Ministry – See you in Heaven

John 3 – Part 4: “More of Him and Less of Me”

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

Muhammad Ali once said to Mark McCormack, “I’m more famous than Jesus Christ.” Recounting the incident in his book, What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School, McCormack remarked, “I was appalled at the statement, dismissed it as braggadocio, and let it go at that. But months later for some reason I got to thinking about it and started counting up all the Muslim, Hindu, and other non-Christian countries in which Ali was extremely well known. The statement was still braggadocio, but I realized it was also probably true.” [1] The tragedy was not just that Muhammad Ali was arrogant, but it’s that he was probably accurate.

What about in the region where you live? Is Jesus more popular among the people of your town, city, or state than the Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Muslims, or Hindus? Is He more popular than your governor or favorite celebrity or athlete?

In this chapter, we are going to talk more about vision. Vision is a picture of what God wants us to be and do. In this year, I believe God wants Jesus Christ to become more well-known where you and I are living. So, we are going to talk about how Jesus Christ can become more popular where we live. In doing so, we will discover three ways in John 3:22-36 how Christ can grow in prominence in our area. THE FIRST WAY FOR JESUS TO BECOME MORE POPULAR is for us to…

RESPOND TO GOD’S BLESSING ON OTHERS WITH HUMILITY (3:22-27). 3:22: “After these things” refers to Christ’s conversation with a religious leader named Nicodemus where He stressed that faith alone in Christ alone is the only way to heaven (3:5-18). If Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus took place in Jerusalem, then the reference to Christ coming “into the land of Judea” probably refers to the Judean countryside. [2] While in this remote place, Jesus begins to develop new believers into His disciples. A disciple is a devoted follower of Jesus. Once a person believes in Christ to get to heaven, he is then initiated into the discipleship process through water baptism (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15).

Look at the phrase, “He remained with them.” This was an unhurried period that Jesus had with these new believers. They are getting to know each other. Being the Lord’s disciple meant you were with Him. You spent time with Him. New birth or getting to heaven is by believing in Christ alone (3:5-18), but discipleship involves being “baptized” with water and instruction (3:22; cf. Matt. 28:19-20). In all nations, God wants to expand His church through the discipleship process whereby older Christians meet with younger Christians one on one or in small groups to reproduce devoted followers of Christ. This is God’s only plan for increasing Jesus’ popularity around the world (cf. Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:2).

Jesus was not the only one baptizing. 3:23: While Jesus baptized downstream, “John“ the Baptist was baptizing “in Aenon” (Ainōn) which means “springs” [3] “near Salim,” a Hebrew and Arabic term meaning “peace.” [4] At this location there were seven springs within a quarter mile radius which meant there was plenty of water to baptize by immersion. [5] The exact location of “Aenon” is not known today. [6]

“The best evidence seems to point to a site just south of Scythopolis (Old Testament Bethshan) … about 15 miles south of the Sea of Galilee.” [7]

“The other possible site was a few miles east of Sychar (near Old Testament ‘Shechem’) … approximately midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Both plausible sites are only a few miles west of the Jordan River.” [8]

While the exact location of John’s baptizing ministry cannot be determined today, it is important to recognize that the Baptist moved from the south to the north, leaving Jesus to baptize closer to Jerusalem [9] (see map).

3:24: John notes that John the Baptist “had not yet been thrown into prison” yet. The apostle John is the only gospel writer to inform us that “between Jesus’ temptation and John the Baptist’s arrest, John and Jesus baptized at the same time. His reference to John the Baptist’s imprisonment is important because it helps the reader to see that John’s account does not contradict the Synoptics. Yet his primary concern was John the Baptist’s witness for Jesus.” [10]

John’s baptism of repentance prepared people to believe in Jesus. “Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus’” (Acts 19:4; cf.John 3:36).

3:25: John the Baptist’s disciples found themselves at a disadvantage in “a dispute” with “the Jews about purification.” These “Jews” were asking why they should participate in John’s ceremonial washing (baptism) when Christ’s following was larger. [11] It seems as those these interrogators sought to generate a division between John the Baptist and Jesus. Both ministries were inviting people to believe in Jesus as the promised Messiah (cf. John 1:7, 41, 49-51; 2:11; 3:15-18, 36; cf. Matt. 21:25, 31-32; Mark 1:15). The Judeans feared that if these two ministries remained united, their message would sweep through the entire nation. The ones who sought to divide these ministries directed their attack towards John the Baptist. [12]

3:26: The “they” may refer to the Baptist’s disciples [13] or to the Judeans who disputed with them. [14] In the context, it makes more sense to me that the Baptist’s disciples “came to John” expressing jealousy towards Jesus’ growing popularity. John’s ministry was dwindling, and Jesus’ ministry was advancing. Notice that they don’t refer to Jesus by name. They say, “He who was with you… to whom you testified… He is baptizing… all are coming to Him.” They are complaining. “John, you did Him a favor by telling others about Him and now He is taking all of your followers.” These men were loyal followers of John the Baptist. They longed for the former days when everyone was coming to listen to their leader. Now this new guy comes into town, and they didn’t like it one bit. To them it was competition.

Can you relate to John’s disciples? When God blesses another ministry near you, do you ever find yourself asking God why they have more people coming to Christ than you do? Do you find yourself comparing the size of your church with other churches? Instead of thanking God for their growth, you wish you had that many people! Or when God blesses an individual believer in your church, do you find yourself feeling jealous of that person? You compare yourself to him or her and think you should have more blessings than them because you are more deserving? If we are honest with ourselves, we have all had these kinds of thoughts and feelings.

How did John the Baptist respond to Jesus’ growing popularity? 3:27: John’s pride was not wounded like his disciples’ were. [15] He understood that any ministry comes “from heaven,” whether it be his or Jesus’ ministry. He realizes that heaven determined that Jesus’ ministry would grow and his would decrease now. More people were coming to Christ because God was bringing them. It was God’s plan for John to prepare the way for Christ and that was all. John humbly accepted God’s plan for him to decrease in popularity and for Jesus to increase in popularity now.

“Everything belongs to the Lord and He has the sovereign right to give or take as He desires, including authority to lead. Because all authority derives from God’s sovereign choosing, no leader can legitimately claim any entitlement to his or her position. Those who claim to exercise authority by ‘divine right’ fail to acknowledge their duty to God and become guilty of pride.” [16]

God is the One who determines the size of a ministry. Therefore, there is no basis for jealousy over another’s opportunity or ministry. Our responsibility is to be faithful to what God has called us to do (cf. I Cor. 4:2). You and I can receive nothing unless it has been given to us from heaven. So, we don’t have to concern ourselves with the size or popularity of our church or our ministries. Thank God for using all kinds of churches and individual believers to reach the lost for Christ!

If we are going to see Jesus become more popular where we live, we must not allow any room for jealousy or competition among different churches or ministries. The spirit of competition causes Christians to compare themselves with what God is doing in another person’s life. No one in our community wants to be a part of that. People in our community want to be a part of churches that are working together and praying for each other. After all, we are on the same team and we want to see God bless all the Bible-believing churches in our area and beyond because it is not about us, it is about Jesus Christ and seeing Him grow in popularity. So, Jesus will become more popular where we live as churches and individuals respond to God’s blessings on others with humility. The second way for Jesus to grow in popularity is to…

REJOICE IN ATTRACTING OTHERS TO JESUS EVEN AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE (3:28-30). 3:28: John reminds his disciples that they already heard him explain that he was only a forerunner (“I have been sent before Him”), and not the Messiah himself (“I am not the Christ”; cf. 1:7-8, 15, 20, 23).God’s plan for John was to prepare people for Jesus’ ministry (cf. Acts 19:4). It was God’s plan now for Jesus to increase in prominence and for John to decrease in prominence. Jesus’ growing popularity was in part due to John doing his job so well. Rather than seek the limelight for himself, John was content to be an instrument to glorify Christ.

The Baptist then refers to the wedding customs of his day to support this fulfillment of his joy. 3:29: In the first century, “the friend of the bridegroom” was an assistant, not the main participant in a wedding. He was responsible for making wedding arrangements and waiting for the groom to return with his bride to the groom’s house for the wedding banquet. The friend of the bridegroom did not expect to take center stage.

“The ‘friend of the bridegroom’ in ancient Near East culture held considerably more responsibility than the ‘best man’ today. In addition to helping the bridegroom prepare his home for the eventual day when the bride would come to stay, he helped direct the wedding feast at the end of the betrothal period. His most significant duty was to guard the bridal chamber during the feast, especially after the bride had slipped into the room unnoticed by the guests. No one except for the groom was allowed to go near the bridal chamber. When the ‘friend of the groom’ heard the groom’s voice, he stood aside. His joy was complete when the groom arrived.” [17]

With this comparison in mind, John rejoiced fully in Jesus’ success. John was simply the “friend of the bridegroom,” but Jesus is “the bridegroom.” [18] In effect John says, “When I see crowds of people leaving me and going to Jesus I am thrilled because Jesus can do for them what I could never do. For their sakes and His, I rejoice!” He says, “It fills my heart with joy to see them leaving me and going to Jesus.” And a heart full of joy has no room for jealousy. [19]

3:30: Some have misunderstood this verse to mean that you must die to yourself and that there be less and less of you so that there can be more and more of Christ in you. But in the context, what John means here is that Jesus “must increase” in popularity and he “must decrease” in popularity. After all, John was the forerunner; Christ was the promised Messiah-God. If he was preparing the way for the Messiah, then surely the Messiah would need to be better known than the forerunner.

“John was simply the opening act, expected to warm up the crowd and then get off the stage. Jesus was the main event, the star attraction. John’s job was to point to and glorify the Messiah. And that’s our job too. John was content with and grateful for his role. Are you?” [20]

Don’t we want to see this where we live? Don’t we want to see Christ grow in popularity in our communities? Don’t we want to see more people in our community talking about Jesus Christ and what He is doing in and through our churches? Don’t we want to hear our neighbors and co-workers talking more about Jesus? Are we willing to set aside our own preferences to attract more unbelievers to Jesus? With God, all things are possible. The third way Jesus can become more popular where you live is to…

REVEAL JESUS’ GREATNESS TO OTHERS (3:31-36). The reason why Jesus must increase in popularity is because He is far greater than any other person who has ever walked on this earth. HIS GREATNESS IS SEEN IN…

1. HIS ORIGIN. 3:31: The apostle John’s purpose in writing his gospel was to show that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31) partially by emphasizing Jesus was “from above.” Being born “from above” (3:3, 5-6) can only take place by believing in Jesus (3:15-16) Who is “from above.” [21] Christ comes “from heaven.” His origin was heavenly. Finite people like John the Baptist have an “earthly” origin. They can only reveal things about their experience on earth. But Jesus can reveal things about His experiences in heaven because that is where He is from. Every human teacher has limited knowledge about heaven, but Jesus knows all about heaven and how to get there because He lived there before coming to earth. Because of His heavenly origin, Jesus is “above all” others. Other religious leaders and teachers are trying to tell us how to go where they have never been. But Jesus is unlike any other teacher – He has lived in heaven and can teach us about it as we shall now see…

2. HIS TEACHING. 3:32: Jesus can teach with authority about heaven because He has firsthand experience and observation of it. He teaches what He had previously “seen and heard” while fellowshipping with God the Father in heaven, and therefore His teaching is trustworthy. In a court of law, second and thirdhand information is not nearly as reliable as firsthand information. But even though Jesus’ teaching is reliable, “no one” from the Jewish authorities who came to question Jesus “receives His testimony.” [22]

But some people did receive Jesus’ message. 3:33: Every time someone “received” Christ’s (God’s) “testimony,” they have “certified” or attested that God’s Word is reliable and “true.” The verb translated “certified” (esphragisen) is used of seals in John’s day.

“Seals indicated a personal guarantee, as well as denoting ownership (cf. 6:27). They also made secure (Matt. 27:66) and concealed (Rev. 22:10) things. Jesus so exactly revealed God’s words, that to believe Jesus is to believe God, and to disbelieve Jesus is to disbelieve God (cf. 1 John 5:10).” [23]

The reason the words Jesus spoke were “true” and trustworthy is given in the next verse. 3:34: Jesus is referred to by the apostle John as the One “whom God has sent.” Thirty-nine times the gospel of John refers to Jesus being sent from God [24] to demonstrate that Jesus is God and has a heavenly origin. [25]

In the past, God’s messengers had a limited “measure” of God’s Spirit. “Old Testament prophets had the Spirit only for limited times and for limited purposes.” [26] But God has given Jesus “the Spirit” without limits which guarantees that Christ’s words are precisely “the words of God.” [27]

“The Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism and remained on Him (1:32-33; cf. Isa. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1). God gave His Spirit without measure only to Jesus (cf. 1 Cor. 12:4- 11).” [28] Hence, Jesus’ words are God’s words and therefore they are authoritative and trustworthy because He has the full endowment of the Spirit.

Historian Philip Schaff described the overwhelming influence which Jesus had on subsequent history and culture of the world. “This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Muhammad, and Napoleon; without science… He shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of schools, He spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet; without writing a single line, He set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times.” [29] There has never been a greater teacher than Jesus Christ. Christ’s greatness is also seen in…

3. HIS GIFT. Why has God the Father given Christ the Spirit without limit? 3:35: Because “the Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.” The Father’s love for His Son which was declared at Jesus’ baptism (Matt. 3:17), guarantees Jesus’ authority to give eternal life. Because of the exalted position (“whom God has sent… given all things”) and Person (“from heaven… above all”) of His Son (3:31-35), the Father expects people to believe in Him, and when they don’t, the consequences are permanent.

3:36: We see two very different eternal destinies in this one verse. Those who “believe in the Son” have “everlasting life.” Those who do “not believe the Son shall not see life.” What does it mean to “believe”? The word “believe” (pisteuō) means to be “persuaded something is true and therefore worthy of one’s trust.” [30] Are you persuaded that John the Baptist was speaking the truth when he said, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him”? If you now believe in the Son, Jesus Christ, then according to God’s Word, you now have “everlasting life.” You can experience “life”with Jesus both now and forever.

The phrase “he who does not believe the Son,”[31] could also be translated,“he who does not obey the Son.” [32] Refusal to believe the Son’s testimony about Himself is a refusal to “obey” the Father Who sent Him and Who expects people to believe in Him. To disbelieve God’s Son is to disobey the commandment to believe in Him (cf. I John 3:23a). “One cannot refuse the testimony of an Exalted Person like Jesus without rejecting the very words of God.” [33] Disobeying God’s command to believe in His Son for eternal life is the only unforgiveable sin and therefore deserves the greatest consequence – God’s “wrath” (orgē) or anger abiding on him or her forever.

“A God of love must also have the capacity for anger. However, the wrath of God is not the kind of bellowing anger we have come to associate with abusive people. Paul described the Creator’s response to sin using the Greek word orgē, which means ‘upsurging.’ When used to describe wrath, it is a passionate expression of outrage against wrongdoing. In this context, it pictures the passionate righteous anger of God cresting the walls of heaven and spilling over onto earth. And while it is indeed a passionate, upsurging response, it is completely consistent with God’s character, which is also love. Without question, His wrath is fearsome, yet it is also controlled, deliberate, measured, and utterly just. His wrath is nothing less than a reasonable expression of His righteous character and His unfailing love when confronted with evil.

“No Jew would admit to disbelieving God. However, because Jesus is the Word of God, failing to trust Him is the same as choosing to disbelieve God. And Hebrew history is replete with warnings and illustrations of people falling under the wrath of God for failure to believe. John said to his students, in effect, ‘Don’t forget that this “Rival” you are prepared to oppose is none other than God in human flesh; to oppose Him is to rebel against the Almighty.” [34]

A few years ago when we were living on the south side of Des Moines, I spoke with a friend’s neighbor. He told me that several months ago they discovered a massive tumor attached to his heart and the doctor recommended surgery. Did he accept as true that the doctor could remove the tumor? Yes. But he did not believe or trust the doctor to remove the tumor until he climbed up on the operating table. Christ is asking us to come to Him as sinners, recognizing that He died for our sins and rose again, and then believe or trust in Him alone to get us to heaven. Christ is not inviting us to depend upon our good life, religion, or prayers to get us to heaven, but to depend on Him alone to get us there.

Think about this incredible gift that Christ wants to give us – this eternal life. This is life with God that never ends. What makes eternal life so amazing is that it is absolutely free because Jesus Christ paid the full price when He died in our place on a cross and declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Trusting Christ alone, we are forever accepted by God, not based on what we have done or will do for Him, but based upon what He has done for us.

This concept of a free gift is often compromised today. Some say God only gives eternal life to those who obey God or promise to obey. Others say eternal life is given only to those who prove they are Christians by their works. These faulty concepts about eternal life rob God of all the glory because if we can get to heaven based on our obedience or works, then we have something to boast about. But if eternal life is absolutely free (and it is), then all the glory goes to God, which is where it belongs (Ephes. 2:8-9).

Jesus’ gift is eternal, and it is absolutely free. So, if my wife, children, close friends, co-workers, and neighbors have believed in Christ, we are going to live together forever! What could be a better message than the one surrounding this gift?

The Bible is telling us that Jesus Christ is the only One who has the ability to give us the greatest gift imaginable – eternal life. Therefore, we must do whatever it takes to tell others about Christ and what He has done for them so they can believe in Him alone to get them to heaven. After all, since eternal life is the greatest gift, why not pass it on to others? According to 3:36b, what happens to those who don’t believe in Jesus? They “shall not see life.” They won’t be with Jesus in heaven because God’s “wrath” will remain on them in a terrible place of suffering called the lake of fire (cf. Mark 9:47-48; Rev. 20:15).

If you had the cure for cancer and didn’t share it, would that be criminal? Yes. If you had the cure for HIV or AIDS and didn’t share it, would that be criminal? Yes. If you knew the only way to get to heaven and you didn’t tell it to the people who lived by you, would that be criminal? Yes. A thousand times YES!!! The Bible says, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all.” (2 Cor. 5:14). Circle “Christ’s love.” God has never made a person that He didn’t love. Everybody matters to God. And because God cares about people, we must care, too. Doesn’t this compel you to tell others? It does me. How much more should we want to share the greatest gift of all with others? But you may say, “Well I don’t know how or I’m afraid.”

Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt. 4:19). About a year after believing in Jesus (cf. Matt. 4:12; John 1:35-4:35), Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, are casting their fishing net into the sea when Jesus approaches them (Matt. 4:18). Christ invites them to follow Him and promises that He will make them fishers of men. How could Jesus use these men with no formal education or ministry experience to make a difference for eternity? Simple. Their responsibility was to follow Jesus. Christ’s responsibility was to make them fishers of men.

Do you feel inadequate to evangelize the lost? Do you ever think that you do not know enough to share the gospel with non-Christians? Ask the Lord Jesus to help you follow Him daily and He will teach you all you need to know about evangelism. The best way to learn to talk to unbelievers is to walk and talk with Jesus.

When we examine the gospels, we see that Jesus did not have one standard approach to evangelism. He simply started wherever people were at. When He was with the Samaritan woman at the well, He talked about living waters (John 4:1-26). When He was with the fishermen, He talked about fishing for men (Matt. 4:18-20). When He was with farmers, He talked about sowing seed (Luke 8:4-15). In other words, Jesus was being relevant to the people He was with. He used methods and words they would understand and value.

If you have ever fished for an entire day, you know that sometimes you must change bait as the day progresses. What bait worked in the morning may not attract the same fish in the afternoon or evening. Likewise, some Christians and churches are failing to reach the unchurched in the twenty-first century because they are using the same bait that worked in the 1950s and 1960s. The problem is the unbelievers are not biting on that bait any longer. We cannot expect to reach the lost if we are not using methods that best ministers to their needs.

God wants to see Jesus become more popular where you live. He wants to see Jesus’ name become more famous than our names. God may be placing something on your heart right now that He wants to use to increase Jesus’ popularity in your community or around the world. Your first response may be, “Lord, I can’t do that.” You are right, you cannot, but God can do it through you if you will respond in faith instead of fear. With God, all things are possible. And it starts when you respond to God’s blessing on others with humility, then rejoice in attracting others to Jesus even at your own expense and reveal Jesus’ greatness to others.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, this planet is Your stage to show Your grace and truth off. Please forgive us for wanting the attention that belongs only to You. Thank You for the grace that enables us to be Your voices with the understanding that You are the living Word Who changes peoples’ lives. Nothing is more thrilling than seeing people come to You in faith for Your incredible gift of everlasting life. You are the most amazing Person in the universe! Please show us today how we can make You more well-known in this fallen world. In Your matchless name we pray, Lord Jesus. Amen.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Mark H. McCormack, What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School (London: Profile Books LTD, 2014 edition), pg. ?

[2] Robert Wilkin, The Grace New Testament Commentary, Kindle Edition, pg. 187. Constable, Dr. Constable’s Notes on John, pg. 110.

[3] Tom Constable, Dr. Constable’s Notes on John, pg. 110.

[4] Chuck Swindoll, Insights on John, pg. 79.

[5] J. Dwight Pentecost, The Words and Works of Jesus Christ, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), pg. 128 cites William Hendriksen, Exposition of the Gospel According to John, 2 Vols. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953), Vol.1, pg. 147.

[6] Edward Blum, The Bible Knowledge Commentary Gospels, pg. 568.

[7] Constable, Dr. Constable’s Notes on John, pg. 110 cites Tenney, “John,” in John—Acts. Vol. 9 of The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, pg. 52.

[8] Ibid., pg. 110 cites Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. Vol. 2 (New York: Longmans, Green, 1912), pp. 767-769.

[9] Ibid., pg. 111 cites Beasley-Murray, John, pg. 52.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Blum, The Bible Knowledge Commentary Gospels, pg. 568.

[12] Pentecost, The Words and Works of Jesus Christ, pg. 129.

[13] Ibid.; Constable, Dr. Constable’s Notes on John, pg. 111.

[14] Wilkin, The Grace New Testament Commentary, Kindle Edition, pg. 187.

[15] Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Study Commentary, pg. 2209.

[16] Swindoll, Insights on John, pg. 79.

[17] Ibid., pg. 80.

[18] Blum, The Bible Knowledge Commentary Gospels, pg. 569.

[19] J. Carl Laney, Moody Gospel John Commentary, pg. 86.

[20] Evans, The Tony Evans Study Commentary, pg. 2210.

[21] Constable, Dr. Constable’s Notes on John, pg. 114.

[22] Wilkin, The Grace New Testament Commentary, Kindle Edition, pg. 187.

[23] Constable, Dr. Constable’s Notes on John, pg. 114; cf. Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, pg. 980.

[24] John 3:17, 34; 4:34; 5:23-24, 30, 36-38; 6:29, 38-39, 44, 57; 7:16, 28-29; 8:16, 18, 26, 29, 42; 9:4; 10:36; 11:42; 12:44-45, 49; 13:16, 20; 14:24; 15:21; 16:5; 17:3, 18, 21, 23, 25; 20:21.

[25] Blum, The Bible Knowledge Commentary Gospels, pg. 570.

[26] Ibid.

[27] The phrase translated “for God does not give the Spirit by measure” (ou gar ek metrou didōsin to Pneuma), “does not mean that all believers are equally gifted or equally spiritual (cf. 1 Cor. 3:1-15; 12:1-31). Rather, it means that if God is speaking through someone (a true prophet), then whatever he says is absolutely true. There is no such thing as a person who speaks falsely under the power of the Spirit.” (Wilkin, The Grace New Testament Commentary, Kindle Edition, pg. 187).

[28] Constable, Dr. Constable’s Notes on John, pg. 115.

[29] Sujo John, Do You Know Where You Are Going? (New York: Lantern Books, 2002), pg. 98.

[30] Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, pp. 816-817.

[31] ho de apeithōn tō Huiō

[32] The verb apeithōn means “to disbelieve, disobey” (Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, pg. 99).

[33] Zane C. Hodges, Faith in His name, pg. 72.

[34] Swindoll, Insights on John, pp. 80-81.

HOW DO I DEFEAT MY WORST FEARS? (Video) Real Solutions to Real Problems – Part 6

This is the sixth video in a series entitled, “Real Solutions to Real Problems.” In this presentation you will learn from the Bible several transforming principles to defeat your worst fears.

All Scriptures are from the New King James Version Bible unless otherwise noted. Digital images are used with permission from BiblePathwayAdventures.com, Goodsalt.com, John Paul Stanley / YoPlace.com, Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org, Wycliffe BibleTranslators of Russia, or they are creative common licenses.

How do I climb out of the pit of discouragement? Part 2

“And he prayed that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!’ ” I Kings 19:4b

We are learning from the prophet Elijah how to climb out of the pit of discouragement. After experiencing a tremendous spiritual victory on Mt. Carmel against the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18:20-40), Elijah encountered resistance from the vicious Queen Jezebel whose god Baal was defeated and her prophets killed (I Kings 19:1-2). When Jezebel threatens his life, Elijah gets scared and runs into the desert and prays that he might die (I Kings 19:3-4). He has gone from the mountaintop of victory to the bottom of the pit of discouragement.

Last time we saw the first step to take out of the pit of discouragement was to focus on the facts, not your feelings (I Kings 19:1-4). To climb higher out of the pit of discouragement, DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS (I Kings 19:4b). “And he prayed that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!’ ” (I Kings 19:4b). When Elijah said, “I am no better than my fathers,” he was comparing himself to his ancestors who failed to remove Baal-worship completely from Israel. He was feeling guilty for not being any better than they had been.

When we start comparing ourselves with others, we are going to get discouraged. We may try to motivate ourselves through criticism and condemnation. We do it by “shoulding” ourselves. “I should be more like that person. I should be able to act better and feel better like him or her.” Nagging ourselves like this leads to discouragement.

There is only one person that you can be, and that is you. That is all God expects. When you get to heaven, God is not going to ask you, “Why weren’t you more like him or her?” Most likely He will ask, “Why weren’t you like the person I created you to be?”

The Bible tells us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10). Before we become Christians, we are defined by our “trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). That is what defined us and drove our lives. But now we are “in Christ” (Ephesians 2:10). We used to be “dead” spiritually (Ephesians 2:1), but now we are God’s “workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10).

The word “workmanship” comes from the Greek word poiēma which is where we get our English word “poem” from. A poem is a collection of words that are specially chosen and put together so that they make a powerful statement that lasts. God is saying that you are His heavenly poem – you have been specially chosen by God to make a powerful statement about His grace that endures forever.

Another word that describes poiēma is the term “masterpiece.” Like a painting that has been specially created or like a potterer carefully creating something out of clay that is unique and has His personality and stamp put on it. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are God’s Masterpiece – something He has poured Himself into to change your life. You used to be defined by sin and shame, but now you are defined by being in Christ. And God sees in you holiness … beauty… and goodness. Everything He sees in Jesus Christ He now sees in you.

You may see yourself as this person who has failed or who lacks certain abilities, but God sees you as royalty… as His masterpiece. Perhaps the voices from your past have told you that you were a mistake… that you can’t do anything right. But God is now telling you that you are His masterpiece – a beautiful work of heavenly art that He is putting on display for all to see and admire just how great His grace is toward you.

The last part of Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are … created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” This verse tells us why God created us. We are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” That is God’s plan for us. Before we were even born, God planned the “good works,” the specific ministry, He wants us to have. We don’t have to make things happen. We can rely on the Lord to show us the good works He wants us to do.

How do we know God’s plan for us after we believe in Jesus? We look at the way God has shaped us. I have borrowed the acrostic S.H.A.P.E. from Rick Warren’s ministry. God has uniquely shaped us for a reason. Let’s look at five things that shape us to serve the Lord:

S – Spiritual gifts (I Peter 4:10). Ask yourself, “What am I gifted to do for the Lord?” God has given believers in Jesus one or more spiritual gifts with which to serve Him in ministry (Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:7, 11; Ephesians 4:11-13). The best way to discover your spiritual gifts is to start serving the Lord Jesus in a local church. He will manifest your gifts as you begin to serve.

H – your Heart (I Samuel 12:20b; Romans 15:20; Galatians 4:18; Colossians 3:23-24). Ask yourself, “What do I love to do for the Lord?” There are some things we love to do and there are some things we hate to do. The things we love to do reflect our hearts. Where did we get that natural inclination? God put it in us. The Lord wants our ministries to be a blessing, not a burden. So it is a legitimate question to ask yourself, “What do I love to do?” Why would God give you a ministry that He hasn’t given you a heart for? When you look at your gifts and your heart, what do you love to do? What are you passionate about? What motivates you? What gets you excited? That is your heart. Some people love to serve or help others. Others love to influence, improve, perform, repair, prevail, follow the rules, or lead and be in charge.

A – your Ability (Exodus 31:3; I Corinthians 12:6; 2 Corinthians 3:5). Ask yourself, “What natural talent and skills do I have? What vocational skills have I learned? What natural talents have I been given by God?“ God wants to use the natural talents and skills you have in ministry. Some of you may have skills in arts and crafts, childbirth, computers, cooking, communication, construction, counseling, decorating, graphics, law, management, mechanics, media, music, safety, security, sewing, singing, song-writing, speaking, and teaching, etc. Be open to God using these natural talents or skills in your ministry.

P – your Personality (I Corinthians 2:11; Galatians 1:13-14). We are all very different. We have all got different personalities, different blends of temperament. Ask yourself, “Where does my personality best suit me to serve?” If you are an introverted person you would probably not want to get involved in being a greeter at church. That would place a lot of additional stress on your life. When you have an area that you may be gifted to do and a heart to do, but you don’t have the personality to do it, it puts enormous stress on your life. God doesn’t want you to have to do that.

E – your Experiences. There are four different kinds of experiences you want to look at when you are trying to discover the shape God has given you. First, ask yourself, “What kind of spiritual experiences have I had?” (Galatians 1:12, 15-18; Hebrews 5:12-13). This has to do with the times you have had with the Lord. Maybe you encountered God at a retreat or campground or at home, or as a young person, or during a crisis you went through, and that brought you closer to the Lord.

Next ask yourself, “What kind of painful experiences have I had?” (2 Corinthians 1:4; 11:23-27; 12:7-10). God often allows us to go through a painful experience and then heals us and comforts us in that experience so that He will give us the ministry of helping other people in that very same thing. Who can relate to somebody who is struggling with alcoholism better than somebody who has been an alcoholic? Who can better relate to somebody who has lost a child in miscarriage or stillbirth than somebody who has had a miscarriage or stillbirth. God never wastes a painful experience. Even the painful experiences we bring on ourselves through our own decisions, God wants to use in ministry.

Next ask yourself, “What kind of educational experiences have I had?” (Acts 22:3). What have you learned? Maybe you have educational training in computers or dance or debate or auto mechanics or teaching children. God wants to use these experiences in your ministry to others.

Then ask yourself, “What kind of ministry experiences have I had?” (2 Corinthians 9:13). Some of us have already served the Lord in ministry and we have proven ourselves in the body of Christ and can see what God has done in our lives. Others of us may be new to the Christian faith and have not yet served God in a ministry.

All five of these things shape you and make you, you. When you understand how God has shaped you, then you will know His plan for your life, and how and where He wants you to serve Him.

When we trusted in Christ for salvation, we probably did not realize how much everything changed. We thought we were just forgiven and going to heaven. But God has so much more for us here and now. And He wants us to be encouraged and see ourselves as the new person we are through His eyes. Because when we do, being a Christian is not a matter of living by rules and trying to clean up this and that. It is a matter of living as the royalty that God has made us by the blood of His Son. When we understand this, there will be no need to compare ourselves to others. We will be free to be the unique person God created us in Christ to be.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, when we take our eyes off of You, it is easy to compare ourselves with others and become discouraged. Right now, Lord God, we want to pause and reconnect with You. Please restore our union with You. Help us to see ourselves through Your eyes in Christ. Before Jesus, we used to be defined by our sin and shame, but now we are defined by being in Christ. And You see in us all the holiness … beauty… and goodness that You see in Jesus Christ. Everything You see in Jesus You now see in us. Thank You for the good works You have prepared for us to walk in. Please help each one of us to identify the shape You have given us so we may bring You the most glory by following Your plan for each of our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

How can we follow the risen Lord Jesus without reservation? Part 2

“Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’ ” John 21:22

In John 21:20-23, we are looking at the focusing stage of discipleship in the life of Peter. Last time we learned that we can follow Jesus without reservation when we avoid comparing ourselves with other followers of Christ (John 21:20-21). When the risen Lord Jesus informed Peter that following Christ would cost him his life, Peter then asked the Lord what John could expect (John 21:18-21). Would John also lose his life for following Jesus? Peter seems to be comparing his relationship with Jesus to John’s relationship with Jesus.

All of us can fall into the comparison trap like Peter. We don’t like God’s will for our lives, so we focus on His will for another’s life. If we cannot control God’s will for our own lives, we will try to control His will for another person’s life. How does Jesus respond to this?

John writes, “Jesus said to him, ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.’ ” (John 21:22). Jesus is saying,“If I want John to hang around until I return, what is that to you, Peter? Your responsibility is to follow Me regardless of what happens to John.” What does that mean to Peter? “Lord, that’s not fair. You’re telling me that I’m going to die if I follow You, but John gets to hang around until You return?” And what Jesus is saying is, “Peter, that should not matter to you. You simply follow Me.”

Again, we see Jesus telling Peter to follow Him. This is not referring to Peter’s salvation. Nor does it mean that Peter is going to die. This time following Jesus means something different. “You should not be comparing yourself to other people. Instead, you are to remain focused on following Me regardless of what I have in mind for John or the other disciples,” Jesus says. Peter needed to remain focused on what Jesus has told him regarding the purpose for his life, and just focus on that.

“Jesus essentially told Peter that John’s future was none of his business. Rather than concerning himself with God’s will for other people, even those closest to him, Peter should concentrate on following Jesus faithfully himself. The ‘you’ in the Greek text is emphatic. Even if it was Jesus’ will for John to ‘remain’ alive ‘until’ He returned, that was not to be Peter’s concern.” ¹ The emphasis here is “You – follow Me, Peter,” Jesus says. “It doesn’t matter what other people do. Don’t worry about other people.”

The main focus of Christian leadership is not making sure that others are following Christ, but that I am following Christ. ² My example has far more impact on others than hovering over them to make sure they are following Christ.

“The reference to Jesus’ return is probably a reference to the Rapture, rather than the Second Coming, in view of what Jesus had promised these disciples in 14:1-3.” ³

Peter had to learn to trust Jesus to take care of John while he concentrated on what Jesus was saying to him. What does this say to us? This leads to the second way to follow Jesus without reservation. We must FOCUS ON SERVING JESUS IN OUR OWN UNIQUE MINISTRY TO OTHERS (John 21:22). The Lord saves us individually. He gifts and calls us individually. He speaks to us and directs us individually. Peter momentarily forgot this fact and we do, too, at times. How easy it is for us to focus on God’s will for another person’s life to avoid God’s will for our own lives. When it comes to doing God’s will, God has not said that you must answer for anyone else except yourself. We are to quit looking around for equality. We are to put aside the need to have others do what we are doing, or to endure what we are called to endure.

Dr. Tony Evans makes an important observation. “God has a general will for all of his people. This is expressed in his biblical commands for all of his followers. But he also has a specific will for each individual Christian. Jesus graciously revealed to Peter his will for him. But he wasn’t about to tell Peter his specific will for John. We are called to follow Jesus corporately as the church and personally as individuals. Each of us is to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus and seek to discern how he wants us to serve and glorify him. You are not to use God’s specific will for you to measure anyone else, nor are you to take his specific will for another and use it to measure your own circumstances. We are not to sit as judges regarding how God chooses to use other believers.” ⁴

Some believers are uniquely called by God to endure hardships – imprisonment, the loss of a child, a lingering and crippling illness, financial troubles, a series of unexplainable tragedies – while others are hardly touched by these things. It is so easy for the Peter within us to lash out and lobby for an equal wrong’s amendment before the Lord. Jesus’ response remains the same: “My child, just follow Me. Remember, you are not John, you are Peter.”

Has God called you to a difficult or demanding mission field… or type of ministry … or home situation… or relationship? Has He led you to live sacrificially… to pass up some pleasures? If He has, then follow Him. Forget about the Johns and learn to focus on following Christ. Don’t compare, focus on serving Jesus in your own unique way.

The Bible tells us, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (I Peter 4:10). We should concentrate on following Christ and using the spiritual gifts He has given us as we do that. Disciples are to be taught to focus on their own unique ministry according to their gifting and calling.

Part of discipleship is discovering what our unique ministry is and helping others discover their unique ministries. That unique ministry will almost always be in harmony with how God has gifted us. That is what makes us unique as Christians. So first you need to know what your gift is and then you need to use it.

How do you discover your spiritual gift? Get busy serving the Lord. God can steer a moving car better than a parked car, so get involved in a ministry. If you have a church family, find out from your church leaders how you can serve Christ in your church. Ask yourself, “What do I enjoy doing?” God is not likely to give you a gift that makes you miserable. So, what is it that you enjoy doing when serving the Lord?

Ask yourself, “What is God blessing?” If you are a teacher, people are being built up through your teaching. If you are an administrator, people and things are being organized. If you have the gift of helps or service, the needs of others are being met in practical ways. If you are an evangelist, people are getting saved. If you have the gift of mercy, people are comforted when they share their problems with you.

Ask yourself, “What do others think?” Ask those who know you well what gifts they see in you. For example, some churches have disciples do a service project outside of the church. Then they have them identify their gifts that were manifested during the project. “Who stepped up to help the group get organized?” This could be someone with the gift of administration or organization. “Who was concerned about reaching lost people?” Those with the gift of evangelism. “Who stepped up to serve behind the scenes?” Those with the gift of service. “Who was concerned about those who were hurting and had a way of helping them talk about their feelings?” Those with the gift of mercy and so on.

It is also important to take training. We offer online discipleship training for men and women. ⁵ In the Philippines, we trained Christians to multiply disciples of Jesus until all hear His gospel message. The training sharpens a believer’s spiritual gifts and skills.

You could also take a free spiritual gift inventory online. ⁶ But with that said, I firmly believe it is easier to discover your gift through ministry than to discover your ministry through your gift.

God doesn’t want us comparing ourselves with one another. Like Jesus said to Peter, “What is that to you? You just follow Me. Don’t worry about the other guy. Serve me in the unique way I have gifted you to serve. Let others take responsibility for their commitment to serve Me in the unique way I have gifted and called them.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, all of us struggle when Your will for our lives seems to involve more pain and suffering than what we perceive others to have. We may be threatened or even jealous when other followers of Christ seem to have more success and less suffering than what we are experiencing. Thank You for calling us back to focusing on You and the unique way You have gifted us and called us to serve You. How silly of us to think that other believers should resemble our gifting and calling when they are also uniquely gifted and called by You. Help us to stay focused on You, Lord Jesus, no matter what the cost. It is in You that we find overflowing joy, peace, and life, not in people or in the things we do. You love us far more than what we do. Please massage this truth into the depths of our hearts and souls. In Your powerful name we pray Lord Jesus. Amen.

ENDNOTES:

1. Tom Constable, Notes on John, 2017 Edition, pg. 400.

2. Ibid., cites Alexander Balmain Bruce, The Training of the Twelve, 8th ed. (N. c.: A. C. Armstrong and Son, 1894; reprint ed. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1971), pg. 528.

3. Constable, pg. 401.

4. Tony Evans, CSB Bibles by Holman. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (B & H Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, 2019), pg. 1833.

5. You can download our digital Pressing On discipleship training at www.seeyouinheaven.life.

6. https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/ .

How does the risen Lord Jesus use us to make a difference in peoples’ lives after we fail? Part 2

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’ ” John 21:17

Twelve-year-old Kurt never missed a game of his Little League team, but he didn’t get to play much because of his small size and lack of coordination. The coach never let him play more than the two innings a game required by league rules. Even with Kurt’s participation, the team won many games and qualified for the playoffs. After the last practice before the playoff game, the coach drew Kurt aside and said, “Kurt, just don’t show up on Saturday for the game. It will be better for the team if you are not there.” A dejected twelve-year-old left the field that day.

Peter also felt the sting of despair. He had denied the Lord three times and swore that he was not one of His followers while in the courtyard in front of Annas’ house (John 18:17, 25, 27). After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter may have thought Christ no longer wanted him on His team, so he returned to fishing. Because of his failure, Peter may have felt unworthy to serve as a leader any longer. Perhaps he thought his public denials of Jesus disqualified him as a follower of Christ.

All of us can probably relate to this. We, too, have failed Christ and we feel unworthy to be on His team. We might think our sin is unforgivable or unredeemable. We fear that Jesus would not want us on His team. But please understand that Jesus never says to a repentant child of God, “Don’t show up.” Christ always gives a second chance to those who seek His forgiveness.

We are learning from John 21:15-19 how the risen Lord Jesus can use us to make a difference in peoples’ lives after we fail. Last time we discovered He can do this when we make loving Him our first priority (John 21:15). Three times Peter had said he did not even know the Lord Jesus, now three times after breakfast, he would say he loved the Lord. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love [agapaō] Me more than these?” (John 21:15a). When Peter replied, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love [phileō] You,” Jesus said to him, “Feed My lambs.” (John 21:15b).

The word Jesus used for “love” is agapaō and is often used of God’s unconditional sacrificial love. But the word Peter used for “love” is phileō and refers to a brotherly and affectionate love that is between close friends. But Christ does not stop with this one question.

“He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’” (John 21:16). Again, Jesus begins with “Simon, son of Jonah,” to emphasize the importance of what He was about to say to Peter. Jesus uses the same word for “love” (agapaō) to ask Peter a second time, only He drops off the “more than these” to encourage a more positive response. ¹ “In His first question the Lord challenged the superiority of Peter’s love. In His second question the Lord challenged whether Peter had any love at all.” ²

Peter replied using the same words as the first time, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” Again,Peter appeals to Jesus’ knowledge as proof of his love for Jesus, not his own former behavior. Before Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter had proudly claimed that his love for and commitment to Jesus was superior to that of the other disciples (Matthew 26:33, 35; Luke 22:33; John 13:37). But after his failure and denials, Peter now exhibits more humility.

Seeing Peter’s humility, Jesus says, “Tend My sheep.” The word for “tend” (poimaínō) in the original Greek language means “to watch out for other people, to shepherd, of activity that protects, rules, governs, fosters … in the sense of lead, guide, or rule.” ³ This word means “to be a shepherd” or “take care of” flocks. Both Paul and Peter use this word to speak of the spiritual responsibilities of church leaders (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2). ⁴ The word for “sheep” (probata) is a diminutive form of the more common word for sheep, probaton, and means “little sheep.” ⁵It is quite possible Jesus is referring to believers who are not yet fully mature in their faith.

John then tells us, “He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’ ” (John 21:17). For a third time, Jesus says, “Simon, son of Jonah,” to emphasize the extreme importance of what He was about to say. When Jesus asks, “Do you love Me?” He uses the same word for “love” (phileō) that Peter used.

John notes that “Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ ” The word for “grieved” is lupeō which means “to become sad, sorrowful, distressed.” ⁶Was Peter hurt because Jesus used the same word for love (phileō) that Peter had used or was he hurt because Jesus asked him a third time if he loved Him? I believe Peter was hurt because when Jesus asked him a third time, it reminded Peter of his three denials. ⁷Peter had denied knowing Jesus early in the morning when standing around “coals of fire” (John 18:15-18, 25-27), and now Jesus was asking him three times if he loved Him early in the morning while being around “coals of fire” (John 21:1-17).

“Seeing Peter humbled, Jesus came down to Peter’s level and met him where he was. Peter was grieved. His three denials of his Lord had now been matched by a question from his Lord repeated three times: ‘Do you love me?’ It broke Peter’s heart.” ⁸

All Peter could do is say, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” This time Peter appeals to Jesus’ omniscience (“You know all things”). “When Peter was proudly self-assured about his ability to stand fast at a critical moment, Jesus knew that he would actually crack under pressure (see 13:37-38). He knew Peter’s heart better than Peter did. The grieving disciple understood that now. And since Jesus knew all things, Peter was convinced that Jesus also knew that Peter loved him in spite of his prior failure.” ⁹

It may have also grieved Peter that Jesus was asking him questions that He already knew the answers to. ¹⁰But these questions from Jesus were for Peter’s benefit, not the Lord’s benefit.

After Peter told Jesus a third time that he loved Him, Jesus said, “Feed My sheep.” Here Jesus uses the word boskō (“feed”) from verse 15, and the word probaton (“sheep”) from verse 16. Three times Peter had denied knowing Jesus. And now three times Peter affirms his love for Jesus and three times Jesus commissioned Peter to feed His lambs or sheep. This whole scene was intended to show Peter that he is completely forgiven and restored to his position of leadership! Imagine Peter’s joy when for each of his three denials, Christ commissioned him to feed or shepherd His sheep. Peter knew he was forgiven, and he would serve Christ until his dying day!

Peter reminds us, that no matter how great a Christian is, he or she may fall away from the Lord. And when they do, they need to know that Christ always gives a second chance to His humble followers.

Jesus gave Peter three opportunities to say “I love you” to erase the three-fold denial that had happened in the courtyard the night before Christ’s crucifixion. The truth is Simon Peter failed Jesus miserably. But Jesus Christ forgave him magnificently!

Jesus wants to do the same for you and for me. Failure is overcome by forgiveness. There is no other way. If we want to make a difference in peoples’ lives, we must learn this important lesson. Sometimes we try to overcome our failures by trying harder or being “better” Christians. But trying harder or trying to be “better” Christians only makes things worse. Our failures are always overcome by the forgiving grace of Jesus Christ.

Jesus gave Peter three opportunities to declare his love for Him because He wanted him to take His forgiveness into his heart where it really mattered. It is one thing to know about the forgiveness of Christ. But it is another thing to take it to heart.

There may be many of us, if the truth were known, who know about the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. We know in our heads that He died on the cross for all our sins, and on this basis, He is willing to forgive all our sins. We even know that when we trusted Christ for His gift of eternal life, Jesus promised to forgive all our sins (Acts 10:43; Colossians 2:13-14).

But when it comes to the worst sin in our lives that we can look back on, the truth is many of us have not taken Jesus’ forgiveness to heart yet. Oh, we know we have eternal life by virtue of believing in Jesus (I John 5:13). But we have not heard Jesus say, “I forgive you” yet in that area of our greatest sin. Maybe that is the reason God brought you to this page, to hear Him say, “I forgive you,” so you can take it into the depths of your heart and soul.

Keep in mind that Peter had believed in Jesus three years before Christ’s crucifixion (John 1:35-2:11; 6:69). And when Peter came to faith in Christ, Jesus changed his name from Simon to Cephas, which means a stone or rock (John 1:42). Why did Jesus change his name? Because Jesus knew the leadership role that Peter would play when He saw Peter in rough form. Peter would become a rock-solid leader among leaders.

Prior to Peter’s denial of Jesus, he had been walking with the Lord over three years. But Peter failed the Lord miserably when He denied knowing Jesus three times. He was probably uncertain about having a future ministry for his Lord and Savior after his great failure. He probably felt unworthy to be Jesus’ disciple. Therefore Jesus took special time with Peter to make sure he took Christ’s forgiveness into his heart so he would not carry that burden of guilt or shame into the future.

If the risen Lord Jesus is going to be able to use us to make a difference in peoples’ lives after we fail, WE MUST RECEIVE HIS FORGIVING GRACE INTO OUR HEARTS FOR OUR GREATEST SINS (JOHN 21:16-17). If we want to take to heart the forgiveness of Christ, we need to do it the same way Peter did. We look at Jesus’ word and we let His word come into our hearts and give us the assurance that His forgiveness has restored our fellowship or closeness with God.

What does God say a Christian is to do after he or she sins? John tells us in his first epistle, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9). To “confess” (homologeō), means “to agree, admit, acknowledge.” ¹¹When we confess our sins to God we are agreeing with what God says about our sin. It is not merely a mistake or weakness. It is an offense against our holy God.

And the moment we confess our sin to God, He is “faithful and just” to forgive the sin we confessed and cleanse us of all our unknown sins (“all unrighteousness”) as well. God restores us to a harmonious relationship with Himself. The word “just” (dikaios) means “righteous.” “Because of the shed blood of Christ (v 7), there is no compromise of God’s righteousness when He forgives.” ¹² Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross satisfied God’s “just” demand to punish all our sin. When we confess our sins, God’s cleansing is total.

It is possible that even when God forgives us after we confess our sins, we stubbornly refuse to forgive ourselves. How long does it take us to forgive ourselves? Since God is ready and willing to forgive us when we seek His forgiveness (Psalm 86:5), what gives us the right not to forgive ourselves? If you are struggling to forgive yourself after God has forgiven you, take some time to write I John 1:9 down on a piece of paper. Then insert your greatest sins for the word “sins” in that verse. Draw a picture representing this truth so it can be installed into your right (limbic) brain. Review this verse and drawing every night before you go to sleep so God the Holy Spirit can massage it down into the depths of your heart and soul as you sleep. Choose to forget what God has already forgiven.

As stated earlier, Jesus used the word phileō the third time to meet Peter where he was at. Jesus was saying to Peter (and to us), “I want to meet you where you are at and walk with you on this journey called discipleship. I want to help you grow in your love for Me. I want to give you a vision of what you can become as My grace works in and through you to feed others spiritually.”

We are not on this journey alone. We have a great and sympathetic high priest who understands our struggles and longs to come alongside us to give us the grace and mercy we need (Hebrews 4:15-16). There is probably not one of us reading this article that feels like we love Jesus Christ the way He deserves. We love Him the best we know how, yet we know there is a lot of room for growth. I hope that all of us want to grow in our love for Jesus.

Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love Me with everything you have every moment of your life?” If we are honest with ourselves, we would say to the Lord, “Jesus, I want to love You more in the way You deserve, but I fall way short of that. I need Your help.” That is sort of what Peter was saying to Jesus. So, Jesus came the third time and said, “Peter, I know you are trying to grow in Your love for Me. I want to come alongside you and help you do that.” This is what Jesus wants to do for you and me. He takes us where we are and helps us grow in the love we have for Him.

Interestingly, each time Jesus commands Peter to “tend” or “feed” His sheep, He uses present tense verbs (boske… poimaine… boske). This indicates that the feeding process is to be repeated and regular. A meal or two now and then will not develop strong sheep. Nor will a sermon now and then build strong disciples of Jesus. We need to be fed repeatedly, regularly, and often.

“Though Peter had previously thought highly of himself, he had come to adopt Jesus’s view of leadership in ministry. Peter understood that being a leader of God’s people is not about arrogantly exercising power. Therefore, he could later write to other church leaders, ‘Shepherd God’s flock among you . . . not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock’ (1 Pet 5:2-3). Peter had taken to heart Jesus’s command, ‘Shepherd my sheep.’ Sometimes God lets his people fail in order to develop them spiritually and prepare them for greater usefulness (see Luke 22:31-32).” ¹³

Although Peter failed the risen Lord Jesus greatly, Jesus did not take Him off His team. To the risen Lord Jesus, winning men and women, and boys and girls is more important than winning games. Imagine Peter’s joy when for each of his three denials, Christ commissioned Peter to feed His sheep. Peter knew he was forgiven and restored. And he served Christ until his dying day. Jesus wants us to know and experience that we are forgiven so we can serve Him until He says it is time to come home to Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, many of us needed to hear this message from You. We have felt disqualified from serving You because of our past failures. We know in our heads that we are completely forgiven the moment we believed in You for eternal salvation, but our feelings keep lying to us. We have let them convince us that we are unworthy to be on Your team. Thank You so much for reminding us that our failures are not final because of Your forgiving grace. And when You forgive, You choose to forget. Teach us O Lord God to forget our past failures and to embrace Your amazing grace so we may forgive ourselves and help others to grow in their love for You. In Your precious name we pray Lord Jesus. Amen.

ENDNOTES:

1. J. Carl Laney Moody Gospel John Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1992), pg. 381.

2. Tom Constable, Notes on John, 2017 Edition, pg. 396 cites Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John Vol. 3 (Swengel, Pa.: I. C. Herendeen, 1945; 3 vols. in 1 reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1973), pg. 324.

3. Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature: Third Edition (BDAG) revised and edited by Frederick William Danker (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000 Kindle Edition), pg. 842.

4. Laney, pg. 381.

5. Ibid.; See also Archibald Thomas (A. T.) Robertson, Robertson’s Word Pictures in Six Volumes, (The Ephesians Four Group, 2014 Kindle Edition), Kindle Locations 78494-78496.

6. Bauer, pg. 604.

7. A. T. Roberston, Kindle Locations 78509-78510.

8. Tony Evans, CSB Bibles by Holman. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (B & H Publishing Group, Kindle Edition, 2019), pg. 1832.

9. Ibid.

10. Robert Wilkin; J. Bond; Gary Derickson; Brad Doskocil; Zane Hodges; Dwight Hunt; Shawn Leach. The Grace New Testament Commentary: Revised Edition (Grace Evangelical Society, Kindle Edition, 2019), pg. 569.

11. Ibid., pg. 1430.

12. Ibid.

13. Evans, pg. 1832.

Connecting in a Disconnected World of Covid (Video)

Although this video was prepared for a church anniversary in the Philippines, its biblical principles can apply to any culture. We will not only look at the challenges of connecting with other people during this age of COVID-19, we will also turn to the Bible to discover how we can connect with one another in more effective ways. If you are feeling all alone and without hope, this video is for you.

In Christ I live according to God’s plan

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10b

Before believing in Christ for salvation, the Bible tells us, “we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind” (Ephes. 2:3). Before we were saved by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephes. 2:8-9), we lived according to our own sinful desires. We did what pleased us.

But when we came to Christ in faith, we began to live according to God’s plan. How can we discover His plan for our lives? The Bible says, “We are … created in Christ Jesus for good works.” We were not saved to simply sit on a couch to watch TV or play video games. We were saved to do “good works.” Notice that good works follow our salvation, they are not necessary for our salvation.

How do I know what good works God wants me to do? This verse tells us that “God prepared beforehand” our good works “so that we should walk in them” (2:10b). Pastor Rick Warren has produced a very helpful tool to help Christians discern the “good works” or ministry God has prepared them to do using the acrostic S.H.A.P.E.

S – Spiritual gifts. Ask yourself, “How has God gifted me spiritually?” You may have a speaking gift such as teaching or evangelism. You may have a serving gift such as helps or leading. The good works God has designed you to do should include the use of your spiritual gifts. For years I served in pastoral ministry which made it difficult to use my primary spiritual gift of evangelism. But when I began to serve in an evangelistic ministry, I became more fruitful and fulfilled because I was doing what God shaped me to do.

H – Heart. Ask yourself, “What am I passionate about?” My wife is excited about making jewelry for others out of beads. She can do that all day without getting bored or tired. I, on the other hand, am passionate about sharing the gospel with others. I get recharged doing this. If we serve in a ministry for which we have no passion, we will lack motivation and fulfillment.

A – Ability. Ask yourself, “What natural talents has God given me?” May be you are a gifted musician, singer, or writer. Perhaps you are gifted in working with computers, cars, or machinery. You may be very gifted in relating to children, teenagers, or the elderly. Pay attention to your natural talents when participating in a ministry.

P – Personality. Ask yourself, “What kind of personality has God given me?” Are you an introvert or extrovert? A free online tool to help identify your personality is found at www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test. Ignoring the personality God has given us when considering a ministry, can lead to much frustration and stress.

E – Experiences. Ask yourself, “What kind of experiences have I had?” God will use good and bad experiences to equip us for ministry. For example, if you were abused as a child, God can use that experience to comfort others who have been through something similar. On the other hand, if you have experienced success in the business world, God can use that to minister to others in a business. God does not waste our experiences.

When we identify our God-given S.H.A.P.E., God can use that to place us in a ministry where we will be more fulfilled and fruitful, and God will receive more glory. God wants us to walk in the good works that He has shaped us to do. When we do, our lives will never be the same.

Prayer: Gracious heavenly Father, I no longer want to live according to my sinful desires, but according to Your plan for my life. Thank You for helping me identify my God-given S.H.A.P.E. so that I can find a ministry that You have designed for me that brings You the most glory and enables me to be fruitful and fulfilled. In Jesus’ name. Amen.