15. NAME IN HEAVEN (Luke 10:17-20)
BACKGROUND: For background information, read vs.1 and
9. This text is speaking about the crucial moment in the revival of Galilee - which course would it take? As for question 9.1 look at
Gen.3:15.
- What do you think would happen if the people in our churches had the same power as these 70 had?
- Why did these 70 report only one aspect of their ministry to Jesus?
- Why do people usually enjoy having power and authority?
- When his disciples rejoiced about their success, why didn't Jesus rejoice with
them?
- What is the difference between the joy about one's ministry and the joy about one's name being written in heaven?
- Why is it easier to rejoice about things on earth than about things in
heaven?
- What does the disciple preach whose joy is in his power to drive out demons?
- What does the disciple preach whose joy is in his name having been written in
heaven?
- What should happen in order that we might learn to rejoice about our names having been written in
heaven?
- When and how can our names be written in heaven?
- When and where have you heard such things happen which are described in verse 19?
- In what situation could you muster the courage to trample on snakes and
scorpions?
- Why cannot anything or anybody harm the disciples of Jesus
(vs.19)?
- What do you fear will harm you or your loved ones?
- According to this text, what are the things we don't need to fear?
- What are the things that we should fear?
- Even though many of Jesus' disciples died as martyrs, in what sense is it true that they overcame all the power of the enemy?
- Why was the old serpent (the Devil) allowed to strike the heel of Jesus on the
cross?
- What does this text say to us concerning our ministry?
- What does this text say about "power evangelism"? (If you don't know the term, you can skip the question.)
GLAD TIDINGS: The Bible tells us the fate of those whose names are not written in the book of life in heaven: "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of
fire"
(Rev.20:15). Because Jesus didn't want it to happen to us he prayed as Moses did: "Please, forgive their sin - but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written"
(Ex.32:32).