PARTNERSHIP WITH JESUS

PARTNERSHIP WITH JESUS

Lesson 13 for March 26, 2011

PRAYERJesus’

example

Jesus used to set aside time for prayer. He sometimes spent all night praying.

He seek communion with his Father through prayer when He had a stressful day or He needed to get ready for a special work.

After a day of preaching and healing• “Very early in the morning, while it was still

dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed”(Mark, 1: 35)

After feeding the 5,000• “After leaving them, he went up on a

mountainside to pray” (Mark, 6: 46)

When his fame increased and more people were following him• “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places

and prayed” (Luke, 5: 16)

Following Jesus’ example“Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among

men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, “in all points tempted like as we are;” but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil; He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer”E.G.W. (Steps to Christ, cp. 11, pg. 93)

Benefits of prayer

It’s a soothing balsam in moments

of stress or psychological exhaustion.

It’s a positive element for mental health and comfort.

It’s the key to Heaven’s blessings.

CHURCHJesus’

example

Jesus used to worship at the synagogue (church for Jewish) or at the Temple every Sabbath.

There He sang, He preached, He prayed, He listened to God’s Word and He took part in communion with his brothers.

“They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach” (Mark 1:21)

“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read” (Luke, 4: 16)

“"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied.”I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret."” (John, 18: 20)

“We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of His word lose their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease to be enlightened and aroused by their sanctifying influence, and we decline in spirituality. In our association as Christians we lose much by lack of sympathy with one another. He who shuts himself up to himself is not filling the position that God designed he should. The proper cultivation of the social elements in our nature brings us into sympathy with others and is a means of development and strength to us in the service of God. If Christians would associate together, speaking to each other of the love of God and of the precious truths of redemption, their own hearts would be refreshed and they would refresh one another”

E.G.W. (Steps to Christ, cp. 11, pg. 101)

Following Jesus’ example

Benefits of worship and

Church community

They are less prone to suffering addictions. They are more prone to be sexually responsible. They are less involved in dangerous behaviours. They are more prone to practice ethics in business and at work. They are more prone to enjoy a richer social network and group support. They are more prone to experience higher levels of self-esteem and personal efficiency. They are more prone to get over losses more easily (death of beloved people, calamities, health problems, etc.). They are more prone to have positive emotions (love, forgiveness, contentment, etc.). They are less prone to have negative emotions (guilt, fear, hostility, anger, etc.)

People who take part in Church community can find support, friendship and incentives and other advantages:

FORGIVENESSJesus’

example

Jesus taught his disciples that they had to forgive.

He gave us the example by forgiving those who were crucifying him.

“So watch yourselves.”If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,' forgive him."” (Luke, 17: 3-4)

“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots” (Luke, 23: 33-34)

Following Jesus’ example“The love of Jesus needs to

be brought to bear upon our lives. It will have a softening, subduing influence upon our hearts and characters. It will prompt us to forgive our brethren even though they have done us injury. Divine love must flow from our hearts in gentle words and kindly actions to one another. The fruit of these good works will hang as rich clusters upon the vine of character” E.G.W. (That I may know Him, June 23)

Benefits of forgiveness

It restores and keeps relationships between people.

It frees from the pain caused by sin.

It generates a feeling of grace and generosity.

It contributes to building our character.

It helps to have good mental health.

It reduces anger, depression and anxiety.

It increases self-esteem and emotional comfort.

Forgiveness is a medicine for the body the mind and

the spirit.

SERVICEJesus’

example

Teaching and preaching• “Jesus went through all the towns and

villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness” (Matthew, 9: 35)

Healing and helping• “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with

the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts, 10: 38)

Jesus came to this world to serve, and He did it through teaching and healing.

Following Jesus’ example

In addition to support the Adventist social work all over the world (ADRA, missions, hospitals...) we must individually help those who need us and who are near us (neighbours, workmates, friends...)

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard” (Isaiah, 58: 6-8)

“The sympathy which exists between the mind and the body is very great. When one is affected the other responds. The condition of the mind has much to do with the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy, under a consciousness of rightdoing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it will create a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body.

E.G.W. (Welfare Ministry, cp. 41, pg. 303)

Benefits of service

The blessing of God is a healer, and those who are abundant in benefiting others will realize that wondrous blessing in their hearts and lives”

HOPE AND TRUST IN GOD

Jesus’ example

Jesus trusted God, especially in those distressing moments at Gethsemane• “Going a little farther, he fell with his face

to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."” (Matthew, 26: 39)

He hoped in his Father, that He would accept his sacrifice and save many people• “He shall see the labor of His soul, and be

satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities” (Isaiah, 53: 11)

Following Jesus’ example“Jesus is glad to receive you with all your imperfections, with all your weakness, and acknowledge you as His child. Therefore, trust Him” (E.G.W., “That I may know Him”, July 25)

“Do your duty, and trust in God; for he knows of what things you have need”

(E.G.W. “R&H”, 9-18-1888)

“You must not consider that for these temptations your case is hopeless.... Hope in God, trust in Him and rest in His promises”(E.G.W., “Our Father cares”, April 8)

“You may be perplexed in business; your prospects may grow darker and darker, and you may be threatened with loss; but do not become discouraged; cast your care upon God, and remain calm and cheerful”

(E.G.W., “Steps to Christ”, cp. 13, pg. 124)

“He reveals His power and wisdom in answer to humble prayer. Have confidence in Him as a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God”

(E.G.W., “The ministry of healing”, cp.12, pg. 151)“Christ is your everlasting strength; confide in God, lay hold of His strength, and He will bring you off conqueror and you will wear the crown of victory”

(E.G.W., “In heavenly places”, December 21)

Benefits of hope and trust in God

Hope is a source of mental and physical perseverance.

It is an effective treatment against depression and discouragement.

It transcends finite things and concentrates on eternity. It leads us to realities, truths and promises that this world will never offer.