The Death of Summer Lesson Two

The Death of Summer

LESSON TWO by Heath Ferguson

BIBLE READING
After watching the biblical teaching by Heath Ferguson, read the following portions of Scripture.

John 17:9-19
Colossians 3:16-17

As you read through these passages, focus on what Heath taught and how they impact you personally. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is at the very end of His ministry. The book of Hebrews teaches us that Jesus is interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25). The prayer of John, and what Hebrews says Christ is doing for us, is amazing: because of His prayers for the saints, we are able to be strong and faithful in this world. The prayer in John 17 gives us a glimpse of what Jesus is doing for us now!

The passage in Colossians is significant because the people in this church (Colossae) were facing a huge attack upon their faith by a group claiming that Jesus was not enough. Paul addresses this issue by clarifying that Jesus is the supreme and sufficient One. He then goes on to explain what is necessary to be faithful in the face of intellectual and spiritual conflict.

PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.

John 17:9-10 Jesus is making two things clear: 1) as a follower of Christ, we are his possession; and 2) He is praying for us! This is an amazing thought. This is significant for you to embrace the concept of "genuine faith." Your confidence should be in Christ and nothing else.

John 17:11-13 Jesus prays because we are "in the world" and need the power of God to overcome. Notice the emphasis in these verses: that we have unity with each other, confidence in Christ as sustaining us, and the joy we have when submitted to Christ.

John 17:14 This prayer of Christ makes it clear: the Word of God is the key to having strength in this world, and the world will hate us because we are His children.

John 17:15-19 This is the major emphasis of the entire prayer found in all of chapter seventeen. Jesus prays for the following concerning all of His followers:
  1. That we remain in the world
  2. That we overcome the evil one
  3. That we draw closer to God through the truths of Scripture ("Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.")
  4. That we are consecrated, through Christ, for the purpose of spreading the gospel to the world
Colossians 3:16-17 Two things that sustain us in this world (notice how they fit right together with the John passage): 1) the Word of Christ dwelling richly in us; and 2) all that we do is driven by the motive of pleasing Christ (doing all in His name).

REFLECT
Prayer Guide
  • for a clear understanding of what "genuine faith" is and the ability to embrace it
  • repentance for having ambitions that are not driven by the motive of pleasing Christ
  • the desire to overcome the evil one
  • a true consecration through Christ for the purpose of being used for the sake of the gospel
  • the ability to "be real" to the people around us
Personal Evaluation/Actions
  • ​"The Word of Christ" is key to overcoming the evil one and having "genuine faith" that is lived out in our daily lives. Think about last week. What did you do to improve your understanding of the truths of Scripture?
  • What truly motivates you? Write down what your goals and dreams. Are they driven by the motive of pleasing Christ in all you do?
  • Write down what you believe "genuine faith" is and how it can specifically be lived out in your context.
  • Think about the last time you were not real concerning your faith. What caused you to be ashamed of Christ, to do something that was not pleasing to Him, or to willfully reject His leadership in your life. Identify this cause and eliminate it.
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