Eating Right to Stay Fit
March 22, 2011 - “What does your spiritual diet consist of? Although you may be an active church member and a committed Christian, could it be that you are feasting on junk food while starving for the Bread of Life?”
Although you may be an active church member and a committed Christian, could it be that you are feasting on junk food while starving for the Bread of
by Anne Graham Lotz
I love junk food! Every year, our family goes to the State Fair, where we eat our way from one end to the other. Fried onions, fried potato chips, fried pickles, fried Oreos, fried dough … I love anything fried! Then there are candied apples, cotton candy, roasted corn, hush puppies, funnel cakes, homemade ice cream, homemade fudge … the list of culinary delights is endless! By the time I get home, I’m sick … and looking forward to next year’s Fair!
Sometimes as Christians we have a consistent diet of spiritual “junk food.” Our main staples are things with no real nutritional value—political agendas, social issues, music videos, marketing strategies for the local church, along with myriad conferences, retreats, dramas and “special events.” None of these things are harmful in themselves; but when substituted for the nutrition of daily Bible reading and prayer, they make us spiritually sick.
What does your spiritual diet consist of? Although you may be an active church member and a committed Christian, could it be that you are feasting on junk food while starving for the Bread of Life? It’s time to start eating right!
READ JOHN 6:30-40. JESUS HAS JUST FED MORE THAN 5,000 PEOPLE WITH FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISH. HE NOW EXPLAINS THAT THE PHYSICAL MIRACLE HAS A SPIRITUAL MEANING.
I. THE LIVING BREAD (John 6: 30-33)
- What did the people ask for in John 6:30? Why did they ask?
- What proof have you required from Jesus before you will fully commit yourself to Him?
- On what Old Testament story did the Jews base their demand? See John 6:31.
- When have you made a demand of God? What was it? What is the difference between making a demand and claiming a promise?
- How do Christians today confuse their demands with God’s promises?
- In John 6:32-33, how did Jesus correct the people?
- When was the manna gathered?
- How often were they to gather the manna and how long could it be kept?
- Where did the manna come from?
- What difference did it make in their lives?
- What did a person have to do to benefit from it?
- Who does the manna represent? See John 6:32-33.
- Look again at your description of manna and apply each aspect to Jesus Himself.
- What earthly manna is substituted today for the heavenly Man?
- What do you think the people were really asking for in John 6:34?
- How is the request in John 6 similar to that of the Samaritan woman in John 4:7-15?
- Apply the request to things people ask Jesus for today.
- Define the “hunger” and “thirst” that Jesus speaks of in John 6:35. (Compare Matthew 5:6.)
- How does He meet these needs in your life?
- What does Philippians 4:13 say about this lasting benefit?
- When have you experienced rejection, and by whom?
- For comfort and encouragement, see Isaiah 53:1-5 and Hebrews 13:11-15.
- Describe the acceptance Jesus offers in John 6:37, referring to Matthew 27:44; Luke 23:39-43; Ephesians 1:3-6 and Revelation 22:4-5. What does this mean to you?
- Describe the security Jesus promises in John 6:38-39, using John 3:16 and 10:27-30; Ephesians 1:13-14; and Romans 8:31-39.
- According to these verses, what does your eternal security depend on?
- Once you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ and been born again into the family of God, is there anything that can threaten or jeopardize your security?
- What are some of the things people today are placing their hope in?
- What are some popular opinions concerning what happens when a person dies?
- Compare public opinion today with what Jesus said in verse 40. What do the following verses say about that same hope? Hebrews 9:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10; Job 19:26; John 11:25-26 and 14:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:12-22, 50-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Peter 1:3-5.
- From John 6:47-51, what is one primary benefit of “eating right?” Explain in your own words what Jesus meant (see verses 60-63).
A. The Bread Is Not Earthly Manna
B. The Bread Is a Heavenly Man
(Exodus 16:1-21)
Describe the manna, giving verses for each answer:
II. THE LASTING BENEFITS (John 6:34-40)
A. Satisfaction
(John 6:35)
B. Acceptance
(John 6:36-37)
C. Security
(John 6:38-39)
D. Hope
(John 6:40)
What will you do today to improve your “diet?” Would you take a moment now and thank God for the Bread? Then serve it to someone else.
©2011 Anne Graham Lotz
Anne Graham Lotz, founder of Angel Ministries, has proclaimed God’s Word worldwide for more than 30 years. She launched her "Just Give Me Jesus" revivals in 2000 and is an author of 11 books, including "Just Give Me Jesus" and "Magnificent Obsession." For more Anne's ministry, see annegrahamlotz.com.
PRIVACY
