LectureOutline

Lesson 15 Outline – Brett

Lesson 15 – Mark Chapter 8: Dependency, Competency, and Spiritual Insight

Introduction

Mark’s Gospel employs a unique “sandwich” technique that alternates between dependency, competency, incompetency, and dependency. This teaching explores these contrasts to reveal deeper spiritual truths.

Part 1: Dependency (Verses 1–10)

Context of Dependency

  • Wilderness setting symbolizes desolation and vulnerability.
  • The people rely on Jesus for physical and spiritual sustenance.

Disbelief and Blindness of the Disciples

Although the disciples recognize their insufficiency, they fail to realize Jesus, the Bread of Life, is their solution.

Jesus’ Compassion

  • Jesus shows concern for the crowd’s needs.
  • Reflection on God’s compassionate character (Exodus 34:6).

Provision Through Jesus

Disciples receive from Jesus and share with others, teaching that God’s commands reveal our need for Him and invite us to depend on His sufficiency.

Part 2: Competency of the Pharisees (Verses 11–13)

Pharisees’ Approach

  • Militaristic opposition to Jesus.
  • Attempts to control and discredit Jesus stem from a refusal to depend on God.

Jesus’ Response

Jesus grieves over their rejection, departing in sorrow rather than anger, allowing them to persist in their choice of self-reliance.

Part 3: Incompetency of the Disciples (Verses 14–21)

Context of Incompetency

  • Disciples are distracted by their failures.
  • They misunderstand Jesus’ teachings and focus on material concerns.

Jesus’ Directive

Jesus warns against the pride of self-reliance, emphasizing the need for continual dependence on Him.

Lesson on Dependency

Incompetency leads to spiritual blindness when focus remains on self. True clarity comes from reliance on Jesus.

Part 4: Dependency Restored (Verses 22–26)

Healing of the Blind Man

The gradual healing of the blind man reflects the disciples’ slow journey to spiritual understanding.

Dependence and Deliverance

  • Others bring the blind man to Jesus, symbolizing prayer and intercession.
  • Jesus’ compassion and patience lead to clear spiritual sight.

Conclusion

Living in Dependency

Salvation and spiritual clarity require ongoing reliance on Jesus. Practical steps include Scripture study, prayer, and church community.

Key Takeaway

The Christian life is not about competence or self-reliance but ongoing dependence on Jesus, who provides compassion, provision, and sight.

Lesson 14 Outline – Jeremy






The Art of the Story Sandwich in Mark’s Gospel

The Art of the Story Sandwich in Mark’s Gospel

Teaching Summary Outline by Jeremy Thomas

Introduction

  • Presenter Introduction: Jeremy Thomas introduces the session.
  • Central Theme:
    • Exploring the literary structure in the Gospel of Mark, focusing on “story sandwiches.”
    • Connecting Mark’s storytelling to deeper theological truths.

Section 1: The Concept of the “Story Sandwich”

  • Definition:
    • A narrative structure where one story is inserted into another, forming a “sandwich.”
    • Central story (the “meat”) reveals the core message.
  • Illustration:
    • Comparison to sandwiches where the meat is the identifying element, not the bread.
  • Biblical Examples:
    • Example from Mark 5 (Jairus’s daughter and the bleeding woman).

Section 2: Exploring the Sandwich in Mark 7

  • Central Narrative:
    • Focus on Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees about purity (Mark 7:1-23).
    • Teaching framed by two miraculous feedings (Mark 6 and 8).
  • Chiasm Structure:
    • Mark’s use of a pyramid-like narrative structure with the central teaching as the climax.

Section 3: Theological Insights

  • Key Themes:
    • Purity and impurity: External rituals vs. internal transformation.
    • Human insufficiency vs. divine sufficiency.
  • Application to Mark 7:
    • Jesus critiques traditions of men that overshadow God’s commandments.
    • Central teaching: The heart matters more than outward rituals.

Section 4: Practical Applications

  • Discussion Prompts:
    • Reflect on personal traditions and how they align with God’s commands.
    • Explore faith and humility exemplified by the Syrophoenician woman.
  • Life Lessons:
    • Emphasis on inward transformation over external compliance.
    • Avoiding the pitfalls of religious pride and hypocrisy.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to Reflect:
    • Focus on God’s commandments motivated by love, not fear or tradition.
  • Closing Prayer:
    • Request for internal cleansing and genuine worship.


Lesson 13 Outline – Mark Jensen






Understanding the Kingdom of God

Understanding the Kingdom of God

Introduction

  • Welcome & Prayer
    • Encouragement to spend time in silence and solitude with Christ.
    • Prayer for guidance and understanding during the study.
  • Main Theme: The reality and relevance of the Kingdom of God in Scripture and life.

Key Sections

What is the Kingdom of God?

  • Definition: A spiritual state where God’s life is accessible on earth (Andrew Murray).
  • Characteristics:
    1. Presence and rule of the King (Jesus Christ).
    2. Power of God and Christ in believers.
    3. Entry through spiritual rebirth.
    4. Blessings of living in the Kingdom.

Development of the Kingdom of God in Scripture

  • Phase 1: Prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., Daniel 2:44-45).
  • Phase 2: Present during Christ’s earthly ministry.
  • Phase 3: Provisional phase after Christ’s rejection and ascension.
  • Phase 4: Millennial reign of Christ on earth.
  • Phase 5: Eternal Kingdom (Revelation 21-22).

Practical Applications (So What?)

  • Living as Citizens of the Kingdom:
    • Questions for reflection:
      • Do I believe the Kingdom of God is real?
      • How does this belief shape my life and actions?
    • Areas to work on (e.g., overcoming fear, living for God’s approval).
  • Improving Relationship with God:
    • Importance of solitude and quiet time with God.
    • Suggestions for deeper spiritual intimacy (e.g., reading related materials).
  • Impact on Others:
    • Reflecting the Kingdom of God through actions and relationships.
    • Encouragement to live a life that reveals the Kingdom’s reality to others.

Encouragement and Group Study

  • Recommended Questions: Focus on specific group discussion questions to deepen understanding.
  • Closing Blessings: Encouragement for continued growth and reflection.


LESSON 12 OUTLINE – Scott






Lesson 12: More of Jesus’ Miracles

Lesson 12: More of Jesus’ Miracles

1. Introduction

  • Acknowledgment of participants’ engagement in small groups and Bible study.
  • Encouragement to share something impactful about the study during Christmas with friends and family.

2. Overview of Mark Chapter 6:30–56

  • Passage Divisions:
    • Verses 30–44: Jesus feeds the 5,000.
    • Verses 45–52: Jesus walks on water.
    • Verses 53–56: Jesus heals the sick in Gennesaret.
  • Observation: Headings summarize Jesus’ actions but may miss His deeper identity and mission.

3. Context and Key Actions in Mark Chapter 6

  • Chapter Overview:
    • Begins in Nazareth with Jesus teaching and being rejected.
    • Disciples sent out to preach and heal.
    • Interlude: John the Baptist’s execution by Herod.
    • Return of the disciples; Jesus attempts to retreat for rest.
    • Miracles: Feeding the 5,000, walking on water, healing the sick.
  • Focus of Teaching:
    • Compassion of Jesus as the Good Shepherd (central theme of verses 30–56).
    • Heart of Jesus revealed in His deep compassion for people.

4. Jesus as the Good Shepherd

  • Scriptural Support:
    • Mark 6:34: Compassion for people “like sheep without a shepherd.”
    • Supporting passages: John 10, Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23.
  • Jesus’ Compassion in Action:
    • Teaching and feeding the crowds.
    • Leading and caring for the disciples.
    • Healing and restoring the sick.

5. Detailed Analysis of Key Miracles

  • Feeding the 5,000 (Verses 30–44):
    • Jesus’ focus on providing spiritual and physical sustenance.
    • Significance of abundance: A demonstration of God’s lavish provision.
  • Walking on Water (Verses 45–52):
    • Jesus’ leadership and guidance through trials.
    • Disciples’ lack of understanding due to hardened hearts.
  • Healing in Gennesaret (Verses 53–56):
    • Jesus’ power to heal and restore lives, fulfilling His role as the compassionate shepherd.

6. Application and Reflection

  • Focus on Jesus’ Identity:
    • Recognize Jesus as the compassionate shepherd in trials and blessings.
    • Depend on Him rather than attempting to control outcomes.
  • Sharing the Message:
    • Share personal insights from the study with family and friends during Christmas.

7. Conclusion

  • Quotation from John Newton emphasizing the completeness of Jesus as the source of everything.
  • Closing prayer for understanding and application of the teaching.


Lesson 11 Outline – Jim






Lesson 11: Mark 6:1-29

Lesson 11: Mark 6:1-29

  • Introduction
    • Encouragement for the holiday season
    • Importance of being with family and friends
    • Encouragement to reach out to those in need
    • Opportunities to share faith during Christmas
  • Shout-out to Leaders
    • Gratitude for consistency and leadership
    • Recognition of the importance of their role in ministry
  • Lesson Overview
    • Chapter 6, Verses 1-19 in the Gospel of Mark
    • Three scenes unfold in the passage:
      • First Scene – Jesus rejected in His hometown (Verses 1-6)
      • Second Scene – Jesus sends out His disciples in pairs (Verses 7-13)
      • Third Scene – The death of John the Baptist (Verses 14-29)
  • Detailed Discussion
    • Rejection in Nazareth (Verses 1-6)
      • Jesus’ return to His hometown
      • Crowd astonished but critical of Him
      • Questioning His wisdom and miracles
      • Offense taken due to His humble background
      • Jesus’ response: A prophet is not honored in his hometown
    • Sending Out Disciples (Verses 7-13)
      • Disciples sent out in pairs
      • Reflection on methods of ministry
      • Effective, but not the only way to share the Gospel
    • The Death of John the Baptist (Verses 14-29)
      • Sad account of John’s death
      • Herod’s poor decisions and John’s faithfulness
      • God’s faithfulness and John’s fulfillment of his ministry
  • Application and Reflection
    • Impact of Rejection
      • Reflection on personal rejection in sharing the Gospel
      • Encouragement to continue sharing despite past rejection
    • Not Holding People to Their Past
      • Encouragement not to dismiss people based on their history
      • Reflection on God’s grace and forgiveness towards us
    • Overcoming Unbelief
      • Questioning personal unbelief in following Christ
      • Practical ways to address unbelief in daily life
  • Conclusion
    • Encouragement to share faith despite the potential for rejection
    • Final prayer and well wishes for the Christmas season


Lesson 10 Outline – Brett






Lesson 10: Mark 4:35-5:43

Lesson 10: Mark 4:35-5:43

  • Introduction
    • Overview of Mark chapter 5 and a bit of chapter 4 (verse 35)
    • Title of the teaching: “To Sentence and to Serve”
  • Jesus’ Authority
    • Jesus’ authority over spiritual beings and human beings
    • How Jesus uses His authority with both creations
  • Jesus’ Authority to Sentence
    • Jesus’ use of authority to sentence the deep (chaos, sin, death)
    • The calming of the storm in Mark 4:35-41
    • Jesus’ authority over the deep – symbolism of water as chaos
  • Jesus’ Authority Over Demons
    • Jesus encounters the demoniac in Gerasene
    • Explanation of demon possession vs. mental illness
    • Jesus’ authority to sentence demons to swine
    • Analysis of the demons’ reactions: running, bowing, shrieking, confessing, begging
  • Jesus’ Authority Over Disease and Despair
    • Story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34)
    • Jesus healing the woman’s disease and ending her despair
    • Reflection on why Jesus heals some but not all
  • Jesus’ Authority Over Death
    • Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Mark 5:35-43)
    • Jesus’ authority to overcome death as a foreshadowing of His resurrection
  • Responses to Jesus’ Authority
    • Begging responses from demons, people of Gerasene, Jairus, and the sick woman
    • Judgment responses: Demons, Gerasene people, and those who reject Jesus
    • Surrendering to Jesus and being sent by Him
    • Jesus’ authority to serve and His compassion through identification, contamination, and resurrection
  • Conclusion
    • Reflection on personal responses to Jesus’ authority
    • Will we beg, be judged, reject, surrender, or be resurrected?
    • Philippians 2:5-11: All will bow and confess Jesus as Lord


Lesson 9 Outline – Jeremy






Lesson 9: Parables

Lesson 9: The Parables of Jesus

  • Introduction
    • Story about George Frideric Handel and Bob Coughlin
    • Purpose of music and its connection to serving others
    • Connection to the mission of Jesus
  • Purpose of Jesus’ Parables
    • Earthly stories with heavenly meanings
    • Designed to provoke thought, evoke truth, cloak mystery, and invoke action
  • Point 1: Provoke Thought
    • Parables were intentionally provocative, sparking deep reflection
    • Amusing vs. thought-provoking: Jesus’ stories required meditation
    • Example: Parable of the Tenants (Mark 12:1-12)
      • Summary of the story
      • Message about evil tenants and the son
      • Jesus’ reference to Psalm 118:2-3 and its significance
  • Point 2: Evoke Truth
    • Jesus’ parables were intended to awaken truth about God’s kingdom
    • Shift in understanding of the kingdom of God
    • Illustration: Art Museum example
    • Advice to study parables deeply, like digging for treasure
    • Example: Parable of the Tenants in context with Isaiah 5
      • Connection between the two stories
      • Lesson about unfaithful leadership in God’s vineyard
  • Point 3: Cloak Mystery
    • Jesus used parables to reveal truth to receptive listeners, while concealing it from the hostile ones
    • Reference to Mark 4:11-12: The secret of the kingdom of God
    • Parables reveal the hearts of men
    • Example: The Parable of the Sower
  • Point 4: Invoke Action
    • Parables should lead to action
    • Example: The Parable of the Tenants teaches us to be humble hearers of God’s word
    • Application: Stewardship of our lives, families, and responsibilities
    • Call to be doers of the word, not just hearers
  • Conclusion
    • George Handel’s quote about his music’s purpose: to make people better, not just entertain
    • The connection between Handel’s music and the kingdom of God (Revelation 11:15)
    • Final prayer: Seeking to be better and recognize our role as tenants under the King of Kings


Lesson 8 Outline – Mark







  • Introduction
    • Opening remarks and prayer
    • Mark’s personal background and connection to farming
  • Discussion on Mark Chapter 4:1-34
    • Main headline: The “secret of the kingdom of God” (Mark 4:10-12)
    • Explanation of the term “secret” or “mystery” in scripture
    • The kingdom of God revealed in parables
      • Old Testament mystery now revealed through Jesus
      • Jesus’ teaching style and purpose of parables
  • The Parable of the Sower
    • Story of two types of people: those who know Jesus and those who do not
    • Interpretation of the parable elements
      • The sower as Jesus and His followers
      • The seed as the gospel of the kingdom
      • The soils as different heart conditions
  • Lessons from the Parable of the Sower
    • Characteristics of the sower
      • Jesus as a humble, unassuming sower
      • The sower’s indiscriminate scattering of seeds
      • Abundance of seeds symbolizing liberal sharing of the gospel
      • Resilience of the sower despite challenges
    • Illustrative story about the cost of sowing and farming
  • The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
    • Call for believers to be sowers of the gospel
    • God’s love for all people (1 Timothy 2:1-6)
    • Encouragement to share the gospel universally, without judgment
  • Personal Reflections and Challenge
    • Reflection on personal hesitation in sharing the gospel
    • Scriptural encouragement (Colossians 4:5-6)
    • Call to prayer for wisdom in sharing the gospel
    • Challenge to listeners: Reflect on their own gospel sharing practices
  • Invitation to Non-Believers
    • Explanation of the gospel message and salvation through Jesus Christ
    • Call to repentance and faith in Jesus
  • Closing Remarks
    • The growth of the kingdom of God from a mustard seed to a global movement
    • Exhortation to fulfill the Great Commission


Lesson 7 Outline – Scott

Opening Remarks

  • Introduction and context before the election
    • Importance of faith over political outcomes
    • Prayer for leaders and the country
  • Reminder of the teachings on Jesus’ power and authority

Overview of Mark Chapter 3:7-35

  • Review of recent lessons and introduction to this chapter
  • Visualization of scenes from the narrative
    • Healing on the Sabbath
    • Crowds seeking Jesus
    • Family’s concern about Jesus
    • Accusations by the scribes
    • Jesus’ response about his true family

Key Themes

Pressure

  • Jesus faces immense pressure from various groups
  • Sources of Pressure
    • Followers seeking healing
    • Religious leaders feeling threatened
    • Disciples trying to understand his mission
    • Jesus’ humanity under pressure
  • Jesus’ response: retreating to pray and selecting disciples

Identity

  • Common views of Jesus’ identity
    • Some consider him a teacher or myth
    • Family thinks he is out of his mind
    • Scribes accuse him of being possessed
  • C.S. Lewis’ perspective on Jesus’ identity
  • Jesus’ response to accusations
    • Refuting claims of demonic possession
    • Warning against blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

… it’s not about specific actions like cursing, murder, or adultery, but rather the persistent, willful rejection of the Holy Spirit’s testimony about Jesus’ divinity and role as Savior. It involves repeatedly choosing to deny the truth of the Gospel, calling light darkness and vice versa. The warning is particularly directed at those who know and understand the message of Christ but continue to ignore it. The focus is on a continuous, habitual rejection, not a one-time lapse, underscoring a deep and ongoing refusal to accept Christ.

Call

  • Jesus’ true family: those who do God’s will
  • Definition of God’s will: desire for all to be saved
  • Personal call to each individual

Applications

  • Practical responses to pressure
    • Quiet, pray, involve others
  • Reflection questions
    • Where are you with Christ?
      • Encouragement to accept the gospel
      • Support available from leaders and small groups
    • How to help those who have wandered
      • Use love and prayer rather than logic to reach out
      • Importance of kindness in bringing others back to faith

Closing Prayer

  • Blessing for those listening and engaging in group discussions

Outline Summary of Lesson 6 Lecture on Spiritual Warfare

1. Introduction and Background

  • Speaker: Jim Erickson, filling in for Mike Crawford.
  • Acknowledgement: Diverse Christian views on spiritual warfare.
  • Purpose: To understand and respond effectively to spiritual warfare.

2. Main Goals and Approach

  • Objective: To help believers discern and respond effectively to spiritual warfare.
  • Categories of Belief: Avoiding extremes – “ditches” of dismissiveness and hyper-spiritualism.

3. Three-Part Framework for Addressing Spiritual Warfare

  • Determine: Assess if one leans toward dismissiveness or hyper-spiritualism.
  • Calibrate: Align perspectives with Scripture; identify root causes of temptations.
  • Respond: Take action based on accurate spiritual diagnosis and Biblical guidance.

4. Understanding Spiritual Warfare

  • Definition: Opposition to God’s work by demons and Satan.
  • Key Points:
    • Spiritual warfare persists post-resurrection.
    • Not all temptations stem from demonic influence.
  • Purpose of Demonic Activity: To destroy, deceive, and distract believers from God’s work.

5. Types of Temptation

  • Four main sources:
    • Fallen nature (flesh)
    • Fallen world and its culture
    • Lies or untruths
    • Spiritual warfare (demonic influence)

6. Practical Application for Recognizing Spiritual Warfare

  • Triage Approach: Discern sources of temptations.
  • Biblical Counsel:
    • Physical urges: Practical responses (e.g., distraction or exercise).
    • Mental/ideational temptations: Met with truth and Biblical thought.
    • Direct spiritual warfare: Involves prayer, focus on Jesus, and brotherly support.

7. Responding to Spiritual Warfare

  • Steps Outlined in Workbook (pages 59-61):
    • Fix focus on Jesus’ sovereignty over all spiritual realms.
    • Submit to God’s authority; resist the devil.
    • Seek fellowship support for prayer and accountability.

8. Closing Encouragement

  • Emphasis: Brotherhood and mutual support.
  • Goal: Application-oriented approach to foster group discussion and personal reflection.