Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa School of Ministry · 1. Suffering is the result of the fall. 2. Many of...
73
Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa School of Ministry
Transcript of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa School of Ministry · 1. Suffering is the result of the fall. 2. Many of...
Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa School of Ministry
2
© 1997, Carl Westerlund, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa School of Ministry No portion of this book may be reproduced for the purpose of sale for any amount exceeding reproduction costs. Permission to reproduce portions for use in home fellowship Bible studies is hereby granted.
3
SPIRITUAL FORMATION (THEOLOGY OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE)
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: "An exposition of significant passages of Scripture of the cultivation of the Christian life noting those factors which will inhibit and those factors that will advance spirituality and maturity." OBJECTIVE: To give an opportunity to study some significant passages dealing with spirituality and maturity in the Christian life. To work through some disciplines to aid in spiritual growth and ministry. READING: The selected passages out of Scripture. ASSIGNMENTS: 1) To prepare a list of 10 possible subjects for testimonies (aside from salvation) See Appendix B (The Grape Cluster Illustration) 2) To prepare a salvation testimony See Appendix A (Helps for Preparing Your Personal Testimony) 3) To learn the "Bridge" illustration (Mid-term and final) 4) Testimony #2 5) Testimony #3 6) Testimony #4 All assignments must be typed/keyed. The assignments are due at the beginning of the class hour on the given date.
Late assignments will be graded at a harsher standard and they will be docked two letter grades.
SCHEDULE and GRADING:
Testimony list September 17, 2011 50 points Salvation Test: 1st draft October 1, 2011 100 points Testimony #2 October 15, 2011 100 points Mid-term October 29, 2011 200 points Salvation Testimony Final November 12, 2011 100 points Testimony #3 November 19, 2011 100 points Testimony #4 December 3, 2011 100 points Final December 16, 2011 200 points
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Spirituality I. Definition
A. Three Kinds of Men 1 Corinthians 2:9 - 3:4 B. Four Kinds of Soil Mark 4:1-20 C. The Hardened Heart Hebrews 3:7 - 4:16 D. Faith Hebrews 11 E. Chastening Hebrews 12:3-17
II. Grieving the Spirit A. The Believer’s Sin 1 John 1:5 - 2:2 B. Ministering Cleansing John 13:1-17 C. The New Man Ephesians 4:17-32
III. Quenching the Spirit A. Initial Yielding Romans 12:1-8 B. Continual Yielding Romans 6
IV. Walking in the Spirit A. The Law’s Inability Romans 7 B. Spirit Ability Romans 8 C. The Struggle Galatians 5:18-26 D. The Method: Abiding John 15:1-8
V. Filling of the Spirit A. Spirit-Controlled Ephesians 5:18 B. Enduement with Power Promise/Gift Verses
Maturity
VI. Definition A. Characteristics of Spiritual Babes Hebrews 5:12-14 B. Stages of Growth 1 John 2:12-14 C. Teleios Matthew 5:48
VII. The Means A. The Word 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 B. Prayer Luke 11:1-13
VIII. The Warfare A. Worldliness 1 John 2:15-17 B. Satan Ephesians 6:10-14
Appendices A. Helps for Preparing Your Personal Testimony B. The Grape Cluster Illustration C. The Bridge Illustration
5
Spirituality (I) Definition (A) “THREE KINDS OF MEN”
1 Corinthians 2:9 - 3:4
I. SENDER: HEAVENLY COMMUNICATION 1 Corinthians 2:9-13
1. The contrast A. Not senses + reasoning. 1 Corinthians 2:9
• Isaiah 64:4
• Those who know God's secrets
James 2:23
Genesis 18:17
John 15:15
B. But Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12
• "Revealed"
1) General:
2) Special
3) Specific:
• Spirit – 3 senses
1) Holy Spirit
2) Human spirit
3) Holy Spirit + human spirit
2. The Mechanism 1 Corinthians 2:11
6
3. The Purpose 1 Corinthians 2:12
4. The Translation 1 Corinthians 2:13
II. RECEIVER (Possibilities). 1 Corinthians 2:14 - 3:4 1. The Natural Man
1 Corinthians 2:14
2. The Spiritual Man 1 Corinthians 2:15-16
No Receiving Set
Receiving Set is ON, Volume is UP
7
3. The Carnal Man 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
The issue:
Bottom Line: Spirituality is
Receiving Set is ON, Volume is turned too LOW
8
Spirituality (I) Definition (B) “FOUR KINDS OF SOIL”
Mark 4:1-20
I. INTRODUCTION. Mark 4:1-3
Kind of Soil Description Significance Kind of Man
4:4 4:15
4:5-6 4:16-17
a)
b)
Therefore: chraivnw "Wither" (4:6) same as withered hand in Mark 3:1
4:7 4:18-19
a)
b)
c)
Therefore: sumpnivgw "choke" same as "throng" in Luke 8:42
4:8 4:20
4:9-13
Basic issue before interpretation: The Seed = Mark 4:14
9
Spirituality (I) Definition (C) "THE HARDENED HEART"
Hebrews 3:7 - 4:16
I. DIAGNOSIS: Hebrews. 3:7-8
1. Definition
sklhruvnw
“Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts…" Hebrews 3:7, 15; 4:7
“Who hath hardened himself against Him, and hath prospered?” Job 9:4
Psalm 95:8 • Meribah (Numbers 20) = ____________________________________
• Massah (Exodus 17) = ____________________________________
• Represents = ____________________________________
DECEITFULNESS OF SIN Hebrews 3:13
UNBELIEF sklhruvnw skleruno
Harden Dry out Stiff Make stubborn
10
2. Symptoms A. Murmured, griped, and complained
B. Set up alternate plans and sought alternate leadership
C. Openly rebelled against God
D. Bottom line:
II. HOW IT HAPPENS Hebrews 3:9-12
1. A process: Hebrews 3:9-11
2. A consequence: Hebrews 3:12
III. DISEASE: Hebrews 3:13
1. Sin is:
2. Sin is:
How does sin "deceive"?
A. It has "pleasures"
B. Sin is a great promiser
C. Man thinks he is in control: "I can quit." John 8:34 -- "Everyone that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin."
3. Sin is:
How does the deceitfulness of sin HARDEN?
A. Because of delayed judgment Ecclesiastes 8:11
B. Because of the harmless appearance
C. Conscience unheeded is slowly stupefied
11
IV. RESULT: or
Hebrews 3:10, 11, 15-19
Hebrews 4:1-3, 4, 5 NB -- "We who have believed..."
Hebrews 4:10 -- Cessation from our labor
• Three rests
A. Hebrews 3:16-19; 4:5-8
B. Hebrews 4:4
C. Hebrews 4:1-3; 9-11
= to enter by faith into that which Christ has accomplished on the cross.
Note contrast: Hebrews 4:2 -- word heard not united by faith Hebrews 4:3 -- we who have heard
V. THE SURGEON'S KNIFE: Hebrews 4:12-16
VI. TIME FOR SURGERY: 5x: Hebrews 3:7; 3:13; 3:15; 4:7 (2x)
VII. PREVENTATIVES OR CURE FOR A HARDENED HEART
1. A heart 2 Chronicles 12:14
2. A heart Deuteronomy 10:16 Deuteronomy 30:6
3. A and heart Psalm 139:23,24
4. A heart Psalm 51:10
5. A and heart Psalm 51:16-17
12
Spirituality (I) Definition (D) “FAITH”
Hebrews 11
I. DEFINITION OF FAITH 1. What faith is not -
A. Not
B. Not
C. Not
Contrasts between - Positive thinking and Faith
2. What faith is – A. FAITH IS HEARING GOD SPEAK AND RESPONDING WITH ATTITUDES
OF DEPENDENCE UPON HIM AND ACTS OF OBEDIENCE TO HIM.
1. Faith's origin (Romans 10:17)
2. Faith's receiver (Romans 10:10)
II. ESSENTIALS OF FAITH Hebrews 11:1-6
1. Faith trusts Hebrews 11:1-2
A. Substance ( upovstasi$ ) =
B. Evidence ( e#legxo$ ) =
2. Faith trusts Hebrews11:3
• World ( aiwvn )
3. Faith trusts Hebrews 11:6
13
What did God say?
How might the person
have prayed? What did the person do?
Abel (4)
Enoch (5)
Noah (7)
Abraham (leaving Ur) (8-10)
Sarah (11)
Abraham (w/ Isaac) (17-19)
Isaac Jacob Joseph
Moses’ parents
Moses (24-26)
Moses (28-29)
Joshua (30)
Rahab (31)
Others (35)
14
Spirituality (I) Definition (E) “CHASTENING”
Hebrews 12:3-17
INTRODUCTORY CONSIDERATIONS
1. Suffering is the result of the fall.
2. Many of the chastening experiences come from reaping what we have sown.
3. Not that our experiences are so different from the unsaved, but we see the purpose.
JOSEPH: Cast into pit and sold into slavery, ending in prison. Saw God behind it all.
ISRAEL: Chased by Pharaoh's army, backed up against Red Sea. Soon singing song of redemption.
JOB: Great losses. Gains insight into wisdom of God.
JEHOSHAPHAT: Enemies of Ammonites and Moabites offer prayer in distress. March forward singing.
JEREMIAH: In a slimy hole. Gave the line "Great is thy faithfulness."
PETER AND JOHN: Imprisoned, became bolder.
I. ATTITUDES TOWARD CHASTENING CHASTEN: built on Greek word "child"
– the ending "to deal with as a child", to "child-train"
1. Wrong attitudes
A.
B.
2. Right attitudes
A. Hebrews 12:7
B. Hebrews 12:9
15
II. PRODUCTS OF CHASTENING Hebrews 12:6-14
1. Produces _____________________________________ Hebrews 12:6-8
2. Produces _____________________________________ Hebrews 12:9
3. Produces _____________________________________ Hebrews 12:10
4. Produces _____________________________________ Hebrews 12:11
egumnasmevnoijvvv =
John Stott: "We are not masochists who enjoy being hurt. We are not even Stoics who grit our teeth and endure. We are Christians who see in our sufferings the outworking of a gracious divine purpose. We rejoice because of what suffering "produces."
III. AND IF WE DO NOT LEARN FROM THE CHASTENING... Hebrews 12:15-17
1. The root of bitterness = the effects of an ungrateful spirit in negatively responding to those things the Lord allows in our lives to mold us.
2. Issue: ___________________ or _____________________
3. Focuses: ROOT – under the surface Bitterness is allowing ourselves to be controlled by the situation or person that has become our emotional focus.
A. _____________________________________
B. _____________________________________
C. _____________________________________
D. _____________________________________
4. The fruit (?) of this root
A. _____________________________________
1) _____________________
2) _____________________
B. _____________________________________
16
REBELLION
Chastening
Faith
ROOT of BITTERNESS
HARDENING of HEART
HARDENING of HEART
ROOT of BITTERNESS
ROOT of BITTERNESS
HARDENING of HEART
SIN unto DEATH
(Physical)
Faith
Chastening
Faith
Chastening (Sickness)
HARDENING of HEART
Restoration
17
Spirituality (II) Grieving the Spirit (A) “THE BELIEVER’S SIN”
1 John 1:5 - 2:2
Grieving the Spirit = Ephesians 4:30
INTRODUCTION: THE STANDARD 1. Light
2. No darkness
I. DELUSION #1 1 John 1:6-7
1. The argument: 1 John 1:6 - If we say ..."
2. Correct view: 1 John 1:7
II. DELUSION #2 1 John 1:8-9
1. The argument: 1 John 1:8 - If we say ..."
2. Correct view:
1 John 1:9
Confession =
18
III. DELUSION #3 1. The argument:
1 John 1:10 - If we say ..."
2. Correct view: 1 John 2:1-2
Paraclete =
NATURAL TEMPORAL
FELLOWSHIP
CARNAL SPIRITUAL
A CLEANSED LIFE 1 John 1:9
SIN SIN
1 JOHN 1:9
ETERNAL FELLOWSHIP
19
Spirituality (II) Grieving the Spirit (B) “MINISTERING CLEANSING”
John 13:1-17
I. THE OCCASION John 13:1-3
1. Time designation #1:
The preparation had taken place:
A. Getting rid of the leaven
B. Selection of the lamb
2. Time designation #2:
John 2:4 (at the wedding of Cana)
John 7:30 (at the Feast of Tabernacles in the preceding fall when people of Jerusalem tried to capture Jesus)
John 8:20 (while debating with Pharisees in the treasury)
John 12:23, 27-28a (after triumphal entry)
3. The attitude: John 17:11
4. The intrusion: John 13:2
5. The assurance: John 13:3
6. The problem: Luke 22:24-27
Judas evidently won: 1) When Christ whispered to John by what sign to recognize the traitor, none of
the other disciples heard it. 2) Christ first handed to Judas the sop, which formed part of the Paschal ritual,
beginning with him as the chief guest at the table, without thereby exciting special notice.
3) Occurred when Judas, desirous of ascertaining whether his betrayal was known dared to ask whether it was he, and received the affirmative answer; no one at table knew what had passed. They had removed the leaven, but the leaven was within.
20
II. THE ACTION John 13:4-7
1. The girding John 13:4
i(mavtia -- In the plural, it would refer to both cloak and tunic. (Abbott-Smith)
levntion -- A linen towel, the sign of a slave
2. The feet/foot washing John 13:5
3. The question John 13:6
YOU: Emphatic
4. The response John 13:7
AFTER THIS: When you have the illumination of the Spirit.
III. THE EXPLANATION John 13:8-11
1. Communion with Christ John 13:8
NB: Not: "in Me" but "with Me" "In Christ" is the opposite of "in Adam"
"In Christ" =
"with Me" =
2. The extremist John 13:9
21
3. An important distinction John 13:10-11
A. The Means:
• Psalm 119:9, 11
• Ephesians 5:25-26
• John 15:3
B. Distinction applied to Judas John 13:10b-11
IV. THE APPLICATION John 13:12-16
1. How not to wash feet
A.
B.
2. How to wash feet
A. Galatians 6:1-2
B.
C.
V. CONCLUSION: Not but John 13:17
John 13:10 "He who is bathed ( louvw ) needs only to was ( nivptw ) his feet, but is completely clean;…"
CLEANSING Daily Positional
Saturday Night
louvw
nivptw
22
Spirituality (II) Walking in the Spirit (C) “THE NEW MAN”
Ephesians 4:17-32
I. THE OLD DEGENERATION How did the Gentiles walk?:
Ephesians 4:17-19
1. Characteristics A.
Romans 1:18-21
B.
C.
23
24
2. Causes
A. ___________________________________________
B. ___________________________________________
pwrwsin = _____________________________
3. The results:
A. ___________________________________________
ajselgei/a| = Men try to hide their sins. The one with aselgeia doesn’t care if anyone sees him.
B. ___________________________________________
pleoneci/a| = Barclay: The irresistible desire to have what we have no right to have.
LIFE-DOMINATING PROBLEM = A sin which influences every area of life
LIFE-DOMINATING SOLUTION
= The Holy Spirit controlling every area of life
LIFE-DOMINATING PROBLEM = A sin which influences every area of life
LIFE-DOMINATING SOLUTION
= The Holy Spirit controlling every area of life
25
II. THE NEW LEARNED RESPONSE Ephesians 4:20-26
1. It's source -- Ephesians 4:20-21
A. _____________________________________
B. _____________________________________
2. It's practice -- Ephesians 4:22-23a
A. _____________________________________ Ephesians 4:22
B. _____________________________________ Ephesians 4:23
3. Its nature -- Ephesians 4:23b-25
A. _________________________________________________
B. _________________________________________________
C. _________________________________________________
D. _________________________________________________ Colossians 3:1-2
III. SOME PRODUCTS OF THE OLD SIN NATURE Ephesians 4:25-29
1. Lying -- Ephesians 4:25
A. _____________________________________
B. _____________________________________
C. _____________________________________
2. Inappropriate anger -- Ephesians 4:26-27
A. _____________________________________
B. _____________________________________
C. _____________________________________
26
3. Stealing -- Ephesians 4:28
A. _____________________________________
B. _____________________________________
C. _____________________________________
4. Filthy speech -- Ephesians 4:29
A. _____________________________________
B. _____________________________________
C. _____________________________________
IV. THE SPIRITUAL EFFECT
1. ____________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________
V. THE CONTRASTING PRODUCTS -- Ephesians 4:31-32
1. The negative -- Ephesians 4:31 (Self-centered)
A. _______________________________________________________
B. __________________________
C. __________________________
D. __________________________
E. __________________________
F. _______________________________________________________
2. The Positive -- Ephesians 4:32 (Other-centered)
A. __________________________
B. __________________________
C. __________________________
27
Spirituality (III) Quenching the Spirit (A) “INITIAL YIELDING”
Romans 12:1-6
Quenching the Spirit =
“Quench not the Spirit” 1 Thessalonians 5:19
I. PRESENT YOUR BODIES Romans 12:1
1. What does this mean?
Not a sacrifice for sin, but a thank offering Hebrews 9:25-26
I Corinthians 6:19-20
2. To whom?
3. On what basis?
4. How often?
Note: Aorist tense =
NATURAL CARNAL SPIRITUAL
A YIELDED LIFE Romans 12:1, 2
The Life
28
5. For what purpose?
logikov$ =
latreiva =
II. BE TRANSFORMED Romans 12:2
1. What?
susxhmativzw =
metamorfovw =
2. How? Occupying the mind with the Word and consequently with Christ so as to produce the attitudes of Christ. Larry Christiansen:
Old landlord, charges exorbitant rent. Barges in at all hours of the day and night, wrecks and dirties the place up. Then charges extra for not maintaining the premises. New landlord: Live as long as you like free. Old landlord reappears. Send to new landlord. Goes w/ legal documents. threatening, bellowing.
3. With what result?
III. TRANSFORMED SERVICE Romans 12:3-8
1. The principle: Romans 12:3
Dean Alford’s translation: "Ought not to be high-minded above what he ought to be minded, but so to be minded as to be sober-minded."
29
2. Your relationship to the body Romans 12:4-5
Some implications:
A. __________________________________________________________
B. __________________________________________________________
C. __________________________________________________________
D. __________________________________________________________
E. __________________________________________________________
F. __________________________________________________________
3. Your gift and what to do with it Romans 12:6-8
A. Prophecy: _________________________________________________
B. Ministry: __________________________________________________
C. Teaching: _________________________________________________
D. Exhortation: _______________________________________________
E. Giving: ___________________________________________________
F. Leading: __________________________________________________
G. Showing mercy: ____________________________________________ What God claims, I yield. What I yield, God accepts. What God accepts, he fills. What God fills, he uses. Borden of Yale In every man's life there is a throne and a cross. If Christ is on the throne, self is on the cross; and if self, even a little bit, is on the throne, Jesus is on the cross in that man's heart.
30
Spirituality (III) Quench Not the Spirit (B) “CONTINUAL YIELDING”
Romans 6
• An important question about lifestyle.
I. KNOW Romans 6:3-10
1. We are _____________________________________________
A. Romans 6:3
B. Romans 6:4-5
2. ____________________________________________________ Romans 6:6-8
3. ____________________________________________________ Romans 6:9-10
II. RECKON Romans 6:11-12
1. What it means to reckon. __________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________
31
III. YIELDEDNESS
1. The meaning of Yieldedness Romans 6:13-15
What it means to yield. _________
The man of God has his EYES to keep, and so Job said, "I have made a covenant with mine eyes:
his TONGUE, and hence the exhortation, "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile';
his EARS, and hence the warning, "Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err';
his FEET, and hence David says, "I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word."
2. The means of Yieldedness: Romans 8:16-18
3. The result of Yieldedness: Romans 8:19-23
HOLINESS = __________________________________________________
32
Defined as the spiritual force driving man to live independently from God.
Defined as the spiritual force enabling man to serve God and righteousness.
Received by Physical Birth
Psalm 51:5
Received by Spiritual Birth
2 Corinthians 5:17
Cannot please God
Romans 8:8; Isaiah 64:6
Cannot understand God Romans 3:11; Isaiah 64:6
Yielded to God
Romans 6:13, 16, 19
Manifested as:
A. Human Good (i.e., religion) (Hebrews 6:1; 9:14)
B. Evil (Galatians 5:19-21)
Manifested as: A. Fruitful life
(Romans 6:22; John 15:2-9)
NEW NATURE
OLD NATURE
WHICH WINS?
33
Spirituality (IV) Walking in the Spirit (A) “THE LAW’S INABILITY”
Romans 7
THE PROBLEM WITH THE LAW
I. RELATIONSHIP TO THE LAW Romans 7:1-3
1. The Question Romans 7:1
2. The Illustration Romans 7:2-3
A. Husband #1 =
B. Husband #2 =
C. Wife =
II. THE FUNCTION OF THE LAW (THE APPLICATION) Romans 7:4-13
1. Its problem Romans 7:4-6
2. The lawful use of the law Romans 7:7-9
• The example
3. What the law does Romans 7:10-13
34
III. THE DEFEATED CHRISTIAN LIFE
1. The struggle Romans 7:14-23
A. _____________________________________________________________ Romans 7:14-16
1) Round 1: __________________________________________________
2) Round 2: __________________________________________________
B. _____________________________________________________________ Romans 7:17-23
2. The despondency Romans 7:24
3. The way out Romans 7:25
35
Spirituality (IV) Walking in the Spirit (B) “SPIRIT ABILITY”
Romans 8
THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH
INTRODUCTION: “NO CONDEMNATION”
1. Suffering is the result of the fall. Romans 8:1-2 A. Two possibilities
1. __________________________________
2. __________________________________
I. THE TWO LAWS
What is law?
1. The Law of _______________________________ (Chapter 7)
2. The Law of _______________________________ (Chapter 8) God delivers us by introducing another law -- life in Christ Jesus Ephesians 1:19-20
II. THE MEANS Romans 8:3 1. What doesn’t work: ______________________
2. WHAT DOES WORK: _____________________
III. THE TWO WALKS Romans 8:4 1. The walk: _______________________________________________________
2. The walk: _______________________________________________________
36
IV. THE RESULTS Romans 8:5-9
1. Life dominated by ________________________
2. Life dominated by ________________________
• "In the flesh" = __________________________________________________
• "According to the flesh" = __________________________________________
V. THE EFFECT Romans 8:10-13
VI. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT
1. The Spirit _______________________________ Romans 8:14
2. The Spirit _______________________________ Romans 8:15
ADOPTION =
Children Sons Relationship Privilege By birth By adoption Receives nature of God Receives legal position Gives life Makes heir
3. The Spirit _______________________________ Romans 8:16-17
1 John 5:6, 9-10
Joint-heir =
37
4. The Spirit brings the firstfruits of healing Romans 8:18-23
A. With the Fall of man came ___________________________ Genesis 3:16 The consequences:
1) We have a fully active sin nature. 2) We have dying bodies…disease 3) Satan has dominion in the world.
(G.K. Chesterton: Whatever else is or is not true, this one thing is certain – man is not what he was meant to be.)
B. In Christ’s death we have the ___________________________ of the curse Isaiah 53:3-5
vss. 3-4 GRIEF (choli) = Sickness, disease, illness, physical suffering. Dr. Young: (Young's Concordance) v3 -- He is despised, and left of men, A man of pains (Heb Makob), and acquainted with sickness (choli), And as one hiding the face from us, He is despised and we esteemed him not. v4 -- Surely our sicknesses (choli) he hath borne, And our pains (makob) he hath carried them, And we -- we have esteemed him plagued, Smitten of God and afflicted. v10 -- And Jehovah hath delighted to bruise him; He hath made him sick (choli); If his soul doth make an offering for guilt, He seeth seed- he prolongeth days.
C. The ______________________of the redemption of the body Philippians 3:20-21 1 Corinthians 15:43-44
Note: No more sin principle in it.
D. We may see the beginning of __________________________________now Ephesians 1:13-14 -
“redemption of the purchased possession”
Romans 8:23 -
“redemption of our body”
38
Spirituality (IV) Walking in the Spirit (C) “THE STRUGGLE”
Galatians 5:16-26
I. THE PRINCIPLE:
Galatians 5:13
II. THE EXHORTATION: Galatians 5:16
III. THE PROBLEM: Galatians 5:17-21
1. Some works of the flesh defined Galatians 5:19-21
• ADULTERY = _________________________________________________
• FORNICATION = ______________________________________________
• UNCLEANNESS = _____________________________________________
• LASCIVIOUSNESS = ___________________________________________
• IDOLATRY = __________________________________________________
• SORCERY ( farmakeia) = ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
• HATRED = ___________________________________________________
• STRIFE = ____________________________________________________
• HERESIES = __________________________________________________
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Natural (Hitchhike)
Carnal (Push)
Spiritual (Trust)
Walk by the Spirit Galatians 5:16
THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE
39
2. The “practice” of the works of the flesh Galatians 5:21
pravssw ( ______________________________________ ) not poievw (_____________________________________ )
3. Led by the Spirit = c/w Romans 8:14
4. Is “entering the kingdom of God” and “inheriting the kingdom of God” the same thing? Inheriting the Kingdom of God = ______________________________________
A. Who do not inherit?
1 Corinthians 15:50
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Galatians 5:21
B. Who DO inherit?
1 Corinthians 6:11 Sons of God
________________ ______________
C. What is inherited?
1 Peter 3:7 __________________________________
1 Peter 3:9 __________________________________
Hebrews 1:14 _______________________________
Titus 3:7 ____________________________________
Romans 8:17 ________________________________
D. Can the inheritance be lost?
1 Peter 4-5 Sons of God
________________ ______________
IV. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT Galatians 5:22-25
1. Characteristics of the fruit Galatians 5:22-23
40
• LOVE a)ga/ph
= ________________________________________________________
• JOY xarav
= ________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
• PEACE ei)rhvnh
= ________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
• LONG-SUFFERING makroqumiva
= ________________________________________________________
makro (long) + thumia (temper) = long fuse
Goodness twins: • GENTLENESS xrhstovth$
= ________________________________________________________
• GOODNESS a)gaqwsuvnh
= ________________________________________________________
• FAITH pivsti$
= ________________________________________________________
• MEEKNESS prau+vth$
= ________________________________________________________
• SELF-CONTROL e)gkravteia
= ________________________________________________________
2. The requirement: Galatians 5:24
3. The exhortation: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. REPROGRAMMED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
Q: When is a door not a door? A. When it is ajar (something else) When is a thief not a thief? A liar? A thief who stops stealing is simply a thief between jobs. The Spirit leads not only out of but also into. - Jay Adams
41
Spirituality (IV) Walking in the Spirit (D) “THE METHOD: ABIDING”
John 15:1-8
Hosea 10:1 "Israel is an empty vine, he brings forth fruit unto himself." Isaiah 5:2 "He looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes."
I. GOD'S PREPARATION OF US FOR FRUIT BEARING John 15:1-3
• What is fruit? 1. Galatians 5:22-23
2. Hebrews13:15
3. Philippians 4:17, Romans 15:28
4. John 4:36
5. 1 Corinthians 14:14
6. James 3:17-18
7. Colossians 1:10
A. ai‡rei 1)
20
Luke 17:13"They lifted up their voices." John 11:41"Jesus lifted up his eyes" Revelation 10:5"And the angel who I saw standing upon the sea and
upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven."
Lifting up from running along the ground so that could pollinate.
B. kaqaivrei
One of two meanings:
1.
2. c/w John 15:3
42
II. OUR PREPARATION FOR FRUIT BEARING John 15:4-5
Abiding =
In some difficult passages a basic question to ask: "Does the context of this passage deal with 'salvation' or 'fruit bearing'?" Some passages would include John 15:1-6, 1 John 2:28, Hebrews 5:13-6:10, 1 Corinthians 9:14-27.
ISSUE
CONSEQUENCE Salvation Fruit bearing (Maturity)
Positive:
Negative:
III. THE HARVEST John 15:6-8
What does the Scripture teach about fruitfulness and burning? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
Note: Change of person from "anyone" and "he" to "them."
John 15:7 ties together purging of word in vs. 3 and abiding in Him of vss. 4-5.
Note the progress:
vs. 2 "no fruit" vs. 2 "fruit" vs. 2 "more fruit" vs. 8 "much fruit"
43
Spirituality (V) Filling of the Spirit (A) “SPIRIT-CONTROLLED”
Ephesians 5:18
I. DEFINITION OF THE FILLING 1. Several words with common idea:
pivmplhmi =
Luke 5:26 (following healing of paralytic)
Luke 6:11 (following healing of man with withered hand.)
Acts 2:4 (Upper room)
plhrovw =
Acts 6:5
Acts 5:3
John 16:6
Acts 4:31
2. Contrast with Drunkenness
Luke 1:15 (Angel announcing the birth of John the Baptist)
Acts 2:12,13
Ephesians 5:18
III. FEATURES OF THE USE IN EPHESIANS 5:18
1. It is a . “Be filled.”
2. It is in the .
A. Continuous action
B. Not a once-for-all action
C. Repeated experience illustrated in life of early church
3. It is in the .
44
Spirituality (V) Filling of the Spirit (B) ENDUEMENT WITH POWER
Promise/Gift Verses
• THE QUESTION: IS THE PROMISE OF RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT OR ?
1. PROMISE: Luke 11:9-13 "…give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (13)
Analogy of contrast
2. THE PURPOSE OF THE PROMISE: Luke 24:46-49 "…I send the Promise of My Father upon you." (49)
e)paggeliva =
3. THE FIGURE FOR THE GIFT OF GOD: John 4:10 "If you knew the gift of God, …and He would have given you living water."
frevar = John 4:11-12
phgpv = John 4:14
Position
"In Christ"
Experience
45
4. THE TIME OF LIVING WATER: John 6:37-38 "... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive for the Holy Spirit was not yet *given..." (38,39)*NB: Italics, therefore, not in text.
5. THE INAUGURATION OF THE PROMISE: Acts 1:4-8 "...But to wait for the Promise of the Father, ...you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now...you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you"
6. THE MANAIFESTATION OF THE PROMISE: Acts 2:33 "Having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, ...which ye now see and hear.”
7. THE PROMISE IS Acts 2:38-39 "You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children."
8. THE OF THE GIFT Acts 4:7-8, 31 "...Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "…31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
9. RECEIVE THE GIFT Acts 8:14-24 "... that they might receive the Holy Spirit. ...Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit... Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit....But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!"
10. INFILLING Acts 9:1-20 "and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (17)
46
11. RECEIVE THE GIFT Acts 10:44-48 "...Because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
Acts 11:13-18 "If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?"
12. THE HOLY SPIRIT Acts 19:1-7 "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? ...And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”
13. OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Ephesians 1:13-14 “In whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,.."
To think about
14. HOW THE GIFT IS RECEIVED: Galatians 3:1-14 "Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? ... that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
15. Hebrews 6:4 "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,..."
47
“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:13-14
Maturity (I) Definition (A) “CHARACTERISTICS OF SPIRITUAL BABES”
Hebrews 5:12-14
• DIFFICULTY IN THREE DIRECTIONS CONCERNING THE TEACHING ABOUT MELCHIZADEC Hebrews 5:11
1. Speaker:
2. Subject:
3. Hearers:
I. CHARACTERISTIC #1 OF SPIRITUAL BABES: Hebrews 5:12a
1. Reason #1: Matthew13:13-15
Dull =
2. Reason #2:
II. CHARACTERISTIC #2 OF SPIRITUAL BABES: Hebrews 5:12b-13
III. CHARACTERISTIC #3 OF SPIRITUAL BABES: Hebrews 5:14
• MATURITY =
The ability to apply the
Word of God to life.
The Mark of Maturity
48
RATE
SPIRITUALITY (EXPERIENCE)
THE WORD (DOCTRINE)
TIME + TIME
+
+
DISTANCE RATE
MATURITY
CARNALITY
49
Maturity (I) Definition (B) “STAGES OF GROWTH”
1 John 2:12-14
I. FIRST STAGE:
1. Characteristic #1: 1 John 2: 12
2. Characteristic #1: 1 John 2:13c
paidivon =
teknivon = emphasizing
II. SECOND STAGE: 1 John 2:13b, 14b
1. Characteristic #1: Ephesians 6:11-12
2. Characteristic #2:
Joshua 1:8
Psalm 1:2-3
John 15:3
Romans 10:17
Ephesians 6:17
2. Characteristic #2: Luke10:19
III. THIRD STAGE: 1 John 2:13a
1 John 2:14a
• Characteristic:
50
Maturity (I) Definition (C) “TELEIOS”
Matthew 5:48
You must be perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matt. 5:48)
I. WHAT "PERFECTION" IS
tevleio$ =
Has the idea
Examples: (from Barclay and Boice)
A victim which is fit for a sacrifice to God, that is a victim which is without blemish.
A man who has reached his full-grown stature in contradistinction to a half-grown lad.
A student who has reached a mature knowledge of his subject as opposed to a learner who is just beginning, and who as yet has no grasp of things.
A ship is fitted out perfectly for sea or a legion of soldiers is equipped in all respects for battle.
II. THE NEED FOR PERFECTION
1. For what purpose was man created? Genesis 1:26
2. What is man’s problem? Romans 3:23
3. What is the solution? Psalm 18:30, 32
• Who is God? God is the one who is perfect.
• What does He do? God works to perfect sinful men. (Boice)
51
III. THE THREE TENSES OF "PERFECTION" • Contrast between Sanctification and Perfection.
• Sanctification -- Setting apart from sin
• Perfection -- Making us complete in Christ.
1. Past Tense: _________________________________________ Hebrews10:14
2. Present Tense: __________________________________ Philippians 3:12, 15
Maturity =
3. Future Tense: ______________________________________ Colossians 1:28
III. HOW "PERFECTION" IS ACCOMPLISHED:
52
Maturity (II) The Means (A) “THE WORD”
2 Timothy 3:16=17
I. DOCTRINE prov$ didaskalivon = _________________________________________________________________
II. REPROOF prov$ e)legmovn = _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
III. CORRECTION prvo$ e)panovqwsin = _________________________________________________________________
IV. INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS prov$ paideivan ehVn e)n dikaiosuvn,h = _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
53
Definitions based on Jay Adams
54
Maturity (II) The Means (B) “THROUGH PRAYER”
Luke 11:1-13
I. THE DEMONSTRATION Luke 11:1-4
1. Requests related to God Luke 11:2
A. His __________________________________________________________
a(giasqhvtw = _____________________________________________________
B. His __________________________________________________________
C. His __________________________________________________________
2. Requests related to 0an Luke 11:3-4
A. _________________________________ needs
B. ________________________________ needs
2 kinds of forgiveness of sin 1. Justification
*2. In our daily walk A. Not "Because we are forgiven" B. Plural for sins, not singular C. For children of the Father
C. ________________________________ needs
55
II. THE PARABLE (THE RELUCTANT FRIEND AND THE READY FATHER) Luke 11:5-8
• Lesson: _________________________________________________________
Based on:
III. THE EXHORTATION Luke 11:9-10
3 LEVELS
1. First level:
2. Second level:
3. Third level:
• ___________________________ + _____________________________
IV. THE ANALOGY with APPLICATION Luke 11:11-13
• Lesson: _________________________________________________________
56
Maturity (III) The Warfare (A) “WORLDLINESS”
1 John 2:15-17
I. THE PULL OF WORLDLINESS 1 John 2:15
EARTH (ACTS 17:24)
57
58
1. Lust of flesh 1 John 2:16
• LUST OF THE FLESH: ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
FLESH
1. ________________________________ (1 Corinthians 15:39)
2. ____________________________________ (Philippians 1:22)
3. ________________________________________(1 Peter 1:24)
4. ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________ (Romans 7:18)
savrc sa/rx
•
Members of our body
MASTER SLAVES
c
59
2. Lust of the eyes
• LUST OF THE EYES ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
• LUST = ___________________________________________________
3. Pride of life
• PRIDE OF LIFE = ______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
III. THE TEMPORARY NATURE OF WORLDLINESS 1 John 2:17
LUST
e)piqumiva epithumia
= ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
• EATING • SEXUAL FULFILLMENT • MONEY • POSSESSIONS
• GLUTTONY • ADULTERY • GREED • IDOLATRY
60
Maturity (III) The Warfare (B) “SATAN”
Ephesians 6:10-24
I. THE SECRET OF VICTORY Ephesians 6:10-11
II. THE NEED FOR VICTORY Ephesians 6:12
III. THE MEANS OF VICTORY Ephesians 6:13-24
DESCRIPTION WEAKNESS DEFENSE CHRIST Belt of Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
61
DESCRIPTION WEAKNESS DEFENSE CHRIST Sandals
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit
62
Appendix A
Helps for Preparing Your Personal Testimony (Adapted from The Navigators’ 2:7 Series)
Testimonies can be prepared on many subjects and tailored for various audiences. The testimony you will prepare…
• will be designed to give to a non-Christian.
• will be best suited for sharing one-on-one or in a small group.
• will serve as a "door opener," not a "convincing tool."
• will be a message at times. Many people are not ready to be convinced that they need Christ, but can often be led to talk about the Gospel after an inoffensive presentation of a personal testimony.
1. The General Outline of a Personal Testimony a. Before - a short sketch of what your life was like before you became a Christian.
b. How - how, specifically, you took the step of becoming a Christian.
c. After - relating to the changes in your life.
2. Guidelines for Preparing the More Specific Content a. Make it sound conversational. Prepare it to be spoken. Avoid literary sounding
statements like, "I viewed the crimson sunset and pondered." Use your informal vocabulary.
b. Say "I" and Me", not "you" (share, don't preach). This helps keep the testimony warm and personal. People like to hear experiences of others told in the first person.
c. Avoid religious words, phrases, and jargon.
Religious Words Possible Substitutes Believe Invited Christ to come into my life through
prayer Sin Disobedience, breaking god's laws, turned
my back on God Went forward Decided to turn my life over to God Under the blood God forgave me of my failures Accepted Christ (same as believe) Saved Became a Christian, delivered from the
consequences of disobedience Prayed through Sincerely prayed Christian Committed Christian, real Christian
63
d. Generalize so more people can identify with your story. Don't name specific churches, denominations, or groups. Avoid using dates and ages. (Poor: "I was seven years old when I became a Christian." "We moved to the city in 1956.")
e. Include some humor and human interest. When a person smiles or laughs, it reduces tension. Humor is disarming and increases attention.
f. One or two word pictures increase interest. Don't just say "I grew up on my folks' farm." You might briefly describe the farm so a person listening can visualize it.
g. In the "before," include both good and bad aspects of your life. Have a cushion of interesting non-spiritual material at the beginning.
(1) Examples of "good aspects" - wanted to excel, desire for education, concern for others, hard-working.
(2) Examples of "bad aspects" - selfish, inferiority complex, get ahead at any cost, temper, a greed for finances.
h. In the "how" …
(1) Communicate the Gospel clearly and briefly. You need to include:
(a) the fact of sin
(b) the penalty of sin
(c) Christ's payment of the penalty
(d) the requirement to receive Christ
(2) Make the Bible the authority.
(a) Poor: "Bill shared with me that I had failed and needed forgiveness."
(b) Good: "Bill shared with me that the Bible said..."
(3) Use the word pray when referring to receiving Christ. The word pray communicates what a person needs to do.
(Good: "I prayed and asked Christ to come into my life and give me the gift of eternal life.")
i. In the "after," rapidly conclude with two or three personal benefits of becoming a Christian. (These may be current benefits.) The last sentence of your testimony should be something like, "But the greatest benefit is that I know I have eternal life." The listener often comments on the last thing you say in your testimony. If the listener's comment is on eternal life, the door is open for presenting the Gospel to him.
j. Avoid dogmatic statements which skeptics can question. Some examples are:
(1) Poor: "I prayed and I know Christ came in."
(2) Poor: "God has given me a wonderful husband (or wife or three children)."
(3) Good: "I prayed and asked Christ into my life. Since then I have experienced peace..."
64
k. Sound adult, not juvenile. Reflect an adult point of view even if you were converted at an early age.
(1) Poor: "My dad helped me understand about Jesus."
(2) Good: "I had great talks with my parents. One day, dad and I discussed in some detail who Jesus Christ really is."
l. Simplify - reduce "clutter." Mention only a limited number of people you know and such things as moves, meetings, and jobs you have had. Use only first names when possible.
(1) Poor: "Bill Smith, Thomas Van Buren, and his cousin Ed Matthews came by my office at Acme Plumbing and Appliance Company..."
(2) Good: "Bill and two other men talked to me at work one day...”
(3) Combine information like, "After living in five states and attending six universities, I found myself at my first engineering job."
3. The Sequence of Your Preparation a. Before you begin writing, pray for God's help. Look to Him for wisdom and
insight as you work on your testimony.
b. Accumulate brief notes on three separate sheets of paper labeled BEFORE, HOW, and AFTER.
c. Write out your first draft, using your notes from the three sheets of paper. (It usually takes about five minutes to read it.) Apply the 12 guidelines.
d. Make improvements on the long draft (your leader will do most of the work in helping you accomplish this).
e. Cut your draft down to between two-and-half and three minutes when you read it.
f. Outline your presentation on a 3" x 5" card. Learn to give the testimony using only your outline.
g. Learn to give your testimony in three to four minutes without the outline.
Two Testimony Formats
1. Chronological In this approach, you tell your story in the chronological sequence in which it happened.
You might use this format…
a. If you were converted later in life. b. If you have enough interesting material to share prior to your conversion. c. If your conversion experience takes up most of your testimony because of the
vitality and impact of the how. The before would then be relatively short.
BIRTH SALVATION NOW
BEFORE AFTER
65
2. Overview/Flashback In this approach, you give an interesting, rapid overview of you life right up to the present. This overview takes the place of the before in your testimony.
Then flash back to the spiritual dimension of your life. The flashback may go directly back to the how or just before the how. This means that some before might end up in your flashback. You might use this format…
a. If you came to Christ at an early age. b. If you had a drab early life, but have had a more interesting adult life. c. If your how is very short.
BIRTH SALVATION NOW
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
FLASHBACK
66
Appendix B
THE GRAPE CLUSTER ILLUSTRATION
SALVATION SCRIPTURE MEMORY
BIBLE STUDY QUIET
TIME
WITNESSING EXPERIENCES
GUIDANCE FROM GOD
MARRIAGE and
CHILDREN
ANSWERS TO
PRAYER
TRAINING OTHERS
VICTORY OVER SINS
LORDSHIP OF
CHRIST
BENEFITS OF
STEWARDSHIP
Various types of testimonies one can accumulate through Christian experience.
67
Appendix C
THE BRIDGE TO LIFE A Tool for Sharing the Gospel
Issues: There may be a variety of needs your non-Christian friends and relatives have which must be met before they will entrust their lives to Christ. Perhaps they need to see more closely how Christians can truly love each other, or maybe they have physical or emotional needs that should be dealt with.
But one thing all of them need at some point is an understandable explanation of how salvation has been accomplished for them–the good news of Jesus Christ–and how they must respond in order to receive his salvation.
Are you ready to provide them with this crucial information?
The Bridge Illustration is one of many effective methods presenting the gospel. It has been used successfully for many years in several contexts, in groups and person to person. You'll find it a useful tool in presenting the gospel in a concise way in a relatively short period of time.
Often a good time to introduce the Bridge is during a conversation with a non-Christian in which the two of you have already touched on spiritual matters. He may have asked you about some issue related to religion or God, or about why you believe the way you do.
After explaining that you are a Christian, you could ask, “How about you? Have you ever thought much about what it really means to be a Christian?”
If there is time to talk further and the person shows interest, you could say “You know, there's a little diagram that I think clarifies this thing of being a real Christian and knowing for certain that you have eternal life. If you have a
few minutes, can I sketch it out for you?”
If there isn't time to talk further right then, you could volunteer to present the diagram at a later time and arrange to get together.
When you present the Bridge, it is much better to draw out the illustration in the person's presence rather than having it already drawn out or using a printed tract. Drawing out the illustration focuses his attention on each aspect of the gospel in a logical sequence, and helps him visualize the full picture. He also participates with you as he reads verses you show him in the Bible and as he responds to your questions.
In a sense, the illustration becomes a “third person” speaking to the non-Christian and confronting him with the claims of Christ. This should take some pressure off you, and allow the person to realize that the issue is between himself and God, not himself and you.
Also, after you have gone, the non-Christian can keep the
diagram you have drawn and can review the gospel message later.
The Bridge can be presented adequately in fifteen to twenty minutes.
On the following pages are major points of the gospel that can be expressed as you draw the illustration, as well as suggested Scripture passages and questions. So learn how to share the Bridge with others. Memorize the drawing itself as well as the most Important Scripture passages (with their references). Then, become familiar with the information in the columns headed Major Points and Sample Questions.
The Bridge can be presented in four steps which focus on these topics:
God's love Man's problem God's remedy Man's response
At the top of the next four pages is an example of the illustration as you would actually draw it while you explain these steps.
68
I. GOD’S LOVE
Important Verses: (Look directly into the Scriptures to help the person see God's view of his life.) John 10:10 (Jesus' words) “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Genesis 1:27 “God created man in his own image.”
Others: 1 John 4:8 1 John 3:1
Major Points: (Speak simply and under-standably, expressing these thoughts in your own words.) The Bible teaches that God loves us. God desires that we live life to the full, experiencing such things as his love, happiness, peace, purpose in life, and fulfillment. God created man in his own image to be his friend, and to experience his love. But God didn't make man a robot or puppet who would automatically respond to him. God gave man a will and the freedom of choice.
Sample Questions: (Use questions and dialogue to gain the best understanding of what the person thinks about his relationship to God.) What do you think it means to really live life to the full? Do you think most people today are living life to the full? When you think of God, what qualities or characteristics come to your mind? When you think of human beings in general, what qualities or characteristics come to your mind? How are God and mankind different?
MAN GOD
John 10:10 Genesis 1:27
69
II. MAN’S PROBLEM
Important Verses:
Romans 3:23 “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death.” Hebrews 9:27 “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
Others: Isaiah 53:6 Isaiah 59 :1-2 Romans 3:10-12 Romans 5: 12 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 James 2:10
Major Points
Given the choice of either keeping God's commandments or living apart from God, mankind has chosen to disobey God. We have turned our backs on him. The result is separation. God is holy and perfect, but mankind is sinful and imperfect. The Bible says all of us have sinned. All of us have done things or had thoughts which grieve God. Sin is basically a matter of our will being contrary to God's will. It is rebellion, or perhaps just indifference to God. This separation means spiritual death. After we die we will face judgment and the penalty of an eternal spiritual death. All human beings are in the same sinking boat, unable to save themselves. It is God's opinion that counts—not ours. That's why we have to look to the Bible for answers.
Sample Questions:
Have you ever wanted to talk to God but he seemed far away? Would you agree that everyone has sinned at some point in life? How would you define sin? Can you identify with this? In your opinion, what are the consequences of sin? When you think of death, what do you think of? Can dead men do anything to save themselves? Do you have any questions about what we've looked at so far?
MAN GOD
John 10:10 Genesis 1:27
SIN Romans 3:23
DEATH Romans 6:23
JUDGMENT Hebrews 9:27
70
III. GOD’S REMEDY
Important Verses:
1 Peter 3:18 “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Romans 5:8 “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Others:
John 3:16 John 14:6 2 Peter 3:9
Major Points:
In spite of the fact that we have turned our backs on God he still loves us and desires that we know him personally. Even at their very best, people are still imperfect and cannot attain on their own the perfection needed to bridge the gap between mankind and God. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is God, but that he is also man. When Christ died voluntarily on the cross, he died in our place. He paid the penalty and the judgment for our sin so we could be forgiven. He died as our substitute. In Christ, God is saying, “I want you to know that I love you.” Christ is the only adequate bridge to cross the gulf between God and man.
Other religions try to show that man in himself can bridge the gap from imperfection to true fulfillment. The Christian faith is unique in showing how God alone proves that bridge Sample Questions:
If death can be defined as separation from God, what is life? Why did Christ die? Are you familiar with the death of Christ as it is reported in the Bible? What is your under-standing of who Christ is?
MAN GOD
John 10:10 Genesis 1:27
SIN Romans 3:23
DEATH Romans 6:23
JUDGMENT Hebrews 9:27
CHRIST
1 Peter 3:18 Romans 5:8
71
IV. MAN’S RESPONSE
Important Verses:
John 3:16 “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 5:24 (Jesus' words) “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.”
Others:
John 1:12 Ephesians 2:8-9 Revelation 3:20
Major Points:
Christ has made it possible to cross over to God's side, but we are not automatically l there. We need to take action that demonstrates our faith in what Christ has done. In prayer we need to (1) acknowledge to God our sinfulness, (2) ask his forgiveness because of what Christ has done, and (3) ask Christ to take charge of our lives. Believing in Christ means trust and commitment—to accept the fact that he has died in our place, and to let him become the person who controls our life. A gift can be free, but unless we reach out and take it, it is not ours. Eternal life in Christ is a gift from God. The right response is to accept and receive it.
Sample Questions:
What is given to us when we hear and believe? According to these verses, how does a person actually cross the bridge that Christ has provided? What does it mean to believe? What is the difference between knowing about a person and actually knowing him? Does this illustration of what Christ has done make sense to you? Do you have any questions about it? Where would you place yourself in this illustration -on the left side or on the right side? Is there any reason why you shouldn't cross over to God's side and be certain of eternal life?
MAN GOD
John 10:10 Genesis 1:27
SIN Romans 3:23
DEATH Romans 6:23
JUDGMENT Hebrews 9:27
CHRIST
1 Peter 3:18 Romans 5:8
72
A Prayer for Salvation If the person you are sharing
the gospel with indicates his readiness to repent of his sin and to trust Christ for salvation, suggest that the two of you pray together a prayer for salvation.
Discuss before you pray what the prayer can include, and perhaps write down the major points. You may want to first ask the person what he wants to include, then you could suggest other points.
This is an example of a prayer for salvation:
“Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a
sinner and that I need your forgiveness.
I know that without your forgiveness I you’re your judgment and eternal death.
I believe you love me and showed your love by sending your Son Jesus Christ to die for my sins. I trust in this alone to put me in a right relationship with you.
I ask you to take over my life and live within me.
I know I am not worthy of this, but I thank you for it.”
There are several ways to actually praying the prayer:
Pray aloud one phrase at a time, with the other person repeating each phrase after you. Have a few moments of silent prayer first before saying the prayer of salvation. Have the other person pray aloud on his own the prayer you have written down, and then you pray after he has finished. Some people may prefer to pray alone. If so, leave the written prayer with the person to pray on his own after you have gone. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Guidelines for Presenting the Bridge Rather than memorizing this or some other gospel presentation, learn the principles, ideas, verses, and key sentences. Make the presentation your own, and learn to adjust it to suit the personality and the needs of the person you are talking with. 1. Practice giving the presentation to another Christian. 2. Have an attitude of complete dependence on God. Pray silently before,
during, and after you share the gospel with someone. 3. If possible, make your presentation of the gospel at a time when you
aren't rushed and in a place where you are free from interruptions. 4. Draw the illustration as you talk. This helps maintain the non- Christian's
attention. 5. Be sensitive to the person's response. Ask yourself such questions as
these: Are certain parts of the illustration difficult for him to grasp? Does he have certain beliefs and practices that he is hesitant to
change? Does he seem to have absorbed about as much information as he can
at this time? 6. You may want to list on the flyleaf in your Bible the verses used in the
Bridge Illustration, in case you forget them. 7. Keep the illustration as simple as possible. 8. Ask lots of questions, and listen carefully to the answers. Always respect
the other person's opinion. 9. Don't argue about whether the Scriptures are reliable. If the issue comes
up, just say you want to at least look together at what the Scriptures say. 10. Rather than quote the verses yourself, have the non-Christian read them
aloud. But in case he would be embarrassed in trying to look them up, you will probably want to find each one for him.
11. Have the person agree with you on the meaning of each verse before going to the next one. Ask, “Does this make sense?” or, “Do you agree with that?”
12. Avoid religious jargon. Speak in everyday terms that you know a non-Christian can understand.
13. If a tough question arises, don't be afraid to say, “I don't know, but I'll try to find an answer.”
14. Relax, and use some humor if it seems natural. If you are nervous or uptight, the other person will be also.
15. Do not inconvenience the person with the amount of time you take. 16. Your ultimate goal is to bring the person to salvation in Christ. Proceed as
far in the presentation as the Holy Spirit gives you freedom. If the non-Christian is open to receive Christ, then pray with him at that time.
17. Respond to various reactions in an appropriate way.
His Reaction: Your Response: Eager and positive. Ask him to pray a salvation prayer with
you (or, if he prefers, by himself later. Make sure he knows how to receive Christ on his own.)
Seriously considering, but not ready to pray.
Ask him to think about what you have discussed, and then talk to him about it later. You may want to get him involved in an evangelistic Bible study.
Skeptical or negative. Maintain politeness and warmth, leaving a positive impression.
18. Remember that only the Spirit of God can convict someone of his need for salvation in Christ. Let your prayer and your speech reflect this fact.
73
