Discipleship 101 For New Believers

Transcription

1 Discipleship 101 For New Believers

2 INTRODUCTION This Booklet Should be Done with a Discipleship Mentor If you died today, how sure are you that you would go to heaven? Put an X on the line below that reflects your answer. Not Going Maybe Absolutely Sure Many people who attend church regularly are not sure where they will spend eternity. But, the Bible says we can be sure. Here are the four Biblical truths which tell us that we can be sure whether we will spend eternity with God, (Heaven) or separated from God (Hell). I. Four Truths A. God is Our Creator and He Loves Us! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 1. Circle the word that describes God s attitude toward us. 2. Underline the phrase that explains how God demonstrated His Love. 3. Underline what we must do to obtain Eternal Life 4. Circle to whom eternal life is offered. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3 5. Circle the name of the one sent by God 6. Underline the result of knowing the only true God B. Our Sin Has Separated Us From God! for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God Is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 1. Circle the number of people who have sinned 2. Underline the result of sin 2

3 C. Jesus Christ, God s Son, Died on the Cross for Our Sins! Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 1. Circle the three things Jesus claims about himself 2. Underline who can come to God without Christ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 3. Circle how God has demonstrated His love for us. 4. Underline our condition when God loved us. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, 1 Corinthians 15: Underline four things Christ did according to the scriptures 6. Circle all the people Christ appeared alive to after His resurrection. D. We Must Receive Christ as Savior and Lord! Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God John 1:12 1. Circle the two things we must do to become children of God For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2: Circle how we are saved 3. Underline why God chose to save us through faith rather than works 3

4 II. Responding to Truth A. Confessing & Believing That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved Romans 10:9 1. Underline what you must do with your mouth. 2. Circle what you must do with your heart. B. Covenant with God (A two-part process) 1. Physical That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," 2. Spiritual believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead If you have never entered into a Salvation Covenant with God you can Confess & Believe right now! Pray the following prayer and trust that all your sins, past, present and future have been forgiven and you have absolute assurance of eternal life with Christ. Your prayer can be something like this; Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that I have sinned against You And need your forgiveness. Thank-You for dying on the Cross in my place for my sins. I believe that you rose again and conquered death. I receive you into my life and trust in You alone as my Savior and God. In Your name I pray. Amen! Important Note: There is no magic in the words we pray, salvation is only by Grace through Faith alone. If you have prayed for salvation, just now or in the past, you are a part of the family of God. You are encouraged to continue your journey by completing the Lifecoast Church Discipleship program. Your Discipleship/Mentor will help you walk through each area of this study guide. 4

5 III. ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE We want you to know that when you prayed and asked Christ into your heart your adoption into the family of God was sealed. God wants you to know for sure that you have eternal life. Eternal life is not based on your feelings, but on the facts (the truth) found in the Bible. Do Not Depend On Feelings Facts Faith Feelings A. Eternal Life Is Based on The Word of God. Feelings can Fog the Facts And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5: Circle what God has given to us. 2. Underline where Eternal Life is found. 3. Circle what a person has if they have Jesus Christ. 4. Circle what a person does not have if they do not have Jesus Christ. Question: According to 1 John 5:11-13, can a person know for sure that they have Eternal Life? Yes No Have you prayed for Christ to be your Savior & Lord Yes No If you checked yes what else did you receive from God? A perfect face and body Financial riches Eternal Life B. Eternal Life Is Based on The Promises of God. "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24 1. Circle what we have if we believe. 2. Underline what will not happen to us. 5

6 C. Eternal Life Is Based on The Character of God. A promise is only as reliable as the person who makes it. That is why the assurance of your salvation rests on God s character. What do these verses teach about His character? God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:9 1. Circle who has called you into fellowship. 2. Underline the word that describes God s character. D. Eternal Life is Based on The Spirit of God. God has sent proof of your relationship with Him. Just as an official seal is placed on a contract between two individuals to guarantee the validity of the document, God also has given a seal (guarantee) of His promise to you. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-- to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1: Underline the phrase that describes what happened when you heard the word of truth. 2. Circle the phrase describing what the deposit of the Holy Spirit does. In the city of Tiberias an excavation discovered a lead seal from the sixth century depicting Jesus. The back of the seal depicts a cross with an abbreviation of the name "Christos." The Holy Spirit at work within you is indisputable proof of your salvation. The Holy Spirit s work in your life will bring changes. Some changes will be gradual, some will be sudden. The inward and outward changes that result are the final proof of your salvation. Remember this diagram? How would you fill it in now? If you died today, how sure are you that you would go to heaven? Put an X on the line below that reflects your answer. Not Going Maybe Absolutely Sure 6

7 SESSION 1 CELEBRATING Complete Session 1 Prior to Meeting with Your Disciplship Mentor I. Celebrating God Celebrating God daily is the cornerstones to a Christian s faith. Celebrating God should be the first and most important aspect of a Christian s life. The Bible directs believers to actively engage in a local church body. The family of God is a place where we can join with other believers with a lifestyle that Celebrates God. A. Celebrating God through Baptism The Bible tells us that after believing, we should be baptized. 1. Baptism Is an Act of Obedience That Celebrates God in Your Life. A sign of whether a person is a true follower of Jesus is his or her willingness to obey the commands of Jesus. Read: 1 John 2:3 - Then write it in the space below. 2. Circle what we should be doing when we have come to know Christ. 3. Jesus Commanded Baptism Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 4. Box the 1st instruction in this verse. 5. Circle the 2 nd instruction in this verse 6. Underline the 3 rd instruction in this verse This was not a suggestion or an option for His followers. If we have not been Baptized as a Believer then we have not followed the instructions given by Jesus. Jesus set the example and was baptized and then told us to do the same. 7

8 7. In The New Testament, New Believers Were Baptized Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41 8. Underline the phrase which describes those who were Baptized. 9. Circle the number of people baptized that day. Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:35 Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8: Underline what Philip told the eunich. 11. Circle what was done immediately after hearing the good news 12. Baptism Celebrates Your Love for Jesus Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." John 14: Underline what those who love Jesus do. 14. Circle what will be done in return for that love and obedience. 15. Baptism Pictures Two Things: a. What Jesus did for you He died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead. b. What has happened to you You died to an old way of life and have been raised to live a new life in Jesus. When you are baptized, you are put under the water symbolizing the death and burial of Jesus and your old life. When you are raised up from under the water this symbolizes Jesus resurrection and you being raised to a new life in Christ. 8

9 B. Celebrating God through Worship Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 1. Underline what we should not give up doing. Ephesians 5:19-20 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Circle the ways we can communicate to one another 3. Underline how the church Celebrate the presence of God Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 4. Underline how we can Celebrate God s Word 5. Circle the three forms of music that are listed in this verse The church comes together on Sunday to Celebrate what God has been doing all week long. The Church is not a building. The Church is the people of God. When we come together on Sunday, Lifecoast Church is Celebrating how God has been moving and encouraging each other to start a new week of living a life that Celebrates God. C. Celebrating God through The Lord s Supper 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 is an account of The Lord s Supper from the Bible. You may have referred to this as Communion. Jesus intended for the bread and the wine to be symbols of his death on the cross. The broken bread symbolizes his body being beaten and broken. The wine symbolizes His blood that was shed on the cross. Christ s sacrifice was the payment for our sins. God wants us to never forget the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. 9

10 The Lord s Supper is a time of solemn celebration as Jesus intended us to repeat this ceremony as a reminder of His sacrifice for our sin. We should only celebrate The Lord s Supper with a proper attitude. The Scripture warns us that we should prepare ourselves before participating in this celebration. 1. Examination 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 2. Circle the phrase unworthy manner 3. Box around the word before 4. Underline what should be done before someone eats the bread & wine After we ve examined ourselves, we should have a time of prayer and confess our sins to Jesus who forgives and purifies. 5. Confession 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 6. Circle the phrase confess our sins 7. Underline the Phrase will forgive us our sins 8. Box around the words that describe the character of Jesus II. Celebrating People A. Celebrating those who are part of God s Family Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 1. Circle the phrase meeting together 2. Underline what we should do for one another 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 3. Underline the things we are to do for each other 10

11 Notice the phrase, just as in fact you are doing. The Apostle wrote this part of the Bible to the church in Thessalonica. As he wrote he was Celebrating what they were doing. That should be our attitude toward each other in the church. B. Celebrating those who are not yet a part of God s Family Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 1. Underline the result of letting your light shine before men Doing good to, and for others reflects the love of Christ to those who do not know him. If we are Celebrating those around us, sooner or later they will see Christ in us. Galations 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 2. Underline what we are encouraged NOT to do. 3. Circle what will happen in due time. Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 4. Circle the two things we should NOT neglect. 5. Underline the impact this has on God. Your Thoughts & Questions: 11

12 SESSION 2 SERVING Complete Session 2 Prior to Meeting with Your Disciplship Mentor I. Serving God A. The Church The Greek word in the bible translated as church (ekklesia), literally means called out ones. The church is made up of people who have been called out to follow Jesus. The term church is used to refer to all believers but is more often used to denote a local group of believers. Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16: Underline the phrase I will build my church 2. Circle the name of the one who would build the church They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 3. Underline the word devoted 4. Circle all the things they devoted themselves to B. Serving God within the Church The local church is a group of Christ Followers within a community who devote themselves to learn and grow in their faith together in order to bring the gospel to their local community. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2: Underline the phrase spur one another on 2. Circle what actions we are to spur one another toward 3. Box what attitude resembles the attitude of Christ In Philippians 2:4-5 Jesus demonstrated to us through His life that serving God means to serve others. His entire life and ministry was about serving the needs of others not His own needs. 12

13 whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his Life as a ransom for many." Mark 10: Underline the formula for greatness 5. Circle why The Son of Man (Jesus) came prepare God's people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4: Circle what God s people are to be prepared for 7. Underline the purpose of preparing and performing acts of service C. Serving God in Your Community Jesus demonstrated that it is just as important to serve those who do not know Christ, as it is to serve those who already know him. By serving those outside of the family of faith we are being ambassadors of the love of Christ. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5: Circle what we are if we know Christ as savior 9. Underline what we show others in him as we serve them. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2: Underline all activities this church did together 11. Box the places in which they met, broke bread & praised God 12. Circle how God responded to their faithfulness In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 13. Underline what men will do upon seeing your good deeds from Matt. 5: Circle what Philippians 2:3-5 says our attitude toward others should be 13

14 II. Serving Through Spiritual Gifts A. What Are Spiritual Gifts? Spiritual gifts are God given gifts that each believer receives according to God s choosing. God has wired you to be fulfilled in purpose through service by using your gifts. When used correctly, these gifts, will always point to Jesus. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4: Underline who we should direct our gifts toward 2. Box the goal for serving others with our gifts God also testified to it [salvation] by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:4 3. Underline the things that testify to salvation 4. Circle the one who distributes these gifts. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12: Circle the 7 gifts listed in these verses. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12: Circle the 9 gifts listed in these verses. 14

15 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28 7. Circle the 4 gifts lifted in this verse Hint: not appointments - gifts B. What Are My Spiritual Gifts? Discovering our Spiritual Gifts is a process. This process involves prayer, serving, discipleship, and studying God s Word. At Discovery Class you can begin your journey to discover your gifts and we also offers a Spiritual Gifts course which can help you on your journey to discovering how God has gifted you to serve Him and others. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, Ephesians 6:7-8 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 These verses are comparing training for athletic games to Christian training. We should not do it aimlessly, but with purpose and expected results. Ask your Discipleship/Mentor for more information about the Spiritual Gifts course. III. Serving Through Giving The local church is any group of believers who come together to worship and reach out to their community with the love of Christ. At Lifecoast Church we identify our mission by saying, We are a family that Celebrates, Serves, Grows and Multiplies together. There are more than 100 verses in the Bible that talk about Christians being generous. Don t panic we are not going to list them all. But there are two areas where Biblical generosity can have the biggest impact in reaching a community for The Kingdom of God. A. Giving to The Local Body of Believers The local church is a place where believers can pool their resources in order to multiply them to their greatest potential. As a single person or family we can only touch a limited amount of lives through our personal recources. But when we add our giving to the giving of everyone else in our church our combined resources can touch many, many more. 15

16 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 1. Underline the words one and two 2. Circle the word three With just one or two giving of their resources the best we can hope for is to hold our ground. God wants His kingdom to advance. Pooling our resources greatly increases our chances of succeeding in advancing the Kingdom of God. Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, 1 Corinthians 16: Underline when the collection should be taken 4. Circle how to determine the amount which should be given B. Giving to People in Need As Christians, God always wants us to be aware of people in need. Nothing demonstrates the love of Christ better than when we meet the needs of the people who are struggling asking nothing in return. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:35-36 As Jesus taught his disciples, He impressed upon us that as we give to those in need we should think of it like we are giving to him. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:2+4 Jesus also wants us to be very humble in our giving, not bragging or announcing how much we give but let the Father be the one who acknowledges and rewards us as He sees fit. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9: Box the words describing the word sow 2. Circle the words describing the word reap 3. Underline the phrase which describes how we determine what to give 4. What kind of a giver does God love? 16

17 More About Money Handling money is sometimes a difficult task. God s Word speaks not only on the money which we are to give to the church and to people in need, but the Bible also shows us how we should handle all of our money. Not because God wants it. Let s face it - if God wanted our money He would just take it. But God wants us to have peace in the area of money. If you have more questions on how you can have peace in your finances ask your Discipleship/Mentor about getting help. Lifecoast Church uses Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University. These materials and Biblical concepts will help you find God s peace within your financial circumstances. Order it for yourself or ask your mentor for help Serving God through Giving, Shouldn t be what we do - It should be who we are! YOUR THOUGHTS & QUESTIONS: 17

18 SESSION 3 GROWING Complete Session 3 Prior to Meeting with Your Disciplship Mentor And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52 Just as Jesus grew in these 3 areas, we are also called to grow with God in these same three areas. I. Growing in Wisdom A. Wisdom from God s Word God wants an intimate, personal relationship with every believer. You are not just an acquaintance or a distant relative you are His child. This relationship can be strengthened by studying the Bible His revelation to you. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 1. Underline all the action words that describe the Word of God. This means the Bible is more than a book, more than words on a page. It is more than words spoken in ancient times. The Bible is relevant; it has power and addresses what you need today. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 2. Underline how the Word of God is described. The Word of God is described as a sword, an offensive weapon. We need this weapon to defend against and attack Satan and his army as they are the enemy that battles against God s people. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 1 Peter 2:2 3. Underline the term which describes the spiritual condition of new Christians. In fact, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word. You need milk, not solid food. Hebrews 5:12 4. Circle the word milk. 5. Underline the phrase which is compared to being as milk. Some new believers do not read their Bible much and grow very slowly as a result. The Bible implores us to read, be taught and to learn. Read the entire verse from Hebrews 5:12 which is written to those who did not desire to learn the elementary truths of God s Word. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food. Hebrews 5:12 18

19 6. God s Word Has Purpose All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3: Circle the word describing how much of scripture is God-breathed. 8. Underline the 4 ways the Word of God is useful. a. God s Word is Useful for Teaching. The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 EXAMPLE: What are these verses teaching about the character of God? b. God s Word is Useful for Rebuking (pointing out a fault) and Convicting of Sin. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4: ) Circle the behaviors that are rebuked (we should get rid of ) 2) Underline the Christ like attitude that we are called to display. c. God s Word is Useful for Correction of Error. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9 1) Circle the question 2) Underline the answer d. God s Word is Useful for Training in Righteousness. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 1) Underline why we should hide God s Word in our heart 2) What do you think it means to Hide God s Word in Your Heart? 19

20 9. FIVE Ways to Learn God s Word. These can be compared to the fingers on your hand. It is easy to lose your grip if you hold something with only one or two fingers. But if you use all five of your fingers your grasp becomes firm. a. Hearing a. Hearing b. Reading c. Studying d. Memorizing e. Meditating Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 1) Circle the word hearing 2) Underline where the message is heard through b. Reading Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 1 Timothy 4:13 1) Underline the phrase Reading of the Scriptures 2) Circle the instruction to the reader about the reading of the scripture c. Studying 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 1) Underline the phrase correctly handles the word of truth 2) Circle how we want to be presented before God d. Memorizing I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. What do you think the word hidden means in this verse? e. Meditating Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 1) Circle the word meditate 2) Underline the benefits of meditating on God s Word 20

21 B. Wisdom from Mature Believers Group Life is a core value of the discipleship process at Lifecoast Church. The Bible makes it clear that learning, and doing life together is the primary way that we grow to be mature believers. The Lone Ranger Christian life is not what Jesus taught and it was not what Jesus lived. Jesus personally established the church while He was on earth to unite Christians as a spiritual family. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: Underline the words meeting together 2. Circle the warning to the church 3. Underline the reason given for meeting together Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 4. Underline the words Bad company 5. Circle the words good character The word misled means to be led astray from the truth! The Bible is very consistent on this point. We often try to do things our own way or take the advise of others before the Bible or the Church. Do not be misled We will become like the company we keep! If our goal is to grow spiritually and become more mature followers of Christ then we must spend time with other Christians who are growing and maturing in their faith. He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 6. Underline who will grow wise Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:

22 II. Growing in Stature Stature is how a person looks and feels physically. Our physical stature is almost as important as our Spiritual Stature, in that if we do not feel or appear healthy, it will have an impact on our spiritual growth. A. Identifying Unhealthy Habits Can you identify any unhealthy habits that you currently have? Why do you think these things you listed above are unhealthy? Search the scripture yourself or ask your discipleship/mentor to help you discover if these things or other things are mentioned in The Bible as being unhealthy. Write down what you find. Look up these verses: Mark 7:15-23; 2 Tim 3:2-4; Prov. 12:11; Prov. 20:17; Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6: Circle the word that describes your body 2. Underline what we are to do with our bodies B. Adopting Healthy Habits Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 When The Apostle Paul wrote this he was not talking about self-abuse he was talking about beating in the sense of winning a battle. We always are in some kind of battle with ourselves whether for that candy that we love or that beer or cigarette we crave. Are these things bad for us? Not always but certainly in excessive amounts and when they have come to control us. These cravings will always be a distraction and we need to win the battle over them or BEAT our body s desire for them. 22

23 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 1. Underline the word devoted 2. Circle the things the early church was devoted to For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 3. Underline what has some value. 4. Circle what has greater value make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1: Circle the things that we should be adding to our faith 6. Underline what the result of adding these things to our faith will have As a new believer spending more time on Godly things and with those who are more mature in their faith will help you to put your negative habits aside. He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 7 Circle the result of walking with those who are wise. 8. Underline the result of being a companion of the foolish There is an old saying that goes like this: If you do what you ve always done, you will be who you ve always been. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 As Believers, the bible says we are a new creations. Part of our new journey should be a new desire to put the old aside and head toward the new. 23

24 II. Growing in Favor A. Favor With God Choosing the pleasures of this world over the things of God, leaves us in a separated position with God. (Like offending a family member) Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4 When we put our trust in God we became a friend with God. Our actions should follow our faith. "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. James 2:23 1. Underline the word believed 2. Circle the two results of this action for Abraham Do you view yourself as being a friend of God? Yes or No Why or Why Not? But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 1 John 2:5 3. Underline how God s love is made complete in us B. Favor with People In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 What does the phrase let your light shine before men mean to you? 1. Underline the phrase they may see your good deeds 2. Circle who should get the praise when others see your good deeds 24

25 They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2: Underline all the things that the early church was doing together. 4. Box what they received from all the people. 5. Circle how the Lord responded. How do we know if we are growing in favor with God and men? We will know when others begin to notice the Godly changes in us. When others notice, that is a sign that God is not only working in us, but that He is also working in the people around us. YOUR THOUGHTS & QUESTIONS: 25

26 SESSION 4 MULTIPLYING Complete Session 4 Prior to Meeting with Your Disciplship Mentor I. Multiply through Inviting Built into the multiplication process at Lifecoast Church is a process by which a person can discover a Discipleship relationship. Either a Mentor seeking a Disciple or a Disciple seeking a Mentor. Since you are engaged in Discipleship, you probably arrived at this point through an invitation. A. Invite Someone to CELEBRATE With You Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 1. Underline what we are NOT to give up 2. Circle what we are to do as we meet together Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 3. Underline what we are to let the word of God do. 4. Circle those ways we can teach and admonish one another. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5: Underline how we are to speak to each other 6. Circle how often we are to give thanks to God Do You regularly attend the Sunday CELEBRATION at Lifecoast Church? Have you ever invited someone to join you? B. Invite Someone to SERVE With You so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5 1. Underline what those who are in Christ form 2. Circle who each member belongs to As the body of Christ we are accountable to each other. We can encourage each other as we invite others to serve the body along with us. Are you SERVING somewhere at Lifecoast Church? Have you ever invited someone to SERVE there with you? 26

27 C. Invite Someone to GROW With You When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. Acts 18:26 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 We can grow in our faith as we attend the Sunday Discovery Classes, Growth Groups, Life Groups or continue in Discipleship. But we can also be inviting others to attend these gatherings with us. Some people will not attend a group or a class for fear that they will not know anyone there. One simple invitation will guarantee that they will know at least one person there. You! Are you GROWING through a group at Lifecoast Church? Have you ever invited someone to attend and GROW with you? D. Invite Someone to MEET Jesus. People love to share good news. We announce promotions, marriages and births. When something good happens, we rush to tell someone. The more exciting the news, the harder it is to be silent. A Christian has the most exciting news the life-changing message of Jesus. It is natural for a Christian to want to share this good news. Think for a moment about the various people God used to bring you to the place where you gave your heart to Jesus. Now God wants you to be part of helping others come to know Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). John 1:41 For a Christian, telling others about Jesus is not an option. Jesus commanded His followers to share the good news of salvation. There are 2 things you should use when sharing Jesus with others: 1. Your Personal Testimony - Your Story 2. The Word of God Write a SHORT testimony below about how you heard about & received salvation through Jesus 27

28 II. Multiply Through Discipleship The word Disciple means learner, student or follower. Discipleship is the process of intentionally seeking others to learn, study and follow your example for living. A. The Great Commission Prior to Jesus accending into heaven, He gave this commission to His followers. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 1. Underline all the action words in this verse. 2. Circle the Phrase make disciples B. Accepting the Responsibility of a Disciple In The Great Comssion of Matthew 28, Jesus comssioned His Disciples to now go and make disciples of their own. Part of Discipleship is becoming a Mentor to a Disciple of your own. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28: Box the phrase make disciples of all nations 2. Underline the phrase that best defines Discipleship 3. Circle the promise for those who make disciples C. Follow You, as You Follow Christ In this discipleship process you are being asked to follow the biblical model of discipleship. This means that you will not only continue to be discipled, but you will also become a mentor to your own disciple. And just as you are being asked to pray, watch and invite another brother/sister to enter into a biblical discipleship process, you will also ask your disciple to repeat this process as you continue to disciple them. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthian 11:1 1. When we become disciple our goal is to become a Mentor to a disciple 2. Underline who we are to follow as our disciples are following us. 3. How do I know who to ask? Jesus told a story about a great banquet and during that story He talked about who would be invited. Their were people rejected the invitation and others who accepted the invitation but then didn t show up. After this the one giving the baquest gave this instruction; Then he said to his servants, The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' Matthew 22:8-9 a. Pray b. Watch c. Invite 28

29 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). John 1:41 Disciples of Christ tell others about Jesus. Not just because Jesus commaned us to do it, but because we have the answer to eternal life. Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:68 d. What s the worst thing that could happen? Even after Paul had shared the gospel all day and into the evening some people still just said, no thank you. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. Acts 28:24 Write the first 3 Names of People who come to mind that you can begin to pray about asking if they would like to enter into a Discipleship Relationship. This can be a family member, a co-worker or a fellow church member. It can be anyone who The Spirit puts on your heart Remember you are not alone. Who ever you disciple will be Following You as You follow Christ. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28: