Biblical Discipleship Series · Biblical Discipleship Series Lesson #1 Lesson #2 Lesson #3 Lesson #4 Lesson #5 Lesson #6 Lesson #7 Lesson #8 Lesson #9. pg. 1 Biblical Discipleship

Biblical Discipleship Series Lesson #1 Lesson #2 Lesson #3

Lesson #4 Lesson #5 Lesson #6

Lesson #7 Lesson #8 Lesson #9

pg. � Biblical Discipleship Lesson 1#1

Biblical Discipleship

Salvation

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Verse to memorize... Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; (9) not as a result of works, so that

no one may boast.

What happened when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior?

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; (9) not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Your decision to trust Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is the greatest decision you could ever make. Nevertheless, you probably have many questions about the significance and scope of your decision. The purpose of this lesson is to explain briefly what took place and how your decision has affected your basic relationship with God.

All of mankind born after Adam are born as sinners.

Romans 5:12 explains that all of mankind are descendants of Adam and have therefore inherited their sinful nature from Adam. (See also 1 Corinthians 15:22)

Romans 5:12

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned”

Romans 6:23 declares that as a result of your sinfulness, you were sentenced to die.

Romans 6:23

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

When you placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior,

the Lord adopted you as His child.. John 1:12-13

“But as many as received Him (that is your decision to trust Jesus Christ as your Savior), to them He gave the right to become children of God (your entrance into God’s family), even to those who believe in His name, (13) who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man (it is not a physical birth), but of God (it is a spiritual birth).”

Just like your physical birth made you a part of your earthly family, so to are you accepted into God’s family through your new spiritual birth.

John 3:3

“...Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”


2 Corinthians 5:17-18

“17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (18) Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ...”

As a result of your new birth, you now have eternal life.

John 6:47 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.”

1 John 5:12 “He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”

The moment you become a child of God, your relationship with God also changed! Now that you are saved God will no longer deal with you as a sinner, but

rather He will now deal with you as His child.

This new relationship is pictured by the earthly relationship that exists between

a father and his son. For example:

A good fathers loves and cares for his son. 1 Peter 5:7 “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

A good father protects his son. John 10:28-30 “28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 “I and the Father are one.”

A good father provides for his son Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

A good father guides and teaches his son John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

A good father disciplines his son Hebrews 12:5-11

With your spiritual birth, you also received a new nature! You now have two natures

1. The Old Nature = Physical & sinful 2. The New Nature = Spiritual & perfect

Ephesians 4:22-24 “22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”


Colossians 3:5-10 “5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him”

FAQ...

1. Will I sin after I’m saved? Romans 7

2. How does my sin effect my relationship with my Father? Hebrews 12:5-11

3. What should I do when I sin? 1 John 1:6-10

Proverbs 28:13

NOTES ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________


Lesson #1 (Support your answers with proof texts)

!

Are people born as sinners, or do they become sinners only after they are born?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How does one enter into God’s family?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

List five ways your new relationship with God is like the relationship between

an earthly father and son.

1.______________________________________________

2.______________________________________________

3.______________________________________________

4.______________________________________________

5.______________________________________________

Explain the two natures a child of God possesses.

1._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What would be the reason for one nature to overpower the other nature?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When a child of God chooses to continue in a particular sin, what can


he/she expect from God?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


pg. � Biblical Discipleship: Lesson 1#2


Eternal Security

John 10:28+29 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

Memory Verse Romans 8:38-39

38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor

powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to

separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now that I’m saved can I ever lose my salvation?

John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.

Under no circumstances will God throw you out of His family.

John 10:27-29 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

No man can cause you to lose your salvation, because God your Father is greater than all men.

Can I do something to lose my salvation?

Ephesians 2:8+9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.”

James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.

Galatians 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Salvation is by grace through faith, and not by works. It is a GIFT from God. No man can lose his salvation on his own, because no man earned his salvation. If we had to do anything to earn or keep our salvation, we would easily loose it and Jesus’ death would have been a waste!


Okay, God won’t cast me out, no man can cause me to lose my salvation, and I can’t lose it myself, but is there anything else that can cause me to lose my salvation?

No! Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am convinced that neither...”

“Death” - You can’t loose your salvation when you die !

“Life” - You can’t loose your salvation while you are alive !

“Angels” - Angels can’t take your salvation away from you !

“Principalities” - The government can’t take your salvation away from you !

“Powers” - Satan can’t take your salvation away from you !

“Things present” - Nothing in the present can take your salvation away from you !

“Things to come” - Nothing in the future can take you salvation away from you !

“Height” - Nothing above you can take your salvation away from you !

“Depth” - Nothing under you can take your salvation away from you !

“Nor any created thing” - ...you are probably getting the point by now !

“... will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

How is it possible that I can never lose my salvation?

John 1:12-13 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Because your relationship with God is now a father/ son relationship by birth.

1 John 5:11-13 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Revelation 20:15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,


Ephesians 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

When you were born physically, the government required that a record be made of your birth, called a birth certificate. When you were spiritually born again God also, in a way, made a record of your spiritual birth, and your spiritual birth is sealed by the Holy Spirit.

How can I be sure that I am really saved?

The Gospel of John and the letter of 1st John was written to help you with this...

1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

What if I don’t feel saved?

1 John 3:20

in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.

Your salvation is not based on your feelings. It is based upon the

objective, factual truth of the Word of God.

NOTES ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________


Lesson #2 (Motiveer jou antwoorde met ‘n proefteks so vêr moontlik)

"

What is the promise we can claim in John 6:37?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

According to John 10:27-29, why can no man take your salvation from you?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“We can do nothing to lose our salvation.”

What do the following verses say about this statement?

Ephesians 2:8+9

______________________________________________________________ 2 Timothy 1:12

______________________________________________________________ Galatians 2:21

______________________________________________________________

According to Romans 8:38-39 is there anything that can separate us from

God’s love?

__________________________________________________________________________

What do the following verses teach us concerning the promise of eternal life?

1 John 3:20

__________________________________________________________________________

Titus 1:2

__________________________________________________________________________

1 John 2:25

__________________________________________________________________________


pg. 1 Biblical Discipleship: Lesson #3


The Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16-17(16) All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness ; (17) so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Verse to memorize...Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and

spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the

heart.

The Bible claims that it is the absolute Word and authority of God. The Bible set forth the standard by which Believers are to live their lives. Therefore, it is very important for the Believer to regularly read, study, and apply God’s Word in a practical way to their lives if they are to grow in Christlikeness and the knowledge and truth of God.

The purpose of this lesson is to acquaint the new Believer of the basic principles concerning God’s Word, and how it should impact and be applied to their every day lives.

A couple of interesting facts concerning the Bible...

We get our English word “Bible” from the Greek word “biblos” that means “book”. Ancient books were written on material called “biblus”, and from this material the Greeks got the name “biblos” that eventually came to refer to the “Bible”.

There are 66 “books” in the Bible divided up between the Old & New Testaments.39 “books” in the Old Testament27 “books” in the New Testament

The Bible was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit... Over a period of about 2000 yearsBy more than 40 menFrom about five different countries

The bible does not have a single mistake or error in any subject.

There are no contradictions in the Bible.

How do we know the Bible is God’s Word?

God’s Word itself answers this question the best...

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God...”

THE WORD “inspired” means literally “God breathed”.

In the original Greek text the word “inspired” is made up out of two Greek words: “theos” = God & “pnein” = to breathe.

2 Peter 1:20-21 says, “(20) ...no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, (21) for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

According to these verses we can see that men of God, out of obedience to God, wrote what God “breathed” to them. Thus, the Bible is indeed the Word of God and every single “book” of the Bible is from God and is authoritative over our lives.


See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”

Why should we read/ study God’s Word?

God’s Word encourages us to read it!When the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe has something to say, we had better listen. Furthermore, God’s Word encourages us to study it...

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus Christ says, "... Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul wrote to Timothy,"Study to shew thyself approved of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." This is a call to study God’s Word!

In Acts 17:11 Luke wrote of the Bereans, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Note that the Bereans searched the scriptures daily, and with minds that were open to God's truths.

In Ephesians 6:11, Paul instructs the believer to, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." A few verses later in Ephesians 6:17 he explains that part of that armor of God is "...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..."

The Bible is God Breathed 2 Timothy 3:16-17. In other words it is literally God’s Words to us!

If you are a Believer, God’s infallable Word has authority over your life and shows you how you should live!Psalm 12:6-7(6) The words of the LORD are pure words ; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. (7) You, O LORD, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever.

God’s words are pure. They are in other words without blemish.

Matthew 24:35"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

In a world when people change what they say from day to day, it is very reassuring to know that God’s word never changes, and it is this unchanging that gives reliability to the word of God.


Because God’s Word is accurate, trustworthy, and unchanging it gives the Believer absolute confidence to go to God’s Word for instruction in every aspect of life.

2 Timothy 3:16-17(16) All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness ; (17) so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Where in the Bible should I start reading?

As a young Believer it will be good for you to focus on Scriptures that deal with your relationship with the Lord.

The Gospel of John is written that you might believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.See: John 20:31

The Epistle (letter) of 1st John is written that you might have complete assurance of salvation. See: 1 John 5:13

Psalm 119 is a wonderful chapter in the Bible that speaks of a mans love for God’s Word. See: Psalm 119:2

NOTES________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Lesson #3

When someone is "born again," everything becomes new (II Cor. 5:17), including one's appetites. Job had an appetite for God's Word. He depended on it so much He considered it to be more necessary than what? (Job 23:12)

______________________________________________________________

The Lord Jesus Christ said that man does not merely live by bread (food) alone but by what? (Matthew. 4:4)

______________________________________________________________

Read I Peter 2:1-3 and answer these questions:1. A new Christian, like a newborn baby, needs to have an appetite or

"desire" for what? (I Peter 2:2) ________________________________________

2. Why should he/ she desire this? (1 Peter 2:2)___________________________

3. Before you can "take in" God's Word and benefit from it, what must you first "put out" of your life? (1 Peter 2:1)_________________________________

Who guided God's prophets so that they wrote exactly what God wanted? (II Peter 1:20, 21) _________________________________________________________

What does the term “inspiration” mean?(2 Timothy 3:16)_____________ ____________________________________________________________________

How much of the Bible has been inspired by God? (2 Timothy 3:16) ________________________

Since the Bible is God's very own Word, what is it profitable for? (2 Timothy 3:16)

i) _____________________________________________________ii) _____________________________________________________iii) _____________________________________________________iv) _____________________________________________________

For further information about the accuracy and dependability of the Bible, read: Matthew 5:18, Matthew 24:35; Hebrews 1:1-2; Hebrews 4:12.

(turn over to next page)


Before you sit down to read your Bible, what should you ask God to do for you? (Psalm 119:18; compare also verses 33-34).__________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Read Psalm 119: 97, 113, 127, 163, 167. What one word describes David's attitude toward the Bible? __________________________________

Many times, sin in our lives will keep us from hungering for God's Word. It has been said that "Sin will keep you from this Book (the Bible), and this Book will keep you from sin." What should you do with God's Word to keep yourself from sin? (Psalm 119:11) ____________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ It is very important to memorize verses from the Bible. Especially verses that will help you with an area of weakness or temptation in your life.

Besides "hiding God's Word in his heart," what else did David do with God's Word? (Psalm 119:15, 23, 97, 99) ______________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

To "________________" on God's Word means spending time to seriously think about what God's Word says, what it means, and how it applies to you.

What are the benefits of meditating on God's Word? Psalm 1:1-3 ________________________________________________________Joshua 1:8 ________________________________________________________

The purpose for reading, memorizing, and meditating on God's Word is so that you will do what God says. In other words, God gave us His Word so that we would trust it and obey it.

Read Matthew 7:24-27. What does the Lord Jesus call those who do what He says? (verses 24-25)

________________________________________________________What does the Lord call those who do not do what He says? (verses 26-27)

________________________________________________________

For further help about obeying God's Word, see: James 1:19-25.




How do I read the Word of God?

Verse to memorize...Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and

spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the

heart.

The Bible is the #1 selling book in the World! Why? It is a fascinating historical book, filled with gripping stories. It explains all the big issues of life and how to approach them.

(For example: God, eternal life, death, love, sin, and morals)

It is the only way that God has chosen to speak to us. It is the only source of absolute truth that we can rely on to guide us

through every situation we encounter in life. It encourages us & gives us hope! It brings us close to the living God.

Probably one of the most common reasons why Believers don't study the

Bible is based on the complaint... " I just don't understand it ! "

Although parts of the Bible might be difficult to understand... It doesn’t mean that it is incomprehensible.

The Bible is meant to be Bread for the Believer’s daily use! Not cake for special occasions!

We must approach God's Word as if our lives depended on it......because they do!

God’s Word not only encourages us to know it, but it also commands us to study it!See: Joshua 1:8, Jeremiah 23:28-29, Psalm 119:9-11, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:14-16, Hebrews 4:12.

In this lesson we will learn three steps that will help us understand the meaning that was intended by the Author of the Bible.

STEP #1 - OBSERVATION (What does the Passage say?)

The goal of your observation is to determine... What is the context of the passage you are reading.

So let's look at some basic principles that will help us achieve our goal of determining the context...

F.O.T.O. = "Focus On The Obvious"Read the text with the goal of looking for the things that are Obvious

As you read through the text observe...


Context Defined...1: the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning2: the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs : environment, setting

Merriam-Webster

THE 6 QUESTIONS (to find the obvious context): Who? Where? Why? When? What? How?Who?

Who is writing (author)?To whom and/or about whom is he speaking? Who are the main characters? Who is mentioned in the book (Why? What do we learn about them?)

Where? Where did (or will) this happen? Where was this said/written (where is the author)?

Why? Why was this written (purpose)? Why is this said? Why is he/she/ they there?

When? When is this written (When in Biblical history)?

(Where on the timeline)? (When in the author's life)?

When did/will this happen?

What?What is the author doing? What are the main events? What are the circumstances? What is the historical setting? What is the cultural setting?What did the text mean to the biblical audience?What is the main subject of the chapter/book? What are key words or key phrases?What are the differences between the biblical audience and us?What is the theological principle in this text?

How? How will/did something happen? How is the truth illustrated?


HISTORICAL & CULTURALCONTEXT

We are prone to interpret everything we read in terms of our modern Western culture, since the "here & now" is where we live.

We need to understand the historical setting to best understand the writer’s original intent.

In other words, try to put yourself into the historical & cultural context of the author & the audience he was addressing.

STEP #2 - INTERPRETATION (What does the Passage mean?)

Does the Word of God have many valid interpretations or is there only one?

While there is no doubt that genuine Believers will differ in their interpretations on a number of difficult passages, the truth is that every passage has only one valid, correct interpretation.

God did not stutter nor did He speak in ambiguities. God said what He said and meant what He said, regardless of whether we as

finite creatures can agree on what He said. Biblical truth is the ultimate objective truth for it is God's inerrant, plenary

(complete in every aspect) inspired Word.

It is therefore necessary for all sincere believers to be very careful in our approach to handling and interpreting His precious truth!

In Biblical interpretation you are seeking to place yourself in the writer's "sandals", setting aside any presuppositions,with the ultimate goal being to understand God’s original intent.

What is a “presupposition”?People are by nature not neutral or objective. We bring many preconceived...

Notions & Influences & Understandings

...with us before we study the Scriptures in detail.

We tend to fill in the gaps & ambiguities in the biblical text with explanations and background from our culture.

Not being aware of how culture influences our presuppositions can cause us to limit the possibilities of the meaning of the text to us.

Our culture can cause us to decide possible & impossible meanings for the text even before we study the text.

How does local & national cultural influences effect our presuppositions?

How can Family Culture influence our presuppositions?

More Dangers concerning presuppositions: Those that assume that their presuppositions are always correct run

the risk of misinterpreting the Scripture. Those that come to the Scripture with a theological agenda already

formulated, will often miss the point of the text all together. Those that are familiar with a passage tend to think that they know all

there is to know about it and are prone to skip over it without studying it carefully.


Psalm 119:160Thy word is true from the beginning:and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.Proverbs 30:5Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.2 Timothy 3:16-1716 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Principles of Interpretation...

PRINCIPLE #1 - Read the Scriptures prayerfullyPsalm 119:34 - “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.”

PRINCIPLE #2 - Observe with a purpose Each time you read the text, pause & ask yourself the 6 Questions

PRINCIPLE #3 - Context always rules in interpretation Whether you are studying a single word, one verse or a larger

section of Scripture... always check to see who the "neighbors" are!

PRINCIPLE #4 - Read Literally If the plain sense of the Scripture you are studying makes good sense,

then do not seek to make some other sense out of it or the final interpretation could be complete nonsense & totally unrelated to God's intending meaning.

Take every word in its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages & self-evident and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise.


Most heresies are the perversion of some fundamental doctrine of the Bible.False teachers take verses out of context, twist the Scriptures, & manufacture

doctrines that are contrary to the Word of God.Beware of taking promises out of their context. Often people will take single

verses or phrases and disregard the context. They then tend to mistakenly apply promises that were made to others to themselves.

Remember: SCRIPTURE NEVER CONTRADICTS SCRIPTURE! If we arrive at an interpretation in one passage that contradicts

truth in another passage, we have an inaccurate interpretation. God always agrees with Himself!

Tools you can use to help you understand the Historical-Cultural Context: Bible Handbooks (Halley’s Bible Handbook + Explore the Book - Zondervan Publishers)

OT & NT Surveys (A Popular Survey of the Old Testament - Geisler + New Testament Survey - Gromacki)

Commentaries (Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the OT + NT + Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible)

Bible Atlases, Dictionaries & EncyclopaediasStudies in Ancient History, Life and Culture

(New Testament Times - Tenney) (Old Testament Bible History - Edersheim)(New Illustrated Bible Manners & Customs - Vos)

Computer Software (Libronix D) Special discernment is in order when referring to commentaries. Commentaries vary widely in

their interpretative approach, and you may not always be able to easily discern their bias. If an interpreter does not use the normal, customary, literal method of interpreting Scripture, interpretation is given over to the unconstrained imagination and presuppositions of the interpreter. This is why there is widely-varying imaginative interpretations of the Scriptures.

PRINCIPLE #5 - Compare Scripture with Scripture Interpret Scripture with Scripture and don't base your convictions

on an obscure passage which cannot be supported by other more easily interpreted texts.

Clear up problem areas with the clear teaching of other passages relating to the same subject.


Why is there so much emphasis on literal interpretation?To answer this important question Dwight Pentecost offers the following succinct analysis of the history of Biblical interpretation...It is to be noted that all interpretation began with the literal interpretation of Ezra. This literal method became the basic method of Rabbinism. It was the accepted method used by the New Testament in the interpretation of the Old and was so employed by the Lord and His apostles. This literal method was the method of the ("Early") Church Fathers until the time of Origen (ca. 185-254 AD) when the allegorical method (Ed: Refers to a method in which one looks for hidden or secret meaning, rather than accepting the plain meaning of text), which had been devised to harmonize Platonic philosophy and Scripture, was adopted. Augustine's influence brought this allegorizing method into the established and brought an end to all true exegesis (Ed: primary concern in exegesis is an understanding of the text). This system continued until the Reformation. At the Reformation the literal method of interpretation was solidly established and, in spite of the attempts of the church to bring all interpretation into conformity to an adopted creed, literal interpretation continued and became the basis on which all true exegesis rests. It would be concluded, then, from the study of the history of interpretation that the original and accepted method of interpretation was the literal method, which was used by the Lord, the greatest Interpreter, and any other method was introduced to promote heterodoxy (quality of holding to unorthodox doctrines). Therefore the literal method must be accepted as the basic method for right interpretation in any field of doctrine today.

(Pentecost, Dwight: Things to Come, page 32-33)

More on Allegorizing...Allegorizing is searching for a hidden or secret meaning underlying but remote from and unrelated in reality to the more obvious meaning of a text. In other words the literal reading is a sort of code, which needs to be deciphered to determine the more significant and hidden meaning. In this approach the literal is superficial, the allegorical is the true meaning."

(Zuck, Roy: Basic Bible Interpretation. Page 29)

of STUDYING SCRIPTUREThings to look for in larger units of text/thoughts/ a discourse...

Connections to other Paragraphs & Episodes How does the passage connect to the one that precedes it

and the one that follows it?

Shifts in the Story/ PivotsIs the passage being used as a key to understanding a

dramatic shift in the story?

InterchangeDoes the passage shift back & forth between two scenes or

characters?

What Dispensation is the text written in or refers to?Innocence (Genesis 1:26 - 3:24)

Conscience (Genesis 4:1)

Human Government (Genesis 8:20)

Promise (Genesis 12)

Mosaic Law (Exodus 19:1 - Matthew 27:56 - ends)

Grace (Matthew 27:57)

Millennium (Revelation 20:1-6)What Covenant Applies if any?

Edenic (Genesis 1:26-30 & 2:16-17)

Adamic (Genesis 3:15-19)

Noahic (Genesis 9:1-17)

Abrahamic (Genesis 12:1-4; 13:14-17; 15:1-7+18-21; 17:1-8)

Mosaic (Exodus 19:5-31:18)

Palestinian (Deuteronomy 30:3)

Davidic (2 Samuel 7:8-17)

New (Hebrews 8:8)

Things to look for in Paragraphs:Are their connections between the paragraphs and episodes?

‘

Questions & AnswersNote if the text built on a question & answer format.

DialogueIdentify who is speaking and to whom.

MeansNote if the sentence indicates that something was or is to be

done by means of someone or something. Basically it answers the question “How is the purpose accomplished?”.Usually you can insert the phrase “by means of” into the sentence.


Covenant = A declaration made by God where He establishes a relationship of responsibility between himself and another party.

Dispensation = God administering mankind or a people group during a period of history, during which man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God. These periods in history are marked by a event, a test, failure of man, and judgment.

Purpose/Result StatementsOften answers the question- “Why”.

General to Specific StatementsGeneral statements followed by specific examples or applications.

Specific to General StatementsSpecific statements that are summarized by a general one.

Conditional ClausesOften statements use the “if…then” framework.There is a condition with a result or consequence.

Actions/ Roles (of God & of People): What does God do in this passage?What do people do in this passage?Is there a connection between what God does & what people

do in this passage?

Emotional TermsUnderline words/ phrases that convey feeling & emotion.

Overall Tone of the PassageAfter noting the emotional terms try to determine the overall

tone of the passage: - Is it one of anger? - A scolding tone? - A sorrowful tone?

Things to look for in Sentences:

Repetition of WordsSimply by observing the repetition of words, we have an early

indication of what the passage may be about.

ContrastsLook for ideas, individuals, & items that are contrasted with each other.

ComparisonsLook for ideas, individuals, & items that are compared with

each other. Look for similarities.

ListsNote where the text mentions more than two items.

Cause & EffectThere may be more than one effect from a single cause

mentioned in the text.

Figures of SpeechLook for expressions that convey an image, using words in a

sense other than the literal sense.

ConjunctionsNotice terms that join phrases & sentences together like:

“and”, “but”, “for”. pg. 8 Biblical Discipleship: Lesson #4

The goal of Bible stu

dy is...

Not to m

ake us smarter sinners

But to m

ake us more like our Savior

Note what they are connecting.

VerbsNote whether a verb is past, present or future tense (I went, I go, I will go). Is the verb active (the subject is doing the action: Bill hit the ball)

Is the verb passive (the subject is acted upon: Bill was hit by the ball).

This distinction is important because it often delineates between what we do & what God has done for us.

Also look for imperatives (Go!).

PronounsIdentify the antecedent (to whom or to what the pronoun refers) for

each pronoun.Example: Ephesians 1:3

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

STEP #3 - APPLICATION (How does the Passage apply to me?)

We cannot apply the Bible to our lives without knowing what it means... ...but we can “know” the Bible without applying it!

Knowledge by itself is worthless, the doing is what is important.

Studying God’s Word should lead to action. John 14:21... “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

We study Scripture not just to learn more about God......but to know & love God more.

He gave us His Word not just to fill our brains with biblical facts... but to change our lives.

2 Timothy 3:16-1716 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

“Doctrine” shows us truth necessary for life & godliness. “Reproof” shows us where we are wrong. When we look into the mirror of

God's Word, we see ourselves more clearly. (See James 1:23-25)

“Correction” shows us how to get right with God. “Instruction in righteousness” provides us with positive training in godly behavior.


An Example of the application of these Bible Study Methods...

Lesson #4

Now you give it a try...

Matthew 28:18-2018 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power

is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the

Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you

always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

King James Version (KJV)


pg. 1 Biblical Discipleship Lesson #5


Prayer

Verses to memorize...Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and

your minds in Christ Jesus.

Have you struggled with prayer? Does prayer seem like an exercise in eloquent speech that you just don't possess?

Prayer is not a mysterious practice reserved only for the religiously devout.Prayer is simply talking to with God Believers can pray from the heart...

...freely, spontaneously,

...and in their own words!

Prayer is your direct communication with God. God speaks to us through His Word; and when you pray, you are

speaking to God.

What is the purpose of prayer?

We pray to deepen our relationship with GodJames 4:88 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Hebrews 10:19-2319 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

Prayer is our way of communing with God. Just as friends and family members spend time talking with one another to

deepen their relationships, so prayer deepens our relationship with God. God’s desire is that we approach Him in prayer. We can have confidence to enter God’s presence because of what Jesus

Christ has done for us.

We also pray because we are commanded to1st Thessalonians 5:16-1816 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

What does it mean to pray without ceasing?Ephesians 6:18 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

“Greek writers used the adverb translated “without ceasing” to describe a hacking cough. Paul did not expect his readers to be in prayer every minute but to continue praying whenever possible.” Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible


We pray to restore our relationship with God.1 John 1:99 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

What does the word “confess” mean?“Confession” means to agree with God about our sinful actions or attitudes

and to ask His forgiveness for them.

Some expositors teach that this verse cannot apply to Christians since God has already forgiven Christians and therefore we do not need to ask for what we already have The fact that God has removed the penalty for our sins at conversion (Ephesians 1:7) does not remove the necessity of confessing our sins frequently (Matthew 6:11–12). Again, the issue is not acceptance by God but fellowship with God. Conversion (forensic) forgiveness makes us acceptable as members of God’s family. Continual (family) forgiveness enables us to experience intimate fellowship as sons within God’s family.

Describe Davids attitude in Psalm 139:23-24Psalm 139:23-2423 Search me, O God, and know my heart;Try me and know my anxious thoughts;24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me,And lead me in the everlasting way.

David didn’t want to overlook any area of his life that might be displeasing to God.The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to search our hearts. We must confess those actions and attitudes that are contrary to His Word, and to put off the sin in the future and determine to put on godly actions or attitudes to please God.

We pray to praise God See Psalm 100

We pray for healingJames 5:1616 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

We pray to intercede for someone else1 Timothy 2:1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, bemade on behalf of all men,

These are but a few of the many possible reasons that we should pray.One way to remember what we should be praying for is with the helpful acrostic...

"A-C-T-S".


A-C-T-S A = ADORATION

I.e. = Praising GodHebrews 13:15-1615 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Spending time in sincere praise of God's greatness will help put us in the proper spirit of humility

C = CONFESSIONI.e. = Acknowledging our sins before GodWhen we understand how sin can break the fellowship we have with God,

we naturally desire its quick remission1 John 1:99 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

T = THANKSGIVINGAn important part of prayer, even when we are making requests

Philippians 4:66 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

The benefits of giving thanks are many:1) Causes us to acknowledge God's existence, love, and care.2) Reminds us of His goodness.3) Helps to shift our focus from what we don't have to what we do have.

God's people have every reason to be thankfulColossians 1:1212 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.Colossians 2:77 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.Colossians 3:1515 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.Colossians 4:22 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving

S = SUPPLICATIONI.e. = Making requests of God

Philippians 4:66 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.1 Timothy 2:1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,


What is required of us to have an effective prayer life?John 15:77 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

A genuine relationship with the LordKnowing God’s Word and applying it to our lives.

What does it mean to “abide” in Christ:

1 John 4:1313 By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

John 15:4-54 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

1 John 3:22,2422 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.24 The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

Colossians 3:1-3; 5-17Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Ephesians 5:8-11; 15-178 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

“To abide in Christ is, on the one hand, to have no sin unjudged and unconfessed, no interest in anything He’s not involved in, no life which He cannot share. On the other hand, the none who abides takes all burdens to Him, and draws all wisdom, life and strength from Him. It is not unceasing consciousness of these things, and of Him, but that nothing is allowed in the life which separates from Him.” C.I. Scofield

To abide in Christ is... To have no unconfessed sin To yield one’s life to God’s will as found in the Scriptures. To take our burdens to Him To draw all wisdom and to trust in God for our strength Not an unceasing consciousness of these things, but it is rather to not

allow anything (sin) to separate us from Him.


Believers who want to be more effective in their prayer life must be willing to learn how to pray according to God’s will.

Scripture assumes this process in much of its prayer teaching. Psalm 119:11,14-15 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.15 I will meditate on Your precepts and [regard Your ways. Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

As the Believer “delights in the Lord”... ...over time ...the Believers desires will change ...and come in line with God’s desires

You must become committed to: - Reading - Memorizing - Meditating on, and - Obeying the written will of God

There are no short cuts, no seminars, no amazing prayer-power techniques, nor any “secrets” which bypass this reality.

1 John 5:14-1514 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

James 4:2-32 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Anyone observing a spoiled child understands that a truly loving Father is not likely to encourage disobedience in His children by answering prayer as if He felt, “My commandments aren’t all that important anyway. It really doesn’t matter whether you take Me seriously.” God knows what is best. God may often say, “No,” to requests that are selfishly motivated.

The path to answered prayer... ...is the way of obedience.

We have confidence in answered prayer because our confidence is in knowing Christ and trusting God’s perfect will for our lives

James 1:6-76 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord


A popular belief concerning answered prayer is that God answers our prayers if we do good deeds in a “this-for-that” arrangement. Essentially prayer is then

a “mechanism” or a “system” that can be manipulated so that we can get what we want from God. In a way, this makes God a divine vending machine, into which we place a certain amount of obedience credits before “pushing the button” of prayer that obligates God to answers us according to what we want. This conception of prayer is both widespread and wrong.

No one can place God under obligation to do what we want. In Romans 11:35 Paul quotes Job and asks: “Who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?”

Another way of looking at this is the clay cannot control the hand of the Potter who “works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Eph. 1:11) 1 John 5:14 takes us to the bottom line...

“If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

How do I pray?

Is their a correct posture for prayer?There is no correct or certain posture for prayer. In the Bible people prayed on their knees, bowing, on their faces before God, and standing. You may pray with your eyes opened or closed, quietly or out loud, however you are most comfortable and least distracted.

Should I Use Eloquent Words?Your prayers need not be wordy or impressive in speech.Matthew 6:7 7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words

Prayer is not about phrasing everything perfectly, or using the correct formula in the exact right way.

Prayer is about communicating with God from our hearts, in an honest, loving relationship.

Sometimes we get too concerned about technique and forget that God knows our hearts and understands our human imperfections.

God has not left it all up to you. Our Heavenly Father is gracious beyond measure! God knows what we need, even when we pray in error or ignorance of His will. God also has provided that we have intercession on our behalf through...

Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25) The Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27) & Other Believers...

Paul sought prayer on his behalf from all the Roman believers in Romans 15:30

Paul also urged the Colossians to intercede for him in Colossians 4:2-3

The church prayed for Peter’s release from prison in Acts 12:5

Paul exhorts the Ephesian believers to make intercessory prayer part of the Believers daily life in Ephesians 6:16-18


To Whom Do We Pray?Matthew 6:6-96 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 9 “Pray, then, in this way:‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

We are to pray to the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit.

Christ is called the “High Priest” who intercedes for us (Hebrews 4:15) to the Father. Therefore, we enter into the Father’s presence “in his name,” not our own – through the Son (John 15:16).

When should we pray?

Having set times to pray can help us get into and stay in the habit of praying. For example, consider the practice of: a. David, whom God described as "a man after My own heart" - 1 Samuel 3:14 b. Daniel, whom the angel of God described as "O man greatly beloved" - Daniel 10:19

These great men of God made it a habit to pray at set times throughout the day; we would do well to imitate their example!

BUT...Prayer should not be limited to "set times"...

Special needs call for special times of praying For example... a. Jesus, prayed on important occasions - Luke 6:12-13 b. Paul, prayed in trying circumstances - Acts 16:25 c. Nehemiah - prayed on the spur of the moment - Nehemiah 2:4-5 d. Paul implores Believers to “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17


Lesson #5(Support your answers with proof texts)

What does it mean “to abide in Christ”, and how does this have bearing on

our prayer life? ________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

What is something that prayer does not accomplish?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

To whom are we to direct or prayers too? Why?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Is it true that if you pray hard or long enough, God will change His mind

and do what you want? Why or why not?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Who helps us in our prayers?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

What are four things we should talk to the Lord about in our prayers?

1) _________________________________________________________________

2) _________________________________________________________________

3) _________________________________________________________________

4) _________________________________________________________________

When should we pray?

_________________________________________________________________




Baptism

Memory VersesMatthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son

and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to

the end of the age.”

What is “Baptism”?

“Baptism” is a symbol of the Believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, & resurrection.There are many different beliefs about baptism:

Some believe there is no salvation if there is no water baptism. Some baptize infants. Others baptize only adults. For some, water baptism is entirely symbolic. Some focus on a baptism of the Spirit and make it an experience

completely separate from salvation.

It is very important to understand what the Bible teaches about baptism.

Half of all references to baptism in the Bible are found in the Gospels...Jesus Himself was baptized

But, His baptism was different from Believer’s baptism as it was an anointing that marked the beginning of His ministry on earth.

John the Baptist baptized Israelites But, although John’s baptism resembled Believer’s baptism in that it

had the prerequisite of repentance, it was still different because it was a preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the future baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; cf. John 1:32–33)

into the body of Christ (Romans 6:3 + Galatians 3:27). When those who were baptized with John’s baptism, heard that the

Messiah had come they placed their faith in Jesus and then were baptized in Jesus name (Acts 18:24-26 + Acts 19:1-5).

What is “Believers Baptism”?For an understanding of “Believer’s Baptism”, one must study the New Testament a literal & *dispensational interpretation of these Scriptures will show...

Water baptism by immersion is entirely symbolic, serving as a public testimony of one’s salvation.

Water baptism by immersion also serves as an illustration of the baptism performed by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ


* Dispensation... A particular way that God administers His rule over the world (or over only one people group or segment of mankind) as He works out His purpose for world history.

What does the word “Baptism” mean?

“Baptism” is a *transliteration of a Greek word, “Baptizo”.

In the Scriptures the Greek word for “baptism” is, “Baptizo” which means, “to immerse or submerse an object into something else such as a liquid like water or dye.”

In each case where the word “Baptizo” or any of its forms is found in the Bible, it would be appropriate to substitute the word “immerse” as an English translation of the Greek word.

God chose to use the word “Baptizo” in the Bible because the action of immersing describes the spiritual relationship of a believer to Jesus Christ.

What does “Baptism” illustrate?

“Water” Baptism...

Illustrates a Believer being placed into the body of Christ. Because this is a permanent relationship and God did not want

people left under the water permanently, He also provided, in His infinite wisdom, a second symbol in water baptism.

Illustrates being placed into the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a Believer goes under the water, he shows that he is part of the body of Christ

and as such has participated in Christ’s death and burial. When the Believer comes up out of the water, he shows that he is a full partner in the resurrection and is now walking in the hope of that resurrection in newness of life.

Gives a Believer the opportunity to openly declare his identity with Christ. If a person is not willing to be baptized into water, it is reasonable to wonder how

real his relationship is with Christ. This symbolic act to state publicly that what he professes with his mouth is

possessed in his heart.

A person may be baptized into water only after a person has received Christ as Savior. (Acts 2:38,41, Acts 8:12,36, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 18:8)

Immersion is the only mode of baptism.The Greek word “baptism” means to immerse. It never means to pour or sprinkle.

- The Greek word which means “to pour” is “cheo.” - The Greek word which means “to sprinkle” is “rantidzo.” - God used the word “baptizo” which means only “to immerse.”

Pouring & sprinkling does not fulfill the symbolism associated with baptism.


* Transliteration transfers the spelling of a word from the alphabet of one language into the alphabet of another language. Thus the Greek word “Baptizo” becomes the English word “baptism.”

Who should be Baptized?

Only those who have received Christ as their Savior by grace through faith alone should be baptized into water.

This eliminates infants, since they cannot believe.

What is the Holy Spirit’s role in Baptism?

When a person receives Jesus Christ as his Savior, the Holy Spirit instantly immerses that believer into the body of Christ and the immersion into water symbolizes that event.

(Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27) Romans 6:3 states that when a person is immersed into Christ, he is

also immersed into His death. This means that when a believer is part of the spiritual body of Christ he is considered by God to have participated with Christ in His death on the cross.

Romans 6:4 explains that the effect of immersion into the death of Christ is a participation in the resurrection of Christ, enabling a Christian to walk in newness of life here on earth.

Baptism into the body of Christ takes place at exactly the same time of salvation. It is not an experience following salvation. It is not a second blessing.


Caution should be used in baptizing young children who have made a profession of faith. While children are capable of truly understanding the Gospel and genuinely receiving Christ at very young ages, it is better to wait until it can be established that they understand the symbolism involved in water baptism. Baptizing them too soon may confuse them and make them think that the water had something to do with their salvation.

In that wonderful moment, when a person confesses his sinfulness to God, believes the Gospel of Christ in his heart, and prayerfully receives Christ, there are many things that happen to him.

→ God forgives him for his sins→ Declares him to be justified→ Regenerates him→ Bestows eternal life upon him→ Indwells him by His Holy Spirit→ Seals him unto the day of the rapture/resurrection event→ Immerses him into the body of Christ.

Scripture never applies the term “Baptism” to the “indwelling of the Holy Spirit.”

Lesson #6

What is the key reason why God instructs the Believer to be baptized?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are the purposes for baptism found in Romans 6:3-4?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In Acts 8:36-37, the Ethiopian eunuch had to fulfill one requirement before he

could be baptized. What was that one requirement?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

How do we know that the Ethiopian eunuch was not baptized by sprinkling of water?

Acts 8:38-39______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Baptism by complete immersion in water is a picture of what?

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Is Baptism essential for salvation? __________

Prove your answer with a Scripture reference. ______________________________________


!

!

!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

pg. " Biblical Discipleship: Lesson #7 1


Communion

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 23 …the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Why does the church have communion? Communion is…

A time to remember A time to thank the Lord for dying on the cross for our sins. !

Communion was instituted by Jesus Christ Jesus Christ instituted two ordinances for His Church. An ordinance is a “prescribed practice”, something ordered by Jesus to be

practised by the church. Baptism & Communion are the two ordinances that are prescribed by Jesus

to be practised by the Church. Communion was instituted on the same night the Lord Jesus was betrayed.

The very next day Jesus would go to the cross, suffer and shed His blood for all of mankind’s sin. We can read about what Jesus did on this night in…

Matthew 26:26-30 Mark 14:22-26 Luke 22:19-20 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 !

The reason we observe communion is because Jesus told us to do so. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 Paul uses the verbs “received” & “passed on”.

These are technical terms from Paul’s Jewish heritage for the transmission of religious instruction.

Paul’s point is to establish that the instruction concerning communion came from Jesus himself: ‘I received [it] from the Lord.’” !

What are the different “titles” for communion & what do they mean? “Communion”

Fellowship, Participation, Sharing (1 Corinthians 10:16)

Communion is something that all Believers share in and participate in. ! “The Lord’s Table”

It was at a table that the Lord first instituted communion.

It was at a table that the Lord first broke bread and passed the cup. This “title” is found in 1 Corinthians 10:21 !

“The Lord’s Supper” On the night before Jesus was crucified, He shared supper with His

disciples. After this supper, Jesus instituted communion. This “title” is found in Luke 22:20 & 1 Corinthians 11:25

“The Breaking of Bread” This is what Jesus did when He instituted

communion (Matthew 26:26) This “title” is found in Acts 2:42 !!!


(put in place)

What does communion picture? 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 23 …the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. !

“He… took the bread” - “This is My body” This bread is a picture (symbol) of His body. When you look at the bread you will think of His body & what He did for

mankind when He died on the cross for our sins. !1 Peter 2:24 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. !1 Peter 3:18 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; !

“He took the cup “ - “This cup is… My blood” This cup/ wine is a picture (symbol) of His blood. When you look at the cup/ wine you will think of His blood & how He shed

His blood on the cross to pay the penalty for mankind's sins. !Matthews 26:28 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. !Ephesians 1:7 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace !When Jesus shed His blood on Calvary…

That blood ratified (gave formal sanction to) the New Covenant that Jeremiah had predicted (Jeremiah 31:31–34).

The New Covenant replaced the old Mosaic Covenant (Hebrews 8:8–13; 9:18–28). Even though the Jews will be the major beneficiaries of the benefits of this

covenant in the Millennium, all believers began to benefit from the death of Christ when He died. ! !!!!!!!!!!!


When Christ established the Lord’s Supper it was as though He notarized His will; it became official then. The will is the New Covenant. When He died His “estate” became available to those He chose to profit from it. Soon many people around the world, Jews and Gentiles in the church, began to benefit from the blessings of His death. However His chosen people, His son Israel, will not enter into their inheritance until the appointed time, namely the Millennium. Blessings for the church began almost immediately after Christ’s death. Blessings for Israel will not begin until Christ’s appointed time arrives. - Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible

Who should take part in communion? Jesus did not tell everyone to eat the bread & drink the cup.

This was something that He told His disciples to do. Acts 2:41-46… It was Believers who participated in the “breaking of bread” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 was written to the church…i.e. Believers. !

What does it mean to eat the bread and to drink the cup unworthily? !1 Corinthians 11:27 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. !

“unworthy” refers to the state of mind in which one comes to the Table of the Lord. Of course in ourselves we are altogether unworthy. (Romans 3:23)

But we have found acceptance in the worthy One, and in Christ every believer is worthy to approach the Table of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

!Being “guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord” means…

Being guilty of treating them in an unworthy manner Of profaning the “body and the blood of the Lord”.

It does not mean that such a person is in some special sense responsible for the death of Christ. !

What does it mean to “examine” oneself during communion? !1 Corinthians 11:28 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

examine = “dokimazetō” (Greek) = “test to approve” !The reason for examining oneself is:

To determine that we are partaking in a worthy manner… …rather than in an unworthy manner.

Is there anything in their life that would not meet God’s approval? ! This would involve…

Being appreciative of the significance of the Lord’s body & blood. Confessing any known sin. !!!


For Example: During the time that you are partaking of communion: !

You don’t think of the Saviour… But instead think of a thousand and one other things… And continue to participating in communion with this mindset

You would then be taking communion in an unworthy manner.

Essentially communion then becomes a pointless, dead religious ritual. To partake with this state of mind is to do so unworthily.

What could happen if I don’t take communion seriously? !1 Corinthians 11:29-32 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world. !

We need to examine ourselves… …so the Lord will not have to examine and judge us …for failing to participate worthily.

!What is a good way to approach communion? !

#1 We should look back in history !!!!!!!

The broken bread reminds us of Christ’s body given for us (1 Peter 2:24) The cup reminds us of Christ Jesus’ shed blood. (1 Peter 1:18-19 & Ephesians 1:7) !

#2 We should look forward to the future !1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. !

We observe communion until the Lord returns for us The return of Jesus Christ is the blessed hope of the Believer & church !

#3 We should look within ourselves now 1 Corinthians 11:28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. !

Paul did not say that we had to be worthy to partake of the Supper. ! Paul says that we should partake in a worthy manner. !

If we are to participate in a worthy manner: We must examine our own hearts See if there is any unconfessed sin in our lives. Confess those sins to the Lord.


Coming to the Lord’s Supper without confessed known sin brought judgment on the guilty participants in Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 11:30-31 we see if God’s people do not judge their own sins themselves, God will judge them. This judgment may involve physical illness or even, in extreme cases, premature physical death (see: Acts 5; 1 John 5:16).

Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of [a]our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

2 Corinthians 5:21, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

1 Corinthians 11:23–25 23 … the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Lesson #7 !!

What does communion picture? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ !!

Who should take communion? Who should not take communion? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ !!

What does communion do for a person? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ !!

Why does a believer take communion many times? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ !!

How would you explain communion to a person who has recently accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pg. " Biblical Discipleship: Lesson #8 1


The Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Spirit of Life

Spirit of Grace

Intercessor

Couns

elor

Comforter

John

14:

16-1

7

Rom

ans

8:9Spirit of Truth Ephesians 5:18

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

1 Corinthians 12:13

Ephesians 4:30

2 Corinthians 1:22

The Holy Spirit has an active and ongoing role before, during and after a person accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. In this lesson we are going to learn about… !!!

Who is the Holy Spirit? !!!!!!!!!!! The Personality of the Holy Spirit

Names given to the Holy Spirit imply personality - for example: “The Comforter” Masculine Personal pronouns are used of the Holy Spirit in Scripture Personal characteristics are ascribed to the Holy Spirit Personal acts are ascribed to the Holy Spirit (speaks, intercedes, etc)

The Holy Spirit is susceptible to personal treatment (grieved, insulted, sinned against) ! The Deity of the Holy Spirit

By Deity of the Holy Spirit it is meant that the Holy Spirit is God. This is evident in the Scriptures:

Divine names are given to the Holy Spirit (See Acts 5:4+2 Corinthians 3:18) !The Holy Spirit possesses divine attributes - Omnipresent: Psalm 139:7-10

- Omnipotent: Luke 1:35 - Omniscient: 1 Corinthians 21:10-11 !

Divine works are ascribed to the Holy Spirit - Creation: Genesis 1:2 + Job 33:4

- Regeneration: John 3:5-8 - Resurrection: Romans 8:11 !

The Name of the Holy Spirit is associated with that of the Father & the Son. !Passages in the Old Testament that refer to God are in the New

Testament made to refer to the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 6:8-10/Acts 28:25-27 + Exodus 16:7/Hebrews 3:7-9)

The Names of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13)

The Spirit of Grace (Hebrews 10:29) The Spirit of Burning (Matthew 3:11-12)

The Spirit of Truth (1 John 5:6)

The Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2) !!!!!!!! pg. " Biblical Discipleship: Lesson #8 2

Who is the Holy Spirit? What functions does the Holy Spirit fulfil? How the Believer is to “Walk in the Spirit”?

It is difficult to define “personality” when used of God because God cannot be measured by human standards. However, when one possess the attributes, properties and qualities of personality, then personality may be predicated of such a being.

What functions does the Holy Spirit fulfil? !!

Actively involved in the work of creation (Genesis 1:3; Psalm 33:6; Job 33:3) Actively involved in the preservation of nature (Isaiah 40:7) Restrains the lawlessness of the World (2 Thessalonians 2:7) Reproves the World of sin, and reveals God’s righteousness & judgement (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Romans 1:16-18; Romans 3:22; Romans 4:5) By His reproving ministry, the Holy Spirit causes the unsaved individual who is blinded by Satan to comprehend these three vital facts in the Gospel. Regenerates The person who places their faith in Jesus Christ alone for their

salvation passes immediately from spiritual death to spiritual life. Indwells the Believer (John 7:37-39; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:12) Baptizes the Believer (1 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27)

Seals the Believer (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30)

Fills the believer (Ephesians 5:18) ! Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

The believer’s body is a temple. The Holy Spirit indwells the temple when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation. !

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is God’s responsibility towards the Believer with no human responsibility involved other than placing faith in Jesus Christ alone for his/ her salvation. !

Being indwelt by the Holy Spirit is the true mark of a born–again believer. Even Paul could say to the carnal Corinthians: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). !

John 14:16-17 16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. !Romans 8:9,11 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. !1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. !

The Believer is never told to be indwelt by the Spirit… …but he is told to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).


It is important for the serious student of Word to understand that the Holy Spirit’s ministry/ relationship with mankind differed between the dispensations, and the way He operated before pentecost is by no means the basis of how He operates in this age.

The Sealing of the Holy Spirit At the point of conversion, the Holy Spirit is given to each believer as a

seal, signifying Divine ownership & eternal security. ! We are no longer our own, Paul says, for we have been bought with a

price. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) ! The Holy Spirit is God’s stamp of ownership. ! The Holy Spirit is God’s stamp of approval that we are authentic

children of God. !2 Corinthians 1:22 22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. !Ephesians 1:13 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise !Ephesians 4:30 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. !

The Baptism of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:13 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. ! The baptism of the Spirit took place initially on the day of Pentecost

(Acts 1:5; 2:33; 11:16). ! Subsequently individual believers experienced Spirit baptism when

they personally trusted Christ as their Savior Acts 11:15–17 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” !

Every believer experiences Spirit baptism regardless of his or her race or social status. We are now on equal footing in the sense that we are all members of the body of Christ. !

In Spirit baptism the Holy Spirit baptizes (Gr. baptidzo, lit. submerges) the Believer into the body of Christ. He makes us a part of the body of Christ.

Water baptism illustrates this. !!!!!! pg. " Biblical Discipleship: Lesson #8 4

As a branch is grafted into the vine, so the believer is joined to Christ by the baptism with the Spirit, which is to be “in Christ”. To be “in Christ” is to have been taken out of the old creation in Adam and placed eternal in the new Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christ becomes the new federal head and all that Christ is or has done is imputed to the believer.

The Filling by the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:18 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit !

The wine that fills a person controls every area of his life as long as that person consumes it. !

“Be filled” amounts to letting the Holy Spirit who indwells us control us completely. ! The Believer is to be “getting filled” continuously. ! To be filled with the Spirit is not to acquire more of the Spirit, but rather,

the Spirit acquires more of the believer as the believer yields his/her life to the Word of God in obedience. !

To “be filled” with the Spirit is the same as to be controlled by the Word.

The Spirit of Truth uses the Word of truth to guide us into the will and the work of God.

In order to be filled with the Spirit, it is required that... Known sin shall be confessed

Ephesians 4:30 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

1 John 1:9 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.!

The whole life of the believer be surrendered to God Romans 6:13

13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Do not quench the Spirit” ! A moment by moment reliance on the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.!

The Spirit’s filling results in: Christlike character (Galatians 5:22-23) Christian service (Ephesians 4:11-13) The Spirit’s guidance (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9-10; 1 John 2:27) True praise & thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:18-20)


To “be filled with the Holy Spirit” is the same thing as “Walking in the Spirit”. It is a conscious, deliberate focus on the Lord and His principles, not yielding to the flesh but rather yielding to God’s Word. (Romans 6:11-14)

Lesson #8 !!

What are the functions of the Holy Spirit? 1)____________________________________________________________2)____________________________________________________________3)____________________________________________________________4)____________________________________________________________5)____________________________________________________________ 6)____________________________________________________________ 7)____________________________________________________________ 8)____________________________________________________________ 9)____________________________________________________________ !

What does it mean to “be indwelt of the Holy Spirit”? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ !

When does the “indwelling of the Holy Spirit” occur?_________________________ ______________________________________________________________ !

What is the “sealing of the Holy Spirit”? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ !

When does the “sealing of the Holy Spirit” occur?___________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

What is meant by the “baptism of the Holy Spirit”? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ !

When does the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” occur?__________________________ ________________________________________________________________ !

What does it mean to “be filled with the Holy Spirit”? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ !

When does the “filling of the Holy Spirit” occur?___________________________ ________________________________________________________________


pg. � Biblical Discipleship Lesson #91


The Local Church

God has established three institutions: Marriage (Genesis 2:18-24) Human Government (Romans 13:1-7) The Church (Acts 20:28 & Ephesians 5:23 & 1 Corinthians 12:13)

The church can be considered in two senses… The Universal Church & The Local Church

The Universal Church Is the “Body of Christ” made up of people who have confessed their

sinfulness to the Lord and accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour through faith alone. 1 Corinthians 12:27

When a person accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit baptises (places) them into the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:13

The Local Church The Bible often speaks of the “church” in a local sense, where the word

“church” is used to describe a group of Believers (the body of Christ) in a specific locality…

The Scriptures also speak of the local “church” in general terms…

Acts 16:5, 1 Corinthians 7:17 The church is…

Not a building

Not a denominational group of congregations

Men, women, and children who have been saved


In the New Testament the Greek word used for the church is ekklesia. This term means:

A body of called-out people A group of people called out from the world and belonging to the Lord.

Jerusalem (Acts 8:1; 11:22) Ephesus (Acts 20:7) Cenchrea (Romans 16:1) Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1) Laodicea (Colossians 4:16) Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1) The churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:2) The churches of Judea (1 Thessalonians 2:14) The churches of Asia (Revelation 1:4)

The Function of the Local Church To Glorify God

Through Worshipping Him John 4:23 “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.”

Through Prayer & Praise Psalms 50:23a “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honours Me”

Through living a godly life John 15:8 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

To Edify its members By equipping Believers to understand and use God’s Word

Ephesians 4:11-13 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

By building up Believers in their knowledge of God’s Word through instruction

Colossians 2:6-7 6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him & established in your faith, just as you were instructed, & overflowing with gratitude. (See also 1 Corinthians 14:26 & 2 Timothy 2:2)

To Evangelise the World By sharing the Good News within it’s own community By sharing the Good News outside its own community

Acts 1:8 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (See also Matthew 28:18-20 & Acts 13:1-3; 14:27 & Romans 10:13-15)


The Future Destiny of the Church The Church will not convert the world The Church will not rise to a position of controlling influence in social,

economic, and political life 2 Timothy 3:1-7 “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. 6 For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (See also Matthew 24:3-12 & 1 Timothy 4:1)

The Church will take a place of blessing and honour The Church will one day be united with Christ

The church is known as “the bride of Christ” (See 2 Corinthians 11:2 & Ephesians 5:27)

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1 & Revelation 19:7 the church’s union with Christ is foretold.

The Church will reign with Christ During Christ’s Millennial reign

1 Corinthians 6:2 “Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts?” (See also Revelation 1:6; 2:26; 3:21; 20:6)

For eternity in the new heaven and new earth Revelation 22:3-5 3 There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; 4 they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.


There will be no mass turning to the Lord, but life will continue much as usual. This is indicated by Christ’s statement, “And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it shall also be in the days of the Son of Man” (Luke 17:26) That the world will not be converted is taught by the parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) and the parable of the dragnet (Matthew 13:47-50). Good and evil will continue until the end of the age.

Theissen, Henry Clarence. Lectures in Systematic Theology

The Role of the Believer in the Local Church The local church can only accomplish it’s God given purposes to the extent that Believers participate. Believers should be an active participant in a local church, thereby obeying God’s will for their lives.

The Believer looks to serve Some people come to church because of what they can GET

(good teaching, the blessing of being with other Believers, etc.). But a committed Believer comes to church not only to GET but to GIVE (not just to be ministered to but also to minister; not just to be served but to serve).

Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” Romans 12:1 “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your [b]spiritual service of worship.”

The Believer gladly shares the Gospel Romans 1:16 “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.”

The Believer should be baptised in obedience to Christ's command Matthew 28:19

The Believer joyfully participates in the Communion service 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The Believer is faithful in his church attendance Hebrews 10:24-25 & Acts 2:42 & Colossians 3:16

The Believer makes it a priority to regularly study God’s Word & spend time in prayer 2 Timothy 2:15 & Hebrews 4:16

The Believer is a cheerful & willing GIVER (talents, time & finances) 2 Corinthians 9:7

The Believer lives a life that is oriented towards God 2 Corinthians 5:15 & Philippians 2:15

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Paul is using a comparison to the physical human body. As one’s physical body has many members performing different functions (i.e. eyes, nose, mouth, fingers, arms,

legs, toes etc.), so the members of the church need to perform different functions according to the talents and abilities that God has given them. No one member is more important than the other.

See also: Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 1:18; 2:19


Lesson #9 !

When one speaks of the church, what two senses can it be referred too?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is another name for the church?

______________________________________________________________

Why is the church not a building or a denominational group of congregations?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

List three functions of the local church.

1.______________________________________________

2.______________________________________________

3.______________________________________________

What are the two responsibilities the church will have during the millennial reign of Christ, and afterwards in the new heaven & new earth.

1._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why should a Believer be an active participant in a local church? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

With what does the Apostle Paul compare the church in 1 Corinthians 12 and why is it important for each Believer to do his/ her part in the church?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________


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Biblical Discipleship Series · Biblical Discipleship Series Lesson #1 Lesson #2 Lesson #3 Lesson #4 Lesson #5 Lesson #6 Lesson #7 Lesson #8 Lesson #9. pg. 1 Biblical Discipleship