KEY PASSAGE
16 As Jesus was walking by the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [Peter] and Simon’s brother, Andrew, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].
– MARK 1:16-18
LEARNING IS THE PRACTICE OF BEING A LEARNER
“Many are stuck spiritually, not because we don’t go to church, tithe, or pray in the spirit. We’re stuck spiritually because we’ve stopped learning.”
– Richard Foster
17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.”
– MARK 1:17
WHAT FEEDS YOU LEADS YOU
3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”
– MATTHEW 4:3-4
8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
– PHILIPPIANS 4:8
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
– JOHN 8:31
WHAT YOU FOLLOW FORMS YOU
28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”
– MATTHEW 11:28-30
28 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
– MATTHEW 11:28-30
FAMILY DETERMINES YOUR FINAL DESTINATION
14 For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God. 17 And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.
– ROMANS 8:14-17
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVATION:
THERE ARE LEVELS TO LEARNING
READ: MARK 1
- LEARNING IS THE PRACTICE OF BEING A LEARNER
READ: MARK 1:17
ASK:
Am I intentionally learning as a follower of Jesus?
- WHAT FEEDS YOU LEADS YOU
READ: MATTHEW 4:3-4; PHILIPPIANS 4:8; JOHN 8:31-32
ASK:
What do I feed on most? How often do I practice feeding on scripture?
- WHAT YOU FOLLOW FORMS YOU
READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; (MSG) MATTHEW 11:28-30
ASK:
What or who am I yoked to and therefore being formed by?
- FAMILY DETERMINES YOUR FINAL DESTINATION
READ: ROMANS 8:14-17
ASK:
Are you committed to a family of faith who is inspiring you to grow as a learner?
PRAY:
Jesus, thank you for giving me the best growth plan for mankind. Forgive me for feeding, following and finding family in less than inspiring places. Today I commit to feed, follow and find a family of faith according to your plan for growth in my life. Amen!