NewSpring Church 30-Day Bible Study

Day 21: John 21

2013-01-08T20:27:25+00:00

John 21

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This phrase may have haunted you before a job interview or first date. Sometimes our first impression of someone leads to false assumptions. Sometimes we even have a relationship with someone and struggle giving them a second chance when their sin disappoints us. The pressure is high in our society to make a great first impression. If we succeed, we tend to keep our guard up; if someone knew “that” about us, they wouldn’t want to be around us anymore.

Peter had betrayed Jesus after promising he never would. Even after seeing Jesus alive again, Peter heads back out to sea to return to what he was doing before Jesus had called him. He must have felt an overwhelming sense of shame and loss as he loaded the boat to fish that day. Useless to God, he had blown it. He might as well go back to his old job because God definitely couldn’t use a traitor like him to spread the great news that Jesus had died for our sins and was alive again.

Psalm 103:10 says, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” The very thing Peter feared was proven a lie by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Thank God He didn’t leave Peter alone. He forgave him and sent him on a mission to preach His Word. What a beautiful description of love as Jesus returns to the circumstance where He first called Peter and gives him a second chance.We are not useless to God when we mess up. In fact when God forgives our sin and uses us despite it, our life is a witness to Jesus’ love and power.

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) Have you committed a sin you feel has made you useless to God? Are you willing to risk people’s opinion of you to find help when you need it?
3) Are you a forgiving person towards others?

Day 20: John 20

2013-01-08T20:25:55+00:00

John 20

Our culture is obsessed with the idea that anybody can begin a new life. We watch reality television shows that make us believe we can all become an instant celebrity. We love the American dream because it tells us that we can be anything we want to if we try hard enough. But the reality is we have no hope of changing ourselves. The only way we can put away sinful habits is through a relationship with Jesus made possible by His death and resurrection.

On the cross, Jesus clothed Himself in our sin. When Peter and John looked into the empty tomb, they saw Jesus was not there, but He had left His burial clothes. John is trying to show us that Jesus left our sinful nature in the grave when He rose from the dead.

We do not have to be controlled by our desire to sin. The hope of the resurrection is that we do not have to live our old lives anymore! Not only do we not have to be clothed in sin anymore, the resurrection means we get to be clothed in something better, too. In Colossians 3:12, Paul says, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Following Jesus allows us to put away our old lives and begin new ones.

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) What are some of your old habits that need to be done away with?
3) What are some things that Jesus wants you to start doing?

Day 19: John 19

2013-01-08T20:23:02+00:00

John 19

Jesus finished what we couldn’t. Right before Jesus took His last breath, He spoke the words, “It is finished.”

I can barely declare my work finished at the end of one day, much less imagining that for my life. In 33 years on earth, Jesus completed the task set before Him. He voluntarily chose to sacrifice Himself, knowing His death would pay the penalty for our sin and create a way for us to become right with God and have a relationship with God. We were born sinful and separated from God. Accepting that Jesus is our Savior is the only way we are able to restore that relationship. Jesus finished what we could not.

Jesus finished so we could believe. John tells us in verse 35 that this testimony of Jesus was given, “so that you also may believe.” The events of Jesus’ death on the cross were recorded based on an eyewitness testimony. You and I were not there to see this with our own eyes but someone did see these things and recorded them. God gave us someone tangible to believe in by sending His son, Jesus, here to earth. Jesus gave His life to make a way for us to have life (John 10:10).

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) What area(s) in your life seem too overwhelming to finish? What strength can you find from Jesus?
3) Is Jesus the ultimate priority in your life? How does your life show that you are following Jesus?

Day 18: John 18

2013-01-08T20:20:50+00:00

John 18

Every once in a while, the unexpected happens. Some days alarms don’t go off, cars won’t start and nothing goes as planned. But even those mishaps pale in comparison to moments when someone suddenly loses their job, is widowed or struck with an incurable illness. Our future is unforeseen, sometimes in the worst way.

The scene in John 18 is an unimaginable disaster. Jesus is betrayed by one of His closest friends. He is arrested and bound by a band of officers and soldiers. Then, He is interrogated and treated like a criminal. Seemingly, everything had gone wrong.

But remarkably, everything was going according to plan. John makes it clear that Jesus was not a victim of circumstance, but contrary to appearances, He was in complete control. Jesus foretold these events. He turned himself over to them “knowing all that would happen to him” (John 18:4) and He declared to Pilate, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world” (John 18:37). How could Jesus continue to submit to the situation? He trusted in God’s perfect plan.

In the same way Jesus trusted in the goodness of the Father despite His circumstances, we can trust that God is in complete control over every aspect of our lives. Even when events are outside of our control, we can rest assured that God is graciously orchestrating everything for ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Today, thank God for His goodness and His authority over all circumstances. Ask Him
to help you remember this truth in the face of any difficulty.

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) How can this view of God’s control over all circumstances change how you consider difficulties in your own life?
3) Jesus said that Peter would deny Him, but later come back to follow Christ (Luke 22:31–34). Do you carry the fear that Jesus is surprised by your sin? What does it mean to you to know that Jesus loves you despite what you have done or will do?

Day 17: John 17

2013-01-08T20:19:42+00:00

John 17

Through someone’s prayers, you can learn what that person cares about and how they view God. Do they ask God only for wealth and possessions, or for others’ salvation? Do they appeal for God’s intervention like they would present a business proposal or as a child petitioning their Father?

In John 17, we’re allowed to eavesdrop on one of Jesus’ prayers to God. Although it is only moments before He will be betrayed, beaten and crucified, Jesus takes time to pray on behalf of His disciples. He shows His heartfelt concern, not only for the men He has taught for years but for those who would later hear His message, including you.

The intimacy and familiarity with which Jesus speaks to God is evident. For eternity, even before “the foundation of the world,” Jesus and God the Father have shared a perfect loving relationship. Through Christ, you have been enabled to enter into their perfect loving union. You have received eternal life and restoration to a loving and intimate relationship with God through Jesus.

God is not far off and Jesus’ concern for you is not distant. He prayed for you. Even today, the Son resides next to the Father, continuing to appeal on your behalf (1 John 2:1). Today, thank God for allowing you to enter into a completely loving relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) How are you encouraged by the fact that Jesus prayed for you?
3) How can your confidence in God’s love for you affect your actions, even in the face of those who hate you (verse 14)?

Day 16: John 16

2013-01-08T20:17:17+00:00

John 16

In this world we will have trouble, that’s a given. But, there is hope! In John 16, Jesus explains to the disciples that while He would be leaving this earth, they would not be left alone. As believers we have the Holy Spirit living in us. He is our comforter, our peace, our strength and our teacher. That was part of God’s plan from the beginning. The Holy Spirit is ready and available to be part of anyone and everyone’s life. God did not leave us to navigate life in this world on our own.

Depending on your church background and interaction with Christians in the past, you may think the Holy Spirit is weird or scary. The reality is that you probably just encountered some weird people who blamed God for their weirdness.

God sent the Holy Spirit to lead us and comfort us. The Holy Spirit corrects us and lets us know when we need to address sin in our lives. He guides us, nudges us and leads us as we take next steps in faith. The Holy Spirit also reveals truth to us, truth that brings about change in our hearts, our minds and our character as we seek Him and obey Him. He brings us peace, comfort and strength. He is our companion.

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) Is there something He is nudging you about? Do you have a next step to take? A sin that needs to be addressed?
3) Do you trust the Holy Spirit and know that He is always with you? Why or why not?

Day 15: John 15

2013-01-08T20:15:30+00:00

John 15

Dead branches don’t produce fruit. Dead branches don’t require pruning, they are cut off completely. Pruning is not only for branches, but also for people who are alive and producing fruit, seeking Jesus, connecting to Him, following Him, growing and changing.

Love is a fruit. Patience, kindness, gentleness, joy, faithfulness, goodness and self-control are all fruits (Galatians 5:22-23). These characteristics are evident in people who are connected to Jesus, the vine. What others see is a reflection of what’s going on inside of us. As a follower of Jesus, others should see fruit in your life. If you are not seeing fruit in your life, maybe it’s time to connect with Jesus. Get connected to the source that will give you abundant life and produce that fruit in you.

If you are in a season of pruning, it is because you are connecting to Jesus. You are growing, you are changing and He is making you into something more beautiful, something richer and better than what you already are. Jesus is not content letting you stay the way you are—He wants more for you. He wants the absolute best for your life! Psalm 138:8 says, “the Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” He cares for you and although the process may be painful and uncomfortable, He is not okay with letting you stay where you are when He knows there is something more beautiful waiting. He will perfect you because He is concerned for you.

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) Is there evidence of fruit in your life?
3) What are some practical ways to stay connected and growing in a relationship with Jesus?

Day 14: John 14

2013-01-08T17:33:02+00:00

John 14

Obedience is not easy! At least that’s the case when you’re the one having to be obedient and not the one calling the shots. In John 14, Jesus is very clear about who is in charge—He is obedient to the Father.

We can find a concise definition of obedience in James 1:22: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.” An important part of obedience is reading the Bible. However, reading words is just the first part of being obedient. The next, and more important part, is putting those words into action. When we read about giving generously to the poor, we actually go do it. When we read about forgiving our neighbor, we actually forgive them. This is true obedience.

In John 14:15–23, Jesus tells us why obedience is such a big deal. He connects our obedience to our love for Him. He declares that our love for Him will give us a desire to be obedient. As we learn more about Him and fall deeper in love with Him, we will want nothing more than to be just like Him. The love of God prompts our obedience, not the other way around.

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) What is one area of your life that doesn’t look much like Jesus?
3) What is one thing you can do today to make this area look more like Jesus?

Day 13: John 13

2013-01-08T17:31:02+00:00

John 13

Have you ever said, “I can’t believe they did that to me!”? We’ve all had to wrestle with forgiveness. We can’t escape hurt feelings or being wronged, and neither could Jesus. In John 13, Jesus models forgiveness in a way that doesn’t allow us to hold grudges. He is sitting at the table with His disciples, fully aware that two of them, Judas and Peter, are about to betray Him.

Jesus’ forgiveness extended beyond simply saying “I forgive you.” Forgiveness is not just something He says, it’s something He puts into action. Jesus kneels and selflessly serves them as He washes their feet, including Judas and Peter. He makes no exceptions. He offers His forgiveness to everyone, no matter what they have done or will do.

Too easily we can read this chapter and be amazed these men sat at the table with Jesus and then turned their backs on Him. We can wonder how Jesus offers forgiveness to men like this, but falsely believe we cannot do the same to the people that have hurt us.

The game changer is when you and I realize we are those at the table with Jesus. We are the ones who deny Him, and He washes our feet. You and I were far from God, denying Him with our life and deserting Him in our choices, yet He still came for us. That kind of grace cannot stop with the one who benefits from it—we must extend grace, too.

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) Have you accepted Jesus’ forgiveness in your own life? Are there things you can’t believe Jesus would ever forgive you for?
3) To whom in your life do you need to extend forgiveness?

Day 12: John 12

2013-01-08T17:29:02+00:00

John 12

When I was five, I wanted to be an actress. I had a jar tucked away on a shelf in my room with “For Broadway” scribbled on it in glitter pen. I thought that if I could save my change, I’d move to New York and be a star. Before I turned six, all of my change was gone. I had spent the close to $10 I had saved on things I found more important than my future as a Broadway star. I spent my money on what I thought was more valuable.

In the beginning of John 12, we see Mary’s “For Broadway” jar in a bottle of expensive perfume. This perfume was not just a fragrance to Mary. It was worth nearly a year’s wages at that time. Mary wasn’t just saving this perfume for a special day. This bottle was her financial security.

In an act of pure worship, Mary poured her perfume onto Jesus’ feet. She knelt to the ground and washed His feet, indifferent to the opinions of others. Mary gave radically. She gave not knowing if she’d be able to live through the day, but trusting Jesus anyway. She gave with such extravagance that the disciples told her she’d given too much.

To put Mary’s situation in today’s terms: the average American makes $45,000 a year. It would be like you going to church next Sunday, feeling called to give, and writing a check for your entire year’s salary. Absurd! Yet, this is the same way God gave to us. He gave His best, Jesus. God not only calls us to radical faith—He calls us to radical giving.

1) What can you learn about Jesus from this chapter?
2) What’s holding you back from pouring your security out at Jesus’s feet?
3) Is there anything in your life you have not given to God?