Jesus: Our Greater Purpose and Transformative Teacher

 

Summary

In the face of life's daunting obstacles, whether they be illness, financial hardship, relational strife, or addictive behaviors, we are reminded of a profound truth: Jesus is greater. He is the exalted Son of God, seated at the right hand of the Father, yet intimately present with us through the Holy Spirit. By declaring "Jesus, you are greater," we affirm our belief in His supremacy over all that hinders us from God's purposes. This declaration is not a magical incantation but an expression of faith, a faith that has the power to bring about real healing and transformation.

As we gather in worship, we are not elevating ourselves, a church, or a denomination, but the name of Jesus alone. He is the only one with the power to heal and fulfill God's purposes. In His presence, we find gratitude and reassurance of His unwavering love. He has not abandoned us, forgotten us, or turned against us; He loves us deeply.

Our community at Journey Church is vibrant and active, with worship nights that extend beyond scheduled times, reflecting God's ongoing movement among us. We eagerly anticipate upcoming events, including Baptism Sunday, Easter services, and summer camps for our youth, all opportunities for growth and celebration. Our outreach to nursing homes has already borne fruit, demonstrating the impact of our collective ministry and the importance of giving to God's vision.

In our series "The Puzzle of Purpose," we explore the essential need for purpose in everyone's life. Rather than looking within ourselves, we turn to our Creator and His Word to discover our purpose. Ephesians chapter four reveals that every follower of Jesus is called by God and endowed with a special gift. These gifts, including apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, pastoring, and teaching, are meant to equip God's people and build up the church.

Today, we focus on the spiritual gift of teaching, which is distinct from the natural gift of teaching subjects like mathematics or science. Spiritual teachers aim to understand and explain God's Word to edify the body of Christ. Jesus, the greatest teacher, exemplified this by teaching with authority from God, not merely human wisdom. Spiritual teaching is not about imparting information but about fostering transformation and obedience to Christ's commands.

To discern if you possess the spiritual gift of teaching, consider your passion for sharing biblical truths, your response to challenging passages, your excitement for others' application of Scripture, your organizational approach to studying the Bible, and your reaction to the mishandling of Scripture. If these resonate with you, you may well have this gift, and the stakes are high for you to exercise and develop it.

In conclusion, you matter. Regardless of your familiarity with church or the Bible, you are seen and loved by God. He knows you intimately and desires a relationship with you. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we can have peace with God by humbly asking for His mercy and forgiveness, believing in Jesus' resurrection, and inviting Him to lead our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' supremacy over our challenges is a cornerstone of our faith. By acknowledging His greatness, we align ourselves with the truth that He is above all and capable of breaking the chains that bind us. This acknowledgment is not just a statement but a catalyst for faith-driven change. [49:33]

- The spiritual gift of teaching is a call to discipleship and transformation, not just the transfer of knowledge. As spiritual teachers, we must first be disciples ourselves, continually learning from and being transformed by God's Word, and then imparting that transformation to others. [55:52]

- Responsibility accompanies the spiritual gift of teaching. James warns that teachers will be judged more strictly, emphasizing the need for teachers to live in alignment with the Word of God they teach. This responsibility is a sobering reminder of the weight of teaching in the church. [53:57]

- Study is essential for those with the spiritual gift of teaching. It involves preparation, reflection, and being a student of the Word. Resources like "How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth" and "Living by the Book" are valuable tools for those beginning to explore this gift. [57:02]

- Love is the foundation of effective teaching. Knowledge and education are meaningless without love. As 1 Corinthians 13 teaches, love must be the motivation behind our teaching, as it was for Jesus. This love ensures that our teaching goes beyond information to truly touch hearts and change lives. [01:00:00]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Ephesians 4:1-13 (NIV)
> "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: 'When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.' (What does 'he ascended' mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

2. Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
> "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

3. James 3:1 (NIV)
> "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

### Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 4:1-13, what are the purposes of the gifts given by Christ to the church?
2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to His disciples regarding teaching?
3. What warning does James 3:1 give to those who aspire to be teachers in the church?
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between the natural gift of teaching and the spiritual gift of teaching? [42:00]

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace in Ephesians 4:1-13? How does this relate to the use of spiritual gifts in the church?
2. How does Jesus' command to "teach them to obey everything I have commanded you" in Matthew 28:20 shape our understanding of the role of a spiritual teacher? [44:10]
3. What might be the reasons behind James' warning that teachers will be judged more strictly? How should this influence someone who feels called to teach? [53:57]
4. The sermon mentions that spiritual teaching is about fostering transformation and obedience to Christ's commands rather than just imparting information. How can this perspective change the way we approach teaching in the church? [45:00]

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant obstacle in your life. How did acknowledging Jesus' supremacy help you navigate that challenge? [26:08]
2. If you feel you might have the spiritual gift of teaching, what steps can you take to develop and exercise this gift within your church community? [46:00]
3. How can you ensure that your motivation for teaching or sharing biblical truths is rooted in love, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 13? [59:32]
4. Considering the responsibility that comes with the gift of teaching, how can you strive to live in alignment with the Word of God in your daily life? [53:57]
5. What practical steps can you take to deepen your study and understanding of the Bible, especially if you feel called to teach? Are there specific resources or methods you find helpful? [56:07]
6. How can you create opportunities to teach or share biblical truths in your current context, whether it's in a formal setting like a small group or informally with friends and family? [51:01]
7. Reflect on the importance of community and support in developing spiritual gifts. How can you seek out mentors or peers to help you grow in your gift of teaching? [47:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Acknowledging Jesus' Supremacy in Trials
In the midst of life's challenges, it is vital to recognize that Jesus holds authority over every obstacle we face. This acknowledgment is not a mere statement but a transformative act of faith. When we declare that Jesus is greater than our struggles, we are not just saying words; we are aligning ourselves with the truth of His sovereignty. This truth has the power to change our circumstances and our hearts, as we trust in His ability to overcome what seems insurmountable to us. It is in this surrender to Jesus' supremacy that we find the strength to persevere and the hope for deliverance.

"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:14-15

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing where you need to more fully acknowledge Jesus' authority and invite His intervention? [07:40]

Day 2: The Call of Spiritual Teaching
The spiritual gift of teaching is not merely about imparting knowledge but about guiding others through a process of discipleship and transformation. Those who teach within the church bear a great responsibility to live out the truths they share. This calling requires a deep commitment to studying the Word, understanding it, and applying it to one's life before attempting to instruct others. It is a journey of continuous learning and growth, where the ultimate goal is to see lives changed and aligned with the will of God.

"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine." - Titus 2:1

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper personal understanding of Scripture to more effectively teach and disciple others in your sphere of influence? [55:52]

Day 3: The Weight of Teaching Responsibility
Teaching within the church is a significant responsibility, as it shapes the understanding and faith of others. James warns that teachers will be judged more strictly, which underscores the importance of teaching with integrity and accuracy. This responsibility should not be taken lightly but embraced with humility and a commitment to faithfully represent God's Word. Teachers are called to be examples to their listeners, living lives that reflect the teachings they share.

"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." - James 3:1

Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your teaching or sharing of God's Word is done with both accuracy and a lifestyle that matches the message? [53:57]

Day 4: Study as the Foundation for Teaching
For those with the spiritual gift of teaching, diligent study of the Bible is essential. It is through study that teachers become equipped to rightly handle the Word of truth and to guide others in understanding and applying it to their lives. This process involves preparation, reflection, and a commitment to being a lifelong student of Scripture. By investing time and effort into studying the Bible, teachers can grow in their ability to communicate its truths effectively and to foster transformation in the lives of their listeners.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to deepen your study of Scripture and prepare yourself to teach others with clarity and conviction? [57:02]

Day 5: Love as the Foundation of Effective Teaching
The most profound knowledge and the most eloquent teaching are meaningless if they are not rooted in love. Love is the foundation upon which effective teaching is built. It is the love of Christ that compels us to share the gospel and to teach others. When love motivates our teaching, it becomes more than just an exchange of information; it becomes a powerful force that can touch hearts and transform lives. As teachers, we must strive to emulate the love of Jesus, ensuring that our teaching is not only informative but also transformative.

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." - 1 Corinthians 13:1

Reflection: How can you demonstrate love in your approach to teaching, ensuring that it is not just about transferring knowledge but about genuinely caring for the spiritual growth of others? [01:00:00]

Quotes

- "Jesus taught with real authority, quite unlike their teachers of religious law. His authority came from Him being discipled by the Father." [53:16] (Download | )

- "Spiritual teachers should be interested in transformation. It's not just about trying to give students more information or more facts or more trivia about the Bible." [45:46] (Download | )

- "If you have the spiritual gift of teaching, order one of these books and just start working through it. These aren't books that you read in a night. They're like novels." [57:39] (Download | )

- "The church is not firing at all cylinders until the teaching gift is alive and well. We need the teaching gift." [44:08] (Download | )

- "If you answered yes to these questions or even most of these questions, there's a good chance that you have the spiritual gift of teaching. And I want to tell you, the stakes are so high, we need you to exercise this gift." [46:36] (Download | )

- "The spiritual gift of teaching is all about discipleship. Teachers must first focus on themselves being a disciple." [51:50] (Download | )

- "If you feel like maybe you have this spiritual gift of teaching, you've got to understand there's probably a greater weight of responsibility with this gift than perhaps any of the other gifts." [53:57] (Download | )

- "The first place that I really started teaching consistently was in a nursing home. That's how I began to develop and exercise the spiritual gift of teaching." [01:02:30] (Download | )

- "He knows all about you. He loves you. He knows you so much that he knows how much you've sinned against him. He knows those things that you hope nobody else ever finds out." [01:07:43] (Download | )

- "Every follower of Jesus in this room, you have been given a special, unique gift. And that gift was given to you, how? Through the generosity of Christ." [37:27] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?