Commissioned

Q6. (Matthew 11:28-30) In what sense is Jesus “gentle and lowly in heart”? What does this tell us about him? How does this make him comfortable for struggling people to be around? Jesus embodies gentleness, or meekness, in His interactions with others. He has a quality of humility and consideration, He does not impose His authority but instead operates from love and understanding. Unlike the religious leaders of His time, who enforced the law harshly, Jesus approaches with kindness and respect, recognizing our weaknesses and shortcomings. His gentleness invites us to come to Him without fear of condemnation, creating a safe space for healing and growth. The term "lowly" emphasizes Jesus' unpretentious nature and His willingness to associate with the humble and marginalized, as noted in the prophecy from Isaiah. He embraces those deemed lowly, aligning His heart with the contrite and seeking to uplift them. This aspect of His character reassures us that no one is too insignificant to approach Him, allowing even the most broken individuals to feel welcomed and valued in His presence. Jesus’ gentleness and lowliness create a welcoming and nurturing environment for struggling people, allowing them to find solace, healing, and hope in His presence. He embodies the understanding and compassion that so many seek, assuring them they are never alone in their struggles.

Q5. (Philippians 2:2-5) How can we rationally consider others’ concerns more important than our own? Does agapē love for others make good sense? What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? What aspects of Christ’s example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us? How can we rationally consider others’ concerns more important than our own? We can rationally prioritize the needs of others over our own when we first recognize and address the selfish pride that resides within us. Philippians 2:3 instructs us, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." This means that true humility is not just about acting humbly, but also about shifting our mindset to value others genuinely, without being driven by self-interest or the desire for recognition. When we let go of selfish ambition and ego, we can see the importance of other people's concerns more clearly. This perspective allows us to serve others from a place of love and humility, not out of obligation or to seek personal gain, but because we truly believe their needs are just as important, if not more, than our own. By adopting this attitude, we reflect Christ’s love and follow His example of selfless service. This shift in perspective is essential for building strong, loving relationships and fostering a community where everyone is valued and supported. Does agapē love for others make good sense? Reading Philippians 2:2-5, we learn that Agape love—the selfless love of Christ— makes good sense as it calls us to shift our focus toward others. This kind of love encourages us to consider the well-being of others above our own desires. When we practice Agape love, we prioritize the needs and interests of those around us, demonstrating humility and unity. By doing so, we reflect the mind of Christ, who, in His great love, put others first. This selflessness not only strengthens our relationships but also fosters true harmony within the body of Christ. What does adopting this viewpoint do for humility in us? Adopting this viewpoint of Agape love profoundly shapes and nurtures humility within us. When we prioritize the needs of others and focus on their well-being, we begin to let go of self-centeredness and pride. This mindset naturally shifts our perspective from "me" to "we," helping us to recognize the value and dignity in others, regardless of their status or background. Humility grows as we align ourselves with Christ’s example of servanthood. Philippians 2:5-7 speaks of how Jesus, though equal with God, emptied Himself, taking on the nature of a servant. In following His example, we become more willing to serve rather than to seek recognition or personal gain. Our hearts become less concerned with seeking praise or validation, and more inclined toward acts of kindness, compassion, and sacrificial love. Furthermore, adopting this Christ-like humility also frees us from the burden of comparison, jealousy, or competition with others. When we focus on lifting others up, we experience true contentment in fulfilling God's purpose for our lives, realizing that humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. In doing so, we experience a deep sense of inner peace, knowing that we are walking in step with God’s will. Ultimately, this viewpoint transforms us, helping us to mirror the character of Christ more fully, fostering unity, and creating a spirit of mutual respect and love within our communities and relationships. What aspects of Christ’s example of humbling himself (verses 5-11) should be instructive for us? Christ's example of humbling Himself, as seen in Philippians 2:5-11, serves as a powerful lesson for us because it demonstrates the deepest level of humility—His willingness to endure death on the cross for the sake of all humanity. In these verses, we witness not just a moment of sacrifice, but the ultimate expression of selflessness. Jesus, though fully divine and equal with God, did not cling to His heavenly position. Instead, He emptied Himself, taking on human form and embracing the life of a servant. This act of humility reached its pinnacle when He surrendered to the most painful and shameful death of that time—crucifixion. This should profoundly shape our understanding of humility. Christ did not act out of obligation, but out of love and obedience to the Father. His humility was not about weakness but about strength through self-denial, as He placed the salvation of others above His own rights and privileges. By lowering Himself, Jesus accomplished the highest act of service, paying the ultimate price to redeem mankind. For us, this example teaches that true humility is not just about lowering ourselves; it is about being willing to sacrifice for the good of others, even when it costs us something significant. It challenges us to let go of our pride, ambitions, and the desire for recognition, and instead, seek to serve others in love. Christ's humility shows that the path to greatness in God’s Kingdom is through serving, giving, and putting others first. Additionally, Jesus' exaltation by the Father, as described in Philippians 2:9-11, reveals that humility leads to honor in God’s eyes. When we humble ourselves and follow Christ’s example, we trust that God will lift us up in due time (James 4:10). Therefore, Christ’s humility is not only an example of sacrifice but also a model of how God’s power works through those who humble themselves for His glory. This teaches us that humility is the foundation of true spiritual greatness.

Q4. (Romans 12:3-5) Why is an accurate self-assessment of our spiritual state so important? Why is discovering our spiritual gifts so important? How might pride and anger arise if we imagine we fit somewhere that God didn’t design us for? Romans 12:3-5 teaches that true humility requires an honest and accurate assessment of our spiritual state, including both our strengths and weaknesses. Humility involves recognizing who we are in relation to God, not thinking too highly of ourselves, but rather seeing ourselves clearly through the lens of His truth. This kind of self-assessment is essential for living a life of humility, as it keeps us grounded and reliant on the Holy Spirit for growth and guidance. Accurate self-assessment stands in direct contrast to "vain conceit," which emerges when pride leads us to overestimate our abilities or become frustrated when we attempt to take on roles or positions God hasn’t intended for us. When we push ourselves into places we were not designed for, it can stir up pride and anger, revealing our lack of alignment with God’s purpose. True humility, however, comes from accepting where God has placed us and embracing our unique role in His plan, which allows us to serve others with grace and contentment, empowered by His Spirit.

Q3. (Deuteronomy 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 4:7) What happens in our heart when we attribute success to our own strength and abilities? How does a realization that everything we have is a gift affect our ability to humble ourselves? In light of Deuteronomy 8:17-18 and 1 Corinthians 4:7, when we take pride in our success and attribute it to our own strength or abilities, we act out of pride, failing to acknowledge that it is God who provides us the strength and capacity to create wealth. By relying on ourselves, we neglect the reality that we are dependent on God for all that we achieve. This kind of pride blinds us to the truth that everything we possess, including our talents, opportunities, and resources, comes from God. When we come to the understanding that all we have is a gift from God, it reshapes our attitude, making it easier to humble ourselves before Him. The Apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthians echo this truth: "If you received everything you have, why boast as if you achieved it on your own?" Embracing this mindset of humility allows us to walk in gratitude, recognizing God's hand in every aspect of our lives. This perspective leads us away from self-glorification and toward a deeper dependence on God’s grace and provision.

Q2. (Matthew 5:3-10; Colossians 3:10-12). Why do you think that virtues flow from humility and vices flow from pride? Why are humility and pride so central to character? I believe that virtues naturally arise from humility, while vices stem from pride. Humility is central to authentic Christian character. A humble spirit is the foundation upon which the qualities described in Colossians 3:12-14—such as compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, and love—are built. Humility allows us to cultivate these virtues because it opens our hearts to God and others, encouraging us to put aside selfish ambitions in favor of living a life of service and grace. Without humility, pride takes root, leading to negative traits like arrogance, selfishness, and harshness, which ultimately give rise to destructive behaviors. In essence, humility leads to the growth of Christlike character, while pride fosters attitudes and actions that distance us from God's will. So then, humility and pride are central to character because they shape the core of how we relate to God, others, and ourselves. Humility fosters a heart of openness, submission, and love, allowing virtues like kindness, patience, and forgiveness to flourish. It aligns us with God's will and enables us to serve others selflessly. On the other hand, pride turns our focus inward, leading to self-centeredness, arrogance, and resistance to growth. Pride disrupts relationships and distances us from God, while humility builds character that reflects Christ’s love and grace. Thus, the presence of humility or pride profoundly influences the direction of our spiritual and moral development.

Q1. (Matthew 22:36-40) How does a two-part definition of humility correspond to the two greatest commandments? In what sense is humility "a low self-focus combined with a high other-focus"? What does that look like in a disciple? A two-part definition of humility, aligned with the two greatest commandments, reveals that at its core, humility is rooted in selfless love. Humility before God means placing Him above all else, as stated in the first commandment. The second aspect of humility involves treating others with the same regard and importance as you give to yourself. Humility is characterized by "a low self-focus combined with a high other-focus" because in our desire to show love, we place ourselves beneath God and those around us. As a disciple, it is prioritizing the needs, growth, and spiritual well-being of others over personal recognition or self-interest. A humble disciple actively listens, serves, and encourages others in their faith journey, recognizing that God's work and the spiritual growth of their community take precedence over their own desires. In practice, it looks like a mentor or disciple-maker who leads by example, teaching others with patience, love, and a spirit of servanthood. It also involves acknowledging one's own limitations and pointing others to Christ as the ultimate source of wisdom and strength. In this approach, the focus remains on God's glory and the spiritual development of those being discipled, rather than on personal achievements or accolades.

1. Why do you think God chose someone like John to be Jesus' forerunner? I believe that God chose someone like John to be Jesus' forerunner so that the meekest and most humble among us can come to Him and feel that he/she fits in. 2. How can we be sure that all our personal differences are part of God's plan and purpose? Can't some be patterns of sinful reactions to past events? We can be sure that all our personal differences are part of God's plan and purpose because of His Word to us in Jeremiah 1, Psalms 139, and Jeremiah 29. God knew us and formed thoughts concerning us before our conception. God made each of us unique. God set us aside and appointed us before birth. “The Lord gave me this message: "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” (Jer. 1:4-5, NLT) “You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” (Ps. 139:15-18, NLT) “For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT) No patterns of sinful reactions to past events can be attributed to God. “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.” (James 1:13) 3. John was raised in the desert. What kinds of circumstances has God used as a training ground for your preparation? When I use the word circumstances, I seldom use it to mean causing an outcome beyond the normal. In answering this question, I can say the God used the ministries of the church and my studies in Bible College as training ground for my preparation. 4. How dependent are you upon what others think and say about you? How can you change this without becoming callous? I am dependent upon what others think and say about me, even though I would not want to dwell on it. I can change this without becoming callous by meditating on God’s words, His thoughts that He thinks towards me are thoughts for me to prosper, to be successful. Thank You Jesus! 5. What would you say to a person suffering from chronic guilt over past sins? How can guilt be healthy? How can guilt be unhealthy? To a person suffering from chronic guilt over past sins, I would read with them the scripture verses that tell us how confession and repentance of past sins brings us in right standing with God and that he/she should not feel any guilt over what was done prior and forgiven by our Lord. Guilt can be healthy if it promotes a learning of what not to do and the consequences. To continue in remembering and feeling guilty is unhealthy and stagnates any progress of growth in our walk with Jesus Christ. 6. Why is humbling (such as repentance and baptism in John's day) necessary to form disciples of Jesus? Humbling (such as repentance and baptism in John's day) was necessary to form disciples of Jesus, (It still is required today); this is the action of the Believer crucifying the flesh to be sanctified and walk in the Spirit. 7. What kind of cutting, filling, straightening, and smoothing work has God been doing in your life? What does he still need to do? Why is this necessary preparation for disciples? The revealed work of God through His word is truly doing in me what it proclaims: “For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.” I pray for God’s continued drawing me unto Him and revealing to me His thoughts for my success as His disciple.

Summarize the lessons of this chapter. What are the churches criticized for? The letters to the churches are hard and encouraging The churches in this chapter are criticized for their spiritual weaknesses, the imperfections in their spiritual walk. They are told of areas where they have been strong and have lost ferver. Encouraged to strengthen the things which were about to die. What are they praised for? The churches in this chapter are praised for their spiritual strength, for works of charity and service. They are encouraged to hold on to their faith. How should these observations shape the twenty-first century Church? For the twenty-first century Church these observations should shape the way we seek to stay fervent and grounded in the word of God, in the service of the Kingdom and in our worship to God.

Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? So many churches are a "hotbed of apathy" because from its leadership it has entered into a state of traditional service and refuses to make a change. How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? We can combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves by returning to our first love, by fervently communing with God, hearing His voice and obeying what He tells us to do.

Why do you think the religious compromise required by participating in heathen religious practices in the trade guilds was so spiritually destructive? The religious compromise required by participating in heathen religious practices in the trade guilds was so spiritually destructive because it accommodated heathen practices. The word of God says, thou shall have no other god but Jehovah Elohim and Him alone is to be worship. What compromises do twenty-first century Christians struggle with? The twenty-first century Christians struggle with worship of material things. They put before God and worship those things that have eyes and cannot see. Let's not settle for trite legalisms about drinking and smoking. What are the real compromises that dilute vital Christianity? The real compromises that dilute vital Christianity is to have the influence of the world so deeply ingrained that they become Christian in name only.

Why would loosening of sexual standards to conform to the prevailing morals of the culture be destructive of vital Christian faith and witness? Loosening of sexual standards to conform to the prevailing morals of the culture is destructive of vital Christian faith and witness. Even though the Church is in the world the Church cannot allow the world to dictate its sexual standards. The standard for the culture should come from the church. How has your culture tended to take the edge off your own Christian moral convictions or forced you to be quiet about them? My culture tended to take the edge off our own Christian moral convictions or forced you to be quiet about them by stating everyone's rights should be protected.

How can a local congregation lose its "first love" for Jesus? A local congregation can lose its "first love" for Jesus by not doing those things that it did at the beginning after conversion; being a witness and testifying of the love of God and His power to save. What are the signs of genuine love for Jesus in worship and ministry? The signs of genuine love for Jesus in worship and ministry are loving God, self and others. In loving others one would proclaim the the gospel of Jesus so that others would repent and b reconciled to God. How does the lack of love show up? The lack of love show up in selfish ways. Focusing only on oneself. How can a congregation regain this love? A congregation can regain this love by getting involved in ministry and witnessing for Christ everywhere.

What is the significance of the exalted Jesus walking among the lampstands? (1:12-20) The significance of the exalted Jesus walking among the lampstands is His Lord over the church. What does this teach us about the church? What does it teach us about Jesus? This teaches us that the church is very important to Jesus. What does it teach us about Jesus? It teaches us that Jesus is present in the midst of the church.

The vision of Christ among the lampstands (1:12-20) is much different than the Carpenter-Teacher who walked the roads of Galilee and Judea. Why? The Man who stood among the lampstands is been seen in all his glory. His presence invite one to bow and worship. The carpenter walked among man as one of them. What overall emotions is this vision of Jesus among the lampstands designed to evoke in the reader? Why is this understanding of Jesus important to a balanced faith? The vision of Jesus among the lampstand is designed to evoke the sight of a King in all His splendor yet He is seen in righteousness ans holiness. This understanding of Jesus is important to a balance faith because He demonstrated who He is and proclaimed that He is the Alpha and the Omega. He was, and is and is to come.

In what countries are Christians presently experiencing tribulation or persecution for the faith? There are many countries in which Christians are experiencing persecution for their faith, for example, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China to name a few. How can the Book of Revelation be a comfort and encouragement to them? The Book of Revelation can encourage them because they will hear of the reward that;s laid up in Heaven for them. Their labor is not n vain.