Discipleship

A Companion for One-on-One Study

The HELM

The key to living a victorious, Spirit-filled Christian life is Christ as the Center. When Christ is at the control center of your life, you are yielding to Him, allowing Him to direct all interests of your life. With Christ directing, life is on a steady course, becoming increasingly more effective. This dependence on Christ should be the desire of every Christian.

The HELM illustrates the CHRIST-DIRECTED LIFE. The following topics of study are essential for living that life:

Christ as the Center

Galatians 2:20ESV

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

John 15:5ESV

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Colossians 1:27ESV

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Assurance of Salvation

1 John 5:11-13ESV

And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

John 5:24ESV

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 1:12ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Attributes of God

1 Chronicles 29:10-13ESV

Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: "Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name."

Revelation 4:11ESV

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

Revelation 15:3-4ESV

And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

The Bible

1 Peter 2:2ESV

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.

2 Timothy 3:16ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Joshua 1:8ESV

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Prayer

Matthew 7:7ESV

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Philippians 4:6-7ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 15:7ESV

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

The Spirit-Filled Life

1 Corinthians 2:14-15ESV

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.

Ephesians 5:18ESV

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-18ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Fellowship

Matthew 18:20ESV

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Hebrews 10:24-25ESV

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

1 John 1:3ESV

That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Witnessing

Matthew 4:19ESV

And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Romans 1:16ESV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

1 Peter 3:15ESV

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Temptation

Romans 6:13-14ESV

Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Hebrews 2:18ESV

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

James 1:13-14ESV

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Obedience

John 14:21ESV

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.

Romans 12:1-2ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Luke 6:46ESV

Why do you call me "Lord, Lord," and not do what I tell you?

1. Assurance of Salvation
Introduction
Intellectual Commitment INTELLECT
Emotional Commitment EMOTION
Volitional Commitment WILL
Additional Questions
2. Attributes of God
Introduction
Attributes of God Alone
Relational Attributes
The Holiness of God
3. The Bible
Introduction
Hear & Read
Study & Memorize
Meditate
Review & Goals
4. Prayer
Introduction
Foundations of Prayer
The Practice of Prayer
Praying with Confidence
Thought Questions
5. The Spirit-Filled Life
Introduction
Who Is the Holy Spirit
Three Types of Lives
How to Be Filled Being filled with the Spirit by faith
Walking in the Spirit
Thought Questions
6. Fellowship
Introduction
Members of One Another
Honor One Another
Be of the Same Mind
Admonish One Another
Submit to One Another
Serve One Another
Bear With & Encourage
Summary

Session 1

Assurance of Salvation

Knowing you belong to Christ

Introduction

The HELM - a ship's wheel illustrating the Christ-Directed Life with CHRIST at the center

In order for you to grow in your relationship with Christ, there must be an assurance of salvation, an assurance that you are His child.

John 1:12ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

God promises to make you His child when by faith you receive Him into your life. He would never mislead you. God is trustworthy and His Word is trustworthy. You can know that you are His and that you have eternal life.

1 John 5:11-13ESV

Becoming a Christian involves receiving Christ, the gift of God's love and forgiveness, by faith. It results in a threefold commitment to a Person. It is a commitment to Him of one's intellect, emotions and will. Our relationship with Christ can be illustrated by the requirements for a marriage relationship, which ideally must contain these same three ingredients: the intellect, the emotions and the will.

Self-Directed Life

S -- Self is on the throne
+ -- Christ is outside the life
Interests are directed by self, often resulting in discord and frustration

Christ-Directed Life

+ -- Christ is in the life and on the throne
S -- Self is yielding to Christ
Interests are directed by Christ, resulting in harmony with God's plan

For example, a man may be convinced intellectually that the woman who is his intended bride is the "right" one for him. He may be involved emotionally and love her with all his heart, but marriage requires more than the intellect and the emotions. It also involves the will. Not until the man and the woman, as an act of the will, commit themselves to each other before a minister, do they become husband and wife. The two words "I do" make the difference. So it is in our relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not enough to believe intellectually in Christ, nor is it enough to have an emotional experience. Though both are valid, one does not become a Christian until, as an act of the will, he receives Christ into his life as Savior and Lord.

Intellectual Commitment

INTELLECT

Let us examine each of the three elements of Christian commitment. Christianity is not "a blind leap of faith." It is built upon historical fact, documented by centuries of scholarship and research. Many leading scholars have dedicated their lives to investigating the life, teachings, death, resurrection and influence of Jesus of Nazareth. As a result, we have more historical evidence proving His resurrection than we have of the fact that Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo.

"The fact that Christ rose from the dead on the third day in full continuity of body and soul, and passed into a mode of new relationships with those who knew Him on earth -- that fact seems as secure as historical evidence can make it."
-- Professor Edwin Selwyn, The Approach To Christianity

Who Is Jesus

That good news was the message of the revolutionary New Testament church. It is a revolutionary message today. It is a fact of history.

1. State in your own words what you think Jesus meant when He made the following claims:

a. John 10:30-33

John 10:30-33ESV

I and the Father are one. The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?" The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God."

b. John 14:8,9

John 14:8-9ESV

Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?"

2. State in your own words what others thought of Jesus Christ:

a. The apostle John (John 1:1,14)

John 1:1,14ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

b. Thomas (John 20:25-28)

John 20:25-28ESV

So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe." Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

c. His enemies (John 5:18)

John 5:18ESV

This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

3. Who do you say Jesus Christ is and why?

The Trinitarian Triangle

Jesus of Nazareth was conceived by the Spirit and was born of the virgin, Mary, almost 2,000 years ago. Hundreds of years before, the great prophets of Israel had foretold His coming. The Old Testament, which was written by many individuals over a period of 1,500 years, contains more than 300 references to His coming.

At the age of 30, Jesus began His public ministry. In the three years that followed, He gave man the formula for a full and abundant life and for the life to come. The life Jesus led, the miracles He performed, the words He spoke, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascent to heaven -- all point to the fact that he was not mere man, but more than man.

Mohammed was merely a prophet; Buddha (by his own admission) was an agnostic; Confucius was an ethical leader -- but Jesus claimed to be God. He asserted His deity when he said:

John 10:30ESV

I and the Father are one.

John 14:9ESV

Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?"

Why Did Jesus Come?

1. What problem does Romans 3:23 say we have?

Romans 3:23ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

2. What solution does 1 Peter 3:18 offer?

1 Peter 3:18ESV

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.

3. What is the significance of the resurrection? (1 Peter 1:3)

1 Peter 1:3ESV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites periodically brought animals to the priest to be sacrificed. The priest sprinkled its blood on the altar as a temporary covering for the sins of the individual making the sacrifice. These animals had to be perfect, without spot or blemish, in order for the sin of the one making the sacrifice to be transferred to the innocent offering. This was the picture of the coming of God's Lamb, the One whose blood would not just cover man's sins temporarily, but would wash them away forever.

Hebrews 9:22ESV

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

The Cross Bridge diagram showing how Jesus bridges the gap between man and God

Romans 6:23ESV

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8ESV

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

In order to become a Christian, then, you must honestly face the claims of Jesus Christ and believe intellectually that He is God, that He died for your sins and was buried, that He rose again, and that He wants to come into your life and be your Savior and Lord.

Emotional Commitment

EMOTION

An emotion is a feeling or reaction to a specific act, event or experience. The failure to distinguish between different emotions has caused many people to be confused in their relationship with God.

People Respond Differently Emotionally

1. What was the Apostle Paul's experience? (Acts 22:6-10)

Acts 22:6-10ESV

"As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'"

2. What was Lydia's experience? (Acts 16:14)

Acts 16:14ESV

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

3. What was Timothy's experience? (2 Timothy 1:5)

2 Timothy 1:5ESV

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

Since we are emotional creatures, emotions are a normal part of our life. Different personalities respond differently. One person may have high emotional energy, while another may be calm and reserved. Because emotions vary greatly, they should not be depended upon. Seeking an emotional experience has caused many to lack the assurance of a vital relationship with God.

Romans 1:17ESV

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."

Hebrews 11:6ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

The very act of seeking an emotional experience, therefore, contradicts the very thing that pleases God. Faith is another word for trust, and our faith must be placed in the person of God.

Do Not Depend on Feelings

Assurance is based on the authority of God's Word. When you meet God's conditions, as revealed in His Word, you can be assured that you are a child of God. The Christian lives by faith (trust) in the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word.

1. FACT: The facts about the Christian life are in the Bible. Does a fact change?

2a. Do our feelings change?

2b. What determines whether our feelings are up or down?

3a. If we put our faith in feelings determined by circumstances, what will our faith do?

3b. If we put our faith in facts that don't change, what will our faith be like?

God gives us a threefold confirmation that Christ is in our lives:

Threefold confirmation: Trustworthy Word, Confirming Holy Spirit, Changed Life produce Assurance

First, we have the external evidence of the Word of God. Assurance is based on the authority of God's Word.

1 John 5:9-13ESV

If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Second, there is the internal witness of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:16ESV

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Our changed lives are a third witness to the fact that we are Christians.

1 John 2:3-6ESV

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Volitional Commitment

WILL

In addition to the intellect and the emotions, becoming a Christian and being sure that you are a Christian involves the will. Christ emphasized the importance of man's will in relation to the assurance of salvation.

John 7:17ESV

If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

According to these words of Christ, unless you are willing to obey the truth, you will never know the truth; unless you are willing to walk in the light, you will never see the light.

Facts to Put Your Faith In

1. God sent His Son; faith in Him saves you. John 3:15-18,36

John 3:15-18ESV

that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

a. To whom does the "world" refer?

b. What does God promise?

c. What is our part?

d. What is His part?

e. Will you have eternal life or condemnation?

2. Your sins were forgiven. Read Colossians 2:12-14.

Colossians 2:12-14ESV

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

a. How many of your sins were forgiven?

b. Why might you still be haunted by guilty feelings?

c. What can be done about unconfessed sin? (1 John 1:9)

Pause and Reflect

Why not pause now and claim God's promise of forgiveness in 1 John 1:9 for any sins that you are aware of in your life.

3. You become a child of God. Read John 1:12,13.

John 1:12-13ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

a. What people are born into God's family?

b. When you received Christ what did you become?

4. You received eternal life. Read 1 John 5:11-13.

1 John 5:11-13ESV

a. Where is eternal life to be found?

b. If a person has Christ, what else does he have?

c. Do you know that you have eternal life?

d. On what basis?

e. Could you lose eternal life tomorrow? (John 6:37-40; Hebrews 13:5)

Deciding on the Basis of Facts

1. Is salvation something you earned? Ephesians 2:8-10

Ephesians 2:8-10ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

On what basis did you obtain salvation?

How do good works relate to your salvation?

2. Do you have the assurance that Christ is in your life?

Are you sure that if you died right now, you would spend eternity with God in heaven?

A Suggested Prayer

"Lord Jesus, I need You. I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."

3. If you have invited Christ into your life, where is He right now?

By what authority do you know?

Additional Questions

Additional Thought Questions

1. How does a marriage relationship illustrate requirements for our relationship with Christ?

2. What are the facts of the Gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)

3. How might your emotions cause you to doubt your relationship with God?

4a. Threefold confirmation -- first:

4b. Threefold confirmation -- second:

4c. Threefold confirmation -- third:

1 Corinthians 15:3-6ESV

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.

Attributes of God

Getting to know who God is

Introduction

The Christ Directed Life - ship's wheel with CHRIST at center

We are able to submit to the lordship of Christ as we get to know Him. Only as we get to know Him will we be able to trust Him with every area of our lives. Ignorance of God and what He is like leaves us in a life of doubt and distrust. We need to hunger for knowledge of God, searching the scriptures that we might learn of Him.

"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God" (1 Chronicles 22:19).

1 Chronicles 22:19ESV

Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD.

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:1,2a).

Psalm 42:1-2ESV

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

"Come near to God and He will come near to you" (James 4:8).

James 4:8ESV

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

"Plunge yourself in the Godhead's deepest sea; be lost in His immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated. I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead."
-- C.H. Spurgeon,

Knowing God is critical for living our lives. The world becomes a strange, mad and painful place for those who do not know God. Not to know God is to stumble and blunder through life blindfolded, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what is happening around you. In addition, our worship is only as pure as our thoughts of God. The mightiest thoughts the mind can entertain are the thoughts of God. Therefore, our ideas concerning God should correspond to that which is true of God. True worship allows God to manifest His attributes in our lives. We must "worship God in the splendor of His holiness."

Psalm 96:1-13ESV

Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity." Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Look up the first half of Psalm 46:10 and write it out:

Psalm 46:10ESV

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

What is it I am supposed TO KNOW about God in order to know Him? As we see some of God's ATTRIBUTES, we will see the things we are to know about God that help us to "cease striving," to "be still."

Attributes of God Alone

1. Sovereign
2. Eternal
3. Omniscient
4. Omnipresent
5. Omnipotent
6. Immutable
There is nothing resembling them in a created being or spirit.

Relational Attributes

7. Righteous
8. Just
9. Love
10. Truth (Veracity)
Attributes belonging to God, which are also seen in God's relating to mankind. Limited manifestations of these are seen in His created beings and spirits.

Attributes of God Alone

1. God Is Sovereign

The word sovereign means chief, highest or supreme. When we say that God is sovereign, we are saying that He is the number one ruler in the universe.

Psalm 103:19ESV

The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

2 Samuel 7:28ESV

And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant.

1 Chronicles 29:10-13ESV

The idea of sovereignty is an encouraging one, for it assures the Christian that nothing is out of God's control and that His plans do triumph.

Because God is sovereign, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: Today I choose to give up my demand for that promotion on my job and to stop fretting about it.

2. God Is Eternal

There has never been a time when God did not exist. He has no beginning and He has no end.

Isaiah 44:6ESV

Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god."

Revelation 1:8ESV

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

1 Timothy 1:17ESV

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Being eternal, God is not bound by time. Having always existed He sees the past and the future as clearly as the present. With this perspective, He has a better understanding as to what is best for our lives. Knowing this, we should be willing to trust Him with our lives.

Proverbs 3:5-6ESV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Because God is eternal, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: I've been impatient with God about answering my prayer! I choose to trust His eternal perspective. His timing is perfect, not mine.

3. God Is Omniscient

God possesses all the knowledge there is to have. Nothing ever takes Him by surprise.

Hebrews 4:13ESV

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Job 42:2ESV

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."

Isaiah 40:12-14ESV

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?

Think of His omniscience in relation to the certain salvation of the believer. If God knows all then obviously nothing can come to light after salvation which He did not know when He saved us. Knowing all about us, He still forgave our sins and accepted us into His forever family.

Because God is omniscient, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: I praise Him because of His forgiveness! I've been fooling myself about something. I choose to be completely honest with myself and with Him about this.

4. God Is Omnipresent

God is infinite and everywhere present through all time and space.

Jeremiah 23:24ESV

Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.

Proverbs 15:3ESV

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Deuteronomy 31:6ESV

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Colossians 1:17ESV

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

If God is everywhere, it is foolish to think we can hide from Him. In the Old Testament Jonah tried to run from God, but he ended up as fish bait. On the other hand, it also means that today a believer may experience the presence of God at all times and know the blessings of walking with Him in a most vivid way.

Because God is omnipresent, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: I purpose to be aware of God's presence. I'll thank Him and listen to Him and talk with Him about everything all through the day.

5. God Is Omnipotent

God is all powerful, having more than enough strength to do the sum total of all things.

Philippians 3:20-21ESV

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Psalm 147:5ESV

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

Ephesians 3:20ESV

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.

Because God is all powerful, the believer is kept secure in his salvation. Our salvation comes because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). Furthermore, God's omnipotence is seen in His power to create (Genesis 1:1), in His preservation of all things (Hebrews 1:3), and in His providential care for us.

Because God is omnipotent, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: I'll continually praise Him for his power to keep me as His own. I do not need to be fearful because I have a powerful, loving God.

6. God Is Immutable

God never changes in His nature or attributes.

Numbers 23:19ESV

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Psalm 102:27ESV

But you are the same, and your years have no end.

Hebrews 13:8ESV

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The Bible contains thousands of things that God has promised to do for those who belong to Him. He can be trusted to keep His Word.

Because God is immutable, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: I praise Him for His reliability! I've been meaning to memorize His promise in Romans 8:37-39. I'll start today.

Romans 8:37-39ESV

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Relational Attributes

7. God Is Righteous

It is impossible for Him to do or cause anything that is wrong.

Deuteronomy 32:4ESV

"The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he."

Isaiah 45:20-25ESV

"Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.' Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and shall glory."

Psalm 111:1-3ESV

Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

2 Corinthians 5:21ESV

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Because God is perfect, He demands perfection from those who desire to be in His presence. Jesus said, "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This impossible standard shows us that salvation is not humanly possible (Matthew 19:23-26) but must rely on God's grace.

Because God is righteous, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: I've been thinking I can change myself if I just try hard enough. It's pride! Dear Lord, I submit to You; have your way in my life.

8. God Is Just

It is impossible for Him to do anything that is unfair, either to Himself or to man.

Revelation 15:3-4ESV

2 Thessalonians 1:3-10ESV

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering -- since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

2 Timothy 4:8ESV

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

God's justice is most applicable in the area of judgment. When men stand before God to be judged they will receive full justice. This is both a comfort (for those who have been wronged in life) and a warning (for those who think they have been getting away with evil).

Romans 1:18ESV

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

Because God is just, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: I'll trust God's fairness and not depend on my understanding about that problem I've been talking to Him about.

9. God Is Love

God is perfect infinite love. His love is given freely and without any consideration of the loveliness or merit of the object.

John 3:16ESV

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Romans 8:37-39ESV

1 John 3:16ESV

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

Godly love is that which seeks good for the object loved. Love expresses itself in action. God is our example. He demonstrated His love for us in sending Jesus to die in our place (Romans 5:8).

Because God is love, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: I purpose to spend daily time with God. I want His love to flow through me and change me. I know I can't truly love that person I work with unless He does it through me.

10. God Is Truth (Veracity)

He is absolute truth.

Psalm 33:4ESV

For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.

Titus 1:2ESV

In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.

In John 18:38, Pilate asked, "What is truth?" Man is constantly searching for truth, but in sources other than God. Jesus said, "I AM the truth," but man has suppressed the truth in his unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). He has exchanged the truth of God for lies (Romans 1:25). When a person comes to Jesus, his quest for the truth ends and freedom begins. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).

Because God is veracity, what thoughts, attitudes, and actions does He desire for me today?

Example: These circumstances I am going through now are so hard! But I purpose to trust God and His Word no matter what.

The Holiness of God

"Holy is the way God is. To be holy He does not conform to a standard. He is that standard. He is absolutely holy with an infinite, incomprehensible fullness of purity that is incapable of being other than it is. Because He is holy, all His attributes are holy; that is, whatever we think of as belonging to God must be thought of as holy."
-- A.W. Tozer, The Holiness of God

Read Revelation 4 and Isaiah 6:1-8

Revelation 4:1-11ESV

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."

Isaiah 6:1-8ESV

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for." And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me."

What is your response to 1 Peter 1:14-16?

1 Peter 1:14-16ESV

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

Read Psalm 139 and Psalm 145

Psalm 139:1-24ESV

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night," even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 145:1-21ESV

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

The Bible

Making the Bible yours

Introduction

The Christ Directed Life - ship's wheel with CHRIST at center, THE BIBLE spoke highlighted

The Bible is the foundational element in a Christ-directed life, and it is from the Bible that you learn all of the other basics for the Christian life. As God speaks to you through the Scriptures, you come to know Him and to love Him, to understand and obey His principles for life and ministry.

When you have a vital personal intake of the Word of God, you will grow spiritually.

2 Timothy 3:16-17ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The "how" of learning and applying the Scriptures to life is something every Christian should know. This lesson covers the five ways to make the Bible yours.

Hand holding Bible - five fingers labeled: Hear, Read, Study, Memorize, Meditate

Compare the five methods of learning from the Bible to the five fingers of your hand. If you hold the Bible with only one or two fingers, it is easy to lose your grip. But as you use more fingers, your grasp of the Bible becomes stronger.

This is also true spiritually. If a person memorizes, studies, reads and hears the Word -- and meditates on it, his grasp of the Bible becomes firm and part of his life. As the thumb is needed in any combination with any finger to complete your hold, so meditation combined with hearing, reading, study and memory is essential for a full grasp of God's Word.

Psalm 119:17ESV

Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.

Hear & Read

1. Hear It

Romans 10:17ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

a. What kind of heart will best hear and use the Word? Read Luke 8:15, and check the correct answer.

Luke 8:15ESV

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

An honest and good heart

An alert and cautious heart

An open but indifferent heart

A well-trained, scholarly heart

b. In proclaiming the Word, what can pastors and teachers do? (Nehemiah 8:8)

Nehemiah 8:8ESV

They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

Most Christians hear the Word of God preached. But only a few learn the profit of absorbing what they hear. To retain what you hear, take notes on the Scriptures used and on the main points of the sermon.

c. Whom did Jesus say would be blessed? (Luke 11:28)

Luke 11:28ESV

But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

2. Read It

Revelation 1:3ESV

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

a. List reasons for daily reading the Bible. (Deuteronomy 17:19-20)

Deuteronomy 17:19-20ESV

And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.

b. Write out Revelation 1:3 in your own words.

A daily reading program which will take you systematically through the Bible is something many Christians use as a regular part of their daily devotional time.

Dr. Harry Ironside, when 14, was concerned over not having read through the Bible as many times as he was years old. By the time he was 21 he had caught up. Later in life he was far ahead.

Study & Memorize

3. Study It

Acts 17:11ESV

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

a. How does Proverbs 2:1-5 indicate we should study the Word?

Proverbs 2:1-5ESV

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

b. What should be our goal in studying the Bible? (2 Timothy 2:15)

2 Timothy 2:15ESV

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Study is more than just careful reading -- it requires writing down what you discover. Reading is faster than study and gives you the overall picture. But study helps you think -- and remember.

Suggested Bible Study Tools (for long-term investment)

Halley's Bible Handbook (Zondervan Press)
Unger's Bible Dictionary (Moody Press)
The Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Moody Press)
Young's (Eerdman's Press) or Strong's Concordance (Royal Publishers)

4. Memorize It

Psalm 119:9,11ESV

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

a. In your own words, state what God wants us to do about His Word.

1. Deuteronomy 11:18a

Deuteronomy 11:18ESV

You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

2. Proverbs 7:3b

Proverbs 7:3ESV

Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.

b. Consider Matthew 4:4,7,10.

Matthew 4:4,7,10ESV

But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'"

1. How did Jesus overcome Satan's temptations?

2. Do you see any way you might apply this example to your own situation?

c. In Colossians 3:16, what do you think "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly" means?

Colossians 3:16ESV

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

d. Write out Psalm 40:8 in your own words.

Psalm 40:8ESV

I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

"I know of no form of intake of the Word which pays greater dividends for the time invested than Scripture memory."
-- Dawson Trotman,

After 24 hours you may accurately remember:

Retention Statistics

5% of what you hear
15% of what you read
35% of what you study
57% of what you see and hear
But you can remember 100% of what you memorize

Memory Plan

Decide on a memory plan and follow it. You remember an idea best if you express it; in fact, learning is improved as more senses are involved. Expression makes impression.

Steps to Memorize Scripture

1. Repeat it.
2. Explain it.
3. Put it in your own words (personalize it).
4. Discuss and understand its meaning.
5. Review -- silently and aloud, over and over, looking for correct emphasis and pertinent meaning.
6. Review -- with another person. Test each other.

Meditate

5. Meditate on It

Psalm 1:1-3ESV

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Meditation is prayerful reflection with a view to understanding and application -- giving prayerful thought to God's Word and your life, with the goal of conforming your life to His will.

Know God's Word and Obey It!

Asking these two questions will help you meditate:

Two Guiding Questions

What is the meaning of this verse based on its context? (There is only one true interpretation.)
How should this verse affect my life? (There are many applications.)

This kind of meditation on God's Word can be done...

Meditation Can Be Done...

...as you hear the Word preached
...as you read the Bible in your daily devotional time
...as you pray and reflect on what you are studying
...as you go over verses you have memorized

a. What promises are made to the person who continually meditates on the Word of God?

1. Psalm 1:2-3

Psalm 1:2-3ESV

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

2. Joshua 1:8

Joshua 1:8ESV

b. Consider Luke 6:45. Do you think meditating on God's Word can affect your speech and actions? If so, how?

Luke 6:45ESV

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

c. Besides being diligent in learning God's Word, what else should we do in order to understand it? (Psalm 119:18,73,125)

Psalm 119:18,73,125ESV

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!

Review & Goals

This chart is to help you analyze your habits for making the Bible yours. As you fill it in, pray about setting new goals.

Self-Assessment: Rate your current Bible intake and set new goals.

Hearing the Word -- Present weekly program:

Hearing the Word -- New goals:

Reading the Word -- Present weekly program:

Reading the Word -- New goals:

Studying the Word -- Present weekly program:

Studying the Word -- New goals:

Memorizing the Word -- Present weekly program:

Memorizing the Word -- New goals:

Meditation on the Word -- Present weekly program:

Meditation on the Word -- New goals:

Quotes on the Importance of Knowing Your Bible

"I cannot too greatly emphasize the importance and value of Bible study...in these days of uncertainties, when men and women are apt to decide questions from the standpoint of expediency rather than on the eternal principles laid down by God Himself."
-- John Wanamaker,

"The Scriptures were not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives."
-- Dwight L. Moody,

"Ignorance of the Bible means ignorance of Christ."
-- Jerome,

"I thoroughly believe in a university education for both men and women; but...a knowledge of the Bible without a college education is more valuable than a college education without the Bible. Everyone who has a thorough knowledge of the Bible may truly be called educated, and no other learning...no matter how extensive...can form a proper substitute."
-- William Lyon Phelps,

Prayer

Communicating with God

Introduction

Ship's wheel with CHRIST at center - PRAYER spoke highlighted

Prayer is the natural overflow of meaningful time in the Scriptures. Prayer to God completes the fellowship element in your relationship with Him. Respond back to God in prayer after He speaks to you through His Word. In this manner, you share your heart with the One who longs for your companionship.

Prayer is how the power of God is unleashed. Personal battles and battles for others are won in prayer and the cause of Christ is thus furthered.

Jeremiah 33:3ESV

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Through prayer you have the power and the privilege to be used for God to help change lives. We do not avail ourselves of this power today primarily due to unbelief. The disciples of the first century knew how to pray and claim in faith the power of our omnipotent God to help change the course of history. We serve the same God today.

Foundations of Prayer

1. What Is Prayer?

a. Prayer is simply communicating with God. It is a dialogue between two who love each other -- God and man.

b. As children of God, we are invited to approach the throne of grace with confidence.

Hebrews 4:14-16ESV

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

2. Who Can Pray?

a. Those who belong to Christ.

Man instinctively prays -- even if only to false gods. There is danger in "ignorant" prayer. Man assimilates the moral character of the object he worships.

Hebrews 11:6ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

It is important that we worship and pray to the only true, righteous, holy and loving God in order that we be transformed into His likeness.

2 Corinthians 3:18ESV

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

b. Those who come to God in the authority and the name of Jesus.

Jesus claims to be the only way to the Father.

John 14:6ESV

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus is the only mediator between God and us.

1 Timothy 2:5ESV

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Jesus promises to give us anything if we ask in His name. Praying in His name means more than a good-luck charm. It means we can petition the Father with all the authority of Christ! We ask in His name on the basis of who He is, not in our own name on the basis of who we are.

John 14:14ESV

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

c. Those who come to God with a clean heart.

Psalm 66:18ESV

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

d. Those who have a forgiving spirit. One of the most frequent hindrances to prayer is an unforgiving spirit. If we hold anything against anyone, we must forgive him in order that the Father may forgive our sins.

Mark 11:25ESV

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

e. Those who come in faith. We must have a believing heart if our prayers are to be answered. Our faith grows through the Word of God. As we learn more of the faithfulness of God and His Word, the more we can trust Him; and the more we trust Him, the more we experience the reality of His love, grace and power in prayer. We cannot conjure up faith. It is only given from God as we rely on His Word and His faithfulness.

Matthew 21:22ESV

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

Romans 10:17ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

3. Why Are We to Pray?

a. To glorify God.

John 14:13ESV

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

b. Because God commands it. We should pray because our loving Father has commanded us to pray without ceasing and because He delights in our fellowship.

1 Thessalonians 5:17ESV

pray without ceasing,

c. To communicate with God. Prayer is not just an "escape hatch" for the Christian -- to get out of trouble and gain his own selfish ends. It is his line of communication with God. We've got to communicate with a person to stay in love with that person. The same is true between us and Christ. If we are going to keep our love from growing cold, we'll have to communicate with Him. Prayer and Bible study are not ends in themselves but rather a means to an end -- communication with our Lord.

d. To have fellowship with God. God waits for us to come to Him in prayer. It is incredible that God wants our fellowship.

Proverbs 15:8ESV

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.

e. Because of the example of our Lord. Jesus Christ made prayer a priority. If He was so dependent upon this fellowship in prayer alone with His Father, how much more should we be.

f. Because of the examples of the disciples and others. The lives of the disciples, and the biographies of great Christians through the centuries, all testify to the necessity of prayer.

g. To achieve results for the glory of God. Prayer does change things. Prayer is the divinely ordained means whereby God moves in the accomplishment of His mighty operations on this earth. The Bible records that weather was changed and people were released from prison because of prayer. God is still in the business of answering prayer. Prayer is the means of becoming a fruitful witness for Christ. The divine order is first to talk to God about men, and then to talk to men about God.

h. To achieve spiritual growth. Just as a child needs food to grow physically, so we need food to grow spiritually. Prayer, which involves our talking to God and God talking to us through His Word, is our major source of spiritual food. We can miss a day without apparent ill effects, but if we continue this practice, we shall become undernourished, losing the strength to live a victorious life and to maintain boldness for a vital witness for Christ.

The Practice of Prayer

4. To Whom Do We Pray?

a. We pray to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Our prayers are validated by Christ and are interpreted to God the Father by the Spirit.

b. Scripture teaches us that we are to pray to the Father (Matthew 6:9; Nehemiah 4:9; Acts 12:5) and to the Son (Acts 7:59; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 12:8,9). As we are praying, who intercedes for us?

Matthew 6:9ESV

Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."

Nehemiah 4:9ESV

And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.

Acts 12:5ESV

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Acts 7:59ESV

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

1 Corinthians 1:2ESV

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

2 Corinthians 12:8-9ESV

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Who intercedes for us in prayer?

Romans 8:34ESV

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died -- more than that, who was raised -- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

According to Romans 8:34:

According to Romans 8:26-27:

Romans 8:26-27ESV

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

5. When Should We Pray?

a. There is a sense in which we pray without ceasing -- talking to God hundreds of times in the course of the day about everything. We need to see everything in relation to God, and to converse with Him about it.

1 Thessalonians 5:17ESV

pray without ceasing,

b. We should also set apart specific times each day for prayer.

Mark 1:35ESV

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Reading and studying the Bible help to prepare us for prayer. Therefore, pray with an open Bible. Talk to God, allow Him to talk to you through His Word.

c. Group prayer should also be a vital part of the Christian's prayer life.

Acts 4:23-24ESV

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,"

Group prayer meetings are often dull and unattractive because Christians who participate have not had a vital prayer life. In spontaneous or conversational prayer, each one prays briefly about one area of praise or petition at a time. Each one may pray several times as directed by the Spirit. For example, the prayer may begin, "Lord I love you." Another follows, "Thank You that You are here today and that we can talk to You, knowing that You hear us." Another may say, "Thank You for Your love that sent the Lord Jesus to die for my sins." One quotes the psalmist, "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised... thank You that I am here and that You have spoken to me." Another petitions, "I pray that You will draw my friend, Jim, to Yourself, so that he may experience the new birth and become a vital witness and disciple for You." Another agrees, "I agree with this prayer, Father. Show us how we can approach him with the Gospel soon." The same person may feel impressed to pray a number of times. However, each prayer should be short, to the point and based upon the Word of God. Don't be afraid of silent pauses.

6. What Should Be Included in Prayer?

The first letters of the following four words form the word "ACTS." Using this as a mental guide for prayer can be a help in maintaining a balanced prayer life.

ACTS prayer framework - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication

A - Adoration

Acknowledging God's character and attributes. It is reflecting on God Himself. Praise Him for His love -- His power and majesty -- His wonderful gift of Christ.

Why is adoration important according to these scriptures?

1 Chronicles 29:11

1 Chronicles 29:11ESV

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.

Psalm 145:1-6

Psalm 145:1-6ESV

C - Confession

Confessing your sins to God. (Some prefer to do this first.) Admitting to God where you have sinned. Be honest and humble. Remember He knows you and loves you still.

Why is confession important?

1 John 1:9

1 John 1:9ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 32:5

Psalm 32:5ESV

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

T - Thanksgiving

Tell God how grateful you are for everything He has given -- even the unpleasant things. Your thankfulness will help you see His purposes.

Why is thanksgiving important?

Ephesians 5:20

Ephesians 5:20ESV

giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Psalm 100:4

Psalm 100:4ESV

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

S - Supplication

Asking God for things. Making specific requests. Pray for others, pray for yourself.

Why is supplication important?

Colossians 1:9-12

Colossians 1:9-12ESV

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Colossians 4:2-4

Colossians 4:2-4ESV

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -- that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Matthew 9:37-38

Matthew 9:37-38ESV

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Matthew 7:7-8

Matthew 7:7-8ESV

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."

Praying with Confidence

7. How Can We Pray with Confidence?

Four imperatives must be followed before we can expect answers to our prayers:

ABIDE

What does Jesus say about abiding?

John 15:7ESV

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

If our lives are yielded to Him and His Word abides in us so that we know His will -- we can ask for anything we wish, because our will is to do His will. Abiding is walking in the Spirit with no sin unconfessed and with a spirit of total availability to God.

ASK

If we expect answers to our prayers, what must we do?

James 4:2-3ESV

You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

What did Jesus say?

John 14:14

John 14:14ESV

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

John 16:24

John 16:24ESV

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

BELIEVE

What does Jesus promise?

Matthew 21:22ESV

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

God does not require us to have a great faith. We simply are to have faith in a great God. What if we doubt?

What happens when we doubt?

James 1:6-8ESV

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

You must be in tune with the Holy Spirit. You cannot be on the throne of your own life and still pray in faith. A life of faith is experienced only by those who walk in obedience. You will never meet a person who has faith in a great God who refuses to obey the God in whom he is commanded to place his trust.

RECEIVE

By faith receive the answer to your request. If you know you are abiding in Christ, that you are controlled by the Holy Spirit and that you are praying according to the Word and will of God, you can expect God to answer your prayer, so be prepared to receive the answer. Realize that right now you are receiving the answer to your request, and begin to thank God for answering your prayer.

Sincerely believe that God will enable you to accomplish all that He has commanded you to do. Enthusiastically act upon that for which God leads you to pray. Mobilize yourself and others to be obedient in making disciples as commanded in the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:19-20ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Thought Questions

1. What is prayer?

2. On the basis of scripture, who is qualified to pray and to expect God to answer?

3. Why should we pray?

4. Why pray in the name of Jesus?

5. Define "praying without ceasing."

6. Why is it important to have a definite time set aside daily for prayer?

7. What is the value of small group prayer?

8. Define the four aspects of the content of prayer suggested by the letters of "ACTS."

9. Why is faith a prerequisite for answered prayer? Where do we get faith?

The Spirit-Filled Life

Walking in the power of the Spirit

Introduction

Ship's wheel with CHRIST at center - The Spirit-Filled Life

The Holy Spirit lives within every believer. He gives power to lead an obedient, Christ-centered life. It is the Spirit's power that enables you to live like Jesus.

You cannot control yourself and be controlled by the Spirit at the same time. Christ cannot be in control if you are on the throne of your life.

Romans 8:5-6ESV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

A Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit

The Christian life is a great adventure with purpose and power. Christ gave the incredible promise:

John 14:12-13ESV

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

We cannot, in our own energy, accomplish these great works which Christ has promised that we can do. It is Christ Himself -- living within us, in His resurrection power, walking in our bodies, thinking with our minds, loving with our hearts, speaking with our lips -- who will empower us with the Holy Spirit to do these great works.

As the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they received supernatural power that changed them from fearful men into radiant witnesses for Christ. They were used by God to change the course of history. And that power is available to you, to enable you to live a holy and fruitful life for Jesus Christ.

Yet, many Christians do not even know who the Holy Spirit is. Others, knowing Him, do not know how to appropriate His power. Consequently, they go through life without ever experiencing the fruitful life which Christ promised.

Before we can understand why appropriating His power is important for a joyful, victorious life, we need to understand more about the person of the Holy Spirit.

Who Is the Holy Spirit

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

1. Whom did Peter believe the Holy Spirit to be? (Acts 5:3-4)

Acts 5:3-4ESV

But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God."

2. What did Jesus call the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17?

John 14:16-17ESV

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Note: There are two words for "another" in Greek, the language in which the New Testament was originally written:

Greek Words for "Another"

"allos" -- another, but similar (another of the same kind)
"heteros" -- another as distinguished from (qualitative difference)

Jesus said He would send another (allos) just like Himself.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is a Person equal in every way with the Father and with the Son.

The Trinitarian Triangle -- One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Why Did the Holy Spirit Come?

When you received Christ, the Holy Spirit came to live in you, also known as "indwelling" (1 Corinthians 3:16). Look at the following verses and list some reasons why the Holy Spirit came.

1 Corinthians 3:16ESV

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?

Why did the Holy Spirit come?

1. John 3:5

John 3:5ESV

Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

2. John 16:13

John 16:13ESV

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

3. John 16:14

John 16:14ESV

He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

4. Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

What Does It Mean to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?

The word "filled" actually means to be directed and empowered by the Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit came to glorify Christ (John 16:14) and is the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9), to be filled with the Spirit is to be filled with or abiding in Christ. To abide in Christ is to live in dependence upon Him, recognizing that it is His life, His wisdom, His resources, His strength and His ability operating through you, which enable you to live according to His will. Christ lives in us and expresses His life through us by the power of His Spirit: this is one of the most important truths of the Word. Jesus does not want you to live the Christian life. He wants to live the Christian life through you. He calls us to be His hands and feet.

Romans 8:9ESV

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

Galatians 2:20ESV

The apostle Paul confessed this in Galatians 2:20. The Christian's body now becomes Christ's to use as He wills; the mind becomes His to think His thoughts; the will is now yielded to His will.

Paul also says, "...and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." Whose life? The life of the Son of God, the One who loved us and gave Himself for us, the One to whom "all power in heaven and earth is given." Think of it!

Can you grasp what this means? If you yield your will to God the Spirit and acknowledge that Christ is in your life moment by moment, you are in for a great adventure.

1. Read John 15:1-8

John 15:1-8ESV

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."

a. What will be the result in our lives of abiding in Christ? (verse 5)

b. How do we prove we are Christ's disciples? (verse 8)

c. How much can we do without Christ? (verse 5)

d. What is the difference between a small twig that has just begun to abide in the vine, and a large mature branch?

e. Why does the Father prune the branches? (verse 2)

2. What fruit will the Holy Spirit produce in and through your life as a result of His filling you? (Galatians 5:22-23)

Galatians 5:22-23ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

3. What does He want us to do? (Matthew 4:19; Romans 1:13)

Matthew 4:19

Matthew 4:19ESV

And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Romans 1:13

Romans 1:13ESV

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.

Three Types of Lives

Why Are Many Christians Struggling to Follow the Holy Spirit's Lead?

The Bible in 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3 describes the lives of three people.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16ESV

1 Corinthians 3:1-3ESV

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

1. The Bible describes three types of people:

a. V.14 -- The Natural Man:

b. V.15-16 -- The Spiritual Man:

c. V.1-3 -- The Carnal Man:

Three circles representing three types of lives: Natural Man (self on throne, Christ outside), Spiritual Man (Christ on throne, self yielded), Carnal Man (self on throne, Christ inside but not in control)

These circles represent the three lives.

The first circle represents the life of the natural man, the person who has never received Christ. Christ stands outside the door of the heart, seeking entrance. The interests (represented by the dots) of this life are directed by self, often resulting in discord and frustration.

The second circle represents the life of the spiritual man, the person who has invited Christ to come into his life and who is allowing Him to direct and empower his life. When interests are directed by Him, the result is harmony with God's plan.

The third circle represents the life of the self-centered person (of the flesh; carnal) who has received Christ, but who lives in defeat.

Natural Man

S -- Self is on the throne
Cross/Christ is outside the circle
Interests directed by self
Results: Fear, worry, gross sin, discord, frustration

Spiritual Man

Cross/Christ is on the throne
S -- Self is yielded
Interests directed by Christ
Results: Peace, power, joy, purpose, harmony

Carnal Man

S -- Self is on the throne
Cross/Christ is inside but not in control
Interests disordered
Results: Fear, worry, gross sin, up-and-down experience

Describe the self-centered, worldly person, as presented in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3:

The self-centered man is trusting in his own efforts to live the Christian life. He has an up-and-down spiritual experience. He cannot understand himself -- he wants to do what is right but cannot. He fails to draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Name five or six deeds of the flesh. (Galatians 5:19-21)

Galatians 5:19-21ESV

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

3. What is the solution to self-centeredness? (Galatians 5:16)

Galatians 5:16ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

A Christian is worldly/self-centered when he develops an attitude of running his own life rather than allowing Christ to do so. You do not become self-centered simply by committing sins, but by refusing to confess your sins and allowing God to fill you once again with His Spirit. This is a life long process called sanctification where a believer becomes more holy in the transformation process from the "carnal man" to the "spiritual man".

How to Be Filled

Being filled with the Spirit by faith

How Can One Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?

1. We receive Christ by faith. How then do we allow Him to control our lives moment by moment? (Colossians 2:6)

Colossians 2:6ESV

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

2. What is faith and why is faith so important? (Hebrews 11:1,6)

Hebrews 11:1,6ESV

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

3. What are we commanded to do in Ephesians 5:18?

Ephesians 5:18ESV

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

From the moment of spiritual birth, the Christian is indwelt by the Spirit at all times (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 1:13-14). Though all Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, not all Christians are filled (controlled and empowered) by the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13-14ESV

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Being filled with the Spirit is not a once-and-for-all experience. There are many fillings. In the Greek language, in which the command of Ephesians 5:18 was originally written, the meaning is clearer than in most English translations. This command of God means to be constantly and continually filled with the Holy Spirit, being directed and empowered by Him as a way of life.

4. Read 1 John 5:14-15.

1 John 5:14-15ESV

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

a. What does God promise in these verses?

b. Is it God's will that you be filled with the Spirit?

c. Will God fill you with the Spirit if you ask Him? Why?

How to Pray in Faith to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit

We are filled with the Spirit by faith alone. However, true prayer is one way of expressing your faith. The following is a suggested prayer:

"Dear Father, I need you. I acknowledge that I have been in control of my life; and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ's death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to take control of the throne of my life. Cleanse my heart and fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as you promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I now thank You for taking control of my life and filling me with the Holy Spirit."
-- , A Suggested Prayer

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, you can bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.

Did you ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit?

Do you know that you are now filled with the Holy Spirit?

On what authority?

Spiritual Breathing

The Christian life, properly understood, is not complex. Actually, the Christian life is very simple. Yet, it is so difficult that no one can live it! This paradox occurs because the Christian life is a supernatural life. The only one who can live it is Christ.

If I try to live the Christian life in fleshly effort, it becomes complex, difficult and even impossible. But if I invite Jesus to direct my life; if I know the reality of having been crucified with Christ and raised with Him by faith as a way of life; if I walk in the light as God is in the light -- then the Lord lives His abundant life within me in all of His resurrection power. I have fellowship with God and the blood of Jesus, His Son purifies me from all sin (1 John 1:7).

1 John 1:7ESV

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Be Sure That You Are Filled with the Spirit

Go to Him in prayer and His Word.

1. Confess and Repent

If you retake the throne, the control center of your life, through sin -- a deliberate act of disobedience -- pray. Confess what you've done and ask for forgiveness. God's Word promises in 1 John 1:9 that, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Confession ("homologeo" in the Greek) suggests agreement with God concerning our sins. Such agreement involves at least three considerations.

1 John 1:9ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Three Aspects of Confession

First, acknowledge that your sin or sins, which should be named to God specifically, are wrong and are therefore grievous to God.
Second, acknowledge that God has already forgiven you through Christ's death on the cross for your sins.
Third, change your wrong thinking (repentance) that leads to wrong attitudes and actions. The power of the Spirit will enable you to change your conduct. Instead of doing what your fleshly self wants to do, you can now do what God wants you to do.

2. Claim by Faith the Fullness of the Holy Spirit

Next, surrender the control of your life to God. Trust Him now to direct and empower you, according to His command to "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). Read Romans 6:12-14.

Romans 6:12-14ESV

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

3. The Spirit Reveals Sin (Read Psalm 139:23,24)

Psalm 139:23-24ESV

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Continue to pray whenever the Spirit reveals a sin which you need to confess, and lean on His Word, guidance, and strength as you go on walking in the Spirit by faith.

Pay attention when the Spirit reveals something that needs to be confessed. You can ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin in your life that needs to be addressed.

Avoid being overly introspective. Do not probe within yourself, looking for sin to confess. Confess only what the Spirit impresses you to confess. Believe in God and His Word. Do not seek an emotional experience.

If you genuinely hunger and thirst after God and His righteousness, if you have confessed your sin, surrendered the control of your life to Christ and asked God to fill you, believe that you are filled by faith on the basis of His promise. God will prove Himself faithful to His promise.

Do not depend upon feelings. The promise of God's Word, not our feelings, is our authority. The Christian is to live by faith, trusting in God Himself and His Word.

Walking in the Spirit

How to Walk in the Spirit

You will discover that your relationship with the Holy Spirit is both critical and progressive: critical in that at a point in time you discover how to appropriate His power by faith; progressive in that you learn how to grow and mature in the Spirit-controlled walk by faith.

A Christian who has walked in the Spirit by faith for many years will generally demonstrate more of the fruit of the Spirit in his life and be more fruitful in his witness for Christ than one who has just discovered how to walk in the Spirit. You will become aware of new areas of your life that need to be surrendered to the control of the Spirit. When you do become aware of such an area -- an attitude or an action that is displeasing to the Lord -- simply confess your sins through prayer and repent.

Although you have no power in yourself to walk in the Spirit, you do have the ability to choose to have the Spirit do the walking (Romans 6:16). As you choose by faith, you can rely upon the Spirit to supply the power. As you walk in the Spirit by faith, practicing turning to God in prayer and His Word for guidance, you need never again live in spiritual defeat for more than a few minutes. There are many Bible verses regarding being filled by the Holy Spirit. Praying His promises and truth written in His Word are great to incorporate into your prayers. Demonstrated in the previous prayer example under the HOW TO PRAY IN FAITH TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT section, you will find that scripture was referenced multiple times. You can too. For example, "Lord Your Word says ... I pray You would guide my every step so that I may walk in Your ways."

Romans 6:16ESV

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Personal Application

The Spirit-filled life is an obedient and abiding life. Begin each day by asking God to cleanse your life according to 1 John 1:9.

Present your body to the Holy Spirit according to Romans 12:1-2, and ask Him to keep you filled with His power.

Romans 12:1-2ESV

Consciously practice praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance throughout the day and be in His Word daily.

Questions to Consider

Are we putting ourselves in opportunities to grow? Am I reading my Bible daily and filling myself with His Word? Am I memorizing scripture and treasuring it in my heart and mind? Am I surrounding myself with good council that can help keep me accountable and is willing to admonish me? Am I approachable to be admonished? Am I putting myself in situations where iron can sharpen iron as Proverbs 27:17 says? Am I spending time with God asking for Him to guide me? Am I listening and following His will for my life?

Proverbs 27:17ESV

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Live by Faith

1. How does our faith grow? (Romans 10:17)

Romans 10:17ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

2. Why is faith so important? (Hebrews 11:6)

Hebrews 11:6ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Faith is another word for trust. Faith must have an object. We do not have faith in faith itself. For example, a person could have great faith that the ice on a pond is thick enough to support his weight. Through his faith, he may boldly walk out on thin ice and get very wet. On the other hand, a person who may have a very weak faith may move slowly out onto very thick ice. As he walks on the ice and realizes its ability to support his weight, his faith in the ice increases. This is where apologetics enters the picture. The term apologetics is the rational defense made of the Christian faith shared with nonbelievers. We are encouraged to supply reason for our faith in 1 Peter 3:15. It's not "faith in faith" -- belief because we "want it to be so", a common accusation of unbelievers. There's more than adequate evidence to support biblical claims and concepts.

1 Peter 3:15ESV

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

In the Christian life, we place our faith, even a faith that may be weak, in a trustworthy God and His Word. The better we know God, the more we can trust Him, and the more we trust Him, the more we experience the reality of His love and power. Faith is like a muscle -- it grows with exercise.

3. Read examples of those who exercised faith. (Hebrews 11:32-34) Give an example of how you can exercise faith today.

Hebrews 11:32-34ESV

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Emotional feelings are the by-product of faith and obedience. There is nothing wrong with emotions. Thank God we have them. We do not depend upon feelings or emotions to live a Spirit-filled life. We simply place our faith in the trustworthiness of God and the promises of His Word. Feelings will eventually come in the life of faith, but we should never depend upon feelings or look for them. The very act of looking for an emotional experience is a denial of the concept of faith. But don't be surprised or upset if feelings do come.

4. Giving thanks is a practical way to demonstrate faith especially before prayers are answered.

a. What does God promise us in Romans 8:28?

Romans 8:28ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

b. What are we commanded to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:18?

1 Thessalonians 5:18ESV

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

c. What is a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit? (Ephesians 5:20)

Ephesians 5:20ESV

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Have you learned to say, "Thank you, Lord," when your heart is broken because of the loss of a loved one? Do you thank God when your body is wracked with pain? When you receive a "Dear John" letter terminating a love relationship? When you have financial reverses? Do you thank God when you are discriminated against personally, religiously or racially?

Giving thanks under all circumstances demonstrates your faith in Him. You are saying, "God, I trust You." "I thank You that in whatever adversity we go through You work for the good of those who love You." (Read Romans 8:28)

The Bible does not say to feel thanks, but to give thanks as an act of the will.

Thought Questions

1. Who is the Spirit?

2. Why did the Spirit come?

3. What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?

4. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what kind of fruit does the Spirit produce in the life of a person who is yielded to Him? Circle those qualities especially needed in your life.

5. Why are so few Christians experiencing the filling of the Spirit?

6. What is the relationship between being filled with the Spirit and becoming mature as a Christian?

7. What are some practical benefits which you can expect as a result of being filled with the Spirit?

8. How do the following two concepts complement each other?

Ephesians 5:17-21ESV

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

a. Being filled with the Spirit, and

b. Letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly? (Colossians 3:16-17)

Colossians 3:16-17ESV

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

9. Is the filling of the Spirit a once-and-for-all experience, or is it something that will need to be repeated? Why is it important to understand and remember this?

10. Will a person who is filled with the Spirit be perfect?

11. Explain why each of the following factors is needed as heart preparation in order to be filled with the Spirit:

a. A desire to live a life that will be pleasing to God.

b. A willingness to surrender the control of your life to God.

c. Confession of any known sin in your life.

12. How is one filled with the Spirit?

13. How does the command in Ephesians 5:18 and the promise of 1 John 5:14-15 relate to knowing that you are filled with the Spirit?

14. Why is it important to realize that we are filled with the Spirit on the basis of faith alone and not on the basis of works of any kind?

15. What is the relationship between faith, fact and feeling in reference to the filling of the Spirit?

16. In light of Ephesians 5:18 and 1 John 5:14-15, why is seeking an emotional or ecstatic experience a repudiation of the principle of faith? According to Hebrews 11:6, can this be pleasing to God? Why?

Ephesians 5:18ESV

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

1 John 5:14-15ESV

Hebrews 11:6ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Fellowship

Living as members of one another

Introduction

Believers gathered together as the body of Christ

Christians are neither higher nor lower than other people. Someone has said, "The ground is level at the foot of the cross." And all Christians have the privilege of being intimate members of God's family.

You are to learn from others and to encourage one another. There is a certain chemistry that takes place as Christians get together to build each other up. This cannot be accomplished if you are isolated from other Christians. Read Hebrews 10:24-25.

Hebrews 10:24-25ESV

Ephesians 4:16ESV

from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

God desires that every believer be a functioning member of a local church -- a local "body" or "family" of believers. Let's look at several passages that show our relationship to one another.

Members of One Another

Romans 12:5ESV

so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

The New Testament states that Christians are "members of one another." Paul used an illustration to get this point across -- the human body. What is the similarity between the "human body" and "Christ's body -- the Church" according to 1 Corinthians 12:14-27?

1 Corinthians 12:14-27ESV

For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Read Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 where Paul describes the functioning body of Christ:

1. Can an individual Christian function effectively by himself? Why or why not?

If a speck of dust blows into your eye, you instinctively rub it with your finger. Is a debate necessary to get your finger to help your eye? Should any member of Christ's body say, "I don't need you" to another member? Why or why not?

2. Should any member of Christ's body feel more important than another member of Christ's body? Does any Christian have exclusive rights to God's grace?

How should you think of yourself in light of:

Romans 12:3

Romans 12:3ESV

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Ephesians 4:2

Ephesians 4:2ESV

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Though one person may have a more responsible position, in God's sight even the person who may go unnoticed is just as important and necessary in the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12ESV

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

3. Christians should work hard at keeping the unity of the Spirit in the body of Christ. "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts" (1 Corinthians 12:12). What does Paul communicate to us in 1 Corinthians 1:10?

1 Corinthians 1:10ESV

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Most biblical references to the functioning body of Christ focus on local churches. Why does God want us to be a functioning member of a local church?

What does the comparison between the "human body" and "Christ's body -- the Church" mean to you?

Romans 12:10ESV

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

This exhortation introduces another analogy to illustrate the functioning church. It is the family unit. The concept of the family adds a dimension of warmth, concern and loyalty. The term "brotherly love" refers to the love that should exist within family units. Applied to the church, it refers to the love God wants us Christians to have for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the family of God! The word "brothers" is distinctly a "family term." When it refers to Christians, it means "fellow believers." It means we have all been "born again" into God's forever family.

To "be devoted" refers to the mutual love of parents and children and husbands and wives. Christians are to be just as devoted to each other as are the individual members of a close-knit family unit. We are indeed "blood brothers," for in Christ "we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Ephesians 1:7). Christians begin as infants in Christ and go through stages of development. In our immaturity we can fall into patterns of self-centered behavior, but as we mature spiritually in Christ, our lives will reflect His nature.

Ephesians 1:7ESV

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Philippians 2:3-4ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

What are we exhorted to do? (Philippians 2:3-4)

God loves you right now as much as He ever will. Our thoughts and actions may grieve Him, but His love and goodness toward us never change. What would be His desires for you concerning the following attitudes and actions toward other members of your "Christian family" and why?

Self-examination -- attitudes and actions toward your Christian family:

1. Do I spend most of my time thinking about myself rather than others?

2. Do I spend time praying for myself or others?

3. Am I forgiving toward others?

4. Or am I basically angry and resentful?

5. When I am hurt, do I withdraw or do I continue to be involved with other people?

6. Do I fear rejection or do I reach out to others?

7. Do I humbly consider others better than myself?

8. Do I look to the interests of others?

Honor One Another

Romans 12:10ESV

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

The example is given of an excellent musician -- a pianist extraordinary, who desires to help other people "look and sound good" -- especially when he accompanies them. He is admired not so much for his musicianship but for his honoring others above himself. He always makes sure his volume does not compete with the vocalist. His music enhances the other's presentation rather than detracts from it. He assists the singer in hitting difficult notes and even covers up a person's mistakes. He is always excited and satisfied when a vocalist he has accompanied is honored by others for a job well done. He is an example to us. Every Christian should strive to make other believers "look and sound good." Every Christian should rejoice when others achieve, when others are honored, when others are successful. When this happens, the body of Christ will function beautifully and mature and grow in Christ.

Proverbs 27:17ESV

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

John 13:1-17ESV

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand." Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you." For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "Not all of you are clean." When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."

Christ set the example in honoring others above Himself.

How did Jesus honor His disciples? (John 13:1-17)

How could you sincerely honor someone else this week?

Be of the Same Mind

Romans 15:5ESV

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

Satan's strategy involves destroying unity among Christians. He is the author of confusion, insensitivity and false doctrine. In the Bible we discover the power whereby Satan's strategy can be defeated. It's the power of "one-mindedness" in the body of Christ. In Christ's prayer to the Father in John 17, He made a request -- that His disciples might experience unity and oneness. What did Jesus pray? (John 17:11)

John 17:11ESV

And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

What did Jesus pray? (John 17:11)

It is a visible unity -- a oneness -- that reveals the essence of the Gospel. And that essence comprises the fact "that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:19). Christ was indeed God in the flesh. He was (and is) one with the Father.

2 Corinthians 5:19ESV

that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

John 20:30-31ESV

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

If unity is destroyed in Christ's body, then the most powerful means of communication to lost men that Christ was God is destroyed. When that message is obliterated or even blurred, man is doomed to eternal despair.

Can man come to know God apart from coming to know Christ (John 20:30-31)?

Explain your answer:

How does disunity among believers destroy the communication of the gospel message?

The ingredient in the church that convinces non-Christians that Jesus was God is unity -- being of "the same mind with one another." This represents a miracle because men everywhere tend toward disunity. When non-Christians see true unity and true oneness, their hearts cry out to be part of that kind of love.

Romans 15:7ESV

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

In at least three areas Christians have historically violated the injunction "accept one another" by judging one another (legalism), in showing partiality (prejudice), and by not being reconciled to one another (bitterness).

1. Judging One Another

Romans 14:1ESV

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

To sit in false judgment on other Christians is a violation of the exhortation to accept one another.

Romans 14:3ESV

Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

Romans 14:20-21ESV

Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

Romans 15:1ESV

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Judging one another:

What are we reminded to do in Romans 14:3?

Why are we not to judge each other in areas that are not specified as sin?

What does Paul write to the strong in faith? (Romans 14:20-21, 15:1)

If we are mature Christians, we will be sensitive toward our brothers and sisters in Christ who are not as strong as we are. We will be careful to do nothing that would cause them to stumble and fall into sin. If these two attitudes are working at the same time in a local family of believers, unity will emerge.

2. Showing Partiality

Romans 12:16ESV

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

James 2:9ESV

But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:9 states, "If you show favoritism, you sin." Prejudice, favoritism and discrimination in the body of Christ violate the law of God. Furthermore, they violate the nature of the functioning body of Christ. We are all one. Every member is important -- rich or poor, young or old, weak or strong, and no matter of what race! If we show favoritism, we also destroy the unity, harmony and oneness in the body of Christ which Christ and Paul both prayed for and commanded.

3. Not Being Reconciled to One Another

Read Ephesians 2:11-22. Cultural, racial, national and religious barriers are broken down when people are brought near to God by the blood of Christ. There is peace between peoples that formerly were enemies when they are both members of the body of Christ. All believers have the same access to God the Father because the same Spirit dwells in them. Together we are being constructed into a spiritual temple of God.

Ephesians 2:11-22ESV

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands -- remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:15-16ESV

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Not being reconciled to one another:

Is there a relationship in your life which still needs the walls knocked down? How can that be done?

Verse 19 "... you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household..." Does this truth affect the life of your church? How?

Does this truth affect your personal life? How?

As maturing disciples what should be our concern about the whole body around the world? (Ephesians 4:15,16)

Admonish One Another

Romans 15:14ESV

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

To confront a Christian about his sin is difficult. However, it is a great sign of love to be willing to risk rejection. And if admonishment is done in the right spirit, with the right motive, using an appropriate method, the person who is not living a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ usually senses the risk you are taking. Though that person may have difficulty acknowledging it at that moment, down deep he really knows.

Romans 15:14 identifies the basis for being competent to instruct (or admonish) one another:

Luke 6:41-42ESV

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.

Fill in the basis for being competent to admonish:

1. Be "full of ______" (i.e., living a holy, Christlike life). Christians who are sensitive about their walk with God are capable -- and responsible -- to admonish other Christians. This is not "judging others." But we need to "clean up our own act" before we try to help someone else "clean up" his/her act. (Luke 6:41,42)

2. Be "filled with all ______." In order to admonish another, we need an adequate knowledge of God's Word. Admonishment must be based upon God's specific will -- not on what we think other Christians should or should not be doing.

There are helpful guidelines in scripture treating the concept of admonishment. Admonishment must be:

Acts 20:31ESV

Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

1 Corinthians 4:14ESV

I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

Guidelines for Admonishment

1. Done with concern and love (Acts 20:31). Speak the truth in love.
2. Personal. That does not mean there is never general admonishment. When a particular Christian has a particular problem, it is better to make exhortation a private matter.
3. Persistent if it is to be effective.
4. Done with pure motives. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn (admonish) you, as my dear children" (1 Corinthians 4:14).
5. A natural outgrowth of proper body function. There are two types of admonishment -- preventive and corrective. We are to warn each other to stay away from sin (preventive counseling). Preventive counseling should be consistent in the church as the body of Christ functions as a group.

Colossians 3:16ESV

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Matthew 18:16-18ESV

But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Galatians 6:1ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

See Colossians 3:16 and Matthew 18:16-18. Underline the guidelines you need to remember.

Do you need to admonish someone(s)?

What is the reminder in Galatians 6:1?

Submit to One Another

Ephesians 5:21ESV

submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

The word "submit" is used in relationships of one Christian with another. We are to submit to one another in the fear of God. The concept of "submission" is used by biblical writers to describe a variety of Christian relationships. Young men are to submit to older men. All members of Christ's body are to submit to the authority of their leaders. Servants are to submit to masters. Children are to submit to parents. Christians are to submit to leaders in government. Wives are to submit to husbands.

Christians who are in positions of authority must also function with a submissive attitude. Husbands are directed to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Fathers are to deal sensitively with their children. Elders are commissioned to be "servants." Masters are to treat their servants fairly.

Ephesians 5:21-6:9ESV

submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Read Ephesians 5:21-6:9. How might Paul's instructions be misused apart from the context of these verses?

Mutual submission even by those who are in authority, is a distinctive concept made possible by Christ. Christ brought a whole new approach to functional relationships between people. In the world there is no "mutual submission." Man basically operates out of selfish motives. He has little or no interest in helping others reach their goals -- except when it might benefit himself.

Philippians 2:5-11ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

How did Christ demonstrate submission? (Philippians 2:5-11)

How did Christ demonstrate submission?

What was His attitude?

In Christ, believers have the potential to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Even those who have positions of authority -- elders, husbands, masters (in our day, employers) -- are to relate to others with an attitude of submission.

Explain the concept "mutual submission" in your own words. Give examples.

Serve One Another

Galatians 5:13ESV

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Being a servant implies practical involvement in doing good to all men (Mark 10:35-45), especially to fellow believers (Galatians 6:10). God is glorified as non-believers see our servanthood demonstrated in good works (Matthew 5:16) which help to meet people's spiritual, physical, mental and social needs (Matthew 25:31-45).

Mark 10:35-45ESV

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Galatians 6:10ESV

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Matthew 5:16ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 25:31-45ESV

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'"

In "serving one another in love" we find true freedom in Christ. Our deepest needs are met in legitimate ways. We are not used by one another. We are not put on a performance standard. Our relationship with others can be truly satisfying. This is true freedom! As unbelievers we are "prisoners of ______" (Galatians 3:22). But in Christ we are set ______ (Galatians 5:1).

Galatians 3:22ESV

But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Galatians 5:1ESV

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Fill in from Galatians 3:22 and Galatians 5:1:

As unbelievers we are "prisoners of ______" (Galatians 3:22).

But in Christ we are set ______ (Galatians 5:1).

Titus 2:11-14ESV

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

James 1:13-14ESV

"Freedom in Christ" Does Not Mean

1. Freedom to sin. To have this attitude is to misuse, abuse and misunderstand the grace of God. Read Titus 2:11-14.
2. Freedom from the temptation to sin. Read James 1:13,14.
3. Freedom from servanthood. Rather than using others to indulge our sinful nature, we are to "serve one another in love." The Christian who wants to experience true freedom in Christ must live in total commitment to Christ. Being a "servant to Christ" also involves serving other members of the body. Turning our lives over to Christ also means turning our lives over to each other. Our responsibility to one another is greater because we are members of the family of God.

Galatians 5:22ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

How do you "serve one another in love"? This can be evaluated by how you are reflecting "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22) in your relationships:

1. Do you express Christian love to others?

2. Is there evidence of joy in your life?

3. Is there peace and unity with others?

4. Are you showing patience with others?

5. Are you kind in your actions and attitudes?

6. By your acts are you demonstrating goodness?

7. Are you faithful to others?

8. Do you demonstrate gentleness with others?

9. Do you control yourself in conversations and general life style?

Referring back to 1 Corinthians 12:14-27, where we learned that we all contribute value to one united body, read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. You could also take a Spiritual Gift Survey that can point out some of the greater strengths and talents that God has given you that can be used to honor and glorify Him. This doesn't limit you to only serving in the ways you're good at or comfortable in. You can also work on serving and growing in an area out of your comfort zone. Some examples of gifts, services, and activities are exhortation, hospitality, giving, wisdom, and administration to name a few.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11ESV

1 Corinthians 12:14-27ESV

After taking the Spiritual Gift Survey, write down your result and seek guidance through prayer of how you could use that gift to serve.

Bear With & Encourage

Bear With One Another

Ephesians 4:2ESV

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

The word "bear" in Ephesians means to be tolerant toward Christians: to bear with them; to patiently endure their idiosyncrasies and weaknesses; to have a forgiving spirit toward others who may sin against us.

Colossians 3:12-13ESV

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

What are we to clothe ourselves with? (Colossians 3:12-13)

What are we to clothe ourselves with?

Why are we to forgive?

When we are tempted to be impatient with one another, we need to think about Christ and His attitude toward us. This was Paul's secret. The Lord's longsuffering and patience toward him marked his life (1 Timothy 1:15-17) and gave him unusual tolerance toward others. Seeing himself as the worst of sinners and experiencing God's love and patience in saving him caused Paul to respond to others with the love and patience of Christ.

1 Timothy 1:15-17ESV

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-3ESV

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

As people of God whom He has called, what is His desire for us stated in Ephesians 4:1-3?

Bearing with one another and having a forgiving spirit are synonymous concepts. Some Christians carry grudges for years. This is out of character for a follower of Jesus Christ. How ungrateful for a Christian to hold a grudge against a fellow believer when Christ has cancelled our own debt of sin.

Patience, forbearance and forgiveness are not automatic actions that follow conversion to Christ. These involve deliberate acts of the will. Every person who has an unforgiving spirit chooses to do so. If you choose to forgive, this is a process to follow:

Ephesians 4:32ESV

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

1 John 1:9ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Forgiveness Process

1. Ask God to reveal any sins in your life.
2. List your sins on a piece of paper. Be completely honest; this is just between you and God.
3. Remember that resentment, hatred, and bitterness are sins. Read Ephesians 4:32. You may have been hurt at some time in your life. Unforgiven hurt can set us up to become slaves of resentment, hatred, and bitterness. We tend to hold on to the wrongs done to us by others which will ultimately poison all our relationships. The only way to be free of this bondage is to forgive (by an act of the will, release the offending person). Since Christ was willing to forgive our offences, who are we to refuse to forgive those who have offended us? What is to be gained by clinging to our hurt and bitterness? Are you willing to obey?
4. List people who have offended you. If you have anyone to forgive, write (for each person): Lord, I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what that person did to hurt me) even though it made me feel (painful memories or feelings).
5. After completing your list, write over it the promise of 1 John 1:9.
6. Thank God for the forgiveness He provided for you through what Christ did on the cross.
7. Tear up the list and throw it away.

Encourage One Another

1 Thessalonians 5:11ESV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Christians are to build up and edify one another. No one Christian can build up all other believers in a local church. God's design is that every Christian be a functioning part of the body of Christ; that every Christian contribute to the process.

Paul commended the Thessalonian Christians for their concern and love for one another. They had learned the importance of mutual encouragement, exhortation and comfort. He knew the primary means for mutual encouragement -- God's truth!

1 Thessalonians 2:13ESV

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

Matthew 24:35ESV

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Encouraging one another:

Why is God's Word the primary means Christians are to use to "encourage one another" and "build one another up"? (Matthew 24:35)

What are some Scriptures that have especially encouraged you recently?

Scripture is so important in building up others in the body of Christ. As we learn God's Word, then we will be ready to share the Word with others who are in special need of encouragement. How can we encourage one another with Scripture if we are not familiar with Scriptures? Our need is to study the Bible -- not only for personal growth, but also to assist others in their growth.

How does the discipling of others encourage them?

In what wrong way could God's word be used which would discourage another person?

Have you been encouraged by another Christian recently? How?

Who could you encourage this week and how?

Summary

In the "body of Christ," the church, every member contributes to its success (becoming all that God desires it to be).

God Desires His Church to Be a Group of People Who Are

Members of one another
Devoted to one another
Honoring one another
Of the same mind with another
Accepting of one another
Admonishing one another
Submitting to one another
Serving one another
Bearing with one another
Forgiving one another
Encouraging one another

Which of these "one anothers" is God impressing on you to make changes in your life or to take action?

Before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His disciples, then He prayed for all believers:

John 17:20-23ESV

"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."

Why is Jesus praying for unity (oneness) in John 17?

In light of Jesus' prayer, what is His purpose and desire for you as a member of a local family of believers?

Discipleship

The HELM

Christ as the Center

Assurance of Salvation

Attributes of God

The Bible

Prayer

The Spirit-Filled Life

Fellowship

Witnessing

Temptation

Obedience

Contents

Assurance of Salvation

Self-Directed Life

Christ-Directed Life

Who Is Jesus

The Trinitarian Triangle

Why Did Jesus Come?

People Respond Differently Emotionally

Do Not Depend on Feelings

Facts to Put Your Faith In

Pause and Reflect

Deciding on the Basis of Facts

A Suggested Prayer

Additional Thought Questions

Suggested Reading

Attributes of God

Attributes of God Alone

Relational Attributes

1. God Is Sovereign

2. God Is Eternal

3. God Is Omniscient

4. God Is Omnipresent

5. God Is Omnipotent

6. God Is Immutable

7. God Is Righteous

8. God Is Just

9. God Is Love

10. God Is Truth (Veracity)

Read Revelation 4 and Isaiah 6:1-8

Read Psalm 139 and Psalm 145

Suggested Reading

The Bible

1. Hear It

2. Read It

3. Study It

Suggested Bible Study Tools (for long-term investment)

4. Memorize It

Retention Statistics

Memory Plan

Steps to Memorize Scripture

5. Meditate on It

Know God's Word and Obey It!

Two Guiding Questions

Meditation Can Be Done...

Quotes on the Importance of Knowing Your Bible

Suggested Reading

Prayer

1. What Is Prayer?

2. Who Can Pray?

3. Why Are We to Pray?

4. To Whom Do We Pray?

5. When Should We Pray?

6. What Should Be Included in Prayer?

A - Adoration

C - Confession

T - Thanksgiving

S - Supplication

7. How Can We Pray with Confidence?

ABIDE

ASK

BELIEVE

RECEIVE

Thought Questions

Suggested Reading

The Spirit-Filled Life

A Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

Greek Words for "Another"