Saturday, December 27, 2014

S.S.S. Study Biblical Apostleship Lesson 8

Family School at Faith Baptist Church
S.S.S. Study Biblical Apostleship
Week 8: Humbly Concerned for Others

For some people it is hard to be humble, pride is a sin that tears apart families, friends, even churches, for the dumbest reasons, "I wanted blue carpet in the church!" Response: well why does your opinion matter more than the people who wanted white carpet? Proud behavior kills Godly fellowship. Matthew 26:33, Peter claims that even if the whole world is offended at Christ, he won't be... Just before he denies Christ
For some it is hard to be concerned for others. Most people are only truly concerned about those closest to them, which is probably why we have over 20 churches in one town yet there are less missionaries than that in some countries. Genesis 18:20-33, Abraham was concerned about the fate of Sodem, why? Because his nephew lived there.
I believe many people have a genuine desire to be humbly concerned for others, they know it's right, so what's the issue? Job 2:4, Romans 7:18-25, we still have a sin nature that fights for it way to be done.

In order to best understand how we can have the attitude of being humbly concerned for others let's take a moment to study both aspects of this attitude, separately.
1. Humble- Lowly; modest; meek; submissive; opposed to proud, haughty, arrogant or assuming. In an evangelical sense, having a low opinion of one's self, and a deep sense of unworthiness in the sight of God.
The Bible says-
 James 4:6, God resists those who are not humble.
Philippians 2:3-5, We ought to esteem others better than ourselves, (cuts down the arguing).
Isaiah 6:5, We ought to remember that God is Holy, and we are unclean, unworthy creatures.
How do I know if I am a prideful person? Acts 14:12-15, When the apostles were worshipped by the people they rebuked them and redirected the glory to God. Galatians 5:26, 6:14.
2. Concerned- Interested; engaged; having a connection with that which may affect the interest, welfare or happiness.
The Bible says- 
Hebrews 13:1-2, We should be concerned for all men, for all souls
Vs 3, We ought to be just as concerned for the Christian in jail for preaching in Iran as we would be if we were right there with him, seeing as we are both part of the same body, the body of Christ.
So who are you concerned about and why?    Or, who are you not so concerned about, and why not?

The only way that we as humans can CONSISTENTLY be humbly concerned for others is through the Spirit that dwells within us, 1st Thessalonians 3:12, as always we must rely on God's Spirit and His word, but we also have His example...
The greatest example
Jesus the Christ- His first recorded words in the Bible- Luke 2:49
During His ministry- Luke 4:43, Luke 9:20-22
His last words before He "gave up the Ghost" on the cross- John 19:30
Christ's entire earthly ministry was spent helping, healing, and teaching others. He never demanded payment or even a place to stay, never complained about the attempts on His life or the disbelief of His followers, He just spent Himself on others, Paul says it this way, 2nd Corinthians 12:15, what a picture of Christ!
Even while Christ spent Himself on those around Him, He never lost sight of the final goal, Romans 5:9
Christ was humble, Philippians 2:6-8. Christ was concerned for everyone, 2nd Corinthians 5:21

Let us take this greatest example, and apply it to our lives. Living always as servants of God, humble, concerned about others, helping others, and always keeping the main goal in focus, John 3:30

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