principles of JESUS 1. What is the Purpose of Life? 2. What is the Gospel? 3. What is the Work of God? 4. What is the Ministry? 5. What is the Church? 6. What is the Method of Leadership? 7. What is the Kingdom of God? WORKBOOK
How to use this workbook Read, Meditate, and Memorize. Each lesson of this seven-week series is headed by a question. Take time to memorize each of the memory verses located at the heading of each week s lesson and also read the supplemental verses provided. Pay attention to the context of each passage. Reflect and Respond. Each lesson includes study questions for the verses. Use the spaces provided after each question to record your reflections. Pray & Listen. Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will be our teacher and will guide us into all truth (John 14:26, 16:13). Use the Pray & Listen prompts simply as guidelines for prayer. Take a couple minutes to quiet your heart and listen, and then write down what you hear. Feel free to modify or expand on these prompts as God leads you! Learn Together. What you can learn by studying Scripture is amplified in community. Ask others in your study group to share their answers and the revelations they receive in prayer. Teach It! Jesus commands us in Matthew 18:20, Freely you have received; freely give. When we learn something new, we should teach it to others. As you go through these seven lessons, begin to think of people with whom you could share what you ve learned. Consider teaching a group yourself! As Paul wrote to his friend Timothy,... the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). 1 All Scripture references in New International Version (NIV) translation.
Week 1: What is the Purpose of Life? No question in life is more daunting than the notion off, Why? Why work? Why raise a family? Why go to church? Quite simply, What is the purpose of life? This innate curiosity has led people throughout the ages to such varied beliefs as asceticism, hedonism, and nihilism. The question remains: Is there a universal purpose all people share? If so, what is it? How would it redefine your life? Memory Verses: Matthew 22:35-40, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Supplemental Verses: Matthew 25:40, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:19, Philippians 3:7-11 Study Questions: Matthew 22:35-40 1. Study the context of this passage. Describe the situation Jesus finds himself in. 2. The teacher of the law asks for the greatest commandment. Jesus gives him two. Why do you think Jesus gave this answer? 3. In your own experiences, what does it mean to love God with all your heart? Your soul? Your mind? 4. Jesus says,...and the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. In your own words, describe what this statement means to you. 5. Jesus emphasizes the importance of these commands by stating,... all the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments. Why is this such a profound statement?1 2
Pray & Listen... Ask Jesus to teach you what it means to love him with all your heart, soul, and mind. What do you believe he is speaking to you? Deuteronomy 6:4-9 1. What are the similarities between this passage and Jesus s words in Matthew 22:35-40? Are their differences? Why do you think Jesus quoted this passage? 2. Deuteronomy 6:4 begins, Hear, O Israel. What is the importance of the command hear? 3. The passage goes on to say these commands are to be on your heart and then describes ways to keep them on your heart. What are some of these ways listed in this passage? Does anything else come to mind? As you pray, ask God to give you specific ways in which you can keep his words on your heart. What is he bringing to mind? 3
Week 1: What is the Purpose of Life? Teaching Notes The purpose of our lives is to love God and love people. 4
Week 2: What is the Gospel? Ask 100 people, "What is the Gospel?" and you may get 100 different answers. What exactly is the Gospel? It is more than religious mandates.; it is more than a core set of correct beliefs. It is more than forgiveness of sins. It is the summation of all things in a person, and that person is Jesus. Key Memory Verses: John 5:39-40, John 14:6, Colossians 1:26-28, Galatians 2:20, John 17:3 Supplemental Verses: John 1:14, Acts 4:12, John 12:32 Study Questions: John 5:39-40 1. Jesus affirms that the Pharisees diligently studied the Scriptures. However, what were they missing? How is life given through the Scriptures? 2. Take time to meditate on Jesus words in these verses. How does Jesus change the way you think about studying Scripture? John 14:6 1. What is the context of Jesus answer? What question was posed to Him and why was it asked? 2. In your own words, what does it mean for Jesus to be the way? What does it mean for him to be the truth? The life? 5
Colossians 1:27-28 1. Paul describes the Gospel as a mystery. Why do you think he says this? 2. Meditate on the phrase, Christ in you, the hope of glory. What is glory? Look up various definitions of the word. How would you define glory in your own words? Galatians 2:20 1. What do you think it means to be crucified with Christ? What do you think it means to let Christ live in you? John 17:3 1. How does Jesus definition of eternal life compare to other definitions you have used or heard? In this lesson you learned the Gospel is a person, and that person is Jesus. As you quiet your spirit, ask Jesus to show you how you can know Him and thus the Gospel in a deeper way. What is holding you back from knowing him better? Use the space below to describe what your thoughts. The Gospel is a person, and his name is Jesus. 6
Week 2: What is the Gospel? Teaching Notes 7 The Gospel is a person, and his name is Jesus.
Week 3: What is the Work of God? If Jesus is God, what does it mean to respond to Him? Where most people In Jesus day would have expected a list of do s and don ts, Jesus response can best be summed as simply, Trust me. There is no higher work any disciple can engage in than to learn to trust Jesus in every situation. When you learn to trust the One who created and sustains all things, there is no mountain too tall or ravine too treacherous for you to cross. Key Memory Verses: John 6:28-29, Hebrews 11:1-3, 6, Mark 9:23-24 Supplemental Verses: Mark 11:22-25, John 14:12, Luke 18:8, Romans 4:20-24, 1 Corinthians 15:17 Study Questions: John 6:28-29 1. In this passage, the question is posed to Jesus regarding the works God requires. Speaking honestly, how would you have answered the question? Does anything surprise you about Jesus answer? Jesus responds in this passage saying, The work of God is this: To believe in the one he has sent. As you pray, ask God to show you times in your life where you did the work of believing in Him. How did you feel in these moments? Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 1. How would you define faith in your own words? How does your definition compare with the author s in the first verse of Hebrews 11? Experiment by reading different translations of this Scripture. 8
2. According to this passage,... without faith it is impossible to please God. Why do you think faith is pleasing to God? What does faith look like in your day-to-day life? The author of Hebrews affirms that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Currently, how do you seek God? Ask God to paint a picture of what it could look like to seek him earnestly. Describe any specifics below. Mark 9:23-24 1. Study the context of this passage. What is the situation that leads to this father s exclamation? 2. Can you think of areas in your life where you feel this same desire to overcome your unbelief? Jesus often addressed the disciples unbelief or lack of faith, challenging them to believe the impossible. Ask God to show you specific ways in which he wants to lead you to overcome unbelief in your life. How is Jesus challenging you to grow in faith? 9
Week 3: What is the Work of God? Teaching Notes The work of God is to believe in Jesus. 10
Week 4: What is the Ministry? Everywhere you look, the world is defined by alienation, which is the separation of one part from the whole. Politics are partisan and divisive. Families struggle to stay together. Friendships fray at the slightest hint of discord. Even the Church is fragmented. Alienation is the most pervasive problem in our world. Amidst this division, Jesus calls his followers to be ambassadors who work to bring the reconciliation he accomplished to every corner of this world. The sad reality is that few teachings in Scripture is more ignored than the call to reconciliation. Key Memory Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Supplemental Verses: Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 18:15-17, Ephesians 2:14-18, Ephesians 4:31-32 Study Questions: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 1. Paul writes that we no longer regard anyone from a worldly point of view. How would you describe this point of view? Have you ever felt regarded in this way? How have you regarded others this way? Think of one or two people in your life, whether friends, family, or acquaintances. Pray and ask Jesus to show you how he regards those people. What does he think about them? What words and images come to mind when you ask him about them? Write down what God tells you and consider sharing it with that person. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 1. What does the term reconcile or reconciliation mean? Use a dictionary, or look up other uses in Scripture. 11
2. Paul writes that God,... reconciled us to Himself in Christ. With the definition you looked up in mind, what does this phrase mean? 3. At its most basic form, the word ministry means to serve. Why does Paul call reconciliation a ministry? How can you serve others in this way? 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 1. What is an ambassador? What is required of one who holds this office? What then, does it mean to be an ambassador of Christ? 2. Paul implores us: Be reconciled to God. How does one do this? 3. 2 Corinthians 5:21 is often referred to as The Great Exchange. Why do you think this phrase was coined to describe the verse? Imagine what it could look like to become the righteousness of God. Ask Jesus to give you a picture of what this looks like for you. As a follower of Jesus you have a ministry: The ministry of reconciliation. Pray and meditate on what this means. Ask Jesus to show you the areas in your life where you must seek personal reconciliation with others. Then ask Him where you can take the message of reconciliation, encouraging others to be reconciled to God. Ask Jesus to reveal what this could look like in different areas of your life. 12
Week 4: What is the Ministry? Teaching Notes 13 The primary ministry of a follower of Jesus is reconciliation.
Week 5: What is the Church? Perhaps the only thing more unfathomable than the incarnation (the reality that the God of the universe chose to dwell among us as a human) is the reality that God has chosen people s to be vessels of his glory: You carry the life of Jesus everywhere you go. God s people are to move beyond simply attending church to becoming the living body and example of Jesus love in every aspect of your life. Key Memory Verses: Matthew 18:18-20, Ephesians 4:1-6 Supplemental Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:12, Matthew 16:15-18, Ephesians 1:22-23 Study Questions: Matthew 18:18-20 1. What is the context of this passage? Who is Jesus talking to? What precedes his statements here? 2. Jesus tells us, Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. What do you think this means? What images come to mind? 3. In verse 19 Jesus emphasizes the power of agreement. Why do you think he does this? Can you think of any powerful examples of agreement in your own life? Find one or two other people in your community. What is something you will agree to pray about together? It could be anything: A common friend, a common struggle, or even the welfare of a whole city. Ask Jesus to guide you in how you should pray together and what you should pray about and for. Challenge yourself to pray for this on a regular basis, expecting that it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 14
Ephesians 4:1-6 1. Take a few minutes to reflect on these six verses. What are some words from the passage that stick out in to you? Why are you drawn to those words? 2. Based on Paul s words in this passage regarding the Church, name a few descriptors of how we ought to treat one another as brothers and sisters in the Kingdom. 3. How many times is the word one used in this passage? Why do you think this word is emphasized? 4. After reading this passage and the Matthew 18 passage, how would you define church? Meditate prayerfully on the passages from this lesson. Then think of friends and family you consider part of the Church (they could be part of your local church, or a part of the body of believers as a whole). Pray for them individually as God leads you. Finally, ask Jesus to give you a few ways that you can better serve and love these people (Ephesians 4:1-3), especially those closest to you. Write your thoughts below. 15
Week 5: What is the Church? Teaching Notes The Church is the body of Jesus Christ. 16
Week 6: What is the Method of Leadership? At every age and in every realm of society effective leadership is fundamental to success. The relational and administrative capacities of a leader can transform mediocre teams to greatness or cripple even the most talented of teams. For the family and the local church, the core tenets of leadership are no different than those of professional sports teams and Fortune 500 companies. Now, more than ever, the world needs servant leaders who have returned to the greatest model and source of leadership: Jesus Christ. Key Memory Verses: Mark 10:42-45, John 13:3-4,14-17, 2 Corinthians 4:5 Supplemental Verses: Matthew 23:12, John 5:19-20 Study Questions: Mark 10:42-45 1. As always, it is important to study the context of the passage. The passage begins with, Jesus called them together. Why does he do this? What was the preceding circumstance? 2. There are clear differences between the world s method of leadership (what Jesus describes as the rulers among the Gentiles), and Jesus method of leadership. Describe the differences you notice. 3. What is Jesus strong command in this passage? Does Jesus rebuke the disciples for wanting to be great? Why or why not? 4. What do you think it means that the Son of Man came to give his life as ransom for many? Read Daniel 7:13-14. How does this passage shed light on Jesus words? 17
John 13:3-4, 14-17 1. John 13:3-4 says Jesus,... got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Read ahead. What is Jesus about to do? Why is it significant? 2. The verses state, Jesus knew He had all power, had come from God, and was returning to God before he decided to wash the disciples feet. Why is this significant? Why do you think the author (John) included this phrase? John 13:14-17 is a radical call to follow Jesus example. Scripture tells us Jesus s desire is that we become like Him. He promises, through the power of his spirit living with us, to help us in this process as long as we are willing to surrender. Ask Jesus to help you identify the barriers to following His example to serve, and write them below. Then ask him to show you how to overcome each barrier; record your thoughts and feelings. 2 Corinthians 4:5 This Scripture points out that a person s role as a preacher of the Gospel is through servanthood. Think of the different spheres of influence in your life: family, work, community, and others. Ask God to show you simple ways that you can be a servant in each of these areas. Write down what your thoughts and ask him to help you carry this out. 18
Week 6: What is the Method of Leadership? Teaching Notes 19 The method of leadership is to serve.
Week 7: What is the Kingdom? In the entirety of the four Gospels, no topic is spoken of more often by Jesus than the Kingdom. Through parables and demonstrations Jesus sought to give his followers a glimpse into his glorious Kingdom, where all things are made right. To be a follower of Jesus is to be a citizen of the greatest kingdom in the history of time and space. Key Memory Verses: Luke 17:20-21, Romans 14:16-17, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 13:44-46 Supplemental Verses: Matthew 13:31-32, Luke 9:62, Matthew 18:18 Study Questions: Luke 17:20-21 1. Jesus tells the Pharisees, the Kingdom of God is not something that can be observed. Why do you think Jesus said this? What were the Pharisees expecting the Kingdom of God to look like? 2. Jesus said, The Kingdom of God is in your midst. Explore other translations of this verse. What do you think Jesus meant? Romans 14:16-17 1. Paul wrote, The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking. Why does he say this? What is the context of this passage in Romans, and what does it tell you about eating and drinking? The passage tells people that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Meditate on these words. Ask God to reveal to you in words, pictures, and images what he wants you to know about this phrase, and write your thoughts below. 20
Matthew 6:33 1. Jesus says,... all these things will be given to you as well. What is he referring to? 2. What do you think it means to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness? Why do you think Jesus mentions both? Matthew 13:44-46 1. Jesus often spoke in parables to help us understand things like the Kingdom of God. In these stories, who does the man who bought the field represent? What does the pearl represent? 2. What is the main point you Jesus wants to make by telling these stories? 3. Imagine you are the person who found the field and the merchant who found the fine pearl. As this character, what emotions do you experience? Reflect on these four passages of Scripture. How can you seek first the Kingdom of God today? Ask God to help you answer this question. The people in the parables sold everything they had to purchase the field and pearl. What holds you back from surrendering everything? Ask God to reveal this to you. 21
Week 7: What is the Kingdom? Teaching Notes The Kingdom of God is the reign and rule of King Jesus that starts in your heart. 22