The Methods of Jesus

John 8:54 NIV

Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.

Jesus’ true identity was wrapped up in the Father. He did not identify himself foremost with his biological family.

to glorify v. — to positively acknowledge, recognize, or esteem one’s character, nature, or attributes.

The Father’s glorification of Christ provided Jesus’ true identity.

Receiving recognition from God is the only way a person can truly know their identity.

Does it follow that a local church should have the same attitude? Calvary Independent church can only know its true identity by God the Father.

A local church needs to live out and teach the necessity of living for their Father in heaven.

Jerry Bridges, “Who am I, Our Identity in Christ.” Who are you?

• The man sitting to my left at a dinner referred to himself as a carpenter. Carpentry is his vocation, but it is not who he is.

• A lady with a broken marriage said to a friend, “I am just a failure.” Although she had failed in her marriage, that is not who she is.

• I grew up in moderate poverty. To this day, my default answer to the question, “Who am I?”, is, “I am the little boy growing up on the dirt street alongside the railroad track.” But that is not who I am.

These three responses illustrate the common tendency to answer the question, “Who am I?”, in terms of some subjective experience. Many of us answer in terms of our vocation. Others focus on a particularly formative or emotional experience.

Bridges, J. (2012). Who am i? identity in christ. Adelphi, MD: CruciformPress.

As Christians, however, our identity is to be found in our relationship with Christ, not in our subjective and often negative life experiences. In our ministry to students, therefore, we seek to help them become aware of their “position and identity in Christ,” so that their answer to the question, “Who am I?”, is based on what it means to be “in Christ.”

Bridges, J. (2012). Who am i? identity in christ. Adelphi, MD: CruciformPress.

Luke 2:49 NIV

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

Matthew 12:50 NIV

For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Mark 3:33–34 NIV

“Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!

• The man sitting to my left at a dinner referred to himself as a carpenter. Carpentry is his vocation, but it is not who he is.

• A lady with a broken marriage said to a friend, “I am just a failure.” Although she had failed in her marriage, that is not who she is.

• I grew up in moderate poverty. To this day, my default answer to the question, “Who am I?”, is, “I am the little boy growing up on the dirt street alongside the railroad track.” But that is not who I am.

These three responses illustrate the common tendency to answer the question, “Who am I?”, in terms of some subjective experience. Many of us answer in terms of our vocation. Others focus on a particularly formative or emotional experience.

Bridges, J. (2012). Who am i? identity in christ. Adelphi, MD: CruciformPress.

As Christians, however, our identity is to be found in our relationship with Christ, not in our subjective and often negative life experiences. In our ministry to students, therefore, we seek to help them become aware of their “position and identity in Christ,” so that their answer to the question, “Who am I?”, is based on what it means to be “in Christ.”

Bridges, J. (2012). Who am i? identity in christ. Adelphi, MD: CruciformPress.

In our ministry to students, therefore, we seek to help them become aware of their “position and identity in Christ,” so that their answer to the question, “Who am I?”, is based on what it means to be “in Christ.”

Bridges, J. (2012). Who am i? identity in christ. Adelphi, MD: CruciformPress.

The Father’s glorification of Christ provided Jesus’ true identity.

Receiving recognition from God is the only way a person can truly know their identity.

A local church needs to live out and teach the necessity of living for their Father in heaven.

John 8:55–56 NIV

Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

John 8:48 NIV

The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”

John 8:55 NIV

Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word.

subjective experience - the Jews identified Jesus as a Samaritan - In the Days of Jesus. The days of Jesus are a period of strained relations. The Jews do not accept the patriarchal descent of the Samaritans and question the validity of their worship. They thus exclude them from the cultus and restrict dealings with them, treating them in practice like Gentiles.

. In the Days of Jesus. The days of Jesus are a period of strained relations. The Jews do not accept the patriarchal descent of the Samaritans and question the validity of their worship. They thus exclude them from the cultus and restrict dealings with them, treating them in practice like Gentiles.

Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1985). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 999). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.

Demon-possessed: Rebellious and hostile to God and anyone allied with Him. Fake, false worshipper, identified with the Gentiles.

John 8:49–51 NIV

“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”

John 8:49-

John 8:54–59 NIV

Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

John 8:54-

In the garden the soldiers fell back at the name of God. Here, the Jews prepare to stone Jesus.

The Jews identified Jesus as a Samaritan who was demon-possessed. Jesus refuted that identification by pointing out that God the Father is the One whose judgement counts.

If we follow the example of Christ’s methods then this church will be identified according to our elevation of God the Father through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Is Calvary known as a church that is Spirit Led? Is Calvary known as a church that prays? Is this church known by an obedience to the Father that transcends the world? Is this church known as a Bible centered church? Is this church as a disciple making church?

JAMES:

A Study and Teaching Outline

I.

I. The Test of Faith 1:1–18

The Test of Faith

1:1–18

I. The Test of Faith 1:1–18

A. The Purpose of Tests

1:1–12

B. The Source of Temptations

1:13–18

A. The Purpose of Tests 1:1–12

II.

The Characteristics of Faith

1:19–5:6

A. Faith Obeys the Word

B. The Source of Temptations 1:13–18

1:19–27

B. Faith Removes Discriminations

2:1–13

C. Faith Proves Itself by Works

II. The Characteristics of Faith 1:19–5:6

2:14–26

D. Faith Controls the Tongue

3:1–12

E. Faith Produces Wisdom

A. Faith Obeys the Word 1:19–27

E. Faith Produces Wisdom

3:13–18

F. Faith Produces Humility

4:1–12

B. Faith Removes Discriminations 2:1–13

G. Faith Produces Dependence on God

4:13–5:6

III.

The Triumph of Faith

5:7–20

C. Faith Proves Itself by Works 2:14–26

5:7–20

A. Faith Endures, Awaiting Christ’s Return

5:7–12

B. Faith Prays for the Afflicted

D. Faith Controls the Tongue 3:1–12

5:13–18

C. Faith Confronts the Erring Believer

5:19–20[1]

5:19–20

Nelson’s Teaching Outlines of the Bible. (1987). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

[1] Nelson’s Teaching Outlines of the Bible. (1987). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Nelson’s Teaching Outlines of the Bible James: A Study and Teaching Outline

JAMES:

A Study and Teaching Outline

I.

The Test of Faith

1:1–18

A. The Purpose of Tests

1:1–12

B. The Source of Temptations

1:13–18

II.

The Characteristics of Faith

1:19–5:6

A. Faith Obeys the Word

1:19–27

B. Faith Removes Discriminations

2:1–13

C. Faith Proves Itself by Works

2:14–26

D. Faith Controls the Tongue

3:1–12

E. Faith Produces Wisdom

3:13–18

F. Faith Produces Humility

4:1–12

G. Faith Produces Dependence on God

4:13–5:6

III.

The Triumph of Faith

5:7–20

A. Faith Endures, Awaiting Christ’s Return

5:7–12

B. Faith Prays for the Afflicted

5:13–18

C. Faith Confronts the Erring Believer

5:19–20

E. Faith Produces

F. Faith Produces Humility 4:1–12

G. Faith Produces Dependence on God 4:13–5:6

III. The Triumph of Faith 5:7–20

A. Faith Endures, Awaiting Christ’s Return 5:7–12

B. Faith Prays for the Afflicted 5:13–18

C. Faith Confronts the Erring Believer 5:19–20[1]

[1] Nelson’s Teaching Outlines of the Bible. (1987). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Jesus was very careful and deliberate in developing His ministry. He never tried to do everything. He never appeared rushed or pressured by a schedule that was out of control. He was content to move on to new locations even while crowds were anxious for Him to remain. At one point He was willing to wait until a friend had been dead four days before intervening, and then said the delay was so that God would be glorified (John11:4). At every point His actions were determined by His pur pose and His priorities.” Dann Spader

Jesus first public passover put him at odds with the crowd. Yet, Jesus avoided the appearance of competing with John the BaptistAt one point, Jesus avoided those who were trying to kill Him. At another time, He offends the Pharisees who picked up rocks to kill Him. However, unlike the yoke of the sinners and the yoke of the Pharisees Jesus says His yoke is easy.

Where and how should a church spend it time?

A Local church serves; however, it is not a market place where money is exchanged for services.

The church is a place where disciples are trained and baptism is practiced.

A local church is not in competition with other churches. A local church lives for the Father as the bride of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

A church should be aware of its surroundings but not driven by them.

A church should focus on the spiritual life. Jesus confronted the Pharisees on living an outside in religion.

A church needs to prioritize discipleship and baptism. This is sort of a duplication of a point above

Humility and gentleness is the primary method of Christ.

John 2:13 NIV

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

NIVWhen it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

How did Jesus act in His first public Passover? Jesus turned the tables the physical and the spiritual. He went. He found people selling and exchanging moneyJohn 2:17 He demonstrated zeal for the house of God. He made a whip and drove all from the temple courts. What do you think comes first, ambition to follow Christ or ambition to save souls? Jesus zeal was for His father’s house. We live in a world where me matters more than we. Recent hurricanes and tsunami’s forced self sufficient people into needy circumstances. The Bible indicates how great a need we truly have. We need spiritually mature believers. We need to be encouraged in our faith. The local church is not intended to be a market. market=commerce n. — the activity of providing goods and services involving financial, commercial, and industrial aspects. to sell v. — to exchange or deliver something for money or its equivalent. transfer or exchange moneychanger n. — one whose business is to exchange the money of country or sphere for that of another country or sphere.The Jews asked or some level of proof that Jesus had authority to do what He did. The Jews were thinking the temple building and probably temple authority. Sign: miracle ⇔ sign n. — a marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of a divine agent; often with an emphasis on communicating a message.However, the disciples put it together after Jesus resurrection.

John 3:22 NIV

After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.

NIV After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.

What was Jesus main priority? Clearly, Jesus related differently to people. He responded differently to the money changers to His disciples, and also to the Jewish leaders. Jesus spent time with His disciples. Do I spend time with disciples in Calvary? Do you spend time with disciples in Calvary?

John 4:1–4 NIV

Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John—although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria.

John 1:1–4 NIV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

Worldly ambition is a stumbling block for a local church. It paves the way for church leadership to follow the example of the pharisees rather than the example of Christ.

Contrasting points: honor and dishonor: Jesus honored His Father. (Revere, value, to attribute a high status to someone, to respect them).

The pharisees dishonored Christ. (contempt, despise, dishonor, suffer shame, treat shamefully). To cause someone to have low status involving dishonor and disrespect.

Glory: Jesus did not seek to glorify himself. Self glorification means nothing. To know Christ is to know the Father. To know the Father has powerful results in determining a person’s value and significance.

The points that come out of the study on the methods of Jesus confirms that His motivation was to please the Father in all that He did.

First, He had a zeal to promote prayer over the hustle and bustle of a busy market place within the temple area.

What did Jesus avoid and what didn’t he avoid?

John 7:1 NIV

After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him.

NIVAfter this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him.

What was Jesus intentional about at this time of His ministry?

“so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (, NIV)

John 8:54–56 NIV

Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

John 8:54-

Jesus was not subtle at all when it came to confronting the religious leaders of His day. He confronted their pattern of self glorification. In contrast to most of us today, Jesus humility came from His passion to honor the father. I believe I am humble when I feel humble. For example, I am humble when I invite others to go ahead of me through a door. I am humble when I listen to others rather than speak. I am humble when I give something of value to someone in need. Jesus was humble due to His love for the Father.

This is an important point in helping us to determine the priorities of a local church. A local church is not defines as humble by its community service. A local church’s humility is directly connected to its love for God!

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (, NIV)

“so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (, NIV)

John 8:49–59 NIV

“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

NIV“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

How subtle was Jesus in His dealing with Jewish leaders?

John 13:1–5 NIV

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

NIVIt was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

How did Jesus deal with His disciples?

Matthew 11:29–30 NIV

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

NIVTake my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

How does Jesus’ tone differ between needy sinners and arrogant Pharisees.

The Methods of Jesus

True Identity According to the Father

True Identity in the Family of God

False Identity

Calm in the middle of the storm.

The church is not a marketplace but it does serve.

The Church makes disciples

The church lives for the Father as the bride of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The church knows it’s surroundings and is controlled by God’s calendar.

The Church identifies with spiritual life.

Jesus Teaches His disciples

The church is identified by its gentle and humble methods.