GrowthStarts

Digging Deeper ... United: United by God's Love ... Sunday

Let’s finish looking at the other prayers of Jesus. Remember to bullet out any insights you get out of each Scripture.

Luke 3:21 (NIV):

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened

Luke 6:12 (NIV):

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

Luke 9:18 (NIV):

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?"

Luke 9:28-29 (NIV):

About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. [29] As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.

Luke 11:1 (NIV):

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."

Luke 22:32 (NIV):

But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.

Luke 23:34 (NIV):

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

John 11:41-42 (NIV):

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."

John 12:27-28 (NIV):

Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? "Father, save me from this hour"? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. [28] Father, glorify your name!

From what you’ve learned, what do you want to change about your prayer life? Spend some time in prayer right now.

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Love" or other messages.

Digging Deeper ... United: United by God's Love ... Saturday

The past four weeks we have studied this incredible, holy prayer of Jesus in John 17.

Let’s finish by taking today and tomorrow to look at the other recorded prayers of Christ and see what we can glean from them.

For each Scripture, bullet out what Jesus prays about, how He prays, and any insights you receive for your own prayer life.

Matthew 11:25-26 (NIV):

At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. [26] Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Matthew 14:23 (NIV):

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

Matthew 15:36 (NIV):

Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.

Matthew 19:13 (NIV):

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

Matthew 26:26-27 (NIV):

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

[27] Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you."

Matthew 26:36 (NIV):

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."

Matthew 26:42 (NIV):

He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

Matthew 26:44 (NIV):

So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Matthew 27:46 (NIV):

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

We’ll continue looking at verses tomorrow, but for now, what have you learned that you want to incorporate in your own prayer life?

Spend some time right now in prayer.

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Love" or other messages.

Digging Deeper ... United: United by God's Love ... Friday

Another theme in John 17 is bringing glory to God, which essentially is directing someone’s attention to something great about God.

Read those verses again:

John 17:1 (NIV):

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."

John 17:4-5 (NIV):

I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. [5] And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

John 17:10 (NIV):

All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.

Now read 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV):

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. [12] Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

How do we glorify God?

How might we hide the glory of God?

Read Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV):

Do everything without complaining or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe [16] as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

How are we to stand out from the world?

We bring glory to God when we live our lives above reproach, which makes us stand out in the world.

When was the last time someone asked you why you were different, or why you do what you do?

Are you praying for those opportunities?

Do you know what you would say in response?

Is anything in your life hiding the glory of God?

Are you doing things that make you blend in with the world?

Pray about this right now. Pray for opportunities to share. Pray for the words to speak. Pray for the courage to stand out for Christ in the world like a bright star in the blackest of space (Philippians 2:15).

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Love" or other messages.

Digging Deeper ... United: United by God's Love ... Thursday

Another theme in John 17 is that we are to love others in the same way that the Father loves the Son. We especially see this in John 17:26 (NIV):

I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

Read the following Scriptures.

Romans 5:8 (NIV):

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 15:13 (NIV):

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Describe the Father’s love for us.

If this is how we should love others, how would our lives need to change?

Pick one of these ideas (or come up with one of your own) on how to show God’s love:

1. Build a relationship with your neighbor.
2. Volunteer with NorthStar in the Community.
3. Volunteer to help a coworker with a project outside of your responsibilities.
4. Invite someone to church.

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Love" or other messages.

Digging Deeper ... United: United by God's Love ... Wednesday

We’ll finish out the week taking another look at some of the big themes of John 17 and how we can apply them to our lives.

One of those themes is that we get to unity by investing in our relationships with God. That is, as we grow closer to God, we grow closer to each other.

In John 17:17 we learned that sanctification comes through God’s Word. We need to learn it, love it, live it.

How are you doing in this area?

You’re already studying every day using “Digging Deeper.” Pick one of these ideas (or come up with one of your own) on how to grow further in God’s Word:

1. Keep a journal, writing down your thoughts and prayers as you read and study the Word. Use sentences or short bullet points, whatever you want to do. Label a section “action points” and write down anything you feel the Lord directing you to do.
2. Read an entire book (a short one!) of the Bible in one sitting. As you do, try to imagine the author actually sitting across from you and telling you these things. What do you say back to him?
3. Make a weekly date to take a walk with your spouse (or a friend) to discuss what you’re learning in God’s Word. At the end of the walk, pray together.
4. Memorize a verse a week from what God is teaching you. Or set a goal to memorize an entire chapter, one verse at a time.

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Love" or other messages.

Digging Deeper ... United: United by God's Love ... Tuesday

Read John 17:25-26 (NIV):

Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. [26] I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

Let’s break these verses down. What five things does Jesus claim in verse 25 and the beginning of verse 26?

For what two reasons does Jesus continue to make the Father known (“in order that” in verse 26)?

Based on that answer, what two things are in us?

Knowing that Jesus’ purpose—and our purpose—is to share the love of God to the world, how are you doing in fulfilling your purpose?

What does Jesus call our Father in these verses?

God always does what is right. That means whatever He does in your life and whatever He asks you to do is right. It will be just the right thing at just the right time.

Tell your God right now that you trust Him as your Righteous Father.

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Love" or other messages.

Previously @ NorthStar ... United: United by God's Love

Yesterday at NorthStar, Mike Linch concluded the United series on Jesus' prayer in John 17 with the message "United by God's Love" as we looked at John 17:20-26.

Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Mike's message or to view or print sermon notes.

I. WHAT DOES PERFECT UNITY LOOK LIKE?

“I pray … that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”  John 17:20-21 (NIV)

• Jesus prayed that His followers would have the same kind of UNITY with one another that He had with the Father.
• A common bond of love keeps us on the same page.

II. HOW DO WE GET THERE?

1. INVEST in my relationship with God.

“May they also be IN US so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  John 17:21 (NIV)

• If you and I work on developing our relationship with God, unity would be the natural result.  You don’t have to force it or vote on it.  We get unity by getting closer to the One we’re unified with – Jesus.
• The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know.
• You only get something out of what you invest in...and then it grows like compound interest.

2. LOVE OTHERS with the same love God has shown me.

“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." John 17:26 (NIV) 

• Your life becomes contagious to people around you.
• Remember:  God loves me as much as He loves His Son Jesus.

III.  WHAT WILL KEEP US FROM BEING UNITED?

1. When we love the WAY WE DO CHURCH more than we love people.

• Our Message will always stay the same.
• Our Methods must always be open to change.

2. When we love our WAY OF LIFE more than we love people.

• What is God asking me to give up?
• Where does God want me to step in and serve?
• Don't forget what it's like to be lost.
• God called us to live in an extraordinary way.
• God called us to be the answer to His prayer (in John 17).
• The only reason He hasn't returned is because some still need to know.

This Week @ NorthStar

• Men's Fall Retreat Deadline: Today (Monday, August 31) is the last day to register for the September 25-26 retreat at the reduced rate of $75. It's $85 after today.
• NorthStar in the Community: Join us this week as we serve at MUST and at the Love the Lake Festival.
• The Clothesline Drop-offs: This Sunday, September 6 is the last day to drop off clothes.

More Upcoming

• Membership Class: Sunday, September 13.
• Baptism: Sunday, September 20.
• GrowthStarts Class: "LOVE DARE: Fireproof Your Marriage": Begins Sunday, September 27.
• Guatemala Mission Trip: November 7-14.

Check out Digging Deeper this week as we conclude our study through John 17. Use these daily devotions on the back of your sermon notes. Or find them posted online each day at www.growthstarts.org!

To receive Previously @ NorthStar weekly  in your inbox, send your email address to randy.elster@northstarchurch.org  and request Previously @ NorthStar!

Digging Deeper ... United: United by God's Love ... Monday

This week we’ll finish up John 17 and then circle back to review and apply the major themes of the chapter.

Today read John 17:24 (NIV):

Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

What two things does Jesus pray for us?

Christians can be assured they are going to heaven when they die because of the price that Jesus paid (John 3:16), the promise that Jesus made (John 14:1-6), and the prayer that Jesus prayed (John 17:24). Read those three Scriptures.

John 3:16 (NIV):

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 14:1-6 (NIV):

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. [4] You know the way to the place where I am going."
 
[5] Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

[6] Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 17:24 (NIV):

Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 (NIV):

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. [12] Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

The Christian life should be a life of growth—growing our relationship with Christ ever deeper. Finally, in heaven, our knowledge of Him will be full and complete. The Jesus we have never seen will finally be revealed in all His glory. And we will share in that glory!

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Love" or other messages.

Digging Deeper ... United: United by God's Plan ... Sunday

Catch up or review how we can be the answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:17-23 (NIV):

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. [19] For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

[20] My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: [23] I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Plan" or other messages.

Digging Deeper ... United: United by God's Plan ... Saturday

Read John 17:22 (NIV):

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:

What has Jesus given us? Why? (Remember that glorifying God means directing someone’s attention to something great about God.)

As we grow in our faith, the glory within us grows. But it’s not about glorifying us.

Read Matthew 5:16 (NIV):

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Write down what people should do as a result of seeing our lives.

Read John 17:23 (NIV):

I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Why is “complete unity” important?

Is anything in your life drawing attention to you instead of to God?

Pray that God would be glorified through your life.

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Plan" or other messages.