April 2nd, 2016

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;" (Philippians 2:3)

"It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant," (Matthew 20:26)

"He must increase, but I must decrease." 

(John 3:30)

"Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory."

(Proverbs 11:14)

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life."(Proverbs 4:23)

"But if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care 

of the church of God?" (1 Timothy 3:5)

 

1.  Jesus practiced daily prayer

- Mark 1:35 (NIV): "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." 

- Matthew 14:23 (NIV): "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,"

- Matthew 26:36 (NIV): "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray."

- Luke 6:12 (NIV): "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God."

 
 

2. Jesus expressed control and authority

- Mark 1:23-25 (NIV): "Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 

3. Jesus was a team builder

- Mark 1:17 (NIV): “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

4. Jesus ability to be simple, clear and direct

- Mark 1:15 (NIV): "The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

- Matthew 13:13 (NIV): "This is why I speak to them in parables:“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand"

5. Jesus was not self-promoting

- Mark 3:13-15 (NIV): "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented." 

Gustavo Leão