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Run, The Passion of Elijah
Be strong! You are completed with one half of the course. It has been a wild ride so far. We have learned more about who Jesus was and what His disciples experienced as they spent time with this rabbi.
This week we looked at the stadium games that the Greek and Roman culture knew. The familiarity with the games was used by the apostles to communicate the zeal that God has as well as the zeal that He wnts us to have.
As you consider the passion that great men of faith had, reflect on these questions:
1. What was your impression of the stadium of Aphrodisias? What was the games’ purpose in the world of the New Testament?
2. How did the emperors use the games? Why did the athletes perform?
3. What are some similarities between the games and the book of Revelation?
4. How did the Jewish people of Jesus’ day think of Elijah? (See 1 Kings 19:10,14.)
5. What can you learn from the fact that some thought Jesus was Elijah? (See Matthew 16:14; Mark 6:14-15.) What does that mean for those who follow Jesus today? (See 1 John 2:6.)
6. What metaphor does the Bible use to describe the passion and zeal that a disciple of Jesus should have? (See 1 Corinthians 9:24; Galatians 5:7; Philippians 2:1-16; 2 Timothy 2:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:6-7; Hebrews 12:1-2.) Who might be viewed as the “fans”—the encouragers—in that metaphor? (See Hebrews 11 - 12:2)
7. Who are the “fans” that encourage your “run” for Jesus? How can we be better “fans” or encouragers for one another?
To follow up on this week's lesson please read the following:
From Galilee to Asia
The Gods of This World
Lord of Lords
People of the Palm Branch
Hide these verses in your heart:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2
To prepare for next week's lesson please read:
Romans 1:11-15
Romans 15:19-23
Acts 13
Acts 19
Passion or zeal is one of the greatest barriers that we face to living as disciples in the 21st century. Remember Elijah and the zeal he had for God and obedience to God. May you have the passion of Elijah as you live for God today!
