Lesson 6 – Highlighting the Holy One

John 18:19-40

I. Into our History:

A. Suggested Ice-Breaker: Tell the group about a time when you had to take an unexpected test and how it affected you.

B. Introductory Questions:

i. Question: We find in scripture that God's dealings with his people often involved times of testing. Can you think of an example in scripture where someone was tested?

· Abraham asked to kill his son Isaac. (Gen 22)

· Joseph's ascent to authority. ( Gen 37-41)

· Moses leading the exodus. (Ex 5-13)

· David’s journey to the throne. ( I Sam 16-II Sam 5)

ii. Question: In these examples, we find a common thread: After God had spoken, the following events seemed to contradict with what God had said. Why do you think this was so?

The Lord always wanted to be sure that His men/women had their faith in Him and not in the circumstances. Pr 3:5-6, Ps 37:5

II. Into the Bible:

A. Character Defined:

The book of James tells us: “…To count it all joy when our faith is tested because when it is tested it produces "Godly character".-Ja 1:2-4 (paraphrase mine) Character, good or bad, represents the "real you" inside. Character is not what we try to be, pretend to be, intend to be or even want to be. It is who we are right now in our walk with Christ.

It has been said, "When we are pressed against the wall (tested), what oozes out shows our true character."

Luke 6:43-45: ⁴³ "For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. ⁴⁴For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. ⁴⁵The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.”

B. Character Demonstrated:

Read-John 18:19-40 - Here we see the character of two men who were being tested, Peter and Jesus.

i. Peter’s Demonstration of Bad Character:

a. Question: What characteristics do you see oozing out of Peter's life?

· What Peter said he would never do, he did. Mt 26:33-35

· Peter, being gripped by fear, gave way to compromise. Pr 29:25

b. Question: Do you think that tests reveal more about you, to you, than to others?

Typically, we are oblivious to personal character flaws, which are perfectly obvious to others. In the case of Peter, Jesus was well aware of the cowardice that he himself was ignorant of. Peter learned more about himself that day. More than Jesus learned about Peter. Who knows, perhaps those closest to Peter (like his brother Andrew) had observed a pattern of tough talk backed up with nothing. Perhaps someone like Andrew wasn’t surprised at all by Peter’s defection.

ii. Jesus’ Demonstration of Good Character:

a. Read Galatians 5:22 together.

Galatians 5:22: ²² “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

b. According to John’s account, what fruit do we find in Jesus' response?

· Faithfulness - Jesus was neither afraid nor ashamed of what He taught; though He was vulnerable, He refused to compromise what He believed.

· Peace - Jesus was willing to fully trust His Father no matter what the outcome. Mt 26:39

· Self-control - Jesus lived by His Father's word (Mt 4:4), and refused to retaliate. Mt 5:39

III. Into our lives:

A. Suggested questions for application:

i. Question: Peter or Jesus? Who do you identify with the most this year? Why?

ii. Question: How do you view the trials in your life? Do you see them as circumstances to endure and hope to get through as quickly as possible? Or do you see them as tools God is using in your life to help you grow? Is your response one of complaining, or one of thanksgiving?

iii. Reminder: Remember Romans 8:28, and that God's purpose is: "His image in us". - II Cor 3:18, II Peter 1:2-4

B. Prayer