Sermon Study Guide

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Learning Jesus in Order to Make Him Known “The Habits of Making Jesus Known” Psalm 119:105; John 13:14-15; 21:24-25

September 30, 2018 BIG IDEA Today we’ll see the importance of learning the ways of Jesus. He is building his kingdom. He is after hearts. We can win souls and make new lanterns by learning Jesus in order to make him known.

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE Context for John 21:24-25: John confesses that the amazing works and words of Jesus are far too many to record! John 21:24-25 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Context for John 13:14-15: Jesus reiterates the idea that his followers should follow his example. In this verse, this command is in regards to humility and servanthood. John 13:14-15 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Context for Psalm 119:105: The Psalmist (possibly David, Asaph, or Solomon) recognized that his light came from God’s Word. It is what directed him. In distress he vowed to follow it. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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MAIN IDEA It is important to learn Jesus, not just to learn about Jesus. This means that we take a deep dive into his character and do our best to replicate his mission. We do this through a committed heart. It drives us toward humility and servanthood and our learning should be based predominately on the Bible.

DISCUSSION & APPLICATION 1. Learning Jesus Comes from A Committed Heart John 21:24-25 – This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. The life of Christ is an amazing lesson on how to serve others and win hearts. Genuine humility wins people over! But if we intend to discover the methodology of Jesus, we need to intentionally decide to make it a priority. a. Tim Keller says, “What we dream about is our idol.” What do you dream about? What might be keeping you from learning about Jesus?

b. Can you take a moment in the group and pray for each other? Pray that learning about Jesus would become a key priority in each of your lives.

2. The Example of Jesus Drives Us Toward Humility and Servanthood John 13:14-15 – If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. The Lord’s ministry is, and always has been, based on humility and servanthood. In order to learn Jesus and make him known, we must see ourselves as servants. Arrogance and self-righteousness are antitheses of the character of Jesus. Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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a. This passage features Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. Can you think of other ways that Jesus serves his children?

b. What are some ways that you can serve others in order to make Jesus known to them?

3. Learning the Truth About Jesus Should Be Based On Scripture Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. The Bible is saturated with Jesus. His name appears nearly 1,000 times in the New Testament. His saving work is the point of the Old Testament. To learn truth about him, scripture needs to be your main source. a. There are many different views floating around about Jesus. Can you make a list of five things that Jesus is and five things that he isn’t? Discuss it in the group and find scripture to support your findings.

b. Why is it important to clarify truth about Jesus?

4. Practical Ways to Learn About Jesus Learning Jesus is about relationship. It is about submission. It is about enlightenment from the Holy Spirit. It is about taking the Bible seriously. Here are some practical ways to do that: - Spend At Least One Period of Time Each Week Learning About Jesus If you don’t spend intentional time learning about Jesus, distractions will crowd in.

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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- Study the Gospels Try and read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John in one sitting. You’ll get amazing context to the life and work of Jesus. - Read About Jesus There are some amazing authors that have studied Jesus and make for wonderful extra-biblical sources. - Use Media To Your Advantage Use podcasts and Bible Apps. We have tremendous tools at our disposal. a. If you are not already doing so, what are some ways you could adjust your schedule to make intentional time to learn about Jesus each week?

PRAY Lord, thank you for your life and ministry. Help me to learn from you. Help me to minister like you did; with intentionality and humility. Amen.

DIG DEEPER For further study this week:    

Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People – a book from Michael Frost Seeing and Savoring Christ – a book from John Piper Who is Jesus? – a book from Greg Gilbert The Gospel of John – a book from John MacArthur

NEXT WEEK’S BIG IDEA The Habits of Making Jesus Known: “Sent” (John 17:15)

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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