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▪          Mechanic under car and brake fluid drops in his mouth. He actually liked the taste and started to drink it by the bottle full. A co-worker saw him drinking the brake fluid and told him it was harmful to his health. The mechanic said, “Do not worry; I can stop anytime I want.” It’s brake fluid!

This message will review the reality of temptation. In our personal fight with temptation we must remember that Jesus understands our fight. He too faced temptation (Hebrews 4:15) and we can learn from his experiences.

EXAMINE           Luke 4:1-15                          Fighting Temptation

Last message was on the genealogical generations of God’s faithfulness. Luke gave us the genealogy of Jesus to show us both Jesus’ humanity and divinity – “son of Adam, son of God”. This next passage is Jesus entering temptation. Do you remember what happened to the first Adam in temptation? He lost and died. The same is true for all those “in Adam” – we sin and die. But Jesus’ fight with temptation is victorious. He wins and lives, offering everyone to be “in Christ” (- the second Adam) that they too may find hope. We have hope because Jesus is our Savior who conquered sin, Satan and death that we may have forgiveness and eternal life.

We fight temptation by preparing for battle (4:1-2)

Jesus returns from his baptism preparing to inaugurate God’s kingdom but before he does is led to fast in the wilderness for 40 days. There is no shortage of significance here.

Jesus is the greater Israel.Israel wanders in the wilderness for forty years of disobedience and many never get to enter the Promised Land. Yet, Jesus’ obedience in the wilderness will ultimately bring about blessing and eternal life for numerous generations. Jesus succeeds whereIsrael fails.

Jesus is full of the Spirit. At no time in history has there been a person whom God’s Spirit rested. There is great mystery for how the persons of the Trinity existed during Jesus’ time on earth, but the human nature of Jesus is filled with the same Holy Spirit that empowers believers today.

The Psalmist prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:10-12)

Jesus is preparing for battle. Before Jesus begins his public ministry he fasts and prays. He understands that the next few years of his life will be more challenging and excruciating than any in his life. To face this battle he does so with the foundation of his relationship with God. He gains strength through fasting and prayer. He left family, friends, entertainment for the reality and urgency of what would be at stake.

If Jesus – the divine Son of God – needed this foundation, how much more than us?

Every day of our lives is a battle. Living the Christian life is counter-cultural. Thinking godly, having Christ-like conversations, and living under Jesus’ Lordship is not easy; in fact it is a fight. The world seeks to live for the world of here and now; making much of the latest trends, new technology, winning athletic teams, etc. But living for God is different. Christians make much of Jesus and things that will last for eternity. It is what John Piper calls having a “wartime lifestyle”. A Christian wartime lifestyle is one that is costly: commitment and focus are required, sacrifices are necessary to advance the mission of God. And often, the battle is not so much fighting over which is wrong/right but over that which is good/great. It is about avoiding things that are not essential to the war effort.

Preparing for battle means removing distractions

ð      What are the things in your life distracting you from God’s mission? 

Preparing for battle means readying defense

ð      How will you arm yourself for battle? (Bible intake, Prayer, Fellowship)

Also notice that Jesus is tempted during and coming away from of a spiritual high. This is the same for believers as they are living the Christian life or return from a spiritually impacting event or retreat encounter.
“all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Tim 3:12).

We fight temptation by recognizing our enemy (4:3-13)

Jesus converses with Satan over three different temptations to deter his mission of fulfilling God’s will as the sent Son of God. Their communication helps us to understand how to fight temptation.

Jesus knows Satan’s identity. There are no introductions. They know who each other is and for what they stand. Their conversation skips pleasantries and leads to opposition. Jesus is not casual or conciliatory but quite candid.

When faced with temptation we must understand with whom and what we are dealing. It is no time to entertain or be casual about sin. The Bible is very clear about Satan’s identity and we would be wise to recognize its seriousness.

John 8:44 “the devil was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

John 10:10a “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.”

1Peter 5:8-9 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith”

Our enemy knows and uses Scripture. Satan tempts Jesus with perverted and twisted biblical propositions.

Temptation to turn stones into bread.

Coming away from a 40-day fast, Jesus would have been hungry. Satan tempted Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. If Jesus really is God, he can do any miracle – prove it! The miracle of turning stones into bread would have been self-serving. It would have met Jesus’ need of hunger but would have showed Jesus’ lack of dependence and trust in provision from his Heavenly Father. Just as God provided the children ofIsraelmanna from heaven, so the Father would provide for his Son.

Jesus responded, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)

When faced with temptation to doubt God’s provision, we must look to the past. Has God been faithful throughout history? The answer is a resounding YES, because that is God’s character – and sometimes even in spite of our unfaithfulness and doubt.

-          Tell someone a story of God’s past faithfulness in your life. Write it down so you can remember to trust God in the future.

Psalm 69:13-16 “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.”

Temptation to avoid suffering but receive splendor.

Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. Satan offered power and prestige if Jesus would bow away from God’s mission and toward worldly aims. The opportunity would oavoid suffering from the cross to receive splendors of earth. But Jesus does not cave. He responded, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13).

Note two things:

-          Satan says “it has been delivered to me and I give it to whom I will” (4:6). The point is God has given Satan certain permissions of power in this world. His time is temporal but it is extensive. Do not be surprised when you encounter evil, false accusations or other attacks. Be prepared for battle by responding with God’s truth, light and love.

-          Satan’s aim is to distract you from Jesus. It will look appealing – avoid suffering, receive splendor – but do not buy it. Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:23-25)

• False gospels of health and wealth
  If you are a child of the King, why don’t you live like a prince/princess? God’s children aren’t poor and don’t have to struggle or suffer – they’re successful. Have your best life now! Be healthy, wealthy and blessed!
  • NO – your best life is in eternity because this world is marred with sin and sinners. Jesus calls us to deny self in order that our lives point others to trust and treasure God not things.
• Where would Satan lead you if he wanted to tempt you?

Temptation to test God

Lastly, Satan leads Jesus up to the temple mount and, again challenges his sonship. Interestingly, Satan uses Scripture in his challenge – throw yourself off the temple ledge and God will guard you with angels (Ps 91:11-12). In other words, take a selfish and foolish risk without account for God’s purposes and God will have your back.

Jesus responded, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Deut 6:16).

This is a relevant temptation of today’s new generation. It can be summarized in the philosophy of “act first and think later”. Intentions, desires and dreams do not equate to reality. This temptation is not just impulsive but arrogant against God. God wants His people to live in holy fear and worship according to His standards. Does that mean boldness or even risks are not valued? No, it just means you first commit to a biblical framework – a worldview – that denies self and prioritizes God (Luke 9:23; Mat 6:33).

We fight temptation by breathing biblical truth.

As you consider Jesus’ victorious response to each temptation you will notice a repeating phrase: “It is written”. Jesus fought Satan with the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12). The psalmist agreed when he said, “Thy word have I treasured in my heart that I may not sin against Thee” (119:11).

APPLY/THINK

▪          Imagine yourself in a field[1]. The sky is clear and the air is crisp. It seems you can see a great distance on either side. On one side there is thick green grass with hovering butterflies and beautiful trees bearing luscious fruit. There are birds soaring back and forth, chirping out songs to fill the ears. Still further, there is water just beyond the field with darting fish and shimmering streams. The location is a magnet to captivate your heart and mind.

The other side appears unapproachable. Roaming fog covers the field that visibility is low. It is a place of unusual mystery, like none other seen before. Long, winding valleys and dangerous ravines can be seen in the distance. And a curiously booming giant, thick tree stands in the distance that seems to define the entire landscape. You know there has to be more to be seen and experienced because of the giant tree but you cannot be entirely sure. It is a wonder if it is even real.

So, you begin to take a single step toward the first field and in the twinkling of an eye you come face to face a roaring lion with piercing eyes and his feet ready to leap and pounce on you, his prey.

This illustration and message reminds us that our life is filled with options that can allure our attention and mesmerize our mind. However, we must be careful that we are making life decisions based not on just things seen and worldly desire, but on what will lead to a deeper delight and greater glory. The pathway to God and the tree of life is not paved with comfort and convenience but is one of great contentment. In closing, in our fight against temptation we must remember these biblical truths:

µ      God is good.

Many times when we think of God and living for Him, we view it as a concession to happiness. This cannot be farther from the truth. God is a God of life – he created it and wants us to have it abundantly (John 10:10). Further, when we reject God we are actually pursuing the path of displeasure; conversely, when we follow God we pursue joy.
Psalm 16:4a,11 “The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

µ      God is gracious.

When we think of temptation we often think of our failures. Our sin has the potential to haunt and define our lives. But, God does not want that. He wants us to experience the transforming power of the gospel to cleanse us from sin and call us to newness of life.

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed”

 Galatians 5:1 “For freedom Christ has set you free; stand firm therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

µ      God is great.

In our fight against sin we are not alone. God is powerful, even more than any desires, lust or addiction we may have. We do not have to live with defeated wills and depleted hopes. God’s wants us to grow in grace and understand that God’s forgiveness propels us toward righteous living.

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 

Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age”

Who?

Generation Y (Millennials) and Generation Z

Hobbies/Interests

-          Digital Generation – Internet; Facebook/Twitter/Youtube (has never known a world without computers or cell phones)

-          Gets most of their information and socialization on the internet.

-          61% have televisions in their rooms.

-          Known as the KGOY – Kids growing older younger (they leave toys behind at a younger age in order to play with computers, other electronics and video games.

-          Savvy consumers (they know what they want and how to get it), and they are over saturated with brands.

Attitude

-          Self-centered generation (“be yourself and true to yourself”)

-          Have been told constantly that they are special so they expect everyone to treat them as such.

Career/Work

-          Don’t live to work, they prefer a more relaxed work environment with lots of hand holding and accolades.

-          Have big dreams and wants to accomplish much – but is unwilling to work for that accomplishment.

-          Work less – paid more mentality.

Spirituality

-          More Spiritual, less religious

-          Many of those who claim Christianity are either mushy or nominal at best, most are just indifferent about their faith

• 65% of those who claim to be Christian never pray with others, and 38% don’t even pray by themselves.
• 67% don’t read the bible or other sacred texts
• Only 40% are willing to share their faith in Jesus to others.
• 1 out of 2 are unsure that Jesus is the only way to heaven

Why?

So clearly the question becomes, why is this generation important to God?

-          God values heritage – as Pastor Dave already spoke about (genealogies in the Bible)

-          Children are something to be desire because they are a gift from God

• Ps 127:3-5, God commanded us to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28,9:7)

-          God enjoys the nature and personality of children (Matt 18:1-6, 19:13-15)

-          God desires that children be taught His Word and His Ways

• Deut 4:9-10, 6:1-7; Titus 2:1-8

-          The Next Generation is Part of Today’s Church (1 Tim 4:12)

How?

-          Teach God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

• Traditional -TeamKID, Youth Nights on Wednesdays, Sunday School classes
• Modern – Creatively and authoritatively – use of media and digital mediums

-          Build Relationships

• Pray for our youth – Paul always prayed for the saints
• Have a presence  – Titus 2 (the older men/women should teach the younger men/women) – reach out and mentor, they need to know what men/women of God look like
• Get involved– how can you tangibly get involved in some of the ministries that are geared toward youth
  • TeamKID
  • Generation Next
  • Sunday School and Extended Session (Toddlers/Nursery)
  • Various Church events in 2012

    www.spbcmd.com  

MOTIVATE

InWashingtonD.C.the Vietnam Memorial consists of 2 – 247’ walls of polished black granite engraved with the names of deceased Vietnam War soldiers.

There are also 2 traveling walls “The Moving Wall” and “The Wall That Heals”, which are half-size creations to bring accessibility to communities for them to experience and see the names of lost loved ones.

Similarly, each year for September 11 there is a ceremony that involves reading the list of names of those who died on that tragic day.

Why would/should we recognize long lists of names? I believe we do so to show appreciation for who they were and what they did. We do not want to forget their memory, both as individuals and collectively for what they stand.

Likewise, in today’s Luke passage, we approach a text of names – a genealogy – that at first glance would seem natural to gloss over. However, we shouldn’t be so quick. There is something to understand about God and in application to us today. Our focus will continue our theme of We Are: Growing Godly Generations.

EXAMINE     Luke 3:23-38               We Are: Growing Godly Generations

Why does Luke include this genealogy?

1)     To carefully communicate to the reading audience. The Gospels have different approaches in telling the account of Jesus.

Mark writes primarily to a Roman audience. Romans were multi-ethnic and global empire at the time. Their concern was mostly on the actions of a person that led to power and influence. So, Mark does not contain a genealogy but is a fast paced account of Jesus’ works as the Son of God.

John writes primarily to a Greek audience. Greek philosophy was very esoteric and concerned itself with divine and human wisdom. Therefore, John opens his account with Jesus as the eternal Word (logos) who was Creator yet entered creation and became flesh; full of grace and truth.

Matthew was written to a Jewish audience. They would have looked back to their forefathers such as Abraham and David, along with Old Testament prophecy. Accordingly, Matthew traces Jesus’ genealogical lineage through Joseph, Jesus’ legal (adoptive) father, and leads back from Abraham onward through David as the promised Messiah. Fulfillment of OT Scriptures are highly emphasized.

Luke writes primarily to a Gentile audience whom would have been curious about God (i.e. Theophilus) and specifically the truth of Jesus’ incarnation – humanity and divinity. So, Luke writes with careful investigation and eyewitness testimony surrounding these events and then traces Jesus’ lineage back to the original human, Adam; and ultimately God. That he does not stop with Abraham shows that Jesus is not just for the Jews but all peoples, an emphasis in Luke. That Jesus has a genealogy at all shows that he is real and true, unlike the mythical gods of Greek & Roman religions.

2)     To show the significance of people.

Luke’s use of the 77 names (38 of which are only found here) are not a perfectly comprehensive genealogical list. Often, individuals would be adopted and be seen as a legal lineage and such it can be difficult/confusing to equate multiple lists. Nonetheless, the list is quite inclusive and at times coincides with Matthew’s genealogy and other genealogies in Scripture (Genesis 5, 11 and 1 Chronicles 1 – 3).

History matters. This was especially expressed in previous generations where people were rooted in family, geographic locale, vocational heritage, communal relationships (neighbors, marriage, education, social structures, etc.).

Children are valued. In many societies and cultures children are viewed condescendingly. They are unappreciated, undervalued and underestimated. In Biblical times children were sometimes cast away, sacrificed to idols, or done away with as inconveniences. Consider today that not much has changed. Abortion on demand rules our preferences under the guise of “choice” and “tolerance”.

µ      Today we recognize Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. It is a day that unfortunately we must recognize. I say unfortunately, not because I (we) do not desire to recognize the value of life, but because it is unfortunate that murdering ~115K each day or 1 in 5 pregnancies is a cold reality.[1]

• Someone will say, but what about those babies caused by rape or incest or that could cause harm to the mother. Planned Parenthood’s own stats show that this is the case for less than 1% and that 93% of all abortions are performed on healthy mothers and babies.
  • Just follow the stats and research and not to mention the Scriptural viewpoint to understand the importance of valuing life from the moment of conception.

µ      Therefore, as Joseph, we affirm and encourage means of adoption, foster care, and the work of Pregnancy Centers to help protect the sanctity of life.

µ      Ultimately, we value the life nurture and maturation of the next generation.

2-3 Principles of Growing Godly Generations

God is faithful across multiple generations.
As you see this list of 77 names you can notice two things concerning God’s faithfulness. The first is the blessing of a long family lineage. The gift of life, children and future generations is not guaranteed. There are times when God told certain generations they would die out, while others were promised many offspring.

Psalm 119:90 “Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.”

-          Some in family line were great sinners, but God is a great Savior. He never gives up and is faithful!

• Joseph considered divorcing Mary but chose marriage and adoption of Jesus
• David lied, committed adultery and murder
• Judah traded slaves and adulterer
• Jacob was cheat and thief
• Abraham was liar, gave away his wife twice and committed adultery
• Terah was an unbeliever lacking faith
• Adam was lazy in protecting his wife Eve

-          Some in family line are unknown, but God sees, cares and knows each name. Each has significance.

-          God cut off multiple generations but saved Noah and his family (Genesis 5-9; 9:9)

-          God promised numerous offspring to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; Gen 15)

-          God spared offspring as a grace (2 Samuel 9)

In Luke 3, we see God’s persistent pursuit of His plan. And He is relentless to accomplish His redemptive work. The Jesus Storybook Bible says that “God loves us with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.” This is true. And even more, it is true not because humanity is good or deserving of God’s love but in spite of our unfaithfulness, He remains faithful. That’s His character. Salvation is based on a covenant agreement of which it all rests on God to fulfill the obligations of the covenant. We break the covenant but God’s love is unconditional grace.

ð     I pray that each of you enters into a covenant with God – grace (Christianity) not works (religion).

ð     Likewise, we as a church seek to have covenant church membership.

• We have members who are in covenant with God; not just people who think they’re <><
• We have members show unconditional love, grace and forgiveness to each other.
• We have members who covenant together to Love God, Love Others, Lead Generations
  • Love God: Do you participate in worship? Bible Groups?
  • Love Others: Are you sharing your faith?
  • Lead Generations: Are you serving in a ministry?
    • Needs in Nursery, SS, TeamKID, Youth, Adult Group Leaders, Seniors Ministry

God expects faith for future generations.

As you look at this list of names, we can not only see God’s faithfulness but His expectation for the faith of future generations. God can and does accomplish His redemptive plans with various people and in a variety of ways. The invitation is for you to participate.

Malachi 2:15 “And what does God seek? Godly offspring.” 

Psalm 78:4-8 “⁴ We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. ⁵ He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, ⁶ so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. ⁷ Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. ⁸ They would not be like their forefathers—a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.”

ð     We each have a part in Growing Godly Generations. WE ARE Christ’s body, each generation.

APPLY/THINK

PZ is going to share a challenge with us about who is this next generation, why we should and how we can reach them.

µ       Who are the next generation?

µ       Why should we reach them?

µ       How can we reach them?

AUDIO ON MEDIA PAGE

MOTIVATE
On December 31st, a car containing 1 adult and 3 children lost control on an icy road, causing it to plunge upside down into the Logan River near Logan, Utah.  The children were trapped upside down as the water poured in.  As many as 10 passers-by stopped to help the family.  After shooting out the windows, cutting seat belts, and reviving a young boy, the labors of these gracious heroes proved successful.  Although some were airlifted to a local hospital, the entire family survived this horrifying accident.  ”Emotions started taking over when he started to breathe. Everybody started to cheer. Lots of tears and clapping,” said the father of a 4-year-old. He continued, “Those men in the river just even now blow my mind. Look at these gentlemen, these men in this river in the middle of winter…said simply, there was a mission to be accomplished [and they did it].” ^[1]

-          Imagine if you were a parent of children in a trapped upside down car, assumed left to die. Would you want someone to stop what they were doing and help?

-          Imagine if you were a passerby. Would you stop to offer help and perhaps save lives?

The sad reality is that these circumstances happen everyday with Christians who pass by others without offering help and hope. Not specifically of a turned car but when Christians choose not to speak up about the dangers of an eternal hell and the life saving message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we live in a world full of individuals and families who are drowning in sin. And instead of becoming life-savers we stay spectators.

EXAMINE  Review: All About Jesus series but with micro-series “We Are: Growing Godly Generations”. Today we start Luke 3.

Luke continues being a good historical writer. He references the reigns of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate and other civil and religious leaders. The timing would have been around A.D. 28-30. The point is Luke’s Gospel gives numerous historical references and precise details to authenticate the truth of the events involving Jesus’ life.
2 principles for gospel living:

We are to growing to love God with sincerity (Luke 3:1-9)
Approximately a dozen+ years passed since the last passage and Luke says that “the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah”. The child who was born to older parents has now become a man who receives God’s word and preaches it to others. His message is a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John is telling people to turn away from selfishness and sin and turn toward trusting God to provide forgiveness as they follow His ways.
Here is the point as last message: All of life revolves around how you view Jesus. Do you see & savor, trust and treasure Jesus? Have you bought the American Politically Correct view that a casual belief in a God is good luck (for health, wealth and happiness); but by all means do not give God the name Jesus and worship Him as Lord; – Savior maybe, but not Lord?
John’s message, along with the entire Bible, was “bear fruits in keeping with repentance… do not say ‘We have Abraham as our father’” (3:8). In other words, God is not in the business of playing religious games. You cannot live and worship God based on someone else’s merit – your parents, your pastor or even your pew attendance. You must personally trust God in a sincere and personal relationship. And that must be lived out in a daily basis. Someone quipped, “your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” Right on! Either Jesus is Lord of all or not at all.

ð      Have you personally and definitively repented of sin, inviting Jesus to be Savior from sin & Lord of life?

ð      Have you followed that with public profession of such faith in baptism and church membership?

• Baptism[2] and church membership are not saving (grace-meriting) acts but they are key external indicators of a person’s faith and spiritual growth.

ð      Are you bearing good fruit in your Christian life and spiritual growth?

ð      Do you consistently: Read God’s Word, Repent of Sin, Pray, Praise God…

• African tribe became Christians and they would make walking paths to pray. If your walking path filled with grass & brush the village would know you were slack in prayer. Is there brush growing up in your spiritual life?

ð      When is the last time you shared your faith? How are you serving Jesus?
There is no such thing as incognito or spectator Christianity.

We are to growing godly to love others (Luke 3:10, ff).
As John preached, the crowds were convicted and began to ask questions. The language suggests a continual action of questioning. Responding, questioning, ruminating, struggling with and interacting are signs that you are taking someone’s words seriously. This crowd wanted to believe and do right. This is the proper understanding of faith and sincerely loving God. The rest of this passage provides us ways we are to live out and love others.

James 2:17-19 “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe – and shudder… faith is completed by works… For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

By sharing material needs (3:10-11).
John told the crowds to share clothing and food to those who had none. Having compassion for the misfortunate and poor have always been on the heart of God. 

-          Feb 5 will be “SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY”. Collect non-perishables for ODB & SPAN

-          SPBC Benevolence helped several families with rent, electric, food and so forth. Also was generous to Sisler & Palmer families during funeral services. We continue with your generosity…

-          “SENT 2012” will be a way to reach and share globally

By serving as good citizens (3:12-14)
John responds to the questions from tax collectors and soldiers (civil workers). The response is interesting because John does not tell them to quit their jobs and do church work. No, in fact he tells them to do their jobs with greater purpose; integrity & contentment. So, there is no distinction between secular & sacred; laity & clergy. God wants all of his people on mission in their sphere of influence.

J.D. Greear in an article titled, “What Makes Business Christian?” says,
“Missions today seems almost tailored to a similar business emphasis. It is not enough, if ever it was, to create teams composed of full-time missionaries. Secular skills are needed to give Christians access to countries that would otherwise swiftly reject their presence.  The countries most in need of a gospel presence—those in the so-called “10-40 window”—are devastated by poverty and joblessness. These places need both the words of the gospel and the tangible reflection of God’s love that businesses can provide… God is interested in how Christians do their work, and He wants to be involved in it. Your work can make an eternal difference in the lives of those you work with, those you work for, and those you serve through your job. Allow the transformation of the gospel to change the way you look at and do your work. You were redeemed by grace—now live out that grace in the context of your job. You may never look at work the same way again.”

ð      How are/can you intersecting your job with God’s mission of making disciples?

• Evangelism does not have to happen inside the church. In fact, it should happen outside it!
• This also does not equate to having prayer or Bible studies at work. It means, working with excellence (“as unto the Lord”) and with a gospel-engaging lifestyle to display, declare and defend the message of Christianity.

By showing a humble & holy, Christ exalting life (3:15, ff).
John’s teaching and life was so powerfully impacting that they began to wonder if he was the Christ – God’s Messiah. John humbly redirected attention from himself to Jesus. As John 3:30 says, “He must increase, I must decrease.”  His life stood as a constant arrow pointing in the direction of God and not his own fame.

APPLY/THINK

We Are: Growing Godly [Generations] to Love God, Love Others and Lead Generations

Engaging ideas to cultivate creativity and variety among children rather than forcing children into set molds and limited boxes.

What suggestions and ideas do you have?

How can we cultivate this same sort of creativity while providing a spiritual foundation and pointing children to be used for God’s kingdom?

Leading Generations @ www.spbcmd.com