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Basic Bible Study Course

Able, Willing, & Obedient

LESSON #11, PART2 WILLING

a. Know his voice

b. I follow after

c. Follow Christ Jesus and leave all

d. Follow if you are to bear fruit to God

e. Follow where he leads

f. Following Jesus includes setting your affections
7. Timing
8. Willing to serve
9. Willing for a season
10. Follow even if it is hard
11. Willing to give
12. Willing to pay full price: 100% of you to God
13. What is God willing to do?

Definitions are taken from Webster's Dictionary.

Reproach (noun) an expression of blame, reproof, or censure. (verb) To bring shame and disgrace upon. Justify means to show to be just; to free from blame, to declare guiltless.

1. WILLING TO HUMBLE YOURSELF

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Matthew 23:12.

(6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23. Read Matthew 16:24 and Mark 8:34.

(5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Philippians 2:5-9.

Read 1 Peter 5:5, Job 22:29, Psalm 147:6, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14, James 4:10 & Philippians 2:13.

2. WILLING TO SUBMIT TO GOD'S WILL

We have our own desires, ambitions, and plans. We must pray and seek God's will, submitting all to God. We try to follow God's will that is known to us, being WILLING to change our plans if they don't line up with God's plans for us. As God's will is revealed to us, we must be willing to put down our life (Luke 9:23) and obey him. Your life is not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Be available to God; be an obedient servant of God. Read Luke 11:1-4, Ephesians 6:1, Romans 9:16, & Luke 22:42.

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9.

(13) Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: (14) Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:13-14.

You can do all you want to do and be deceived, thinking you are something great in God. If you do not submit to God, you have a vain religion.

(2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. (3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 10:2-3.

3. WILLING TO PLEASE GOD

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10.

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 1 Thessalonians 2:15.

All people are required to serve God or go to hell. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Praise God for the plan of salvation, repentance, and deliverance! God does not have respect of persons (Romans 2:11). Our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14). Remember the first commandment (Matthew 22:37-40). Herod was willing to please man (and woman) (read Matthew 14:6-14). Jesus was sorrowful because of the death of John the Baptist, his cousin and the forerunner of his ministry. When he heard it He departed into a desert place, but the people followed him. Though he was hurting, He was willing to serve God and meet the needs of the people. Felix and Festus were willing to please man. Pilate was willing to please man. Read Acts 24:27, Acts 25:9, and Acts 27:42-43. On the other hand, a centurion was willing to save Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ, instead of consenting to the soldiers' counsel. There were saints who were willing to risk their lives to help other saints escape persecution (Acts 9:24-25). There are other examples.

A commandment is found in Luke 10:27 to love thy neighbor as thyself. Read the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In Verse 29 the man was willing to justify himself. We are justified only by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans Chapters 3-5). We realize when we hear the parable of the good Samaritan that many times we are guilty, not having enough love for others, being selfish. Pleasing God includes loving our neighbor. Read Romans 15:1-7. There are many scriptures about pleasing God. Here are a few: Romans 8:7-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 2 Timothy 2:4, Hebrews 11:6. When Paul said this about pleasing all men in all things, he was speaking about not giving offence.

(32) Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: (33) Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:32-33.

4. ARE YOU WILLING TO CONTENT THE PEOPLE?

Pilate was willing to release Jesus, but gave in to the will of the people when put under pressure, and then gave the flimsy show of pardoning himself by washing his hands in water. God did not excuse him, but had even warned his wife in a dream, which she told him. When we are willing that we or other people be comfortable instead of witnessing as God deals with us, we are contenting ourselves and the people, showing we are ashamed of Jesus. Be sure to read and understand what Pilate did in Matthew 27:17-26. Read 2 Timothy 1:8.

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. Mark 15:15.

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mark 8:38. Read also Luke 9:26.

5. FOLLOWING JESUS INCLUDES BEARING REPROACH

Reproach means: (noun) an expression of blame, reproof, or censure. (verb) To bring shame and disgrace upon.

(11) For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. (12) Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. (13) Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. Hebrews 13:11-13.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 5:11.

Read Matthew 10:25, Hebrews 12:1-4, 1 Peter 4:4, Psalm 74:22, Psalm 119:42. Read Matthew chapter 27 how they did to Jesus. Everyone forsook him. Verse 46 says Jesus cried with a loud voice, asking God why he had forsaken him. He suffered greatly. Read Psalm 69:9, Psalm 74:18, Psalm 89:51, Romans 15:3, & Zephaniah 2:9-10, 1 Corinthians 4:9-13, 1 Peter 2:21.

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Luke 6:22.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10.

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Hebrews 11:26.

(14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. (16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Peter 4:14-16.

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26.

6. WILLING TO FOLLOW

a. KNOW HIS VOICE

(4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. John 10:4-5.

b. I FOLLOW AFTER

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15, 1 Timothy 6:11-12, 2 Timothy 2:22, 3 John 1:11, John 10:27 & John 12:26.

c. FOLLOW CHRIST JESUS AND LEAVE ALL

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14.

(28) Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. (29) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, (30) Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. Luke 18:28-30.

Peter, one of the disciples, said, "we have left all, and followed thee." As you walk with Jesus there are some things that you will leave behind. There are some people whom you love that will not follow Christ with you. Romans 10:16 says that they have not all obeyed the gospel. YET, what is YOUR soul worth to you? Read Matthew 19:21. Read also Luke 18:22.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26. Also read Mark 8:36 and Luke 9:25.

d. FOLLOW IF YOU ARE TO BEAR FRUIT TO GOD

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19.

e. FOLLOW WHERE HE LEADS

(2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:2-3.

The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where he was tempted of the Satan 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11 & Mark 1:12). God leads us sometimes in paths we surely do no choose ourselves. We have made a choice to serve God when we get saved, and learn to let him choose our path according to his will. We can know the Father's will (John 16:13-15, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Romans 12:2). Read Jeremiah 6:16 (about the old paths), John 14:6, & Revelation 14:4. If he leads you to do a work at home or abroad, you still have to serve him and NOT be ashamed of him (Mark 6:1).

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14.

f. FOLLOWING JESUS INCLUDES SETTING YOUR AFFECTION ON THINGS ABOVE. There are things that we need daily as we live here on earth, but Matthew 6:32 says God knows we have need of all these things. Verse 33 tells us if we seek God first, these things shall be added unto us. Read 1 Chronicles 29:3, Psalm 91:14, Psalm 119:36, Matthew 6:19-24, Matthew 16:23, and Psalm 49:11-17. Read Matthew 8:19-22. Read also Luke 9:57-62.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2.

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6.

(15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:15-17.

(14) I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (15) I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (17) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (18) As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. John 17:14-18.

(13) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (14) For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. (15) And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. (16) But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:13-16.

7. TIMING

You can't wait till everything is JUST RIGHT before you are willing to follow Jesus. Timing is very important. When Jesus speaks to your heart to do something, that is the time to obey him if you don't want to suffer chastisement from Him. Read 2 Corinthians 6:2, Genesis 18:14. In Luke 9:59 Jesus said to someone, "Follow me." But he said "Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father." Read Luke 9:61.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. Matthew 9:9.

(36) Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. (37) Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. John 13:36-37.

Peter thought he was ready to follow Jesus even to death, but he denied Jesus. He prayed through, got the Holy Ghost, and then was able to follow Jesus to the end.

8. WILLING TO SERVE

Remember, Jesus gave authority to his servants and to every man his work (Mark 13:34).

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19.

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. 1 Chronicles 28:9.

The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? 1 Chronicles 29:5.

When you are convicted and touched by the Holy Ghost anointing you may feel you can do anything for God. When you go on about your daily business, you may feel differently. Pray.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41.

9. WILLING FOR A SEASON

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. John 5:35.

They followed the light of the gospel for a season, but we must endure to the end to be saved (Mark 13:13 & Matthew 10:22). People take pleasure in sin for a season, but the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). There is none other name given among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is our Saviour. We are told to continue in Christ Jesus (John 8:31, Romans 11:22, & Acts 14:22). Read Luke 14:25-35 about counting the cost of following Jesus.

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Matthew 13:21. Read also Mark 4:17.

10. FOLLOW EVEN IF IT IS HARD

Remember, with God nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37). Some think the way is too hard, but He is faithful to help us if we seek him in prayer. We are supposed to follow Jesus even when it gets hard. We are called to be soldiers in his army to win souls for the kingdom of God. It won't be so hard on us if we are not tangled up with so much of the world.

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4.

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27.

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14.

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:24.

The Bible says the way of transgressors is hard (Proverbs 13:15). Jesus has promised to take us through. He went through the fire WITH the 3 Hebrews children (Daniel 3:25).

Read what Jesus told the people in John 6:53-69. What he said offended some. Look at verse 60 where the disciples said it was a hard saying. In verse 62-63 he let them know that he was speaking of eating and drinking spiritually, not his actual flesh and blood (Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 17:10-14, Deuteronomy 12:23).

(66) From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (67) Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? (68) Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. John 6:66-68.

Jesus knew the law. He means for us to live and walk close to him, (John 15:7). Most people don't want to suffer like Jesus did, therefore, they are offended and turn back from serving him. If you cannot spiritually discern the scriptures, you will be offended at some of what is written in the Bible. Read Matthew 18:8. What did he really mean?

11. WILLING TO GIVE

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 2 Corinthians 8:12.

Read Malachi 3:10 about paying tithes. Read Exodus 35:21-22, Exodus 35:29. What you do has an effect on others.

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 16:17.

I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. 1 Chronicles 29:17

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 1 Peter 5:2.

12. WILLING TO PAY FULL PRICE: 100% OF YOU TO GOD

I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. Psalm 119:112.

Read again Luke 14:25-35 about counting the cost of following Jesus. For extra study read A. A. Allen's book: The Price of God's Miracle Working Power.

(15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:15-17.

Do you believe and love God so much that you would rejoice to be like Enoch? He walked with God and was not; for God took him (Genesis 5:24)! Before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). Can we be like Paul? How convinced are you about this gospel you profess? Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Until we are absent from the body, we must do according to the word of God. Read Romans 12:1-3. Sometimes Jesus prayed all night (Luke 6:12). The early disciples continued with one accord in prayer and supplication (Acts 1:14). Jesus is our example. Many times he was rejected by the church people. Sometimes he had to separate himself from every one to have fellowship just with God in prayer. He made of himself no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). He was reproached and suffered persecution. He was rejected and condemned to die by his own people whom he came to save, and he WAS STILL WILLING TO OBEY GOD. Read Isaiah chapter 53. Read Matthew 26:41.

13. WHAT IS GOD WILLING TO DO?

Remember John 3:16. God sent his only begotten son to save us from sin and to be reconciled to him. We don't have to go to hell. We can choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). Jesus died for us and went back to the Father and is making intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Read Hebrews 6:17-20. We are supposed to lay hold upon the hope set before us. This hope is an anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.

Remember what was said in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6. Our sufficiency is of God, not of ourselves. He hath made us able ministers of the New Testament. Because Jesus is made a priest for us after the power of an endless life he is able to save us to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:16 & 25). God was willing to confirm his promises with an oath. With an oath he made the Son high priest for ever for us (Hebrews 7:28).

Read and heed Hebrews 6:1-12. Let us not be slothful, but willing workers for God seeing God has been so gracious to us. We are able to work for God. If we be willing AND obedient, we will obtain eternal life. Let us not be like the one who hid his talent in the earth, (the unprofitable servant) who was cast into outer darkness (Matthew 15:30).

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: Isaiah 1:19.

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