The focus of this series, Walking with Jesus, is to look at the life of Jesus as presented in the Gospels. We're slowly and simply examining the life of the Lord, from His first movements to His last and it will be as though we were walking alongside Him.

Pastor Don started us off with Jesus INCARNATED on Earth.
Ryan shared with us how Jesus PREPARED for Ministry.
Nick covered how Jesus was COMMISSIONED by the Father.
Jeff looked at how Jesus was TEMPTED in the Wilderness.
Aaron presented about how Jesus was RECOGNIZED as the Lamb of God.
Gary explained how Jesus CALLED His First Disciples.
Pastor Joel brought a unique perspective to how Jesus TURNED water into wine but also turned the disciples faith and their idea of ministry.
Nick shared a simple verse that conveys how Jesus JOURNEYED to Capernaum.
Today Jeff looks at how Jesus CLEANSED the Temple and the difference between conviction and preference.

What makes you angry? When and why is it appropriate?

Anger: A strong feeling of annoyance, irritation, or hostility.
What is God's purpose in human anger?
Anger is designed to motivate us to take positive action when we encounter injustice.
Movie: Just Mercy

In the Old Testament, God typically sent a Prophet to proclaim to the people His displeasures with their evil deeds and call them to repentance. If the people repented, God's anger subsided and all was well. If they did not repent, God took additional action.
Jonah in Nineveh

The disciples have now seen Jesus perform His first recorded miracle. Then they travel with Jesus and His family to Capernaum. Today we find them in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. This is the first of two times that we see Jesus cleansing the temple. The other time occurs at the end of Jesus' ministry.
John 2:13-22

The Temple Mount would have set on 35 acres. Only the priests could enter the Temple (Holy of Holies) which was surrounded by three courts. Israelite men in the closest court, Israelite men and women in the next court. The furthest court from the Temple was the Court of the Gentiles which was the closest any non-Jew could get. This is probably where the vendors were selling oxen, sheep, doves, and where the money changers would have been set up.
The sacrificial animals were sold for a price and the money changers provided a service. But what had begun as a service to the worshipers became price gouging and misuse of the Temple system of worship and this angered Jesus. This sacred place turned into a flea market which left Jesus appalled and outraged.
Look at Jesus' actions here. Were they a conviction? A preference? Or a casual belief?

Conviction: A solid, immovable belief based on confidence in God's Word, being so thoroughly convinced of its absolute truth that we are willing to take a stand regardless of the consequences. A conviction is something that you will die for.
Faith - is standing on God's promises that are unshakable and unchangeable
Family - is God's idea, regardless of how we want to redefine it
Freedom - is to have a choice

Preference: A personal liking or choice for one thing over another. Beliefs we hold at present, but are changeable and may vary throughout our lifetime. Preferences depend on circumstances, which can be altered if something better comes along, and easily abandoned in the face of temptation.

Casual Beliefs: Refers to a belief held without deep commitment or serious consideration. Someone may claim to believe something but not actively integrate it into their life or decision-making process.

The difference between a conviction and a preference according to the U.S. Supreme Court:

Preference: A very strong belief held with great strength. You can give your entire life in a full-time way to the service of the preference as well as your entire material wealth in the name of the belief. You can energetically proselytize others to your preference and the Supreme Court will still rule it as a preference. A preference is a strong belief, but a belief that will change under the right circumstances.

Conviction: A belief that you will not change. Why? A man believes that his God requires it of him. Preferences aren't protected by the Constitution but convictions are. A conviction is not something that you discover, it is something that you purpose in your heart. To violate this conviction would be a sin.

In the Bible, we see Noah as a man of conviction. Genesis 6:9

We may claim that our convictions are a private matter, but they are constantly on display for all to see because we live them out every day with our words and actions. As Christians, we should have Godly convictions that define who we are and determine our lifestyle and choices.

Let's look at six keys to developing Biblical convictions...

1. COMMITMENT to the teachings of Scripture.
Psalm 119:105

2. CONSTRUCTION of actions and attitudes that align themselves with Scriptural teaching (habits).
Mark 12:30-31

3. CONSISTENTLY living out these truths in the real world.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 [NLT]

4. CHECK-UP or evaluation with accountability.
Proverbs 27:17

5. COURAGE to model these in our daily lifestyle and if need be, to stand alone.
Daniel 3:16-18

6. CONFIDENCE in the character and competency of God.
John 3:16

Jesus cleansing the Temple should challenge us to examine our own hearts and practices in worship. Like the merchants in the Temple, we can easily allow worldly concerns to distract us from our true reverence and devotion to God. Just as Jesus overturned the tables, we should invite Him to overturn any selfish motives or distractions that hinder our worship and service to God.

This week:

Read and pray over John 2:13-22 until you can answer three questions:
a) What did God say? (The meaning of the passage in your own words)
b) What is God saying to you? (Specifically, what is God telling you to do?)
c) What will you say about this passage to someone? (Think of one person)

How would you explain the difference between a preference and a conviction? What are some of your preferences? What are some of your convictions?

How has the Bible helped you develop a specific conviction you hold?

When have you made a decision that was not based on your convictions? What was the results of that decision?

On what issues do you need to take a stand based on your convictions?