Giving God Everything: 100%

Please read Are Your Hands Too Full? as an introduction to this study.

As Christians we take on new desires. We long to give up our plans and purposes so we can fulfill God's plans and purposes. That's part of taking up our cross:

Matthew 16:24: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"

1. How can fallen, sinful people follow Christ?

The passage below clearly divides our work and Christ's work. As you read it, consider what role we play in turning our lives over to Christ and what role He plays.

Philippians 2:12-13: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." 

The passage below clearly describes Paul's wholehearted dedication to Christ. Note the specific things Paul says are part of following Christ.
 

Philippians 3:7-9: "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." 

2. What things distract us from taking up our cross?

The passage below lists the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Can you list some temptations that fit into these categories? Are any of them temptations you have trouble with in your life? 

1 John 2:15-17: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." 

Copyright Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com

Bite Size Bible Study