If a person does something even though he doesn't feel like doing it does that mean his motivations are wrong? Explain.
Well, I don't think it's necessarily wrong. Because, if I don't feel like doing something but I do it anyway out of love then I don't think it's a bad motivation. For example. If I planned to make someone food to help them out and then I didn't feel like cooking but I got up and did it anyway because I knew that it would help them - I don't see how that's wrong. Now if I only got up and did it because I wanted them to Thank Me for it or because I didn't want to look bad because I'd promised to give them something - that would be the wrong motivation. But the desire to do something nice for them in the first place was given to me by God so honoring that desire even though I'd rather not is honoring God.
b. How are our feelings and motivations related?
Our feelings determine our motives. We can have warring desires - wanting to do good, and wanting to be lazy - but our true motivation comes from our feelings. Or perhaps it's that our motives drive our feelings. If we truly want to honor the Lord and we are motivated by our love of him, we feel more joy in all of our actions...
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Lesson Four - Going Deeper Section 1
a. Share a time when you felt pressured by a sense of duty and obligation in your Christian life instead of a sense of joy, peace, and love.
My day to day life is sometimes one of obligation - trying to fit in and trying to be "good"
b. What was the source of this sense of drudgery in your life?
My selfishness.
c. What helped you put things back in the right perspective?
I'm still working on it, but reading and connecting with other people who all have admitted flaws is helpful.
My day to day life is sometimes one of obligation - trying to fit in and trying to be "good"
b. What was the source of this sense of drudgery in your life?
My selfishness.
c. What helped you put things back in the right perspective?
I'm still working on it, but reading and connecting with other people who all have admitted flaws is helpful.
Lesson Four - Exploring Grace Section 9
Take a minute to work on a plan for having the right motives this week.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Before we think WE are solving a problem... He created the problem and He created us. My motive should be to accept my role as a tool in God's workshop. He is in all things.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Before we think WE are solving a problem... He created the problem and He created us. My motive should be to accept my role as a tool in God's workshop. He is in all things.
Lesson Four - Exploring Grace Section 8
In the previous question you may have become aware of some less-than-pure motives in your life. what do you think a person can do to help purify his or her motives in an area.
I think becoming aware of your motivation is a huge step towards purification. Just like with any problem - identifying that you have one is the first/biggest step towards solving it. Once we recognize where our issue is, we can begin to try to stop ourselves before we act out of the wrong motivation.
I think becoming aware of your motivation is a huge step towards purification. Just like with any problem - identifying that you have one is the first/biggest step towards solving it. Once we recognize where our issue is, we can begin to try to stop ourselves before we act out of the wrong motivation.
Lesson Four - Exploring Grace Section 7
Examine for a moment the motivations behind some of your actions. For each area of your life, determine how often you think you are motivated by impure motives instead of pure or godly motives.
Lesson Four - Exploring Grace Section 6
Do you think it's possible to keep your motives pure at all times? Explain.
No it's not possible - we're human and we're selfish creatures. We sin all the time without conscious thought. I don't think the goal is to be perfect or always have pure motives - I think the goal is to try to do everything we can to honor God in all we do. The more we think about our motivation before we act, the better able we will be to glorify Him in all we do.
No it's not possible - we're human and we're selfish creatures. We sin all the time without conscious thought. I don't think the goal is to be perfect or always have pure motives - I think the goal is to try to do everything we can to honor God in all we do. The more we think about our motivation before we act, the better able we will be to glorify Him in all we do.
Lesson Four - Exploring Grace Section 5
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves 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.
Colossians 3:23-24
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.
Revelation 4:11
"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
a. List some pure or Godly motives that should be behind our actions.
reverence for God, worship of God, joy in his mercy.
b. What other good motives can people have?
to ease suffering in others, to forgive, to act as God has towards us.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves 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.
Colossians 3:23-24
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.
Revelation 4:11
"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
a. List some pure or Godly motives that should be behind our actions.
reverence for God, worship of God, joy in his mercy.
b. What other good motives can people have?
to ease suffering in others, to forgive, to act as God has towards us.
Lesson Four - Exploring Grace Section 4
John 12:42-43
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Galatians 6:12-13
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.
Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
Ephesians 2:8-9
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.
Colossians 2:16-23
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
a. List some of the wrong motives people can have for trying to live a "good" life.
to impress others, to desire human praise, to adhere to human laws
b. What other wrong motives can drive people's actions?
desire to be their own "king". Desire to sin.
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Galatians 6:12-13
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.
Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
Ephesians 2:8-9
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.
Colossians 2:16-23
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
a. List some of the wrong motives people can have for trying to live a "good" life.
to impress others, to desire human praise, to adhere to human laws
b. What other wrong motives can drive people's actions?
desire to be their own "king". Desire to sin.
Lesson Four - Exploring Grace Section 3
a. How do our motives affect the outcome of what we do?
I'm not sure how to answer this, other than our motives affect the spirit of everything we do. If something is done out of duty or selfishness, it is not a happy task - or there is guilt involved. If we have the right motives, every outcome should contain more joy.
b. Give an example of how the wrong motives can completely undermine a good action.
In the book I think he uses the tithing as the example - and to me it sort of went with duty vs. desire.
I'm not sure how to answer this, other than our motives affect the spirit of everything we do. If something is done out of duty or selfishness, it is not a happy task - or there is guilt involved. If we have the right motives, every outcome should contain more joy.
b. Give an example of how the wrong motives can completely undermine a good action.
In the book I think he uses the tithing as the example - and to me it sort of went with duty vs. desire.
Lesson Four - Exploring Grace Section 2
How does an understanding of God's grace help give us the right motives for the way we live?
If we are fully cognizant of God's grace, we will be motivated by love and gratitude instead of selfishness.
If we are fully cognizant of God's grace, we will be motivated by love and gratitude instead of selfishness.
Lesson Four - Exploring Grace Section 1
1 Chronicles 28:9
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
Proverbs 16:2
All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
a. Why do you think our motives are so important to God?
He wants us to glorify Him and we can't do that if our motives are selfish.
b. Do you believe that the people you come in contact with think much about the motives behind their actions. Explain.
I think that maybe I shouldn't be as concerned with other's motives where God is concerned. I think I should focus on my own relationship with God before I point out anyone else's flawed motives.
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
Proverbs 16:2
All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
a. Why do you think our motives are so important to God?
He wants us to glorify Him and we can't do that if our motives are selfish.
b. Do you believe that the people you come in contact with think much about the motives behind their actions. Explain.
I think that maybe I shouldn't be as concerned with other's motives where God is concerned. I think I should focus on my own relationship with God before I point out anyone else's flawed motives.
Lesson Four - Warm-up
Think about some of the people you come in contact with regularly (neighbors, coworkers, family, friends, acquaintances). What appear to be the basic motives behind why they live the way they live and why they make the decisions they make? (There is no need to be overly personal or specific about exactly whose life you are drawing conclusions from.)
I think that many people make a lot of decisions based on Self. A lot of decisions are not based on scripture but on a preconceived if/then response we were raised with.
I think that many people make a lot of decisions based on Self. A lot of decisions are not based on scripture but on a preconceived if/then response we were raised with.
Lesson Four - Central Idea
When we understand God's magnificent and boundless grace, we become motivated by gratitude and love to respond with a life devoted to Him.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Lesson Three - Going Deeper Section 4
The world is set up on a system of rewards for achievement at school and in the workplace. Why doesn't God use the same system when it comes to our relationship with Him.
Because it's a system that is based on "achievement" and in God's eyes, we don't achieve anything. Everything good that we do... is His doing - so He would never be able to actually reward us - He would only be able to reward Himself. Instead, He gives to us as He sees fit. He uses us and gives to us according to His plan and on His timeline. And while we might struggle because we expect it to be fair - if we keep in mind that everything is a gift - from our every breath to our loftiest ambition realized - we can feel blessed. And that is deeper and far more profound than any expected reward.
Because it's a system that is based on "achievement" and in God's eyes, we don't achieve anything. Everything good that we do... is His doing - so He would never be able to actually reward us - He would only be able to reward Himself. Instead, He gives to us as He sees fit. He uses us and gives to us according to His plan and on His timeline. And while we might struggle because we expect it to be fair - if we keep in mind that everything is a gift - from our every breath to our loftiest ambition realized - we can feel blessed. And that is deeper and far more profound than any expected reward.
Lesson Three - Going Deeper Section 3
What do the following verses tell us about the source of all that we have?
1 Chronicles 29:14, 16
"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.
O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.
God gives us everything - so everything we give back is really from Him.
Isaiah 26:12
LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.
I got distracted by the definition of Establish because there were so many meanings. And I found ALL of them to be interesting when joined with peace.
1. To start or set up something: to start or set up something that is intended to continue or be permanent. God intends our peace to be permanent.
2. To place something permanently: to place something securely and permanently in a position, situation, or condition.
3. To confirm truth of something: to investigate something and prove or confirm its truth or validity. God intends us to know peace is the truth.
4. To cause something to be recognized: to cause something or somebody to become generally
accepted or recognized. God wants us to accept and recognize peace.
5. To grow, or cause a plant to grow, successfully in a new place. God wants peace to grow successfully in our hearts and he wants us to spread that peace into others successfully.
6. To make a church an official national institution. God wants peace to be the official national institution, just like a church - He wants it for Everyone.
Acts 17:25
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
God needs nothing from us - everything we have, we get from Him, just as anything He actually needed He could do for himself. (Just because he doesn't need, that doesn't mean he does not Want)
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
He is unchanging (unlike us - who are constantly changing) and therefore every gift He gives is Good and Perfect... even if we cannot see it that way.
1 Chronicles 29:14, 16
"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.
O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.
God gives us everything - so everything we give back is really from Him.
Isaiah 26:12
LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.
I got distracted by the definition of Establish because there were so many meanings. And I found ALL of them to be interesting when joined with peace.
1. To start or set up something: to start or set up something that is intended to continue or be permanent. God intends our peace to be permanent.
2. To place something permanently: to place something securely and permanently in a position, situation, or condition.
3. To confirm truth of something: to investigate something and prove or confirm its truth or validity. God intends us to know peace is the truth.
4. To cause something to be recognized: to cause something or somebody to become generally
accepted or recognized. God wants us to accept and recognize peace.
5. To grow, or cause a plant to grow, successfully in a new place. God wants peace to grow successfully in our hearts and he wants us to spread that peace into others successfully.
6. To make a church an official national institution. God wants peace to be the official national institution, just like a church - He wants it for Everyone.
Acts 17:25
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
God needs nothing from us - everything we have, we get from Him, just as anything He actually needed He could do for himself. (Just because he doesn't need, that doesn't mean he does not Want)
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
He is unchanging (unlike us - who are constantly changing) and therefore every gift He gives is Good and Perfect... even if we cannot see it that way.
Lesson Three - Going Deeper Section 2
Today in our society we tend to have high expectations and a strong sense of our rights. Give some examples of these attitudes.
Women in the military. Affirmative Action. Discrimination Lawsuits abound over things that get blown out of proportion.
This brings to mind the story of the cop in Philly. He was a white police officer. He decided to get cornrows. His superior officer was black. He found a code in their guidelines dress code that because his hat did not sit just so upon his head he was not compliant. He put the officer on desk duty until the situation had been corrected.
There are other officers on the force who also have their hair in cornrows. The other officers are black. The other officers have not been put on desk duty or punished in any other way, nor have they been asked to cut their hair.
There were loud cries of "UNFAIR" in the media. There were people who suggested to the officer that he had a case for discrimination because of his unfair singling out based on his race. However, the officer just wanted to do his job. He cut his hair. He has not said anything about how it is unfair that he has to obey the rules and other officers do not. He simply corrected the issue personally and moved on.
Women in the military. Affirmative Action. Discrimination Lawsuits abound over things that get blown out of proportion.
This brings to mind the story of the cop in Philly. He was a white police officer. He decided to get cornrows. His superior officer was black. He found a code in their guidelines dress code that because his hat did not sit just so upon his head he was not compliant. He put the officer on desk duty until the situation had been corrected.
There are other officers on the force who also have their hair in cornrows. The other officers are black. The other officers have not been put on desk duty or punished in any other way, nor have they been asked to cut their hair.
There were loud cries of "UNFAIR" in the media. There were people who suggested to the officer that he had a case for discrimination because of his unfair singling out based on his race. However, the officer just wanted to do his job. He cut his hair. He has not said anything about how it is unfair that he has to obey the rules and other officers do not. He simply corrected the issue personally and moved on.
Lesson Three - Going Deeper Section 1
What do the following verses say about our right to demand anything from God?
Job 41:11
Who has a claim against me that I must pay?
Everything under heaven belongs to me.
How can we demand anything that doesn't belong to us? We can only ask and if He decides to give it to us, that is His choice.
Romans 11:35
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
Again, how can you "give" something He already owns and then expect compensation for it?
Job 41:11
Who has a claim against me that I must pay?
Everything under heaven belongs to me.
How can we demand anything that doesn't belong to us? We can only ask and if He decides to give it to us, that is His choice.
Romans 11:35
"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
Again, how can you "give" something He already owns and then expect compensation for it?
Lesson Three - Exploring Grace Section 6
2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
a. What does this verse tell you about God's promises and how they are fulfilled?
God has fulfilled all of His promises through Christ.
b. How does this verse help you let go of your expectations and focus on what God has already done?
If you sit there and count all of your blessings for how truly amazing they are - you can't help but be grateful. When you are truly grateful, it's a lot harder to focus on what you would rather have.
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
a. What does this verse tell you about God's promises and how they are fulfilled?
God has fulfilled all of His promises through Christ.
b. How does this verse help you let go of your expectations and focus on what God has already done?
If you sit there and count all of your blessings for how truly amazing they are - you can't help but be grateful. When you are truly grateful, it's a lot harder to focus on what you would rather have.
Lesson Three - Exploring Grace Section 5
We are not created equal, nor are we given equal opportunities throughout life. Each of us has our own unique set of circumstances. Those of some people are much more favorable than others. how do you thing God wants us to respond to this fact?
One of the best known phrases from the Declaration of Independence is "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal." Right there is a decided difference between religious and secular thinking. God wants us to know that we are not created equal nor should we expect to receive the same opportunities throughout life - but the world tells us we are. This creates a dichotomy that we can't escape. The world tells us we should expect fairness, but God tells us we shouldn't. The world tells us to look at each other and expect the same basic "rights" but those "rights" are actually God's gifts - and they aren't mandatory - and we can't demand fairness.
1 Corinthians 1:20 - I went to look up 2 Corinthians 1:20 on bible gateway for question 6, but instead put in 1 Corinthians 1:20 and read the following:
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
A simple mistake, or God trying to give me an answer to my own question about world wisdom vs. His Word...
One of the best known phrases from the Declaration of Independence is "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal." Right there is a decided difference between religious and secular thinking. God wants us to know that we are not created equal nor should we expect to receive the same opportunities throughout life - but the world tells us we are. This creates a dichotomy that we can't escape. The world tells us we should expect fairness, but God tells us we shouldn't. The world tells us to look at each other and expect the same basic "rights" but those "rights" are actually God's gifts - and they aren't mandatory - and we can't demand fairness.
1 Corinthians 1:20 - I went to look up 2 Corinthians 1:20 on bible gateway for question 6, but instead put in 1 Corinthians 1:20 and read the following:
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
A simple mistake, or God trying to give me an answer to my own question about world wisdom vs. His Word...
Lesson Three - Exploring Grace Section 4
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
a. Are you failing to experience contentment in some areas of your life? If so, name some areas in which you struggle.
Not having a baby. Not having a house. Not enjoying my job.
b. In which of these areas do you need to take some action.
John and I signed up for a seminar at his bank to find out what options are available for us to help us with this.
c. in which areas do you need a change of attitude.
I'm trying to have a better attitude towards the whole baby thing. I'm trying to keep it about Him and His timeline - focusing on the blessings we have instead and the Gifts He has provided us instead of the gifts other people are getting even when we feel like we deserve it so much more. I'm also trying to focus less on what others do at work compared to what I do at work so that I can be more content there until I can find a job where I feel more useful and connected.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
a. Are you failing to experience contentment in some areas of your life? If so, name some areas in which you struggle.
Not having a baby. Not having a house. Not enjoying my job.
b. In which of these areas do you need to take some action.
John and I signed up for a seminar at his bank to find out what options are available for us to help us with this.
c. in which areas do you need a change of attitude.
I'm trying to have a better attitude towards the whole baby thing. I'm trying to keep it about Him and His timeline - focusing on the blessings we have instead and the Gifts He has provided us instead of the gifts other people are getting even when we feel like we deserve it so much more. I'm also trying to focus less on what others do at work compared to what I do at work so that I can be more content there until I can find a job where I feel more useful and connected.
Lesson Three - Exploring Grace Section 3
Luke 17:10
"So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "
a. According to Luke 17:10 what sort of attitude are we to have about the things we do for the Lord?
We should be humble, not proud because we are only doing what we were supposed to do.
b. How easy is it for you to feel that way.
At work, the reward for a job well done is the job being done well - it's of course nice when we get noticed for doing well, but somehow we seem to expect that not only will we be thanked for doing it, but that we will be rewarded further. It is hard to look at it as just doing our job. It is even harder when we see other people not doing their jobs getting special dispensations or gr attitude in front of us when they do the smallest part of their job when we don't get thanked for going above and beyond.
It's sort of like that clause in your job description that says "and other duties as assigned by management." When the big boss is coming and your boss tells you to go clean the bathroom... sometimes you just want to say "that's not my job" - but really, whatever he tells you to do is your job. God is the manager, and everything he says we should do... Sometimes it's hard to see it that way.
"So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "
a. According to Luke 17:10 what sort of attitude are we to have about the things we do for the Lord?
We should be humble, not proud because we are only doing what we were supposed to do.
b. How easy is it for you to feel that way.
At work, the reward for a job well done is the job being done well - it's of course nice when we get noticed for doing well, but somehow we seem to expect that not only will we be thanked for doing it, but that we will be rewarded further. It is hard to look at it as just doing our job. It is even harder when we see other people not doing their jobs getting special dispensations or gr attitude in front of us when they do the smallest part of their job when we don't get thanked for going above and beyond.
It's sort of like that clause in your job description that says "and other duties as assigned by management." When the big boss is coming and your boss tells you to go clean the bathroom... sometimes you just want to say "that's not my job" - but really, whatever he tells you to do is your job. God is the manager, and everything he says we should do... Sometimes it's hard to see it that way.
Lesson Three - Exploring Grace Section 2
Luke 7:1-10
When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
a. On what basis did the elders appeal to Jesus to heal the centurion's servant?
They asked him to go based on the centurion's worthiness.
b. What was the centurion's perspective on what he deserved?
The centurion felt unworthy.
c. Do you tend to operate like the elders or the centurion? Explain.
It really depends on the day. Some times, I come at it from a "I deserve this" standpoint. And not just in my relationship to God. I very much feel like a person who needs to balance scales - no gift is really a gift, everything must be paid or accounted for. If someone buys me something, I have to buy them something or do something to pay for what was given. This isn't the most healthy attitude and I struggle with letting gifts just be gifts - even gifts from God.
When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
a. On what basis did the elders appeal to Jesus to heal the centurion's servant?
They asked him to go based on the centurion's worthiness.
b. What was the centurion's perspective on what he deserved?
The centurion felt unworthy.
c. Do you tend to operate like the elders or the centurion? Explain.
It really depends on the day. Some times, I come at it from a "I deserve this" standpoint. And not just in my relationship to God. I very much feel like a person who needs to balance scales - no gift is really a gift, everything must be paid or accounted for. If someone buys me something, I have to buy them something or do something to pay for what was given. This isn't the most healthy attitude and I struggle with letting gifts just be gifts - even gifts from God.
Lesson Three - Exploring Grace Section 1
Matthew 20:1-16
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
"About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went.
"He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'
" 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered. "He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'
"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'
"The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.
'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'
"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
a. Assuming the landowner represents God, what do we learn about the character of God from this story?
God gives what He wants.
b.What can you observe about human nature and how people tend to respond to the good fortune of others?
We are covetous and it's hard to accept others good fortune, even more so when you are not equally blessed. Maggie's skirt joy comes to mind...
c. With which worker do you identify?
I think it really depends on the day. Sometimes it's easier for me to be that eleventh hour worker - where I truly am amazed by God's generosity even though I know I did nothing to deserve it. But let's face it, in the real world, surrounded by greed and that me-me-me attitude, it's HARD not to feel entitled and let that bitterness come out and be seen. It's easier to complain and be negative - to bond over common unfairness at work or how you deserve better than you get than it is to just accept that whatever you do is only what you should do and that you don't DESERVE anything for just doing what you should.
d. Why do people tend to thin of the landowner as unfair instead of generous?
Because most of us identify with the person who worked all day and to them the work itself wasn't a gift.
e. What does this story tell us about what God's grace means?
Everything we have is because of his Grace. It doesn't matter if we're late to the party or not - it's always about Him. It also shows that He is generous with His Grace.
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
"About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went.
"He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'
" 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered. "He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'
"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'
"The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.
'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'
"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
a. Assuming the landowner represents God, what do we learn about the character of God from this story?
God gives what He wants.
b.What can you observe about human nature and how people tend to respond to the good fortune of others?
We are covetous and it's hard to accept others good fortune, even more so when you are not equally blessed. Maggie's skirt joy comes to mind...
c. With which worker do you identify?
I think it really depends on the day. Sometimes it's easier for me to be that eleventh hour worker - where I truly am amazed by God's generosity even though I know I did nothing to deserve it. But let's face it, in the real world, surrounded by greed and that me-me-me attitude, it's HARD not to feel entitled and let that bitterness come out and be seen. It's easier to complain and be negative - to bond over common unfairness at work or how you deserve better than you get than it is to just accept that whatever you do is only what you should do and that you don't DESERVE anything for just doing what you should.
d. Why do people tend to thin of the landowner as unfair instead of generous?
Because most of us identify with the person who worked all day and to them the work itself wasn't a gift.
e. What does this story tell us about what God's grace means?
Everything we have is because of his Grace. It doesn't matter if we're late to the party or not - it's always about Him. It also shows that He is generous with His Grace.
Lesson Three - Warm-up
Imagine for a moment that you have worked hard for several years to save enough money to buy a car and that a close friend's parents simply hand him money for a new car.
- How do you feel toward your friend? How do you feel about your own circumstances?
- How do you think you should feel?
S0 - right off the bat, I'm jealous - and a little bitter. And I'm a little angry about my own circumstances, because why should I have to work for something when someone else doesn't. It just isn't "fair". To which my mother has always said "Life isn't fair... anyone who tells you different is selling something."
And the thing is, Life isn't fair - but that doesn't mean that I have to care about it. I should just be grateful that life IS... I have so much and I'm so blessed in other ways. Just because my friend got a car handed to them and I had to work for mine... what have I had handed to me instead? I should focus on my own gifts instead of coveting someone else's gifts.... which of course is easier said than done.
Lesson Three - Central Idea
God does not owe us anything. All we have comes graciously from His hand, therefore we should be content and grateful for the lot in life He has given us. In Christ we are blessed with all spiritual riches, and in Christ all of God's promises are fulfilled.
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