Epistel for April 9, 2010
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Epistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation April 9, 2010
Cross Training
(Luke 9:1-62)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jesus sent out the Twelve to cast out demons, heal the sick,
and preach the kingdom of God, vv. 1-6.
2. King Herod sought to see Jesus, vv. 7-9.
3. Jesus fed the five thousand, vv. 10-17.
4. Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, vv. 18-20.
5. Jesus predicted His death and resurrection, vv. 21-22.
6. Jesus told His disciples to take up the cross and follow Him, vv. 23-26.
7. Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, vv. 27-36.
8. Jesus healed a boy whom the disciples could not cure, vv. 37-42.
9. Jesus again predicted His coming death, vv. 43-45.
10. Jesus taught about being great in the kingdom of heaven, vv. 46-48.
11. Jesus taught against exclusiveism, vv. 49-50.
12. A Samaritan village rejected Christ, vv. 51-56.
13. Jesus taught about the costs of discipleship, vv. 57-62.
II. Observations: on "cross training"
1. Cross-training = exercise activities in more than one sport or physical
discipline.
2. New Testament example: Paul, the marathoner (I Corinthians 9:24-27).
III. Meditation: on "cross-training" by professional athletes
1. Athletes, to attain and maintain their maximum potential, avoid certain
debilitating activities and unhealthy foods and drinks.
2. Athletes, in most sports, improve their performance by lifting weights.
3. Athletes work out every day to get in shape and to stay in condition.
4. Many athletes have a personal trainer who establishes their regimen;
often these trainers are retired athletes who now mentor others in the
techniques which they have mastered.
IV. Revelation: on "cross-training" by a Christian (v. 23)
1. Let him DENY himself. 3. Let him do this DAILY.
2. Let him take up (LIFT) his cross. 4. Let him faithfully FOLOW ME.
V. Application: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Deny myself by refusing to indulge in evil, harmful practices which will
diminish my spiritual strength.
2. Pick up my cross voluntarily, choosing to bear the burden/weight of
opposition, persecution, and even physical death in the service of my
Lord and "trainer".
3. Daily do "cross-training" (exercise both my faith and my works) . . .
knowing that skipping days of devotion brings spiritual impotence.
4. Listen to my "trainer" (Jesus) and follow His example of prayer, fasting,
meditation, teaching, and sacrificial service.
The Gratitude Attitude
(Luke 10:1-42)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jesus sent out seventy men two-by-two to preach and heal, vv. 1-12.
2. Jesus pronounced woe upon unrepentant cities, vv. 13-16.
3. The seventy returned with joy; Jesus told them to rejoice that their
names are written in heaven, vv. 17-20.
4. Jesus rejoiced over His disciples spiritual discernment, vv. 21-24.
5. Jesus told the story of "the Good Samaritan," vv. 25-37.
6. When Jesus visited the home of his friend Lazarus, Mary worshipped
at His feet, listening to His words, while her sister, Martha, served
Him a meal, vv. 38-42.
II. Meditation and Revelation: on the parable of "The Good Samaritan" (vv. 25-37)
1. The attitude of the robbers: "What's yours is mine: I'll take it." Other
Biblical examples of this criminal attitude include:
1) Jacob and Esau (Birthright and blessing) . . . Genesis 25.
2) David and Uriah (Bathsheba) . . . II Samuel 11.
3) Ahab and Naboth (Vineyard; Jezebel) . . . I Kings 21.
("Will a man rob God?" . . . Malachi 3:8)
2. The attitude of the priest and Levite: "What's mine is mine; I'll keep it."
Other Biblical examples of this selfish attitude include:
1) Rich young ruler, Mark 10:17-22.
2) Rich fool, Luke 12:15-21.
3) Rich man (and Lazarus), Luke 16:19-31.
"Love of money is the root of all evil," I Timothy 6:10.
"Whoever saves his life shall lose it," Matthew 16:25.
3. The attitude of the Samaritan: "What's mine is God's; I'll share it." Some
Scriptural affirmations of this attitude include:
"The earth is the Lord's," Psalm 24:1.
"Every good gift is from above," James 1:17.
"God gives ability to produce wealth," Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
"Happy in work . . . gift of God." Ecclesiastes 5:19.
"Everything comes from You," I Chronicles 29:14.
4. Other Biblical examples of this generous attitude include:
1) Widow of Zerepath (Elijah; flour and oil) . . . I Kings 17:7-16.
2) Boy with five loaves and two fish (fed 5,000) . . . John 6:8.
3) Widow's two coins (all she had) . . . Luke 21:1-4.
"It is more blessed to give than to receive," Acts 20:35.
"Lay up treasures in heaven," Matthew 6:21.
"Come, blessed . . . take inheritance," Matthew 25:34 ff.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Always have the attitude of compassion toward hurting people, v. 33.
2. Allow this Godly attitude to produce the action of sharing, vv. 34-35.
"I am not the boss of my house. I don't know when I lost it.
I don't know if I ever had it. But I have seen the
boss's job and I don't want it."
- Bill Cosby
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