Our focus this Wednesday is abiding in Christ, though good times and bad. We will learn in our lesson this morning that God makes us a powerful promise if we can meet the conditions he lays out for us. Read on to discover what this promise is, and what you might need to do to better conform to God's desire for you.
ASSIGNMENT:
Read John 15:1-11
This discourse of Jesus occurs during His last hours with His disciples before the crucifixion. As John relates the events of that evening (in chapters 13 – 17), we sense that our Lord is trying to cram all He can into the few hours He has left. His lessons and prayers in this section are intense … full of warnings and promises.
1. Read again verses 7 and 8 of John 15. Write the promise (only the promise) of :7 in your notebook.
Now write what follows “If” at the beginning of :7.
If you abide in me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you (NASB). Andrew Murray (With Christ in the School of Prayer) says that God’s promises and conditions are inseparable.
Tony Ash (Pray Always) warns us that much of our contemporary culture’s understanding of prayer comes from writers and TV evangelists who take some liberties … and who may disregard the if you abide in Me… condition.
*Discussion Question*
(Please click the "Let's Discuss" link on the right to share your ideas on the discussion board and read the thoughts of the fellow studiers. This discussion thread will be under the title "Abiding in Christ")
2. What kind of attitudes/beliefs/practices or life-styles do you think would indicate one is abiding in Christ Jesus?
Additional insight on praying can be found in James' letter.
READ James 1:1-8 and notice what he says about the role of trials in our lives and also about praying, wisdom, faith, and unanswered prayers.
In light of this James passage, consider the following:
3. What have been some of the most difficult trials you’ve experienced/or are currently experiencing? How have those trials impacted your life? Your attitude/character? Your faith?
4. Have you ever been tested to the point that you doubted in God or doubted that His plans were for your good? (Suggested extra reading: Rom 8:26-39) This might be a good time to take those doubts to Him … sometimes we might pray, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.” (Suggested reading: Mark 9: 14-24)
5. As James reminds us of what trials can accomplish in our lives, he tells us we should pray for wisdom. How does he describe God’s response to such a prayer? What “conditions” does James include?
Lord, teach us to pray
