Are We There Yet? Week Three: Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Upon meeting Nathanael Jesus remarks, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you” (John 1:48). John does not reveal what was noteworthy about Nathanael’s time the fig tree, only that it was significant to him. 

                                                       Throughout the Old Testament, and especially in the lives of the Patriarchs, “altars” represented moments of sacrifice and dedication to God. The Hebrew word for altar is mizbēath, meaning “place of sacrifice.” Nathanael’s inner devotions under the fig tree served in some manner in his life as an altar prompting him to recognize Jesus for who He is and accept His call to discipleship.

Genesis records four locations where Abraham built an altar to the Lord. Take a look at each location, noting the circumstance and significance of each.
 

Genesis 12:6-7--
 

Genesis 12:7-8 and 13:3-4-- (Note: Abraham built two altars at Bethel)

 

Genesis 13:12-18--

 

Genesis 22:2-3; James 2:23--
 

In one sense New Testament believers do not build altars of sacrifice because “Christ… suffered for sins once for all”, (1 Peter 3:18 & Hebrews 9:28). In another sense, because of Christ’s once for all sacrifice we are called in Romans 12:1 to offer our bodies as a “living sacrifice.” How does Galatians 2:20 better define what it looks like to offer oneself as a living sacrifice? In the sense of the latter, how are “altars” helpful in the life of a believer?

 

What are some “altars” in your life? Baptism? (Acts 2:38-39) Public salvation decision? Ministry call? Is the Holy Spirit leading you to an altar moment?

 

 

Francis Chan at Passion 2013

Are We There Yet? Questions for discussion and reflection

In John 1:40 we observe that Andrew was the first of all the disciples to be called by Jesus. Andrew presumably introduces Philip to Jesus (John 1:43). These two disciples are only mentioned apart from listings of the disciples in John’s gospel. In all but one of these occasions John singles out Andrew and Philip when introducing someone to Jesus. Read the following accounts from John’s gospel. Who is it that is being introduced to Jesus and how is zeal Andrew and Philip have for inviting people to discover life-change in Christ a challenge to you?

John 1:40-42--

John 1:43-51--

John 6:6-9--

John 12:21-23--

John the Baptist introduces John and Andrew to Jesus. Andrew invites his brother, Simon Peter to meet Jesus. The next day Andrew introduces Philip to Jesus, who then invites Nathaniel (John 1:35-51).  How is this example of the spread of the gospel a model of 2 Timothy 2:2?

Who is it the Holy Spirit is leading you to invite on a journey to discover life-change in Christ?

Read John 14:7-11. At the time of this conversation Philip had been following Jesus for nearly three years. How does this encounter reveal Philip’s need for further life-change?

What life-change do you desire to take place this next year?

Dig Deeper:

Read chapters Three- Andrew-The Apostle of Small Things, Six- Philip-The Bean Counter, and Seven- Nathanael--The Guileless One in Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur.

 

Twelve Ordinary Men By John MacArthur Contrary to popular belief, we do not have to be perfect to do God's work. Look no further than the twelve disciples whose many weaknesses are forever preserved throughout the pages of the New Testament. Jesus chose ordinary men - fisherman, tax collectors, political zealots - and turned their weakness into strength, producing greatness from utter uselessness. Join John MacArthur as he draws principles from Christ's careful, hands-on training of the original twelve disciples for today's modern disciple - you!

"Come and See"

In the first chapter of John's gospel John the Baptist introduces John and Andrew to Jesus. Andrew invites his brother Simon Peter to meet Jesus. The next day Andrew introduces Philip to Jesus, who then invites Nathaniel (John 1:35-51). Upon learning that Jesus' hometown was Nazareth, Nathaniel skeptically asks, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Rather than argue with Nathaniel, Philip simply replys, "Come and see" (John 1:46). After meeting Jesus, Nathaniel (elswhere Bartholemew)  becomes a follower of Jesus. 

Recorded in these few paragraphs is the beginning journey of five men who would each discover life-change in Christ, and then themselves be used by God to "turn the world upside down" (Acts 17:6) by inviting others on this journey. Join me in asking God for the boldness to make 2013 a year of inviting others to a journey of discovering life-change in Christ. We, like Philip, would simply invite others, "Come and see!"

 

Listen here to Dr. Gene Getz's teaching on John 1:35-51. Enjoy.