Some of us go back to the old way of doing things even though we know the new way of Jesus is better.

In this week’s text, Pastor Brian points out a few things that keep us from following the ways that Jesus set out for us: our wrong understanding of timing, power, practices, and perspectives.

Let’s read together.

Grow Together

Read this from the Bible together:

‍John 7:10-18, 22-24  
*10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.

14 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning when he has never studied?” 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.

22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man’s whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”*

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Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…

But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. Jesus submitted to God’s timing for his ministry. Do you grow impatient with God’s process? In what ways have you tried to short-cut God’s plan with your own?

If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. Jesus submitted to God’s power. Do you struggle with attaching yourself to the appearance of power instead of the actual power you have in Jesus?

If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man’s whole body well? Jesus submitted to the right practices. Some of us do good things for the wrong reasons. Can you identify any areas of your life where preference has become your practice instead of obedience?

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. Some of us have the wrong perspectives when it comes to who Jesus is. People have called him evil, a liar, and good. What needs to be removed in your own view of Jesus to see him for who he truly is?

Next Steps

God is jealous for you. This doesn’t mean God is jealous of you. It means that he wants to be the one who makes you more like him—he will not submit to your agenda. What priorities do you have before Jesus?

”If anyone chooses to do God’s will. How do you know if your in God’s will? What power and authority do you see him giving you in your life that could only come from him?

Will Chamberlain abandoned a free throw shot that worked for him because it made him look bad. Are there good Chrisitan practices in your life that you have abandoned because they made you look bad, weak, slow, or unqualified?