FRESHMEN BIBLE STUDIES - Leader Guides -
Content originally published in a free e-book by Chad Logan & Hanna Turner at the BCM at Arkansas State University. October 2012. Content revised by Ashley Jackson SFA Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship. Design created by Ashley Jackson. Second Edition - May 2014, Nacogdoches, TX.
Table of Contents Balancing Your College Life...7 College Relationships...9 The Taboos... 11 A Guide to Freshmen Dating... 14 If Jesus Wasn t God, He Deserved an Oscar... 16 Is it OK to Doubt?... 18 God s Will & Hard Decisions... 20 A Growing Faith... 22 Spiritual Gifts... What s the Point?... 24 Christian Leadership... 26
Balancing Your College Life Ice Breakers 1. What is your favorite daily activity you enjoy doing that requires alot of time? 2. What would you buy with a million dollars and why? 3. Would you rather have all the money that you want or all the time you want? Why? 4. Have you had difficulty prioritizing your time and money in college yet? Introduction Time is our core commodity. You can always run out of money, opportunities, and luck: you can t run out of time. When you run out of time, your life is over. The reality is that many of us look back on our high school lives and see alot of time wasted on marginal activities such as: Facebook, video games, shopping, hanging out, etc... and not enough balancing what really matters. Our goal in college is to balance the time God has given us to glorify Christ and pursue our future hopes and dreams. The success of your college career will be largely due to how you spend your time. Time can be your worst enemy or closest ally. Don t waste it. You choose. Think About It > Finding the Right Balance Read the Luke 10:27 Prescription 1. Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and soul. What are ways we can keep our spiritual life in balance? (Bible study, etc...) 2. Love the Lord your God with all of your strength. What are some ways you can keep your physical life in balance? (Exercise, etc...) 3. Love the Lord your God with all of your mind. What are some ways to keep your mental life balanced? (Study for tests, etc...) 4. Love your neighbor as yourself. What are some ways to keep your relational life balanced? (Involved on campus, etc...) 7
There is a cumulative value in investing and neglecting small amounts of time into activities over a long period of time. Read Colossians 3:17 and discuss how it would impact your daily activities such as waking up, eating, driving, hanging out with friends, watching TV, studying, and choosing a career. Changing Your Mind Draw a pie chart in Figure 1 of the way you allocate your time now and then draw a pie chart in Figure 2 of how you would like to allocate your time. Use these categories: Spiritual activity, Physical activity, Mental activity, Social activity. You can t make up for lost time Ephesians 5:16 Figure 1 Figure 2 Wrapping It Up 1. What pie category in Figure 1 is out of balance? 2. What are some easy things to do in order to move closer to Figure 2? 3. Name one thing you can begin doing consistently to make the most of your time. 4. How might your life be different if you would have spent your time more wisely in high school? Discuss. Spend time praying God would give you the wisdom to understand the cumulative value of investing time in what is most important and that He would give you the courage to spend your time wisely in all four areas of your life. 8
College Relationships Ice Breakers 1. What are some reasons we have conflicts and disagreements? 2. Have you and your roommate had a disagreement yet? Discuss. 3. What do you feel is the best way to resolve a disagreement? 4. Is conflict caused intentionally or accidentally? Explain your answer. Introduction Relationship problems will happen because it is a natural part of relationships and a result of sin. However, Scripture is clear about taking specific measures that can both keep us from having as many conflicts and resolve conflicts we have already encountered. Before we find out Biblical resolutions, let s get to the root of the problem. Think About It > 4 Destructive Areas That Crush Relationships Guilt Says I owe you How can guilt create conflict? 1 John 1:9 Anger Says You owe me How can anger create conflict? James 1:19-20 Greed Says I owe me How can greed create conflict? Proverbs 27:20 Jealousy Says God owes me How can jealousy create conflict? Proverbs 27:4 Even Bible Heroes Disagreed Read Acts 15:35-40 9
Are you more like Paul (task person) or Barnabas (people person) in this situation? Explain. Good people can disagree Sometimes disagreements stem from different viewpoints or priorities. Different personality styles may create conflict, as well. Changing Your Mind > Handling Your Conflicts 1. Deal with the issue at hand rather than assigning blame. (More times than not, both parties are to blame) 2. Talk with a 3rd party who can help you be objective before confronting the issue head-on. 3. Don t let your emotions get the best of you. 4. Be willing to ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness. 5. Try and look at the situation from the viewpoint of the other person involved. 6. Allow an outside Christian friend to help both parties talk it out. Wrapping It Up 1. How could you have responded differently to a recent conflict or disagreement? 2. What are some characteristics that God wants us to have relationally? 3. What would happen to our relationships if we began serving people as Jesus did? 4. How can we help a friend who is having relationship problems? Pray that you would have the courage to ask for or extend forgiveness for past conflict because Scripture is clear that God doesn t forgive us until we forgive others. 10
The Taboos Ice Breakers 1. What is your most embarassing moment? 2. What is the hardest class you are currently taking and why? 3. What are some areas where you have personally questioned their morality (whether they are right or wrong)? Why do you question it? Introduction Students are bombarded with making decisions on the college campus that challenge the deepest part of our morality. There are many areas of morality that are considered grey areas that are great for Biblical discussion. The two taboos we will be dealing with tonight are drinking alcohol and academic faithfulness because you already have or will most certainly deal with these issues. Our hope is that you will begin living out what you truly believe. Think About It > Drinking: Right? Wrong? Grey? Questions Open the Word Can I drink legally? Romans 13:1-2 What do Mom & Dad think? Colossians 3:20 How should I treat my body? 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Proverbs 23:29-35 11
Questions Open the Word What will others think? Romans 14:1-21 Can I drink without getting tanked? Ephesians 5:18 The Bible repeatedly warns against the dangers of drinking in excess. What should our response be in light of cultural Christianity s view of alcohol and Scripture? Cheating Read Proverbs 6:16-19 Of the 7 things the Lord hates, how many have to do with cheating? (2) Cheating is wrong, but what is cheating? 1. Using Wikipedia for an online quiz? 2. Copying and pasting an online source without citing it? 3. Placing test info on a smart phone? 4. Reading Cliff s Notes and saying you read the book? 5. Paying someone else to write your paper? Cheating defined: Any form of misleading or deceit Changing Your Mind Discuss reasons drunkeness is a sin 1. Causes health problems 2. Impairs judgement 3. Increases violence & crime Discuss reasons cheating is a sin 1. Not the will of God 2. Dishonest 3. Damages your witness 4. Erodes education 5. Creates habit leading to other sins Wrapping It Up 1. Consider how those who do honest work must feel when students around them are cheating 12
and making better grades. 2. How can cheating & drinking become destructive later in life? 3. What are ways you can avoid the temptation to get drunk or cheat? 4. What steps can you take to help a friend who abuses alcohol or cheats? 5. Spend some time talking about some other taboo subjects you think would be interesting to discuss. Pray that God would give you the courage to always make the wise desicion. 13
A Guide to Freshmen Dating Ice Breakers 1. What is the craziest pick-up line you ve ever heard? 2. What would be your perfect date? 3. What is a major turn-off when choosing someone to date? 4. What are some of the differences you ve observed between guys and girls? (Guys use the restroom to drain their bladder - Girls use it as a social lounge / A guy has an average of 5 bathroom accessories - A girl has over 100 / A girl is impressed by a clean room - A guy is impressed with a large HDTV with surround sound) Introduction We all have questions about the opposite sex and want to know what they are really thinking. This is why teen magazines and books on dating are flying off the shelves. Now that we are in college, we must find the real answers. Each one of us have a decision to make to either choose to date our way and live in regret or find love God s way and live regret-free. Think About It > The 3 Keys to Relationships The Key Questions Open the Word Understanding your differences is key What are some differences to be aware of? Healthy communication is key Why is communication important Ephesians 4:29 14
The Key Questions Open the Word Honesty is key How can dishonesty hurt relationships? Proverbs 12:19 Changing Your Mind What is the purpose of dating? Dating for a random hookup or an emotional partner is never healthy. Dating allows us to develop healthy social lives, learn more about ourselves, and, ultimately, prepares us for marriage. In order to find the One for you, you have to be the One for them. 5 Ways to be the One: 1. Seek relational satisfaction in Christ (Matthew 6:33, Psalm 34:8) 2. Hang out with people who show Christlike character (Proverbs 13:20) 3. Pay more attention to inner beauty than outer beauty (1 Peter 3:3-5) 4. Flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) 5. Treat the other gender just as Christ gave His life for you (Philippians 2:1-8) Wrapping It Up 1. What did you learn this week that changed your mind about relationships? 2. What are your criteria for choosing someone to date? Pray as a group that you may live now in purity so that you would prepare for and please your future wife / husband. 15
If Jesus Wasn t God, He Deserved an Oscar Ice Breakers 1. Who is your favorite actor / actress and why? 2. If Jesus was simply acting like the Son of God, then what would that say about Him? 3. How do we know Jesus wasn t acting? 4. What are the different opinions people have of Jesus today? Introduction Just about everyone in America has heard of Jesus and formed an opinion about Him. He is not only the most famous person in history, but also the most controversial. Scripture invites us to examine Jesus for ourselves and conclude for ourselves His significance. What we must focus on to decide is His identity from the perspective of the Old Testament, New Testament, and other eye-witnesses of Jesus. Jesus made claims that made Him look crazy, so either Jesus was a Liar, a Lunatic, or the Son of God. Think About It > Liar, Lunatic, or Lord: Who was Jesus? What OT Said Over 300 Fulfilled Prophecies Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 53:5-7 What Others Said Jesus is Lord, Savior, God John 20:28, Philippians 2:6-11 What Eye-Witnesses Said Over 500 Post-Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 16
Jesus Proved Himself Miracles & Forgiveness Mark 2:9-12 It would take more than a human Jesus to make such a historical impact. Ephesians 2:1-10 > Do you accept or reject who Jesus really is? Changing Your Mind > If Jesus is our Lord, Then We Should Take Him Seriously Pray for the World 2 Chronicles 7:14 Get to know Him through the Word 2 Timothy 3:16 Give Sacrificially Romans 12:1-2 Make Disciples Matthew 28:19-20 If Jesus is who He says He is, then He deserves more than Sunday morning; He deserves radical obedience. Discuss ways we can make Christ the spotlight of our lives. Wrapping It Up 1. What is the biggest obstacle for accepting the claims of Jesus? 2. Why do some people who accept Jesus as Lord live like practical athiests? 3. What are some practical ways we can be more devoted to Christ? Pray that God would give you the faith to make Him the most valuable gift in your life. 17
Is it OK to Doubt? Ice Breakers 1. What is one thing you hope, but doubt, will happen in your lifetime? 2. Describe a recent situation in your life where you said I doubt it. 3. Why do you believe many college students doubt their faith? 4. What should you do if you begin doubting your faith? Introduction As a college student, you will encounter many situations on campus that will cause you to doubt God. For instance, friends and professors may ask questions about your faith that you can t answer. However, the most prevalent reason to doubt is creating a disconnection between what you believe and how you act. Oftentimes, as Christians, we feel like we are not supposed to doubt because it signifies a weak faith. However, when we look at Scripture, we see that doubting is a natural part of the Christian experience. Doubting may even strengthen our faith if we approach it correctly. Think About It > Bible Heroes Doubted Matthew 11:1-6 Why would John doubt in this situation? How would this cause us to doubt? Mark 9:14-25 Why did the distressed father doubt? What are situations where we doubt when God doesn t act like we think He should? What did Jesus require here? 18
John 20:24-31 Faith without evidence is the greatest faith we have: Faith in God, not what He gives. In what ways has God been faithful to you? We all have times when we ask, Where are you, God? God is our only hope when life brings us trouble. Changing Your Mind > Revamping Our View of God God is strong and certain, not weak and worried! Psalm 62 How does this chapter give us hope for our doubts? Romans 8:28 What is an example of something good that came from bad? Isaiah 53:5-6 Through the Cross of Christ, Jesus overcame all sin, including doubt Evil is alive and active, but not ultimate and final! God is greater than any evil that can come our way... even when it doesn t feel that way. The greatest thing that can come from our doubt is trusting Christ as Savior and Lord regardless of having convincing answers to our questions. Wrapping It Up 1. We will all stand before God - What will you say to him about what you have done with Jesus? 2. What are some reminders of hope from God when we have times of doubt? 3. How can you guide a friend who has doubts? 4. How does the Bible make us more comfortable when we doubt? Pray that God would grant you help to overcome your unbelief in times of trouble, pain and questioning. 19
God s Will & Hard Decisions Ice Breakers 1. For each scenario given below, name a person in your life you would consult for advice in that arena: 1. A stomach ache 2. Purchasing clothes 3. Relationship problems 4. A parenting challenge 5. Grade issues 6. A spiritual issue 2. Discuss a past scenario in your life when you didn t know what decision to make. Introduction No matter how spiritual and knowledgeable you are, there will always be situations where your judgement is either impaired or inadequate. Oftentimes, as decision makers, we are confused because the situation is emotionally-charged (i.e. dating). Other times, such decisions are beyond our area of expertise. At any rate, we lack judgement to make many life decisions. The big question is - What do you do when Scripture, prayer, and other modes of understanding don t provide you with an adequate answer? Think About It > Eat Some Humble Pie Proverbs 15:22 Wise people know when they don t know Discuss avenues from which counsel comes Proverbs 13:22 The people you hang out with will determine your life s direction In what ways do your friends influence your decisions? 20
Proverbs 3:6 To know God is to discern His will for your life How can we ask God for wisdom? Your life is the sum total of all of your life s decisions. 95% of all we need to know about God s will for our lives is found in His Word! Changing Your Mind > God s Will Providential Will The plans God has in store no matter what happens (i.e. Sending Christ, end of the world, etc.) Moral Will The commands of God that we be Holy (1 Peter 3:15-16, i.e. 10 Commandments, Fruit of the Spirit, etc.) Personal Will The questions Scripture doesn t answer for your specific needs (i.e. Who should I marry? What should I major in? ) The more you understand God s Providential Will and obey His Moral Will, the more He will expose His Personal Will for your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 Wrapping It Up 1. What are some big decisions facing you today? 2. Why do we resist getting counsel in much of our decision making? 3. Describe a bad decision you made privately that became embarassing public knowledge? Pray that God would grant you wisdom and place a wise person in your life to provide wisdom. 21
A Growing Faith Ice Breakers 1. What are some things that grow? 2. Discuss reasons why things grow. 3. How do you maximize growth in any given thing? 4. What are ways that we can keep growth from happening? 5. How do the things discussed about growth relate to our faith? Introduction Faith is the centerpiece of every relationship and we can t have a healthy relationships with God without a growing faith. In fact, the very first thing God requires of us is faith and He desires for us to grow in our faith over the span of our lifetime. Without nourishing our faith, it will become stagnant and lose its value. However, there are a number of different ways to keep our faith growing in vibrance and beauty! We will discuss only a handful of ways to keep pursuing the heart of God. Think About It > It s All About Relationship Genesis 3:2-5 The fall of man is a result of a lack of faith What are ways we show a lack of faith? 2 Thessalonions 1:3-4 What 2 things does Paul see as most important for the church? 1. Growing faith, 2. Loving each other Discuss reasons why Paul may have separated the two James 1:22 You only believe the parts of the Bible you live What are ways we can show our faith? 22
Psalm 119:9-19 To know God is to know His Word What are ways to know His Word? We are commanded to grow! A relationship with Christ is more fulfilling and satisfying than any relationship you will ever have. A growing faith is essential for a relationship with God! Changing Your Mind > Fertilizers of Faith Planting Prayer Use the Lord s Prayer as a prayer model: 1. Adoration 2. Confession 3. Thanksgiving 4. Requests Dig into the Word 1. Choose a specific time & place 2. Find accountability 3. Use a personal method Spreading the seed of the Gospel 1. Share Christ with a friend 2. Go on a mission trip Finding nourishment in the Church 1. Join a church 2. Serve in the church Real Christianity is about loving obedience, not legalistic checklists. Wrapping It Up 1. What are some reasons many college students don t grow in their faith? 2. How can you overcome the obstacles that keep you from growing in Christ? 3. How can accountability help in this endeavor? 4. Discuss the many ways you will grow into adulthood in college and how they relate spiritually. Pray that you would daily pursue God so that you will grow in your faith. 23
Spiritual Gifts... What s the Point? Ice Breakers 1. What is your greatest natural gift or talent? Think About It > What s the difference between talents and spiritual gifts? Talents Spiritual Gifts Given at Physical Birth Given at Spiritual Birth Talents are practiced Holy Spirit empowered God is more interested in your availability than your ability Every gift God has given is meant to be shared within the life of His people. Spiritual gifts are a matter of walking in the Spirit and obeying Christ. 1 Corinthians 12 > Write out the spiritual gifts found in this passage Knowing your spiritual gifts will enable you to: 1. Find your place in Church 2. Determine future dreams 3. Discern God s will
Changing Your Mind Take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory - http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/test/adult Wrapping It Up 1. In what ways did the Spiritual Gifts Inventory help you find your spiritual gifts? 2. What are some ways that God can use your spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ? 3. In what ways can you begin using your spiritual gifts in church, BSM, etc? Pray that God would help you fine tune your spiritual gift in a way that you can use towards the Great Commandment and Great Commission.
Christian Leadership Ice Breakers 1. Name one leader who you admire and explain why you admire him/her. (Someone you know or public figure) 2. Is it harder being a Christian leader or a secular leader? (i.e. SGA, Sorority President v. Small Group Leader) Why? 3. Do most people see themselves as leaders or followers? Why? Which do you see yourself as? Introduction Whether you realize it or not, people are looking to you for leadership and we need to make sure we are making an intentional effort to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ just as we are called. The single most impressive leader in the history of the world was Jesus of Nazareth. The challenge for us is to lead like Jesus because He was the best leader ever, and, as Christ-followers, we are commanded to model Him. Think About It > Lead Like Jesus Leadership Lesson John 13:12-17 Jesus got dirty He served, not directed We are never too good for getting dirty v. 12 He set an example How did Jesus set an example? How are you setting an example? Is it a good example of Christ? 26
Leadership Lesson John 13:12-17 He submitted to others The Creator placed Himself under the authority of the created How much more should we submit? How far should we submit? He does what He knows Jesus follows through with servanthood What are ways we don t follow through? Knowing without doing = foolish Changing Your Mind > Create a Plan of Action 1. How do you feel when you are served and how should that affect the way you treat others? 2. Which Leadership Lesson from above do you best relate to and why? 3. What step do you need to take in order to be a more effective leader? Polishing Your Plan Exodus 18:13-26 > What are some leadership principles in this passage? 1. Wise leaders know their strengths and weaknesses 2. Wise leaders place themselves around other wise leaders 3. Wise leaders are students before critics 4. You don t have to be given a leadership role to lead or serve Wrapping It Up 1. How are you accepting advice from other leaders? 2. What area of leadership do you need to improve on? 3. Who is someone who could better help you refine your leadership skills? 4. How can you lead through serving in BSM? Your church? 5. What would happen on this campus if every Christian were leading effectively? 6. What leadership role do you see yourself doing on the BSM leadership team? Why? Pray that you would begin showing an example of leadership just as Christ gave us in Scripture. 27