Bible Study Notes 6/14/22

Word Alive!

©2022 Spring Series

Not A Fan... A Completely Committed Follower!

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton

Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Tuesday, 14 June 2022, Lesson 4

Kyle Idleman, Not A Fan… A Completely Committed Follower of Jesus

Devotional Time: Not A Fan, Chapter 4 (pp. 55-68)

A Single Commitment – Jesus also ministered in a culture, where people measured the validity of a religious experience by crowds. While the Gospels often portrayed Jesus speaking to the multitudes, it was never the size of the crowd that gave the Lord satisfaction; or validation, for His ministry. Jesus was concerned with developing a relationship with “true and committed followers.” This meant people who were committed to becoming a disciple of Jesus, must have a single commitment to Him only. In his book, Not A Fan, Kyle Idleman explains the commitment in this way: “Jesus welcomed people who were curious and want[ed] to find out more about [Him]. But the time comes when He wants to talk about the relationship.” To truly follow Jesus, a person had to be willing to encounter some tension and rejection from persons who were closest to them (cf. Luke 14:25-27, NLT). Jesus uses strong language, not to convey violent or reprehensible behavior toward family or friends; but, to emphasize that He was aware persons who followed Him could suffer rejection from those closest to them. Living contrary to a given culture, rendered a person excommunicated from family. When a person left Judaism to follow another faith, it was referred to as being “off the derech.” The Hebrew word derech, means “path.” The word translated “hate” here in Luke 14:25-27, is the Greek term miseo. The context in which Jesus used the term means, to “detest,” or “be at odds with” the priorities of others. A person could not be a disciple of Christ, if they were not willing to stand at odds with others, even family. Jesus wanted committed followers to know there was a cost to discipleship. Jesus requires priority to Him, for all who follow Him. Jesus says what a person values the most in life, will be where their passions are (cf. Matthew 6:21, NLT). Jesus raised this question with Peter after the Resurrection; and after Peter had denied ever knowing Him. Jesus phrased the question about loyalty to Him. The Lord persistently asked Peter whether his love for Him, exceeded his loyalty to others (cf. John 21:15-17, NLT). Peter became embarrassed by this interrogation, but affirmed his love for Jesus, and priority as a committed follower. The true cost of discipleship is to love and obey Jesus without reservations. In doing so, Jesus promises to give us all things that are needful (cf. John 14:14-15, NLT). Kyle Idleman says Jesus loves “us alone, and he doesn’t want to share us with anyone else.” God told Moses; He required followers to worship Him only. The Lord says, “You must worship no other gods. For the Lord whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about His relationship with you (cf. Ex. 34:14, NLT).”

The Single Commitment, C’td. - In ancient times, as now, one of the greatest impediments to faith and a committed relationship to Christ, was reliance on material things. Resources are important, and Jesus has promised to give us all that we need. However, the means by which we live, should not become the ends for which we live. Jesus said, “So don’t worry about these things. Saying, “What shall we eat? What shall we drink? What will wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs (cf. Matthew 6:31-32, NLT). If we are emotionally invested in material things, we will become conflicted when it comes to our relationship with Jesus (cf. Luke 16:13, NLT). Kyle Idleman says, “Jesus wants to be our satisfaction. He described himself as living water that quenches our thirst forever. Money becomes a substitute for God because it promises to do for us what He wants to do for us.” We should add, that no priority in life should become a substitute for serving Him. Jesus said our priority should be to seek God, and sustain an unbroken relationship with Him (cf. Mathew 6:33, NLT). Having a single commitment to Christ, simply means we cannot be loyal to other belief systems. Paul pointed this out to the Christians in Corinth. They lived in the Greco-Roman world, where there were many shrines devoted to various deities. Some Christians were participating in the cultic festivals, and believed they could share at the Communion Table. Paul used strong language, to admonish persons who frequented the shrines and engaged in their ritualistic meals. Paul prohibited them from engaging in the Lord’s Table and Christian love feasts, if they were imbibing at cultic tables (cf. I Corinthians 10: 21-22, NLT). The NLT commentary says: “Believers should avoid participating in religious meals eaten in a pagan temple…because those united in the Lord (Christ) cannot simultaneously be united to demons.” Such participation would further “rouse God’s jealousy and judgment…” Being completely committed to Christ, means cleansing ourselves of any behavior that brings injury to both body and spirit (cf. I Corinthians 7:1, NLT). John warned the second-generation Christians about becoming absorbed into the culture of the world’s systems. This absorption would compete with their allegiance Fame and achievements they acquired, would be short-lived. It is one’s faithfulness to the Lord that brings eternal blessings (cf. I John 2:15-16, NLT). Jesus said, the assurance of God’s promises in His word will sustain us throughout life and forever. This is relationship!

________________________________KEY IDEA________________________________

What We Believe!

“Jesus doesn’t seek our admiration. He wants our total commitment!”

1. Following Jesus, means following Him alone!

______________________________KEY VERSES______________________________

Luke 14:25-27, NLT

“A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison –your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes even your own life. otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.”

Matthew 6:21, NLT

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

John 21:15-17, NLT

“After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “You know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, you know I love you. ”“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time He asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord you know everything, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

John 14:14-15, NLT

“Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. If you love me, obey my commandments.”

Luke 16:13, NLT

“No one can serve two masters, for you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Matthew 6:33, NLT

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

I Cor. 10:21-22, NLT

“You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. Do we dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than He?”

2 Corinthians 7:1, NLT

“Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.”

I John 2:15-16, NLT

“Do not love the world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for every-thing you see, and pride in our achievements and possess-ions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God, will live forever.”

Matthew 24:35, NLT

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.”