MENU

Where the world comes to study the Bible

Q. How Does God Deal With Hard Hearts?

Answer

Question One: Does God Break Hard Hearts?

To begin, I should point out that the expression, “to harden one’s heart” or “to have a hard heart” is most often used in reference to a person who has never trusted Christ, a person like Pharaoh in the Old Testament (see Exodus 4:21; 7:3, 13, 22, etc.).

There are warnings in the Bible about hardening one’s heart, such as in Psalm 95:8 and Proverbs 28:14.

Having said this, I want to stress that God does actively work to restore those whose hearts have wandered from Him, but He does so in a tender and gracious way, as a Father. Thus, His discipline of us when we wander is proof that we belong to Him:

3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; 6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.” 7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. 12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:3-13 (NASB)

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NASB)

6 The LORD performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. Psalm 103:6-14 (NASB)

Question Two: How Can I Trust My Inner Thoughts And Inclinations, Since They Are So Often Wayward?

When we come to faith in the Lord Jesus we need to have our thinking and motivation completely changed, and this happens as we dwell on God’s Word. When we have a thought our inclination we must test it by the Word of God to see if it is consistent with what He has spoken in His Word.

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (NASB)

17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:17-24 (NASB)

5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— Colossians 3:5-10 (NASB)

What you are experiencing is not new or novel. The apostle Paul experienced the same things:

15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:15-25 (NASB)

And the answer to his agony is found in the verses which follow in Romans chapter 8:

1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:1-17 (NASB)

Our Lord Jesus has given us the Word of God and the Spirit of God, to reshape our thinking and our motivation, and to give us the power to overcome the sin which is more powerful than us. It is this gracious and loving Father who works in our hearts to transform us so that we become more like the Lord Jesus over time.

Related Topics: Christian Life

Q. How Should One Handle Church Discipline and Family Members?

Answer

This is a very interesting and important question. The question behind your question is this: “How does being a family member, related to the one living in sin, impact or modify the instructions given to us in Scriptures like Matthew 18:15-20, Galatians 6:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 5?”

Let’s focus for a moment on Matthew 18:15-20.

15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:15-20 (NASB)

How does this text apply, for example, to a child whose parent is living in sin, and perhaps is even under discipline by the church?

We should probably begin by observing that our Lord’s words in Matthew 18 (as well as Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 5) are addressed to the church. The purpose of church discipline is three-fold: (1) It is to confront the sinner with their sin with the hope of bringing about their repentance and restoration to fellowship, with God and with the church (Matthew 18:15). (2) Church discipline protects the church from the influence of this individual by removing them from the fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). (3) Church discipline removes the sinning individual from divine protection and instead hands them over to Satan for discipline, which could be severe (1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20).

While the church can remove a wayward saint from fellowship, you can’t necessarily do so within the family. A minor child can’t remove himself/herself from the family, or from the meal table. Matthew 18 seems to give us guidance here:

17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven (Matthew 18:17-18, NASB).

In other words, you deal with the wayward, unrepentant sinner as though they were not a believer. You may not be able to terminate interaction completely, but you can limit contact and when it is necessary deal with this individual as you would any unbeliever. It seems to me that what you take away is any “fellowship” with that relative and deal with them as you would any unbeliever.

In the case of your adult children, it seems best that you not assume salvation, and deal with them as an unbeliever. Indeed, pray for them as an unbeliever. The most dangerous thing for an unbeliever is to assume that they are saved. Any affirmation of this on your part only makes it worse. It might be good for you to express your conclusion that they do not appear to be saved, and that you are praying that God would get their attention and bring them to faith. Granted, this may lead to alienation on their part, but this serves to reveal what is in their hearts.

There are some wives (or husbands) who may be married to an unbeliever, and this is not as difficult as being married to a mate who professes faith but lives as an unbeliever. Paul does not urge us to withdraw from unbelievers, but from those who profess faith and continue to practice sin without any repentance (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). In the past I have seen a Christian wife constantly nag her husband to do things which make him look like a believer (attend church, read his Bible, pray), but this only makes him (or her) a hypocrite. The fruit of one’s faith should be much more natural, and the believing mate is far better off to apply this text:

1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear (1 Peter 3:1-6).

I think this is good advice for parents and their children as well. Once a rebuke has been given and concerns have been raised about their salvation, better to concentrate on your own godly living and leave the conversion to God.

Related Topics: Discipline, Ecclesiology (The Church)

A Psalmist’s Call For Rejoicing

Related Media

The Scriptures often call for people (especially believers) to rejoice in the Lord. For example, the psalmist says, “Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous and praise his holy name” (Ps. 97:12). Many of the calls are of a more general nature. For example, David praises the Lord for his help in a time of great need and then says,

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his,
Praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
But his favor lasts a lifetime;
Weeping may remain for a night,
But rejoicing comes in the morning. (Ps. 30:4-5)1

Elsewhere a psalmist expresses his hope that all creation can and will rejoice in the LORD (Ps. 96:11-13). The psalmist in the long alphabetic Psalm 119 similarly prays that his manner of life will encourage others to notice and (hopefully) follow his example: “May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.” (Ps. 119: 74). Later in this psalm he expresses his testimony to God’s goodness by saying, “I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil” (v. 162).

Another psalmist declares that every day the true believer should express appreciation to the Lord: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24). Similarly, David encourages others to “Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name” (Ps 30:4). Yes, there may times of difficulty but believers should remember that, “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). In Psalm 32:11 David encourages others to find joy in the Lord, saying,

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing all you who are upright in heart.”
If a believer does so, he will enjoy a happier life, including singing to the Lord.

In another Psalm David points out that if a believer will “rejoice in the LORD” (Ps. 64:10), he will find that this may well lead to God’s being so great a “refuge” that his heart will “praise him”. Such has indeed been Israel’s experience in their deliverance from Egypt. Elsewhere David rejoices and praises God by expressing his love and confidence in devotion to God:

“The king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God’s name will praise Him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced” (Ps. 63:11)

In Psalm 104:31-34 we see that the psalmist expresses his love for the Lord by saying,

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
May the Lord rejoice in his works. (v.31).

He then declares his own great resolve to focus his devotion to the Lord by saying,

I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
As I rejoice in the LORD. (vv. 33-34; cf. Ps. 105:3)

Such may be seen in still other Psalms as well. Thus, in Psalm 68:3-4 we read of the psalmist’s wish that believers will so extol of the Lord that they,

May be glad and rejoice before God;
May they be happy and joyful.
Sing to God, Sing praise to his name,
Extol him who rides on the clouds
And rejoice before him. (cf. Psalms 70:4)

May each of us likewise follow the testimony of the psalmists by rejoicing in the Lord whatever the circumstances are in a given day. Even as David testifies,

“I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul (Ps. 31:7).

Let us remember that the Lord also helps the believer who calls on him in full trust and faith (cf. Ps. 118:13-14). Let us also remember that the Lord is the source of true strength in any and all circumstances.

True strength lies not simply in physical strength, but in strength of character that is grounded in full trust in the Lord and evidenced in following God’s revealed standards…True strength is one of spiritual character – one that comes from God and returns to him via faith in Christ and an all-encompassing love for the Lord.2

As we have seen in Psalm 63:11, King David could rejoice in the Lord, swear by his name and praise him. If we follow the example of King David, we believers should be able to sing with Charles Wesley:

Rejoice, the Lord is King; your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing, and triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice!
Rejoice; again I say, rejoice!3


1 All scriptural citations are taken from the NIV.

2 Richard D. Patterson, “The Source of True Strength,” Biblical Studies Foundation, 2013, pp.5-6.

3 Charles Wesley, “Rejoice, the Lord is King.”

Related Topics: Christian Life

Finding Glory in Pain and Problems (Part 2 of 2)

In Part One we saw the glory of God displayed in the purpose, character, and results of Christ’s redeeming work. In Christ we see the infinite excellence of God on display in His purchase of unworthy sinners for an eternity of happiness in heaven. We turn now to a brief look at God’s glory in the message and messengers of Christ, the Church.

Glory in a “Foolish” Message

“For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). Regarded as foolish by those blind to its excellence, the Gospel is, nonetheless, perfect in its glory. To disdain the greatest message, the greatest love and mercy, and the greatest gift, purchased at the cost of infinite suffering for the undeserving, speaks volumes about the nature of unbelief, but impugns nothing of the Gospel.

Consider the crowds in the Praetorium watching Christ before Pontius Pilate as the Gospel played out before their eyes. Craving the glory of Christ’s power to heal and deliver them from the rule of Rome, they saw no glory as He stood bleeding and humiliated under Rome’s iron fist. Seeking the glory of His strength to realize their earthly interests, they saw no glory in His weakness and suffering to achieve eternal blessings. And in any age where the Gospel is preached and reviled, crowds inwardly cry “crucify” as they adore the crown of gold, but despise the crown of thorns. Thus, we need not be surprised at the world’s response to the Gospel, even as it grieves us, neither should we change the message to suit a world hostile to its excellence.

Glory in a Weak Messenger

Many contemporaries of the Apostle Paul, especially in Corinth, viewed him as “unimpressive” and his speech as “contemptible” (2 Cor. 10:10). Yet, Paul intentionally avoided “cleverness of speech” and worldly wisdom, resolving “to know nothing” among the Corinthians but “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” In deference to God and the Gospel, he preached “in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.” But why would he not “do as the Corinthians do” among a people that revered great rhetorical skill? In short, he wanted his worldly audience to trust the power of God, not human wisdom as they were so prone to do (1 Cor. 2:1-5). He also did not want to make the Gospel “void” or powerless to change hearts by drawing attention to the messenger and away from the message of the cross of Christ (1 Cor. 1:17). Preachers in every age are most effective when they shine the light on Christ and away from themselves.

To ensure a proper humility in Paul following his remarkable visit to the third heaven, God gave him a “thorn in the flesh.” Whatever it was, it bothered Paul enough to ask God three times to take it away. But God said no, adding, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Reconsidering his ailment from God’s perspective, Paul concluded, “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Cor. 12:9 NAS). And God calls us to view our troubles the same way.

Further, we miss a critical aspect of a fruitful and joyful Christian life if we think Christianity is all about being healthy, prosperous, and formidable in the eyes of a fallen world. “God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong” that we might boast in Him alone (1 Cor. 1:27-31). Indeed, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor. 4:7 NAS). The more we understand this, the more God will use us as part of His purpose to display His glory, and the less perplexing to us will be our difficult circumstances. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation” (1 Pet. 4:12-13 NAS). Suffering is neither a “strange thing” nor outside the purpose and plan of God for His children. God uses it for our good and His glory as He molds us into the image of Christ.

Consider the experience of the most faithful saints throughout the ages. Can we really say that the early church was not victorious because they were thrown to the lions or lived in the catacombs? God certainly did not view them that way, “For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered. But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:36-37 NAS).

Future Glory

Therefore, while we wait for our ultimate transformation in heaven, “momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17-18). We need not confuse the present age with the age to come by the mistaken idea that God does not want us to suffer, or by an incessant boasting of the impending success of the church in numbers and worldly influence prior to Christ’s return—we stand victorious in Christ even when small in number, marginalized, or persecuted. Therefore, we faithfully serve God’s purpose by showcasing His infinite excellence in our weakness and troubles, as we look forward to the glories of our heavenly home: “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2 NAS). We will enjoy Him in perfect glory forever. Amen.

25. The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13)

We now come to the amazing account of the transfiguration of Christ on the mountain. This dramatic event marks a major turning point in the gospel narratives, for Jesus was beginning to turn more and more to Jerusalem and the suffering and death that awaited Him there. But before all of that would take place, there was this glimpse of glory. And we read in the New Testament that it was because of the glory that was set before Him He was able to endure the cross. The revelation of Christ’s glory in this chapter was a clear confirmation to the disciples of the truth of Peter’s confession of faith (16:16); but it was also a great encouragement for Christ Himself as He faced the agony that would occur on another hill called Golgotha.

Reading the Text

After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. He said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up they saw no one except Jesus.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

10 The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He was talking to them about John the Baptist.

The Structure of the Passage

We may divide the passage into three major parts for our analysis. First, we have the record of the event of the transfiguration (verses 1-3). Second, we have Peter’s suggestion and the divine response to it (verses 4-8). And third, we have the instruction by Jesus and the question by the disciples (verses 9-13).

The event certainly is the basis and key to the entire passage. It simply reports what happened, without going into as much detail as the other narratives. But in the other two sections we have the all-important dialog. In the second part we have Peter’s suggestion, followed by the voice from heaven; this revelation struck terror in the disciples, but that fear was relieved by the Jesus’ words of comfort. So there are three “speeches” in the second part to be considered. Then, the third section, which is the aftermath of the event, also has three “speeches,” an instruction, followed by a question, followed by an answer. What is interesting is that in the event Jesus does not explain the transfiguration at all. The voice from heaven explains who Jesus is, but not why Moses or Elijah are there on the mountain. We are left with a number of questions, as indeed the disciples must have been as well.

Parallel Passages

The account of the transfiguration occurs in the other gospels as well. Mark (9:2-12) tells us that His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. Mark also tells us that Peter did not know what he was saying, for he was frightened. Mark does not record all that the voice from heaven said, leaving out “in whom I am well-pleased.” And Mark tells us that the disciples kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. And in Jesus’ answer about Elijah we see that there was more conversation than what Matthew recorded. Jesus also at that time reasoned, “Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?” Jesus was explaining why the kingdom had not been established if Elijah had already come.

Luke has some different things (9:28-36). Whereas the other gospels say it took place after six days, Luke says “about eight days.” Luke tells us that they went up on the mountain to pray. And as He was praying He was transfigured: His face changed and His clothes became as white as the lightning. Luke tells us that Moses and Elijah also were in glorious splendor; they spoke to Jesus about His departure (literally, His “exodus”) that He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Luke records the same words from heaven that Mark had. But Luke does not include the discussion about Elijah.

All three of the so-called synoptic gospels have essentially the same thing; but they each chose to tell the account in their own way according to their purpose. Our focus will be on what Matthew actually says; but we will interpret it in line with all the reports of what happened.

The Setting

It may be a small point, but it is worth noting that there are two traditions about the location of the Mount of Transfiguration. The Roman Catholic tradition identifies it as Mount Tabor, south of the region of Galilee, on the northern edge of the Jezreel Valley. As one would expect, there are chapels and churches on the top of the mount to commemorate the spot. The other view, and probably more likely one, is that Mount Hermon is the site of the transfiguration.1 It is in the far north, located north of where Caesarea Philippi is situated. It would make sense for the transfiguration to take place in that region where Jesus had been ministering and where Peter made his confession. Of course, there is a week’s time for them to get almost anywhere. But the critical point is that they went up to the place away from all the people. Mount Tabor is not a very large mountain, and it was inhabited at the time.

If you have time you can also study the mentality of using mountain tops for spiritual experiences and for shrines. This was common throughout the ancient world. And since the instinct of coming up out of the world was a good one, God also used it to reveal himself (study Mount Sinai, the sermon on the mount, the mount of the transfiguration, and of course, Mount Zion).

The setting in the gospel is also important. After a time of popularity in the northern regions the tide turned against Jesus. The leaders were busy trying to discredit Him, and the people started going away. This prompted Jesus to ask what people said about Him, and what the disciples said. Now, as He begins to turn towards Jerusalem and His death, He is transfigured before three disciples on the top of the mountain. This should have encouraged the disciples that no matter what happened in Jerusalem, Jesus was the Lord of Glory. Looking back they realized this; but at the time they may not have thought it through. But as far as the arrangement of the gospel goes, it is downhill from here to the valley of shame and humiliation.

Old Testament Background

Even though this could be dealt with in passing in the text, it may be helpful to deal with it now. Peter wanted to make three “tabernacles” or “shelters” or “booths.” He was thinking of the Feast of Tabernacles. But what prompted him to think of that. The accounts tell us he was afraid, and did not know what he was saying. I take that to mean that his timing was wrong for the suggestion, for this was not the time. The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated every year by the Jews; it commemorated the wilderness wandering or temporary sojourn of the people until they settled in the land. The people therefore would build the little shelters and live under them for the week, only to come out of them at the end, at the great day of the feast (with much relief we might add). The seven day festival not only commemorated the temporary sojourn of the people in the wilderness, but in this age, for the final great day was a celebration of the settlement in the land, and (in the future) the culmination of the promises. That is why it came at the end of the calendar year.

Peter had heard Jesus say about a week earlier that some who were standing there would not taste death before they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom (Matt. 16:28). Now, on the mountain, Peter saw Christ in all His glory. His instinct may have been to think that this was it, the start of the kingdom. And so in all his eagerness he wanted to make the shelters for the great celebration. We do not know how well Peter knew the prophetic literature of the Bible, but Zechariah makes it clear that in the kingdom the people will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, i.e., the culmination of all the promises. Peter had the right idea, in general, but the wrong time, for Christ had to die first.

It is interesting that Matthew says this took place after six days, and Luke says about the eighth day. Edersheim2 wonders if Peter’s great confession might not have been made on a Sabbath day, and then after six days, the night of the next sabbath, or the morning of the first day of the week, the eighth day, the Lord appears in His glory. If this is correct, and it is the only meaning for the days that makes sense, then the symbolism of a Sunday transfiguration and a Sunday resurrection is significant.

Analysis of the Text

The Transfiguration (17:1-3). The central point of the first three verses focuses on one word—and indeed, this word is the center of the whole passage. “Transfigured.” The Greek term is well-known in English; from metamorphoo (pronounced meta-mor-phaw-o) we get our word “metamorphasis.” The word describes the complete change of the form and substance. For example, we use it to describe the change from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Here then we have a complete change in the appearance or form of Jesus in the presence of the disciples. He now was brighter than the light, revealing His true glory to them.

What is interesting to note in this word study is that we have here the reverse of the theme of Philippians 2, the kenosis. There Paul says that Christ Jesus took on the form of a servant. Here, however, the Servant takes on the form of deity, revealing His glory.

The same word is used by Paul in Romans 12:1,2, in which he instructs believers to be “transformed” by the renewing of their minds. There is to be a genuine change in the life of the believer. Of course the New Testament also teaches that we shall be changed when we enter the presence of the Lord, we shall be glorified.

In the transfiguration Moses and Elijah appear and talk with the Lord. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah the Prophets; Moses represents those who have died in the Lord, and Elijah those who have not. Moses wrote the Law which anticipated the sacrificial atonement of the Messiah; Elijah was to come to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming of the Lord. Moses went up Mount Sinai and because he was with the Lord of Glory there, his face shone when he came back down; Elijah did not die, but was taken up to glory in the whirlwind and the chariot of fire. Here the two of them speak to Christ, and the parallel accounts tell us they spoke of Jesus’ “departure” (Greek exodus). They spoke of His coming death; but by the term the Bible uses we know they spoke of it as the fulfillment of the great deliverance in Egypt. Jesus’ death would be the exodus from the bondage of sin in the world.

The vision was then clear: Christ was revealed in His glory, and He was joined by Moses and Elijah to indicate that He was about to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, and that death cannot destroy the glory that will follow. Moses and Elijah were and are alive, and are glorified. Jesus may face death in the days to come, but death in God’s service is the way to glory.

The Response of Peter (17:4-8). Matthew does not tell us why Peter said what he said, or comment on the suitability of the comment. He simply reports the suggestion of Peter to make shelters, to celebrate the apparent fulfillment of the promises. Peter is in no way irreverent or self-willed. We must note in his words, “Lord, it is good for us to be here! If you wish . . . .” Peter loved the Lord, and was willing to do anything for Him, if He wished.

The second “speech” in this part of the passage is a word from heaven. It is not so much a response to Peter as it is a revelation that dominates everything that was happening and in a way completely overshadows whatever Peter thought or said. It was one thing to see Jesus transfigured, with His clothing and His appearance brighter than the sun—that was frightening to the disciples, as the other gospels tell us. But it was quite another thing to hear a voice from heaven confirming that Jesus was the Son of God. Peter had just made that confession; but now Peter heard it in a new light, as it were. The Christ, the Messiah (in Hebrew), was not merely a son of David and therefore designated “son of God”; He was God’s Son in a unique way. God (the Father, we know) declared, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.”

The word from heaven made three clear points: Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus is loved by the Father and pleasing to the Father; and Jesus must be obeyed. All of these ideas were being challenged by the religious leaders of the day, and questioned by the people. The disciples, however, knew Jesus was God’s Son (in some way), that He was doing the will of the Father, and that He was to be obeyed. Now, this direct revelation confirmed their faith—and it surely encouraged Jesus as well as opposition had begun to mount and would increase.

The experience on this mountain reflects the experience of Israel on Mount Sinai. There in Exodus (19-24) the glory of the LORD hovered on the top of the mountain as Moses received the Law. And because of the presence of the LORD, Moses face began to reflect the glory of the LORD. But to ensure that this was indeed the Law of God that was to be obeyed, God spoke. The Bible says that the people heard the sound of His voice; they did not see the LORD, but they heard the words (Deut. 4). That vision, and that sound, confirmed to them that the Law was from the LORD God and was to be obeyed.

The disciples, we read in Matthew 17, were terrified at this voice and fell on their faces. But the Lord Jesus came to them and comforted them. So the third “speech” in this section is the simple word from Him: “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” And when the disciples looked, they saw no one but Jesus. The revelation was not given to strike fear in the disciples, although all revelation should bring the response of fear and obedience because of the fact that the sovereign Lord of glory has made Himself known to us and has called us to obey. But the revelation was given to the disciples to convince and to encourage and to strengthen them in their faith and obedience. And because of this Jesus “touched them.” The touch was not simply proof that He was real, but that they were His friends and accepted by Him. It was a reassuring touch, followed by the words, “Do not be afraid.”

The point is that God’s revelation to His people is a demonstration of His love and His grace for them. Of course we are overwhelmed by it, by the thought of it. But at every turn the revelation of God confirms to us that Jesus is our Lord, that our faith is not in vain, that we need not live in fear, but that we should live by faith in Him. And a revelation of this kind provides us with another word from God about the hope of glory that lies ahead of us, no matter what we have to endure here on earth. Only in Christ is there any hope of passing beyond the grave to glory.

The Question about Elijah (17:9-13). There is much more that could be said about the transfiguration and the revelation from heaven, but in this brief guide to Bible study we will have to move on. The final part of Matthew’s account has the question about Elijah (the other gospels do not). It could be treated as a separate narrative (since there is enough to deal with above), but since it is raised because of the appearance of Elijah, then it should probably be included in the discussion.

On the way down the mountain Jesus cautioned the disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man was raised from the dead. The other accounts tells us that the disciples were not sure of what He meant by “raised from the dead,” even though prior to the transfiguration He had predicted His death (16:21), and Peter had protested the death (16:22). The revelation of the transfiguration would be a prophetic revelation of the glory of Christ, and the resurrection from the dead would confirm what the transfiguration declared. If news of the transfiguration spread prematurely, it would be misunderstood, and perhaps the many followers of Jesus would try to enthrone Him before He went up to Jerusalem to die for their sins.

The disciples then want to know why the teachers say that Elijah was first to come. They had seen Christ in His glory; they had seen Moses and Elijah; but they were not to say anything about it until Jesus died and rose again. Jesus’ answer was that “Elijah comes and will restore all things.” That is the future; that is the “not yet” of the Elijah prophesy of Malachi. But then Jesus added what we call the “already,” by saying, “But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize Him.” He was speaking of John the Baptist, of course. The teaching about John in no way teaches re-incarnation. The Lord simply is saying that John came as the fulfillment of the prophecy that “Elijah” should first come. But it was not yet time for the fulfillment of all things, and John did not turn the nation around, because He was captured and put to death. The point is that Jesus will also be seized and put to death. Jesus was telling the disciples that before the crown there was the cross. And both John and Jesus had to suffer at the hands of wicked people.

There is no need to get into all the details of the Elijah prophecy again here. Review what was said in the Bible Study of Matthew 11. Here Jesus’ words state that John came in fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy, but Elijah comes and restores all things. There is yet more to be fulfilled at the time of the second coming when everything will be made right, and when Jesus will appear in glory (see the vision of John in Rev. 1).

Conclusion and Application

John wrote in the prologue to his gospel, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the only begotten Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (1:14). Among other things, John must have had this event in mind. Here the three disciples saw the glory of the Lord Jesus, so that they knew He was the divine Son who came into the world. They were still unclear about His death and resurrection, but afterward they would understand more fully the reason for this revelation on the mountain. Matthew tells this event to make the identity of Jesus Christ perfectly clear, because the rest of the gospel will focus on rising opposition, suffering and death. But the transfiguration revealed that He is the Lord of Glory, that everything He did pleased the Father, and that He is the one to be obeyed. The glorious appearance and the voice from heaven left no doubt in the minds of the disciples.

Several areas of application come to mind. First, the transfiguration itself instructs us as well as to the true nature of Jesus. But it also gives us a glimpse of what is yet to be, not only of His appearance in heaven, but our glorification as well. That is why Paul’s instruction in Romans to be transformed is so important: we are to begin the changes now in our spiritual life, and God will complete it in our actual translation to glory.

Second, revelation demands a response. The natural instinct is fear and worship, falling on our faces before Him. But the practical continuation of our response comes at the divine instruction to listen to, i.e., obey, Jesus. If Jesus truly is the Lord of Glory and not just a man from Galilee, then we must worship Him and obey Him.

Third, God’s revelation is given to us because God loves us and desires that we be with Him in glory. The touch of the hand of Jesus was probably most re-assuring of this in the event. Of course, people who reject the Savior and refuse to obey His word have much to fear. But we who worship Him and serve Him have His word, “Do not be afraid.” And later, “Where I am, there you shall be also” (John 14).

As for the steps in the method of Bible Study, we can see here how the event is central, and all the discussions that follow help to explain its significance. It shows us that the dialogue, the speeches of the story, are so essential to the interpretation. But in the study of the passage we also see the importance of the word study for “transfigure,” and how it connects us to other passages. And finally, we also note how the Old Testament background (tabernacles, and Elijah) are important to understanding all that is taking place in the narrative.


1 The Gospel of Mark mentions indicates that there may have been snow on the mountain, and that would fit Hermon. But this comment may be a later addition to the manuscript, and so has not been included in many modern versions. Snow may be found on the higher elevations of Hermon, and even in some of the lower slopes, late in the year. Jesus probably did not go to the top.

2 One of the most helpful books to have on the gospels is Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. It is old, and conservative, and so open to a lot of modern attacks. But the more it is studied the more it makes sense. His style and insights are a delightful read.

1. How to Start a Bible Study Group

Related Media

Many churches offer Bible studies for women. All you have to do is sign up. But, a lot of churches do not offer Bible studies for women because the churches are too small or have no one to lead the way.

What if you really want to do a Bible study and would rather do it in community with other women rather than by yourself? Maybe you have been thinking about starting a Bible study and inviting others to join you, but that thought terrifies you. Now may be the time to step out in faith and just do it. In this article, I will take you through the step-by-step process for launching a Bible Study group.

Know that you can start a Bible Study…by faith

Faith is the essential component of the Christian life. Followers of Jesus Christ are to live every day by faith. That is what Paul is communicating to us in Galatians.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, NIV)

The life you and I live every day is by faith in the Son of God—Jesus Himself. Christ not only lives in you, He is living through you.

Jesus Christ gave His life for you, so that He could give His life to you, so that He could live His life through you. (Ian Thomas, The Saving Life of Christ)

If you are being prompted by the Lord to start a Bible study, just say yes – “I will do this, Lord. Please help me.” Jesus is with you every step of the way and in every situation. That includes:

  • in your church, neighborhood, community, or workplace.
  • at any age or stage of life. Someone around you needs to know Jesus or to know Him better through studying the Bible.
  • with any size group—large or small.
  • whether you have been studying the Bible for 2 years or doing it for decades. Share what you know and what you are learning.

You can start and lead a Bible study not because you are so great or smart or have been a Christian a long time or know the Bible really well. You can do this because Jesus is the one who enables you to do it. Say "yes" and jump in with both feet.

Desire the benefits of starting and leading a Bible Study

Starting and leading a Bible study can be one of the greatest adventures you’ve ever tried. And it’s good for you.

  • Leading a Bible study presses you to grow and learn for yourself. You always learn more when you prepare to help someone else grow in their faith.
  • Leading a Bible Study also teaches you how to depend on Jesus Christ more. And, whatever leads you to depend on Him is a good thing for you. We are to live by faith in Him and let Him live His life through us.

So, give your insecurities to Jesus. He is the one who makes you able to do everything in the Christian life, and that includes starting a Bible study. You are simply to obey Him and trust His Spirit to work through you. Being scared is a good thing; you will rely on Him more. It is okay to say, “Lord, I can’t do this on my own, but you can in me and through me. I will trust you with this.” Step out in faith.

Getting started

So, you are willing to start a Bible study group but don’t know how to begin? I suggest you do these:

1. Pray. Ask Jesus to help you discern what you should study and to show you whom to ask to join you.

2. Choose a Bible Study that interests you. Your passion about the study will be infectious to your group. And, it will be easier to get others interested.

  • Will your group be mostly those new to the Bible? Choose a Bible study that is designed for those new to the Bible. You want lessons that are short, simple and easy-to-understand for beginners.
  • Will your group be mostly those with Bible Study experience? Choose a study designed for growing Christians who already have some experience studying the Bible. You can tell this by the length of the lessons and whether the questions assume you have a working knowledge of the Bible.
  • What do you think will be your available group time? Pick a shorter study if you are only meeting for an hour or less.

3. Consider women who might be interested in joining you for that study.

  • Perhaps you could just put an announcement in your church news and see who wants to join you. I’ve done that a few times.
  • Do you have a few neighbors you could ask? This is a great way to build community.
  • Maybe you have some mommy friends who need to have some adult discussion. I know a group of women who get together for Bible study right after they drop their children off at school in the morning.
  • Consider inviting some co-workers to join you during your lunch break.
  • Maybe you could just post it on Facebook and see who responds. One woman told me how she did that and found 50 women in her remote area who wanted to do a Bible study with her through a Facebook Group, occasionally meeting together at a local coffee shop.

If you already have a group of friends, neighbors, or co-workers who want to join you for a Bible study, that’s great.

4. Choose a time to meet.

  • Morning, lunch, afternoon, evening? It can be at any time that works for your group. Early in the morning before school or work? Over the lunch hour for co-workers? In the evening? Or anywhere in between. Whatever works for you and for those you invite. Go for it.
  • 1 hour, 1½ hours, 2 hours? That depends on you and your group.
  • Every week, every other week? I know of several groups of friends who meet only twice a month for Bible study. It does help to not go too long between meetings, though, because you really do lose consistency in thought if too much time passes. For consistency, it is best to meet at least twice a month.

5. Choose a place to meet.

  • The possibilities are endless. I have met with a group of ladies at a coffee shop on summer evenings while sitting outside under the awning. Another group met in the café area of the local grocery store over the lunch hour, drawing in women who work from home in our area. Restaurants can be noisy, making it hard to hear one another. But, some have side rooms you can reserve. Homes are always good. Meeting at a room in your church might be the most convenient place, especially if you like to know you will always have a place to meet away from crowds.
  • You can try different days/times/places until you find something that works well for your group. Remember that you want everyone to be able to hear and see each other.

6. Set a start date, notify those you are inviting, and give them access to get the study materials.

  • Option 1: Download the study and print it for all the group members.
  • Option 2: Order books for all the group members to have on hand the first time you meet.
  • Option 3: Give the link for each member to order her own book.

Step out in faith…just do it!

Ask Jesus to help you with all of the above steps to starting a Bible study group. Depend on Him to show you what to do. He is faithful! And, see what He does as you trust Him with this decision. Go ahead, begin the adventure…

— — — — —

Check out these other resources:

Related Topics: Discipleship, Teaching the Bible

2. How to Lead a Bible Study Lesson

Related Media

You’ve got a group ready to do a Bible Study together. You have chosen your Bible Study guide. You’ve prepared the books to give to everyone or sent them the link to purchase their own. You’ve scheduled a start date. Everyone has their books, and they are working on Lesson One at home. Then you think, “How do I lead the discussion when we get together?”

Great question. Like everything else in the Christian life, you do it by faith. That includes preparing by instruction, then learning by experience.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Work through the lesson for yourself first

Be a learner before being a teacher. Ask Jesus to teach you from His Word. You can enhance the group discussion with whatever the Lord shows you. Use good study aids to increase understanding, such as the wonderful resources found here on www.Bible.org. Using Lumina, you can access additional study notes that might explain something you don’t understand.

Review the lesson to plan how you will lead it

Go back over the lesson to develop a plan for leading the discussion. Ask Jesus to show you what you should emphasize. Here are some guidelines:

1. Look at how the lesson is arranged.

Is it divided up into sections? Do you recognize the observation questions (asking them to see what is in the text)? Which questions are the application questions?

2. Consider how long your group gets to meet.

If you have a couple of hours, you can usually cover the whole lesson with time for creative discussion of the application questions. If you have only an hour or less, choose which questions you want to discuss as a group. Long lessons could be divided and covered at two group meetings.

3. Mark your lesson with these things in mind:

  • Mark the Bible passages you will read in the group. Always read the main Bible passages that are the focus of the lesson, whether you are meeting for 2 hours or just 45 minutes. Don’t assume the women have read the verses already. Otherwise, you are spending your group time on woman’s word rather than God’s revealed Word and your response to it.
  • Mark the questions you will definitely cover. Don’t just pick the application questions, though. You want to make sure the women are understanding the truth revealed in the Bible before they try to apply it in their lives.
  • Mark the questions that could be combined together into one general discussion.
  • Mark the questions that could be skipped without affecting the discussion.
  • Mark anything that might be confusing or lead to extra discussion not related to the lesson (rabbit trails). Write yourself a “Watch out for this” note in the margin of the study.
  • Decide how you will cover the application questions: as a large group, in smaller groups of 2-4, or skipped because too personal.
  • Include good follow-up questions you gained from your own study.

4. Make a simple plan

Ask Jesus to help you write a simple plan for covering the questions. He will guide you through the Holy Spirit living inside you. It’s okay to say, “Lord Jesus, I can’t do this on my own. I will trust you to do this through me.” Then, watch what He does!

If you have a tendency to forget details, include them in your written plan. Your plan should include:

  • The time you will start the organized discussion. Group members like to know what to expect for a start time.
  • A reminder to pray before the lesson begins, asking the Lord to speak to you through His Word and declaring that you as His servants are listening.
  • The question numbers and whether you will cover, combine or skip them.
  • The Bible verses you will read during the discussion. Always read the main Bible passages even if you have to skip some of the questions to have time for this.
  • What you will do for the application questions—large group, small group, or skip
  • Extra research questions—mark whether you will include these in the discussion time or skip them.
  • Any follow-up question(s) from your own study.
  • Write the time you will finish the lesson and end with prayer, asking Jesus to apply what you’ve learned in your lesson.
  • When you only have an hour or less: Encourage the women to get their lessons done ahead of time. If this is difficult, you could divide each lesson into two parts and cover at two group meetings.

Follow the plan to lead the lesson

As you open yourself to the Holy Spirit’s leading, what you learn in your own personal study time will be valuable to your group as you lead them through the discussion. God will show you what the overall focus of your group discussion time should be, especially as you get to know the women better. Here are some things to remember:

  • Start at the time you said you would start with something: icebreaker, what jumped out at them in the lesson, or the first question.
  • Guide your small group into the living, transforming Word of God by opening and reading the Bible together in your small group.
  • Encourage everyone to discover God’s Word on their own during the week, taking time to complete the lesson, and to share with each other what they have learned.
  • Work through the questions by reading the question and waiting for the group to respond. Avoid calling on women directly unless you know them well.
  • For those questions requiring just one answer, move on after someone gives the answer.
  • Ask, “Anyone else?” for those questions requiring several answers until the ones you think are important have been shared.
  • Be ready if a question causes someone to get emotional. Put an arm around her, affirm her hurt, and pray for her. Then say, “Let’s see how we can learn to trust God even in the midst of our hurt.” Move on.
  • Communicate acceptance in your eyes, manner, and your response to what a group member shares.
  • Affirm a woman after she shares, especially if she is normally quiet. Say, “Thank you for sharing that.”
  • Clarify the truth should the comment need further explanation. Correct error gently if it is important to the discussion, especially if what was said is not in the text. Always point them back to what the Scripture actually says.
  • Limit your own talking except to lead the discussion and to direct the discussion once it begins. Share your answers only when necessary or if something totally amazed you.
  • Avoid getting bogged down on any one issue. Pay attention to any notes you made about possible rabbit trails. Stay focused on what you decide is best for the group. Keep the discussion moving along.
  • Approach this role with humility and grace. Let them know that you are learning right alongside them. Be excited about what they see in the Scriptures as they study. Be amazed and humbled to hear someone else discover something in the passage that you missed.

Are you still nervous about leading? Give your insecurities to Jesus. He is the one who makes you able to do everything in the Christian life, and that includes leading a Bible study. You are simply to obey Him and trust His Spirit to work through you. Being scared is a good thing; you will rely on Him more. It is okay to say, “Lord, I can’t do this on my own, but you can in me and through me. I will trust you with this.”

Step out in faith and enjoy the blessings of discovering God’s Word together with a group of women. Watch each one experience a joyful walk with Jesus.

— — — — —

Check out these other resources:

Related Topics: Discipleship, Teaching the Bible

3. How to Disciple a New Christian

Related Media

Jesus Christ calls us to a new life, clothes us with Himself, commissions us with a purpose, and empowers us to fulfill that purpose. What is that purpose? It is to follow Him as His disciples and to live for Him as disciplemakers (making disciples who make disciples). That means we are not only to share our faith and lead others to trust in Christ, but we are also to establish them so they will get rooted in their Christian faith.

“Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

The goal of establishing a new or young believer is to help her get rooted in the basics of the faith and connected with the community of believers to continue learning. Your willingness to help new believers around you get rooted in their faith flows out of your love for God and love for His people.

When Jesus places a new Christian in your life, what are your options? You can invite her to church, class, or small group and assume she’ll “catch on” to what she needs to know. But, is that the best way? Yes, you want her to join a community of believers, but she needs you right there beside her, personally discipling her in the basics of what it means to be a Christian. That is the best way.

We can no longer assume that women have been taught any truth about Jesus, the Bible, the Church, or the Christian life. Think of your new Christian friend like she is a newborn baby. They need spiritual milk.

“And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation, if you have experienced the Lord’s kindness.” (1 Peter 2:2-3)

Just as a newborn baby needs to know the love and trustworthiness of her parents, the new Christian needs to know and experience the love and trustworthiness of her God. Start with the basics of the Christian faith, laying a good foundation of truth for her to grasp and apply to her life.

What Believers Need to Know

Here are nine components to a good foundation for every believer—new or long-term—to be “rooted and built up in Him and firm in your faith.”              

1. Who Christ is, what He’s done for us on the cross, and what His resurrection means for us

All Christians need to know this information. Christianity is not a lifestyle or rules of conduct. Nor is it a society whose members were initiated by the sprinkling or covering of water. It is about Christ and our relationship with Him. What she needs first and foremost is to get to know Him well and be secure in her relationship with Him.

She also needs to know what Christ did for her on the cross in His death and what His resurrection gives to her. Forgiveness, reconciliation, and justification are benefits we receive from the cross and are huge relationship changers when it comes to our relationship with God. The new life she gets because of Jesus’ resurrection begins the moment she trusts in Christ and continues forever. She needs that assurance.

2. How to read and study a Bible

Make sure she has a Bible (print or online) in a good translation she can understand. Show her how to find Bible books in the table of contents. Explain to her how books are divided up into chapters and verses. Those are the three parts of any Bible verse reference. Walk through the gospel of Mark with her. Show her how to read the passage and let the Holy Spirit show her something from it. I usually ask the question, “What jumped out at you?” That’s the milk for the day God wants to feed her.

3. Who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in our lives

The Holy Spirit is God’s empowering presence in her life. Make sure she understands that He is a person living inside of her who is actively involved in her life. He is the one helping her to understand the Bible passages she is reading. He is the one representing Jesus to her and leading her to trust Him. The Spirit is the one who produces fruit in her life and helps her to sense God’s presence with her. He is there whether she “feels” it or not.

4. Living by the Spirit’s power rather than living by the flesh

Faith is how she received Christ and His Holy Spirit giving her new life. Faith is how she turns her life over to Jesus and trusts Him on a daily basis. Christianity is not a set of rules to follow on her own. She needs to know and understand God’s grace toward her and what it means to live in the freedom of that grace. The Christian life is a life of becoming more dependent on God and less independent of Him. It’s a different way of approaching life. 

5. What prayer is — knowing God the Father’s love

Even if she didn’t have a good earthly father, she can by faith believe that she has a good Heavenly Father who loves her dearly and delights in her relying upon Him through prayer. Jesus taught His followers to think of God as their Heavenly Father.

Prayer is communicating with her Heavenly Father and hearing back from Him. It is conversation with Someone who loves her dearly. What a privilege for the believer…to go directly into God’s presence and talk with Him about whatever is on her heart. He desires to hear from her, and He promises to listen.

6. Her identity in Christ

The moment she believed, the old self that was born in Adam died; a new self with the same body but a new interior started life as a new person with a new nature “in Christ.” That new identity contains many unconditional benefits that she got all at once the moment she trusted in Christ. These benefits make possible an unending relationship with God as her Father. One of the fundamental questions of the human race is that of identity, “Who am I?” The one secure, eternal answer is that through faith in Jesus Christ she can say, “I am in Christ, a child of God, one of God’s saints, completely loved and accepted by God”—an identity that no circumstance can change.

7. Obedience flowing from love and gratitude rather than obligation

The entire Christian life is to be lived by faith, not works. Other religions force their followers to adhere to a list of rules to stay acceptable. Christians should want to obey God out of love and gratitude for how much God loves us and for Jesus paying the ultimate price for our sins. Yet, we cannot live an obedient Christian life in our own strength. We must live by faith in Christ every day. By faith, we trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to obey what God wants for our lives. By faith, we learn to obey Christ and experience a life of freedom and joy.

8. Being part of the Body of Christ and enjoying its community

What a privilege it is to enjoy fellowship with God through prayer and fellowship with other believers in God’s awesome family on earth—the Church (usually written with a capital “C” to distinguish from local individual churches). While she is part of the universal Church, God wants her to be part of a local church family. It is like having relatives all over the world but living with your immediate family. A local church is a group of believers committed to worshiping Christ, teaching His Word, supporting each other as we follow Jesus together and proclaim the good news to others. She can enjoy relationships and spiritual growth within this church community.

9. Telling others about Jesus

As a follower of Jesus Christ, she now has the awesome privilege of sharing the good news of eternal life with others. There is tremendous joy in reaching out to those who do not know Jesus and introducing them to Him so they can know Him just as she now knows Him. This includes letting others see how Christ is living His life through you. And, it also includes telling the good news of the gospel. If she has opportunity to tell someone one thing, she can tell them what she knows about Jesus. That’s enough to plant the seed.

Where to Find New Christians Who Need to Be Discipled

Where are the new believers besides anyone you bring to Christ yourself? Most likely, they are where you are presently connected such as at Bible studies, in mothers’ groups, your workplace, where you live, and in your church.

Like Priscilla and Aquila did in Acts 18:24-26, pay attention as people talk in your group. Listen well to what that woman sitting near you is saying. Don’t assume she knows her identity in Christ. She may not be a believer yet. She may be a new believer. She may be a long-time believer who has never done Bible Study before and feels ignorant compared to others.

Then, come alongside her. For someone new to Bible study, church, or who doesn’t know much, invite her somewhere to talk. Find out what she already knows and what she wants to know. Ask if she’s interested in meeting with you to get more established in her faith. If she is, agree on a time to get together. Get a book for each of you designed for discipling a new Christian. The Graceful Beginnings: New Believers Guide is easily available on Bible.org for you to use. You can also access this guide as an E-book (called A Fresh Start) online.

Maybe you already have something that someone used to disciple you when you were a new Christian. Or, your church might have discipling materials on hand. Just make sure you walk through the 9 necessary elements of a good foundation mentioned above.

Discipling another person makes you rely on Jesus more

Feeling a bit scared or hesitant about discipling a new Christian? Jump right in and do it. Whatever leads you to trust in Jesus more is good for you. If you haven’t been rooted with this basic information, your discipling experience will be a huge growing experience for you as well.

So, give your insecurities to Jesus. He is the one who makes you able to do everything in the Christian life, and that includes discipling a new Christian. You are simply to obey Him and trust His Spirit to work through you. Being scared is a good thing; you will rely on Him more. It is okay to say, Lord, I cant do this on my own, but you can in me and through me. I will trust you with this. Step out in faith.

— — — — —

Check out these other resources:

“Word of the Cross” series of blogs:

1. Propitiation
2. Reconciliation
3. Redemption
4. Forgiveness
5. Justification
6. Sanctification

Related Topics: Discipleship

Q. How Can We Discern False Prophets?

Deuteronomy 13:1-5 leaves me puzzled. If a man not from God can perform miracles, how do we know which miracles are from God? How do we know Jesus’ s miracles are from God? What’s the difference?

Answer: How do we know Jesus’s miracles are from God?

Jesus And His Apostles Are Authenticated By Signs And Wonders

23 Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" 26 Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee (Mark 1:23-28; see Luke 4:30-37).

11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him (John 2:11).

23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing (John 2:23).

22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— (Acts 2:22).

12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico (Acts 5:12).

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will (Hebrews 2:2-4).

Jesus And His Apostles Were Authentic Because Of Their Obedience To God’s Word And Directed Toward The Worship Of God

30 “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 31 “If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. 32 “There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true (John 5:30-32).

28 So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me” (John 8:28).

49 "For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 "I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me" (John 12:49-50).

45 "But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 "Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? John 8:45-46

Jesus’ Words And Those Of His Apostles Are Proven True Because The Holy Spirit Witnesses To Their Truthfulness:

7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged” (John 16:7-11).

Everything Jesus Foretold About Upcoming Events Happened, Exactly As He Foretold It.

21 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day (Matthew 16:21).

31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” 34 And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me” (Luke 22:31-34).

14 "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 "Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18 "I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.' 19 "From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He (John 13:14-19).

Answer: How Can We Identify A False Prophet?

First of all, we are warned about false prophets who will deceive many through their deceitful words and through spectacular deeds:

24 "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect (Matthew 24:24).

13 And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; 14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty (Revelation 16:13-14).

8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10).

Christians are expected to discern false prophets and not be deceived by them:

  • Matthew 7:15-27 (especially 7:15-17)
  • Matthew 24:3-5, 11-13, 23-28
  • 2 Peter 2:1-22

Any prophet whose prophecies fail to come to pass is a false prophet:

21 "You may say in your heart, ‘How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’ 22 "When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

But false prophets may produce signs and wonders which appear to be miraculous. In this case there must be other means by which they are discerned to be false prophets, and not to be believed or followed:

False Prophets Can Be Discerned By The Way In Which They Receive Their Revelation:

10 "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 "For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you. 13 "You shall be blameless before the LORD your God (Deuteronomy 18:10-13).

They Can Be Discerned By Their Fruit:

15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:15-17; see also 2 Peter 2).

They Can Be Discerned By Their Words:

3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3).

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world (1 John 4:1-3).

They Can Be Known Because They Advocate The Worship Of Other God’s And Disobedience To God’s Word:

1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him” (Deuteronomy 13:1-4).

They Can Be Discerned By Their Lifestyle And The Lifestyle They Advocate:

9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties (2 Peter 2:9-10).

14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; 15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:14-15).

18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, 19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved (2 Peter 2:18-19).

Related Topics: False Teachers

Pages