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About the greatest need of a Christian.

To open this study, I will paraphrase a key point from a message of the late Dr. Chartles Stanley.

— Any success we have in moving towards God’s goals in our lives, will depend largely on the amount of time we spend alone with Jesus.

— In that great teaching message, Pastor Stanley made the point that if Christians were asked what they think is most necessary in their walk with the Lord, they might reply about the need of Prayer; Reading His Word (The Bible); Worshipping Him; Serving Him; or Fellowshipping with other Christians.

— These are all good answers, however, Jesus Himself tells us the answer in Luke 10:38-42… (ESV) Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  (39)  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.  (40)  But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”  (41)  But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,  (42)  but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Let’s dig into the teachings of Jesus found here in Luke 10:42… (Mark the correct answer.)

(Vs. 38-39) Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  (39)  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.

— Q1. Jesus is invited into the house of…

a) community leaders.     b) two sisters, Mary and Martha.     c) religious leaders.

— Q2. Jesus accepts their gracious invitation and when He comes into their home…

a) Martha is busy preparing things.     b) Mary just sits at His feet listening to Him.     c) Both a & b.

(Vs.40) But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”

— Q3. Here God’s Word tells us that Martha…

a) is doing the right thing.     b) Martha has the right focus.     c) has been distracted.

— Q4. When Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, she also asks if…

a) He is hungry.     b) He cares about her.     c) He’s washed His feet.

(Vs.41-42) But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,  (42)  but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

— Q5. When Jesus tells Martha, “you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.” He is saying that He…

a) is looking forward to all her preparations.     b) values something more than her preparations.

— Q6. So, now that we have read about the lesson that Jesus taught Martha… What is the one NEED a follower of Jesus has that is the better of all the necessities in our relationship with Himself?

a) A fine banquet for our Lord.     b) A spotless house.     c) To spend time at His feet.

Perhaps you can identify with an experience of seeking His Holy Spirit’s presence… (Maybe as you worshipped in church, or in a time of prayer, or while attending a specific service where all were seeking God for the needs of the body of believers.)

— Q7. When you came into the presence of the Holy Spirit in these settings, was it a one-on-one meeting or did you stand in His presence as a group?

a) It’s always a personal and wonderful experience.     b) I have stood in His presence accompanied by friends.

I’d be curious to hear of (Answer b) experiences.

• Jesus knows we need to spend PERSONAL time with Him.

• Fellowship with Christians is wonderful, however, you must find personal time to be in His presence.

We’ll close with a call to share some of your own experiences, and the emotions you felt when you came into those special direct encounters with God’s Holy Spirit.

— If you’ve never had that encounter, we can pray that you may experience that wonderful in-filling power.

You can share your own experiences, or ask for more information about this by using the comment forms provided. (KK)

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