BIBLE STUDIES   TOPIC: Discipleship a closer walk with God     A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"   Are You A Disciple Of Jesus?   "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."   INTRODUCTION   1. The above statement was made by Jesus to His apostles shortly before He ascended to heaven - Mt 28:18-20   2. Commonly called "The Great Commission," notice the main thought of Jesus' command... a. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..." b. To "make disciples," therefore, is the GOAL of evangelizing the world for Christ   3. Are you a disciple of Jesus? a. More than likely you believe in Jesus... b. You might even be one to attend church services regularly -- But is that what it means to be His disciple?   4. The purpose in this study is to make clear what is involved in being a true disciple of Jesus Christ   [To begin, let's define the word "disciple"...]   I. THE DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE   A. THE WORD "DISCIPLE"... 1. The word "disciple" literally means A LEARNER 2. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words, it denotes "one who follows another's teaching" 3. But a disciple was not only a learner, he was also AN ADHERENT 4. For this reason disciples were spoken of as IMITATORS of their teachers.   B. THE GOAL IN BEING A DISCIPLE... 1. Stated by Jesus himself:  to be like the teacher - Lk 6:40 2. To be Christ's disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him! 3. According to the apostle Paul, this coincides with God's goal in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the image of His Son - Ro 8:29   [Do you have a strong desire to follow Jesus and become like Him? Unless you do, it cannot be said that you are truly His disciple!   There are also some "identifying marks" of discipleship given by Jesus which can help us to further identify a true disciple of Jesus...]   II. THE MARKS OF A DISCIPLE   A. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO ABIDES IN JESUS' WORDS" - Jn 8:31 1. This would imply being a diligent student of the teachings of Christ 2. It also requires one to be a "doer" of the Word - Mt 7:21-27; Ja 1:21-25 3. In view of this, a true disciple would not... a. Fail to study the Bible diligently b. Willingly refrain from opportunities to study with others (e.g., Bible classes, church services, gospel meetings).   B. A DISCIPLE IS ALSO "ONE WHO LOVES THE BRETHREN" - Jn 13:34-35 1. With a love patterned after the love of Jesus ("as I have loved you") 2. With a love that is visible to the world ("by this all will know") 3. Therefore, a true disciple would... a. Make every effort to get to know his brethren b. Take advantage of occasions to encourage and grow closer to them (e.g., attending services on Sunday and Wednesday nights) 4. Remember, a disciple is one who wants to become like his teacher a. Was Jesus willing to sacrifice time and effort for His brethren? b. Of course, and so will we... IF we are truly HIS disciples!   C. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO BEARS MUCH FRUIT" - Jn 15:8 1. Notice the word "much" (also found in verse 5) a. Jesus is not talking about an occasional good deed b. But a lifestyle which prompts people to glorify God! - Mt 5:16 2. This is so important, that failure to bear much fruit will result in being severed from Christ - Jn 15:1-2 3. How can one be a disciple if he or she is cut off from Christ?   [The point should be clear:  to be a disciple of Jesus Christ means more that just a casual church member.  It requires COMMITMENT, especially in regards to:                      The teachings of Christ                    The love of brethren                    Bearing fruit to the glory of God   The kind of commitment involved is seen further when we consider the "high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus in Lk 14:25-33...]   III. THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE   A. JESUS MUST COME FIRST - Lk 14:26 1. Before anyone else, including members of our own family - Mt 10:34-37 2. Even before one's own self - Lk 9:23-25   B. WE MUST BE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST - Lk 14:27 1. Trying to live godly lives in an ungodly world, we may find that following Christ sometimes involves ridicule and persecution - 2 Ti 3:12 2. Even if we are blessed to escape such things, we must still be willing to expend time and effort in promoting the cause of Christ in positive ways   C. PUTTING IT SIMPLY, WE MUST FORSAKE ALL TO FOLLOW CHRIST - Lk 14:33 1. In other words, Jesus must be KING and LORD of our lives 2. Nothing can take precedent over Him and His Will for us   [This kind of "high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus caused many people to turn away from following Him.  But Jesus wasn't trying to attract large crowds, He wanted disciples!   Is the COST worth it?  I believe so, for consider some of the REWARDS of discipleship...]   IV. THE REWARDS OF BEING A DISCIPLE   A. THERE IS THE PROMISE OF "FUTURE BLESSINGS"... 1. We shall be saved from the wrath of God which is yet to come upon the world for its sins - Ro 5:9 2. We can look forward with joyful anticipation of eternity with God, free from sorrow, pain and death - Re 21:1-8   B. THERE ARE ALSO "PRESENT BLESSINGS"... 1. Jesus offers a PEACE the world cannot give to calm the troubled heart - Jn 14:27 2. His words inspire JOY to lift our spirits out of any depression - Jn 15:11 3. He also offers to those who follow Him the ABIDING LOVE OF GOD, which can cast out fear - Jn 15:9; 1 Jn 4:18 4. And he makes it possible for us to be members of THE FAMILY OF GOD, which is able if need be to replace our physical family - Mk 10:28-30   [There are many other blessings we could mention that are enjoyed by disciples of Jesus; but these suffice to demonstrate that though discipleship is costly, the rewards far exceed the cost!   Now that we understand the nature of discipleship, its cost and rewards, I hope that we want to be true disciples of Jesus Christ.  But how does one begin?   For the answer we return to our beginning text - Mt 28:19-20...]   V. THE BEGINNING OF A DISCIPLE   A. ACCORDING TO JESUS, IT INVOLVES BAPTISM - Mt 28:19 1. Why baptism?  a. Remember the goal of discipleship:  to be like Jesus  b. He was holy and sinless, yet we are to be like Him  c. Fortunately, baptism is described as an act of faith which puts us in contact with the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ so we can be forgiven - Ac 2:38; 22:16; Ro 6:3-4  d. It is also the means by which one "puts on Christ" - Ga 3:27          -- SO BAPTISM IS THE LOGICAL STARTING PLACE FOR TRUE DISCIPLESHIP! 2. But what is baptism?  a. It is an act of submission which must be preceded by faith in Jesus and repentance for our sins - Ac 2:36-38; 8:36-37  1) This precludes infant baptism  2) For infants are incapable of believing and repenting  b. It is also an act of submission which involves a burial in water, in which one then rises to walk in newness of life through the power of God - Ac 8:38; Ro 6:3-4; Co 2:12 1) This precludes sprinkling or pouring as a mode of baptism 2) For neither of these involve a "burial" nor an immersion (which is the meaning of the Greek word "baptidzo") c. When done according to the Word of God, baptism then becomes an act of faith on our part which results in a wonderful working of God in our lives! 1) Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus - Ac 22:16; Ep 5:25-27 2) We are "regenerated" and "renewed" by the Spirit of God so we can now live for God! - Ti 3:5-6 3) It is truly a "rebirth" involving both water and the Spirit - Jn 3:5   B. BUT BAPTISM IS ONLY THE BEGINNING, TEACHING AND OBEDIENCE MUST FOLLOW - Mt 28:20 1. This brings us back to the very definition of discipleship 2. For Jesus clearly states:          a. We are to be TAUGHT (that is, to be LEARNERS)          b. We are to OBSERVE (that is, to be ADHERENTS or DOERS) 3. In this way we embark on a life devoted to learning and doing          all that Jesus has commanded us to do   CONCLUSION   1. Only those scripturally baptized and demonstrating the "marks" of    discipleship, despite the "costs," can truly be called disciples of    Jesus!   2. Only they can realistically look forward to the "rewards" of    discipleship, and take consolation in the promise of Jesus:   "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" - Mt 28:20   If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then the prospects of "A Closer Walk With God" and more fruitful service as a disciple should be of great interest to you. I hope the lessons to follow will help fulfil that interest.   A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"   Blessings & Responsibilities Of Being A Christian   INTRODUCTION   1. Every person has some big events in life (for example:  birth,    graduation, marriage, death)   2. But the most important event for anyone is becoming a Christian! a. Why?  Because it affects both you and others for ETERNITY b. Unfortunately, many people become Christians and do not really appreciate it until late in life, if ever c. But our service for Christ would be more productive and infinitely more enjoyable if we began to grasp the true significance of being Christians, and as such, the children of God   3. This lesson is the first in a series designed to encourage and instruct one to have "A Closer Walk With God," and to be more fruitful in our service as disciples of Jesus Christ.   [To help motivate us in fulfilling this goal, let's summarize just a few of the blessings and responsibilities we have as Christians...]   I. GOD AS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER - 1 Jn 3:1      A. CONSIDER THE BLESSING OF HAVING GOD AS OUR FATHER...       1. He is the source of every good and perfect gift from above          - Ja 1:17; Mt 7:11       2. He provides us comfort in all our afflictions - 2 Co 1:3-4       3. When needed, in love He chastises us - He 12:5-11       4. He has promised never to forsake us - He 13:5-6      B. YET, THERE ARE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HAVING GOD AS OUR FATHER...       1. We must SUBMIT to God - Ja 4:7          a. By submitting to His Word          b. By submitting to His providential workings in our lives             - 1 Pe 5:6-11       2. We must also DRAW NEAR to God - Ja 4:8          a. Just as an earthly father delights when his children want             to draw near to him, so does God - cf. Mt 23:37          b. We draw nearer to God by "cleansing our hands" and             "purifying our hearts" - Ja 4:8             1) That is, by obtaining forgiveness and then strengthening                our resolve to serve Him             2) For the Christian, this involves REPENTANCE, CONFESSION                OF SINS, AND PRAYER - Ac 8:22; 1 Jn 1:9   II. JESUS CHRIST AS OUR LORD AND HIGH PRIEST - 1 Co 8:6; He 4:14      A. THINK FOR A MOMENT ABOUT THIS BLESSING...       1. He who is our "Lord" is also He who rules over the kings of          the earth - Re 1:5-6          a. All authority in heaven and earth has been given Him             - Mt 28:18          b. All have been made subject to Him - 1 Pe 3:22          c. Yet, He calls us His "brethren"! - He 2:11-12       2. As "High Priest", He intercedes in our behalf - Ro 8:34          a. A High Priest who understands our every feeling             - He 2:17-18          b. A High Priest who "ever lives" to make such intercession             for us - He 7:24-25      B. WHAT ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES OF HAVING JESUS AS LORD AND HIGH       PRIEST?       1. If He is truly our LORD, we must do what He says - Lk 6:46          a. We must be careful to observe what He taught - Mt 28:18-20          b. We must keep His commandments - Jn 15:10,14       2. We must also utilize His role as our HIGH PRIEST - He 4:14-16          a. In other words, be quick to obtain mercy and find grace to             help us in time of need          b. Again, for the Christian this involves PRAYER   III. THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN US - 1 Co 3:16      A. WONDERFUL BLESSINGS ARE ATTRIBUTED TO THE HOLY SPIRIT'S INDWELLING...       1. He gives us strength to put to death the fleshly deeds of the          body - Ro 8:11-13; Ep 3:16,20       2. He also helps in our weakness when it comes to praying as we          ought, by acting as an intercessor for us - Ro 8:26-27   B. WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DO WE HAVE IN VIEW OF THE SPIRIT'S INDWELLING?       1. To keep the temple of God, the church, HOLY - 1 Co 3:16-17       2. We are to GLORIFY God even with our bodies - 1 Co 6:18-20       3. We are to WALK in the Spirit, being so LED by the Spirit as to          produce the FRUIT of the Spirit - Ga 5:16-18, 22-25          a. This we do by setting our minds on the THINGS of the Spirit             - Ro 8:5-6          b. Which involves the WORD of God, which is the SWORD of the             Spirit - Ep 6:17   IV. THE CHURCH AS OUR FAMILY - 1 Ti 3:15      A. THE BLESSING OF HAVING THE CHURCH AS OUR FAMILY...       1. The members become like fathers, mothers, brothers, and          sisters - 1 Ti 5:1-2       2. They can even replace physical relations we may lose when we          become Christians - Mk 10:28-30; Mt 12:46-50      B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF HAVING THE CHURCH AS OUR  FAMILY...       1. We are to "edify one another" - He 10:24-25          a. This necessitates assembling together frequently          b. This requires each one doing their share - Ep 4:15-16       2. We are to "bear one another's burdens" - Ga 6:1-2          a. For such is the "law" of Christ          b. This requires that we know each other well, and can be             depended upon to provide support   CONCLUSION   1. There are certainly many more blessings and responsibilities that we    have as Christians   2. But I hope that these suffice to IMPRESS UPON US...    a. How blessed we are as Christians    b. How important it is that we fulfill our responsibilities    -- OR WE MAY LOSE THE BLESSINGS WE HAVE! - He 3:12-15     "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                                                     Our Public Assemblies   INTRODUCTION   1. In our last study, we noted that being a Christian involves both BLESSINGS and RESPONSIBILITIES   2. One of the blessings as well as an important responsibility for the Christian is the practice of ASSEMBLING regularly with other Christians    a. We have an example of Christians assembling in Ac 20:7    b. We have an explicit command not to forsake our assembling       together - He 10:25   3. The PURPOSE of our assembling is THREE-FOLD:    a. To express praise and devotion to God and Christ    b. To exhort and encourage our brethren to greater service       - He 10:24-25    c. To receive such encouragement ourselves   4. In this study, we shall:    a. Briefly remark concerning the ACTIVITIES that we engage in during       our assemblies    b. See how every activity is designed to accomplish the three-fold       purpose described above    c. Suggest how we can get the most out of our public assemblies   I. THE ACTIVITIES OF OUR ASSEMBLIES   A. PRAYER...       1. We have several examples of group prayer in the early church          - Ac 4:23-24; 12:5,12       2. The value of such prayer is implied in Ja 5:16 (if such is          true concerning the prayer of ONE righteous man, how much          more the prayers of MANY righteous!)       3. The value of all prayer is seen further in Ph 4:6-7          a. Thus prayer not only blesses (praises) God          b. But also blesses (benefits) those who pray!       4. HINT:  To get the most out of public prayers, make them your          own!          a. In your heart, tell the Lord you agree with what is being             said by the one leading the prayer          b. Don't hesitate to offer a hearty "AMEN" if you agree   B. SINGING... 1. Commands to sing can be found in Ep 5:19; Co 3:16; He 13:15 2. Notice where the emphasis lies: a. On praising God b. On teaching one another c. On making melody "in your hearts" 3. So the emphasis is not on how we sound, but on what we say and how we feel a. Therefore, pay more attention to the words rather than the melody b. Concentrate on engaging the mind and heart, and not just the mouth 4. HINT:  To get more out singing in public, sing often in private! - Ja 5:13   C. THE WORD OF GOD... 1. Teaching or preaching of the Word of God was part of public worship in the early church - Ac 20:7 2. For it is by the Word of God that we can grow spiritually - 1 Pe 2:2 3. How we listen to the proclamation of God's Word is an indication of our devotion to God a. We should be quick to hear what God's Word has to say - Ja 1:18-19 b. It is important to receive God's Word with a proper attitude of meekness and willingness to receive it - Ja 1:21; Mk 4:23-25 4. HINT:  As with singing, the more we study the Word in private, the more we get out of it in the public assemblies!   D. THE LORD'S SUPPER... 1. This is also called:        a. The "breaking of bread" - Ac 2:42; 20:7         b. "Communion" - 1 Co 10:16 2. A memorial feast instituted by Jesus Himself - 1 Co 11:23-26          a. In it we remember:             1) The sinless body offered on the cross in our place             2) The blood shed to provide forgiveness for our sins          b. Done faithfully, we proclaim our faith in the efficacy of             the Lord's death 3. It should be done with all seriousness and appropriateness          - 1 Co 11:27-29          a. In a manner worthy of the One we are remembering          b. A time also to reflect upon our relationship with Him who             died for us 4. Done properly...          a. It honors Jesus ("This do, in remembrance of Me")          b. It  renews us to greater faithfulness - 1 Co 11:28-32          c. It strengthens our oneness in the body of Christ             - 1 Co 10:17          d. We continually share in the "body and blood of the Lord"             - 1 Co 10:16             1) Not literally             2) Perhaps referring to a continual communion with the                benefits of that sacrifice (e.g., forgiveness) 5. HINT:  Reading passages like Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, and the          Gospel records of Christ's suffering and death while partaking          of the Supper can help keep our minds focused on what we are          doing      E. THE COLLECTION...       1. The early church is noteworthy for its love for one another          - Ac 2:44,45; 4:32-35       2. Such love went beyond those in the local congregation          - Ac 11:27-30       3. In time, a systematic manner for providing for needy          Christians was instituted - 1 Co 16:1-2       4. The primary purpose of the collection, then, was to provide          for needy Christians          a. Locally and abroad          b. Including those who devote their lives to preaching the             gospel - 2 Co 11:8,9; Ph 4:10-18       5. How much should one give?  The New Testament does not set a          percentage (like the "tithe", or a tenth, found in the Old          Testament), but rather instructs us to give according to the          following principles:          a. "As he may prosper" - 1 Co 16:2          b. Whatever is given with "a willing mind" - 2 Co 8:12          c. "According to what one has" - 2 Co 8:12-13          d. "As he purposes (plans) in his heart" - 2 Co 9:7          e. Whatever one can give "cheerfully", not "grudgingly" or             "of necessity" - 2 Co 9:7          f. Keeping in mind the principle of "sowing and reaping"             - 2 Co 9:6,8       6. Even this activity fulfills the three-fold purpose mentioned          at the beginning of our lesson:          a. We are blessed in giving - Ac 20:35; 2 Co 9:11          b. Brethren's needs are met - 2 Co 9:12a          c. God is glorified - 2 Co 9:12-15       7. HINT:  to help motivate us in giving, remember the examples          of the churches in Macedonia and of the Lord Himself - 2 Co 8:          1-9   II. HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF OUR ASSEMBLIES      A. KEEP IN MIND WHO IS PRESENT...       1. Our brethren in Christ          a. People like you, who appreciate the presence and encourage-             ment of other Christians          b. So take the time to visit with them before and after the             assembly             1) Don't get into the habit of always coming in at the last                minute             2) Don't be in such a rush to leave after the service is                ended       2. Frequently visitors          a. Who naturally draw conclusions about the congregation             during their visit             1) Will they conclude we are really disciples of Jesus?                - cf. Jn 13:35             2) Will they say in their hearts "God is truly among you"?                - cf. 1 Co 14:25          b. So take the time to welcome them and visit with them             - He 13:2       3. And especially our Lord          a. As He promised in Mt 18:20          b. Do we act as we would if He were bodily present?      B. "YOU GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT"       1. Preparation beforehand makes a big difference          a. Such as praying and meditating upon what you are going to             do          b. Planning what you can do to make the assembly more edifying             (such as welcoming and visiting)          c. In other words, come to serve, not to be served (although             you will blessed in return by doing it this way)       2. The more you come, the more interest you show, the more (and          faster) you will grow!          a. This is true in any endeavor (e.g., physical exercise,             hobbies)          b. "How often do I have to come?" is an indication of grave             spiritual immaturity!             1) It displays a lack of true love for Christ and His                brethren             2) It shows that one is selfishly concerned with how little                they can do to save themselves             3) How does the love of God abide in such a person?                - cf. 1 Jn 3:16-19   CONCLUSION   1. Rather, our attitude ought to be like that expressed by David in Ps 122:1   2. Neglecting the assemblies is detrimental to our spiritual growth as disciples of Christ   3. Do we express our love for God, our brethren, even our own selves as we should?   4. One of the greatest spiritual blessings we enjoy in Christ in this life is the fellowship we share in our public assemblies... Let's all do our part to fully utilize that blessing!   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. Does one attend the assemblies to be entertained, or to serve?   2. Do you attend every assembly of the congregation where you are?   3. If not, are you praying to God to help you make it possible for you to do so?   4. What can you do before the assemblies to get more out of them?     "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                               Principles Of Prayer   INTRODUCTION   1. One of the greatest blessings enjoyed by Christians in this life is the privilege of PRAYER, by which we can approach God a. Through prayer, the Christian can find FORGIVENESS for sins - 1 Jn 1:9 b. Through prayer, the Christian can find PEACE to replace anxiety - Ph 4:6-7 c. Through prayer, the Christian can receive STRENGTH from God through His Spirit - Ep 3:14-16   2. For such reasons, Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers... a. "praying always with all prayer and supplication..." - Ep 6:18 b. "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanks-giving" - Co 4:2 c. "Pray without ceasing" - 1 Th 5:17   3. Yet Jesus knew that people would tend to become slack in their prayers - Lk 18:1 a. It is out of a similar concern that prompts two lessons devoted specifically to "PRAYER" b. It is hoped that you will be encouraged to be more diligent in prayer as we examine: 1) Basic PRINCIPLES of prayer taught in God's Word 2) Suggestions concerning the PRACTICE of prayer in our daily lives   [In this lesson, then, PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER, beginning with...]   I. CHARACTERISTICS OF ACCEPTABLE PRAYER   A. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN FAITH"...       1. "And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you          will receive." - Mt 21:22       2. We must have faith in God, and in His ability to answer          - He 11:6       3. Otherwise, prayer will not be answered - cf. Ja 1:5-8       4. Is our faith weak?  Then increase it with the help of God's          Word - Ro 10:17   B. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN THE SPIRIT OF HUMILITY"... 1. Notice the example of the Pharisee and the publican - Lk 18:9-14 2. Remember, "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" - Ps 34:18 3. As quoted by James:  "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" - Ja 4:6   C. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN HARMONY WITH GOD'S WILL"... 1. God answers prayer that is offered "according to His will" - 1 Jn 5:14  2. Jesus provided the example for us in His prayers at Gethsemane - Lk 22:42 3. Too often, prayers are unanswered because they are more concerned with OUR will, rather than GOD'S will! - cf. Ja 4:3   D. IT MUST BE OFFERED "BY THOSE RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD"...       1. "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears          are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against          those who do evil" - 1 Pe 3:12       2. The prayers of the righteous person are effective          - Ja 5:16-18       3. But those continuing in sin He will not hear! - Pr 28:9;          Is 59:1-2       4. To be righteous before God...          a. Requires that we submit to the "righteousness of God"             offered in Christ - cf. Ro 10:1-4          b. I.e., respond to the gospel of Christ - Ro 1:16-17   E. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN THE SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING"...       1. "giving thanks always for all things to God" - Ep 5:20       2. "in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving"          - Ph 4:6       3. "...prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" - Co 4:2       4. "pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks"          - 1 Th 5:17-18       -- Do we think God will help us with our PRESENT BURDENS if we          don't take the time to thank Him for PAST BLESSINGS?   F. IT MUST BE OFFERED "WITH PERSISTENCE"...       1. Jesus illustrated this aspect of prayer through two parables          a. The parable of the persistent friend - Lk 11:5-10          b. The parable of the persistent widow - Lk 18:1-8       2. The virtue of persistence is demonstrated in the prayers of:          a. Jesus at Gethsemane - Mt 26:44          b. Paul, pertaining to his "thorn in the flesh" - 2 Co 12:7-8          c. The early church - Ac 2:42   G. IT MUST BE OFFERED "IN THE NAME OF JESUS"...       1. "Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the          name of our Lord Jesus Christ" - Ep 5:20       2. This means much more than simply adding a little phrase "in          Jesus' name" at the end of our prayers!          a. We must realize that Jesus is the only way by which we can             approach God - Jn 14:6          b. We must view Him as our "high priest" who intercedes for us             - He 7:24-25; Jn 14:13       3. Appealing to God in the name of His Son can give us great          confidence that God will give us what we need! - He 4:14-16   [Such are the conditions that make prayer acceptable to God.  But it might be helpful to also notice a few...]   II. OBSTACLES TO PRAYER      A. UNCONFESSED SIN...       1. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear"          - Ps 66:18       2. The BASIS for prayer rests upon our being in fellowship with          Him; such fellowship is broken if we do not confess our sins          to Him!      B. IMPROPER TREATMENT OF OTHERS...       1. How we treat others has a bearing upon whether God will hear          our prayers!          a. E.g., how we treat the poor - Ps 41:1-3          b. E.g., how one treats his friend - Mt 5:23-24          c. E.g., how a husband treats his wife - 1 Pe 3:7       2. We must correct our relationships with others (if possible)          before we can expect God to hear our prayers!       3. Especially if we desire to receive forgiveness for our sins!          - Mt 6:14-15; 18:21-23   [Finally, it is important to bear in mind that God answers prayer in various ways...]   III. ANSWERS TO PRAYERS      A. "REQUEST GRANTED"...       1. God may answer "YES" , and grant the petitions we ask of Him       2. Such will be the case the more we try to do His Will in our          lives - 1 Jn 3:22      B. "REQUEST GRANTED, BUT NOT YET"...       1. God may grant our request, but in time and according to His          purpose for our lives       2. "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose          under heaven" - Ec 3:1       3. So we may think God is saying "NO", when He is really saying          "YES, BUT WAIT"   C. "REQUEST GRANTED, BUT NOT AS YOU MIGHT EXPECT"... 1. Sometimes God says "YES", but answers it in way differently than we anticipated 2. Remember, God's thoughts and methods are often much different than ours - Is 55:8,9 3. Like asking God for strength and perseverance... a. He may give us trials to bear b. Which in turn develops the virtues we prayed for! 4. We should be careful and not dictate to God HOW to answer our prayers... a. Limit the "HOW" and we might be limiting the "RESULT" b. For example, the way some pray for the sick, they limit God as to how He might restore them   D. "REQUEST DENIED"... 1. Often God says "NO" 2. But we must trust that God, who knows all and what is best, would do so only if granting our request might not be for our good - cf. He 12:5-11 3. We may not fully understand, but we can still fully trust Him! - cf. Hab 3:17-19 4. Especially in light of the promise in 1 Co 10:13   CONCLUSION   1. The ability to pray to God and receive answers in our lives is truly    one of the greatest blessings we can have as children of God!   2. Hopefully, understanding and applying the principles discussed in    this lesson will assure greater success in having our prayers    answered   3. Our next lesson will deal with "THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER", offering    suggestions on the when, with whom, how and what of prayer   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. Do you find it easy or difficult to pray?   2. Do you believe in the power of God to answer prayer?   3. Should you be disappointed when it appears that God has answered    your prayer with a "NO"?   4. Are you spending time every day devoted to prayer?     "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                                                The Practice Of Prayer   INTRODUCTION   1. In our previous lesson, we discussed PRINCIPLES of prayer, such as:    a. Characteristics of acceptable prayer    b. Obstacles to prayer    c. Answers to prayer   2. With a desire to encourage disciples of Jesus to more diligent    praying, this lesson will offer suggestions as to the PRACTICE of    prayer...   I. WHEN SHOULD WE PRAY?   A. HAVING "SET TIMES" TO PRAY CAN HELP TO CREATE THE HABIT OF PRAYING...       1. For example, consider the practice of:          a. David, whom God described as "a man after My own heart"             - Ps 55:17          b. Daniel, whom the angel of God described as "O man greatly             beloved" - Da 6:10       2. 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       3. At the very least...          a. Find some time each day to be alone with God in prayer             1) Early morning may be best for some             2) Others might find it easier to be alone late at night          b. Make it a SPECIAL TIME to be alone with your Heavenly             Father!   B. YET PRAYERS SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO "SET TIMES"...       1. Special needs call for special times of praying       2. Consider the examples of:          a. Jesus, praying on important occasions - Lk 6:12-13          b. Paul, praying in trying circumstances - Ac 16:25          c. Nehemiah - praying on the spur of the moment - Neh 2:4-5   C. THE GOAL IS TO "PRAY WITHOUT CEASING" - 1 Th 5:17       1. Having "set times" will help develop the experience in praying       2. Praying "spontaneously" as needs arise will develop the          disposition to pray in every circumstance ("without ceasing")   II. WITH WHOM SHOULD WE PRAY?   A. JESUS EXHORTED US TO PRAY "IN SECRET" - Mt 6:5-6       1. Private prayer should occupy the largest portion of our total          life of prayer       2. Consider the value of "secret prayer":          a. It forms a close union, communion and fellowship with God             (you two are the only ones there!)          b. It is a true test of your sincerity and devotion             1) You certainly are not doing it to please men (they can't                see you)             2) You can't be trying to falsely impress God (He will see                right through you)          c. Your Father will reward you "openly" - Mt 6:6          -- THEREFORE, "PRIVATE PRAYER" SHOULD BE A PRIORITY!   B. JESUS ALSO SPOKE OF PRAYING WITH "TWO OR THREE" - Mt 18:19-20       1. The early Christians prayed together often...          a. In times of trouble - Ac 4:23-24; 12:5,12; 16:25          b. In times of departure - Ac 20:36; 21:5       2. A sweetness of fellowship and sense of strength comes when          God's people pray together -- THEREFORE, "PRAYING WITH OTHERS" SHOULD BE DONE AS OFTEN AS WE CAN --   III. HOW SHOULD WE PRAY?   A. JESUS TAUGHT HOW TO PRAY - Lk 11:1-4       1. The "Lord's Prayer", as it is commonly called, is a model, a          guide for learning how to pray       2. A careful examination of this prayer reveals that proper          prayer includes:          a. To "whom" we should pray ("Our Father in heaven")          b. Praising God ("Hallowed be Your Name")          c. Supplication             1) For God's purposes ("Your kingdom come. Your will be                done...")             2) For our physical needs ("Give us this day our daily                bread")             3) For our spiritual needs ("Forgive us our sins...")             4) For the spiritual needs of others ("For we also forgive                everyone who is indebted to us")       3. He also stressed the importance of simplicity in our prayers          - Mt 6:7-8   B. A HELPFUL ACROSTIC IN LEARNING TO PRAY IS "A-C-T-S"... 1. A = ADORATION a. I.e., praising God b. A good example of this is found in 1 Chr 29:10-13 c. Spending time in sincere praise of God's greatness will help put us in the proper spirit of humility 2. C = CONFESSION a. I.e., acknowledging our sins before God b. When we understand how sin can break the fellowship we have with God, we naturally desire its quick remission c. Fortunately, as Christians we can be cleansed by the blood of Jesus as we confess our sins - 1 Jn 1:9 3. T = THANKSGIVING a. This is an important part of prayer, even those in which we are making requests - Ph 4:6 b. 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 c. The kind of things to be thankful for:             1) Things we can see in our lives...                a) Health                b) Family and friends                c) God's guidance, answers to previous prayers             2) Things we may not be able to see...                a) Our adoption as His children                b) The forgiveness of sins                c) The hope of eternal life                d) The assurance of His continued presence d. God's people have every reason to be thankful, and to be known for "abounding in thanksgiving" - Co 1:12; 2:7; 3:15; 4:2 4. S = SUPPLICATION        a. I.e., making requests of God - Ph 4:6        b. If we are faithful in including the first three (adoration,             confession, thanksgiving), this last will prevent prayer             from being simply a spiritual "shopping list"        c. When we broaden our requests to include others, we enter             into one of the most noble realms of prayer:  INTERCESSION             1) Something which God wants us to do - 1 Ti 2:1             2) Examples of whom we can pray for are given in the next                section...   IV. FOR WHAT SHOULD WE PRAY?   A. IN THE SCRIPTURES, GOD INDICATES THAT HE WISHES US TO PRAY FOR...       1. SELF          a. For physical daily needs - Mt 6:11          b. For personal growth in Christlikeness and devotion to God             - Co 1:9-12       2. FAMILY          a. For spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.          b. For their nurture and growth in the teaching of the Lord             - Ep 6:4       3. COMMUNITY          a. For peace to prevail          b. E.g., Jer 29:7       4. CHURCH          a. For love and unity to prevail - Jn 13:35; 17:20-21          b. For the spiritual growth of each member - Ph 1:9-11          c. For the gospel to have free course - 2 Th 3:1       5. NATION          a. For national repentance and consciousness of who God is             - Ps 33:12; Pr 14:34          b. For leaders to rule wisely - 1 Ti 2:2       6. NON-BELIEVERS          a. For their salvation - Ro 10:1          b. For the effort of those involved in teaching them             - Ep 6:18-20       7. THE SICK          a. For their restoration to health - Ja 5:14-15          b. For spiritual strength and peace of mind - Ja 5:16       8. THE POOR & OPPRESSED          a. Such as the homeless, fatherless, unborn children             - Pr 29:7          b. Those in other nations oppressed by their own rulers or             outside influences      B. IT MIGHT HELP TO HAVE A "PRAYER STRATEGY"...       1. On MONDAY - Family          a. Pray for both immediate and extended family members          b. For both their physical and spiritual well-being       2. On TUESDAY - Church          a. For members in the local congregation          b. For Christians and congregations throughout the world       3. On WEDNESDAY - Community          a. For community leaders          b. For your neighbors       4. On THURSDAY - Nation          a. For elected officials          b. For efforts to bring peace and righteousness       5. On FRIDAY - World          a. For world peace          b. For nations that are "closed" to the gospel       6. On SATURDAY - Afflicted          a. For the poor, homeless, jobless          b. For those in prison          c. For those who are sick          d. For widows, single mothers, fatherless children   CONCLUSION   1. These are simply suggestions, to help us see that there is much we    can be praying for; other suggestions could include:    a. A "daily prayer strategy" (morning-family; noon-church;       evening-community)    b. When praying for the nation and the world, pray about the events       described in the newspaper    c. Keeping a "list" or "journal" of those for whom you are praying   2. The important thing is to PRAY, and to do so:    a. "always"    b. "in everything"    c. "earnestly"    d. "being vigilant"    e. "without ceasing"   3. I hope these last two lessons will encourage us to be more diligent    in utilizing this wonderful privilege of prayer!   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. Do you spend time each day in prayer to God?   2. Do you find prayer an easy or difficult activity?   3. Do you pray with other people at times other than before meals, in    Bible classes, or in the assembly?   4. Do your prayers include the needs of others, or just your own    concerns?     A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                              Studying The Bible   INTRODUCTION   1. An important element involved in our walk with God is BIBLE STUDY   2. Some new Christians find difficulty getting started in this area   3. But this is an important duty, one which the Bible emphasizes    - Ac 2:42; 1 Pe 2:2   I. WHY BIBLE STUDY IS IMPORTANT      A. BECAUSE THE BIBLE POSSESSES THE POWER OF "SANCTIFICATION"...       1. "Sanctification" means "to set apart"; as used in the Bible,          to set apart for God's purpose       2. The Word of God is the means by which God does this...          a. As praised by David in his psalm - Ps 19:7-11          b. As mentioned in the prayer of Jesus - Jn 17:17 -- IF WE ARE GOING TO BE USEFUL TO GOD, THEN WE NEED TO STUDY HIS WORD!   B. BECAUSE THE BIBLE POSSESSES THE POWER OF "PRESERVATION"...       1. A lack of knowledge has always destroyed the people of God          - Ho 4:6       2. But the YOUNG can keep their ways pure by the Word of God          - Ps 119:9       3. And the ELDERS were exhorted to keep the church by the Word          - Ac 20:28-32 -- ONE OF THE FIRST STEPS TOWARD BACKSLIDING IS TO NEGLECT GOD'S WORD!   C. BECAUSE THE BIBLE POSSESSES THE POWER OF "SALVATION" AND "CONDEMNATION"...       1. Received properly, it can save our souls! - Ja 1:21       2. It will be the standard by which we will be judged - Jn 12:48   [Will the Word save us, or will it condemn us?  Careful study and application of the Bible will make the difference!]   II. WHY BIBLE STUDY IS OFTEN NEGLECTED   A. SOME PEOPLE JUST "TAKE THE PREACHER'S WORD"...       1. For this reason, they do not study for themselves       2. Most preachers are good men, but they can still be wrong          - Ac 18:24-26       3. It is our responsibility to "test the spirits" (1 Jn 4:1-2),          and to be able to identify "false apostles" (2 Co 11:13-15)   B. SOME PEOPLE SAY "THEY CAN'T GET ANYTHING OUT OF THE BIBLE"...       1. This may be because they read it so little, or because they do          not know how to go about studying it       2. Often it is because they do not use a modern English          translation       3. Most have simply made little effort to understand it       4. Yet Paul assumed that people could understand it if they read          it - cf. Ep 3:3-4   C. SOME PEOPLE SAY "THEY DON'T HAVE THE TIME"...       1. People who DO study are busy too, but they leave off things          that are less important       2. As Jesus commanded, we must put the things of the kingdom of          God FIRST - Mt 6:33   [There is really no excuse for neglecting the Word of God. In view of its importance, we would be foolish to do so.   But how shall one study the Word of God? There are several different approaches...]   III. METHODS OF BIBLE STUDY      A. THE "PLANNED-LESSON" METHOD...       1. "A Closer Walk With God" is an example of this method       2. Someone prepares lessons on a subject, then it is studied in a          class or at home       3. This is a good way to study, but one's study should not be          limited to this method      B. THE "SUBJECT" METHOD...       1. This involves selecting some subject (e.g., "baptism"), then          collecting and studying each passage in the Bible on the          subject       2. This method has its advantages, but it can be easy to take          things out of context and draw the wrong conclusion      C. THE "BOOK" METHOD...       1. This consists of an intensive study of a single book of the          Bible       2. Since the Bible was written a book at a time, this is probably          the best way to study the Bible       3. DAILY BIBLE READING programs can very easily utilize this          approach to the Scriptures          a. E.g., following a program to read through the entire Bible             each year          b. E.g., taking a chapter each week to read and study daily,             you can cover the New Testament in depth over a five year             period          -- Doing both of these will give a person an OVERALL under-             standing of the Bible and an INDEPTH understanding of the             New Testament   [To get more out of the studying you do...]   IV. SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR BIBLE STUDY      A. SET A REGULAR TIME...       1. Regularity is a key to success, so set aside some regular time          for study          a. For "night owls", the best time may be late at night, after             the children are in bed          b. For "morning larks", early morning before the children             arise might be better       2. Family study is a good practice, but each person needs also to          have a regular time in which he or she can come face to face          with God's message ALONE      B. PRAY AS YOU STUDY...       1. Begin your study with prayer - cf. Ps 119:18       2. As you study, ask God for the wisdom and strength to          understand and obey His Word - cf. Ps 119:5,6       3. End your study with prayer - cf. Ps 119:10-11      C. UTILIZE VARIOUS HELPS...       1. TRANSLATIONS          a. Using various translations can help make understanding the             Bible easier          b. The more reliable translations are:             1) King James Version (a classic, but somewhat archaic)             2) New King James Version (my personal choice)             3) American Standard Version (most literal, but hard to                read)             4) New American Standard Version (a wordy update to the                ASV)          c. Some translations that are easy to read can be used as             references (e.g., New International Version)          d. One should not put much stock in versions translated...             1) By one man (e.g., The Living Bible)             2) By individuals from one denominational background (e.g.,                The New World Translation)       2. DICTIONARIES          a. Not knowing the meaning of words is the most common cause             for not understanding the Bible          b. An ordinary English dictionary can be used, but there are             special Bible dictionaries that are more useful and             accurate          c. A good one is "Vine's Expository Dictionary"       3. CONCORDANCE          a. This useful work contains words in alphabetical order along             with a list of verses in the Bible where they are found          b. It can be a great time saver in finding verses based on a             given subject          c. If possible, use a concordance based upon the translation             you use       4. ENCYCLOPEDIAS          a. This type of reference gives detailed articles on the             people, places, and things mentioned in the Bible          b. Two good sets are:             1) Zondervan's Pictorial Encyclopedia Of The Bible             2) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia       5. COMMENTARIES          a. These are books written by scholars commenting on various             books of the Bible             1) One must be careful, as these scholars are not inspired                and are subject to mistakes             2) But their insights and the fruit of their own study can                be helpful          b. It might be good to ask mature Christians what commentaries             they can recommend       6. These and other reference helps are often found in church          libraries and may be available for your use; in time, you          should gradually develop your own library of Bible study aids   CONCLUSION   1. Such aids can be a great help, but make sure that the conclusions    you draw are based upon your own careful study of God's Word!   2. What is most important is that we are engaged in some sort of    consistent, systematic study of the Bible so that we are ever being    blessed by the Word of God!   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. How long do you study the Bible daily?   2. Do you study the class lessons at home (when available) that you have in church?   3. If you are not doing so now, are you willing to spend 15-30 minutes daily in Bible study?   4. What's your biggest problem in studying?       "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                              The Joy Of Singing   INTRODUCTION   1. Another important element of our walk with God is the act of singing    praises...    a. We spend nearly a third of our assemblies engaged in this       activity    b. It also has a place in our private devotions to God    -- And rightly so, for it has the potential of reaping great       spiritual benefits to those who engage in it properly   2. It is clear that those who walked with God in Old Testament times    delighted in singing - cf. Ps 146:1-2   3. Christians were taught to respond to the goodness of God in a    similar way - Ja 5:13   4. But there are indications in many churches which cause me to wonder if some have lost the joy of singing    a. Many Christians sing with virtually no emotion    b. Some go one step further, and do not sing at all!    c. I have personally known Christians, who...       1) Complained because time available for classes was taken up by          the singing of a few hymns       2) Will not attend a worship service if they know it will be          devoted primarily to singing    d. In contrast, it was common in the past for people to travel some       distance to attend a service devoted to praising God in song   5. WHY DO SUCH CONDITIONS EXIST? I suspect it may be a failure to    appreciate:    a. The true purpose of singing    b. How we can get more out of singing   [In an effort to assure that we will experience the JOY of singing, let's first examine...]   I. THE PURPOSE OF SINGING   A. TO PRAISE THE LORD - Ac 16:25 1. This is the most popular concept of the purpose of singing a. Indeed, this is certainly the idea inherent in the word "HYMN" b. Which comes from the Greek word HUMNOS, meaning "a song in   praise of" 2. Praising God should be "a natural" for Christians!          a. For if David in the Old Testament reacted this way to the             blessings God gave him ... - Ps 28:6-7          b. How much more should we! 3. In fact, singing is one of the "spiritual sacrifices" that we          are to offer to God - He 13:15          a. As "spiritual priests" we are to offer up "spiritual             sacrifices acceptable to God" - 1 Pe 2:5          b. If we are not careful, we might be guilty of offering             "defiled" service to God as was the case in Malachi's day!             - cf. Mal 1:7-8, 12-13      B. TO TEACH AND ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER - Co 3:16; Ep 5:19       1. Our singing is not just directed toward God...          a. Certainly, many songs are          b. But many of the songs are directed to each other       2. That's because many songs are designed to teach one another          a. Teaching and admonishing us to live properly, enjoying the             blessings of the Christian life          b. It might even be said that "congregational singing" is             often "congregational teaching"!          c. Thus singing is a way that we can encourage our brethren             and ourselves as well!   [When done properly, singing can be a wonderful blessing; but how can we get the most out of singing?]   II. GETTING MORE OF OUR SINGING      A. WE MUST ENGAGE THE "MIND" AS WE SING...       1. Remember, singing is "teaching and admonishing one another"          a. This assumes that we UNDERSTAND what we sing          b. We must be careful that our enjoyment of singing is not             like the way many people enjoy their popular music (liking             the music without necessarily understanding the words)       2. Therefore, give careful attention to the WORDS of the song      B. WE MUST ALSO ENGAGE THE "HEART" AS WE SING...       1. When we sing, we must do so...          a. "with grace in our hearts" - Co 3:16          b. "making melody in your heart" - Ep 5:19       2. This assumes that we involve our EMOTIONS as we sing!       3. To sing without emotion (without grace in our hearts)...          a. Will be evident in our countenances! - Pr 15:13          b. Is hypocritical, and condemned by Jesus! - Mt 15:7-8   [So as we sing, do so with BOTH the emotions of the heart and the understanding of the mind.  In a further effort to assure that we experience the "joy of singing", consider some...]   III. QUESTIONS TO EVALUATE YOUR SINGING      A. DO YOU LIMIT THE SPHERE OF YOUR SINGING?       1. Is your singing limited just to the public assemblies?       2. Or do you utilize opportunities to sing at other times with          others, or even alone?       3. Singing, like prayer, ought to be spontaneous, arising          whenever the circumstances call for it - cf. Ac 16:25;          Ps 34:1-3      B. IS THERE LACK OF EMOTION IN YOUR SINGING?       1. Remember, singing is to involve the HEART       2. And not with just "some" heart, but as in all that we do for          the Lord, with "all" our hearts! - Mt 22:37       3. When it comes time to praise the Lord, it should not be done          "half-heartedly"          a. Remember Mt 15:7-9          b. "It is a great sign of mediocrity to praise always             moderately." - Vauvenargues       4. Not all may be talented in voice, but all can and should bless          the Lord with their "whole being"! - Ps 103:1      C. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SINGING?       1. Again, singing must also involve the MIND       2. Some songs, though sounding beautiful, can be so complicated          as to hinder understanding          a. E.g., the musical arrangement can be such that one spends             more time concentrating on the notes rather than the words          b. E.g., the pace of the song can be so fast that we don't             absorb the meaning of the words          c. E.g., the words used may be unusual and not understood by             the average singer       3. Song leaders can perform a valuable service by being careful          in the songs they select to lead          a. Carefully introducing songs that may be new to the congre-             gation          b. Taking a moment to explain the meaning of the song or             unusual words in it       4. But the ultimate responsibility falls on us who sing, so we          should make every effort to understand what we are singing   D. DO YOU STRESS MUSICAL HARMONY TO THE DETRIMENT OF NEW TESTAMENT SINGING?       1. Fortunately, God stresses making melody in our hearts over          making harmony with our voices       2. In a natural desire to offer beautiful praise, do you          discourage those who might not have trained voices but still          love to praise God with their whole being?       3. I have occasionally seen some Christians give a criticizing          look at others who sang "off key"       4. But the emphasis should be on praising God in heart and mind,          and not how it may sound to the human ear!   E. DO YOU HINDER YOUR OWN SINGING BY WHERE YOU SIT?       1. Sitting alone or spread out naturally discourages many from          singing as they otherwise might       2. People become more involved, are more uplifted, edify others          better, when they sit together and close to the song leader       3. One of the first steps to better singing is to sit with others          who love to sing!   CONCLUSION   1. Have we lost the joy of singing?   2. I believe that if we could see ourselves as song leaders do, we might be constrained to say "yes"!   3. I hope that by reminding ourselves of the purpose of singing and how to get more out of it, we might rekindle this act of worship which can do so much for our walk with God!   4. May David's attitude, a man after God's own heart, describe our own:         "I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;         I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."                                    - Ps 104:33         "Praise the Lord!         For it is good to sing praises to our God;         For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful."                           - Ps 147:1   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. Which is more important when we sing, how we sound or how we feel?   2. Are we really teaching and admonishing one another in song if we just whisper or mouth the words?   3. Do we sing because we are happy, or are we happy because we sing?   4. Do you sing praises to God by yourself throughout the week?   5. Does your family ever sing spiritual songs together (e.g., while traveling in the car)?   6. Which is more unscriptural, singing with mechanical instruments, or singing without engaging the instrument of the heart?       "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                   Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ   INTRODUCTION   1. An important element in having a closer walk with God is fulfilling    the command given by the apostle Peter in 2 Pe 3:18    a. What does it mean to "grow in the knowledge of our Lord and       Savior Jesus Christ"?    b. How can we be sure that we are growing in this "knowledge"?   2. Peter has defined what is meant to grow in the knowledge of Christ,    and his definition is found in 2 Pe 1:2-11   3. In this lesson, we shall:    a. Look more closely at what is involved in "Growing In The       Knowledge Of Jesus Christ"    b. Consider reasons why we should desire to grow in this "knowledge"   I. WHAT "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" INVOLVES      A. FIRST, IT INVOLVES THE DEVELOPMENT OF EIGHT "GRACES"...       1. These "graces" are listed in 2 Pe 1:5-7       2. Briefly defined...          a. FAITH is "conviction, strong assurance"          b. VIRTUE is "moral excellence, goodness"          c. KNOWLEDGE is "correct insight"          d. SELF-CONTROL is "self-discipline"          e. PERSEVERANCE is "bearing up under trials"          f. GODLINESS is "godly character out of devotion to God"          g. BROTHERLY KINDNESS is "love toward brethren"          h. LOVE is "active goodwill toward those in need"       3. Notice carefully 2 Pe 1:8          a. We must "abound" in these eight "graces"          b. Only then can it be said that we are "growing in the             knowledge of Jesus Christ"       4. Therefore we are discussing something more than simply          increasing our "intellectual" knowledge of Jesus Christ!          a. Though such knowledge has a place, it is just one of the             graces necessary          b. Peter is talking about growing in a FULLER AND MORE             PERSONAL knowledge of Jesus Christ!             1) Which comes by developing the "Christ-like" attributes                defined above             2) The more we grow in these "graces", the more we really                "know" Jesus (for He is the perfect personification of                these "graces")       5. That it involves more than intellectual knowledge is also          evident from the Greek word used for knowledge in 2 Pe 1:2-3,          8          a. The word is epiginosko, meaning "to become thoroughly             acquainted with, to know thoroughly, to know accurately,             know well" (THAYER)          b. Such knowledge comes only as we DEMONSTRATE these         "Christ- like graces" in our lives      B. SECOND, IT INVOLVES DEVELOPING THESE "GRACES" IN CONJUNCTION       WITH EACH OTHER...       1. Notice the word "add" (or "supply") in 2 Pe 1:5          a. Before each grace mentioned, the word is implied          b. The word in Greek is epichoregeo             1) "Originally, to found and support a chorus, to lead a                choir, to keep in tune"             2) "Then, to supply or provide"          c. This word then suggests the idea of "each grace working in             harmony with the others to produce an overall effect"       2. Notice also the preposition "to" (or "in") in 2 Pe 1:5-7          a. This suggests that "each grace is to temper and make             perfect the grace that goes before it"          b. To illustrate:             1) "to knowledge (add) self-control" - the grace of self-                control enables one to apply properly the knowledge one                has             2) "to self-control (add) perseverance" - self-control in                turn needs the quality of perseverance to be consistent                day after day       3. Thus each grace is necessary!          a. They must all be developed in conjunction with each other          b. We cannot be selective and just pick the ones we like and             leave others behind      C. THIRD, IT INVOLVES DILIGENT EFFORT...       1. Notice the word "diligence" in 2 Pe 1:5,10       2. It means "earnestness, zeal, sometimes with haste"       3. To grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires much effort       4. We do not "accidently" or "naturally" develop these graces!   [Is the effort worth it?  In the context of this passage Peter gives FIVE reasons why we should "give all diligence" to grow in this knowledge of Jesus Christ...]   II. WHY WE SHOULD BE "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"      A. GRACE AND PEACE ARE "MULTIPLIED" IN THIS KNOWLEDGE - 2 Pe 1:2       1. "Grace" and "peace" are common forms of greeting in the New          Testament          a. Grace - the greeting which requests God's unmerited favor             upon the person addressed          b. Peace - the greeting requesting the natural result of God's             favor       2. Note that these two blessings are "multiplied" in the          knowledge of Jesus Christ          a. All men experience God's favor and its result to some             degree - cf. Mt 5:45          b. But only in Christ can one enjoy the "fulness" of God's             favor and peace - Ep 1:3; Ph 4:6-7      B. ALL THINGS PERTAINING TO LIFE AND GODLINESS ARE GIVEN THROUGH       THIS KNOWLEDGE - 2 Pe 1:3,4       1. "Life" in this context refers to our spiritual life and well-          being       2. "Godliness" refers to the pious conduct which comes out of          devotion to God       3. Only as we grow in this knowledge do we enjoy the true, full          life available by God's divine power!          a. Which includes "exceedingly great and precious promises"          b. Which enables us to be "partakers of the divine nature"          c. Which can free us from the "corruption that is in the world             through lust"      C. FAILURE TO GROW IN THIS KNOWLEDGE RESULTS IN SPIRITUAL "MYOPIA"       AND "AMNESIA" - 2 Pe 1:9       1. Our religion is "short-sighted" if we are not growing in the          knowledge of Jesus Christ!          a. For what is the ultimate objective of being a Christian?          b. To become like Christ! - cf. Ro 8:29; Co 3:9-11          c. As we have seen, this is what it really means to grow in             the knowledge of Christ       2. Failure to so grow is an indication that we forgot why we were          redeemed by the blood of Christ in the first place!          a. To have our sins forgiven, yes...          b. But then, that we might present ourselves to God and become             what He wants us to be - LIKE HIS SON!      D. WE WILL NEVER STUMBLE - 2 Pe 1:10       1. This does not mean we will never sin - cf. 1 Jn 1:8,10       2. The word "stumble" in Greek means "to fall into misery, become          wretched; cf. the loss of salvation" (Thayer)       3. We will never stumble so as to fall short of our ultimate          salvation!       4. But this is true ONLY if we are "giving all diligence" to grow          in the knowledge of Christ and thereby "making our calling and          election sure"   E. AN ENTRANCE INTO THE "EVERLASTING KINGDOM"  WILL BE ABUNDANTLY SUPPLIED - 2 Pe 1:11       1. This "everlasting kingdom" is likely the "heavenly kingdom"          referred to by Paul in 2 Ti 4:18       2. In other words, the ultimate destiny of the redeemed!       3. What is meant by the idea of an "abundant entrance"?          a. "You may be able to enter, not as having escaped from a             shipwreck, or from fire, but as it were in triumph."             (Bengel)          b. By possessing the eight graces, we will be able to live             victoriously in this life and to joyously anticipate what             lies ahead - cf. 2 Ti 4:6-8   CONCLUSION   1. These five reasons should sufficiently motivate us to be diligent in    growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ   2. Give all diligence to make our calling and election sure, and have a    closer walk with God, by making every effort to add these "graces"    to our lives!   3. Or have we forgotten that we were purged from our old sins?    a. We have, if we are apathetic in our desire to grow in these       "graces"!    b. If so, we need to repent and pray for forgiveness!   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. Which of these "graces" do you think you have developed best?   2. In which are you most lacking?   3. Do you feel you are making progress in the "knowledge of Jesus    Christ"?   4. If not, what can you do to begin making progress?     "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                                           Overcoming Sin   INTRODUCTION   1. A wonderful blessing we receive when we become Christians is the    forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ    a. At our BAPTISM, the blood of Christ cleanses us from all PAST sins    b. Compare Ac 22:16 with Re 1:5   2. This does not mean that our problem with sin is over...    a. We still sin at times - 1 Jn 1:8,10    b. Satan does his best to cause us to sin - 1 Pe 5:8   3. If we are to maintain a close walk with God, and ultimately receive    the riches of glory He has prepared for us, we must overcome the    problem of sin in two ways:    a. By sinning less and less - 1 Jn 2:1a    b. By knowing what to do when we do sin - 1 Jn 2:1b-2   4. This lesson is concerned with helping us see how sin develops, and    how to overcome sin with its terrible consequences   [To overcome sin, we need to understand how it develops.  The Bible outlines the development of sin in Ja 1:12-15...]   I. HOW SIN DEVELOPS      A. THE FIRST STAGE IS "TEMPTATION"...       1. In Ja 1:14, we see that "temptation" includes two things:         a. DESIRE (some translations say "lust", suggesting a strong             desire for something)         b. ENTICEMENT (an opportunity and encouragement to satisfy the             desire)       2. Putting it in the form of a simple equation:                        TEMPTATION = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY       3. To illustrate:          a. A small boy is TEMPTED to steal some cookies when he WANTS             (desire) them and has an OCCASION (opportunity) to take             them          b. The temptation becomes stronger if he wants them badly, and             has a good chance of getting them without being seen       4. PLEASE NOTE:  At this stage in the development of sin, actual          sin has not yet been committed          a. It is not a sin to be "tempted"          b. For Jesus Himself was "tempted as we are, yet without sin"             - He 4:15; 2:18      B. THE SECOND STAGE IS "SIN" ITSELF...       1. "When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin" - Ja 1:15       2. It becomes sin when we ACT and YIELD to the temptation       3. Thus sin involves the added step of some sort of action on our          part       4. Again, in the form of a simple equation:                      SIN = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY + ACTION      C. THE THIRD STAGE INVOLVES THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNREPENTED AND       UNFORGIVEN SIN:  "DEATH"       1. "And sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death"          - Ja 1:15       2. The "death" spoken here refers to spiritual separation from          God          a. This separation occurs first in this life - cf. Is 59:2          b. If we die physically in this state, then we will experience             the "second death", which involves eternal punishment!             - Re 21:8       3. Putting all this into a final equation: DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY + ACTION + NO FORGIVENESS = DEATH      D. OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIN...       1. Sin will have overcome us if we receive the "final punishment"          of Re 21:8       2. But we will have overcome sin if we can avoid this punishment          and experience the glories God has prepared for His children!       3. How can we be sure to overcome sin?  BY STOPPING ITS DEVELOP-          MENT AT ANY ONE OF THE FOUR POINTS LEADING TO THE FINAL          PUNISHMENT!   [Now let's examine how this may be done...]   II. HOW TO OVERCOME SIN      A. CHANGE OUR "DESIRES"...       1. Since this is where the process of sin begins, it is the best          place for us to begin       2. Bear in mind that it is a part of Christian growth to change          our desires - Ro 12:1-2; Ga 5:24       3. How do we change our desires?          a. Notice that the WORD OF GOD has always been instrumental in             helping people overcome sin - Ps 119:11; Mt 4:3-10          b. To see how the Word of God can change our desires...             1) As we read of God's love, longsuffering and mercy, we                desire to serve Him - Ps 116:12-14             2) As we read of sin and its damnable consequences, we come                to hate it! - Ps 119:104       4. So the more we study God's Word, the less likely we will have          the DESIRE to sin, thereby beginning to overcome sin by          "nipping it in the bud"!      [But changing our desires takes time; while engaged in the process    of changing our desires, what else can we do?]      B. LIMIT OUR "OPPORTUNITIES"...       1. Remember, we are tempted only when there is BOTH desire and          opportunity       2. So while we work on changing our desires, we should limit the          opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires       3. This can be done by ASKING FOR GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL HELP, as          Jesus taught - Mt 6:13; 26:41       4. We can cooperate with God by:          a. Purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful             desires             1) Following the example of David - Ps 101:3-4             2) And the example of Job - Job 31:1          b. Avoiding those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin             with them             1) Again, David sets a good example - Ps 101:6-7             2) Paul also adds his warning - 1 Co 15:33      [But we will unlikely remove EVERY desire and opportunity to sin in    this life, what then?]      C. EXERCISE "SELF-CONTROL"...       1. Remember, it becomes sin when we yield to ACTION in fulfilling          our sinful desires       2. If we can control ourselves so as to not yield, then we can          overcome sin!       3. How does the Christian exercise self-control?          a. Self-control is but one aspect of the "fruit of the Spirit"             - Ga 5:22-23          b. When we become Christians, we receive the gift of the Holy             Spirit in our lives - Ac 2:38; 5:32          c. The Spirit is God's instrumental agent by which He imparts             strength to us - Ep 3:16          d. Strengthened by the Spirit, we are able to "put to death             the deeds of the body" - Ro 8:12-13          e. As Paul said:  "I can do all things through Him who             strengthens me." - Ph 4:13       4. It is through faith in God's Word that the Christian believes          that he has this divine help - Ep 3:20          a. It is certainly proper to pray for it, as Paul did in             behalf of the Ephesians - Ep 3:16          b. But equally important, to act upon it, trusting that you             are not alone as you try to do God's will - Ph 2:12-13          c. As an exercise commercial once said:  JUST DO IT!       5. The Christian, then, has no excuse for yielding to a          temptation - 1 Co 10:13      [But there may be times when we don't take advantage of the    strength God provides through His Spirit, and we sin; what then?]      D. OBTAIN "FORGIVENESS"...       1. Remember that sin is victorious when it results in punishment       2. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we          can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin!          - 1 Jn 2:1-2       3. Yes, Christ is truly the "propitiation" for our sins!          a. By His blood, we were forgiven of past sins when united             with Him in BAPTISM - Ac 2:38; 22:16; Re 1:5          b. By His blood, we can be forgiven of present sins when we             REPENT, PRAY, and CONFESS our sins to God - Ac 8:22;             1 Jn 1:9       4. At any time the Christian can overcome sins that were          committed, by repenting and confessing them to God!      E. SOME OBSERVATIONS ABOUT OVERCOMING SIN...       1. If you noticed carefully, you should have seen that at each of          the four points in the development of sin, God is able and          willing to help us overcome sin!          a. God helps us to "control our desires" by providing His WORD             to renew our minds          b. God helps us to "limit the opportunities" through His             PROVIDENCE as we pray for such          c. God helps us to "exercise self-control" over our actions             through His SPIRIT strengthening the inner man          d. God helps us to "obtain forgiveness" through the BLOOD OF             HIS SON as we repent and pray          -- Isn't the grace of God wonderful? - 2 Th 3:3; 1 Co 10:13       2. In this discussion we have concentrated on "sins of commission"          a. That is, sins we commit by overt action on our part          b. There are also "sins of omission"             1) Sins which come from failing to do what is right                - Ja 4:17             2) Overcoming these sins is similar...                a) Change our desires so we want to do what is right                b) Exercise self-control so we act the way we should                   when we have the opportunity                c) When guilty of sins of omission, obtain forgiveness                   in the same way       3. In learning the four points at which we may overcome sin,          don't think that we can simply wait until we reach the fourth          point to act...          a. That is, to just go ahead and sin, then ask God for             forgiveness          b. There are several reasons why we should not do this:             1) In baptism, we were freed from the power of sin, and                should now present ourselves to God as servants of                righteousness - Ro 6:1-23             2) Though we can receive forgiveness for sin, we might                still suffer the "temporal" consequences of sins                - Ga 6:7-9             3) If we allow sin to deceive us so as to become                "hardened",we may get to the point of sinning                "willfully" and lose our salvation! - He 3:12-14;                10:26-31          c. So don't take the grace of God lightly and attempt to             abuse it!   CONCLUSION   1. How much better it would be to praise God for His grace, and use it    to overcome sin in our lives!   2. May the promise found in Ja 1:12 help motivate us to do so:      "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been    proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has    promised to those who love Him."   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. Are you engaged in a daily Bible study program which will help you    develop the proper kind of desires?   2. Do you "watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation"?   3. Do you avoid circumstances and companions that you know would entice    you to sin?   4. Do you pray that God will strengthen you "by His Spirit in the inner    man"?   5. Do you ask God daily to forgive your sins, and to help you overcome    sin in your life?     "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                       Discerning Between Good And Evil   INTRODUCTION   1. In the previous lesson we talked about overcoming sin by:    a. Understanding the development of sin    b. Utilizing the help of God to...       1) Change our desires       2) Limit our opportunities to sin       3) Exercise self-control       4) Seek forgiveness   2. Assumed in all of this, is that we know or can discern the    difference between what is good and evil    a. Knowing the difference does not come automatically upon       conversion    b. It is an ability that comes with time and "exercise"       - cf. He 5:12-14   3. This lesson is designed to help us develop this ability to discern,    so that we might truly have "A Closer Walk With God"   [Deciding what is right and what is wrong is really very simple.  It involves asking a few questions about the matter at hand...]   I. IS IT CLEARLY CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE?      A. MANY THINGS ARE SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED AS BEING WRONG...       1. One list of such things is found in Ga 5:19-21       2. A similar list is found in Ep 5:3-7      B. FOR THINGS SO MENTIONED, THAT SETTLES THE MATTER...       1. At least as far as Christians are concerned       2. There is no room for debate when the Scriptures clearly          condemn some practice   [But not all sins are mentioned by name, for the Bible would be endless if that were true!  So another question needs to be asked...]   II. IS IT SIMILAR TO THINGS CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE?      A. IN GALATIANS 5:19-21, NOTICE THE PHRASE "AND THE LIKE"...       1. When we are uncertain about some matter, we should ask whether          it is LIKE any sins specifically mentioned       2. For example, what about smoking marijuana?  Is it not like          "drunkenness"?      B. YOU MIGHT EVEN COMPARE IT WITH THE GOOD THINGS MENTIONED...       1. Notice those things in Ga 5:22-23       2. Is the matter in question more like the "fruit of the Spirit"          (that which is good) or the "works of the flesh" (that which          is evil)?   [Another question to consider...]   III. DOES IT HURT YOUR CONSCIENCE?      A. THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE...       1. In light of the following Scriptures - 1 Ti 1:5,18-19; 3:9       2. Violating our conscience to the degree it no longer bothers us          is a sure sign of apostasy! - 1 Ti 4:1-2      B. THIS MAY HELP US TO BETTER APPRECIATE ROMANS 14:23...       1. Doing something when you doubt its rightfulness is to violate          your conscience       2. That, declares Paul, is sin!       3. So an act may be good in of itself, but...          a. If you think it is wrong (because of incorrect knowledge)          b. Or have doubts about its rightfulness             ...then don't do it!   [Another help...]   IV. WHAT DO MATURE CHRISTIANS SAY ABOUT IT?      A. THIS, OF COURSE, IS NOT THE ULTIMATE DETERMINING FACTOR...       1. For mature Christians can be wrong       2. As they would be the first to admit      B. BUT HEBREWS 5:14 DOES SAY THAT THOSE WHO BY "REASON OF USE" ARE       IN A POSITION TO DISCERN...       1. This is why the advice of mature Christians can be helpful          - cf. Ph 3:17       2. The example of Rehoboam's failure to listen to the advice of          older, mature men should teach us something - 1 Ki 12:6-20       3. Paul instructed Titus that the younger should look to those          older - Ti 2:3-5   [Then a question that is often overlooked...]   V. DOES IT HINDER YOUR INFLUENCE?      A. BY BOTH EXAMPLE AND WORD, PAUL STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING       CONCERNED ABOUT OUR INFLUENCE ON OTHERS...       1. Notice his concern for how his influence affected the          salvation of others - 1 Co 9:19-23       2. He then commands to do likewise, in which we are simply          imitating the example of Christ! - 1 Co 10:31-11:1      B. PETER TAUGHT THE VALUE OF A GOOD EXAMPLE...       1. In helping a wife win her husband to the Lord - 1 Pe 3:1-2       2. What is said of a wife's example would also be true of a          Christian's example   [So we should be concerned as to whether a practice under question HELPS or HINDERS our influence for the Lord!]   VI. IS IT POOR STEWARDSHIP?      A. THAT WE ARE "STEWARDS" OF OUR TIME, MONEY, AND BODIES, IS       EVIDENT FROM...       1. The Lord's parable of The Talents - Mt 25:14-30       2. Paul's instruction concerning our bodies - 1 Co 6:19-20       3. His directions for those rich in this world - 1 Ti 6:17-19      B. SOME ACTIVITIES MAY BE HARMLESS IN THEMSELVES, BUT REQUIRE SO       MUCH TIME AND ENERGY...       1. There is none left for the Lord!       2. This can be true of vocations, hobbies, etc.       3. We should bear in mind that time is limited and therefore          priorities must be set and kept - Ep 5:16; Mt 6:33   [Finally, we can ask...]   VII. WOULD JESUS DO IT?      A. REMEMBER THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP...       1. As found in Lk 6:40       2. To be like Jesus!      B. "WOULD JESUS DO IT?" IS THEREFORE AN APPROPRIATE QUESTION...       1. If you think He would not, it is probably wrong!      C. THIS MAKES THE STUDY OF JESUS OF PRIME IMPORTANCE IN OUR LIVES!       1. Studying His life, His examples, His Word       2. So that we can have the "mind of Christ" - Ph 2:5   CONCLUSION   1. I hope that these seven questions can help in identifying what is    good and what is evil   2. The importance of properly discerning between good and evil is seen    in such passages like 2 Co 6:16-7:1    a. Where we are reminded of how blessed we are to be the people of       God    b. And the responsibility to act accordingly, if we wish to have a       closer walk with God!   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. Do you have some older Christian to whom you feel free to go to for    advice?   2. Do you feel that you usually give enough thought to the effect of    your actions on other people?   3. Are you trying to keep a good conscience in all that you do?   4. Will you ask, when in doubt, "What would Jesus do?"     "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                                             The Christian And Good Works   INTRODUCTION   1. In a previous lesson we discussed the matter of devotion or worship    to God, especially in our public assemblies   2. One objective of such activities is to stir us up to "good works"    - He 10:24-25   3. In this short but important lesson, we shall examine the matter of    "good works" which Christians are to do...   I. CHRISTIANS ARE TO DO "GOOD WORKS"      A. DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND THE "PURPOSE" OF GOOD WORKS...       1. They are not done to "buy" or "earn" our way into heaven       2. God saves us by His GRACE, not by our WORKS - Ep 2:8-9;          Ti 3:4-7       3. Yet, as God's People, we have been created in Christ Jesus to          do good works! - Ep 2:10; Ti 2:11-14; 3:1,8,14      B. WHY, THEN, ARE WE TO DO GOOD WORKS?       1. They bring glory to God! - Mt 5:16; 1 Pe 2:11-12       2. They can prepare unbelievers to be more receptive to the          gospel - 1 Pe 2:12; 3:1-2       3. They demonstrate the living nature of our faith - Ja 2:14-17       4. They are necessary if we are to be like Jesus - cf. Lk 6:46          with Ac 10:38   II. WHAT "GOOD WORKS" CAN WE DO?      A. SOME GOOD WORKS ARE "SPIRITUAL" IN NATURE...       1. Telling others of God's grace - 1 Pe 2:9-10          a. We may not all be "teachers" in a formal sense - 1 Co 12:             27-31; Ja 3:1-2          b. But all of us can share with others the wonderful grace of             God available in Christ Jesus!       2. Encouraging other Christians - He 3:12-13          a. We can be a "Philemon" or a "Stephanus" - Phile 7;             1 Co 16:15-18          b. For example, through cards, calls, visits, Bible studies       3. Restoring weak brethren - Ga 6:1-2          a. We can be a "Barnabas" (who helped John Mark)          b. The importance of this work is seen in light of Ja 5:19-20      B. OTHER GOOD WORKS ARE MORE "PHYSICAL" IN NATURE...       1. Jesus did not limit His good works to things spiritual          - Lk 7:22       2. Nor did He expect His disciples to so limit their good works          a. Cf. the "Limited Commission" - Mt 10:7-8          b. Cf. the "judgment scene" - Mt 25:34-40       3. Just as some may be gifted in talent and opportunities to          "teach", so others are gifted to "serve" in areas of physical          service - Ro 12:3-8          a. Such as "giving"          b. Such as "showing mercy"       4. Women can be especially fruitful in this area...          a. For they often have a more flexible use of their time          b. Why not be a "Dorcas"? - Ac 9:36-39   CONCLUSION   1. No matter how we may serve the Lord, "good works" are a MARK OF PURE    RELIGION - cf. Ja 1:27   2. It is also A KEY TO SPIRITUAL BLESSEDNESS (happiness) - Ja 1:25;    Ac 20:35   3. So let's be sure to keep in mind the admonition of Paul to Titus...        "Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain       good works." (Ti 3:8)   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. What kind of "spiritual" good works are you doing, or are preparing    yourself to do?   2. What kind of "physical" good works are you doing, or hope one day to do?   3. Who should get the glory when you are praised for good works?     "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                                                       The Church And You   INTRODUCTION   1. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, as we continue in our service and walk with God, we do not do so alone   2. A wonderful blessing we have in Christ is being members of His body, the church   3. When we properly understand:    a. What the church is, both in its universal and local sense    b. What our responsibilities are toward the church    -- Then we can better utilize this blessing to help us remain       faithful in our lives as disciples of Christ   I. WHAT IS THE CHURCH?      A. THE WORD "CHURCH" REFERS TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN SAVED...       1. As we are saved, the Lord in heaven Himself "adds" us to His          church - Ac 2:47       2. As His "church" (a word meaning "assembly" or "congregation"),          we are members of God's "household" or "family" - 1 Ti 3:15      B. THE WORD "CHURCH" IS USED PRIMARILY IN TWO SENSES...       1. The UNIVERSAL sense:  all the saved throughout the world          a. It is used in this way in passages like Mt 16:18; Ep 5:23;             Co 1:18          b. In the "universal" sense:             1) There is only ONE church - Ep 4:4; compare with                Ep 1:22-23             2) Christ is the head; individual Christians are members of                His body - 1 Co 12:27             3) There is NO EARTHLY ORGANIZATION; what organization                there may be is spiritual in nature - Ep 2:19-20             4) The universal church never meets as such; it has no                "officers" except Jesus Christ and the original apostles                and prophets       2. The LOCAL sense:  the saved in one particular locality          a. It is used in this way in passages like 1 Co 1:2; Re 1:11;             Ro 16:16          b. In the "local" sense:             1) There are MANY churches - cf. Ga 1:2             2) There is to be EARTHLY ORGANIZATION within each local                church                a) Ideally, each church has elders (also known as bishops,                   pastors) and deacons - Ph 1:1 (described more fully                   later in this lesson)                b) But churches may exist temporarily until such men can                   be appointed - cf. Ac 14:21-23             3) Local churches meet regularly; and Christians have                responsibilities in connection with their brethren in                the local church   II. RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE LOCAL CHURCH      A. WE SHOULD "JOIN OURSELVES" TO A LOCAL CHURCH...       1. Only Christ "adds" one to the church UNIVERSAL; but one can          and should "join" themselves to a LOCAL church - Ac 9:26-28       2. This enables you to benefit by the association of other          Christians, and provides you an opportunity to be of service          to them - cf. He 3:12-14; 10:24-25       3. There are some responsibilities Christ has given you that you          cannot fulfill on your own; for example, the Lord's Supper          - Ac 20:7       4. So you need to find and join a local faithful congregation of          the Lord (a careful study of the New Testament can help you to          identify such today; perhaps a subject for future study?)      B. WE SHOULD COOPERATE WITH THE "LEADERS"...       1. In a fully developed local church, there will be "ELDERS" to          oversee the people of God          a. The terms "elder, pastor, bishop, shepherd, overseer" are             often used interchangeably, referring to the same position             - Ac 20:17,28; Ti 1:5-7; 1 Pe 5:1-2          b. Their qualifications are found in 1 Ti 3:1-7; Ti 1:5-9          c. Our responsibilities to them are as follows:             1) To recognize and respect them - 1 Th 5:12-13;                1 Ti 5:17-20             2) To obey and be submissive when they lead scripturally                - He 13:17; 1 Pe 5:2-3          d. Think of them as your "spiritual advisors", as "shepherds";             they are mature, experienced Christian men who are charged             by God to "watch out for your souls"!       2. In a fully developed local church, there will also be          "DEACONS" to serve the people of God          a. These are "servants" who assist the elders in the work of             the church          b. Their qualifications are found in 1 Ti 3:8-13          c. The work they do is a very noble one - 1 Ti 3:13       3. There may also be those who serve as EVANGELISTS and           TEACHERS          - Ep 4:11          a. The "evangelists" concentrate their attention on teaching             the gospel to the lost          b. "Teachers" concentrate attention upon edifying the members          c. Those commonly referred to as "preachers" or "ministers"             may do both the work of evangelist and teacher          d. But whether they serve as evangelist, teacher, preacher, or             minister, within the local church they likewise submit to             the leadership of the elders   C. WE SHOULD CONTRIBUTE REGULARLY TO THE WORK OF THE CHURCH...       1. The work of the church can be divided into three areas:          a. Evangelism - Mt 28:19-20; 1 Ti 3:15; 1 Pe 2:9-10          b. Edification - Ep 4:11-16          c. Benevolence - 1 Ti 5:16       2. How the local church can raise funds to do its work is          illustrated in 1 Co 16:1-2       3. Principles governing such collections were discussed in the          lesson, "Our Public Assemblies"       4. The financial support provided the local church enables it to          do much of the work God designed it to do      D. WE SHOULD DO OUR PART IN THE WORK OF THE CHURCH...       1. We cannot "pay" to have our part of the church's work done for         us       2. A strong, successful congregation is one where every member is          doing their part - Ep 4:15-16       3. There are different kinds of functions we might perform          - cf. Ro 12:3-8       4. What is essential is that we each do what we can with the same          zeal and enthusiasm - cf. 1 Pe 4:10-11      E. WE SHOULD HELP KEEP THE CHURCH UNITED...       1. Unity among believers is very important to Jesus          - Jn 17:20-21; cf. Ep 2:14-16       2. Division is condemned in the Scriptures - 1 Co 1:10-13; 3:3-4       3. To maintain the unity we have in Christ requires certain          attitudes and diligent effort - Ep 4:1-3       4. Here are some things we can do:          a. Be peacemakers when brethren have disagreements - Mt 5:9          b. Avoid gossip - 1 Ti 5:13,19          c. Avoid discussion of speculative questions - 1 Ti 6:3-5;             2 Ti 2:23          d. Avoid partiality - 1 Ti 5:21      F. WE SHOULD LIVE IN A WAY THAT SPEAKS WELL OF THE    CHURCH...       1. Be an example to others - 1 Ti 4:12; Ti 2:7-8          a. Some people delight in finding Christians who are not             living right and use them as an example to attack the             church          b. We are to avoid giving them opportunities to do so             - Ti 2:8; 1 Ti 5:14; 1 Pe 2:12       2. Christians are not perfect, but we should strive to be an          example of what Christians ought to be!   CONCLUSION   1. More could be said on this subject, but this should suffice to make    the point that with the blessings of fellowship within the body of    Christ come various responsibilities   2. God did not intend for us to be "islands unto ourselves", but    joined together in Christ where we can encourage one another in an    atmosphere of righteousness, joy, and peace - Ro 14:17-19   SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...   1. Have you let a local church know that you wish to be identified as    an accepted, working member of their group?   2. Do you know the elders, deacons and other members of the church    where you attend?   3. Do you have a sense of what function you provide in the body of    Christ, and are you fulfilling it?   4. If every member of the church were as faithful and active as you in    your service to the Lord, what kind of of church would it be?     "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                             Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel   INTRODUCTION   1. The importance of sharing the gospel of Christ with those who are    lost cannot be over-emphasized...    a. Jesus wants everyone to hear the good news of salvation       - Mk 16:15-16    b. The gospel is God's power to salvation to all who believe it       - Ro 1:16-17    -- BUT WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO REACH PEOPLE TODAY?   2. The Institute For American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people    this question: "What was responsible for your coming to Christ and    this church?"  Their replies were . . .    a. I had a special need - 3%    b. I just walked in - 3%    c.  I liked the minister - 6%    d. I visited there - 1%    e. I liked the Bible classes - 5%    f.  I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5%    g. I liked the programs - 3%    h. A FRIEND OR RELATIVE INVITED ME - 79%   3. What do we learn from a survey like this?    a. IF CHURCHES ARE TO GROW, IT WILL BE THROUGH THE EFFORTS    OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS       1) Preachers, programs, classes may help, but in most cases they          will only maintain the size of the congregation       2) Such congregational efforts are worthwhile, for they can reach          people with whom we might otherwise never come in contact    b. THE GREATEST POTENTIAL LIES WITH THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE    SOME CONTACT WITH MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL CONGREGATION       1) Each of us have daily contact with tens of people who need the          gospel of Christ       2) In addition to efforts designed to reach people "en masse"          (via television, radio, mail), we need to utilize the contacts          made through the members (i.e., provide a "TWO-PRONGED"          APPROACH TO EVANGELISM)   4. Two things are needed to utilize the contacts made through    individual members    a. CONCERN for the lost by those members - cf. Mt 9:36-38;    Ro 9:1-3; 10:1    b. KNOWLEDGE OF HOW we can increase our opportunities to share    the gospel with those with whom we frequently come into contact   5. Assuming that the concern is there, in this lesson I wish to share    suggestions on HOW anyone who is a Christian can INCREASE THEIR    OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE THE GOSPEL...   I. DO THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR A CARING CONGREGATION      A. OUR LOVE WILL HELP PROVE THAT WE ARE WHO WE CLAIM - Jn 13:35       1. I.e., that we are truly the disciples of Christ       2. Correct doctrine, organization, worship, etc., is important       3. But it will be our love for one another that will convince the          world that we are truly the disciples of Christ!      B. OUR LOVE MAKES US USEFUL TO THE LORD - Re 3:7-8       1. The Lord knows the true condition of His churches!       2. If we are a congregation that can be used by Him...          a. To reach others with the gospel          b. To assimilate them into the Family of God          c. To nurture them in their spiritual growth          -- Then He will "open doors" for us!       3. But suppose that we are not a place where new Christians can          grow spiritually in an atmosphere of love...?      C. HERE ARE SOME "ACTION STEPS" TO TAKE...       1. Make it a point to get to know ALL the members by name          a. Get a church directory and begin to place names with faces          b. Try to learn someone new at each service until you know             them all       2. Practice "hospitality" towards the members - 1 Pe 4:8-9          a. Invite them into your home, or out to eat (set a goal of             one new family or member per month)          b. Visit other Christians frequently (esp. the sick, shut-ins,             new members, absent members)   II. MAKE A LIST OF SOULS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE SAVED      A. THIS MAY NOT SEEM IMPORTANT, BUT IT IS!       1. It utilizes a very helpful technique used by people successful          in all walks of life (i.e., having a "things to do" list)       2. For us, it helps to focus our attention upon those we hope to          reach for the Lord, and not neglect them      B. IN MAKING UP THIS LIST...       1. Start with those who are close to you and work outwardly          a. Family          b. Friends          c. Co-workers          d. Neighbors          e. Relatives of fellow church members          f. Regular visitors to the services of the church          g. Casual acquaintances (mailman, store clerk, etc.)       2. Limit this list to five or eight souls (a list with too many          and you will not be able to focus your efforts effectively)       3. Give priority to those who are the "unchurched"          a. I.e., who are not active members of any denomination or             particular religion          b. Active members of a denomination or religion are often very             satisfied with their human traditions and are not as             receptive to the pure and simple gospel of Christ       4. Husbands and wives might best just have one list (as the          suggestions to follow will require their joint cooperation)      C. KEEP THIS LIST WHERE YOU WILL SEE IT DAILY...       1. So you will be constantly reminded of these people       2. So you will be more likely to do the things mentioned next...   III. PRAY FOR THESE SOULS ON YOUR LIST DAILY      A. THAT GOD WILL WORK TOGETHER WITH YOU...       1. To give you "opportunities" to do good for them - Co 4:3;          2 Th 3:1       2. To give you the "wisdom" to make the most of those          opportunities - Ep 6:19-20      B. THAT THOSE ON YOUR LIST WILL...       1. Have the opportunity to hear the truth       2. Have honest hearts to be open and receptive to the truth      C. REMEMBER, IT IS GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE - 1 Co 3:5-7       1. We are but servants whom God can use in His providential          workings       2. So though we may work as though it all depends upon us, let us          pray as though it all depends upon God!   IV. DO THINGS WHICH DEMONSTRATE YOUR LOVE FOR THEM      A. THE  IMPORTANCE OF THIS SUGGESTION...       1. "People don't care how much we know until they know how much          we care!"       2. A demonstration of love will make a person more likely to be          receptive to the gospel of love when it is shared!          - cf. 1 Pe 2:12      B. SOME "ACTION STEPS" TO TAKE...       1. Invite them into your home for a dinner or snack       2. Visit them, especially in times of trial or sickness       3. Do things with them on a social level   V. INVITE THOSE ON YOUR LIST TO ATTEND SERVICES      A. REASONS TO WANT THEM ATTENDING SERVICES...       1. They will (or should) have an opportunity to see a caring          congregation in action          a. Combined with your own demonstration of love as an             individual          b. ...the demonstration of love by others should make a             lasting impression       2. They will more likely have an opportunity to be presented with          the gospel of Christ (more on this, shortly)      B. AS YOU PREPARE TO INVITE THESE SOULS, BE SURE TO    PRAY...       1. Asking for "wisdom" to invite them in the best manner       2. Asking for "boldness" to offer the invitation to attend   VI. DEMONSTRATE LOVE TOWARDS THOSE VISITORS WHO DO ATTEND   A. WHETHER INVITED BY YOU, SOMEONE ELSE, OR ARE "WALK- INS"...       1. Greet them, let them know they are welcome       2. Invite them home or out for a dinner or snack       3. Call or visit them, after they have attended - cf. He 13:2;          Ro 12:13b   B. IN DOING SUCH THINGS, YOU ARE PREPARING THEIR HEARTS FOR THE GOSPEL...       1. For by demonstrating love as a congregation of Christians...       2. ...they will be more likely to believe in the love of God          demonstrated in the life of Christ! - 1 Pe 2:11-12   VII. SEE THAT THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR THE GOSPEL   A. IDEALLY, THIS WILL COME AFTER WITNESSING A DEMONSTRATION OF THE GOSPEL "IN OUR LIVES"...       1. By our love, hospitality, etc.       2. Both as individuals and as a congregation   B. IF YOU FEEL CONFIDENT IN TEACHING OTHERS, THEN APPROACH THEM YOURSELF AND SUGGEST...       1. A home Bible study with them (using aids like video tapes,          charts, or simply an open Bible)       2. Or that they study on their own with the aid of a Bible          correspondence course   C. IF YOU DO NOT FEEL YOU ARE YET CAPABLE TO APPROACH THEM CONCERNING A STUDY, OR IN CONDUCTING THE STUDY YOURSELF...       1. Bring it to the attention of members who are able and willing          to teach       2. Provide opportunities for the teacher and the prospect to          become better acquainted, and the teacher can take it from          there   CONCLUSION   1. These suggestions are offered...    a. With a FIRM CONVICTION that if they will be carried out,       opportunities to share the gospel and save souls will be greatly       increased!    b. With the HOPE that you will accept the challenge to implement       these suggestions   2. This approach is not only the MOST SUCCESSFUL in saving and keeping    souls, it is also one of the MOST NATURAL and easiest ways to reach    the lost for Christ!    a. Remember the survey by The Institute For American Church    Growth?    b. One does not even have to be able to teach to be effective in    leading others to Christ!    c. One simply has to be a FRIEND to Christians and to the lost!   3. And even if we do not convert a single soul...    a. We will have fulfilled our obligation to share Christ with others    b. We will have done it in such a way as to become better       CHRISTIANS, a better CONGREGATION, better FRIENDS, better       NEIGHBORS, better CO-WORKERS, etc.!   SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY A CONGREGATION OR A FEW INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS...   1. Have those interested in being involved meet together on a weekly    basis   2. Encourage one another to SET GOALS for the coming week    a. Share ideas for goals; for example...       1) Having over or visiting one person or family from the          congregation       2) Making a list of souls for which to begin praying       3) What you plan to do to demonstrate your love and concern for          those on your list       4) Who you will invite to services       5) What visitors you will call, visit, etc.       6) Who you will offer to have a study, or put in contact with          someone who will follow-up with a study    b. Write the goals for the coming week down    c. Pray about them, together and on your own throughout the week   3. At each weekly meeting...    a. Share and discuss how the goals are being met    b. Set new goals for the coming week    c. Write them, pray about them   This simple program should easily increase opportunities to share the gospel and bring many souls to Christ!     "A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"                                              Continuing To Grow   INTRODUCTION   1. Growth is necessary in all areas of life:  business, science,    industry, etc.   2. This is especially true in our lives as Christians - Ep 4:14-15;    1 Pe 2:2; 2 Pe 3:18; 2 Th 1:3   3. But spiritual growth must be well-rounded, balanced growth    a. The Christian must grow in knowledge, in zeal, in faith, in       Christ-like character, in good works    b. The Christian must not be full of knowledge while his disposition       remains un-Christlike   4. This final lesson is intended to help us continue growing ever    closer to God and more productive in our service to Jesus Christ   [It is beneficial to be aware of those things which act as...]   I. HINDRANCES TO GROWTH      A. LACK OF EFFORT...       1. Growing in Christ is not automatic       2. One may still be a "babe" after many years - cf. He 5:13;          1 Co 3:1,2       3. Growth requires effort, but those who are spiritually lazy          will simply follow the course of least resistance; such will          forever remain "babes" , if they do not fall away altogether      B. DISCOURAGEMENT...       1. Some people make a good beginning, but get discouraged and          quit       2. Reasons may vary:  church troubles, personal problems, lack of          encouragement from others, etc.       3. But consider the example of the apostle Paul:          a. Few of us would ever have the problems he had             - 2 Co 11:24-29          b. Yet he did not "lose heart" (become discouraged)             - 2 Co 4:8-9          c. Why?  Because he knew his labor was not in vain             - 2 Co 4:16-5:1       4. And so he encourages us not to grow weary in doing good          - Ga 6:9; 1 Co 15:58      C. THE LAW OF DISUSE...       1. A knife stays bright when used, but unused it becomes rusty       2. So it is with Christians, we lose what knowledge, ability, and          opportunity we have when we do not use them!       3. To use another metaphor, unless we are earnest in our          endeavor, we will simply "drift away" from the Lord - He 2:1      D. THE LAW OF INTERFERENCE...       1. Crops, trees and flowers do not grow well when crowded       2. So our spiritual growth will be hindered if we allow others to          crowd out our spiritual life          a. Businessmen may become too busy to attend to God's          business          b. A woman may get so occupied with housekeeping that she has             little time for God          c. Young people may be so busy with school activities that             prayer, worship, good works and Bible study are crowded out          d. Preachers might get so tied down with meetings,             administrative duties, etc., that they too do not have time             to spend alone with God       3. Jesus warned about the danger of interference - Mk 4:18-19   [In an effort to prevent succumbing to these hindrances, here are some...]   II. SUGGESTIONS FOR CONTINUING YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH      A. BECOME ACTIVE IN THE WORK OF THE CONGREGATION...       1. Begin immediately!          a. It is important not to delay (remember the "hindrances")          b. There is work for everyone, and it is best to start with             something you are able to handle          c. Even the most humble service can be a source of joy for             those who are doing it to please God - cf. Ps 84:10;             Jn 13:12-17       2. Offer your services to the elders!          a. These men will be glad to find work for you to do in             keeping with your ability          b. Sometimes they hesitate to call on people for work if they             are not sure the people are willing          c. But let them know that you have the attitude of Isaiah:             "Here am I!  Send me." - Isa 6:8       3. Look for work needing to be done!          a. The best servant is one who can see things to be done and             does them without having to be told every step to take          b. Most of us are good critics; here is how we can put that             ability to good use:             1) Whenever we see something we want to criticize, take                that as an opportunity to SHOW (not tell) how it should                be done             2) Someone else's failure is often our opportunity to be of                service             3) In other words, "Don't criticize, energize!"      B. START A PROGRAM OF REGULAR PRIVATE DEVOTIONS...       1. Spend time each day alone with God, engaged in prayer, Bible          study, singing praises       2. Such time consistently spent will supply the spiritual          nourishment necessary for spiritual growth       3. Many Christians do not grow because they try to exist on a          "spiritual starvation diet"!      C. PARTICIPATE IN AN INFORMAL BIBLE STUDY GROUP...       1. Meet weekly with other Christians in an informal setting to          study the Bible together       2. This provides opportunity for mutual sharing and encouragement          which leads to even more knowledge and spiritual growth      D. BECOME INVOLVED IN LEADING PEOPLE TO CHRIST...       1. Begin implementing the suggestions in the lesson on increasing          opportunities to share the gospel       2. Even if you don't do the actual teaching, you can do what          Andrew and Philip did:  lead a friend to Christ! - Jn 1:40-46       3. Those involved in leading others to Christ rarely ever stop          growing in Christ themselves!      E. PRACTICE CONSTANT SELF-EXAMINATION...       1. The Scriptures call us to examine ourselves in our relation to          Christ - 2 Co 13:5       2. Here are some questions we should often ask ourselves:          a. Do I have a better Bible knowledge than one year ago?          b. Am I as interested in Jesus Christ today as when I was             baptized?          c. Have I helped someone else to become a Christian?          d. Am I enjoying life as a child of God?          e. Am I improving my life, my disposition, and becoming more             like Christ?          f. Do I set a good example for other Christians?          g. Am I growing in such activities as Bible study, prayer,             worship?       3. Self-examination is not an easy process, but true spiritual          growth is impossible without it!   CONCLUSION   1. Though we have come to the end of this series of studies, if we    implement the suggestions in this lesson and those preceding, we    will successfully embark on a spiritual journey with Christ that    will last through eternity!   2. It is sad, but true, that many Christians are often just religious    enough to be miserable; but the life of the Christian is intended to    be one filled with love, joy, peace, and so much more! - Ga 5:22-23   3. It is my prayer that these lessons may be useful in helping you to    truly experience the ABUNDANT LIFE that Jesus provides! - Jn 10:10   "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."  (1 Th 5:23-24)   For more info. Please contact C.R.P.M.I. Zwolle, Dollard 241, 8032 KG Zwolle, Netherlands. Tel. +31(0)384540970 Cell. +31(0)627281512  E-mail: crpmi@bornagain.com

Christ Resurrection Power Ministries International - Hoofd Kantoor - Dollard 241 - 8032KG - Zwolle - Tel./Fax: +31(0)388520821 - Mob.+31(0)627281512 -

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