Tuesday, September 7, 2021

#1 Mark 1:1-15 The Center of the Story - Good News!

The Gospel of Mark: Servanthood, Discipleship, and Following Jesus

#1 Mark 1:1-15 "The Center of the Story - Good News!"

Big Idea: Following Jesus Changes Everything About Us!

What is the advantage of having four Gospels, all telling essentially the same story? How might Mark's consciousness of having a Roman audience affect his selection and presentation of the facts of the Gospel story? How did Mark's missionary work with Paul and Barnabas and his work with Peter prepare him to write his Gospel account?

Jesus Reveals the Truth -
We Can Follow Him (1:1)
What are the implications of of Jesus' title "Christ" in the lives of His followers? What are the implications of Jesus being called the "Son of God" in the introduction of the Gospel of Mark? How does Mark revealing who Jesus is create a ironic tension as you read through the Gospel being the only one, beside the demons, who truly knows who Jesus actually is?

Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures -
We Can Trust Him (1:2-3)
How does the Gospel of Mark connect the Prophet Isaiah with John the Baptist? How does the Prophet Isaiah, writing hundreds of years before Jesus, predicting the events that were to unfold show us God's sovereignty? How does God's sovereignty help foster confidence in the times of difficulty and uncertainty?

Jesus Brings the Spirit -
We Can Be Changed (1:4-11)
How does John the Baptist function as a transitional figure from the Old Testament to the new covenant? How do John and his preaching style compare with current notions of how to gain a following and grow a church? Why do you think John gained a large following? What was his message? How did that message contribute to his popularity and to his death? How is John's humble message about Christ similar to what we should tell others about Christ? How is our message different? God fulfilled His promises to send a messenger and send a Savior. What are some of the other promises of God that have not yet been fulfilled? Why does Jesus choice to be baptized and what is the purpose of the sinless savior entering into the waters of baptism? How does Jesus' baptism show the nature of the Trinity?

Jesus Overcomes the Enemy -
We Can Have Victory (1:12-13)
Why do you think God chooses for us to walk through wilderness seasons in our life? What do wilderness seasons accomplish in our lives? How have you been tested since you gave your life to Christ and what was it like? How can we learn from Jesus' victory over Satan in the wilderness?

Jesus Builds the Kingdom -
We Can Have Purpose (1:14-15)
In what way is the Kingdom of God already here? In what way is it yet to come in the future? How is repentance related to confession and obedience? Compare and contrast the words belief, faith, and trust. Why are these words used in connection with the Kingdom of God?

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