How can you begin polishing up some of the dusty, mundane articles in your life for God's special use?

Of the four goals in verse 22, which one do you need to work on this week?  How will you do so?

How does one, defend the faith against heresy without arguing over truth?  Cite a recent example.

The Life of Christ

The Secular Sources of Information

Josephus, in his Antiquities made the following statement:

"Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure.  He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles.  He was [the] Christ.  And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him.  And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day."

Tacitus, a Roman historian of the second century, in writing of the reign of Nero, alluded to the death of Christ and to the existence of Christians in Rome:

"But not all the relief that could come from man, not all the bounties that the prince could bestow, nor all the atonements which could be presented to the gods, availed to relieve Nero from the infamy of being believed to have ordered the conflagration.  Hence, to suppress the rumor, he falsely charged with the guilt, and punished with the most exquisite tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who were hated for their enormities.  Christus, the founder of that name, was put to death as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea, in the reign of Tiberius: but the pernicious superstition, repressed for a time, broke out again, not only through Judea, where the mischief originated, but through the city of Rome also..."

The younger Pliny, who was a correspondent of Trajan, spoke in one of his letters of the Christians as he had met them in Asia:

"They affirmed, however, the whole of their guilt, or their error, was that they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their word, not to deny a trust when they should be called on to deliver it up..."

The Teaching of Jesus

Methods

The method of teaching that Jesus used was not entirely novel.  Some of the rabbis of his day, like Hillel, were famed for their wisdom and their ability to hold the attention of their people.  The people "were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes" (Mark 1:22).  There was a directness, a freshness, and an authority in the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ that made him more effective than his contemporaries.  He was a master teacher whose skill in instructing the ignorant and the wayward was unsurpassed.  What were his methods?

The method of teaching for which he is best known is the parable.  A parable is an extended metaphor, the description of some common action or object as an illustration of spiritual truth.  It is unlike an allegory because the latter may be purely fictitious, whereas the parable is always connected with ordinary, though perhaps unidentified, occurrences.  Each situation was taken from daily life, well known to Jesus' hearers.  Each narrative was simply told with a minimum of detail.  The point of the parable was clear and was sometimes stated in a concluding sentence.

The parable as a medium of teaching served several purposes.  The average hearer would readily understand it because he would instantly recognize its relation to his daily life.  Jesus may have taken some of his parables from current affairs so that his audience thought they could recognize the person of whom he spoke.  The parables could easily be remembered, for they were neither lengthy nor abstract.  Their spiritual application was always relevant to the hearer's need.  Occasionally parables were given in sequence in order to present different aspects of the same subject, like those of Matthew 13 on the kingdom of heaven or like those of Luke 15 concerning God's reclamation of sinners.

A second method that Jesus used was the epigram-a terse, pungent statement that would stick in the mind of his hearer like a barbed arrow.  In this category belong the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-12), or the statement "He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it: (10:39).  Many of these epigrams contain paradoxes that make them all the more striking.

Occasionally Jesus employed argument in his teaching; but when he did so, he usually argued on the basis of Scripture rather than from abstract premises or assumptions.  In this regard he differed from the Greek philosophers.  Matthew 22:15-45 records debates that Jesus conducted with the Pharisees and the Sadducees.  In each case his opponents introduced the argument; when he finally posed a question of his own,  the argument was founded on a biblical statement.  Jesus did not argue for argument's sake.  When he did engage in debate, his logic was irresistible.

Another of the Master's favorite methods was that of question and answer.  His questions were never trivial, but they were generally related to the deepest human problems.  Questions make men think, whether they are direct or rhetorical.

On some occasions Jesus used object lessons.  He took a little child to illustrate humility (Matt. 18:1-6).  He knew how to make the truth simple and cogent; his parables have lived when the others have been forgotten.

Purpose

All of the teaching of Jesus had a moral and spiritual purpose that was bound up with the mission on which he had been sent by the Father.  "The words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works" (John 14:10).  He regarded his teaching not simply as good advice or as helpful speculation on universal theories.  To him it was a declaration of moral and spiritual finalities.  "Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock..." (Matt. 7:24).  Jesus taught in order to give people the authoritative word of God on which their destiny depended.

Doctrine

Certain teachings deserve special mention because of their doctrinal importance.  Jesus presented God as a heavenly Father, whose fatherhood should be defined primarily in terms of his own relationship to God.  "All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him" (Matt. 11:27).  Nowhere in the Gospels did Jesus say "Our Father" and include himself with his disciples in the first person pronoun.  On the contrary, he said to Mary Magdalene at the tomb: "I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God" (John 20:17).  In the model prayer that he gave to his disciples he taught them to pray "Our Father" (Matt. 6-9), expressing man's moral relationship to God.  The divine fatherhood meant more to him than it did to them, since he was in a unique sense the Son of God.  He was the Son of God by nature the disciples could  become sons of God only by receiving Christ (John 1:12).

The term "father," however, expressed God's attitude toward men.  It connoted his love and justice (Matt. 5:44-45), his interest in and concern for his creation (10:29-30), his forethought and purpose (20:23), his forgiving attitude (Luke 15:11-32), and his final determination of their destiny (John 14:2).  Perhaps the greatest single topic that Jesus discussed was the kingdom.

One common characteristic of his discourses is noteworthy: they were all based on the assumption that he had come to proclaim God's truth, that he had full authority to do so, and that man was obligated to follow his teaching.  He represented himself as the Son of God, and as the Son of God his word is final.

Success is...

(Growing Churches-David Faust)

S ervice,

for Jesus calls His people to wash the feet of others (mark 10:45, John 13:14-17).

U nselfishness, 

for love expresses itself in committed concern for the well-being of others (1 Cor 13:4-6), Phil 2:3-4).

C ontentment,

for true success comes when we learn to accept and celebrate whatever God has provided (Phil 4:11-13, 1 Tim 6:6-11).

C ourage,

"for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Tim 1:7).

E ndurance,

for faithfulness is a consistent lifelong willingness to follow Christ no matter what the outcome a tenacious determination to persevere even through tough times (Luke 9:61-62, 2 Tim 6:6-8, Rev. 2:10).

S tewardship,

making the most of the opportunities God has granted to us, achieving our maximum potential as individuals and as congregations, while recognizing God has not granted everyone exactly the same gifts and opportunities (Matt 25:14-30, 1 Cor 4:2, Col 4:5, 1 Pet 4:10-11).

S alvation,

for ultimately success cannot be defined by any earthly accomplishment but by God's gracious provision of eternal life through Christ (1 Cor 15:57-58, Eph 2:8-10).

Roles of the Church Leaders

1.  Direction Setter

The church leader wants to do more than; just share in the church's work; he/she wants to help shape  the church's dreams.  True leaders set the church's direction through their faithful teaching (1 Tim 3:2, 2 Tim 2:24, Titus 1:9-14), their personal example (1 Tim 4:12, 1 Pet 5:3, Heb. 13:7), and their thoughtful planning (1 Tim 5:17, Heb 13:17).

"Part of the leader's job is to set the spirit of the organization.  That doesn't mean to lay out policy and plan, but to exemplify then, to pay personal attention to the areas where the vision is being worked out." (Peter Drucker).

2.  Shock Absorber

The tension and the sparks have to come down somewhere, and they often find their outlet in church staff meetings or board meetings which deal with everything from financial problems to moral failures, from life and death issues to petty grievances.  When critics voice their concerns, the church leaders are usually the first to take the heat.  Church leaders must be willing to face, diffuse, and properly direct expressions of anger, frustration, or criticism.

3.  Hope Giver

In times of suffering, confusion, doubt, and death, wise leaders, constantly remind their followers, "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off" (Prov. 23:18). 

4.  Burden Bearer

One of the trickiest balances in the church leader's tight rope walk is learning how to "carry others' burdens" (Gal 6;2) while at the same time encouraging each one to "carry his own load" (Gal 6:5).

5.  Team Player

Leadership is lonely work; but sometimes leaders experience unnecessary isolation and detachment.

Avoid:

Refusing People-

barriers involving economic or social status, educational background, or skin color.

Defusing People-

stifle enthusiasm and fresh ideas.

Confusing People-

send mixed messages on important Bible issues.

Amusing People- 

Church programs must be closely linked to the graceful purpose of Christ.

Abusing People

1. Power-posturing; leaders-power; followers - submission.

2. Performance preoccupation.

3. Unspoken rules (e.g. disloyalty).

4. Lack of balance-all spirit led/all subjective

5. Paranoia-discourage involvement with outside world.

6. Misplaced loyalty-Leader/Christ.

7. Secretiveness

Grace & Growth

Self-Image-

We're Improving Now-They are willing to try, eager to make progress.  Members speak enthusiastically about their church, it's program and it's leaders, because they find security in Christ.

Faithfulness

Encouragement-

patiently offer grace to the disgraceful, hope to the hopeless and faith to the frustrated-Acceptance, Affection, and Affirmation.

Prayer-

Prayer serves as a declaration of dependence relying completely on God.

Interdependence

Principle: God expects you to acknowledge your need for others in discovering and doing ministry.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you."  And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"  But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1 Corinthians 12:21, 24-26)

Knowing what interdependence means in your ministry will help you to become a healthy person who is not Dependent on, nor Independent From others in ministry.

Defining Interdependence.  

It seems like such a foreign word in an American culture that has championed the virtues of independence," especially in the Christian context of ministry?  First, we do not mean "independence."  This means "to have no need of others."  We also do not mean the opposite characteristic, "dependence."  This means "to totally need others."  Independence and dependence.  One is the mark of the Lone Ranger who heads into life, alone.  The other is the sign of a person who can't stand up without clinging to others.  Both are extreme and unhealthy forms of behavior.

Interdependence combines the best characteristic of both.  Interdependence means to "depend upon one another."  It does not mean losing your identity for the sake of belonging to a group, but just the opposite.  Interdependence, as God would have you practice it in ministry means your uniqueness as a person will be complemented and even magnified by others who have distinctive gifts of their own.  Independence says, "I don't deed you."  Dependence says, "I need you too much."  Interdependence says, "WE need each other to work together for an end that's greater than our individual selves."

Using Interdependence to Accomplish Ministry

God created you with the need for interdependence so that you could accomplish His ministry in the company of others.  We see this principle at ministry in two ways.

1.  Interdependence is needed to get the job done.

The fact is, you'll need the gifts of others to accomplish your ministry.  Paul knew the importance of a body of believers: "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you.'  And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you'"  (1 Corinthians 12:21).  Paul understood that the seemingly less important parts of the body were actually very critical to the proper functioning of the entire body.  If you've ever temporarily lost the use of a thumb, or been unable to walk because a tiny sliver lodged in your big toe, then you know how true it is.  You appreciate even "the lesser" parts of the body when you realize that you can't function without them.

In a similar way, you can be thankful for your talents, abilities, and skills, but you won't be able to put them to their maximum use in a life unless they function in the proper relationship with others' gifts.  Players on a football team know they can't score a touchdown unless everyone on the team uses their individual gifts to work toward the same goal.  When each player becomes interdependent with the others, then the entire team is able to accomplish far more than any one player.  The reward, as Paul suggests to the Corinthians, is that "if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26).

When you minister successfully with others, you can see why God created you with the need for interdependence.  God wants to encourage you to realize your unique importance and significance regardless of your abilities.  As far as He's concerned everyone has something important to contribute through his or her lifework.  Therefore, nobody should feel less important than others.  It's encouraging to know that you're needed!

Interdependence is also needed to keep us humble.  No matter how much you believe that all talents are needed, the natural human tendency is to elevate certain ones over others.  Investing money seems more important than collecting garbage.  Fixing a broken leg seems more important than repairing a broken water main.  This kind of graduated scale of worker significance only encourages people to have an exaggerated sense of self importance.  By creating people as interdependent beings, God has leveled everyone, including you.  By learning to be interdependent with others, you can experience a bona fide pride in your own ministry and still appreciate the contribution of others.

2.  Interdependence is needed in order to discover and confirm your proper place in ministry.

One of the best ways this happens is through the counsel and confirmation of significant people in your life.  These are special people who care about you enough to listen, ask sensitive questions, and give advice that helps you make wise and careful life decisions.  Very few people are able to do this for you because very few people have the qualities worthy to be a "significant other" in your life.  When you choose who your "significant others" will be, ask yourself these questions:

Does this person know God and His Word?

People who really know God and His Word, and who understand His claims on your life, are rare.  If you're truly seeking God's direction in your life, then you will want to seek out Christians who have this quality.

Does this person know you well enough to be honest with you?

If you're like most people, you allow your real self to be known to only a very few people.  Even these people will probably know more about your feelings then they do about your talents, abilities, and skills.  Those who know who you are and what you do well-AND who'll be open and honest with you-are, again, hard to find.

Does this person know the world of ministry?

Many well-meaning folks will try to counsel you in your life decisions, but often their understanding of the ministry is very limited.  This can severely restrict the level of wise counsel you can realistically expect, since a counselor can only share the things he or she understands.  Therefore, you have a choice: You can either seek counsel from the few people who have a broad understanding of the ministry world, or you can call on many people whose knowledge of the ministry world is limited.

If this person is a professional, does he or she have a proven track record?  And will he or she commit themself to help you?

There are a lot of "professional Christian life counselors" advertising their services today.  Some are very competent.  Others are not.  Ask yourself, "Who have they really helped in the life decision-making process?  What are their credentials?  To what extent do they truly integrate a Scriptural approach to the life decision making process/  Do I sense that they really care about me and are willing to work and pray with me throughout my entire life planning process?"

Let's face it, the credentials for being a wise life trainer/counselor are tough.  They will be few, but they play an important part in discovering your lifework/ministry. and others.  And that's where you come in as a trainer.

Three Environments to Find Wise Counsel

Now that you know what to look for in a person who can help you with your life decisions, your next question might be, "Where can I hope to discover some likely candidates?"  Here are three likely environments in which you'll be able to seek out the Christians who'll be able to counsel you wisely in your life decisions.

1.  Your home.

The first place you're likely to find significant others is right where you live.  Your parents, spouse, children, and roommates can often provide helpful life advice.

2.  Christian Leadership Training Institute

Like it or not, your trainer is often an ideal person to evaluate your talents.  He or she will be able to observe your life strengths and weaknesses.  A trainer isn't always on-target in evaluating your performance, but the insight and knowledge help you understand the type of ministry you enjoy and do best.

3.  Your church or school.

The local church can be a third valuable source of individuals who can give you wise life counsel.  Is your church committed to fulfilling Christ's ministry in the world?  Is the teaching you receive there grounded in Scripture?  is your church allowing Christ to be the head of the body?  Does your church acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit?

If the answer to these questions is "yes," than the body of believers to which you've committed yourself can be a great help in your life decisions.  Your church should especially be a place that allows you to discover your sense of mission.  It should be a place that helps you develop your ministry and supports you in your actual life decisions.  Often, Christian professors at school or the advisors in your school's career planning office qualify as competent ministry counselors.

Summary

It's no coincidence that this lesson concludes by focusing on the word "interdependence"  You began the ministry decision-making process alone.  By now you should have some company.  You should be able to step back from Leadership training and realize that you're in the company of other Christians who are also busy seeking to discover what their leadership is all about.  As a matter of fact, having completed this lesson, you're now more qualified to be part of the solution for others who are seeking God's perspective on their life!

Homework

1. When did you most recently feel part of a team effort?  This could have been a sports team, a school activity like band, a volunteer community effort, or a ministry project at church.  How did your particular contribution help fulfill your group's goal?

2. How much interdependence is there between the employees at your current, or most recent, job/ministry?  If there was little interdependence, what kept people from combining their efforts more?  If their was a lot of interdependence, what things helped to pull everyone together?

3. Identify a "significant other" in your life to whom you could turn for wise life counsel.  How does this person fit the criterion of knowing God's Word?  Can he or she be honest with you?  Does he or she know the world of ministry, and have a successful record of life counseling?

4. When you get advice from another person or small group, how do you decide whether or not they're giving you good direction?

5. Set an "action goal" that'll help you apply the principle of interdependence.  make it measurabe and specific.  Example: "I'm going to seek out the janitor this week and tell him how much all of us in the church rely on his quality work."

6. Define your religious values and principles which helps you support your vision.  Now write past actions taken or future actions you plan to take to also support your vision.

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