How leaders can grow in the skill to confront in love

Leadership results in confrontation because it demands change. How do you confront someone in love? 

Look at this helpful video where Kobus Meyer shares how to confront someone in love 

Scripture

2 Samuel 12:1-13

¹ Then the Lord sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him: “There were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor.² The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds. ³ But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb which he had bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom; and it was like a daughter to him. ⁴ And a traveller came to the rich man, who refused to take from his own flock and from his own herd to prepare one for the wayfaring man who had come to him; but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.”

⁵ So David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this shall surely die!⁶ And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity.”

⁷ Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. ⁸ I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more! ⁹ Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. ¹⁰ Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ ¹¹ Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbour, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. ¹² For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.’”

¹³ So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”

And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.

Observation and reflection questions

Context: This is the account when of Nathan the prophet confronted King David after he impregnated Bathsheba and arranged the execution of her husband Uriah.

1. By what means did Nathan confront the king with the message from the Lord? (verses 1-4)
2. In your opinion, why did the prophet decide to confront David in that way?
3. Why would Nathan use the analogy of the “beloved lamb” in confronting David?
4. After David reacted to the story, how did the prophet confront the king? (verse 7)
5. What was David’s response to the confrontation and prophetic word? (verse 13)
6. How did Nathan respond to the King’s confession? (verse 13) Why was this necessary?

Personal reflection and application

Nathan was a wise prophet in that he used a parable of a beloved lamb in confronting the Shepherd-King in this sensitive situation.  He knew that the analogy will speak to the king’s heart, bringing conviction to truth as he delivered the Lord’s message.

1. Think of a recent confrontation. What makes confrontation difficult for you? Why?
2. Consider someone you need to confront about something, or someone with whom you have regular conflicts.

• What is important or precious to the person? What moves the person’s heart?
• Using Nathan’s method of creating context of this situation, what example or scenario can you sketch to illustrate the truth and gravity of the situation to him or her?
• As a reflective exercise only: make up a parable similar to Nathan’s (above) to highlight some need for change in this person’s life. What will bring out the needed response?

Prayer

Pray for wisdom to speak lovingly to the heart, and boldness to confront the person in truth.

 

Leaders must grow in the skill to confront in love

Leaders lead, teach and train, and therefore need to confront and correct in love. This is uncomfortable and needs to be done in truth and sensitivity.  Can you grow in this skill?

In this short video Kobus Meyer shares wisdom on how to confront people in a loving and truthful way.

Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:2-13

2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3  Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

4  I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5  That in every thing you are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6  Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7  So that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8  Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9  God is faithful, by whom you were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11  For it has been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12  Now this I say, that every one of you said, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.  13  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Observation and reflection questions

1. To whom was this letter written?
2. Directly after naming the recipients, what does Paul do in this letter? [verse 3]
3. We learn a lot about the congregation through Paul’s praise of them. What does Paul praise about this congregation?
4. According to this portion of the letter, what is the reason Paul mentions for writing this letter? [hint: verses 10-13]
5. In light of this stated purpose let’s re-evaluate the structure in the opening of the letter. Summarize the intent of each of the following portions and state why Paul does it, taking into account the sensitive nature of the letter.

• Verses 2
• Verse 3
• Verses 4-8
• Verse 9
• Verse 10-11
• Verse 12-13

6. By starting the letter with affirmation, thanks and praise, how does it help in confronting errors within the congregation?
7. Note Paul’s use of the question in the sensitive topic. What benefits does the use of a question have in confrontation over a statement? (verse 13)

Personal reflection and application

Paul was a skilled communicator who did not shy away from confrontation or conflict, but embraced the use of sincere affirmation, thanks and praise as well as questions aimed at introspection, calling for change.

1. Why is conflict and confrontation necessary?
2. How do you feel about confrontation and conflict?
3. Consider someone you need to confront about something, or someone with whom you have regular conflicts.

• Reflect and write down what is good and praiseworthy about the person.
• Consider the pressing issue or last conflict situation. How can you address this matter in a non-confrontational question so that (a) you affirm the value of the person and your relationship and (b) your perspective of the situation?

Prayer

Pray about your attitude regarding conflict, and ask God that you will be able to speak the truth in love and not fear to stand of for what is right.

How leaders can grow in teaching grace

Leaders lead people into the discovery of the truth – about God, the world, their purpose and themselves.  It is therefore critical for leaders to wait on the Lord for direction and instruction.

Look at this short inspirational video by Andre Kruger on growing in the prophetic anointing. For more on his teachings and to obtain a copy of his book Increasing Heaven’s Flow in 40 days go to www.heavensflow.org

Scripture

Matthew 16:13-21

13  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16  Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17  And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.  18  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  19  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Observations

Context: Caesarea Philippi was located at the base of Mt Hermon, next to a natural spring that gushed from the mountain – a place of pagan worship and rituals.  In the city was a statue with temple of the Greek god Pan (see excavation site below).  The city was rebuilt and renamed in 3BC by Philip II, son of Herod the Great, renamed the city Caesarea Philippi in honour of Caesar Augustus (14AD) and later he pressed his own coins with his face on in 30AD – considered an act of idolatry by the Jews.   Thus, in Jesus’ day this city was renowned for animistic pagan worship at the natural spring, Greek worship of Pan, Roman emperor worship of Caesar and even veneration of Philip himself.   

Current excavation site of Philippi Caesarea with artist rendition of how it probably looked in the days of Jesus. Note the various pagan temples – especially the temple of Pan at the mouth of the cave – the source of ancient the Jordan River.

The Greek god Pan – half-man, half-goat, playing the flute. Several images and inscriptions of this god was found in Philippi Caesarea.

 

1. Considering the background knowledge of the city mentioned above, what depth does it add to Jesus posing the question of his identity in this specific city?
2. What did Jesus do that lead to Peter’s revelation of Jesus’ identity?
3. Unpack Peter’s confession of Jesus (verse 16) – what do the parts of the confession mean?
4. What did Jesus say about the source of Peter’s revelation?
5. Jesus said that “on this rock I will build my church”. What does that “rock” refer to? [hint: ‘Peter’ means little stone or small rock, so it does not refer to Peter himself, but it is a clever play of words!]
6. Directly after Peter’s confession of Jesus, Jesus said things to Peter (verse 18-19). What did Jesus do with these sayings? What can we learn from that? [hint: identity]

Personal reflection and application:

While walking with his disciples Jesus was an anointed and skillful teacher who knew that true revelation and conviction is deep and personal revelation that comes from the Father, and therefore requires reflection and discovery – and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  For that reason Jesus skillfully used questions, parables, illustrations and his surroundings in his teachings – relying and creating space for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and convict hearts.

1. In which ways have you experienced the revelation and conviction of the Holy Spirit (a) when you listened to a message, (b) when you did Bible Study alone, and (c) when you taught someone else. Write down what you discovered.
2. How do you tend to teach or explain things? Are you prone to state and explain everything you know, or are you prone to ask leading questions or use illustrations?
3. In the study How do leaders grow in apostolic grace the application involved the preparation of a 10 minutes teaching on the Kingdom of God. Review your teaching in the light of today’s devotional study.  How will you adjust your teaching? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth!

Payer

Earnestly desire and ask the Lord for help to grow in His anointing to teach and lead people in truth and personal conviction.  Ask for the grace of the teacher!

Note: Images sourced from Wikipedia – public domain.

 

 

The Character of a leader: how to grow in being candid, authentic

Its takes courage living an authentic life.  But it gives confidence and allows for real character growth.  Without it one cannot lead from the heart.

In this short introductory video Dale Cilliers shares his wisdom on how to grow in being candid and leading authentically (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFCny2dea3A).

Scripture

1 John 1:5-9

5  This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  6  If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Observation and refection questions

Context: The congregation to which John wrote (approximately AD 94) apparently went through some traumatic split when a group following some Gnostic deception departed from them.  Among other things, these heretics propagated the belief that sins you do in your body has no effect on your spirit, and therefore it is not possible for a believer to sin at all.

1. Considering the context how do you understand verses 6 and 8?
2. From this text, how do we “walk in the light”? (verse 7)
3. Knowing we are fallible, how do we still “walk in the light” from this text?

Application and Prayer

Secrecy of personal flaws to pretense and shame; it diminishes our confidence and damages our reputation as leaders.  However, having the boldness to be absolutely transparent with close friends about our personal struggles removes our shame, increases our confidence as leaders and allows for God’s grace to overcome personal weaknesses.

Last week we encouraged transparency with a close friend regarding our personal weaknesses and habitual flaws we struggles with.

1. Consider your habitual thoughts: your daydreams (hopes), regrets, temptations (desires), anxieties (fears) and anger? List the following thoughts and talk about it to your close Christian friends.
   1. What do you daydreaming about?
   2. What regrets do you ponder on?
   3. Which temptations are dangerous to you, and when?
   4. What are you anxious about?
   5. What are you angry about?
2. Pray with your friend and ask God to cleanse your heart and conscience.
3. Ask your friend to help you choose one scripture to memorize and mediate on in the week.
4. Make a date for when you will talk so openly again.

The Character of a Leader: being candid, authentic

A Barna Group study revealed that non-Christians American primarily associate Christians with the word “hypocrite”.  Truly, there is a dire need for vulnerability and authenticity in the church – especially among leaders.  After all – nothing ruins trust in a leader as the discovery that he or she is a fake.

Before starting with today’s devotional leadership study, look at this inspirational talk by Dr Dale Cilliers on the need for leaders to be candid (real, authentic, truthful). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGb7E6wsk2o]

Scripture

Luke 12:1-3

1  In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.  2  Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.  3  Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.

Observation and refection questions

Context: Jesus and his disciples just had dinner in the house of a Pharisee and the crowds gathered in and around the house to hear him speak.

1. When would someone usually be labeled as a hypocrite? From your knowledge of the Bible, why did Jesus call the Pharisees “hypocrites”?
2. Note whom Jesus addresed in this conversation (verse 1).  Could you think of someone among Jesus’ disciples whom might have rightfully been called a hypocrite?  Why would you say this?
3. Jesus referred to hypocrisy as “leaven”; what is leaven, and how is hypocrisy similar to it? How do you understand this metaphor then?
4. How are verses 2 and 3 related to the “Beware…”-statement of Jesus?

Personal reflection and Application

The Pharisees were devoted to the literal observance of Moses’ Law and traditions of the elders.  Yet Jesus repeatedly referred to them as “hypocrites” or actors – pretending to be morally upright and religiously observant but only as long as people see them.

1. Which aspect of your life if “brought to light” or “proclaimed from the housetops” (especially in your local church) would cause your much shame?
   1. What are the effects of leading publically with pretense while struggling with a private weakness or sin? What have you experienced?  Think and reflect.
   2. Write your private flaws on a piece of paper. Then read it to the Lord, as though he is sitting in front of you.  Confess the sin and ask for mercy for forgiveness and grace for overcoming the temptation (1 John 1:7-9; Hebrews 4:16).
   3. Next, overcome the shame of hypocrisy by telling a mature Christian friend whom you trust. Commit to be transparent and accountable with him/her weekly about this. Take their counsel in the matter!
2. Name the great Biblical leaders whose flaws were well recorded. What do you learn form that?
   1. How can you still lead in authenticity and truth while being weak in a specific area?

Prayer

Pray for the grace to live a humble and honest life as a leader, safeguarded in true friendships where you can be absolutely honest about your struggles and flaws.  Ask God for grace to lead and live with authenticity while growing in holiness.

Reference: Kinneman, unChristian, Barna Group, 2007

Motivational Gifts 2 – the perceiver

The aim of the devotional bible study is to grow in the understanding and appreciation of motivational gift of the perceiver (also called “prophet”).

Scripture

Luke 3:1-20

1  …the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3  And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

4  As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5  Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6  and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'”

7  He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8  Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9  Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  10  And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”  11  And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

12  Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”  13  And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.”

14  Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

15  As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16  John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17  His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18  So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.

19  But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20  added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.

Observations

Note: in the reading of today’s Text we will focus on the character and motives of John the Baptist to better understand the motivational gifts of the perceiver / prophet. This is one of the seven motivational gifts (also called “the gifts of the Father” according to 1 Corinthians 12:4-6) each person is born with which drives his/her actions.

1. Perceiver / prophetically motivated people generally have the following characteristics. How can you identify them in the personality and ministry of John the Baptist?  Comment and give verse references from the Scripture above.
   1. Honesty and truth is central to their life.
   2. They have a strong sense of justice and have a strong sense of conviction.
   3. They are driven by obedience, and seek to move others towards it.
   4. They crave sincerity and despise hypocrisy – they want to see change in others.
   5. Their life radiates moral excellence and goodness, and inspire that in others.
   6. They are generally confident people who speak up for the truth even if it hurts.
2. Where did John the Baptist spend most of his time? What does that suggest of the relationships of the perceiver motivated person?
3. Considering the imprisonment and later execution of John the Baptist (Luke 9:7-9), what honorable characteristic do we see in perceiver motivated people? [hint: why was he locked up and later killed?]

Reflections:

1. Looking at John the Baptist as an example of a perceiver / prophetically gifted person – what should a person with this motivational gift be cautious of when confronting people? [hint: how can they be easily misunderstood in terms of their behavior?]
2. Considering the characteristics listed in Observation question 1 above, why do we consider perceiver motivated people as “gifts from God the Father”? i.e. how do they benefit me, you and the world around us?

Application and Prayer

Note: If you have not completed the free online motivational gift test, do so now: www.gifttest.org

1. Are you a strong perceiver / prophet motivated person? Considering the life example of John the Baptist:
   1. What are you grateful for about your gift, which you must cherish?
   2. What must you be cautious about in your interactions with others?
   3. What must you cherish with all your heart and guard with all your strength? [hint: if you betray this you betray yourself and your witness falls apart]
   4. Thank God for how he made you, and pray that you may grow in a love for the truth, a sensitivity to His Spirit, for confidence and humility to speak the truth in love, and lastly for grace to walk in integrity all your days.
2. Who do you know that are strongly perceiver / prophet motivated?
   1. Thank them for their good influence in your life – be specific about what they have challenged you with and how that helped you walk in righteousness and the fear of God.
   2. Thank God for them and their influence for the good in your life. Pray that God will bless with a greater love for the truth, sensitivity to His Spirit, greater boldness and humility to speak the truth in love, and that they may live true to their God-given conscience.

Salvation 14

The Aim of this devotional study is to learn about Jesus’ teaching of salvation to two very different people.

Scriptures

Today we compare two consecutive accounts in John to learn from the comparison.

John 3:1-12

1  Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.  2  This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

3  Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4  Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

5  Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7  Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9  Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”

10  Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11  Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12  If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?”

John 4:5-26

5  So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6  Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7  A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”  8  (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.)

9  The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

10  Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”

11  The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?  12  Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.”

13  Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,

14  but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

15  The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”

16  Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”

17  The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’;  18  for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”

19  The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.  20  Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.”

21  Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.  22  You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.  23  But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.  24  God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

25  The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”

26  Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

Observations

The accounts in John 3 and 4 are placed next to each other very purposefully.

1. It helps to sometimes make lists or columns to see the arguments clearly. Take the following list of descriptive nouns and place them in the right columns to note the deliberate oppositeness of the accounts:

late at night || at noonday; in city|| outside small town;  this one initiated the conversation with Jesus || Jesus initiated the conversation with this one; man || woman; very educated || simple; elite || outcast in town;  ruler || commoner; Jew || Samaritan;

In John 3                                             In John 4

2. Notice how both Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman had their own theories of salvation. How did each one reason about salvation?  Briefly summarize Jesus’ argument to both?
3. What element of salvation did Jesus highlight in these two very different methaphors? (hint: 3:8 and 4:23-24)

Application

1. Each of these two very different people had their own theories of salvation, but Jesus confronted both with the truth. What do you think John wanted to teach his readers by placing these two “opposite stories with the same lesson” ?
2. Is there someone with his/her own theories who comes to mind when you read these accounts? What does that challenge you to do today?

Prayer

Jesus was loving, fearless and shameless to confront other theories of salvation with the truth of himself.  Pray for that love, fearlessness and shamelessness as you remember Paul’s words “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

Knowing God 5

The Aim of this devotional study is to see how in Christ we can fully know God, and how Christ in us can represent God to the world.

Scripture

John 1:1-18 (ESV)

1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2  He was in the beginning with God….

9  The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.  10  He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.  11  He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.  12  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13  who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… 16  For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

17  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  18  No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Observation

1. What does this text reveal about Jesus Christ?
2. According to this section from John, what are the reasons why Jesus came to earth?
3. Throughout John’s gospel we read references to the Old Testament. This is very deliberate.  Compare verses 17-18 with Psalm 89:14  “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.”  Note the similarity in sentence structure and nouns – it seems like a deliberate comparison.  Write down what you notice and deduce the author wants to communicate.
4. Now compare verse 18 with 1 John 4:12

1 John 4:11-12 “11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

Application

1. If Jesus came to reveal God the Father to us, how would you describe God’s character/ nature (in 5 points)? Think of the life of Jesus before you write down anything.
2. Considering 1 John 4:12, how can you represent God to the world?
3. What will you do today to represent God to the world?
4. 

Prayer

Pray sincerely to know God and represent him well, as His Son Jesus did.