(1) Engaging our hearts and minds to truly know (epignosis) Christ and to embody His vision as His followers (disciples).
(2) Learning how to grow as Christ's advocate, continuing His ministry, being His hands, and extending His mercy and grace through network fishing.
(4) Acknowledging the journey with grace, patience, and mercy by taking the first step.
Living in God’s Vision -The Big
Picture
(Excerpts from: Visioneering by Andy Stanley)
(Excerpts from: Visioneering by Andy Stanley)
SECTION 1: Vision: Seeing what is impossible and working
with God to make it possible.
Sometimes our visions are just too small! When
Christ came to the end of His earthly ministry, He found that His disciples'
vision was inappropriate and mundane. He, then, spent time correcting His
disciples’ vision. Read Acts 1:6-8.
- What was the disciples' vision of the future?
- What was the "Big Picture" that Christ show them?
- Does OUR vision need to broadened, strengthen, and empowered?
- Do we see past the walls of a church building?
Simple Truths:
- Life is a journey with a destination!
- Everyone ends up somewhere in life.
- A few people end up somewhere on purpose. Those are the ones with Vision.
- A clear vision, along with the courage to follow through, dramatically increases our chances of coming to the end of our life, looking back and thinking, “I finished well”.
Paul demonstrated this in his last days when he
said in 2 Timothy 4:6-8:
6 For I am already being poured out as a
drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the
faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me
on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved
His appearing.
Without clear vision, we may end our life’s journey
confused in meaningless details. But take the minutia of this very day,
drop it into the God's ordained vision and suddenly there is purpose! Meaning!
Energy to mount up as Eagles!
It is the difference between filling bags of dirt
and in building a dike to save the people you love from a flood. Taking mundane routines and viewing them through the loving eyes of God
and His vision for our lives --everything looks and feels different. Our
experience and satisfaction in this world will be different when w have a clear vision.
Our outlook and relationship to Christ will be
different when we manifest God's plan into our very nature. Our every day tasks
and motivation for engaging in relevant vision-inspired activities
will change the way we plan our day, our month, and our years. We will begin to
filter everything through the vision which God has given us. We will avoid activities
that do not help us further God's ultimate goal for our lives. And make no
mistake, God HAS a goal for each of us!
Vision brings our world into focus
To have Vision means that we have a picture of how
things ought to be and we find:
● Passion/Inspiration
● Motivation/Conviction
● Direction/Action
● Purpose/Determination
● Divine Strength for
Completion
A vision is born in the soul of a person who is
consumed with the tension between what is and what could be. Anyone who is
emotionally involved, frustrated, brokenhearted, angry, about the way things
are instead of the way things could be, is a candidate for a vision. Never be
discouraged to help inspire someone with a Godly vision, who is discontent with
the way things current are. In doing so, we can encourage them to find God's
purpose for their journey through life.
Visions form in the hearts of those who are
dissatisfied with the status quo
A vision is more that just wishing things were
different. Vision helps us to see our "next step" in bringing about
things that ought to be.
Vision has moral conviction. It helps us to
recognize the way things SHOULD be. Vision is a preferred future in contrast to
the world as it is. Vision requires visionaries, people who have allowed
their minds and hearts to wander outside the artificial boundaries imposed by
the status quo.
Who, in the Bible, can you think of had a vision and acted on it?
ASSIGNMENT 1: GROUP WORK: Building Blocks of Vision – In each
instance, find a Biblical Person who exemplified ONE of the Building Blocks of
Vision:
1. A vision begins as a concern.
2. A vision does not necessarily require immediate
action.
3. Pray for opportunities and plan as if you expect
God to answer your prayers.
4. God is using your circumstances to position and
prepare you to accomplish His vision for your life.
5. What God originates, He orchestrates!
6. Walk before you talk; investigate before you
initiate.
7. Communicate your vision as a solution to a
problem that must be addressed
8. Cast your vision to the appropriate people at
the appropriate time.
9. Don’t expect others to take greater risks or
make greater sacrifices than you are willing to do.
10. Don’t confuse your plans with God’s vision.
11. Visions are refined—they don’t change; plans
are revised—they rarely stay the same.
12. Respond to criticism with prayer, remembrance,
and if necessary, a revision of the plan.
13. Visions thrive in an environment of unity; they
die in an environment of division.
14. Abandon the vision before you abandon your moral
authority.
15. Don’t get distracted
16. There is divine potential in all you envision to do.
17. The beginning, middle and end of a God-ordained vision
is God. It is about God, not about us.
18. Maintaining a vision requires adherence to a set of core
beliefs and behaviors
19. Visions require constant attention. Everything we
choose to do is filtered by our vision.
20. Maintaining a vision requires boldness.
APPLICATION
ASSIGNMENT 2
(1) Begin praying that God will give you wisdom and vision for your life.
(2) Begin thinking & journaling about your personal Vision!
(3) Meditate on this Scripture and write down your thoughts for sharing with a small group next lesson.
SECTION 2: Mission - an important assignment typically involving travel, a calling.
When people are "on mission", they have a focus and a purpose for the future, not the past. They realize the importance of being equipped and being able to function at a high level of awareness, sensitivity, and wisdom with the power of God.
A word that is not found in the New Testament, but is quite often used among us, is the word "missionary". We often use this word to distinguish those who work in foreign fields, but in truth, God has ordained each one of us. We all have a calling, a mission, a purpose, a service, a ministry and a sphere of influence.
A true follower of Christ is always "on mission" without regard to situation, external circumstances, or events. When we accept the grace of God, we accept the purpose of God. Each day we put the Kingdom first. "What is it that God wants me to do today?"
Video: Moving from Head to Heart (Knowledge to Action, Fear to Trust)
ASSIGNMENT 3: In your small groups, take time to unpack this scripture. What does it say to us today? How should it change the way we think and act? Select someone to take notes and select a spokes person for your group. We will share in 10 minutes.
2 Corinthians 5:14-21
14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf...
When people realize that "we" are in this together with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with God, Himself, they gain a sense of community and accountability. Christ did not send His disciples out fishing with fishing poles in order that one could brag on their own catch. Christ sent His disciples out in pairs and groups to fish with nets--each one pulling his weight, exerting his influence to bring in the catch.
The church is a family, not an orphanage. What is the difference?
SECTION 3: SUBMISSION - the action of accepting and yielding to the will and authority of a Superior.
James 4:4, 10
APPLICATION
ASSIGNMENT 2
(1) Begin praying that God will give you wisdom and vision for your life.
(2) Begin thinking & journaling about your personal Vision!
(3) Meditate on this Scripture and write down your thoughts for sharing with a small group next lesson.
SECTION 2: Mission - an important assignment typically involving travel, a calling.
When people are "on mission", they have a focus and a purpose for the future, not the past. They realize the importance of being equipped and being able to function at a high level of awareness, sensitivity, and wisdom with the power of God.
A word that is not found in the New Testament, but is quite often used among us, is the word "missionary". We often use this word to distinguish those who work in foreign fields, but in truth, God has ordained each one of us. We all have a calling, a mission, a purpose, a service, a ministry and a sphere of influence.
A true follower of Christ is always "on mission" without regard to situation, external circumstances, or events. When we accept the grace of God, we accept the purpose of God. Each day we put the Kingdom first. "What is it that God wants me to do today?"
Video: Moving from Head to Heart (Knowledge to Action, Fear to Trust)
ASSIGNMENT 3: In your small groups, take time to unpack this scripture. What does it say to us today? How should it change the way we think and act? Select someone to take notes and select a spokes person for your group. We will share in 10 minutes.
2 Corinthians 5:14-21
14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf...
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
When people realize that "we" are in this together with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with God, Himself, they gain a sense of community and accountability. Christ did not send His disciples out fishing with fishing poles in order that one could brag on their own catch. Christ sent His disciples out in pairs and groups to fish with nets--each one pulling his weight, exerting his influence to bring in the catch.
The church is a family, not an orphanage. What is the difference?
SECTION 3: SUBMISSION - the action of accepting and yielding to the will and authority of a Superior.
James 4:4, 10
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Memory Verse for this lesson
In your groups, generate a series of thoughts, bullets, that describe how following the 1 Peter 3:12-15 passage would look like in today's world.
- What would following this passage look like in your own life?
- What does this passage suggest is happening in the life of a follower of Christ?
- Be ready to share in 8 minutes.
- Memorize & be ready to quote this passage during our next lesson
1 Peter 3:12-15
“For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
Knowing and Following Christ can mean two different things. I know some things about former President Washington, but I do not know (epignosis) him. I know that he existed and had an enormous impact on his world. Many people know (eido-are aware of) about Christ in the same way. They know the stories and can point to scriptures about Him, but they do not "epignosis" him.
Epignosis is "above" mere recollection of facts, it requires personal intimate engaging experience, a spiritual relationship which embodies the power and strength of the Holy Spirit through communion, submission, collaboration, and commitment.
Followers of Christ have a deep reliance on their relationship with Him. Too often, we decide to make decisions and then pray for God to support us in that decision. That way of behaving and thinking is absolutely backwards. We are asking God to follow us around instead of vice versa.
Followers of Christ live a life of repentance from self-reliance, self-direction, self-management, and selfishness. They live a life of confession; agreement with God, that He is sovereign in the world and in their lives.
Followers of Christ exude hope, joy, and peace through the Spirit, walking hand-in-hand and step-by-step with the Lord. They do not over-react to external situations, untimely deaths, or to separation and loss. They see the Big Picture. They know who is their Divine Witness. They know the final outcome of the ages. They know their position in His Kingdom, as priests, advocates, missionaries, ministers, and witnesses. They know who empowers them to achieve God's own vision.
Revelation 1:5-8
VIDEO: Stepping out in Faith.
Francis Chan-Balance Beam
Followers of Christ know that their journey may lead to a physical death. They know their faithful walk may lead to persecution and harm. But because followers of Christ have already experienced the first death, following Christ into a watery grave of baptism where they submitted to the death of self-rule, they know they cannot be harmed by the second death.
Romans 6:8
8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
(1) Journal about how you might share your "hope" in the Lord.
(2) List authentic ways to share the "joy" of salvation, to spread the Light every day, in any circumstance among those in your sphere of influence that live in a dark world.
RESOURCES:
Google Shared Folders & Files
Knowing and Following Christ can mean two different things. I know some things about former President Washington, but I do not know (epignosis) him. I know that he existed and had an enormous impact on his world. Many people know (eido-are aware of) about Christ in the same way. They know the stories and can point to scriptures about Him, but they do not "epignosis" him.
Epignosis is "above" mere recollection of facts, it requires personal intimate engaging experience, a spiritual relationship which embodies the power and strength of the Holy Spirit through communion, submission, collaboration, and commitment.
Followers of Christ have a deep reliance on their relationship with Him. Too often, we decide to make decisions and then pray for God to support us in that decision. That way of behaving and thinking is absolutely backwards. We are asking God to follow us around instead of vice versa.
Followers of Christ live a life of repentance from self-reliance, self-direction, self-management, and selfishness. They live a life of confession; agreement with God, that He is sovereign in the world and in their lives.
Followers of Christ exude hope, joy, and peace through the Spirit, walking hand-in-hand and step-by-step with the Lord. They do not over-react to external situations, untimely deaths, or to separation and loss. They see the Big Picture. They know who is their Divine Witness. They know the final outcome of the ages. They know their position in His Kingdom, as priests, advocates, missionaries, ministers, and witnesses. They know who empowers them to achieve God's own vision.
Revelation 1:5-8
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— 6 He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Followers of Christ know the Lord through experiences of walking by faith, not by sight, not by calculations, not by extremely good planning, not by human efforts, not by human direction or leadership. After much prayer (and fasting), they take that first step with full assurance and confidence in the power of God. VIDEO: Stepping out in Faith.
Francis Chan-Balance Beam
Followers of Christ know that their journey may lead to a physical death. They know their faithful walk may lead to persecution and harm. But because followers of Christ have already experienced the first death, following Christ into a watery grave of baptism where they submitted to the death of self-rule, they know they cannot be harmed by the second death.
Romans 6:8
8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
The crux of this statement involves a BIG "IF". Unfortunately many have been immersed in water, but fewer have actually died to self, given up selfish rule of their hearts. This is Paul's struggle in Romans 7 & the solution in Romans 8. It is the battle we fight every day as a follower of Christ.
Followers of Christ know that they are not affected by the second death because they have been made alive in the Lord. We will never suffer separation from God.
Colossians 2:13
13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your heart, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,
Application(1) Journal about how you might share your "hope" in the Lord.
(2) List authentic ways to share the "joy" of salvation, to spread the Light every day, in any circumstance among those in your sphere of influence that live in a dark world.
RESOURCES:
Google Shared Folders & Files
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