Category: Studies (Page 6 of 7)

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

~Romans 12:4-5

Materials Needed: Whiteboard or easel.

Notes to the Leader: This is a discussion-oriented study. As Christians, many people define their faith as a once-a-week worship service. Others may define their role as working on a committee or possibly an occasional trip to the homeless shelter. This would be setting the goals too low.

During this study, you will have several opportunities for open discussion while you create lists on the white board or easel. When you close, challenge the group to use the list they built as their action plan or goal for living.

The apostle Paul is most specific in his commentary about spiritual gifts and living lives as Christians. This study explores the beginning of what it really means when we say we have accepted Christ as our Savior. There are many studies available on the web for spiritual gifts. It is recommended that one of them proceed this study. We are assured that each person is given at least one gift. As a Christian it is expected that we will discover that gift(s) and use it.

Introduction

What is it about the Christian faith that should serve to keep us humble?

• Every talent we have, every skill, the very essence of who we are was given to us by our God. We should take no credit for it.

Why is it so important for a Christian to keep a proper perspective (a humble one) concerning themselves?

• God’s work and the examples we have been given by Christ Himself, all show us that no person should have an inflated attitude toward themselves. God’s work for His church is done on one’s knees.

Section One: The Christian Concept of Self

What is the main difference between the world’s teachings of a positive self image and that found in Scripture?

• The world uses man-centered criteria while Scripture teaches us to base our self-concept on one growing out of a personal relationship with God.

Read Romans 12:3 to the group.

What do you think Paul meant when he used the term “measure of faith?”

• The degree of confidence in God which has been given to each of us – one should not think of themselves as having more faith than they really have.
• The extent to which we know and understand the depth of Christian faith – one should not act like they know it all.
• The nature and quality of the gifts we have received – one must remember that their gifts are only part, not the total, of God’s gifts to the church.
• “Because we are accepted by God’s grace, we are not to think to much of ourselves. And because God in His grace has gifted each of us, we are not to think too little of ourselves.” by Walden Howard

What would the guiding principles or rules be for a Christian with regard to their gifts?

• To know ourselves. Be honest about our own capabilities.
• To accept ourselves and use the gift(s) that God has given us.

Note: Paul uses the word, charisma, meaning something coming from God. Each of us has charisma. It may manifest itself in writing sermons, building houses, sowing seeds, wood working, manipulating numbers, playing football or raising children who love God.

Whatever the gift, we must use it.

Have someone in the group read Romans 12:4-5. Be careful of which translation is used. NIV would be clear.

What does interdependence mean?

• Paul is using the body as an example of interdependence. No body part can live separated from the body. Yet when attached, each has a very specific role, some glamorous and some not so glamorous. Yet the parts can accomplish nothing of value on their own either. It is “as a body” that work is done.

What other benefits could come to the group?

Read Ephesians 4:14-16 to the group to help with the discussion.

• We gain a stability and confidence, not responding in fear to every change in our environment.

How is this different from the world’s view?

• The world is teaching independence, self-centeredness and alienation. The Christian’s form of Spiritual Worship, therefore, is to be interdependent, offering ourselves to others, and using our spiritual gifts on behalf of God’s church.

Have someone in the group read Romans:12:6-8.

What are the spiritual gifts Paul talks about?

• Prophesy
• Service
• Teaching
• Encouragement (exhortation)
• Contributing to the needs of others
• Leadership
• Mercy.

Notes: Prophecy does not necessarily mean telling the future. The Greek word for prophet is nabi meaning spokesman. Paul, however, used the word prophetes meaning spokesman for another. We use it to mean “one who speaks for God.” Note that Paul says it is to be used in proportion to the faith that person has been given.

What relevance can you find in these words for today’s Christian?

• God is not calling us to become preachers, evangelists, etc. but only to speak out for God as our faith and hearts compel us to do so.

Note: Serving comes from the Greek word diakonia meaning “wait upon, serve, relieve, assist, supply with the necessities of life, provide the means of living, minister.”
Teaching here is meant to mean the process by which the external Word is translated into personal faith and godliness. The Greek didasko suggests a relationship between the teacher and student, one of caring that knowledge and change is passed on.

• Encouraging comes from a Greek word meaning to invite, challenge, exhort, admonish, persuade, beg, beseech, entreat, implore; to animate one who is lethargic or inactive, encourage, comfort, console, cheer up. The results of encouragement must be to strengthen and renew one’s commitment.
• Contributing comes from the Greek word metadidous meaning sharing or to give a share of. The emphasis is on dividing what one has with others. To have this gift, one would feel an urge to do something for others and must give haplotes, generously, simply, liberally.
• Leadership comes from the Greek word proistemi meaning to preside, govern, superintend. In the way it was used, it means an active, involved type of leadership, not a delegation-style. The leadership is to be carried on with earnestness and diligence.
• Showing Mercy originally came from the Greek word eleeo and stood for emotion aroused by contact with someone who was suffering, a concern for the afflicted that prompts one to give help. Paul encourages them to do so cheerfully.

Do you know of any others?

Have someone in the group read 1 Corinthians 12:8-10

• It adds the message of wisdom, the message of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, distinguishing spirits, tongues (languages), interpretation of tongues.
  Have someone in the group read 1 Corinthians 12:28
• It adds apostles, teachers, ability to help others and administration with the emphasis that God places people where He wants them.

Have someone in the group read Ephesians 4:11

• It adds evangelists, pastors.

Have someone in the group read 1 Peter 4:9-11

• It adds hospitality, and speaking.

Have someone in the group read 1 Corinthians 7:7

• It adds celibacy.

Section Two: What is New with the Christian Society

Have someone in the group read Romans 12:9-17. Use the white board or easel. Work through the verses, re-reading it until you have built a complete list. This is a good lesson on how to pull out of Scripture the essence and meaning of the message. You should have 12 items.

Paul gives us some rules for the new Christian society. What are they?

• Love must be completely sincere.
• We must hate that which is evil and cling to that which is good.
• We must be affectionate to one another in brotherly love. We are one family.
• We must give each other priority in honor. In other words, humility first. No one is better than the next.
• We must not be sluggish in zeal. There is no room for lethargy.
• We must keep our spirit at the boiling point. Read Revelations 3:15-16
• Seize your opportunities as they come.
• We are to rejoice in hope.
• We are to meet tribulation with triumphant fortitude.
• We are to persevere in prayer.
• We are to share with those in need.
• The Christian is to be given to hospitality.

How do you think the Christian church at large holds up to these principles today?

• This is a pure discussion question. Some may think that the Church is fine, others may think that the Church is lacking. When you reach the end of the discussion, ask the next question.

What should today’s contemporary Christian do to uphold or assure that these principles are upheld?

• Again, you should let the discussion go. Build the list on the white board or easel. This list should become the action plan for each member of your group.

Bible Truth Being Taught

We all are living sacrifices and our lives are offerings to God. It should be our goal to be part of a community of faith in which worship is expressed in the way we live together and serve each other, not just on Sunday.

Our Response

To see that worship is not just attending religious services but see it as everyday life lived in loving relationship with God and our fellow Christians in the community of faith.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

~Romans 13:8

Materials Needed: None.

Notes to the Leader: Paul has established that the only reasonable response to God’s grace is to: Offer one’s body to God as a “living sacrifice” in an act of true, spiritual worship; and Allow our minds to be transformed so we no longer think, value, and prioritize according to worldly patterns, but according to the will of God (Romans 12:1-2).

This study examines what it means to be a Christian and respond as Paul has established. This lesson looks at the challenges of obeying both government and God. The study will also cover debt and what the Christian attitude toward debt should be.

How are we to behave and believe if we accept Paul’s position?

• We are to take a sane and humble view of our own importance, not going beyond the boundaries of faith (v. 3).
• We are to see ourselves as interdependent parts of Christ’s body with members belonging to each other (vv. 4-5).
• We are to function within the body with spiritual gifts (graces) that come with each one’s unique personal experience of God’s grace, for the benefit of other members (vv. 6-8).
• We are to live together as friends and family with a view to how they might serve and demonstrate active love for one another (vv. 9-19).

What do you do or how do you act when someone takes advantage of you, cheats you, or hurts you by doing something wrong?

• Human nature pushes us to get revenge, to get even, to hurt them back. Paul, however, is about to set some new standards in this lesson.

Section One: Revenge

What did God do when Adam and Eve wronged God by being deceitful and disobedient?

• While we may not fully appreciate God’s timing, He did send His one and only Son to remove our sins of disobedience and provide us with a way to have eternal fellowship with God? He sent Christ.

Have someone in the group read Romans 12:12:17-19.

Is Paul advocating each Christian to sit back and take it, to become a victim, to be defenseless in an evil world?

• Not at all. Paul is suggesting an offense, a battle strategy. He states, “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” This is hardly passive. Anyone can tell you that it takes a lot of hard work and effort to do what is right in the eyes of God when all you want to do is hit back.

What are the elements of Paul’s offensive strategy?

• No retaliation – We can never do wrong to someone else in the name of God. He does not want us to do so.
• Honesty – the Greek word for “what is right” is kalos, meaning beautiful, good, of good quality, productive; honorable, possessing moral excellence,” etc. To suffer for one’s honesty as a Christian is to be expected, but for a Christian, to suffer for their own dishonesty is a disgrace (1 Peter 4:14-16).
• Peace – We are called to have a reputation of being peacemakers and peacekeepers rather than troublemakers and fighters (Matthew 5:9).
• Patience – We are to leave room for God’s wrath (v. 19) and count to ten. Vengeance does not belong to us, it is not a gift. It belongs to God alone.

Have someone in the group read Romans 12:20.

What are we called to do when our enemies strike out at us?

• Paul falls back on some of Solomon’s own advice, kill them with kindness (read Proverbs 25:21-22).

Why is this so hard for humans to do?

• We want the score settled quickly.
• We are quick to hate and slow to love.
• We believe that somehow this is justice served.
• We do not trust our God nor His words.

Section Two: Our Christian Response to Government

Have someone in the group read Romans 13:1-4.

Who establishes the very authority that allows governments to exist?

• God. If it were not for His patience and grace, nothing could exist.

Is there ever a time that we must follow our government’s commands even when they are in direct violation with the Word and Law of God?

• Never is the only acceptable answer. Remember, it is not our government who we seek to please but our God. Paul uses the Greek word diakonos to describe the role of government.

Do you remember what this Greek word diakonos means?

• One who renders service to another, one who executes a commission, like a minister. It is a servant. It is also the basis for what the Christian church calls a deacon.

Why might the authority and rule used to control people by governments be part of God’s plan?

• Without rules and laws, our society would be chaos. If God would leave a nation without government, anarchy would prevent His people from enjoying His grace.

What is the difference between limited authority and absolute authority?

• Limited authority must be exercised within certain boundaries. In the case of our governments God retains the absolute authority. All government has limited authority.

Have someone in the group read Romans 13:2-5.

Why should Christians (who are part of the world’s real authority system but heirs to the kingdom of God, which will one day overrule all human governments) obey worldly authorities?

• The Possibility of Punishment – The Greek word used to express “judgment” in v. 2 refers not divine but temporal judgment executed by the civil government whose laws have been violated. The Greek word krima means the temporal or judicial sentence which is executed upon the one disobeying the laws of the state. The Christian is called to obey the laws of the state so long as they do not interfere with his faith as contained in the Bible (Titus 3:1; Peter 2:13; Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:1). If for conscience sake, a Christian feels compelled to violate the law, they must expect to suffer the consequences until the law is changed. If legal recourse is open to avoid punishment, it should certainly be taken (see Acts 23:3; 25:10-11).
• A Matter of Conscience – First, the Christian should ascribe to a set of principles higher than the laws of any human government, the principles contained in the Scripture. Second, the Christian has welcomed into their person the presence of the Spirit of holiness, justice, righteousness, and benevolence.

Read Genesis 9:6. to the group.

When did this authority of government over people come about?

• This appears to be the first time that God permitted man the authority to rule over one another and hold each other accountable.

Have someone in the group read Romans 13:6-7.

Why should we honor and respect authorities?

• Because we understand that they are serving God in their offices.

How do we honor authorities?

• Fulfill the obligations of citizenship (i.e., tribute, loyalty);
• Respect those in authority;
• Recognize and honor the office (if they expect honor, give it); and
• No matter how irritating to the paying of taxes might seem, pay them.

Section Three: Our Debt of Love

Have someone in the group read Romans 13:8-10.

What does Paul tell us about our private debts?

• Fulfill all personal financial obligations.
• Directs us to the love debts, the ones that must be paid and the one that can never be paid.

Read Matthew 5:42 to the group.

Is borrowing OK for a Christian to do?

• Jesus permitted borrowing. However, one’s motives must be carefully examined. If indebtedness s evidence of a lack of faith and a covetous lifestyle, this would not fit Christ’s sanity check on borrowing.

What is the debt that can never be paid?

• Love. We can never say that we have loved enough.

What were Paul’s examples on loving?

• Love your neighbor as yourself (v. 9).
• Your response to your enemies (12:17-21).
• Your duties as citizens in a secular society (13:1-7).
• We are to be law-abiding, tax-paying citizens.

Bible Truth Being Taught

The lifestyles of Christians, individually and corporately, are to contrast those of the world.

Our Response

We are to live a life and respond to our neighbors and government in a way that is distinctively Christian.

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

~2 Thessalonians 2:15

Materials Needed: Whiteboard or easel.

Notes to the Leader: This study looks into the Antichrist. Other than Hollywood, the subject of Satan and the Antichrist are not discussed much. However, there are every day examples that remind us, When Christ comes, how will we know its really Him?

To set the stage for the discussion, the Branch Davidians and Waco, Texas are used as examples. Feel free to substitute any current event that parallels the Davidian example. Be aware that events like Waco polarize people and can bring forward extreme opinions or passions. Approach these examples with a careful and non-judgmental presentation.

Introduction

You can substitute events if there is one you believe can be as effective to stimulate discussion.

Do you remember the events in Waco, Texas with David Koresh and his followers?

Background: David Koresh was born Vernon Wayne Howell in Houston, Texas in 1959 to a 15-year old single mother. He never knew his father and was raised by his grandparents. In his late night conversations with FBI agents during the siege, Koresh described his childhood as lonely. He said the other kids teased him and called him “Vernie.” He was dyslexic, a bad student, and dropped out of high school. However, he had musical ability and a strong interest in the Bible. By 12, he had memorized large tracts of it. When he was 20, Koresh turned to the Church of Seventh Day Adventists, his mother’s church. But he was expelled for being a bad influence on the young people. Sometime during the next couple of years, Koresh went to Hollywood to become a rock star but nothing came of it. Instead, in 1981 he went to Waco, Texas where he joined the Branch Davidians, a religious sect which in 1935 had settled 10 miles outside of Waco. At one time, it had more than 1,400 members.

Koresh had an affair with then-prophetess Lois Roden who was in her late sixties. The two travelled to Israel together. When Lois Roden died, a power struggle began between Koresh and Lois Roden’s son George. For a short time, Koresh retreated with his followers to eastern Texas. But in late 1987 he returned to Mount Carmel in camouflage with seven male followers, armed with five .223 caliber semiautomatic assault rifles, two .22 caliber rifles, two 12-gauge shotguns and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition. During the gunfight, Roden was shot in the chest and hands.

He and his followers went on trial for attempted murder. The seven were acquitted and a mistrial was declared in Koresh’s case. (Koresh told the jury he and his men went to Mount Carmel to find evidence of corpse abuse by Roden and their shots were aimed at a tree.) By 1990 Koresh had become the leader of the Branch Davidians and legally changed his name, saying on the court document that the change was “for publicity and business purposes.” He said the switch arose from his belief that he was now head of the biblical House of David. (Koresh is a Hebrew transliteration of Cyrus, the name of the Persian king who allowed the Jews held captive in Babylon to return to Israel.)

Many Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh, died in a controversial, ill-advised U.S. government operation on April 19, 1993. Several survivors are serving time in prison. Currently, there are a number of Branch Davidian factions, such as the ones led by Clive Doyle and Renos Avraam. Surviving Branch Davidians have testified that they considered David Koresh to be God incarnate. Many view the Davidians as a sect (in the sense of ”splinter group”) of the Seventh-Day Adventists movement. Theologically, the various Davidian groups, of which Branch Davidians is best known, are considered cults of Christianity.

How do events such as those at Waco impact your view of religion?

• The answers here are going to be wide ranging and personal. There will be no immediate correct answer at this point in the study. Discussion should be used to create a framework for looking at God’s words on the subject.
• They may take the form of acceptance in the sinful nature of man.
• Waco may stir contempt and even hatred for our government and how the FBI handled this tragedy. Twenty five children died in a fire resulting from the FBI assault.
• Some will view David Koresh as a modern day Satan and others may believe he and his followers died in an ultimate act of faith.

Do you think that David Koresh represents a portrayal of the Antichrist? Why?

• Biblically, the concept of the Antichrist is real. God’s word tells us that their will be those who claim to be Christ or God that will come to confuse and and lead astray.

How can we tell if someone like David Koresh is who he claims to be?

• Look at his life. Ask the question, “Does it reflect the characteristics of Christ? In such an analysis, David Koresh is only making a shallow claim of being Christ.

Read Mark 13:6 to your group.

When Christ does come, how will we know Him?

• By His characteristics: Peaceful, compassionate, sensitive to our discomfort and pain, without sin, humble, not prideful or boastful, loving, patient, kind, etc.

Please expand this list into a mental image of your Savior. Does this image fit David Koresh?

• The images do not overlay well.

How do we learn the characteristics of Christ so that we will not be fooled?

• Through the study of Scripture to have the Word of God firmly planted into our hearts. However, the responsibility of interpretation rests with us so that we are not easily confused. We are to seek God’s word through multiple channels so that the Holy Spirit’s work can provide us the discernment necessary to know the truth.

What would some of the “channels of learning” be?

• Church worship (the sermon)
• Group Bible Study
• Reading Scripture
• Accountable relationships with Godly people
• Reading supplemental materials on the subject of faith and religion
• Observation of a person’s claims and their lives
• Providing service in the name of God (this exposes you to Christ’s real character)

Who is the Antichrist?

Read Revelation 19:20 and Revelation 20:10 to your group.

• One interpretation is that the Antichrist is a supernatural figure.

Read 1 John 2:18-22, 1 John 4:3, and 2 John 1:7 to your group.

• Another view could be that it is the general group of people positioned against Christ.

Why is knowledge of the Antichrist important to each Christian?

• The risk of being deceived is great.

Read Matthew 24:24 to your group emphasizing “even the elect”.

Section One: When Christ Comes

Have someone in your group read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5.

Paul makes two requests of his readers. What are they?

• Do not be upset by false teaching alleged to have come from himself.
• Do not allow anyone to deceive them regarding the coming of the Day of the Lord.

Why is it so important to preserve the integrity of the Scriptures? Do you think that the meaning of the Scriptures is under attack today?

• Man’s intellect can be Satan’s greatest tool. When we allow ourselves to rationalize and analyze to such an extent that God’s original intent is distorted, we have opened the door for our own deception.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Galatians 1:8-9 to your group to close on the last point.

The distorted teaching referred to by Paul is that the Lord has already come. What do you think Paul meant by his comments in verse 3 concerning the “rebellion?”

• There are two basic beliefs:
  • Rapture [our physical uniting with Christ] will occur prior to the Great Tribulation [the establishment of Christ’s rule on earth]
  • Rapture will occur during the period of Great Tribulation.
• Paul emphasized:
  • Our rescue [1 Thessalonians 1:10].
  • Being alert [1 Thessalonians 5:6-7].he purpose of the Rapture [1 Thessalonians 5:9], not to suffer wrath but to receive salvation. Paul is assuring each of us that the Day of the Lord means glory not judgment. To the Thessalonians, he was assuring them that Rapture did not miss them.
• The “rebellion” Paul describes is more a part of the judgment that will occur in those who are not with Christ. How many places will be left after the Great Tribulation?
• Only two. Mankind will be forced out of the middle and the choice will be taken from them. If you consider the prognosis of eternal separation from God as someone’s lot in an eternal life, it becomes easy to see why they will rebel.

This is why we must guard against being mislead and be active in helping others prepare themselves. Whether we are alive during this period is not the question. Surely our families, friends or at least their heirs will be part of this struggle.

Section Two: The Antichrist

Have someone in your group read 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12.

Paul refers to a “restraining power” keeping the Antichrist from taking its final form. What do you think the restraining power is?

• There are several interpretations:
  • Civil government such as the Roman empire at the time of Paul that maintained law and order.
  • The Jewish state in Palestine that prevented Roman government from exercising the full force of its godless power.
  • The preaching ministries of Paul and the other apostles.
  • A supernatural figure [Revelation 9:1, 20:1].
  • Satan himself who is biding his time and waiting for the right moment.
  • The Holy Spirit, acting now as the convictor of sin, who will be taken out of the way to allow the delusions (v11) to take full hold.
  • The Church, which after the Rapture, will not be present on earth.

Use your whiteboard or easel. Build a list of responses for the next question.

Can you describe a world without conscience or constraints holding back sin?

• What ever your descriptions, it will not be a pleasant place from a Christian’s point of view.

Have someone in your group read 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12.

The sadness is that by this time, the lost will not even know they are lost and the opportunity for salvation will be gone for eternity. Depending on the time you have allotted to this study, you can choose to discuss some of the following points to ponder:

To what extent does our society recognize God in its thinking?

How much importance is attached to moral and spiritual considerations in the formulation of public policy?

How much recognition do the “opinion-makers” of our day give to the truth as revealed in Christ and the Bible – and to the necessity of measuring human affairs by that standard?

• When the lawless one (Antichrist) is fully revealed, humanity will have a heyday. God and His truth will be ignored – for a time. However, Christ wins in the end [2 Thessalonians 2:8]. Paul was telling the Thessalonians that they should not be concerned with when but with their lives while they were waiting.

Section Three: Comforting Each Other

Have someone in your group read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15.

Paul restates that the past, present & future of their redemption. He calls for them to stand fast in the midst of persecutions and to hold on firmly to what he taught them. Paul calls these “traditions.”

What is a tradition?

• Something received from someone and handed down to another.
• Have someone in your group read 1 Corinthians 15:1-3.

Based on these verses, what was Paul’s tradition?

• The Gospel.

Read 2 Timothy 2:2 to your group.

What should our personal responsibilities be as well as those of our church regarding the Gospel’s message?

• Not only to pass it on but to be sure that we instruct others in the “tradition” of our faith so that each generation will be strong and not be fooled by the Antichrist.

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 to your group.

Paul concludes with a benediction. What is Paul praying for?

• Our encouragement and strength. We are to take comfort in the fact that although this will be a time of great tribulation, God is on our side through it all.

Bible Truth Being Taught

The Antichrist will be a powerful, supernatural foe of all Christians.

Our Response

To learn that we must hold on to the teachings of the Word of God and that Christ will triumph over the Antichrist.

The descendants of Jonadab son of Recab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.

~Jeremiah 35:16

Materials Needed: Whiteboard or easel.

Notes to the Leader: This is a study that can offer a lot of areas for discussion. The act of keeping one’s word is an attribute of leadership that each Christian should demand. However, this is a study about God keeping His promises and the corresponding response from us.

God keeps His promises. Then we, as God’s people, should have a corresponding response to God (our behavior). The beginning of the study may seem redundant. However, each of us is offered the choice to accept or reject that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Good decisions are always informed decisions. It is very important to spend time on the promises our great God has made to each of us. So this study will review the seven covenants made by God to His people.

All people have had both good and bad experiences with people making promises. This study offers ample opportunity to let people share their experiences. When sharing, question the group on how they felt after the experience (good or bad) and how that experience changed them (good or bad).

Introduction

What is a covenant?

• Webster 1989 (1st definition) – a formal, solemn, and binding agreement.
• American College Dictionary 1947 (1st definition) – an agreement between two or more persons to do or refrain from doing some act; a compact; a contract.

What do you notice about these two definitions and the impact of society and time?

• There seems to be a de-emphasis on the responsibilities of behavioral change. It is not the contract or covenant itself that should be the focus but the resulting benefit to all parties.

What is still missing from both of these modern day definitions?

• There is no mention of the inevitable penalty for breaking the contract or agreement.

Section One: Covenants From God

The seven covenants are as follows:

• The Adamic Covenant (Genesis 2:16-17)
• The Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17)
• The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 15:9-21)
• The Second Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:1-14)
• The Mosaic Law (Covenant) (Exodus 19:1-8; 20:1-8; 24:1-8)
• The Palestinian Covenant (Deuteronomy 29:9-29)
• The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:5-16)

Have your group read each covenant and answer the questions below.

What was the behavioral change or responsibilities within each covenant?

What was the penalty?

• Obedience (not eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; death.
• Never again would all life be destroyed by a flood; this was a one sided unconditional promise from God.
• Abram’s descendants would become a great nation in the Promised Land: Unconditional.
• Abraham would have descendents; again, unconditional.
• A promise to make a kingdom of priests and a holy nation from those who would keep the Law; the penalty was not to be part of this nation.
• For those who would worship God and remain His people, He would protect them and their land; to turn away would bring disaster.
• God’s kingdom would be established forever and that Christ would be the fulfillment of the covenant; eternal separation would be the penalty.

When you reflect back on these covenants, what can you conclude about God? About mankind?

• God is interested in us. He has chosen to keep active throughout history.
• It is mankind’s actions that continually separate him from God.
• God punishes those who ignore His covenants and commands.
• God also stands behind those who are faithful.
• However, God is patient in His dealings with mankind.
• Mankind is consistently poor in keeping any agreement with God (with each other also).
• Therefore, a Christ can be the only answer to saving mankind.

Section Two: Deep Thoughts

Commentary to be discussed with group: There are those who say we have a loving God and, therefore, He would not banish anyone to an eternity of pain and suffering. By the many covenants that God has made, one could conclude that we do have a God of infinite patience and love.

Why are we to believe that some who do not follow God’s Law (covenants) will still be saved? Won’t He save us again and again?

This is the thin ice of Scripture. First, God, through Christ, has removed all of the excuses. We do not need to be separated. God has changed the covenant from one with a nation (Israel) to a personal one, by which each person must now choose to accept Christ or not accept Him. Hence, the responsibility for our behavior, our actions also becomes our own. God is infinitely patient, but the burden of acceptance and faithfulness remains ours. Scripture reveals, however, that those who continually reject God’s offer, will not benefit from God’s patience and grace.

Salvation is a gift but it is also a choice!

What is the behavior in today’s covenant that God expects from each of us today?

• To first, understand that we are all separated from God with no knowledge of how to find Him.
• To recognize that separation from God is serious and dangerous.
• To believe that Christ, through God’s unselfish grace, removes our sinfulness through His great sacrifice and is the gatekeeper to God’s kingdom. Only Christ knows the way.
• To place our faith in the miracle of the Cross, the miracle of the Resurrection, and in Christ.
• To believe so strongly that God’s last covenant, Christ, is our only hope, we will rely on the inner strength of the Holy Spirit to direct us to change our behavior, to seek a relationship with our God.

Section Three: Who were the Recabites

Have someone in the group read Jeremiah 35:1-11

Was Jeremiah’s act of hospitality trickery?

• There would have been nothing wrong in the Recabites partaking of the wine offered by Jeremiah. Yet, we see here a demonstration of steadfast commitment. In spite of what appeared to be a loosening of their ancestor’s rigid commands, they remained faithful.

Have someone in the group read Jeremiah 35:12-19.

How did God respond to the behavior of the Recabites?

• God commended them for their actions and commitments to a respected ancestor, Jonadab.

Notes: For more than 250 years the Recabites persevered in their commitment to their vows; the Hebrews offered vows to the Lord through sporadic spiritual renewal, usually maintaining their commitment not longer than a single generation (v.16).

Section Four: Applying this Lesson to Today

How can the lesson of the Recabites help us in today’s Christian Church?

• The church is in need of believers who are willing to obey God’s Word, even when they are in the minority. The body of Christ also needs members who, in the midst of “a crooked and depraved generation” (Philippians 2:15), will cling to the way of life and the standards of conduct that God reveals in Scripture.
• In a materialistic culture that sees pleasure and luxury as the meaning of life, our times need people who find joy and satisfaction in trusting and obeying the Lord. Our highest priority must be to make decisions on the basis of the will of God as revealed in His Word.
• There are still many people whose pledge is as good as their bond, but promises, in general, are more and more lightly regarded. We need to keep our commitments to God, even in the smallest and most mundane instances of life.
  Note to the leader: This is an excellent place to ask the group to share their experiences with people who “do” keep their word and “do not” keep their word. Discuss how these experiences may have helped or hindered their faithfulness.

Use an easel or whiteboard. Ask the group to create a list for the following question.

What are the ways people deviate from consistent obedience?

• Irregular worship attendance
• No involvement in the Church beyond Sundays
• Failure to share their faith with others
• Do not hold their leaders up to God’s standards
• Unwillingness to use their talents to benefit the congregation
• Failure to become part of the congregation
• Unwillingness to change life’s priorities (fit church in)
• Leave it to the other person to do (they are so talented you know)
• Lack of sacrifice (time, treasure) on behalf of the Church
• No vision or dream for their church
• Weak understanding of Scripture
• Do not defend God, Christ, the Church or their faith – hard to tell them from the masses

Bible Truth Being Taught

Spiritual joy is the blessing and the reward of the faithful who believe in their God. Worry and concern are the burden of those weak in their faith who do not know their God.

Our Response

To understand some of the typical ways we might lead lives of disobedience to our God and consider how we can avoid them.

Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it.

~Mark 16:20

Materials Needed: Whiteboard or easel.

Notes to the Leader: There will be many times that those in your study group will struggle with the question of their own faith. Even to the point of wondering whether they really are “saved” as the term so often goes. This study will walk through the resurrection of Jesus and end with a review of exactly why we must accept Jesus as our personal savior.

Introduction

Have someone in your group read Mark 16:1-4. Then tell this story:

Here we have two women, Mary and Salome, embarking on a mission to Christ’s tomb. Both were incapable of moving the large stone. Yet, they set off without the knowledge of who would remove the large stone from the entrance.

How does this Biblical example parallel our own faith walk?

• For most of us, each day is a mystery. We start out with some idea of where we would like to be but there are many obstacles. The obstacles don’t stop us. We just step out with the idea that when we reach each hurdle, we will somehow get over it.

Use the whiteboard or easel and build a list after asking the next question.

What are the stones that we face each day?

• Crime, violence, disease, social injustice.
• Unemployment, poor health, a physical handicap.
• Natural disasters.

What conclusions can you draw about the human spirit?

• This list can go on indefinitely. The key is that we are shown through this example, that to head out on a journey for Christ without all of the answers is what is expected of us. Our faith in God’s power to overcome the obstacles is all that is expected. God responds by providing the solutions (usually in ways beyond our own vision) to overcome and succeed. When Mary and Salome began their journey, they had no idea that an angel would solve their problem.

Section One: The Fear of Missionaries

Have someone in your group read Mark 16:5-8

Note: The stone was now rolled back, not for Christ’s exit, but for human entrance. God’s response was now to provide answers and comfort to Christ’s followers.

The three words of the angel, “He has risen!” are the most important words we can ever remember. If Christ had not risen, what would be the status of our faith?

• If Christ had not risen, we would still be waiting for the Messiah. We would have hope but not faith.

How, then, since Christ has risen, should He be viewed by humanity?

• Christ is more than a figure in a book or a memory, He is living and present in our lives.
• Christ is not someone to discuss but someone to meet.
• The Christian life we should strive for is not to know about Christ, but to know Christ.
• Christ is endless. There are new truths and wonders to be discovered each day.

Why were the two women, Mary and Salome silent even after the angel’s instructions to tell Peter and the disciples?

• They were afraid.

How does this same fear live with us today?

• When we fail to share the Gospel’s message to others (non-believers), we are leaving the happy ending off of the great story. To fail to share your faith is to fail to grasp the importance of the message and the urgency of the mission.

Section Two: When Disciples Doubt

Note: In the earliest manuscripts of Mark, verses 9-20 are absent. Most scholars believe that the original ending has been lost and later copyists wrote these verses from the accounts given in the other Gospels and Acts.

How would you contrast the joy shown by Mary Magdalene against the attitude of the disciples?

• Mary was joyful, eager to share her good news. While the disciples were broken, in despair, incapable of even believing Mary.

Why do you think that Christ just didn’t appear first to His disciples? Why did he appear first to three women?

• While the answer is not explicit in the scriptures, we see both here, and in many other bible stories, Christ’s placement of women in key roles of spreading the Gospel’s message (e.g. Luke 10:38-41, John 4:39-42). God places both men and women in important positions for carrying God’s word to the world.
• While the disciple’s knowledge of the Lord and His teachings was greater than Mary Magdalene’s, it was her simple faith that sealed her belief and established her joy. We all must remember that, while Christ wants each of us to study His word, He is after are hearts, not our heads.

Have someone in your group read Luke 24:13-35

Luke holds the full story of the meeting. Why do you think it took so long for both men to recognize Christ?

• The men were themselves blinded to the truth because of their own perceptions of what happened to Christ. Remember, the disciples had been together re-enforcing the negative attitude that Christ had failed. Disbelief fosters disbelief.

Christ was in his resurrected state. The men were not prepared to consider this option. They remained fixed on definitions and images of the past.

The men finally recognized Christ when they broke bread at dinner. What is the symbolism in this?

• The last supper.
• Our own knowledge of the Lord can come the same way. We may find ourselves walking with Him but some key event in our lives finally brings to the forefront of our minds, the truth of Christ. While Christ is a real power in this world, it is His position in the next world that is important. The disciples thought Christ would overtake the Roman empire. Instead, He overtook death itself.

Section Three: Our Great Commission

Have someone in your group read Mark 16:14-18

What are the two things that Christ rebuked the disciples over?

• Their lack of faith.
• Their refusal to believe those who had seen Him.

How does this relate to the everyday pursuit of the Christian life?

• Christ did not rebuke them for any of their actions during His death. He truly demonstrated forgiveness of their actions. Christ even understood the nature of their disbelief at first. However, Christ focused His message on the apparent lack of faith and their “stubborn” refusal to believe others. Christ tolerates our occasional apprehensions and questioning but He does not tolerate disbelief and a refusal of His evidence.

Section Four: The Power

Have someone in your group read Mark 16:19-20

From this closing we can take comfort in that the Lord had finally won over the hearts of His disciples. In review, can you describe the role of the church in Christ’s great commission?

• The church has a preaching task. Remember, we are the church. It is our role too.
• The church has a healing task. Christ is concerned for both our minds and bodies.
• The church has a source of power. This is the Holy Spirit and the confidence that Christ has not left us helpless.
• The church is not alone in its work. Christ is alive and works with it, in it and through it.

What is the message of the Gospel? What are we instructed to tell the world?

• God loves us and offers each of us a plan for his/her life.
• God’s love: John 3:16
• God’s plan: John 10:10
• Man is sinful and separated from God. Thus he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his/her life.
• Man is sinful: Romans 3:23
• Man is separated: Romans 6:23

• Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life.
• He died in our place: Romans 5:8
• He rose from the dead: 1 Corinthians 15:3-6
• He is the only way to God: John 14:6
• We must individually receive Christ as savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives.
• We must receive Christ: John 1:12
• We must receive Christ through faith: Ephesians 2:8-9
• When we receive Christ, we experience a new birth: John 3:1-8
• We receive Christ by personal invitation: Revelation 3:20
• You should close your study with an invitational prayer. As your group to pray silently either committing or recommitting their lives into the hands of Christ.
  • Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. Lord, I hand you my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Help me make you my most important priority. Make me into the kind of person You want me to be.

Bible Truth Being Taught

Each of us is separated from our God by our own sinful nature. It is the sacrifice of Jesus and our faith in Him that offers us eternal life.

Our Response

To admit our own nature and rely on the living Christ to lead us each day.

And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly.

~Luke 18:7-8

Materials Needed: Whiteboard or easel.

Notes to the Leader: This Lesson covers chapter 18 in the Gospel of Luke. It can be viewed as the What, Who, How, How Much and Why of Christ’s teachings. The study will cover several parables and contrast them against human characteristics to see how God responds in our lives. While your group reads and studies these verses in Luke, try to guide the discussion in such a way as to have each person match themselves against one of the characters. At the end, you can use this study to have each group member measure their spiritual walk and to help build Strategic Christian Plans for retirement. Think of it as the ultimate 401 K plan.

Introduction

This should be an open discussion with you, as leader, writing down what your group comes up with. The goal is to build a list and reach consensus that people spend a lot of time (or should spend time) planning for their retirement (meaning the latter years of their life).

How do people plan for their retirement?

Look forward to a full list of ideas.

• IRA
• 401 K Plan
• Savings
• Investing in stocks, bonds
• Have a lot of kids and make sure they all become lawyers or doctors

How do we invest in our faith?

Again, look for a full list and creative ideas.

• Church
• Volunteering
• Prioritizing time with our families
• The Bible
• Prayer
• Fellowship with other believers

Section One: Praying for Justice

Have someone in your group read Luke 18:1-8

What value is there in persevering in prayer?

Note: Contrast God’s response to that of most people when their perseverance frequently becomes overbearing, pushy, aggressive, etc.

• God has no limit to His patience. Jesus calls us to “call out day and night.” One may view the ongoing calls of unanswered prayer as foolish. However, Jesus points out that it is not foolishness but faithfulness that is being demonstrated by such behavior.
• If your group is inexperienced with regard to the tenants of the Christian faith, then the next question may also be asked, ” What do you think the key elements of salvation that are addressed by perseverance?

What is one key element of our salvation?

• We are saved by faith, not good works alone. One of the strongest demonstrations of faith we can give our Lord is to pray constantly and diligently, even for the unanswered prayers in our lives.
  Contrast the faith of the judge and the widow?
• The judge neither feared God nor cared about people (v.2).
• The widow, although most likely destitute, symbolized helplessness. She had nothing of value, no money, no position, no power, just one weapon.

Why did the judge finally waste his time with this widow?

• Persistence, persistence, persistence.

Section Two: Prayer as an Appeal

Have someone in your group read Luke 18:9-14 with the idea that they listen for the differences between the two characters in this parable, the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

How did the Pharisee pray to God? Compare this with the prayers of the Tax Collector.

• The Pharisee did not pray to God. He prayed to himself. True prayer is always offered to God and to God alone.
• The Tax Collector stood off in the distance, eyes downcast, and prayed with humility. He acknowledged his sinfulness.

Note: William Barclay states “(i) No man who is proud can pray; (ii) No man who despises his fellow men can pray; (ii) True prayer comes from setting our lives beside the life of God.”

How does William Barclay’s statement apply to our lives at our local church?

• It will be the least of us who, in humility claim the greatest share of glory. If you believe this, then each and every person can be an active and contributing member of their church, no matter how limited the talents, how short the time, how feeble the bones, how weak the words, or how productive our efforts. Jesus calls each person to walk behind Him and let Him lead the way, not pushing Him along our own way.

Section Three: To Be Like Children

Have someone in your group read Luke 18:15-17 — The disciples did not want Jesus to bother spending His time with the children. They saw His time as valuable. Jesus had an other perspective. He said we must be like children.

Take time to build this list on the whiteboard or easel.

What are the attributes of a child that Jesus found so appealing?

• A sense of wonder;
• Trust;
• Obedient;
• Forgiving;
• Dependent;
• Openness;
• joy in little things;
• Vulnerability;
• Humility;
• Teachability;
• Have the ability to play;
• Simplicity.

Now go back and check off from the list you just built, the answers to the next question.

Of the childlike attributes that Jesus would like all children to retain into their adulthood, how many (which ones) are under attack by our society (the world)?

• As I personally read the list above, I see the world teaching our children to be the opposites. If these attributes are so key to the Quality of the Kingdom (we are in it now, remember), then it is easy to see why and how Satan is attacking the world. Start with the children and drive out the childlike characteristics. If successful, Satan will have a world full of self-centered, striving, prideful people all seeking the worldly comforts.

Are these childlike characteristics necessary to live together as a Christian family?

• It sure looks that way doesn’t it. This may be why there is so much strife in the Church today. We are acting like intellectually superior adults seeking the pleasures of this world through accommodation. Jesus just says, be children,
• Keep the faith and feel the joy.

Section Four: Tough Choices

Have someone in your group read Luke 18:18-30

Why do you think Jesus asked the man to give all he had away to follow Him?

• Jesus knew his heart. For us, therefore, we must speculate. However, it appears that this man was living in a selfish manner. He was rich, yet he gave nothing away. God was his comfort, and the real god he worshiped was his possessions.

Note: The eye of the needle is thought to refer to a small gate that sat beside the great gate in Jerusalem. One entering this small gate would have to dismount their camel and struggle through it. This meant that it was difficult, not impossible. Therefore, Scripture does not say that it is impossible for someone who is wealthy to gain salvation. It just says it is difficult.

Section Five: A Tough Road to Walk

Have someone in your group read Luke 18:31:34 This was the seventh time (at least that was recorded for us in scripture) that Jesus foretold of His pending death. Yet the disciples did not comprehend Jesus’ meaning.

What is it about human nature that makes it so difficult for the disciples to grasp the upcoming crucifixion?

• The human mind has a way of listening only to what it wants to hear. There is a wishful thinking which believes that the unpleasant truth cannot really be true.
  How does this manifest itself in our everyday life? As a hint, what are some of the excuses you have heard about coming to church, the nature of our God, etc.?
• If God is a loving god, He will not let all those people perish in eternal hell.
• I am a good person. I don’t need organized religion. I spend time with my god when I am out on the golf course.
• Our children don’t need to go to church. They are good kids and we trust them to make good choices in their lives.

What are the consequences of giving in to our wishful thinking?

• We risk our eternal happiness for the pleasures of the here and now.

Section Six: A Plea to See Again

Have someone in your group read Luke 18:35-43 Again, there are two characters in the parable, a blind man and Jesus.

What can you learn about the character of each person?

The blind man was determined to come face to face with Jesus. Nothing would stop him. He refused to be silent and refused to be restrained.

• For Jesus, actions took second place to words. When a human need existed, He made it His top priority.

How should we apply this information to our lives?

• If we want a miracle, then our spirit must show it. A gentle, sentimental longing never really taps the full power of God. It takes passion, an intense desire from the deepest parts of the heart and we will not be disappointed.

Bible Truth Being Taugh

God is in control and asks for persistent faith from each of us.

Our Response

To learn to pray with courage, persistence, humility, and faith, counting on God to bring justice to the injustices in our lives.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

~Romans 15:7

Materials Needed: White board or easel.

Notes to the Leader: Oh how we all love our worship service just the way it is. This must be one of the discussion questions in every Christian church in the world. Some recognize a need to change, some recognize a need to remain the way they are. Some churches want to grow some want to stay the perfect size. The question, however, is “What does God want the Church of Christ to be?” This study opens the doors to that discussion.

Introduction

What does worshiping God mean to you?

• We should not limit our view of worship to Sunday mornings. We should look to all parts of our world and understand that we all glorify God with “one heart and mouth.” Worship is living.

Is there unity among believers today?

• Hardly — Just check the listing of local churches in your neighborhood.
• Paul wanted all people of the world to hear the Gospel’s message. Too often our mission is aimed too close to home or aimed at the groups who already know of Jesus. This results in our arguing over doctrine and trading church members from congregation to congregation. While we all may claim the same Christ, all too often our sights are aimed at inward goals instead of those outside in the world.

Who were the weak and who were the strong Christians according to Paul?

• The weak were those who found it necessary to keep arbitrary and unnecessary religious standards such as diet or worship on a special day.
• The strong were those whose conscience was not bothered by legalistic rules.

While there is room for both the weak and strong in Jesus’ Church, what group bears the major responsibility for mission and outreach? Why?

• The strong. It is those who maintain a sound grasp of God’s grace that are the freest to act in Christian love toward brothers and sisters.

Of today’s churches, which ones are the most successful at the mission work Paul describes?

• The fastest areas of Christian growth can be seen in the “strong” churches who have adopted contemporary themes to relate the Gospel’s message. Those frozen in tradition and ritual have been unsuccessful at expanding the understanding of God’s grace.

Why would contemporary religion be more appealing?

Note: To approach this, try not to get into a discussion on which method is right or wrong. Statistics support that contemporary worship represents the fastest growing segment of worship styles. Instead, look at the community around you and segment your population. Then start making lists on the differences and similarities with respect to the following:

Create a list on the whiteboard or easel fill in those areas that have had a great impact on their belief structures and development. The list below is representative: Fill in a key phrase for each (see music as an example but do your own list with your group).

 

Impact	Grade School	High School	College	25-35 yrs old	36-45 yrs old	46-55 yrs old	56+
War
Economy
Music	Rap Hip Hop	Rap Hip Hop	Rock Rap	Soft Rock	Rock Jazz	Classical	Classical Big Band
Computers
Television
Cable
College
Entertainment
Movies

Now go back over the list and discuss how a worship experience could be affected by one’s preferences. There is no right or wrong answers here. Discuss how one’s emotions would be affected, how communications and learning would occur, etc.

The point is that if you have a church that plays wonderful organ music and sings great old hymns, you will have a congregation of people that fit that worship preference. Now if you are in a community where the congregational profile you have chosen is small and your church desires to grow, Who will you invite into your worship and how will you accommodate their needs?

Section One: Elements of Christian Fellowship

What is your definition of perfect?

• Perfect does not mean without flaws. Paul uses a Greek word telios to describe perfection. Telios means that something fulfills the purposes for which it was designed.
• Using Paul’s definition of perfect, how would you describe the perfect worship service?
• Personally, I would find that perfect worship experience drawing me closer to God. I would be convicted, humbled, thankful for God’s unselfish grace. It would make me uncomfortable so I move to God instead of me waiting for Him to come to me. Too many churches and people are seeking the wrong definition of perfection in their worship experience.

Have someone in your group read Romans 15:1-3.

What does Paul call the strong of faith to do?

• Put up with one another, be considerate.
• Seek self-denial for the good of the weak.
• Use Christ as our model.
• Identify with each other because we all share something special, Christ and His suffering.

Read Romans 15:4 to your group.

How are we to use the Scriptures for the good of the weak?

• We would be wrong to answer as if it is our role to teach, drum into the heads of the weak, God’s Word. Knowledge alone tends to create arrogance, which is divisive (1 Corinthians 8:1-3). Paul meant that we are to live God’s Word, to set the example for others so they may have hope. We are to be an encouragement to others.

Have someone in your group read Romans 15:5-6.

How would you pass on to a child or to someone new and weak of faith, the hope of Christ found in God’s Word? (Hint: Assume you cannot quote a single Bible verse to them).

• Our very attitude toward our faith is the foundation for effective leadership. Do we view worship as a burden or a joy? Do we work to help our Christian community gladly volunteering our hours or begrudgingly give our token support? Can people see your smile when you hear the name of Jesus or your discomfort because you think to speak of Jesus openly is inappropriate? Do they see you lean against Jesus when things are tough or against your own stubborn willfulness? Can they see a child-like heart and love for Christ or the stiffness of tradition and ritual?

Read Romans 15:6 again to your group.

What is Paul asking the Christian church to do in this verse?

• To be united. To speak as one, to live as if there is only one heart.

What do people do when there is strife in their church?

• Some choose to leave
• Some choose to stay but are destructive
• Some choose to stay and seek fellowship.

What is Paul asking us to do when there is some disagreement or trouble in our church?

• To be at one with each other, to speak as if we had one mouth so that we can glorify God. The Greek word used for “one heart” is homothumadon, means to flow along in harmony.

Read Romans 15:7 to your group.

What type of unity is Paul asking us for: (1) agreement on all points of doctrine or practice; or (2) uniformity in worship styles, culture, or language?

• It was a trick question, neither is correct.

What is Paul asking each Christian to do for unity?

• Simply, accept one another. Paul uses the Greek word proslambano, meaning to take or draw one’s self, assume, take as a companion or associate, to receive kindly or hospitably, admit to one’s society and friendship; treat with kindness (just as Christ accepted you).

Explain how one might accept someone the way Paul has described acceptance here?

• As incomplete as a person may be, we are to look through their weakness and ignorance and take them into the family with open arms, simply because Christ has accepted them.

Is this type of acceptance easy?

• Hardly. However, when Christ accepted us into His body and embraced us as a family, we were lost, confused, sinful, useless, and weak.

Has the Christian Church been a good model to follow for acceptance?

• Hardly. We have been no end of trouble: slow to change, falling down and having to be lifted up repeatedly, ignorant of the Word, bound by fear, prejudiced, and locked into sinful habits.

Section Two: The Gospel

Have someone in your group read Romans 15:8-12.

There are two distinct strains of humanity for which God has demonstrated His concern, Jews and Gentiles. Was there a purpose to this separation?

Read Genesis 12:3.

God planned to save all of the families of the world through one family by providing a Savior.

What was the point that Paul was trying to make in verses 8 through 12?

• Paul insisted, the Gentiles were so much on God’s mind all the time that even as Christ confirmed the promises made to Israel, the reason He was doing it was “so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy (v. 9). Christ served and saved Jews so that He could serve and save the people of other nations.

Have someone in your group read Romans 15:13-14.

What was Paul’s style of evangelism and ministry?

• Paul was always encouraging.
• He always gave his affirmation through:
  • prayer and
  • an expression of confidence in the goodness and giftedness of the Roman Christians.

Have someone in your group read Romans 15:15-16.

What made Paul’s style of ministry so courageous?

• His bold style of telling it like it is. To call some weak and some strong is an example of his straight talk.

What did Paul view his role to be?

• A minister to the non-Jewish nations (vv. 15-16). Paul uses the Greek word ierourgein, meaning to perform the work of a priest.
• After Christ died on the cross, the role of the priest to give sacrifices was abolished. Christ, in turn, became the High Priest.

What were the other functions of the Jewish priests that Paul saw as his role?

• To teach the law (Leviticus 10:11). Paul’s preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles fulfilled this function.
• To offer sacrifices to God on behalf of the people as tokens of their dedication to Him (see grain offerings, Leviticus 23:10-11). Paul lead Gentiles to faith in Christ so that, as believers, they may be offered as “living sacrifices” to God (v. 16).

Have someone in your group read Romans 15:17-21.

What made Paul a great pioneer?

• “It is when a man ceases to think of what he can do and begins to think of what God can do with him, that things begin to happen.” William Barclay
• He saw his mission to the Gentiles as the crowning glory of his life (v. 17).
• He had a sound humble view of himself. He was a instrument in the hands of Christ (vv. 18-19).
• He revealed his ambition to be a trailblazer, not a follower (vv. 20-21).

Bible Truth Being Taught

The Church of Christ is an inclusive worldwide fellowship of believers who praise their one God in every nation, in every language and with every race of people.

Our Response

To catch a glimpse of the true global vision of the Gospel and broaden our own acceptance of the other believers.

 

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

~ Acts 4:12

Materials Needed: White board or easel.

Notes to the Leader: The original community of Christians came into being in a hostile world. In John 20:19, the disciples could be found hiding in locked rooms to avoid arrest. There were public accusations of drunkenness when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:13). The first message the disciples gave was of the execution of their leader, Jesus (Acts 2:23). And then two of them were arrested, Peter and John.

This lesson offers time to discuss the many benefits of gathering in the name of Jesus and being a true “community.”

Introduction

What difficulties have you found in “telling the truth?”

• Truth can hurt someone we love
• Others may not like what we have to say
• People may try to remove our influence from the group
• Telling the truth may have negative consequences on others such as our family.

Should we always tell the truth and stand up for what we believe?

• Setting timing aside and assuming that we have thoroughly checked out our facts, there is no Scriptural evidence that lets us rationalize the truth.

Section One: Imprisoned for Truth

Have someone in your group read Acts 4:1-4.

Who were the groups of officials that found Peter’s message disturbing?

• The Priests – These were the clergymen who had conducted the temple service that had just ended.
• The Captain of the Temple Guard – Typically a member of the chief priest’s family, he was in charge of the temple police force.
• The Sadducees – A religious party of considerable political power They were in charge of the Temple.

What were the reasons behind the priests and Sadducees dislike of the disciple’s message?

• The priests and Sadducees were collaborationists. They viewed any spontaneous gathering as a threat to their positions of comfort. They did not want to stir up anything that would upset the Romans.
• The priests and Sadducees opposed any teaching of the Resurrection. This was the main focus of the apostle’s witness (Acts 4:2).
• The apostles were not ized to teach. Only those schooled as a rabbi had the credentials (Acts 4:13).
• The numbers of people that were believing was exploding (Acts 4:4). On the day of Pentecost, it was 3,000 (Acts 2:41). Now it was at 5,000. The verse points out that only men were counted. The number was much larger if you consider women and children.
• The people were beginning to believe Peter’s contention that the Jewish high council conspired with Pilate to kill Jesus (Acts 5:28).

Have someone in your group read Acts 4:5-11.

What can you find that indicates the importance of their message and the impact it was having on the people?

• The entire Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council and supreme court, was convened (Acts 4:5). Many notable members were present: Annas, the high priest, who was deposed by the Romans but held silently to the power; Caiaphas, Annas’ son-in-law who was in office during Jesus’ death; John, Annas’ son, who later replaced Caiaphas as high priest; and Alexander, who we do not have any historical information on.

What lesson is there for us today in Peter’s actions before the Sanhedrin?

• Peter held firm to the truth that Jesus was the reason for the healing and Jesus was the Savior. We are never given an option to hold any other position.
• Peter relied upon the Holy Spirit to provide him both the wisdom and strength to defend the truth (see Luke 12:11-12; 21:14-15). We are never alone in our defense of the Gospel.
• Peter presented them with their own sin, in essence, Peter was judgmental. But immediately, Peter became an evangelist, attempting to save those of the Sanhedrin. It is the blend of both judgment and compassion that produces productive evangelism.

Read Acts 4:12 to your group.

The Old Testament word for salvation was yasha, meaning roominess, in contrast to narrowness or oppression. Yasha signified freedom from bondage and restriction. To the Jews, this was thought of as deliverance or liberation of the nation; of being secure in their land.

It is frequently thought that the transition to the Lord and to faith is a New Testament concept. Let your group read each Scripture verse. Then look at what the Old Testament tells us about Salvation:

• Isaiah 43:11-12. God is Salvation. There is no other way.
• Isaiah 49:6. A prophesy of Christ’s coming.
• Genesis 15:6. Abraham became righteous in God’s eyes through his faith.
• Exodus 14:31. Faith, again, was the notable response of the Israelites to Moses and the Lord.
• Numbers 20:12. The object of true faith is the true God who has revealed Himself in His Word.
• Psalms 3:8. God is the only source of Salvation

Be prepared to make a list on a white board or easel.

• The Greek word for salvation is sodzo (to save). What are the personal aspects of Salvation?
• Peace. In Hebrew, sodzo translates to shalom.
• Wholeness. This meaning suggests healing, recovery, remedy, rescue, redemption, welfare.
• Preservation from danger, disease or death (Matthew 9:22; Acts 27:20; 31,34; Hebrews 5:7).
• Rescue from the consequences of sin and deliverance to eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 5:9; Hebrews 7:25).
• Regeneration and renewal (Ephesians 2:5).

What was Peter telling the Sanhedrin?

• Salvation could be found only in Jesus and it was true for them also. Peter was giving an invitation more than he was defending his position.

Have someone in your group read Acts 4:13-22.

Do you think that Peter wasted his time trying to save the Sanhedrin?

Read Acts 6.7 to the group after the discussion.

• The message of salvation is never wasted on anyone, no matter how hopeless the present situation may seem.

Why did the Sanhedrin let Peter and John go free?

• They could not deny the evidence of the healing of the lame man.
• The “Holy Spirit” had provided impressive evidence that Peter being helped by a greater power.
• The Sanhedrin were afraid because of the others had believed in Jesus.

Section Two: The Family

Have someone in your group read Acts 4:23.

Where did Peter and John go immediately after their encounter?

• They went back to families, the other disciples, the believers.

Why do you think they did?

• To share their experience (Acts 4:23)
• To pray together (Acts 4:24)

Have someone in your group read Acts 4:24-30.

What is the response of the Christian Family, the Church, to this ordeal/problem?

• The first response is prayer.
• Their prayer is an expression of their unity. (see Matthew 18:19)
• Their prayer follows a biblical pattern. It is in the tradition of the prayer of Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:16-20).
• They recognize and confess the sovereign working of God (Acts 4:22, 28).
• They base their confidence in God on Scripture, not sentimentality or emotion (Acts 4: 25-26).
• They adopt the viewpoint of Scripture to see their situation from God’s perspective (Acts 4:25-26).
• They remember Jesus’ triumph through suffering and they confess their confidence that god has been and remains in complete control (Acts 4:27-28).
• They lay their real situation before the Lord and ask for courage in the face of the threats of the Sanhedrin.
• They ask the Lord to back their witness wit proof that Jesus is alive and active among them (Acts 4:30).

Read Acts 4:31 to your group.

How does God respond to their actions and prayers?

• He renews their energy. They get a booster shot.

Here is another place you can build a list on a whiteboard or easel.

How did the early Christians respond to God?

Read Acts 11:27-30

1 Corinthians 16:1

2 Corinthians 8-9

A key point to end on: They continue to rely on the Holy Spirit and share their needs with each other and with the Lord.

Have someone in your group read Acts 4:32-35.

Do you think that God responds to the Christian church today in the same way?

• It is the only way He responds. If there are things missing from either our life or our activities within the Church, then we must look within ourselves first. Are we responding to the dangers within our society in the same way as the early Christians responded to their danger?

What can a church in the face of problems, gain from responding to this lesson?

• Oneness of heart and mind are ours to claim in Christ.
• An end to possessiveness, hoarding and conspicuous consumption is a freeing gift we can experience in Christ.
• Active concern for anyone in need, whatever the need, is one way we express the presence and the love of Christ.

Bible Truth Being Taught

In a world that is against every Christian, we can find salvation, refuge and support within any community that is gathered in Jesus’ name and shares with each other.

Our Response

To be a community of believers that, through our generosity, offers others safety, refuge and support.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Sex and Marriage
1 Corinthians 13:34-35 Mistakes Christians Make
1 Chronicles 28:9 Under Construction
1 Peter 1:14-15 How to be Good in a Bad World
1 Peter 2:17 Obeying Authorities
1 Thessalonians 3:9 Gaining Joy and Strength Through Christian Fellowship
2 Thessalonians 2:15 Christ And The Enemy
1 Timothy 1:15 Leading The Flock
1 Timothy 5:1-2 Relationships and the Gospel’s Message
2 Kings 28, 31 Lost Opportunity
1 Samuel 23:16 Why God First?
2 Samuel 12:10 God’s Discipline
Acts 4:12 A Place Of Safety
Acts 4:48 Tearing Down The Church’s Walls
Acts 8:4 Missionaries
Acts 9:15 Seeing Jesus
Acts 10:34-35 Gospel’s Message of Inclusion
Acts 11:26 The First Christians
Ecclesiastes 4.1a A Closer Look
Ecclesiastes 7.2 When You Are Gone
Ecclesiastes 7.20 Can This Advice Be Good?
Ecclesiastes 9.1 Reflections
Ezra 9:3 Does Anyone Still Repent?
Hebrews 6:1 Growing As A Christian
Hebrews 12:3 Enduring Faith
Isaiah 6:8 Following Orders – From God
Isaiah 7:14 Faith Not Fear
Isaiah 37:16 The Lord and His People
Jeremiah 35:16 Broken Promises
Jeremiah 36:32 God’s Word
Job 1:8-9 The Unseen Enemy
John 1:4 Why The Gospel Of John Is Different
John 11:35 Who was Jesus Really?
John 14:6-7 True North?
Lamentations 5:21 Restoring What Is Broken
Luke 16:15 Using Wealth
Luke 18:7-8 Balancing Life
Mark 10:45 The Way Of Service
Mark 12:38-40 Empty Religion
Mark 16:20 Becoming One With Christ
Nehemiah 4:6 Rebuilding the City Walls
Nehemiah 5:9 The True Character of a Person
Nehemiah 10:37 Rocks and Things
Proverbs 30:5 Wisdom
Proverbs 31:30 The Gifts of Womanhood
Psalms 90:12 Last Chance To Say Goodbye
Romans 6:13 Death To Sin
Romans 12:1 From Cocoon To Flight
Romans 12:4-5 Daily Life With God
Romans 13:8 Christians in Society Today
Romans 14:7 Agree To Disagree
Romans 15:7 Accepting One Another
Romans 15:30-32 The Church Family
Song of Songs 1:3 Love’s Fragrance
Song of Songs 1:15 Love’s Security
Song of Songs 5:6 Tending The Fire of Love

Lead, Don’t Teach

You notice that in all of the material, the task of teaching is never mentioned. So what is leading?

• Leaders do not like the sound of their voices.
• Leaders know the right questions to stimulate thought and personal growth.
• Leaders guide, nurture, and mentor by example. They live their lessons.
• Leaders humbly accept the premise that there may be people in the group that know more than they do. They listen and encourage participation.
• Leaders make sure that the values and traditions to be taught are not compromised. They are willing to stand up for their faith.
• Leaders invite the Holy Spirit to be a member of their group.

Preparation

There is no more important point to stress than the need to enter a group Bible Study prepared. Discussion-oriented studies wander based on the interests, levels of experience, and backgrounds of those in the group. Before starting the study, the leader should do the following:

• Decide how much time do you have. You owe it to the group to cover all of the material and end on time.
• Start on time. Don’t delay the start because someone is late. Again, you owe it to your group to be prompt, thorough, and complete.
• Don’t make it a history lesson. While the Bible is filled with wonderful history, target your lesson to change lives. Intellect and knowledge do not save. A humble and repenting heart placed in Christ’s hands is the road to salvation.
• Determine the point of your study. Don’t try to cover too much. Answer this question, “What is it you want each member of your study group to do differently after they leave?” Make this the aim of your lesson. One life-changing point is enough per lesson.
• Do research, read supplemental materials, use a study guide or plan.
• Bring notes. It is OK. There is a lot of information and it is perfectly all right to bring it to help you do a good job.

Style

Do what comes naturally. That is a great point about leading. There is no right or wrong way. Just step out in faith. If there are people following you, then you are leading correctly.

Keep the style discussion-oriented. The varied experiences of your group can help teach each other. Encourage a difference of opinion. However, be prepared to defend the tenets of your faith. By this, I mean that there are fundamentals of your faith that you should know. If someone strays or is in error, as the leader, you must bring them back on track. You are leading a Bible Study, not an open forum on religious beliefs.

Don’t Guess

It is not unusual to have someone ask a question that you do not know the answer for. In varied groups that are open to discussion, you will always have someone who is seeking clarification of something that you are unprepared to answer. If you do not know, don’t guess. Just take notes and follow up. Do research and, the following week, include the answer in your next lesson plan. You owe it to your group to do the best job you can of presenting the Gospel’s message accurately. New leaders should check out the study on Leading The Flock.

Open with Prayer

Each lesson should open with an introduction of visitors, a discussion of needed prayers and prayers, directed at opening the hearts and minds of your group. The best studies rely on the Holy Spirit to be present.

Be Flexible

If during the lesson, you discover that someone within your group has a deep concern or issue, try to help them. You are better off dropping the lesson and helping each other than sticking to a fixed agenda. Christ always took care of the needs of His followers before He changed their lives.

For large groups, break into smaller groups for parts of the lesson. It is often fun to assign a research task to smaller groups and let them work independently for 10 or 15 minutes. Letting others report back is a nice way of breaking in future leaders.

Let others speak. This is the hardest part for people who want to teach. However, one of the goals of Bible Study should be to give people the opportunity to share their faith with others. Faith sharing is best learned by practicing in small groups. Everyone should be encouraged to tell stories, share experiences and participate. If each member of your group becomes comfortable with telling what their life was like before Christ was important to them, how they came to know Christ, placing Him as the number one priority, and how their life is different now, you have just helped build a group of evangelists.

Listen

As a group leader, you hold a responsibility to make sure that the message being taught is understood correctly. I once heard it said, “The lips are responsible for what the ears hear.” This means that unless you get feedback, you don’t know what people understood. Leaders have a much better chance to listen than teachers do.

Be Creative

Use little things to drive home points.

Music or poetry to open or close a study.

Use the Internet to search out articles or current events that can be tied to your topic.

Use demonstrations:

To show how Christ is the light of mankind (See the first chapter of John), give each person a candle and then darkened the room. Light a match. The match, small as it is, will overcome the darkness. There is an important message in this example (Darkness cannot overcome Christ, Christ overcomes darkness). Then each person shares the flame and the room will light up. There is another important message (by sharing Christ, our world grows brighter).

To highlight to a group that we must work together to accomplish God’s earthly plans, hand out 3X5 index cards and a large box of crayons. Ask each person to pick his or her favorite color and take a card. When everyone is ready, simply asked each person to draw a rainbow. The point is suddenly clear. Read Genesis 9:13 to the group, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” This supports the need for diversity and cooperation. To draw a rainbow, we cannot use only our favorite color, we need the uniqueness of each creation of God (each other’s colors also).

You can buy peacock feathers at your local fabric/craft shop. They are about three feet long. Buy several and hand them out. Tell your group to balance the feathers on the end of their finger. You show them first (the secret is below). This is the quill down and the colorful end of the feather up. You should have no trouble with people struggling to do this, it’s hard. — Now for the secret. — Most people look at their finger or halfway up the feather. Instead, concentrate on the very end (the colorful part) and as you move your finger to compensate, use the top of the feather as your focal point. The lesson learned is much like the one taught in the Bible: Focus on the goal, the end prize, the finish, not the start. Once they know the secret, you will have your whole group balancing feathers on the end of their finger.

Purchase a plumb bob (plumb line) from your local building supplies. Read the Old Testament Book of Amos 7:7-8, “This is what he showed: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Amos?” “A plumb line,” I replied. The the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.” Now, Who is the plumb line? Christ of course. Demonstrate that no matter how you stand, straight or crooked, a plumb line hangs true. That is our Christ, straight and true. If we use Christ as our “plumb line” to measure our lives against, our lives will, like the wall, be built true.  (See A Very Short Children’s Story About Amos)

Hand out props:

Go to a local building supplier and purchase the largest nails you can. Each person gets a nail that should be almost 10 inches long and 3/8 of an inch in diameter. If you want to draw someone’s attention to the sacrifice our Savior made for use on that cross, just put a big nail in his or her hands while you talk about it.

Go to a fabric center. Purchase some royal colored velvet. Cut in into two inch squares. If you want to prove what Christ gave up for us, just ask everyone to close their eyes and touch their piece of velvet. They are to imagine the feel of a king’s robe. Christ traded velvet robes for the cross and our salvation. Ask everyone to place the cloth in their pocket or purse for a week. Each time they touch it, they should reflect upon the lesson.

These are just a few ideas that can help people understand God’s Word. If you come up with others that you would like to share, just email them to Lostpine and we will add them here.

Close in Prayer

Give thanks to God for the freedom to study. In much of the world, this must be done behind closed doors.