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Bearing gods Image

fall 2013: Personal Study Guide Ed Stetzer General Editor Trevin Wax Managing Editor

the gospel project for students

personal study guide, Fall 2013 volume 2, number 1 PRODUCTION and MINISTRY TEAM Vice President, Church Resources: Eric Geiger General Editor: Ed Stetzer Managing Editor: Trevin Wax content editor: Andy McLean DIRECTOR, STUDENT MINISTRY PUBLISHING: Jeff Pratt DIRECTOR, student ministry: Ben Trueblood Send questions/comments to: Content Editor, The Gospel Project for Students Personal Study Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0174, Or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com Send questions/comments to: Publishing Team Leader, The Gospel Project: Personal Study Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102; or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com. Printed in the United States of America

The Gospel Project for Students (ISSN 1939-0742; Item 005508013) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources. For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes, e-mail subscribe@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, e-mail orderentry@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWays doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189 USA. All rights reserved. Photos: iStockphoto and Getty Images

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unit 3

Gods Promise for Humanity

The son was weary and hungry. Eyeing the pods that the pigs enjoyed, his mind drifted back to the past. For a brief second he suppressed a subtle smile as he remembered the prodigal lifestyle of parties and plenty. Hed felt as though he had it all back then, but now he had nothing. His unappeased appetite suddenly and mercilessly awoke him from the daydreams of better days. Without warning a thought entered his mind, but it was too shameful even to entertain for a second. How could he return home after what he had done? He had left. He had rejected his fathers love by preferring the passing pleasures that an inheritance could afford. Surely there was no homecoming for a disrespectful and disgraced son. But he was tired of running and going hungry. He resolved to return but with a self-imposed condition, a sign of his contrition. He would return no longer a son but a slave. The story of the prodigal son is one of the most well-known biblical parables. Imagine the fear the son must have felt as he made his way back home. Consider the inner turmoil and questions that must have swirled within. How utterly shocking that the father would run to meet him and receive him back, not merely as a servant but as his beloved son. We are the prodigal son. We spend too much of our life eating with the pigs when the Fathers table is set. Because of the work Christ has done on our behalf, we can be reconciled to the Father and when return to Him, we will find Him waiting and welcoming. Read the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) and ask yourself which brother you most resemble. In what ways? How often do you spend time simply considering your adoption into the family of God? What responsibilities come with the truth of our adoption?

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SESSION 10

forever family

ave you ever seen the movie Lilo and Stitch? The movie is funny on many levels but actually makes a pretty big point. They use the term ohana, meaning family. Once you are ohana nothing can change that. At no point can you go fro being ohana to not being ohana. That is not what

families do. As the movie goes along we see Stitch, a loveable stuffed animallooking creature move from being a force of complete destruction to understanding he is capable of more than that. It is because of the love of Lilo that Stitch is able to change. This week we are going to explore this idea of ohana, or family, as it relates to our kingdom family. Once you are adopted by your Heavenly Father, life changes. As part of a new family there are new ways of life, traditions, and expectations. Much like Stitch, on our own we are destined for complete destruction. Thankfully, Christ stepped in and enabled us to become part of Gods family, and once you are part of His family, He considers you forever family.

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Ready Your Heart

On the Team
Galatians 3:27-29 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christs, then you are Abrahams offspring, heirs according to promise. When I was in high school, I played on the Varsity Soccer Team. I worked hard to make the team and earn a spot. I was proud of the fact that I made the Varsity team and wanted people to know. Back then, there wasnt any Facebook to update my status. I had no way to let people know that I was a Varsity athlete, with the exception of game days. Every other day I looked just like an ordinary student, but on game days I had a new identity. On game days, we got to wear our jerseys to school. That dirty and stained jersey was my badge of pride that I wasnt just any other studentI was one who was on the team. Galatians 3:27 tells us that when we come to Christ we are clothed in Christ. Just like the jersey gave me a new identity, our relationship with Christ gives us a new identity in Him. I can take comfort in knowing that I am in Christ and on His team. I didnt make His team because I was good enough but because He was good enough. Wearing that jersey changed the way I walked the halls. It gave me a confidence that I had succeeded at something. It also gave me access where others could not go. I was able to get to the front of the long lunch lines, into the locker room, and even into the stadium and onto the field. In a similar way, your new identity in Christ changes everything about youfrom the way you live your life and interact with others to the new desires and heart change you now have. Moreover, the new identity in Christ is much better than some dirty old jersey. He clothes us in His righteousness. Our new identity in Christ is identity that defines us, changes us, and leads us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Pause and Reflect

How do you define yourself? By your performance, or by what you do or dont do, or by whom you hangout with, etc.? How does it make you feel to know that your place on the team isnt based on you but on what Christ did for you? If you are Christian, how does knowing you are in Christ change the way you view yourself?

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Ready Your Heart

Bend It Like Beckham

Galatians 4:1-5 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. British soccer player David Beckham has had a storied career in soccer. He played for some of the most popular clubs in England and Spain. He has also played for his home country of England. He recently just finished playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy where he won several championships. If you watch the video footage of the championship ceremonies and celebrations, Davids children are on the stage sitting with him. The general public is lined up all around and filling the stands. Security guards and police are there to make sure people stay where they are supposed to be. And in the midst of all these professional athletes, superstars, and fans, these children sit enjoying the experience. They didnt get access or these privileges because of their ability to play soccer. They got there because of who their father is. These children got to participate and experience this incredible ceremony because their father is David Beckham. In Christ, we are sons and daughters of God. We have access to God and the throne room through Jesus death on the cross. I dont know if you have ever been turned away or not allowed because you didnt have credentials or a ticket. In Christ, we are not turned away from God. As Gods sons and daughters, we have the inheritance in God. We are not outsiders with no resources but rather the sons and daughters with access to the full resources and power of God. If you have ever been turned away, take comfort in knowing that our new identity in Christ defines us as Gods child. God draws you close to Him and pulls you past the caution tape. Take refuge in knowing that you are His child and your inheritance is based on Him.

Pause and Reflect

Have you been denied entrance somewhere because you didnt meet the requirements? How did that make you feel? How do you think a parent feels in regards to his or her childs future? How do you think God feels in regards to His childrens future?

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Ill take an Extra Large Cup of God, please

Galatians 4:6-7 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father! So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Sometimes I wait to the last minute to do my schoolwork. I like to tell myself that I work well under the pressure. I spread my books and papers out all over the table. I do some push-ups and get set for an all-nighter. The adrenaline and the excitement of staying up all night will only usually get me so far before I have to resort to other measures. I inevitably reach a point where I have to turn to coffee or an energy drink to carry me down the home stretch. Ill be delirious and dragging until I brew that Venti cup of Sumatran bold coffee. Once I have that coffee in me, theres a noticeable difference in my actions. Now, Im up and ready to face the world! When we come to Christ for the first time, he accepts us and sends His Spirit to live within us. At the moment of salvation, we have the Holy Spirit inside us. Without coffee, I couldnt stay up all night. Without the Holy Spirit, we cant make it through life. More than an energy drink, the Holy Spirit gives us the power we need to face the things we have to face. He is with you when you are going through good times and bad. Coffee can make us alert and wake us up, but it will ultimately wear off. The Holy Spirit indwells us and resides within us. We never walk alone, no matter what we are facing. The Holy Spirit is there to give us wisdom and instruction through the Word of God. He is also there to offer comfort and courage during our time of need. And He is there to produce within us a harvest of fruit and righteousness that apart from Him could not be present.

Pause and Reflect

How comforting is it to know that as a believer the Holy Spirit is always with you? Do you regularly pray for the fruits of the Holy Spirit to be present in your life? If no, why not? What fruit(s) would you like to see more of in your life right now?

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Because of our adoption in Christ, we are given a new...

In this lesson, we will explore the topic of adoption and its privileges. As earthly adoption involves a fundamental transfer of identity, so we will find that the gospel reality of adoption involves a radical transformation.

Identity.

Who are you? Such a short question, isnt it? But it is packed with layers of meaning. How should we respond? Some might highlight their academic or athletic accomplishments and awards. Others will choose to emphasize public perception and social status. They may boast of their gender, ethnicity, or physical attributes. Some identify themselves by what they do, what they own, or who they are with. But should our identity be defined by these things? What is at the core of our being?
As important as those things may be, they are secondary to the one foundation for identitythe gospel of Jesus Christ and our relationship to the triune God. We either relate to God by humbly trusting Him as Savior or persisting in rebellion against Him as our Judge. Either way, it is our relationship to God that constitutes the most fundamental aspect of our identity.  How can we tell whether or not we are basing our identity on something other than Christ?  In what ways does the picture of adoption help us understand our relationship to God? How does the picture of adoption change our relationship to one another in the church?
In Christ, we have been redeemed from slavery. But thats not all. There is a higher reward than redemption. We are not only ransomed and forgiven; we are also adopted into the Kings family! As Paul stated, we were redeemed so that we might receive adoption as sons. In other words, redemption is not an end in itself, but the path that leads us to a higher peak of Gods grace. The Son became sin to save us from sin and make us sons.

Inheritance.

In what ways can you think of adoption as a higher and greater benefit than even justification?  What do you think that the Bible means when it talks about an inheritance? What passages might we consider for greater explanation?

Though the word itself is not often used, the idea of adoption is all over the New Testament. Christ and the apostles constantly pointed to the unique sonship of believers. They often spoke of the beautiful relationship we now share with the Father. Whereas justification is a decree of righteousness, adoption is a declaration of belonging. It is an act of love (see Eph. 1) whereby God welcomes us into His family through the work of the Son.

What is a Christian? The question can be answered in many ways, but the richest answer I know is that a Christian is one who has God as Father. J.I. Packer

Spirit.

On this side of Pentecost, the indwelling presence of the Spirit is accomplished at the moment of salvation when we are born again. Indwelling refers to the Spirits permanent presence in the lives of those who have been justified and adopted into the family of God. At the time of our conversion, we are sealed by the Spirit. He is our down payment for future salvation, the first fruits of the blessing that will be ours when Jesus returns and restores all things.

I n what ways does the Holy Spirit testify to the relationship between God and His children? How does the truth of the Holy Spirits presence in our lives affect our actions? W  hat are the dangers in failing to recognize the fatherhood and friendship of God? What are the dangers in failing to recognize His lordship and authority? Where do you find yourself most often?

Conclusion The gospel is such rich and robust good news. We who are dead

are given life. We who are dirty are cleansed. We who were children of wrath are made sons of the living God. In the gospel we find unceasing treasures of Gods grace. Through the gift of adoption, we have found hope and help. Orphans are adopted, slaves are made sons. Through faith in Christ, we have received a new identity, a new inheritance, and the indwelling presence of God Himself.  How does this lesson change the way you see yourself? How does it change the way you see others?  What is the danger of finding your identity in something, or someone, other than Christ?

Encore

forever family Because of our adoption in Christ, we are given a new...

1. IDENTITY (Gal. 3:27-29). Who are you? Such a short question, isnt it? But it is packed with layers of meaning. How should we respond? Some might highlight their academic or athletic accomplishments and awards. Others will choose to emphasize public perception and social status. They may boast of their gender, ethnicity or physical attributes. Some identify themselves by what they do, what they own, or who they are with. But should our identity be defined by these things? What is at the core of our being? The Scriptures speak often to the question of identity. But the root of identity lies not in performance, looks, intellect, or personality. As important as those things may be, they are secondary to the one foundation for identitythe gospel of Jesus Christ and our relationship to the triune God. We either relate to God by humbly trusting Him as Savior or persisting in rebellion against Him as our Judge. Either way, it is our relationship to God that constitutes the most fundamental aspect of our identity. We were hopeless and helpless in our state of sin. But God. What a profound transition in two words! Our rescue and restoration of identity begins and ends with Jesus Christ. But God. Such sweet words usher us into the beautiful reality known as adoption. 2. INHERITANCE (Gal. 4:1-5). Would you rather be a slave or a son? Thats not a very difficult question to answer, is it? We all recognize that sonship comes with fundamental privileges not afforded to slaves. Even more, slavery is marked by the sins of injustice and oppression. But sonship is beautiful and freeing. The Bible uses the illustration of slavery to get across our relationship to sin and the law. Jesus declared that man is naturally enslaved to sin (John 8:34). In the passage above, Paul stated that mankind was in slavery under the elemental forces of the worlda phrase paralleled with the law a few verses later. The law enslaved us by holding out the promise but not the power of redemption. If you obey was its condition, but our fallen nature couldnt meet the requirement. The laws purpose was to lead us to a posture of humble recognition that we are in need of Gods grace. This passage contrasts two modes of being, two forms of obedience, two fundamental identities: servants and sons. Servanthood is based upon works. Sonship is based upon grace. As a result of sin, mankind is enslaved not only to sin, but also to the wages of sindeath. This is our rightful inheritance as sons of the domain of darkness. But in Christ, we have been transferred to a new kingdom of light (Col. 1:13-14). We are now heirs of the King, co-heirs with Christ. How does the Bible define adoption? The Greek words for adoption or adopted occur five times in the New Testament, each time by the apostle Paul. Though the word itself is not often used, the idea of adoption is all over the New Testament. Christ and the apostles constantly pointed to the unique sonship of believers. They often spoke of the beautiful relationship we now share with the Father.
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Encore

3. Spirit (Gal. 4:6-7). A final truth we see in this passage is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This presence is a great privilege of the gospel. Jesus alludes to the Spirits presence in John 14:17, and this promise became a reality for His disciples at Pentecost. Throughout the Old Testament and the gospels, the Spirit was active. He was present and actively involved in the creation of the world (Gen. 1:2; Ps. 33:6), He empowered prophets, priests and kings (Num. 11:25; 1 Sam. 16:13) and breathed the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21). The Spirit came upon the Old Testament people of God (and occasionally even those who were not His people), but His work in the Old Testament should not be confused with His permanent indwelling in the New. This side of Pentecost, the indwelling presence of the Spirit is accomplished at the moment of salvation when we are born again. Indwelling refers to the Spirits permanent presence in the lives of those who have been justified and adopted into the family of God. At the time of our conversion, we are sealed by the Spirit. He is our down payment for future salvation, the firstfruits of the blessing that will be ours when Jesus returns and restores all things. Consider the following passages to see the picture of indwelling that emerges from the Scriptures: The effects of the Spirit are many. They include sanctification, perseverance, boldness, the fruit of the Spirit, etc. But Galatians 4 (see also Rom. 8:15) highlights a particular benefit or ministry of the SpiritHis expression of our new relationship with the Father. The Spirit testifies to a particular reality: we are sons and daughters of God. Through adoption, the Lord God is no longer just Master and King, but He is also faithful Father and Friend. The combination of both of these perspectives is essential to a healthy relationship with God. Many of us tend toward one aspect and neglect the other. Recognizing His transcendence, we forget His immanence. Seeing His grace, we neglect His justice. Both perspectives need to be upheld. Conclusion The gospel is such rich and robust good news. We who are dead are given life. We who are dirty are cleansed. We who were children of wrath are made sons of the living God. At some time, we are all orphans. Like little Oliver Twist, we were exposed to the world, vulnerable to the whims of others, and subject to our own fleshly desires. The law was an orphanage to discipline us for something greater. Left at the mercy of the merciless, we were hopeless and helpless. But God. In the gospel we find unceasing treasures of Gods grace. Through the gift of adoption, we have found hope and help. Orphans are adopted, slaves are made sons. Through faith in Christ, we have received a new identity, a new inheritance, and the indwelling presence of God Himself. Now, our mission in the world is empowered by the Spirits presence in our lives as He prompts us to share the good newsthe message of spiritual adoption through faith in Christ. To God be the glory! I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you (John 14:18).

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