June 1931
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6. Compare the abundant supply pro vided by Christ and the usual niggardly fashion in which we present our gifts to Him. What should be the Christian law of giving (2 Cor. 8:1,2; 9:6-8) ? If Christ was willing to supply the needs £>f those at the wedding feast, will He fail us if we ask Him to meet our needs? 7. As you study the incident recorded in chapter 2, in which Christ cleanses the temple, make the application to the cleans ing of that other temple which is our body (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19). How can our hearts be kept clean (John 15:3; Psa. 119:11; 1 John 1:9; Psa. 51:10) ? Spend some time discussing the importance of clean lives as channels through which God may work. — o— July 19, 1931 GOD’S GREATEST GIFT John 3 'JIHERE is no more deeply philosophical nor intensely practical chapter in the Bible than the third of John. Truly it can be said that, when we pass the threshold of this marvelous revelation from God to man, we should pause and take the shoes from our feet, for the ground upon which we stand is holy ground. We have here recorded one of those spiritual clinics in which Christ dis sects the soul of man. Nicodemus, the learned ruler of Israel, becomes as a child under the artful searching of this mighty revealer of souls. Preparation Read the chapter through daily.- Monday Try to imagine that this is the first time you have ever read the chapter. Write out your impres sions when thus considered. Select and memorize one or more of the outstand ing verses. Wednesday Analyze and outline the conversation b e t w e e n Jesus and Nicodemus. Thursday Study carefully verses 14 to 18. Write out in your own words the conditions here laid down for the ob taining of everlasting life. Tuesday
2. The Challenge. “What seek ye” (v. 38) ?
Expression Use one of the following outlines as a basis for a devotional message. . A M y st e r io u s S u b je c t John 3 :1-12 The element of mystery to be found in the words of Christ in this chapter is heightened by the charm of the narra tive and the pathetic nature of the in quirer. Study carefully the following points. 1. The Need for the New Birth (v. 3). The natural man cannot see or enter the kingdom. 2. The Mystery of the New Birth (vs. 4, 9). 3. The Nature o f the New Birth (vs. 5-8). a. God, the Author (1 Pet. 1:3). b. Christ, the Channel (John 1 :11, 12 ). c. The Holy Spirit, the Agent (John 3:6-8). d. The Word, the Medium (1 Pet. 1:2, 3; Jas. 1:18). 4. The Result of the New Birth (vs. 15, 16, 18, 36). * * * T h e B r a z e n S e r p e n t John 3:14, 15 1. The Poison. Like the Israelites of old, men are ser pent-bitten, poisoned by the deadly sting of sin. 2. The Remedy. As the uplifted serpent pictured the death of the destroyer, so Christ, made in the likeness of sinful flesh, was cruci fied in order that sin, the destroyer, might be vanquished. 3. The Application.' As the dying Israelite was required to avail himself of the remedy before heal ing took place, so it is necessary for us to look, in repentance and faith, to a cru cified Christ and to commit ourselves to Those who will not accept Christ con demn themselves to the death which they deserve. . Discussion 1. Nicodemus received his blessing through an hour spent alone with the Lord. Discuss the quiet hour alone with Christ as the answer to our problems (Jas. 1:5). How much time should we spend in daily prayer and meditation? What is the best period of the day for such spirit ual exercise (Psa. 55:17; Mk. 1:35)? 2. Discuss the Holy Spirit as symbol ized by the wind, in verse 8. Note that both are. invisible in essence; mysterious in action, an indefinable force; sovereign in operation, beyond human control or human laws; irresistible in movement; cleansing in service, winnowing away the chaff. Is the Holy Spirit a person or merely a force (John 14:16, 17, 26)? What is the work of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:14-16) ? Note: The word “Him self” should be read in verse 16. 3. Discuss the higher psychology of the new life in Christ Jesus as presented in this chapter. Answer in your own words the question, “What does it mean to be born of the Spirit?” Have you expe- His saving power. 4. The Refusal.
What is your aim in life? Your quest? Your goal? Is it pleasure, power, money, fame, and position ? Or love, peace, victory, and self-con trol? 3. The Question. “Rabbi . . . where dwMlest thou” (v. 38)? Are you seeking Christ to dwell with Him? 4. The Invitation. “Come and see” (v. 39). The best way to find out what Chris tianity is is to test it in your own life. The call of Christ is to “come.” 5. The Response. “They came . . . and saw . . . and abode with him” (v. 39). The first step is to “come,” accepting His invitation. Having come, we have the privilege of meeting face to face with the Son of God. “They came, they saw, He conquered.” The result of earnest seeking is the finding of a dwelling place with Christ. 6. The Transformation. “Thou art . ; . thou shalt be” (v. 42). The one who comes to Christ will no longer be. conformed, but trans formed. He creates us anew, not by a means of education, but by the pro cess of regeneration. 7. The New Association. “Follow me” (v. 43). We cannot follow until we have first come. Too many try to reverse the order. Discussion 1. Using verse 37, discuss the import ance of influence (2 Cor. 5:20; Prov. 15: 23). What characteristics in John would cause his disciples to follow his sugges tions so readily ? Can we cultivate the same characteristics in our own lives? 2. Discuss the subject of soul-winning as brought forth in chapter 1, verses 35 to 51. What was the deciding factor in bringing to Christ each of the four dis ciples mentioned here? Is there any set form of winning others to the Lord, or must there be a new approach to meet each individual situation? Discuss some methods which you have found effective in contacting people for Christ. 3. Read John 1:42 and 2:10. In both of these passages, you see the transform ing power of the Lord Jesus Christ: in the one case upon the life of unstable, impulsive Peter who was given a new character, that of a rock; in the other, in the transforming of water into good wine—the best that was served at the feast. Does Christ ever do a half-hearted job? If our lives are not transformed wholly by His power, where does the fault lie? 4. Study the implication to be found in Christ’s presence at the marriage in Cana. Is it not striking that He should begin His ministry at a wedding feast, a joyful occasion? How can we guarantee the presence of Jesus Christ at our social functions (John 2:2)? Discuss the prac tical application of our Christianity to our recreational activities. 5. Discuss the subject of obedience in connection with the Christian life. Using John 2:5, 7, give some suggestions as to things which He tells us to do today that we can do in a “brimful” way.
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Friday
Outline the last testimony of John the Baptist, as re corded in verses 22 to 36. This chapter abounds in excellent memory verses. Select two more for to day and memorize them thoroughly. Prepare an outline for a three-minute talk based upon the material to be found in this chapter. A f ter making your outline, go over it several times and try to find occasion to pass it on to some one else.
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Uses Sermon Outlines I receive great spiritual help from reading your magazine. I find your homiletical helps val uable in my sermon preparation. —From Hesper, N'. Dak.
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