Whoever Loves His Life

John 12:20-36

Scripture.  Choose the passage.  Have a plan, don’t make it a random passage in the Bible.

Observation.  What does the passage say?  What is difficult to understand?  What does it say to me?

Application.  How do I apply these verses?  Is there something to give God thanks for?  Is there is a sin to avoid?

Prayer.  Simply end your time with God talking with Him.

 

SCRIPTURE .  John 12:20-36.  Look it up in your Bible, on a Bible app or on Biblegateway.com or Biblehub.com.

 

We are entering the week that Jesus is handed over to the Romans and is executed on the cross.  But this is not a surprise to Jesus.  This is exactly why He came to earth.  He knows it is about to happen.  Look for evidences of this in Jesus’ statements.  Think about the pain He knows He is about to suffer.

OBSERVATION. Think about what the verse says.  What instruction does it give?   If you have a journal or notebook, write down some thoughts.

Who comes to see Jesus?

What is Jesus response?  Does it seem a little weird to you? 

What does Jesus say about those who love their life verses those who hate their life?  What does He mean?

If you serve Him, you must follow Him.  Where is Jesus about to go and what is about to happen to Him?

What does that mean for His followers?

Who speaks to Jesus?

Why do you think the Father speaks to Jesus at this time?

 

Jesus tells us to believe in the light, Himself, so that you may become sons of the light (children of God).

 

APPLICATION

S  Is there a sin for me to confess?

P. is there a promise for me to claim?

A.  Is there an attitude for me to change?

C.  Is there a command for me to obey?

E. Is there an example for me to follow?

Jesus is facing His most difficult week ever.  He will be “lifted up” on the cross and take your penalty and mine for our sin.  He will take our place.  His soul is troubled but the Father encourages Him.  And He encourages us to follow Him.  He wants us to hate everything else in comparison to loving Him.  Remember Mary’s extravagant love we read about yesterday! 

 

PRAYER. Take a few moments to really talk to God.  Use CHAT to help you guide your prayer time.  But most of all, be real with God.  Talk to Him.

 

Confess

True confession is agreeing with God about your sin.  It includes repentance, doing a 180 from your sin.  Repentance is not just being sorry for being caught, but sorry for breaking the heart of God.  Examine your heart. Admit your faults.  Be teachable.

Honor

Honor God by praising Him for who He is.  You can do this by reading verse of praise or singing a song to God.

Ask

Ask God for your needs.  Praying for your own needs, both daily and crisis needs.  Also, pray for the needs of others.  Be specific!

Thank

Express gratitude for God has done!  Write it down so you can remember how God has answered your prayers!

 

 

Pray.  Remember, just talk to God.  Look at the ingredients above.  Not every prayer has to include all the ingredients.  Just remember, be honest.  Don’t try to sound religious or churchy.  Just be real as you talk to God.