Bible Studies
Defining Moments
In the Life of Christ
Introduction
There are “defining moments” in each one of our lives. Some call it a “pivotal point” in the life of an individual. Within Christ’s earthly life, there were these “defining moments” that you and I should pay attention to. The reason why I would like to study these “moments” with you is because so that they will help us in our walk as believers on this earth. Remember Jesus did not just come to reveal the Father to the world and die on the Cross of Calvary for our sins. He also came to be a perfect example for us to follow. I believe that if we would search the scriptures that cover His life, we would see more examples that He left for us to follow.
These examples are found in the Gospels. If you desire to know about Jesus Christ, then you will find His story in these four books. They should be studied slowly and carefully. His words must be meditated upon if you and I are to understand His Words and gain spiritual insight into the life of Christ and how we are to live this new live in Him.
The Baptism of Jesus Christ
This moving event will be divided into four “defining moments.” In each section, there will be two parts. The first part will be what Jesus experienced. The second part will discuss what we should gain from what the scriptures are saying.
Scriptural Text: Mark 1:9-11; Matthew3:17-17; Luke 3:7-13
Please Note: These “moments” are progressive in Nature.
1. Moment of Decision
Jesus
Jesus had been on the earth for thirty years as a man. He had been born of the Virgin Mary. The angels had rejoiced at his birth. The shepherds in the field, watching their flock during the night, received the good news (the gospel) that the Savior had been born in the world. Even two aged individuals who had been given the Word from the Lord rejoiced to see Jesus when He was brought to the temple for dedication. He had grown up being obedient to His parents. He was a carpenter’s son. He had learned obedience through the training of his parents.
Now Jesus showed His obedience publicly by being baptized by His cousin, John the Baptist. The set time of His being publicly revealed had come. You see God has a time table. Nothing happens without God orchestrating it. All things are done according to His will. This is why you and I must seek to submit to the Lord’s will. We must seek to have our steps ordered by the Lord. Jesus’ steps had been ordered by the Father. From the time that He was born until His death. I am jumping ahead of myself now, but I wanted to make that point. Notice what Galatians 2:20. When the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son made of a woman. Mary had to be born. God had planned for her to be the chosen woman to carry the Messiah. He brought forth her in due season. I am reminded of the scripture in the Old Testament which says that I know the plans I have for you…of good and not evil. A good end. He had a good end for Mary. She was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. The very baby that she would carry in her wound and nurse would grow to be the Second Adam to deliver man from sin. He would grow to be the firstborn of every creature including her! She would not only bring Him forth as a baby, but her own sins would be washed away by that same male child! What kind of God is this? Her womb carried her own Messiah! Her wound carried her own deliverer! Her own lover of her soul! Only God could do something like this! So then the sign that Jesus had to wait for in order to come forth and begin His ministry was John the Baptist.
John the Baptist was born for such a time as this. Elizabeth and her husband, Zachrias had served the Lord all of their lives. Unfortunately, they were unable to have children. Yet they continued to be faithful to the Lord. In their old age, God awakened what today’s doctors would have said was dead. In fact, she was considered dead. The Bible said that she was passed the flower of her age. She was no longer considered of age to bear children. Yet she remained faithful in serving the Lord. In God’s own time, he awakened her womb. God made that older woman strong enough to bring forth that baby. Elizabeth was chosen for such a time as this! She brought forth an anointed baby. For the child leaped in her womb when she heard of what the angel had declared to Mary! What kind of God is this? A God who goes beyond man’s capabilities. When God declares that it is time, it is time! And what I like about it, God will give you the strength to perform His will no matter what your situation is! His will being performed through you is not based upon your ability, but rather it is based upon what the Lord does in you and through you! He endows you with the power to fulfill His will! Nothing will stop the plan and purpose of God!
When God has a plan for your life, nothing will hinder it! It will come forth in due season! We must be patient and allow the Lord to form and shape us. Then when it is time for us to come forth in our calling, then we must move out!
Right Now Application
There comes a “moment” in time where we must accept the call that has been placed upon our lives. As God prepares us, we must prepare ourselves. What do I mean by that? God deals with us through His Word, and we study our gifting(s). As He speaks to us giving us direction about our ministry and giftings, we must prepare ourselves by fasting, praying and reading the Word of God. In some respects, we must also begin to read and study whatever will enhance our gifting. Let me clarify this statement. I have been to teach. How do I prepare myself to go forth in this gifting? I read and study God’s Word. I study the original languages of the Bible. I study the history and geography of the Bible. I begin to write material on the lessons as the Lord reveals His Word to me. I am also a writer. Therefore I am constantly being told by the Lord to write. The Lord has told me that what I hear, I must write. I must write what He reveals to me in the Word. You see Jesus had been preparing Himself for His earthly ministry for many years. His hidden years were not spent in waste. Your hidden years are a season of preparation so that when you come forth, you will be ready to give God’s people what they need.
2. Moment of Identification
Jesus
It was time for Jesus to step forward and identify Himself to those around Him. They had only known Him as the carpenter’s son. It was time for a move back to God, and He would show the way.
You and I
Through baptism we identify ourselves with Christ. We outwardly acknowledge that we believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Will you take the step or will we remain closet believers? A lot of people say that they love God, and that they are serving Him. Yet they will not make that open public confession of their yielding to the will of the Father. If we deny Him, He will deny us. Why should Jesus claim you as His when you will not publicly identify yourself with Him.
3. Moment of Approval
Jesus
Now that Jesus had revealed Himself, He needed the seal of the Father upon His action. The voice of approval came directly to Jesus as He came up out of the water.
You and I
When I thought about this, it came to mind that we must seek the approval of God alone. It is not whether we are approved of men, but rather are we approved of God who called, anointed and appointed us? Some have been called and appointed by man, but they are not anointed by God! They have all the making of a leader, but they have not been in the Presence of God for the precious one-of-kind anointing that can only come from God! That is the most important part of one’s call! You can do all the preparation that you want. You can go to a good seminary or theological school, and graduate top of the class. That means nothing if you are not anointed for the work that God has called you for! Have you spent time with the Father? Are you sure of what direction you are to take? Are you sure that it was God that called you and not man? Check yourself before you wreck yourself!! Ministry is no joke! The devil is real, and you need to be ready to face anything and everything!
4. Moment of Equipment
Jesus
The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove. Symbolically speaking, a dove means gentleness. Jesus walked in gentleness. Jesus came walking in love and conquering in love.
You and I
I refer you to the Love Chapter which is I Corinthians 13. Also when it comes to gentleness, it is a fruit of the spirit as seen in Galatians 3:19-21. Although we may be equipped with varying gifts, each one must be done in love and gentleness. The gifts of the Spirit are placed within the Body of Christ for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ that they might grow and mature in Christ. These gifs are meant to help the Church to be ready when Jesus comes. They are meant to encourage and strengthen the believer.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 3252 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Pamela Williams or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 3252 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.