[Practical Application Review – Week 17]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us continue in the book of John.
Schedule – Week 17:
Please read and/or listen to John 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).
Consider our Practical Application Review process…
For “every” chapter:
Step 1: Select a passage of interest
Step 2: Identify area of teaching
Step 3: Consider a practical application
Now let us explore an example (of our three-step process) for each of these five chapters…
Text #1: John 13
Passage: (vv. 1-15)
Teaching: Jesus rose from supper and washed the feet of each of His disciples. Then He instructed them to do likewise.
Application: Each of us have been called to a life of service. Giving and caring for and helping however needed. Loving and serving one another.
Text #2: John 14
Passage: (vv. 1-3)
Teaching: In God’s house are many rooms. Jesus going to prepare a place for each of His followers. Once our purpose is completed, we will be ready to go to Him.
Application: Since our Loving God is One of community, I focus on my brothers and sisters (in Christ). Let us be ready to go whenever He beckons.
Text #3: John 15
Passage: (vv. 1-8)
Teaching: Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches (connected to Him). Father God prunes all of us so that we may bear fruit. Important to remain connected to Jesus always (as we cannot do anything without Him).
Application: To fulfill my purpose as a follower of Jesus, I choose to willfully remain connected to Him. I accept the pruning of my Heavenly Father (as fruit is essential).
Text #4: John 16
Passage: (vv. 7-15)
Teaching: Jesus must leave before the Holy Spirit is sent. This Comforter will guide us into all the truth. Holy Spirit will glorify Jesus through us.
Application: I enjoy the Holy Spirit’s continual guidance. With all that I think, say and do, he must remain at the forefront and help govern my choices.
Text #5: John 17
Passage: (vv. 20-26)
Teaching: In Jesus’ prayer, He included His desire for us (His followers) to be one (like Father God and Jesus). The Church is one people across planet Earth (with the ability to collectively answer our Lord’s prayer).
Application: I choose to embrace all of God’s people (every Christian regardless of denomination). May we all live for Jesus and one another. May we also be united against the devil and his destructive work.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo