Jesus and the Powers. Men’s BS

Introduction: Unveiling the Powers

Opening Remarks:

Jesus and the Powers by N.T. Wright and Michael Bird delves into the multifaceted concept of "powers" as depicted in the New Testament. The authors explore how Jesus' ministry confronts and ultimately triumphs over these forces, which include political authorities, social structures, and spiritual entities.

Purpose of the Lecture:

To summarize the key themes of the book.To explore how these themes are relevant to contemporary Christian life.To engage with the material through discussion questions that encourage deeper reflection and application.

Key Concepts:

Powers Defined: Broad influences that shape human existence, encompassing visible institutions (e.g., governments, religious bodies) and invisible forces (e.g., spiritual evil, systemic injustice).

Jesus' Mission: Challenging and subverting these powers to establish the kingdom of God.

1. The Nature of the Powers

Summary:

Wright and Bird describe the powers as both tangible and intangible forces that exert control and influence over individuals and societies. These powers were present in the first-century Greco-Roman world and continue to manifest in various forms today.

Biblical Examples:

Political Powers: The Roman Empire's dominance and its impact on Jewish society.

Religious Authorities: The corrupt practices of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Spiritual Forces: Demonic influences as encountered by Jesus in exorcisms.

Structural Sin: The idea that societal systems can perpetuate injustice, violence, and idolatry, aligning with what Wright and Bird describe as the corrupted state of creation due to sin.

Examples from the Book:

Jesus’ confrontation with the money changers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) as a challenge to corrupt religious practices. His trial before Pilate (John 18:28-40) illustrating resistance against political oppression.

Quote:

"Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, challenging the structures that distorted its true intent." — Jesus and the Powers, Wright & Bird

Discussion Questions:

Identifying Modern Powers: "How do we see the influence of similar 'powers' in our society today? Can you identify any institutions, ideologies, or practices that seem to operate in ways contrary to the values of the kingdom of God?"

Challenges in Confrontation: "What are the challenges of recognizing and confronting these powers in our daily lives?"

2. Jesus’ Confrontation with the Powers

Summary:

Jesus' ministry is portrayed as a direct challenge to the existing powers. Through his teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice, he subverts the oppressive structures of his time.

Key Moments:

Teachings: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) as a counter-cultural proclamation of the kingdom.

Miracles: Healing the sick and exorcising demons as signs of the kingdom's arrival.

Crucifixion and Resurrection: The ultimate defeat of the powers through Jesus' sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.

Examples from the Book:

Jesus’ exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac (Mark 5:1-20) demonstrating authority over spiritual evil.

His statement, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's" (Matthew 22:21), highlighting the distinction between earthly and divine authorities.

Quote:

"The resurrection is not merely a personal triumph but the definitive defeat of the powers that sought to destroy Jesus and his mission." — Jesus and the Powers, Wright & Bird

Discussion Questions:

Challenging Norms: "In what ways did Jesus’ ministry challenge the social and political norms of his time? How can we apply this understanding to our engagement with modern-day 'powers'?"

Resurrection's Impact: "How does the resurrection change our perspective on the power structures we encounter? What does it mean for the powers to be 'defeated'?"

3. Implications for the Church

Summary:

The church is called to continue Jesus' mission by confronting the powers that oppose God's kingdom. This involves both proclaiming the gospel and embodying kingdom values in daily life.

Role of the Church:

Counter-Cultural Community: Living out values that challenge societal norms centered around power, wealth, and status.

Advocacy for Justice: Actively working to dismantle oppressive systems and promote peace and reconciliation.

Examples from the Book:

Early Christian communities sharing resources to prevent economic oppression (Acts 2:44-45). Modern movements for social justice inspired by biblical teachings.

Quote:

"The church must be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in every sphere of life." — Jesus and the Powers, Wright & Bird

Discussion Questions:

Counter-Cultural Practices: "What does it look like for the church to be a counter-cultural community in today's world? How can we embody the values of the kingdom in a way that challenges the powers?"

Practical Steps: "What practical steps can your church take to confront injustice and promote peace in your local context?"

4. The Hope of New Creation

Summary:

Wright and Bird present an eschatological vision where Jesus' victory over the powers culminates in the renewal of creation. This hope motivates the church's mission and provides a framework for enduring present challenges.

Eschatological Vision:

Renewal of Creation: A future reality where justice, peace, and restoration prevail.

Present Implications: Encouraging believers to live in anticipation of this new creation, actively resisting oppressive forces now.

Examples from the Book:

The promise of a new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21. How early Christians lived in the light of this hope, impacting their communities despite persecution.

Quote:

"Our hope in the new creation is not escapist fantasy but a powerful motivator for living justly and loving mercifully in the present world." — Jesus and the Powers, Wright & Bird

Discussion Questions:

Influence of Hope: "How does the hope of new creation influence your perspective on the challenges you face in confronting the powers? In what ways does this hope empower you to act with courage and faith?"

Communicating Hope: "How can the church communicate the hope of new creation in a way that inspires and motivates both believers and non-believers?"

Conclusion: Living Out the Victory

Summary:

Jesus and the Powers calls Christians to recognize and engage with the various powers that influence society. By following Jesus' example of confronting and overcoming these forces, the church can embody the values of God's kingdom. The ultimate hope of new creation provides assurance and motivation for believers to persist in their mission, knowing that the powers have been decisively defeated.

Final Reflection:

"As you reflect on the insights from Jesus and the Powers, how do you feel called to engage with the powers in your own life and community? What specific actions will you take to live out the kingdom values in a world still under the influence of these powers?"

Closing Thoughts:

Emphasize the ongoing relevance of Jesus' confrontation with the powers for contemporary Christian life.Encourage participants to integrate these insights into their personal faith journeys and collective church missions.

Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

Prayer Focus:

Seek God's guidance to discern the powers at work in our world.Pray for the courage and wisdom to confront these powers with the love, truth, and justice exemplified by Jesus.Ask for the strength to live out the hope of new creation in our daily lives and communities.

Additional Discussion Questions for Deeper Engagement

Personal Application: "Can you share a personal experience where you felt the influence of a 'power' that you believe Jesus would challenge? How did you respond, and how might the insights from this book inform a different approach?"

Church and Society: "In what ways can your local church partner with other organizations or movements to effectively confront societal powers that perpetuate injustice?"

Spiritual Discernment: "How can individual Christians develop the discernment necessary to identify and resist the subtle ways in which these powers operate in their personal lives?"