Bible Study On being a follower of Jesus our Lord

[Papa Zoom]

'By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: '
1 John 2:3-6 https://www.bible.com/bible/100/1JN.2.3-6

In my weekly Bible study I bring up the idea that there are "oughts" for the Christian to follow. I always get push-back and am told that "there is nothing we can do" blah blah blah. But when I read the verses above, and like verses, I get a different picture. God expects things of us. We can't just claim Christ and live as we want. It's not about us but about HIM.

Every expectation or command is for our good. There is nothing God demands that isn't for our good. Even in difficult trials, we can have peace and joy through Him.

I want to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I don't mean a list of rules. That's not God's way. God is teaching us right conduct. Conduct that benefits others, benefits ourselves, and honors Him.

To God be the glory!

 

[th1b.taylor]

AMEN! As one who seeks to follow I am ofter informed that I am a Legalist and that my Judgment will be under the Mosaic Law for trying to live as closely to the Commands of YHWH as I am able. Knowing that Romans 3:10 & 23 are the truth, it was laborious to begin to practice living a life that honors YHWH but the longer I strive and point at the target the closer I get to the Bull's Eye.

Folks love to say the Bull's Eye is impossible to hit, and I know it is, but it is their reason, to often, for not trying, that is wrong. Need a reason? Think about it, the Bull's Eye on the Dart Board and/or the target on the Gun Range is the most valuable for points ad the largest circle is the least for value.

That was the reason I sought to put rounds in the Bull in Basic Training, I wanted the greatest Badge I could earn. Although I tried hard to earn that Expert Badge to wear on my uniform, I fell a couple of points short but I was pleased with my score and my attempt because I gave it everything I had.

The Christian Life, Following Jesus, is the same as that day on the Range for me. I want to be a member of a group of humans that are and will be known as the Bride of Christ. Will I make it? I don't know and wil not until pass out of this existance and into the next. But it is my desire to be the sort of man that weill be among that group of people in Heaven.

 

[Papa Zoom]

AMEN! As one who seeks to follow I am ofter informed that I am a Legalist and that my Judgment will be under the Mosaic Law for trying to live as closely to the Commands of YHWH as I am able. Knowing that Romans 3:10 & 23 are the truth, it was laborious to begin to practice living a life that honors YHWH but the longer I strive and point at the target the closer I get to the Bull's Eye.

Folks love to say the Bull's Eye is impossible to hit, and I know it is, but it is their reason, to often, for not trying, that is wrong. Need a reason? Think about it, the Bull's Eye on the Dart Board and/or the target on the Gun Range is the most valuable for points ad the largest circle is the least for value.

That was the reason I sought to put rounds in the Bull in Basic Training, I wanted the greatest Badge I could earn. Although I tried hard to earn that Expert Badge to wear on my uniform, I fell a couple of points short but I was pleased with my score and my attempt because I gave it everything I had.

The Christian Life, Following Jesus, is the same as that day on the Range for me. I want to be a member of a group of humans that are and will be known as the Bride of Christ. Will I make it? I don't know and wil not until pass out of this existance and into the next. But it is my desire to be the sort of man that weill be among that group of people in Heaven.

Striving for perfection in Him!

Matthew 5:48 - Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Colossians 3:23-24 - And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Read More...)

2 Peter 1:5-8 - And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (Read More...)

1 John 2:1-29 - My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (Read More...)

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. [as in strive for perfection in these things!]

Titus 2:14 - Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 

[for_his_glory]

Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Read the whole Chapter)

What are the things from above, but that of the things Jesus did while here on earth as we continue in His good works He started, Matthew 25:34-40. The greatest commandment is love, Matthew 22:34-40, and when we let the light of Christ shine through us His love shines on those who do not know Him. Our witness and testimony of Christ given to others is following after Christ as through us He will draw others to Him.

 

[ezra]

Matthew 16:24-26 English Standard Version (ESV)
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? we want the benefits but we dont want to experience our own cross .to make it plain so as no one misunderstands and strains at a gnat.. at my job i have benefits vacation health insurance a clinic i can see a doctor for $5.00 .i have to do my part to get them.. we have to do our part being a follower of Christ is almost compared to trying to walk in our dad shoes as a child.. we have 4 crosses in the Bible the two thieves each had one==2 the cross Christ was crucified on =3 then ours .. i am reminded of a story of man given the chance to chose the size Cross he would have to carry.. he walked into the room saw all different sizes. he then spied a small one that he chose.. he was told that was the one he had been caring all along . the cross is a sacrificial emblem. we must make scarifies deny our self.. the battle of the flesh vs the spirit

 

[Tessa]

James 2:17,18 NKJV

17. Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works , and I will show you my faith ny my works."

I believe when you have real faith the works automatically follow.

 

[th1b.taylor]

James 2:17,18 NKJV

17. Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works , and I will show you my faith ny my works."

I believe when you have real faith the works automatically follow.

If you do not quench the Spirit they do. That leaves the question on the person invovrd and YHWH can answer, am I really saved? The answer and the life are folded in the answer.

 

[for_his_glory]

James 2:17,18 NKJV

17. Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works , and I will show you my faith ny my works."

I believe when you have real faith the works automatically follow.

They should, but many think all they have to is believe and then just sit on their butts and go about their life and that only leads to no productive fruits as how is one going to show the light of Christ through them if they hide that light under a bushel.

 

[Tessa]

John 13:14,15 NKJV

14. If then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
15. "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

 

[Tessa]

They should, but many think all they have to is believe and then just sit on their butts and go about their life and that only leads to no productive fruits as how is one going to show the light of Christ through them if they hide that light under a bushel.

Amen to that

 

[ezra]

John 13:14,15 NKJV

14. If then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
15. "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

 

[Tessa]

Praise the Lord Ezra.
It is rarely mentioned.

 

[ezra]

Praise the Lord Ezra.
It is rarely mentioned.

lol i got asked to leave a church because i mentioned foot washing

 

[Tessa]

lol i got asked to leave a church because i mentioned foot washing

That is incredible. They didn't like the truth.

 

[Albert Finch]

We are "hidden in Christ," and that, because of Him, we are seated in heavenly places (see Colossians 3:3 and Ephesians 2:6)! God is hiding us right now in the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:18-34:1). The Rock is Jesus Christ, and no matter what we are experiencing, we are hidden completely in Christ. We are protected, loved and provided for. His glory is in us and we are seated in heavenly places with Him. It's time for us to see ourselves as victorious over every situation. His grace will be there for anything we need as we move forward, leaving the past behind and possessing every promise!

It is difficult to maintain faith in a world of problems. If we do not guard our hearts, we will look at our circumstances with natural eyesight and, therefore, stumble over situations rather than putting complete trust in God. This is why we need more of His PRESENCE – we will be strengthened as we see Him as He is!

Many people are content to discuss the presence of God, but are many willing to pay the price to seek Him daily and truly experience and encounter His presence? How can you hear God speak, in His soft and tender way, when your hurried thoughts create a whirlwind within? Be quiet, and He will soon be heard.

"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation." - Psalm 62:1


CENTRAL PLACE OF THE INWARD WALK


Be silent and visit the quiet recesses of your own heart -- there you will hear God's voice.
You cannot retire too much from the mindless chatter of the world. You don't need much time to tell God that you love Him! Lift your heart to Him. Worship Him in the depths of your spirit.
By not speaking, desiring, nor reasoning, we reach the central place of the inward walk -- that place where God speaks to our inward man. It is there that God communicates Himself to our spirit.

QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF:

Am I willing to come openly before God, presenting my heart naked before Him?

Am I willing to cast all aside that would grieve His presence?

PRAYER:
Father God, I know that it is Your desire to reveal Your divine glory through me because I believe. Draw me unto Yourself and that You would begin to reveal Your glory in me and through me. Lord, I cry out for more of Your presence! Without You and Your presence I will never completely fulfill your PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE. You are all that I need in life to be content. Empower me as I pursue my DESTINY in Christ and the demonstration of Your Kingdom on earth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

[for_his_glory]

The before us the world behind us as we are to have died to self and live for Christ, no an's, if, or buts about it Christ has to come first in all things.

 

[ezrider]

'By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

I want to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I don't mean a list of rules. That's not God's way. God is teaching us right conduct. Conduct that benefits others, benefits ourselves, and honors Him.

I quoted a couple different sentences from your OP to capture the sentiment and thoughts that follow. Jesus didn't give us rules to follow, but he did tell us to keep his commands. What were they? Was it not to LOVE one another? Was it not also to JUDGE NOT? There is a reason Jesus said we should judge not, lest we be judged.... We should strive to understand what that reason was.

AMEN! As one who seeks to follow I am ofter informed that I am a Legalist and that my Judgment will be under the Mosaic Law for trying to live as closely to the Commands of YHWH as I am able.

I highlight this comment and ask do we draw a distinction between the Commands of the Lord and the Laws of the Lord? Is striving for perfection under the law of Moses the same as striving for perfection in Christ?

There is a danger and a temptation found in the judgements of the law of Moses, and it is why Jesus said to Judge not, but rather to love one another. Even Paul said I judge not my own-self. And again, Paul said though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries, if I have not charity, then I am nothing.

From the law we learn of iniquity, and yet Jesus gave warning that because iniquity would increase, the love of many would wax cold. In place of the love of Christ, the spirit of the accuser arises as we are tempted to sit in the seat of Moses for ourselves. Be careful of the strong delusion, for the more we find ourselves glorying in the Law of righteousness, the less we find ourselves glorying in Christ; and as the love of Christ departs, the hatred and accusation become more apparent.

Striving for perfection in Him!

Matthew 5:48 - Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Be ye perfect as your Father which in heaven is perfect. That does not mean we are to strive to walk perfect before the LAW. We are to strive to walk perfect before the Lord in Christ by FAITH.

The LORD does NOT walk before the LAW; The LAW comes forth from the LORD. Man was not created to walk before the Law; Man was created to walk before the LORD.

But if we are to follow the commands of Jesus and to Love one another, if we are to be Perfect as our Father which in heaven is perfect, then we should pay attention to the context of that statement, for the scripture goes on to say that He makes the sun to rise upon the evil and the good, and that He sends the rains to the just and the unjust: Be ye perfect.

That means as a follower of Christ you should avoid debate and argument over baking cakes for gay couples, it does not glorify Christ, it glorifies the Law.

I have seen it argued in other sections of this forum how this country would be better of if we brought God and the ten commandments back into our schools, then they go on to accuse and blame liberals calling them evil and godless for having God removed from the schools, but do they realize how weak that makes their God look? Why those evil liberals are so powerful that they can run off God, and then the hatred foments, and the love of Christ waxes cold. In the book of Revelation, the angel is sent to the seven churches to warn them to repent, or the Lord would remove their lampstand from their midst. If God has been removed from the schools, it is not because the liberals ran him out, it is because God has removed Himself from their idolatry. So the only reason to continue on blaming or accusing your neighbor is because your love of the Law of greather than your Love of Christ.