PERSONAL APPLICATION. April 2, Why is it important for a person to examine himself/herself for evidences of the indwelling of Christ (8:9)?

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1 April 2, 2017 The Spirit Is Life Romans 8:1-17 Romans 8 is the Christian's "Declaration of Freedom," for in it Paul declares the spiritual freedom we enjoy because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. This chapter emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to live a life of victory and fulfillment. Our hope is not only for eternal life 2006 in the future. We can know God's will; we can have God's peace; we can triumph over sin; and, we can profit from our trials all because of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 1. According to 8:1, what glorious promise can be claimed because of your relationship with Christ? 2. How has God done what the Law is powerless to do, and how was this accomplished (8:2-3)? 3. What is God s goal in releasing us from the law of sin and death (8:4)? 4. Verses 5-8 categorize two ways of life-living according to the flesh and according to the Spirit. Contrast the two ways of life by listing some of the characteristics each. Flesh: Spirit: 5. Why is it important for a person to examine himself/herself for evidences of the indwelling of Christ (8:9)? 6. What is the result of Christ Dwelling in our lives (8:10)? 7. What does God promise to those who believe in Him (8:11, 23)? Also see 1 Cor. 6:14; 2 Cor. 4:14; 1 Thess. 4: How did Paul contrast those who live according to the sinful nature with those who are led by God s Spirit? What is the result of each (8:12-14). 9. What kind of spirit does God s children have and what does this mean (8:15)? 10. How can one be assured that he/she is a child of God ands what is the significance of this assurance (8:16-17)? The truth of today's lesson is that we do have a choice concerning who or what controls our lives. Although it requires personal discipline, every individual can live a victorious, Spirit-filled life. Make a list of the struggles you are currently facing in your war with Satan. Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus your mind on His desires for your life and give you victory. Thank Him as you act in faith at His leading.

2 April 9, According to Phil. 2:1, what blessings from God should enable the Philippian Christians to have a spirit of unity? 2. Name some characteristics that will be evident if a group of believers is unified (2:1-2). 3. What do you think is the ultimate purpose for being like-minded and in one accord (2:2)? 4. What spiritual pitfalls are identified in 2:3-4, and what solutions are presented? 5. What does it mean to consider someone "better than yourself"? Jesus is Lord Philippians 2:5-11 In 1896, Charles M. Sheldon wrote what became one of the most widely read books ever published. In His Steps is a story about an incident in the life of a pastor, Henry Maxwell, that so moved him until he vowed that for one year he would qualify his every action with the question: "What would Jesus do?" 2006 Upon revealing this vow to his congregation, a significant number of the church membership joined him in this pledge, often at great personal sacrifice. The results not only transformed the lives of those who took this bold step of obedience, it also impacted the entire community. 6. What attitude did Paul exhort the Philippians to display that would prevent the self-centered nature mentioned in verse 3, and who was the model they should look to (2:4-5)? 7. List some ways Jesus set the example for all Christians to follow (2:6-8)? 8. When you read 2:6-8, what kind of response do you believe a human being should make to who Jesus is and what He has done? 9. How is Jesus exalted as a result of His redemptive work on the cross (2:9-11? Also see Romans 1:4.? 10. According to 2:11, what confession will every person one day make? It is clear in this passage that Paul expects doctrine (what one believes) to affect lifestyle (what one does). This is easier said than done. Many of the attitudes Paul admonishes in this lesson do not come naturally. List some actions you could take in the coming week to work toward at least one of the desirable attitudes, listed in 2: 1-4, that does not come naturally to you. What specific steps will you take to get the process started?

3 April 16, 2017 Jesus is Risen John 20:1-18 Imagine going to the cemetery to visit the grave of a dear friend whose funeral was only a few days past. Think how you would feel if, upon arrival at the grave site, you discovered the body was no longer there. Suddenly you hear a familiar voice behind you and turn to find your friend standing there before you. After 2006 your initial reaction, what do you suppose you would do next? In today's lesson, Mary Magdalene is faced with just such a circumstance. 1. What do you think prompted Mary to go to Jesus' tomb early on Sunday morning (20:1)? 2. How did Mary respond when she saw that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb entrance? What did she assume had happened (20:1-2)? 3. Upon hearing the report from Mary, what did Peter and John do (20:3-4)? 4. What differences were there between the responses of Peter and John (the other disciple) at the tomb (20:5-8)? 5. Upon what did John base his faith concerning Jesus' resurrection? What was it not based on (20:8-9)? 6. What may explain Mary's delay in believing Jesus was resurrected (20:1, 10, 11-15)? 7. What were the angels (20:13) and Jesus implying when they asked Mary, 'Woman, why are you crying" (20:15)? 8. How did Jesus respond to Mary's doubt and confusion (20:15-16)? 9. How do you think God deals with individuals who are overcome with doubts, fears and confusion? 10. How did Mary respond when she recognized the resurrected Lord (20:16)? 11. What was Mary's first reaction upon believing the good news of Jesus' resurrection (20:17-18)? When individuals today experience the joy of salvation upon receiving the good news, what should be their first reaction? Make it a point to share your personal testimony with at least one person this coming week.

4 April 23, What does Rom. 5:6 tell us about man s condition? Also see 3:23. What do we also learn about God s timing? See also 2 Cor. 12:9. 2. How does Paul illustrate the depth of God s love in verses 7 & 8? 3. Why do Christians have reason to rejoice? God's Reconciling Love Romans 5:6-11;8:31-39 Not everything that happens in life is good. People, and to varying levels, all people go through some horrendous experiences in life. Sometimes as a result of our sin, sometimes as the result of others sin, and sometimes by the proverbial "act of God," we suffer loss of family, jobs, health, 2006 relationships, possessions, esteem, reputation, and the list goes on and on. It can be devastating what we experience. While we can avoid much pain by living holy lives, we still suffer at others sin, a through history holy people have suffered because they are targets because of their faithfulness to God. (v. 10) (v. 11) 4. What impact should verses have on your attitude as a Christian? 5. What made Paul confident that God takes care of His people (8:31-32)? 6. How are we as Christians to respond when Satan, the great accuser, hurls charges of condemnation and guilt our way (8:33-34)? 7. What deprivations does Paul list in verse 35? What does Paul say about these depravations? Which of these deprivations had Paul faced? 8. In 8:36 Paul quotes Psalms 44:22. What does Paul describe believers as experiencing? How common was this in Paul's day, how about today? 9. Does Paul say believers are defeated by the things described in verses (8:37)? 10. What possible tragedies, hardships or circumstances are able to separate us from the love of Christ (8:38, 39)? The truth of today s lesson is that we do have a choice concerning who or what controls our lives. Although it requires personal discipline, every per-son can live a victorious Spirit-filled life. Make a list of the struggles you currently face in our war with Satan.

5 1. Read John 10:1-6 and describe the relationship the Shepherd has with his sheep. 2. Think about the local church and its shepherds (leaders/teachers); Then use the following scripture to contrast true shepherds with false shepherds. (John 10:1-6; 1 Peter 5:1-3; Acts 20:30; 2 Tim 4:3-4) True Shepherds April 30, 2017 False Shepherds The Good Shepherd's Love John 10:1-15 here is no break between Chapters 9 and 10 of John's Gospel. The Pharisees had rejected Jesus as a mere sinner in chapter 9 and had excommunicated the man He had healed of blindness... all because the man would not deny that it was Jesus who healed him. In response, Jesus told a parable about how a good shepherd differs from Israel's current shepherd-the Pharisees-who were no better than hired hands or even thieves What claim did Jesus make about Himself and His identity by calling Himself "the Door" (10:7)? 4. How did Jesus classify those who claimed to be Messiah prior to His coming (10:8)? 5. What happens to the person who enters the sheepfold by "the Door" - Jesus (10:9)? 6. In verse 10, Jesus announces His primary mission on earth. What is that mission, and what are some of its characteristics? 7. What did Jesus have to do in order to give us this kind of life (10:11)? 8. When danger comes, how does the hired hand behave and what is the reason for this (10:12-13)? 9. How did Jesus describe His relationship to His sheep (10:14-15)? 10. Who are the "other sheep" mentioned in 10:16? What can a Christian do when he/she sees some of the flock being carried off by "thieves"? Are you able to distinguish the Shepherd's voice from the voices of imposters? How? Try our Video Sunday School Lesson Previews. Available for both Bible Study for Life and