Answers2Prayer
BIBLE
TEACHING SERVICE
FOCUS:
JESUS
FOLLOWING
HIS EXAMPLES
TEXT:
John 21:24-25; Acts 1:1-3; Heb. 1:1-3.
MEMORY
VERSE: …. Of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had
given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: Acts 1:1-2.
INTRODUCTION:
In our last study we discovered how Jesus was tempted and won over all
that Devil tempted him with. We
equally saw that we can also overcome any temptation that comes on our way with
our faith in God. In this study we
shall discover some things that Jesus did when He was on the earth, immediately
after temptation, and until He died and rose again from the grave.
We need to know what he did, appropriate, do for our lives and benefit by
it. We shall examine some things He
did under the following subheadings.
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PREACHING: Actually, one major assignment that Jesus did so faithfully among all others was His preaching assignment. He did proclaimed that people should repent for the kingdom of God is at hand (Matt. 4:12,13,17). While He was preaching to the woman of Samaria, He said it was his meat (food) i.e preaching. He saw the harvest as being ready (John 4:31-35). When He was going, He left us with the same assignment of bringing people (sinners) to the Kingdom of God. (Mark 16:14-16). Paul saw this assignment as a “do or die” matter by saying “Woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel”! (I Cor. 9:16). What about you? Will you obey or disobey the command of your Lord and Saviour? Consider your ways!
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TEACHING:- John 8:2,20. Jesus did not only preach that people should repent (Lk. 5,8). He taught them all that pertains to the issues of the Kingdom of God. Do not forget that the whole of Matthew Chapters 5,6,7 and Luke Chapter 6 were meant to teach the disciples and the people of God. So in Matthew 28:19-20 He left us not only to preach and bring people to the kingdom but to teach and maintain people in the kingdom by making sure they know all that they should know (Matt. 13:10-11, Acts 20:26-27). You and I are meant to teach God’s people, God’s way and make sure that we become helps to them where we have been helped.
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HEALING AND WORKING MIRACLES: The ministry of Jesus was such that was full of God’s hand in meeting the need of people in Healing them and doing miracles in their lives. Let us consider few of these healing and miracles he did in peoples’ lives – Mark 2:1-5; 3:1-5; 6:35-44. All the Gospels are filled with the working of the miraculous. Note that if you need healing or miracle He is still in the business. For this Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). Again, you can do this work of healing and miracle as well. Do not forget that those who believe in Him will do the work that He did and even do greater works that He did.
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DISCIPLINE: The major priority in the heart of the Saviour is to make disciples of all nations. All He called; He called them to the work of discipleship. He told Peter and others “follow me..”. These followed Him and He spent time to disciple them. Are you a disciple? If not, you have no part in the kingdom of God except you died immediately after you had given your life to Jesus. (Matt. 11:28-30). For those who are deciding for discipleship, let us see the conditions as stated by Jesus Himself (Lk. 14:27; 9:23). You are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19 NIV). But remember fire beget fire. Only a disciple can make a disciple. Are you a disciple? Think about it again.
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SUFFERED AND CRUCIFIED: Though, Jesus had a glorious life and ministry here on earth yet this was not without suffering. He passed through all the rigours of life. Right from birth, He was born in a manger for there was no room for Him to be born in a decent inn (Hospital) – Lk. 2:7. He grew up among ordinary folks. He faced temptation after baptism (Lk. 4:1-11). All through His life, people were running after Him to kill Him. This began from early childhood and the hatred continued all through his lifetime till He was made to face trial after several persecutions. At the end, He was hanged by crucifixion on the cross at Calvary (Matt. 2:13; John 8:59; Matt. 27:29-31,34-36). All His disciples passed through the same rigour. Paul said all that will live Godly must suffer the same persecution (II Tim. 3:12). Where do you stand? Never to suffer anything for the Lord’s sake? If that is true of you, you may have been living in compromise. Repent and resemble your Lord and Master. Remember all who suffer with Him will reign with Him (2 Tim. 2:12).
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DIED AND RESURRECTED: Matt. 27:50-51; Mark 15:33-38; 16:1-8. Jesus really-died. Right on the cross He gave up the ghost after several sufferings on the cross. Paul said He died with Him on the cross (Gal. 2:20). Are you also crucified with Him? Are you really dead to your old ways of life? After death he resurrected on the third day. If you are dead with Him, you will eventually live for Him. It takes a dead and resurrected life to live for God on this planet earth.
CONCLUSION: These were some of what Jesus did and He expects us to do as He did. Are you living for Him? Check you life! Let us pray…
