Training Companion Guide for The Christ Shaped Life Bible Study Series Inner Action Ministries Minneapolis-St. Paul Church of Christ All Rights

Transcription

1 Training Companion Guide for The Christ Shaped Life Bible Study Series Inner Action Ministries Minneapolis-St. Paul Church of Christ All Rights Reserved

2 Table of Contents Page 3 Introduction to the Christ Shaped Life Page 5 Before We Begin Page 10 Introduction to Christ Shaped Life Study Guide Page 13 Week 1 & 2 Seeking Christ Page 16 Week 3 & 4 The Word of Christ Page 19 Week 5 & 6 The Cross of Christ Page 22 Week 7 & 8 Discipleship to Christ Page 25 Week 9 & 10 Sin that Separates from Christ Page 28 Week 11 & 12 Repentance in Christ Page 31 Week 13 & 14 Salvation in Christ Page 34 Week 15 & 16 The Body of Christ Page 37 Week 11 Appendices A-N P a g e 2

3 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY SERIES The Christ Shaped Life study series was put together with much love, faith, study and prayer. Although our forefathers didn t use this study series on the day of Pentecost, they did fully understand what Jesus did. They were cut to the heart (broken), repented of their sins and were baptized because of their faith. A good study series helps as a tool because it joins Scriptures together so God s purposes are understandable and clear. A study series is like an outline. It is a skeleton, and you must put the flesh on it with your life, your knowledge, your understanding of God and your love. You can interchange Scriptures and put the studies in a different order - the goal is that your friend will come to understand God and live for Him. If you have other scriptures (or other basics) in mind, by all means include them. In all these things, do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). What is the value of having a specific study series to learn, grow and preach from? Every educational system in the world chooses a set curriculum to use as a foundation. This facilitates efficient learning. God desires that we do everything in a fitting and orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40). Using this study series will help our whole church in our efforts to fulfill our God-given mission to make and mature disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). The study series has been created to fulfill these purposes: Solidify some of the basic biblical convictions of the church Be used as a training tool to help disciples become disciplemakers (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 14:1-3 ) Be used to help more and more people become Christians Disciple young Christians to maturity To strengthen faith, hope, and love in the inner being of every disciple (to help the disciples be enthusiastic about the Lord s work) This booklet consists of the following materials: Eight separate studies that point those that wish to seek Christ to what the Scripture says about becoming part of a people that seek to live the Christ shaped life P a g e 3

4 Four optional studies that may prove useful for specific situations in a Bible study Ten other appendices that provide helpful materials during Bible studies P a g e 4

5 BEFORE WE BEGIN Before we start the actual study series it is helpful to study through some practical points about our purpose and mission. The Bible clearly teaches that our purpose is to imitate the heart and lifestyle of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:3-6, Philippians 2:5). Following are some sound and tested insights that will help us effectively follow our Lord in making disciples: ATTITUDES Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the SAME as that of Christ Jesus. JOYFUL: Sinners, children, even prostitutes flocked to Jesus Why? One reason is because He was a joyful man (John 15:11). It is a glorious privilege to be one of God s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), one of His royal priests (1 Peter 2:5,9). SACRIFICIAL: Jesus our Savior wants all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). This was not idle sentiment on His part He proved it by going the extra mile throughout His whole life. He was even willing to brutally die to save others. It took hard work to convert you, and it will take hard work to convert others. Are you willing to sacrifice for others (Luke 9:23, 1 Corinthians 9:19-27)? Why do we choose the form(s) of evangelism that we involve ourselves in? Are they the forms we are most comfortable with or are they the forms that are most effective? How did God choose? What about our first century brothers, how did they choose? FAITHFUL: As we go, we should believe that God s Spirit is leading us (Acts 8:29, 16:6-10, 16:13-15) opening doors and hearts; therefore we should have a reliant, prayerful and expectant attitude. Jesus said, The harvest is plentiful (Matthew 9:35-38). UNASHAMED: Jesus and our first century brothers were not ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16), its glorious truths or its lofty expectations. Jesus firmly challenges us not to be ashamed of Him, His cross or His words (Luke 9:26). It matters how we speak and carry ourselves (Acts 14:1-3). Being cowardly is sinful (Revelation 21:8). P a g e 5

6 COMPASSIONATE: Jesus zeal for reaching the lost was primarily a result of His deep and selfless concern for people (Matthew 9:35-38, Luke 19:41). Do we truly care for the lost, our neighbors and the poor? UNIFIED: Jesus often sent His disciples out two by two (Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1) as partners in the gospel (Philippians 1:5, 1 Corinthians 3:5-6). If each one of us does our part (Ephesians 4:16), then God can work through His church in glorious ways. HUMBLE: We are starving beggars showing other beggars where the food is (Luke 18:9-14). We should consistently show true humility toward all men. Pride, self-righteousness, and elitism always destroy our effectiveness with others. This series is not the only way or necessarily the best way to study with our friends. As we grow in Christ we will adjust and improve it. ACTIONS I John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in Him must also walk as Jesus did. LEARN the study series. Knowledge will build confidence, which will lead to Christ-like boldness and the ability to help others (1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 2:15). PRAY DAILY for open hearts, boldness, love and the wisdom to make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 6:19-20, Colossians 4:2-6, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). Unified prayer is powerful and effective (Acts 4:23-31, James 5:16-18). SHARE YOUR FAITH as often as opportunities present themselves (Colossians 4:5, Philemon 6). Be as friendly and outgoing as you know how to be, always aware of the Spirit of God leading you to open hearts. The first century disciples shared the Good News wherever they went (Acts 8:4, 17:16-17), even when it wasn t safe to do so (Acts 5:40-42). FOLLOW-UP. When you meet people, exchange phone numbers ( addresses, etc.) so you will be able to contact them again. Keep an organized list and pray over it daily. One of the reasons most of us became Christians is because a P a g e 6

7 loving and sacrificial disciple kept in touch with us. With some of us, it took some relentless follow-up to bring the Gospel to us. HAVE FUN reaching out. Join a club, play your favorite sport, get involved with your community or school, attend your kids athletic events wherever there is fun, there are people, and wherever there are people, there are opportunities to build new friendships and reach out with the Good News of Christ Jesus. TRULY LOVE PEOPLE as Jesus did. Remember birthdays, look for needs, do fun things together, offer hospitality, be interested in others. Have good talks and find out what they believe. It may be a trite saying, but it s very true people don t care what you know until they know that you care. SET UP A STUDY. The best way to do this is to simply ask someone. There are also times when you can just pull out your Bible on the spot when you are conversing with a friend. Actually, this is more in line with how our brothers shared their faith in the first century (Acts 16:13-14, 16:22-34, 17:16-17, 1 Peter 3:15). HAVE A GREAT TALK about each other s spiritual or religious background early in the Study Series. Like Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, we are not only sharing the Gospel, but our lives as well. The more you get to know about their personal background, the more you will be able to help them apply the scriptures to their life. Without sounding like an interrogator, find out more about them, such as: their religious upbringing, whether or not they presently attend a church, their thoughts or convictions about God and the Bible, etc. Again, the more you can get to know them, the more you can help them. Make sure you share about your own life as well, so that they can get to know you. PUSH THROUGH THE AWKWARD MOMENTS. Learn to fight through your fears (1 Corinthians 2:2-3. It can be uncomfortable when you are entering the guarded area of people s hearts (Proverbs 20:5). It is possible that one of the P a g e 7

8 reasons you were converted was because a loving disciple was willing to ask some difficult questions. SECURE FOR THE PERSON YOU ARE STUDYING WITH A BIBLE if they do not have a readable translation. Good hearted people will be very grateful for a Bible given to them even if it is an inexpensive one. INVITE YOUR FRIEND TO CHURCH, BIBLE TALK, midweek, etc. Introduce them to other Christians at social gatherings. BE DISCIPLINED WITH YOUR TIME TOGETHER. Try to keep your study to between 45 and 60 minutes. Everyone is busy and no matter how good a teacher you are, if you go on and on, they may not want to study again. Get together as often as you can without going beyond where they are in their faith. Periodically someone comes along who is very open and desires to study every day. That s very encouraging, but do not neglect your other responsibilities. We need urgency tempered with wisdom (2 Thessalonians 3:1). INCLUDE ANOTHER DISCIPLE(s) as often as possible when you study with a friend. They can take notes for you. The greatest way to learn how to study with others is to witness it being done. Also, people studying need to develop relationships with many strong disciples. REMEMBER YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL, you are trying to make a disciple (Matthew 28:18-20), not just get through the studies. As you progress in the studies, look for their love and reverence toward the Word to grow. Discuss their quiet times. Are they making real changes because of what you have studied together? Are they obviously interested when you study together? Do they really want to study or are they just not strong enough to say no? Check their understanding of the studies often by asking questions (Matthew 19:17, 21:31, John 3:10,12). CALL FOR A DECISION. Each study is designed to lead to a specific decision. If a person claims to believe the Bible is God s Word, do not be ashamed or hesitate (Acts 20:20) to clearly call them to follow it. Help and encourage them to P a g e 8

9 follow through with their decisions along the way. This is the essence of making a disciple. Don t just be loving (sentimentality). Don t just speak the truth (harshness). Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY (Colossians 4:5). Some believe mass or cold contact evangelism is most effective. Others believe that friendship evangelism is the way to go. In the Bible you see both methods and everything in between (Acts 17:16-17, John 4:1-38 = mass or cold vs. John 1:35-39, Matthew 11:19 = friendship). Many disciples were met through door knocking; with others, it took months or even years of friendship. We should always be willing to make sacrificial changes (1 Corinthians 9:19-27) so we can win as many as possible. Final Note: Know in your heart that nothing means more to God than when we work hard to reach His lost children. The greatest way we can show God we love Him is by loving others (Matthew 25:40, Hebrews 6:10, 13:15-16). When you were baptized into Christ all heaven broke loose into grand celebration. The same is true when we, by our obedient but meager efforts, help someone to become a true disciple (Luke 15:7, 10, 22-27, 31-32). P a g e 9

10 INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRIST SHAPED LIFE BIBLE STUDY GUIDE Overview: The Christ Shaped Life Bible study series is broken down into 8 primary studies, along with several supplemental studies and other appendices that serve as optional tools in the series. This study guide is meant to accompany the Christ Shaped Life Bible study series and help prepare someone to teach others through the series. Below you will find some helpful tips and explanations before getting started. We are all called to make disciples and any Bible study series is a tool to help us do that. But many people can be intimidated by the idea of teaching the Bible to others. We must remember that the real heart of teaching anything is comfort. If you are comfortable with the information you can teach it. No one is afraid to teach something that they know well. For example, no one would be afraid to tell someone their life story or to explain to them how to brush their teeth. Why? Because you know the material and are comfortable with it. The key to teaching is comfort; the key to comfort is learning. And the key to learning is repetition. And that is what you will find in the pages of this study guide; lot s of repetition. Don t skip the steps of each day because you feel that you ve already done that or already know it. Repetition is vital and cannot be skimped upon. Asking Questions: Asking good questions is perhaps the most important element that you can contribute to a Bible study series with someone who is seeking to learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Each passage in each study already has some questions that you can use to ask the person with whom you are studying. You don t necessarily need to ask each question for each verse and you may want to add your own. The key is to be comfortable with the questions that you are asking. When asking questions, there are three primary types of questions that we should use. Note that you will not likely use each of the three types of questions for each verse but you should use all three in a given study. It is helpful whenever asking a question to know what type of question you are asking so that you know what type of response a person should ideally have. 1. Dig These are the what questions. They deal primarily with what does something mean or how does it work. For example: What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom of God? P a g e 10

11 2. Display These are the how questions. They deal primarily with how you are going to go about something or how you would apply it to your life. For example: How are you going to put God s will first in your life? 3. Discover These are the why or why not questions. They deal with primarily contemplating about why you would or would not do something. For example: Why would you want to lay down your own life and do God s will, or why would you not want to die to self? Have a Plan: There will probably be times when you come upon something you don t know or are not yet familiar with. Before you even begin this study guide, you should know what your plan is in that situation. What are you going to do if you don t understand something? Who are you going to call and talk it through with. The suggestion is to have a person(s) that you talk with before starting this series so that they can be available to you easily if you have questions as you go. Try to get those questions resolved as quickly as possible so that you can continue to learn the series and feel comfortable with it. Using the Appendices: Below is a list of the appendices that you will find in the Christ Shaped Life and suggested situations where they might be helpful: Appendix A A study for those that question the existence of God or his role as creator Appendix B A study that explains many of the incorrect teachings about salvation Appendix C A study that will help those with tradition-laden backgrounds such as Roman Catholics Appendix D A study that will help those who have Pentecostal or Charismatic backgrounds Appendix E A medical account of the crucifixion that is useful for people to understand what Jesus endured on the Cross Appendix F A sampling of quotes from the early church letters demonstrating their unanimous beliefs about baptism for the forgiveness of sins Appendix G A quick guide to false salvation teachings and the response to those claims Appendix H A useful chart for those that question the divinity of Christ such as Jehovah s Witnesses P a g e 11

12 Appendix I A list of fulfilled prophecies of Jesus that is helpful with those that deny Jesus as the promised Messiah such as those that embrace the Jewish or Muslim religions Appendix J A chart that demonstrates the manuscript reliability of the New Testament that is helpful for those that struggle to believe that the New Testament is reliable Appendix K A chart that demonstrates the overwhelming probability that Jesus physically resurrected from the dead that is useful for those that are skeptical about whether Jesus rose from the dead or for those that are agnostic about the truth of the Bible in general Appendix L Various pictures and depictions of our salvation helping those studying to understand the process of entering into Christ Appendix M Definitions of sins listed in Galatians 5:19-21 Appendix N Other helpful quotes and excerpts that might be useful in various situations P a g e 12

13 Seeking Christ Week 1-2 Overview: This study demonstrates our need to seek a relationship with God and the resulting process of becoming like Jesus. Day 1: 1. Read through the Seeking Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining 1 John 2:6 with seekers? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Romans 8:28-29 a. Why is it important for someone to understand that the goal of our faith is to be: i. Part of a people that are... ii. Shaped like Christ 4. Memorize the order of the first 2 passages in this study 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 2: 1. Read through the Seeking Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Matthew 7: Do you understand the purpose of examining Matthew 7:13-14 a. Why is it so important for them to understand the truth that this passage is referring to those that would claim to follow Christ and not other religions or atheists? 4. Do you understand the purpose of examining Matthew 6:33; 7:21-23 a. Are you truly seeking God s kingdom first (it is very difficult to call others to something that we are not doing ourselves)? 5. Memorize the order of the first 5 passages of this study P a g e 13

14 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 3: 1. Read through the Seeking Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Luke 15:1-10 a. Why is it important that we have a proper image of God as we study the Bible? What are the potential problems if someone s image of God is distorted? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Acts 17: Begin to memorize the order of all the passages of this study 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 4: 1. Read through the Seeking Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. What are the key dig questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 3. What are the key display questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 4. What are the key discover questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 5. Write down in your own study book the key questions you would want to ask someone but be sure to consider each new Bible study with someone separately you might want to ask those questions or you might want to come up with some new ones that are specific to that person 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this P a g e 14

15 Day 5: 1. Read through the Seeking Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. In one or two sentences, write out, in your own words, the primary point of the Seeking Christ study. 3. What is the main conviction or challenge from this study that you would want someone you were studying with to come away with? 4. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 5. Are there any questions you have or things you don t understand about this study? If so, what is your plan to have those questions answered? 6. Are there any renewed convictions that you have gained as a result of going through this study yourself? 7. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 6: 1. Read through the Before the Next Study section of the Seeking Christ study, as well as all the Scriptures, questions, and comments 2. Do you understand the point of the Sermon on the Mount study as well as the other questions and points? 3. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Days 7-14: 1. Read through the Seeking Christ study and all corresponding Scriptures and Questions each day 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study each day 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this each day 4. Set up a time and do this Bible study with a non-christian or set up a practice time with a disciple and go through the study with them playing the role of a non-christian P a g e 15

16 Word of Christ Week 3-4 Overview: This study examines the role that the word of God has in transforming us to the image of Christ Day 1: 1. Read through the Word of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Mark 4:1-9 with seekers? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Mark 4:13 with seekers? a. Why is this particular verse so important? 4. Do you understand the purpose of examining Mark 4:14-20 a. Why is it so important for someone to recognize what kind of soil they are? 5. Memorize the order of the first 3 passages in this study 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 2: 1. Read through the Word of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Mark 4: Do you understand the purpose of examining James 1: Do you understand the purpose of examining 2 Timothy 3:16-17 a. Why is it so vital to understand these stated purposes of God s word? 5. Memorize the order of the first 6 passages of this study 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 3: P a g e 16

17 1. Read through the Word of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining John 12:48 with seekers? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Acts 17: Do you understand the purpose of examining Matthew 4: Begin to memorize the order of all the passages of this study 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 4: 1. Read through the Word of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. What are the key dig questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 3. What are the key display questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 4. What are the key discover questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 5. Write down in your own study book the key questions you would want to ask someone but be sure to consider each new Bible study with someone separately you might want to ask those questions or you might want to come up with some new ones that are specific to that person 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 5: 1. Read through the Word of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. In one or two sentences, write out, in your own words, the primary point of the Word of Christ study. 3. What is the main conviction or challenge from this study that you would want someone you were studying with to come away with? P a g e 17

18 4. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 5. Are there any questions you have or things you don t understand about this study? If so, what is your plan to have those questions answered? 6. Are there any renewed convictions that you have gained as a result of going through this study yourself? 7. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 6: 6. Read through the Before the Next Study section of the Word of Christ study as well as all the Scriptures, questions, and comments 1. Do you understand the point of the Sermon on the Mount study as well as the other questions and points? 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Days 7-14: 1. Read through the Word of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study each day 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this each day 4. Set up a time and do this Bible study with a non-christian or set up a practice time with a disciple and go through the study with them playing the role of a non-christian P a g e 18

19 The Cross of Christ Week 5-6 Overview: This study helps to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for what God did through Jesus to save us Day 1: 1. Read through The Cross of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Exodus 12:5-8; Do you understand the purpose of examining Isaiah 53: Do you understand the purpose of examining Colossians 1:15-20 a. Why is it vital to understand exactly who Jesus is before studying what he did on the Cross? 5. Memorize the order of the first 3 passages in this study 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 2: 1. Read through The Cross of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Matthew 26:26-27:56 a. What moves you the most about this passage? 3. Memorize the order of the first 4 passages of this study 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 3: 1. Read through The Cross of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 P a g e 19

20 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining John 20: Begin to memorize the order of all the passages of this study 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 4: 1. Read through The Cross of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. What are the key dig questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 3. What are the key display questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 4. What are the key discover questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 5. Write down in your own study book the key questions you would want to ask someone but be sure to consider each new Bible study with someone separately you might want to ask those questions or you might want to come up with some new ones that are specific to that person 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 5: 1. Read through The Cross of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. In one or two sentences, write out, in your own words, the primary point of The Cross of Christ study. 3. What is the main conviction or challenge from this study that you would want someone you were studying with to come away with? 4. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 5. Are there any questions you have or things you don t understand about this study? If so, what is your plan to have those questions answered? 6. Are there any renewed convictions that you have gained as a result of going through this study yourself? P a g e 20

21 7. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 6: 7. Read through the Before the Next Study section of The Cross of Christ study as well as all the Scriptures, questions, and comments 1. Do you understand the point of the Sermon on the Mount study as well as the other questions and points? 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Days 7-14: 1. Read through The Cross of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study each day 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this each day 4. Set up a time and do this Bible study with a non-christian or set up a practice time with a disciple and go through the study with them playing the role of a non-christian P a g e 21

22 Discipleship to Christ Week 7-8 Overview: This study shows us the call on the life of all who would follow Jesus to be his disciple and not just a fan of Jesus Day 1: 1. Read through the Discipleship to Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 7:16; 8:28-29; 12:47-50; 14:31 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Matthew 28:18-20 seekers? 4. Memorize the order of the first 2 passages in this study (memorizing the John passages are optional) 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 2: 1. Read through the Discipleship to Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Acts 11: Do you understand the purpose of examining John 8:28-32 a. Why is it so important for people to understand that they must hold to Jesus teachings? 4. Do you understand the purpose of examining Luke 9: Memorize the order of the first 5 passages of this study 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 3: 1. Read through the Discipleship to Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Mark 1:16-20 P a g e 22

23 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Luke 14: Do you understand the purpose of examining John 13: Begin to memorize the order of all the passages of this study 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 4: 1. Read through the Discipleship to Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. What are the key dig questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 3. What are the key display questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 4. What are the key discover questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 5. Write down in your own study book the key questions you would want to ask someone but be sure to consider each new Bible study with someone separately you might want to ask those questions or you might want to come up with some new ones that are specific to that person 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 5: 1. Read through the Discipleship to Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. In one or two sentences, write out, in your own words, the primary point the of Discipleship to Christ study. 3. What is the main conviction or challenge from this study that you would want someone you were studying with to come away with? 4. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 5. Are there any questions you have or things you don t understand about this study? If so, what is your plan to have those questions answered? P a g e 23

24 6. Are there any renewed convictions that you have gained as a result of going through this study yourself? 7. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 6: 1. Read through the Before the Next Study section of the Discipleship to Christ study as well as all the Scriptures, questions, and comments 2. Do you understand the point of the Sermon on the Mount study as well as the other questions and points? 3. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Days 7-14: 1. Read through the Discipleship to Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study each day 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this each day 4. Set up a time and do this Bible study with a non-christian or set up a practice time with a disciple and go through the study with them playing the role of a non-christian P a g e 24

25 Sin that Separates from Christ Week 9-10 Overview: This study shows assists us in understanding how sin affects our lives and our salvation while helping us to be honest with ourselves about our own sin and the need to travel the road of repentance Day 1: 1. Read through the Sin that Separates from Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of Romans 3:23 & 6:23 with seekers? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Isaiah 59:1-2 a. Why is this passage so important in understanding where we stand with God? 4. Memorize the order of the first 3 passages in this study (memorizing the John passages are optional) 5. Can you sketch the diagram under Isaiah 59 without looking? 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 2: 1. Read through the Sin that Separates from Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Mark 7:20-23 a. Why is it so important for everyone to understand that sin is our fault and not the fault of others? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Galatians 5: Memorize the order of the first 5 passages of this study 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this P a g e 25

26 Day 3: 1. Read through the Sin that Separates from Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining James 4:17 with seekers? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining 2 Corinthians 5:21 4. Begin to memorize the order of all the passages of this study 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 4: 1. Read through the Sin that Separates from Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. What are the key dig questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 3. What are the key display questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 4. What are the key discover questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 5. Write down in your own study book the key questions you would want to ask someone but be sure to consider each new Bible study with someone separately you might want to ask those questions or you might want to come up with some new ones that are specific to that person 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 5: 1. Read through the Sin that Separates from Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. In one or two sentences, write out, in your own words, the primary point the of the Sin that Separates from Christ study. 3. What is the main conviction or challenge from this study that you would want someone you were studying with to come away with? P a g e 26

27 4. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 5. Are there any questions you have or things you don t understand about this study? If so, what is your plan to have those questions answered? 6. Are there any renewed convictions that you have gained as a result of going through this study yourself? 7. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 6: 1. Read through the Before the Next Study section of the Sin that Separates from Christ study as well as all the Scriptures, questions, and comments 2. Do you understand the point of the Sermon on the Mount study as well as the other questions and points? 3. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Days 7-14: 1. Read through the Sin that Separates from Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study each day 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this each day 4. Set up a time and do this Bible study with a non-christian or set up a practice time with a disciple and go through the study with them playing the role of a non-christian P a g e 27

28 Repentance in Christ Week Overview: This study examines the true meaning of repentance and what it looks like in our lives to being embracing a repentant lifestyle Day 1: 1. Read through the Repentance in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Luke 13:1-5 with seekers? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Acts 26: Memorize the order of the first 2 passages in this study (memorizing the John passages are optional) 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 2: 1. Read through the Repentance in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 a. Do you fully grasp the difference between worldly and godly sorrow? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Matthew 5: Memorize the order of the first 4 passages of this study 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 3: 1. Read through the Repentance in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next P a g e 28

29 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Acts 3:17-19 a. Why is it so important for someone to realize that repentance is also refreshing and freeing? 3. Begin to memorize the order of all the passages of this study 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 4: 1. Read through the Repentance in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. What are the key dig questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 3. What are the key display questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 4. What are the key discover questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 5. Write down in your own study book the key questions you would want to ask someone but be sure to consider each new Bible study with someone separately you might want to ask those questions or you might want to come up with some new ones that are specific to that person 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 5: 1. Read through the Repentance in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. In one or two sentences, write out, in your own words, the primary point the of the Repentance in Christ study. 3. What is the main conviction or challenge from this study that you would want someone you were studying with to come away with? 4. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 5. Are there any questions you have or things you don t understand about this study? If so, what is your plan to have those questions answered? P a g e 29

30 6. Are there any renewed convictions that you have gained as a result of going through this study yourself? 7. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 6: 1. Read through the Before the Next Study section of the Repentance in Christ study as well as all the Scriptures, questions, and comments 2. Do you understand the point of the Sermon on the Mount study as well as the other questions and points? 3. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Days 7-14: 1. Read through the Repentance in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study each day 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this each day 4. Set up a time and do this Bible study with a non-christian or set up a practice time with a disciple and go through the study with them playing the role of a non-christian P a g e 30

31 Salvation in Christ Week Overview: This study demonstrates how we accept God s gracious gift of salvation by laying down our life and entering into the life of Christ Day 1: 1. Read through the Salvation in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining John 1:1-4 with seekers? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Ephesians 2: Do you understand the purpose of examining Titus 3:3-8 seekers? a. Make sure to note the parallel qualities between Ephesians 2 and Titus 3. This helps us to understand what Paul means by being saved through faith in Ephesians and saved through the washing of regeneration in Titus 3 5. Memorize the order of the first 3 passages in this study (memorizing the John passages are optional) 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 2: 1. Read through the Salvation in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Colossians 2: Do you understand the purpose of examining Acts 2: Do you understand the purpose of examining Romans 6: Memorize the order of the first 6 passages of this study 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this P a g e 31

32 Day 3: 1. Read through the Salvation in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining 1 Peter 3: Do you understand the purpose of examining Acts 9:9; 22: Begin to memorize the order of all the passages of this study 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 4: 1. Read through the Salvation in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. What are the key dig questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 3. What are the key display questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 4. What are the key discover questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 5. Write down in your own study book the key questions you would want to ask someone but be sure to consider each new Bible study with someone separately you might want to ask those questions or you might want to come up with some new ones that are specific to that person 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 5: 1. Read through the Salvation in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. In one or two sentences, write out, in your own words, the primary point the of the Salvation in Christ study. 3. What is the main conviction or challenge from this study that you would want someone you were studying with to come away with? 4. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study P a g e 32

33 5. Are there any questions you have or things you don t understand about this study? If so, what is your plan to have those questions answered? 6. Are there any renewed convictions that you have gained as a result of going through this study yourself? 7. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 6: 8. Read through the Before the Next Study section of the Salvation in Christ study as well as all the Scriptures, questions, and comments 1. Do you understand the point of the Sermon on the Mount study as well as the other questions and points? 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Days 7-14: 1. Read through the Salvation in Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study each day 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this each day 4. Set up a time and do this Bible study with a non-christian or set up a practice time with a disciple and go through the study with them playing the role of a non-christian P a g e 33

34 The Body of Christ Week Overview: This study illuminates what the Bible says about the church, its identity, function, and purpose as the resurrected body of Christ Day 1: 1. Read through The Resurrected Body of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Ephesians 3:10 & 1 Timothy 3:15 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Ephesians 1: Memorize the order of the first 3 passages in this study (memorizing the John passages are optional) 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 2: 1. Read through The Resurrected Body of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Colossians 3:1-17 seekers? 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Philippians 2: Do you understand the purpose of examining 1 Peter 1: Memorize the order of the first 6 passages of this study 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 3: 1. Read through The Resurrected Body of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments as well as the Before the next 2. Do you understand the purpose of examining Hebrews 3:12-13; 10:24-25 P a g e 34

35 3. Do you understand the purpose of examining Revelation 21: Begin to memorize the order of all the passages of this study 5. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 4: 1. Read through The Resurrected Body of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. What are the key dig questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 3. What are the key display questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 4. What are the key discover questions that you would want to ask someone in this study? 5. Write down in your own study book the key questions you would want to ask someone but be sure to consider each new Bible study with someone separately you might want to ask those questions or you might want to come up with some new ones that are specific to that person 6. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 5: 1. Read through The Resurrected Body of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. In one or two sentences, write out, in your own words, the primary point the of The Resurrected Body of Christ study. 3. What is the main conviction or challenge from this study that you would want someone you were studying with to come away with? 4. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 5. Are there any questions you have or things you don t understand about this study? If so, what is your plan to have those questions answered? 6. Are there any renewed convictions that you have gained as a result of going through this study yourself? P a g e 35

36 7. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this Day 6: 1. Read through the Before the Next Study section of The Resurrected Body of Christ study as well as all the Scriptures, questions, and comments 2. Do you understand the point of the Sermon on the Mount study as well as the other questions and points? 3. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Days 7-14: 1. Read through The Resurrected Body of Christ study, all the Scriptures, questions, and comments, as well as the Before the next 2. Continue to memorize the order of the passages of this study each day 3. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this each day 4. Set up a time and do this Bible study with a non-christian or set up a practice time with a disciple and go through the study with them playing the role of a non-christian P a g e 36

37 Appendices Week 17 Overview: The studies and other items in the appendices sections are meant to serve as supplemental tools that might come as you study the Bible with people. You will most likely not use all of the appendices during any one study, and some of them you may use very rarely, but they are there if you need them. It is helpful, however, to be familiar with them so that you know what you have at your disposal in case you need it to supplement one of the regular studies or to go through or create an extra study to help someone with their particular need. Day 1: 1. Read through The God Who is There study and all corresponding Scriptures and Questions 2. Do you understand the point and questions of each verse and section in this study? 3. Do you have any questions concerning this study? 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Day 2: 1. Read through Other Shapes study and all corresponding Scriptures and Questions 2. Do you understand the point and questions of each verse and section in this study? 3. Do you have any questions concerning this study? 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. Day 3: 1. Read through Tradition Shaped study and all corresponding Scriptures and Questions 2. Do you understand the point and questions of each verse and section in this study? 3. Do you have any questions concerning this study? 4. Spend some time in prayer contemplating the truths of this. P a g e 37