant life Jesus
         offers!

   B. HOW JESUS PROVIDES ABUNDANT LIFE...
      1. By His doctrine regarding the new birth
         a. We must be born again - Jn 3:3
         b. We must be born again of water and the Spirit - Jn 3:4-5
      2. By sending the Spirit who gives the new birth and new life
         a. The Spirit who regenerates us in baptism - Tit 3:5-6
         b. The Spirit who becomes for us "rivers of living water" - Jn 7:37-39; cf. Ga 5:22-23
      -- Jesus provides abundant life His through gospel, by which we
         are born again to a new life which the Spirit makes possible
         - cf. 1Pe 2:22-25

CONCLUSION

1. Jesus is truly the way, the truth, and the life...
   a. The way to knowing and experience God as our Heavenly Father
   b. The embodiment of truth that provides freedom from the guilt and
      bondage of sin
   c. The source of life that is blessed now and lasts forever!

2. Has Jesus become your way to God, your truth, and your life...?
   a. To a close and personal relationship with God?
   b. To deliverance from the guilt of sin through the blood of Christ?
   c. To an abundant life by virtue of a spiritual rebirth and the
      blessings that follow?

Jesus may be "the" way, truth, and life, but He is of no value unless He
becomes "your" way to the true salvation that leads to eternal life with
God.  Have you responded to the gospel of Jesus Christ...? - cf. Mk 16:
15-16; Ac 2:38; 22:16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Fruit-Bearing Discipleship (John 15:8)

                          "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

                   Fruit-Bearing Discipleship (15:8)

INTRODUCTION

1. What does the Lord desire of His disciples...?
   a. Surely He desires their heart (faith) - He 11:6; Jn 8:24
   b. But He also desires their hands (works) - Lk 6:46

2. Works are an important part of our discipleship...
   a. We are created in Christ for this very purpose - Ep 2:10
   b. By them we glorify God - Mt 5:16; Jn 15:8

[Good works are an indication of "bearing fruit" as disciples of Christ.
As we focus our attention on the theme of "Fruit-Bearing Discipleship",
let me reiterate that...]

I. BEARING FRUIT IS NECESSARY TO BEING A DISCIPLE

   A. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS...
      1. Glorifying God by bearing fruit is a mark of discipleship - Jn
         15:8
      2. Disciples have been "appointed" to bear fruit - Jn 15:16

   B. OTHERWISE WE ARE CUT OFF...
      1. From Christ, the true vine, and His Father as the vine dresser
         - Jn 15:1
      2. As branches that no longer bear fruit - Jn 15:2
      3. Whose end is to burned - Jn 15:6; cf. He 6:7-8

[The end of unfruitful disciples is dreadful to contemplate.  Like the
Hebrew writer (He 6:9), I wish to be more confident of better things
regarding our discipleship.  We can be, by remembering that...]

II. BEARING FRUIT IS CONTINGENT ON ABIDING IN CHRIST

   A. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS...
      1. We must abide in Him, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself
         - Jn 15:4
      2. Abiding in him, we bear much fruit; without Him we can do
         nothing - Jn 15:5
      3. As confessed by Paul in Php 4:13; 2Co 3:5

   B. HOW WE CAN ABIDE IN CHRIST...
      1. First, by putting Him on in baptism - Ga 3:27
      2. Then, by abiding in His love through keeping His commandments
         - Jn 15:9-10; cf. 14:15,21-23

[To be a disciple, we must bear fruit.  To bear fruit, we must abide in
Christ.  To abide in Christ, we must keep His commandments.  But what
kind of fruits will disciples bear...?]

III. BEARING FRUIT IS MANIFESTED IN VARIOUS WAYS

   A. WINNING SOULS TO CHRIST...
      1. As expressed by Paul in his desire to go to Rome - Ro 1:13
      2. Disciples creating more disciples is a natural indication of
         bearing fruit - cf. Mt 28:19-20

   B. SHARING WITH THOSE IN NEED...
      1. As explained by Paul in describing the contribution to poor
         saints - Ro 15:25-28
      2. Which was evidence of God's grace at work in the givers - cf.
         2Co 8:1-2; 9:12-14

   C. DEVELOPING CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER...
      1. Indicating that one is walking in the Spirit - Ga 5:16,22-23
      2. Evidence that is diligent in growing the true knowledge of
         Jesus - 2Pe 1:5-8

   D. PRAISING GOD AND GIVING THANKS...
      1. The fruit of our lips in praise and prayer are spiritual
         sacrifices - He 13:15
      2. Which we are to offer continually - He 13:15

[As we bear fruit in these different ways, we not only glorify God and
prove to be fruitful disciples, we also experience the "abundant" life
of which Jesus speaks (Jn 10:10)...]

IV. BEARING FRUIT LEADS TO THE FULFILLED LIFE

   A. WINNING SOULS PRODUCES JOY...
      1. As Paul found to be case with the Thessalonians - 1Th 2:19-20
      2. As John realized with his "children" - 3Jn 4
      -- One reason many Christians do not live a life of joy is that
         they never bear fruit in leading others to Christ!

   B. SHARING WITH OTHERS PRODUCES HAPPINESS...
      1. Those who give are "blessed" - Ac 20:35
      2. The word "blessed" can be translated "happy"
      -- If Christians are so materialistic and selfish that they do not
         share, they will never know the blessedness of giving!

   C. DEVELOPING CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER PRODUCES ASSURANCE...
      1. Growing in the true knowledge of Christ ensures an "abundant
         entrance" into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord - 2Pe 1:8-11
      2. Developing a Christ-like love gives assurance of one's
         discipleship and salvation - Jn 13:34-35; 1Jn 3:14,18-19
      -- Many Christians have no assurance; and no wonder, if their
         character remains unchanged as evidenced by little love for the
         brethren!

   D. PRAISING GOD AND GIVING THANKS PRODUCES PEACE...
      1. Prayer is the antidote for anxiety - Php 4:6
      2. For in response to prayer God will guard our hearts through His
         peace - Php 4:7
      -- Failing to bear much fruit in regards to prayer, Christians
         will be filled with anxious lives, not abundant living!

CONCLUSION

1. Why is "Fruit-Bearing Discipleship" so important...?
   a. It is necessary to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ
   b. It is necessary to be a fulfilled disciple of Jesus Christ

2. If you desire to be both a faithful and fulfilled disciple of
   Jesus...
   a. Abide in Him by keeping His commands
   b. Produce fruit that glorifies His Father

   "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you
   will be My disciples." (Jn 15:8)

If you are not yet a disciple of Jesus, then let His own words lead you
to become one - Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... The Greatest Prayer Ever Prayed (John 17:1-26)

                          "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

               The Greatest Prayer Ever Prayed (17:1-26)

INTRODUCTION

1. "Some brethren pray by the yard; but true prayer is measured by
   weight, and not by length." - Charles Spurgeon

2. This statement is true, for the greatest prayer ever prayed is
   recorded in Jn 17...
   a. It takes about six minutes to reverently read it aloud
   b. There may not be much length, but there is certainly a great depth
      and weight!

3. Though there are approximately 650 prayers recorded in the Bible...
   a. Not one of them can match our Lord's "High Priestly Prayer" in Jn 17
   b. Nor can any prayer recorded outside the Bible

[What is it about this prayer that makes it so great?  At least four
reasons can be given.  From Jn 17:1 we learn it is great because of...]

I. THE PERSON WHO OFFERED THE PRAYER

   A. JESUS, REVEALED IN THIS GOSPEL AS...
      1. He who was with God in the beginning - Jn 1:1
      3. He who was God - Jn 1:1
      4. He who was in the beginning with God - Jn 1:2
      5. He who was the Creator of all things - Jn 1:3
      6. He was the light of men - Jn 1:4
      7. He who became flesh and dwelt among men - Jn 1:14

   B. JESUS, PROCLAIMED IN THIS GOSPEL AS...
      1. The Word - Jn 1:1,14
      2. The Lamb of God - Jn 1:29
      3. The Son of God - Jn 1:34
      4. The King of Israel - Jn 1:49
      5. The promised Messiah - Jn 4:25-26
      6. The Bread of Life - Jn 6:35
      7. The Light Of the World - Jn 8:12
      8. The Great "I Am" - Jn 8:56-58
      9. The Good Shepherd - Jn 10:11
     10. The Resurrection and The Life - Jn 11:25

[The prayer in Jn 17 is great because the greatest Person who ever lived
is the One who offered it!  It is also great because of...]

II. THE OCCASION THAT DEMANDED THE PRAYER

   A. OCCASIONS PROVIDE WEIGHT TO WORDS...
      1. Neil Armstrong said, "That's one small step for a man, one
         giant leap for mankind."
         a. If he had made the statement while playing hopscotch with
            the neighborhood children, nobody would have paid him
            attention
         b. He made it as he stepped down from his spacecraft, the first
            man to walk on the moon
      2. The situation helped give weight to his words!

   B. THE OCCASION SURROUNDING THIS PRAYER...
      1. Notice His first words:  "Father, the hour has come" - Jn 17:1
      2. What 'hour' is that?
         a. His appointment with the cross - cf. Jn 16:31-32
         b. A time of separation, betrayal, suffering, and crucifixion
         c. A time in which God's eternal purpose is about to be carried
            out
         d. A time in which Jesus is about to bear the sins of the world
            on the cross!

[The occasion, in which Jesus knows His crucifixion is imminent, gives
great weight to the words of His prayer.  Whatever preoccupied the mind
of Jesus at this time must be very important!  The prayer was also great
because of...]

III. THE CONTENTS OF THE PRAYER

   A. THIS PRAYER DEALS WITH GREAT THEMES...
      1. It takes us back and forward in time
         a. Back to eternity past - Jn 17:5
         b. Forward into the future glory in heaven - Jn 17:24
      2. It deals with glory
         a. The glory of the Father and the Son - Jn 17:1
         b. The disciples glorifying God on earth - Jn 17:10
         c. The Son giving glory to His disciples - Jn 17:22
         d. The disciples beholding the glory of the Son - Jn 17:24
      3. It discusses love
         a. The Father's love for believers - Jn 17:23
         b. The Father's love for Jesus - Jn 17:23-24

   B. THIS PRAYER CONTAINS GREAT PETITIONS...
      1. "Glorify Me" - Jn 17:1-5
      2. "Keep them" - Jn 17:6-12
      3. "Sanctify them" - Jn 17:13-19
      4. "That they all might be one" - Jn 17:20-23
      5. "That they may behold My glory" - Jn 17:24-26

   C. THIS PRAYER HAS THREE GREAT DIVISIONS...
      1. Jesus prays for Himself - Jn 17:1-5
      2. Jesus prays for His disciples - Jn 17:6-19
      3. Jesus prays for all believers - Jn 17:20-26

[Even a brief examination of its contents reveal the greatness of this
prayer, and why it is worthy of careful study.  Finally, a fourth reason
why this is the greatest prayer:  because of...]

IV. THE VICTORY REVEALED IN THE PRAYER

   A. THE CONCERN OF JESUS IS EVIDENT...
      1. Pertaining to "the world" (used 19 times!) and the effect it
         can have on believers
      2. A justifiable concern, for we live in a world which is:
         a. Deceived (blinded by Satan) - cf. 2Co 4:3-4
         b. Dangerous (promises fulfillment, but will pass away) - cf.
            1Jn 2:15-17
         c. Defiled (defiling those who accept it) - cf. Jm 1:27
         d. Divided (this is self-evident, especially in regards to
            religion)

   B. YET JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD...
      1. As He told His disciples prior to this prayer - cf. Jn 16:33
      2. In this prayer, the victory in Jesus is revealed!  The world
         may be:
         a. Deceived, but Jesus has shown us reality, in revealing the
            only true God - Jn 17:3
         b. Dangerous, but Jesus provides security as we are kept in
            God's name - Jn 17:11-12
         c. Defiled, but Jesus provides sanctification through God's
            word - Jn 17:17
         d. Divided, but Jesus offers unity through His glory - Jn 17:22

CONCLUSION

1. These four reasons help us appreciate why Jesus' prayer in Jn 17 has
   been called...
   a. "The Greatest Prayer Ever Prayed"
   b. "The High Priestly Prayer"
   c. "The Lord's Prayer" (not just that taught by Jesus in Mt 6 and
      Lk 11)

2. It is indeed a great prayer...
   a. But it is a prayer in behalf of those who are Jesus' disciples
   b. If you are not a disciple, Jesus' prayer is that you first become
      one! - cf. Mt 28:18-20

Then as disciples of Jesus Christ, we should do all that we can to see
that "The Greatest Prayer Ever Prayed" be fulfilled in our lives...!

Note:  The main idea and many points for this outline came from a book
by Warren Wiersbe which I believe is now out of print.

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Father...Glorify Your Son (John 17:1-5)

                          "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

                   Father...Glorify Your Son (17:1-5)

INTRODUCTION

1. In a previous lesson we stated that the prayer of Jesus in John 17 is
   "The Greatest Prayer Ever Prayed", noting four reasons...
   a. The Person who prayed the prayer
   b. The occasion that demanded the prayer
   c. The contents of the prayer
   d. The victory in Jesus that it reveals

2. We now begin to take a closer look at this prayer, beginning with the
   petition Jesus makes for Himself in verses 1-5 and asking...
   a. What is Jesus asking for?
   b. Why should God grant His request?
   c. Was Jesus' prayer answered?

[In regards to the first question...]

I. WHAT IS JESUS ASKING FOR?

   A. THE PETITION EXPRESSED...
      1. "Father...glorify Your Son" - Jn 17:1
      2. "Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory
         which I had with You before the world was." - Jn 17:5

   B. THE PETITION EXAMINED...
      1. glorify - "to exalt to a glorious rank or condition" - Thayer
      2. Jesus asks to be restored to His state of glory He had before
         the world existed - Jn 17:5
      3. His request implies two great truths concerning Jesus:
         a. His pre-existence, as foretold in prophecy- cf. Mic 5:2
         b. His Deity, for God shares His glory with no one - cf. Isa 42:8
      4. Overhearing this prayer, we appreciate why John began his
         gospel with these words:
         a. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God...
            He was in the beginning with God." - Jn 1:1a,2
         b. "...and the Word was God." - Jn 1:1b
      5. Thus Jesus asks the Father to reinstate Him to the glorious
         position He had before coming to earth

[This leads us to our second question...]

II. WHY SHOULD GOD GRANT HIS REQUEST?

   A. "THAT YOUR SON ALSO MAY GLORIFY YOU..."
      1. Jesus desires to glorify His Father - Jn 17:1
         a. Thus His prayer is not purely personal
         b. He wants to reciprocate by utilizing His glory to honor the
            Father
      2. Jesus provides an important example in regards to our own
         prayers
         a. Do we ask for blessings that we might better serve God and
            do His will?
         b. Many prayers go unanswered because they are for selfish
            reasons - cf. Jm 4:3
         c. Our requests should always be with the Father's will in mind
            - cf. 1Jn 5:14

   B. "AS YOU HAVE GIVEN HIM AUTHORITY OVER ALL FLESH..."
      1. The Father had already given Jesus 'authority' - Jn 17:2
         a. Authority to give eternal life - Jn 17:2 (more in our next
            study)
         b. Authority to forgive sins - cf. Mt 9:6
         c. Authority to execute judgment - cf. Jn 5:26-27
         d. Indeed, all authority in heaven and on earth - cf. Mt 28:18
      2. In view of such authority, it is only proper to receive glory
         to accompany it

   C. "I HAVE GLORIFIED YOU ON EARTH..."
      1. Jesus had glorified His Father on earth - Jn 17:4
         a. By making His Father's will and work His chief delight - cf.
            Jn 4:34
         b. He came from heaven for this very purpose - cf. Jn 6:38
         c. By His life and His words Jesus always glorified His Father
      2. Again, Jesus provides an example regarding our own prayers
         a. Do we base our requests solely on promises of what we will
            do?
         b. Or do we seek to do His will first, and then ask God to
            fulfill what He has promised?

   D. "I HAVE FINISHED THE WORK..."
      1. He had finished the work given to Him by His Father - Jn 17:4
         a. True, His greatest work (dying for our sins) had not yet
            been done - cf. Jn 19:30
         b. But its accomplishment was so certain, Jesus could speak of
            it as done
      2. Jesus illustrates the proper place prayer should occupy in our
         lives
         a. Not something used only in the case of emergency
         b. But complementing a life of devotion and service dedicated
            to glorify God!

[We now come to our third and final question...]

III. WAS JESUS' PRAYER ANSWERED?

   A. YES, BY MAKING HIS DEATH SIGNIFICANT...!
      1. The significance of Jesus' death gives Him great honor
      2. As expressed in the book of Revelation - cf. Re 5:9-14

   B. YES, BY RAISING HIM FROM THE DEAD...!
      1. God declared Jesus to be the Son of God with power - Ro 1:4
      2. And then gave Him glory - 1Pe 1:21

   C. YES, BY EXALTING HIM TO THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD...!
      1. God seated Him at His right hand, far above all things - Ep 1:
         20-22; 1Pe 3:22
      2. Jesus now reigns with authority over the nations - Re 2:26-27;
         3:21

   D. YES, THOUGH MORE GLORY IS TO COME...
      1. When Jesus returns, He will be glorified in His saints - 2 Th 1:10
      2. He will sit on His throne of glory, as He judges the world - Mt 25:31-32

CONCLUSION

1. The words of Paul confirm that God has glorified His Son - cf. Php 2:
   9-11
   a. Having highly exalted Him, giving Him the name which is above
      every name
   b. At which every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that He is
      Lord

2. But we do well to also remember...
   a. Jesus not only prayed "Father...Glorify Your Son" - Jn 17:1,5
   b. Jesus also prayed that we might behold His glory! - Jn 17:24
   c. Jesus desires that we share in His glory! - cf. Re 2:26-27; 3:21

3. From these two passages in the book of Revelation...
   a. We know that God has answered Jesus' prayer to be glorified
   b. We know that God will answer Jesus' prayer that we may behold His
      glory!

Do you want to participate in that glory?  Confess and obey Jesus as
Lord (cf. Ac 2:36-38), and then "hold fast" till He comes (cf. Re
2:25)...!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011