B. Indication 2 – .

SHARE 1. Matt. 7:20 - According to Jesus, how can His true disciples be recognized?
Infant need: Share your life, new truth, new habits
By their fruits
1
2. Gal. 5:22-23 - What is the fruit of disciple according to this verse of scripture?
ESSENTIALS OF NEW LIFE
Fruit here speaks of the personality of Christ which has the nine qualities- love,
I. KNOWING YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control.
The Christian life begins when a person meets Jesus Christ through the Word of God and
3. 1 Jn. 3:14-18 – What is the essential personality trait that indicates we have
the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and personally receives Him as Savior and Lord.
passed out of condemnation into the Kingdom of God?
Your spiritual both can be compared to your physical birth. So in order to grow, we need
LOVE. See Jn. 13:35; Rom. 13:10; Col. 1:13. Love is the very heart of God’s nature
to master the Word of God. Spiritual growth takes place as we read and apply God’s
(1 Jn. 4:7-7, 16). In fact, the various qualities of Gal. 5:22-23 can be considered as
Word to our lives. Two basics of Christian growth taught in the Bible are knowing GOD’s
the different facets of love.
PLAN OF SALVATION and HAVING ASSURANCE OF SALVATION. .
a. LOVE - the nature of being which cares and concerns itself with the other.
The reason for reviewing God’s plan of salvation is to clarify it in our minds, and to assure
b. JOY – love at play, the active expression of the inner self of delight and
us that we are truly children of God and that Jesus Christ is in our lives.
contentment is being in the will of God in whatever circumstances.
c. PEACE – love at rest, the inner self abiding, comfortable, and unperturbed
What is the Gospel?
in its union with God.
d. PATIENCE – (longsuffering) love’s reaction towards offenders.
The word gospel means “ GOOD NEWS ”.
e. KINDNESS – (g: chrestotes) love expressing its concern in compassion and
gentleness.
Good News that Jesus Christ
f. GOODNESS – (g: agathosune) love expressing its concern for the true
benefit of the other proceeding in the way of gentleness or sternness as the
a. DIED ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS
occasion warrants.
g. FAITHFULNESS – love in its characteristic of unchangeability,
b. THAT HE WAS BURIED
trustworthiness, and loyalty in its relation to the other.
h. MEEKNESS – love’s expression in subservience to God’s purpose and
c. AND THAT HE IS ALIVE TODAY TO PROVE THAT HE REALLY BROUGHT US
procedure instead of the self.
SALVATION.
i. SELF-CONTROL – (temperance, fortitude, forbearance) love’s reaction to
difficulty expressed in persevering to its intended goal.
What Are the Essential Elements of the Gospel?
4. 1 Jn. 3:17-18 – There are many kinds of love. There is sexual love (g: EROS).
Brotherly love (g: PHILIA). Then there is divine love which is not in human nature
but is produced by the Holy Spirit at a new birth (Rom. 5:5; Gal. 5:22), (g: AGAPE).
This is the love which is a sure indication of salvation.

2
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2 4
II. The Purpose of the Question
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BIBLE
IN DAILY LIFE The evaluation of the question of whether we can know for sure if we are part of
the Kingdom of light or still in darkness has led us to a deeper understanding of
THE HOLY BIB LE salvation. However, a further question can be asked. What is the importance of
setting the matter of whether we are already saved or not?
What Book gives us the knowledge of God? The BIBLE. We also call it the A. Why should we know whether we are already saved or not?
WORD OF GOD , SCRIP TURE , THE BREAD OF LIFE . It comes from a holy God; it was (Let each one give his opinion without necessarily reacting to it.)
written by HOLY MEN OF GOD .; it was given inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT , who is
its Divine Author; it concerns itself with HOLY THINGS and was written so that we B. Purpose 1 – Prov. 27:1 –What is the purpose of settling this question
might live HOLY LIVES . It was penned by some 40 HUMAN AUTHORS according to this verse?
from many walks of life. According to this verse, we can never be sure about tomorrow to settle the
question of our eternal destiny. WE NEED TO BE SURE OF OUR ETERNAL
The Bible teaches was written over a period of 1,500 years, originally in three ARRANGEMENTS WHILE WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY . 2 Cor. 6:2 says now is
languages: The Old Testament primarily in HEBREWS with a small section of ARAMAIC the day of salvation.
, and the New Testament in GREEK. But it occupies itself with one major theme- the -If we are not sure of our standing in regard to our eternal destiny, what should
REDEMPTION OF HUMAN BEINGS. we do?

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BIBLE: We need to be born-again (Jn. 3:3), without which no one can see the Kingdom of
God, which means to be born of water and Spirit (Jn. 3:5). To be born of water
1. THE BIBLE ‘S UNIQUE CONTINUITY . means to be born of the Word of God, water in the Bible is being used as a
symbol of he Word because water has to do with physical cleansing and the Word
2. THE BIBLE ‘S UNIQUE CIRCULATION . has to do with the spiritual cleansing (see: Jn. 15:3; Eph. 5:26; 1 Pet. 1:23; Tit. 3:5;
Rom. 1:16-17; 2 Tim. 3:15).
3. THE BIBLE’S TRANSLATIONS . The Word tells us we are sinners deserving only death (Rom. 3:23; 6:23), and the
way to salvation is to accept Jesus as the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins
4. THE BIBLE’S SURVIVAL . (Rom. 3:21-25). This is the first part of salvation – trusting the merits of Jesus as
Savior.

THE BIBLE’S CLAIM FOR ITSELF To be born of Spirit means to have the life of God given to us by His Spirit. A new
c nature is given to us within, made in the image of His Son and the Holy Spirit
1. THE BIBLE IS THE VERY VOICE OF GOD . (John 12:47-48; Matt 5:18) indwells us (see: 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:9-10; Tit. 3:5).
The second part of salvation is to surrender our whole beings to Jesus as Lord. He
2. THE BIBLE IS VERY INFLUENTIAL . (Jer. 5:14/ Jer 23:29) is the Master of our life, no longer the self. He, then, changes our inner nature
and gives us His Spirit.
3. THE BIBLE IS LIFE-GIVING . (John 6:63)
C. Purpose 2 – Rev. 12:10-11- In this passage, what is another purpose for this
4. THE BIBLE IS A SWORD FOR BATTLES . (Eph 6:17) study?
SO WE CAN WITHSTAND THE DECEPTION OF THE ENEMY . The enemy desires
5. THE BIBLE IS A PROBING INSTRUMENT . (Heb 4:12’ Mark 7:14-23) to make us give up in our Christian life by telling us we have lost our salvation and
God no longer love us because we sometimes fail Him. Our defense is to use the
Word (Matt.4:1-11; Eph. 6:10-17; esp. Eph. 6:17). We are children of God not
 because of our perfection (Christ’s), and we are still developing in perfection (2
Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:28-30).
6
17
3. STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD (2 Tim 2:15) 6
6
Basics of Bible Study. In order for your Bible study to be meaningful and life-
changing, you should follow these six basic guidelines:
SUBJECT: THE CERTIFICATION OF KINGDOM LIFE
THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
1. Your study must be CONSISTENT .
OBJECTIVE:
2. Your study must be SYSTEMATIC .
3. Your study must be CONTAIN ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION . I. To see if we can be sure of our status in the Kingdom of God
4. You must record your OBSERVATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS ON PAPER . II. To examine the benefits of knowing our status in the Kingdom
5. Your study must be APPLIED TO YOUR LIFE . III. To study the indication which signify we are part of the Kingdom
6. Your study must be PASS-ON-ABLE .
STUDY:
Methods of Bible Study: I. The Evaluation of the Question
A question which has been discussed often is if we can be certain at the point of
a) QUESTION-AND-ANSWER BIBLE STUDIES. death of our destination. Will we be with the Lord forever? Another way of
b) CHAPTER ANALYSIS BIBLE STUDIES putting it is, can it be certified that I am a member of God’s Kingdom now?
c) TOPICAL BIBLE STUDIES A. Some say we can never be sure about our salvation until after death. Some
d) BIOGRAPHICAL BIBLE STUDIES point to the verse Phil. 2:12, “…work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling…”

4. MEMORIZING THE WORD OF GOD (Ps. 119:89,111) B. Others say we can be sure the moment we give our lives to Jesus, accepting
Him as Lord and Savior. This point to Eph. 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been
5. MEDITATING ON THE WORD OF GOD (Joshua 1:8) saved through faith…”

C. Therefore, the Bible enjoins us to see for ourselves.

HOW DO WE APPLY BIBLE TRUTHS TO OUR LIVES? 1. 2 Cor. 13:5 – What does this verse tell us to do?
It tells us to examine ourselves, if we are in the faith which is the same as
The Bible admonishes us to be doers of the Word of God, not hearers only (see saying if Christ is in us or if we have eternal life. (See also: 1 Jn. 5:12)
James 1:22). The only way this can be made practical is through specific application 2. 1 Jn. 5:13 - What is the purpose that John wrote this letter?
of what we see in God’s Word. 3. Optional – See also: 2 Pet. 1:10
1. God may speak to you from HIS WORD . D. When we closely examine the teaching of the Bible with regards to salvation,
we will find that salvation has three stages which accounts for the seeming
2. God may also speak to you concerning a SPECIFIC SIN IN YOUR LIFE . contradiction.

1. Stage 1 – JUSTIFICATION .
3. God may also speak to you about your RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PEOPLE .
 Jn. 5:24 – According to this verse, 3 happens when someone believes the gospel.
a. He has eternal life
b. He does not come into judgment.
c. He has passed out of death into life.

15 8
5
WHAT CONSTITUTES THE DEVOTIONAL TIME? VICTORIOUS LIVING
Two (2) basic things are involved in our times alone with God READING THE WORD
CHECKLIST FOR VICTORY
and PRAYER .
1. BE SURE OF YOUR STANDING IN CHRIST
Every new Christina should be certain of his standing in Christ. It will be impossible
to build anything into his life if he is unsure of his salvation. The blessed assurance
HOW TO BEGIN HAVING DEVOTIONAL TIMES
of eternal life and forgiveness of sin is basic to an abundant Christian life. (2Cor
13:5)
Some practical guidelines as you begin your devotional times:
2. BE CONSISTENT IN DEVOTIONS AND PRAYERS
1. DETERMINE TO SET ASIDE SOME TIME EACH DAY TO BE ALONE WITH GOD .
As has been explained before, devotions and prayer are the basic elements of
developing true communication with God. It is essential that the habit of daily
2. SPEND THE FIRST PART OF YOUR TIME READING AND THE SECOND HALF PRAYING
involvement in these actions be developed. (1Pet 2:2; Phil 4:6-7)
Using the acrostic ACTS:
3. BE CONSISTENT IN FELLOWSHIP
The new Christian must understand the importance of fellowship and church
A - ADORATION .
involvement. An isolated Christian will usually grow cold and defeated. There is a
C - CONFESSION .
dynamic for Christian growth found in the fellowship of Christians. (Heb. 10:24-25)
T - THANKSGIVING .
S - SUPPLICATION .
4. BE SURE YOU ARE FILLED.
It is important that the new Christian be certain he is filled with God’s Holy Spirit,
for He is the source of all power for living and of change in our lives. Ephesians 5:18
The Hand Illustration pictures the means we have of taking in the Word of God for
clearly shows us that the filling of the Holy Spirit is a continuous process. The verb
ourselves (Figure 1)
be filled really means “be ye being filled” and thus shows a continuing action.

Three (3) conditions for Filling of the Holy Spirit:

a. DESIRE – We must really want God to control our lives.

b. SURRENDER – We must prove our desire by surrendering the control of our
lives to Him.
c. CLEANSING – We must deal with any unconfessed sin as prerequisite to
being filled, because God cannot fill an unclean vessel.

5. LEARN TO DEAL WITH TEMPTATION AND SIN.

 It is necessary for the new Christian to understand that temptation is not sin, but
rather the initial urging to commit sin. He should realize that God promises to give
him victor y over sin if he will look to Him for strength and deliverance. (1Cor
10:13/ 1John 1:9)
13
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour,
Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss
and a great chain in his hand.
Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan,
and bound him for a thousand years,
Rev 20:3 and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he
should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after
this he must be loosed for a little time.
1. THE FLESH . This source refers to the old sin nature within us. This old nature
fights a lifelong battle with the new nature of the Christian, seeking to get the
Christian to fall into old habits of life and become selfish. We Christian must learn to
expect temptation from this source and how to deal with them. The following verses
identify this source.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that
are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:
Rom 8:7 because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to
the law of God, neither indeed can it be:
Rom 8:8 and they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life
because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you,
he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies
through his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Rom 8:12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh:
Rom 8:13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death
the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for
these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.
Gal 5:18 But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness,
10
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions,
parties,
Gal 5:21 envying’s, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you,
even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the
kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions
and the lusts thereof.
Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.
Gal 5:26 Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one
another.
2. . This source of temptation involves the subtle attempt to
conform a Christian to the attitudes and atmosphere of his environment. These
are the temptation to look for: security in possessions or accomplishments:
viewing life as livable apart from vital relationship to God
Joh 16:33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the
world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Rom 12:2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by
the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and
perfect will of God.
1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after
have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many
sorrows.
1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love
the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and
the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
 1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will Himself. God the Father is glorified when the Son is exalted (Phil. 2:5-11). Thus, we know
of God abidethfor ever. something truly comes from God when the son Jesus is the focus of attention because he
is the way to communion with God (Jn.14:6; Acts 4:12).

As sure test to know if the spirit is truly speaking is that, He will speak of and glorify Jesus.
Note in Jn. 16:13-14, “…when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes… He shall …”

11
What is the characteristic of this kind of love? 20
It is love in and in .
MAKE DISCIPLES WHO MAKE DISCIPLES
a. True love means a natural desire from a changed nature, therefore genuine, not simply
a forced resolve which is inconsistent with my desire. Disciple Shift: Five Steps that help your church to make disciples who make disciples
b. Loving in truth means it is a desire for the good of the other, not simply an uncaring (Exponential series)
expression of “good works”.
c. Genuine love is that which is expressed in action, not simply thoughts or words.
d. Christian love is that which seeks nothing in return.
e. True love is that which cannot be turned away by rebuff, by ingratitude, by wrong doing,
by hatred or by persecution. It never fails. (See: 1 Cor. 13; Rom. 12:9-21)

He who is truly born-again will have the personality traits of Christ within him in his new
nature. He will experience genuine love for others and begin to express this in this service.
He will not be perfect in all of them. There will be different degrees of development of
these traits in him. Yet, it will all be there no matter how small. As he continues over time
in his walk with the Lord, these will grow and mature in him. A quick comparison with
one’s character before the new birth and after will prove this.

C. Indication 3 – .

1. Jn. 8:31-32 – What is the indication in this passage of scripture that one is a true disciple
according to Jesus?

2. Jn. 5:39 – According to Jesus, who is the subject of the scripture before His coming?

3. While He was physically on earth, how did He say He would continue His teaching after
He was gone?

He would continue speaking through the Holy Spirit.

4. Of whom would the Holy Spirit speak, according to Jesus?

 The Christian life is a life no longer lived for the self but for Jesus Christ. The self is no
longer the center, rather Christ is the center. This is the meaning of being born-again.
By a miracle which occurs God which has its center Christ not self (1 Cor. 5:17). This
does not mean we are already perfect at this point, which is misunderstood by some.
Clearly 1Jn. 1:8 states that anyone who claims perfection is a liar. However, it does
mean there is radical change in our life that we no longer live for self but for Christ.
This is full 180 degree change of direction in life.
To live for Christ is my desire and my delight.
Thus, I know I have a new nature which is a gift of God. Christ is the center of my life.
(See Gal. 2:20).

1
Remember when our children make mistakes, we do not disown them but rather we
teach, then correct them, and chastise them (if needed be) to make them like us in
character. So also with God (see: Eph. 4:11-13; Jam. 1:2-4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 12:1-
11).
18
When we present the Gospel to other people, what do we share with them? We
present to them the same set of facts from the Scriptures that were presented to us
when we received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

D. Purpose 3 – Heb. 6:1-2 – What is another purpose not put forth in this passage? 1. The first fact everyone needs to know is that all men are .
. 2. The Bible not only confronts us with the fact of sin, it also states there is a
We must remember that entering the kingdom is important but we must go on to . (Rom 6:23; Rom 5:12)
manifest the glory of the Kingdom in our lives by learning to live by the ways
3. After death comes judgment. Just as men are destined to die, they are destined
and powers of the Kingdom (Matt. 5:13-16).
to stand judgment. (Heb. 9:27) No one escapes death; all of us will certainly die
someday, .
E. Purpose 4 – 2 Cor. 13:5 – What purpose does this verse point out?
4. God, however, had a plan to get us out of this hopeless and helpless situation,
.
The true Christian is he that abides in the Word of God – it is the foundation for his . (Rom 5:8)
being, it is the joy of his soul, it is his guide for life (Jn. 8:31-32; Jer. 15:16; 2 Tim. 5. is not something we can earn or deserve. (Eph.
3:16-17). Remember that God’s Word is the basis for God’s blessing (see: Psa. 1). 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7) Salvation and eternal life are a free gift.
6. This last step is vital, . We can
III. The Indications of the Question understand and even acknowledge that we are sinners, that a death penalty is
The question that needs to be settled at this point is what the indications are that a hanging over our heads, that a judgment is coming, that Jesus Christ died for us,
person is truly saved. What are the tests that certify that person is a genuine and that salvation is a free gift. But unless we open our hearts and let Jesus Christ
member of the Kingdom of God? Although there many signs that one is a bonafide in as Savior and Lord, we still don’t have His salvation. We are still in our sins and
member of the Kingdom of light, we will only examine the essential ones. under God’s judgment. (John 1:12)

A. Indication 1 – . II. THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

1. PHI 1:21- How does Paul describe his life in this passage?
Paul describes his life as being in Christ, which means that his whole life lived under We can have assurance of salvation, that is, we can know we have eternal life for
the Lordship of Christ. What he does, why he does it, where he does it (doing whether these six reasons:
in thought, word or deed). 1. . - (1John 5:13)
2. – (Romans 8:16-17)
2. 2 Cor. 5:14-15 - How is Christian life described here?
3. – (2 Cor 5:17)
 4. – (1John 3:14)
5. – (1Thes 1:8-9) 3. Stage 3 – .
6. – (1John 3:3-7; Titus Rom. 8:23 (Read all Rom. 8:18-23, but focus on v.23) – What is the future stage of
2:11-12) salvation as pointed out in this passage?

The Bible commands us to make our calling and election sure (1 Peter 1:10). It also
tells us to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith (2Cor 13:5).
Throughout history the Church’s strength has been that all true Christians knew they
had eternal life.
3
For further reference, see also Jn. 3:18, Eph. 2:8-9. This means that we have been saved
from the penalty of sin. This is the past aspect of salvation, termed as JUSTIFICATION.
The believer will be delivered from all bodily infirmity and his body will be raised
incorruptible as that of the Lord at His resurrection. According to Rom. 8:29-30, the
believer will be brought into entire conformity with Christ.
For further reference, see: 1 Thess 5:8; 1 Pet. 3:5; 1 Cor. 15:42-44. Thus, we shall be
saved from the presence of sin, referred to as glorification. This is the future aspect.
16

-What happen to the penalty for our sin? THE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE
Rom. 4:25 says Jesus took the penalty for sins. (Further references: Rom. 8:32; Eph. 5:2;
Heb. 9, 27, 28) Paul declared, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16)
-Can we do anything on our own to pay back God for the penalty for sins?
Isa. 64:6 says, all our righteous deeds are filthy rags. (Ref.: Rom. 5:6-8; Jer. 17:9; Tit. 3:5) Let’s examine 3 basic truths about inspiration:

2. Stage 2 – .
1. . (2 Tim 3:16)
1 Cor. 1:18 (NAS, NIV, RSV, TEV); Phil. 2:12 – What happens to the believer according to 2. . (Jer 1:9)
this verse? 3. . (John 17:17)
Further reference, if required: 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Pet. 3:18. The believer, although already
WHY DID GOD GIVE US THE BIBLE?
saved from the penalty of sin, is undergoing a process of salvation. This is the present
aspect. 1. The Bible was given to reveal . (John 20:31)
2. The Bible was given to reveal . (2 Tim 3:15)
Rom. 8:12-14 – What are we saved from by the Holy Spirit?
3. The Bible was given to . (1Pet 2:2-3)
We are being saved from the “deeds of the body” or the habits of the old sinful nature 4. The Bible was given to . (Eph 5:26)
(see also Col. 3:5-11; Gal. 5:16-24). When we look at the context of the word salvation in
Phil. 2:12, we find in v.3 that salvation is from acts that stems from selfishness or empty 5. The Bible was given to . (1John 5:14-15; Ps 32:8)
conceit, and in v.4 acts like grumbling or disputing, not salvation from the penalty of sin – 6. The Bible was given to . (1Pet 3:15)
hell. Thus, we are being saved from the power of sin, also referred to as sanctification.
The first stage of salvation is a one-time happening; the second stage is an ongoing HOW DO WE LEARN BIBLE TRUTHS?
process.
1. (Acts 2:42; Rom 10:17)
A person who has entered the Kingdom (alternatively called ‘saved’ or ‘born-again’) has 2. (1 Tim 4:13)
the life of God implanted in Him that he matures in the likeness of Christ, increasing in
holiness. 3 Requirements are necessary for reading the Scripture with understanding:
 directions whether he feels like it or not. This is the only way his faith will survive
1. We are to read . through periods of great trials, when the external emotions are negative. (Col 2:6)

2. We are to read . (Psalm 119:18 KJV)

3. We are to read . Reference Book:

The Dynamics of Personal Follow-up – by Gary W. Kuhne

5 14
1. DEVELOP THE HABIT OF OBEDIENCE. 3 HOW TO SPEND PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
He needs the attitude of willing obedience in all that God commands and directs him
to do. By being disciplined and persistent, the new Christian will succeed in
following God’s will as a habit of life. (1 John 3:22) The only way to build a relationship with someone is to spend high quality time with
that person. This principle applies to our spiritual lives as well. In order to get to
2. STAY IN THE CENTER OF GOD’S PLAN. know God and have a fulfilling relationship with Him, we must spend high quality time
with Him. This is usually called the or .
It is only when a Christian is consciously living in the center of God’s will for his life WHAT IS THE DEVOTIONAL TIME?
that he has the full and abundant life God promises to believers. God’s plan for our
lives is good in all respects and perfect. (Col. 3: 15a) The devotional time is a special time each day, preferable the first thing in the
morning, set aside for , , and ,
3. BECOME AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS. through the Word and through prayer.

It is necessary for everyone who truly desires to grow in Christ to be involved in It is a time for:
witnessing. A good way of witnessing will be developed and use of a personal
evangelistic testimony. (Acts 1:8) and .

4. GROW IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD. It is time for:

and for .
Knowledge of God’s Word is intimately tied into growth in Christ. Although
knowledge alone will not produce growth, all the other elements of growth already One of the most important aspects of the devotional time is .
noted, without knowledge, will be unable to produce true maturity. There needs to (Psalm 42:1-2; Psalm 27:4)
be a good balance in the new believer’s life. (2 Tim 3:16,17)
The devotional life is a . (Phil 3:10)
5. LIVE BY FAITH.
WHY IS THE DEVOTIONAL TIME NECESSARY?
He must learn to place his faith in what God says rather than what he feels. This is Why do we need to spend daily time with God? Two major reasons make it
the only way he will ever become consistently obedient, consistent in devotions and important:
prayer, and consistent in all of the other elements of effective Christians living. He
must learn to trust God’s Word as having the answers to his problems and obey its 1. WE DEMONSTRATE TO CHRIST THAT WE LOVE HIM.
 2. WE NEED THE DEVOTIONAL TIME FOR OUR OWN SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING

A regular devotional time is of inestimable value to our spiritual lives for Three (3)
reasons:

1. IT PROVIDES . (Job 23:12; Eph 3:16)

2. IT PROVIDES . (Psalm 119:9,11)
3. IT PROVIDES . (Jer 15:16)

7
A. F CONDITION FOR VICTORY- The bible outlines for us the general conditions for 12
achieving victory over temptation.
4
1. Be . In many cases a Christian is defeated because he was not alert to the HOW TO DEAL TEMPTATION
possibility of temptation. The Christian feels either of two ways: he is immune
to being tempted or he can successfully fight any temptation that might come B. CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDS WHAT TEMPTATIONS ACTUALLY ARE?
about. These are dangerous attitudes and lead so much defeat. Alert him to the 1. 1Co 10:13 There isn't any temptation that you have experienced which is
source of temptation and challenge him to be on guard against them. 1 unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow
Cor.16:13; 1 Pet.5:8; Rev. 3:2 you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted,
he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of
2. Be . A Christian can never successfully defeated temptation in his escape.
own strength. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that victory become
possible Acts 1:8; Eph. 5:18; Phil. 4:13 2. The new believer must understand how to deal with temptation if he is ever
going to become a mature Christian. Temptation is the initial urging a person
3. Be . Temptation must be dealt with when it arises. Don’t put it off. feels to commit sin. In itself, temptation in not sin. However, if not dealt with
Scripture shows a definite progression of events leading from temptation to sin. correctly, it can become sin rapidly. In many cases. New Christian feel that
James 1:14,15 temptation is sin and that to have been tempted is to have sinned but the
book of James 1: 13-15 explain to us what temptation actually are?
4. . A growing knowledge of God’s Word will directly affect the
victory we achieve. 1 Cor. 10:13; Psalm 119:11; 2 Tim. 2:22; Matt.4:1-11; James Jam 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God
4:7 cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempted no man:
Jam 1:14 but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust,
5. . In dealing with temptation. Christian is developing the and enticed.
habits of living by faith. He must do what God says regardless of how he feels. Jam 1:15 Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin,
Col.2:6 when it is full-grown, bringeth forth death.

6. . Prayer plays an essential role in achieving in the against C. SOURCES OT TEMPTATION – The bible teaches that temptation to sin come
temptation Matt.26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 22:40 from three sources.
 1. (the devil). Satan is clearly shown in scripture as a source of 3. We need to . (Psalm 90:1-2)
temptation of sin. From the opening book of Genesis to the closing book of 4. We need to . (Psalm 39:4)
Revelation. We see Satan at work seeking to deceive and tempt people to sin
5. We are to .
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which 6. We are to .
Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye
shall not eat of any tree of the garden?
Gen 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, Of the fruit of the trees of
the garden we may eat:
Gen 3:3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God
hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
Gen 3:5 for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes
shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.

9 30
4 6.1 Every Christians has the responsibility to discover his or her gifts and to
GOD’S PLAN FOR A COMMITTED DISCIPLE’S LIFE exercise them for the benefit of the body of Christ. How do we discover our
gifts? Here are some guidelines:
The Bible exhorts us, “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and
1. .
go on to maturity. Let us not lay again the foundation of repentance from acts that leads
to death and of faith in God.” (Heb. 6:1)
2. _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________.
THE POTENTIALS OF OUR LIVES
Our lives have three basic potentials:
3. _____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________.
1. .
2. .
4. .
3. .

GOD’S CLAIM ON OUR LIVES

7. We are to .
Because God is God, He has a claim on our lives by virtue of:
7.1 Three (3) barriers to fruitfulness
1. .
2. .
A. .
3. .
B. .
WHAT IS GOD’S PLAN FOR US? (8)
C. .
1. We are to .
2. We are to .
 8. We are to . (Mark 16:15) 3. . (Luke 9:24)
4. (Matt 4:19; 8:22)
5. (John 13:34-35)
6. . (John 8:31-32)
7. . (Luke 14:33)

3 6
THE IMPORTANCE OF
BEING CHRIST’S DISCIPLE
Jesus Christ gave His last command to His followers just prior to His ascension: “All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given Me. Therefore go and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with
you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20). This command often called
the Great Commission, applies to Christians in all generations.
THE CONCEPT OF DISCIPLESHIP
The simplest definition of a disciple is that he or she is a ,a
Jesus declared that His disciples were to follow Him wholeheartedly. Christian discipleship
is an ____________________ to __________________ as . think things over, we continue to do things and the more we get confused, this results in
THE TERMS OF DISCIPLESHIP
28
31
The Daily Life: The Basic Attitude to Daily Living
A. Introduction
Many times, we have learned so many things. We go from one Bible study to another.
Sometimes, the danger is, we have listened to so many people and learned so many
things that it has made our knowledge of the things of God so complicated, we forget
the basic things. And sometimes we’re good in the little things – that little thing I learned
here, that little I learned there. But we do not have the consistency for living that we
might have a steadfast, a stable and a consistent walk through life.
Many times, also, the focus of our lives and our concern is our material life because we
live in a third world country. In the Philippines, this is a problem to us – the basic
necessities of life. And sometimes we tend to run after these basic necessities of life.
. Once we worry about them, we begin to do the wrong things because firstly, our minds
get darkened because worry is the major problem of inspiration and wisdom and
secondly, once our minds get darkened, we get confused and instead of stopping to
discouragement and finally in defeat or despair. That is the reason why it is very
important to know the basic attitude to life.

Becoming a disciple doesn’t happen by osmosis. It comes through a commitment to the In this study, we will be looking at the basic attitude to daily living so that we may have a
terms of discipleship. Each one of us must evaluate our own lives in light of Jesus’ consistent and steadfast daily life. Let us read MATT 6, verses 19-34. This passage can be
requirements. divided into three parts. Verses 19-24 give us basic foundation to daily life. Verses 25-32
tell us the basic avoidance of our life and verses 33-34 tell us our basic occupation for
1. . (Luke 14:26) daily living.
2. . (Matthew 16:24)
 B. Basic Foundation for Daily Life 2. . (Prov. 11:14)
1. MATT 6:19-24 (also COL 3:1-2) – What is the first principle of the life of a Christian, 3. . (Mark 10:21)
given in these verses? 4. JESUS IS LORD WHETHER WE WANT HIM TO BE OR NOT.

The first principle is that his mind should be set on heavenly things, not on things of this WHY DO WE NOT WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE CHRIST AS LORD?
earth. That also needs to be set in our hearts. Many Christians name the name of Jesus 1. .
but they are here on earth not thinking of preparing for the heavenly life because they 2. .
think being saved is enough. That’s not true; if we are truly saved and have been 3. .
transferred to the kingdom of God, our minds should be set on heavenly things. This has
been the mistake of many Christians. Many are born-again, saved, but they continually In conclusion, the issue of the Lordship of Christ is the most crucial of any Christian’s
experience defeat and discouragement. They easily give in to temptation and are often life. We are all aware of those around us who are reaping in their lives the by-
frustrated. Their emotional lives are unstable. Why? Because they continually run after products of their lack of obedience. Christ has our very best interest at heart. We
things of this earth, not after heavenly things. The things of this earth are temporary – must give Him our – our . We must give Him our
they pass away, they don’t last. We may already have it, but it does not give us the joy – or , our , our . We must live for Him
we expected it would. We will be continually frustrated with the things of the earth. . Only then do we experience the full life He has promised.

33 26
CONNECT
2. 1TIM 6:17-19 – Based on this Scripture, how then we do lay our treasures in
CHILDREN NEED: CONNECT TO GOD, SMALL GROUP OR CHURCH, heaven?

CONNECT THEM TO PURPOSE By means of our treasures here on earth – through our talent, our time, and by
doing good to others. Once we do that in the service of God, we are laying
1 treasures in heaven by being channels of God’s love towards others.
THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST
IN A BELIEVER’S LIFE It is then important that we ask ourselves these questions – what is the reason
for our expense of energy on this earth? Is it to get money, to get things of this
earth? Or is my life here on earth lived for heavenly things, and I simply use the
One of the most crucial issues in a believer’s life is that of the lordship of Jesus Christ.
things which God blesses me with to enjoy life? His basic will for us on earth is to
All of our aspirations as Christians and all the blessings and joys of the Christian life are
enjoy the things He blesses us with. But we should also use them for the Lord.
absolutely dependent on our practical submission to Jesus Christ as Lord of all. There
And we will find out that when we use them to become a blessing to others, we
is no way whatsoever we can experience the fullness of the Christian life unless we
will enjoy our wealth, and our property and our blessings from God more than if
submit to His lordship.
we get everything to wallow in it for ourselves.
Reasons for His Lordship:
Thus, we have seen in the first part of this study what to set our minds on. Now
1. Jesus Christ is .
let us know what to avoid. Let’s turn again to MATT 6 and let’s read verses 25-32.
2. Jesus Christ is the (Heb 1:2-3)
3. Jesus Christ is the . (John 6:38)
C. Basic Avoidance in Life
JESUS CHRIST IS OUR LORD
1. MATT 6:25-32 – What does these verses tell us regarding what we should
For our submission to Christ to be personal & practical we must follow some
avoid?
requirements related to our acknowledgement of His Lordship in our daily lives.
In these verses, Jesus tells us not to worry about our material needs, about those
1. . (Luke 14:33)
needs that God promises to supply. Our God is concerned with our material life.
 We should not be concerned with that; that’s His part. Our concern is to follow
the will of God, to seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. God also says the life
of a man is much more than material things. Let us read LUK 12:15-21.
Not all die physically, but they die in actuality, nevertheless. An example which
comes to mind is Rockefeller. At the age of 33, he was a millionaire, at 43, he
owned the biggest company in the world, at 53, he was a billionaire. But what
could he do with his riches? He couldn’t eat anything but milk and crackers.
Because of tension he had all kinds of diseases. He suffered from alopecia – all
the hair in his body fell off, not only that, his whole body began to wrinkle. He
couldn’t sleep at night because of insomnia. That is a form of death! You may not
be dead physically, but you are enslaved with material things. You are a slave of
mammon, you cannot do anything anymore. So avoid that kind of life.
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E. Indication 5 – . 24
1. 1 Jn. 2:5b-6 –According to the foregoing verse, what is another indication of being in
Christ?
We begin to live like Christ, walk in the paths of righteousness (see: Rom. 14:17).
2. Matt. 5:6 – what is the true characteristic of a true child of God according to the verse
referred to?
His new nature is that which that seeks to do God’s will and please him, thus, he
hungers and thirst for righteousness (2 Cor. 5:14-15; Rom. 5:8). This is the difference
between the self-righteousness of the Pharisees and righteousness produced by the
Spirit of God. Righteousness from the Spirit is that which comes from within due to a
changed inner nature, not simply an external conformity to the law (Matt. 5:20; Isa.
64:6; Tit. 3:5; Eph. 2:8-10; Rom. 14:17).
F. Indication 6 – . wait for Him to work out what is best for us.
1. Acts 1:8 – what characteristic of a disciple is referred to in this verse?
He is a witness.
2. What does being a witness mean?
A witness is someone who points out to another. A Christian witness is someone
who points to Jesus Christ as the source of the new and abundant life he is
experiencing. He is motivated to bring the good news that changed his life to others
that they too may experience this goodness from God. Thus, he makes disciples of
others in obedience to the mandate of love of his Lord (Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Cor. 5:14-
15)
3. What are the two basic aspects of witnessing?
a. – The disciple lives a life that glorifies God in his work,
which manifests excellence in quality and love for others in purpose.
b. – The disciple, at the opportunities of time, shares
the message of salvation that changed his life with the purpose of leading the people
around him to the life of goodness which can only be found in the Savior.
5. How then do we avoid or overcome the tendency to worry when we are facing
material difficulties? Scripture outlines for us ways by which worry can be avoided
or overcome.
a. PHIL 4:11-13; 1THESS 5:18; 1TIM 6:6-12 – __________________. We must
learn to be content and thankful for whatever God has already blessed us with.
If we are not content with that what we have now, we will never be content no
matter how much we acquire later on. We must also examine our hearts and
deal with any greed or covetousness that may be holding us in bondage.
b. PS 37:1-9 – __________. Worry reveals a lack of faith that God is in control. We
should not fret and worry; instead we should trust in the Lord. When we dwell
on our problems, we will become anxious. But if we concentrate on God, His
goodness and care for us (1PET 5:6-7), we will find peace. We must also trust
that God can care for us better than ourselves at the same time be willing to
c. ROM 8:28; JER 29:11; PSM 46:1-3, 10 – ________________________________.
God is able to work out all things for our long range good. Note that God is not
working to make us happy but to fulfill His purpose. This promise is not for
everybody but only for those who love God and are fitting to His plans.
 However, physical lack may also be God’s way of working out a change in our
hearts. God sometimes allow these instances to occur, not to deny us but to
free us from the hold that material things has over our lives. But even in these
circumstances we can trust that God’s plans for us are always good – always!
d. PSM 78:11 – _______________________________. We must learn to
remember God’s abundant provisions in the past, supplying every need. This
would give us the assurance and the peace in our hearts that just as God was
able to move in the past, so is He able to pull you through today. Let’s not
forget God’s kindness in the past in the face of present difficulties.
e. PHIL 4:6 – _______________. Lastly, let us turn our anxieties into prayer, and
offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving in each and every situation, good or seemingly
bad because this honors the Lord.
Firstly, we are told what to set our minds on, secondly, what to avoid and
thirdly, what we are supposed to do, or what our lives should be occupied with.
This we see in verses 33-34 of MATT 6.
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22
D. Indication 4 – .
1. Rom. 8:9 – According to this verse, what is another indispensable characteristic of
belonging to Christ?
He must have the Spirit of Christ, that is, the Holy Spirit (notice the interchanging of
the terms Spirit of God and Spirit of Christ in this verse).
2. Rom. 8:16 – What does this verse tells us about how we can know the Holy Spirit is
in us?
We can sense in our inner beings, our hearts, a quiet assurance that we are alright
with God. We just know that we are accepted, we are His children, simply because we
have accepted Jesus as our Lord (see: Jn. 1:12-13, esp. The
Living Bible).
Note: we must not confuse this inner sense with feelings. This inner sense comes from
the fact of realizing that Jesus is the only payment ordained by God to pay for my sins
and responding to this good news by accepting him as Lord and Savior. Because of this
sincere acceptance of Jesus, I sense this inner witness. However, as I continue in my
Christian life, I am not perfect yet, and is in the process of being perfected. So there
will be times of feeling down. That does not mean that I have lost my salvation.
Feelings come and go. This sense is simply based on the fact that I did gave my life to
Jesus, nothing else (1 Jn. 5:11-12).
Rom. 5:1-2a puts it this way: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our
introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand …”
3. Jn. 10:27 – What else happen to us when we are born again (that is, we become
part of the sheep of Jesus)?
We begin to hear the voice of the Lord personally. We begin to open to the fourth
dimension of life, which is the spiritual dimension. We begin to perceive beyond the
physical dimension of life and to understand the true condition of things (1 Cor. 2:6-
16, esp. LVB).
We must realize that the world is built on inexorable laws. There are spiritual and
universal principles in the world. Life operates by these principles. If we don’t live by
these principles, we can get what we want but the laws of the world will destroy us.
So the real happiness and abundance in life is to learn the universal principles of life
and adjust to our lives according to these spiritual principles.
2. Seek His Righteousness
a. Going back to v. 33 of MATT 6, what is still another preoccupation that our lives
must have?
-It is seeking God’s righteousness.
b. The word “righteousness” here is used in the same context as in MATT 6:1. Let’s
turn to this particular verse. Based on this scripture, what do you think is the
meaning of this word?
-From this verse, we see that practicing righteousness simply means right way of
living. As the Living Bible Translation of MATT 6:33 puts it, it means to live as He
wants us to.
 c. How righteous living does demonstrates itself in the area of work, business,
school, or home? Give practical examples.
-Let each one give his own example. Some examples you may give:
We must have a righteous relationship with our work. When we are hired 8 hrs. a day,
let’s just not work for 4 hrs. Sometimes we are not righteous in our work – we go to
the office at nine o’clock, we take snacks and horse around all day, and then go home.
Let’s work for 8 hours and give our full to it, then God will take care of our needs.
Watch the prosperity of God come. Another example is in the area of our products.
We are not consistent and our product fails. The Filipino mentality goes this way.
When something comes along, Juan goes into it and does it well. If it’s “hot pan de
sal” he makes it big, put eggs on it, and sells it cheap. When his “hot pan de sal”
becomes popular and many come to buy, he puts food coloring instead of eggs, next
he will put a lot of yeast so make it rise so the size doesn’t change. However, people
notice that, so after a while, they won’t come anymore. The people who always want
to gain by putting one over another do not last.
It is important then that we understand the secret of success is a righteous life –
righteous in its relationship to God, and righteous in its relationship to man and in
relating to one another.
We have seen it in our study that we must also seek to be ruled by God in everything
we do and that we must also seek to be righteous in all our dealings. We now come to
the third thing that we need to seek.
39
1. Seek One Day at a Time
a. Moving on to v. 34 of MATT 6 (also refer to JAS 4:13-14), what is the third thing
that we see here regarding what we should seek?
It is that we must seek to live one day at a time. Our progress in life is a gradual
process (PROV 4:18).
We must learn to distinguish between our concerns which we can do something
about today and those we can’t. Let’s leave our tomorrow to God for we cannot
leave tomorrow on present grace. Let us learn to live our lives moment by
moment. However, we must also learn to distinguish that which is our part and
that which is God’s part for faith without works is dead (JAS 2:26). But let us just
do what we can to our best and leave the rest to God. We must also learn to
distinguish between the possible and impossible. That which is possible, we should
do for the day and trust God for those which are beyond us.
b. Does living one day at a time also mean that we are not to plan anymore for
tomorrow?
Planning and worrying are two different things. Planning for tomorrow is time well
spent, worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes, it is difficult to tell
the difference. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules
and trusting in God’s guidance. When done well, it can help alleviate worry. The
worrier is consumed with fear and finds it difficult to trust God. The worrier lets his
plans interfere with his relationship with God.
Thus, we have seen in this last study that seeking the Kingdom of God seeking
from the heart His rulership as King in every area of our life. Doing His will does not
become an obligation but joy, because it flows from the heart (see PS 73:25; 1COR
10:31; MATT 6:10). We have also seen that to seek His righteousness signifies that
which is right in all our dealings. When we plant that which is right, we shall
harvest right. If we do wrong, we shall receive wrong in the end (see also 1 JN 3:7-
8). Finally, we have seen that we should cultivate the practice of dividing with
God’s help every concern of ours into that which is possible for us in the day we
face and that which is not. Let’s only attend to the possible each day, the rest is
God’s responsibility. Our thoughts should not be occupied with the worry of
tomorrow, but should be diverted toward more profitable endeavors. Somebody
contributed this gem of wisdom. “Yesterday is a canceled check. Tomorrow is a
promissory note. Today is the only cash you have – spend it wisely.”
40
5. 2 Pet. 1:21 – Prophecy comes from the Greek word “prophemi” which means to
speak in behalf of someone. Thus, it involves foretelling (speaking about the things in
the future) and forth telling (speaking about things in the present) on behalf of God.
6. Prophecy particularly refers to Gods message given to chosen men directed to
record them in what we know as the scriptures in the Bible.
7. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (esp. NIV) – What do this verses say about the origin of ALL
SCRIPTURE?
All scripture is inspired by God, according to NIV, God-breathed. The Greek word is
“theopheustos” (Theo – God, and Pheustos – Breath). The Bible is from God the
Father, by God the Holy Spirit, about God the Son.
Jn. 5:39 tells us the scripture before the coming of Christ point to Him.
 Jn. 16:12-15; 2 Pet. 1:21; and 2 Tim. 3:16-17 tells us that the scripture after His first
coming still point to Him. Thus, we see that a true disciple of His bases his life on the
Bible which is the Word of Christ.
8. Rom. 8:5 (NAS, RSV, NIV) – What is the difference between a man who is born of
the Spirit and one who is not.
A man according to the flesh is occupied with things of the flesh – a nature of living
whose focus is earthly. Whereas, someone born of the Spirit, because of his changed
nature, is occupied with the spiritual things.
It does not mean he gives up all material things and becomes a hermit. Rather, he
begins to realize the true nature of the material as simply a means to an end. The
eternal and the material is simply a preparation for this (Matt. 6:19-24).
An essential aspect of spiritual with which he is occupied is the Word of God because
it is of the Spirit.
a. He hungers for the Word (Jer. 15:16; Job 23:12; Matt. 4:4).
b. He finds enlightenment in the Word (1 Cor. 2:14-16; Psa. 119:105).
c. He makes the Word the basis for living (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jn. 8:31-32).
38
21
D. Basic Occupation of Our Life
1. Seek His Kingdom
a. Looking at v. 33, what is the first thing that should occupy our life?
It is the seeking first of His Kingdom.
b. In the light of this particular verse, what do you think seeking His Kingdom mean?
“Kingdom” here does not mean where we die we shall go to heaven. He said if you
seek His Kingdom all these things will be added to you. What are these things? Food,
clothing and shelter. So the Kingdom cannot be heaven because in heaven we won’t
be needing these things. So, seeking His Kingdom means seeking the rulership of God
in every aspect of your life. If we are genuinely children of God, we will desire to be
ruled by God in every aspect of our life. Many people do not want to be ruled by God
because they think God will make their lives hard. But God said “If you evil men, know
how to give good gifts to your children, how much more your Father in heaven from
whom all good things flow? If God want us to put an aspect of our lives under His rule,
it is because He will bless us in that aspect of our life. We cannot be blessed by God
unless we submit that to Him because that thing will control us.
c. PS 37:1-6 (esp. vv. 3-5) – Based on this scripture, what is another aspect of God’s
Kingdom?
Seeking His Kingdom also means that God is our whole life. God becomes our desire,
our love, our trust, our everything. No matter what we loose, we won’t mind because
the good that we seek, the joy that we have is only God and nothing else. To give God
first place means to turn to Him first for help, to fill our thoughts with His desires, to
take His character for our pattern and to serve and to obey Him in everything.
The secret of life is not found in working 24 hours a day or in pouring ourselves into
something. The secret of life is first, to love God with all our heart, with all our soul,
with all our strength, and with our whole mind.
d. What then will be the result of putting God first in our lives?
1. Firstly, we will have peace in our hearts; we enter the rest of God.
2. Secondly, we will know what it is to trust God. Because God is our love, then we
trust that God will take care of us and
3. Thirdly, our minds become open to God’s inspiration, to God’s guidance. A man
who is continually worried does not have wisdom from God. A man who is able
to flow in peace, in rest, and in love has a wisdom that is different.
4. God does not necessarily speak to us in an audible voice, although He may as in the
case of Samuel. However, He speaks to us in many other ways.
God speaks to us through:
a. .
b. .
c. .
d. .
e. .
See: Psa. 16:7; Psa. 19:1-11; Jn. 16:13-15
Note: The Bible gives us a warning to test all communication we receive from the
spiritual dimension (1 Jn. 4; 1 Cor. 14:29)
The three basic tests are:
 1. – we must have peace, faith and clarity of conscience about
it.
2. – actual circumstances and events bear out the message.
3. – the message must not contradict, but align with the Bible.
(Note: Provide examples for each ill-effect)
5. Jn. 16:13-15 – What is the work of the Holy Spirit referred to in this passage?
4.
To disclose to us the things of God. This is one other proof that we have received
the Holy Spirit.
6. Rom. 8:14 – what is the other proof that we have the Holy Spirit in this verse?
We obey the Spirit. Due to the change of nature, our will have been changed so that
we desire to obey God by His Spirit (See: Rom. 8:1-4)
Eze. 36:26-27 states, “… and I will give you a new heart… and a new spirit… and I
will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes… and observe My
ordinances.”
Thus, the truly born again child of God will exhibit a growing perfection in
obedience to God (2 Cor. 3:18; 1 Jn. 5:4-5).
In summary, another indication of being born again is that we receive the Holy
Spirit.
This is evidenced by three things:
a. an inner sense of peace with God.
b. the opening of one’s perception into the spiritual dimension.
c. an obedient nature to God’s Spirit.
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2. Read again MATT 6:25-33 from the LVB translation – from these same verses, what
are some reasons why we are not supposed to worry?
a. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life
(v.25)
b. Worrying about the future hampers your effort for today (v.26)
c. Worrying is more harmful than helpful (v.27)
d. God does not ignore those who depend on Him (v28-30)
e. Worry shows lack of faith and understanding of God (v.32)
f. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue and worrying keeps us from
them (v.33)
3. What do you think are some ill effects that worry has on a person?
a. Worry affects us physically – making us unable to sleep or eat.
b. It causes the object of our worry to consume our thoughts.
c. It disrupts our productivity.
d. It negatively affects the way we treat others and
e. It reduces our ability to trust God.
Do these verses of Scripture (MATT 6:25-32) teaches, then, that we should no longer
work for our living and that we should just wait for “manna” to drop from heaven?
No, not at all. Josiah Holland accurately sums it up.
God gives every bird its food but He does not throw it into the nest. This is an
underlying principle in the illustrations Jesus gives in vv. 26-28. The birds of the air
are fed by the Heavenly Father, and the lilies of the field grow in such a way that
their splendor is greater than even Solomon’s. Jesus was saying God has built into
His creation the means by which all things are cared for. The birds are fed because
they diligently work to maintain their lives. They do not store up great amounts of
food, but continually work. The lilies grow daily through a natural process.
Therefore, an individual need not to be anxious about his existence.
Clearly the Scripture teaches us the need to work (2THESS 3:10). This, however,
should not be the primary occupation of our hearts and mind but rather the seeking
first of His Kingdom and His righteousness. We also need to learn to work on the
things that are within our control and leave those which are not to God. As with all
endeavors, our work should also glorify God (1COR 10:31), done not for the purpose
of amassing riches (1TIM 6:6-12) and used as a channel of blessing to others (EPH
4:28).
4. Concrete steps in witnessing to others:
a. He can share the goodness of God to others.
b. He can tell others of the joy he has experienced in the Lord.
c. He can plant some gospel seeds, like tracts, pamphlets, books, etc.
d. He can invite them to a Christian fellowship.
e. He can personally share the gospel and lead the person in a prayer of
acceptance of Jesus.
f. He can do follow up on him, taking care of the growth of his spiritual life.
You may think of other ways.
F. Indication 7 – .
 1. 1 Pet. 4:15 – According to this passage, what is another sign that we are part of
Christ’s Kingdom?
Persecution and suffering due to our following Christ. To be obedient to Christ is to
contradict the world, to contradict Christ is to be obedient to the world (Jn. 17:14-16).
The world is motivated by values of self-centeredness and indulging in pleasures of
the flesh, in endeavors which exalt self without consideration of others, in methods
with ends which justify means. The disciple is motivated by Christ-centeredness which
desires to do God’s will, seeking that which is beneficial to all without partially
manifesting God’s love for man. The clash is inevitable.
2. Rom. 8:17 – what is the proof that we are indeed co-heirs with Christ?
Suffering with Christ. Choosing to suffer with Christ due to turning away from earthly
values is proof of the new nature which puts a higher value in things of eternity. Heb.
12:2 states that, “… Jesus … for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Rom. 8:5 adds, “they that are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of
the flesh, but those according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
The new nature puts the highest value on the love of Christ and is willing to sacrifice
all in obedience to that love. This is the meaning of carrying the cross in Luk. 9:23-24.
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2. REV 3:14-18 – how do you think these verses apply to the modern-day church with
regards to its attitude towards material prosperity?
First of all, we need to note that Jesus here is not talking to pagans but to members
of the church in Laodicea – the lukewarm church, much like the modern-day church.
Our churches today are enriching themselves. They are no longer seeking the things
of heaven, they are a church always preach prosperity – there is no more holiness
before God, there is no more weeping for the kingdom of God, there is no more
burden for the Gospel. How many serve God only because it’s air conditioned, only
because they’re riding a car or in other words, only because it’s convenient? But how
many will still serve God if those things are not there? These are questions we need
to also ask ourselves and we must be careful of the answer.
In verses 22-23 of MATT 6, the Lord said, “If your eye is bad, your whole body will be
full of darkness. If your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” The Greek
word for “your eye is bad” means double vision. This means you are running after
two things – God and the world. That’s why, v. 24 ends by saying “you cannot serve
both God and mammon.” All of us have to make a choice.
3. In the light of all of these, do we then say that money is evil? Support your answer
with scripture.
Turn with me to 1TIM 6:6-12. Clearly, we see in v. 10 that it is not bad but we must
examine and ask ourselves – what is my motive in life? Am I running after money?
Money is a good servant but a cruel master. It is something we use, not something
we run after. Once it becomes our master – it becomes our motive for what we’re
doing – our life will be ruined.
4. When we are told to lay treasures in heaven, does this also mean that we are not to
save anymore?
Not at all. When we are told to strive after heavenly treasures, this does not mean
that we should not save anymore. For in other parts of the Scripture we are taught
to lay aside for the future. Where do we see that? Turn with me to PROV 6:6-8. Let’s
also read 1TIM 5:8. We see from this scripture that we must provide for our
households, that is our responsibility. The only thing we are told here is not to put all
our effort and our heart on material things. Use things of this earth, but treasure
heavenly things. There is a saying that goes “Only one life, twill soon be past. Only
what’s done for Christ will last.”
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2
THE CHURCH AND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
To understand the Church, we need to define it by looking at some specific statement
in the Bible.
1. The Church is the . (Col. 1:18)
2. Jesus Christ is the . (Col. 1:18; Eph 5:23)
 3. We become members of the church by . b. ______________________.
(Eph 1:13-14) While we’re on our journey here on earth, we have dreams. We have plans. But
there are only few who are able to realize their dreams and get their plans.
Two Concepts of the Church:
Majority of mankind is left to live a life of frustration, of failure.
1. The is the body of persons who profess faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Steps toward receiving God’s plan for your life.( Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:1-6)
2. The is the true Church of Jesus Christ and is completely a. Step no. 1: ____________________________. ( Romans 8:28 )
known only to Him. Living bible: “And we know that all happens to us is working for our good if we
love and are fitting into His plans.”
HOW DO WE RELATE TO THE CHURCH? b. Step no. 2: _________________________________.( Psalm 139:6, Galatians
1:15)
What is our place in the Church? As believers in Jesus Christ we are members of His
We need to understand this fact: God has a plan for each and every one of us. We
body, and we must relate to one another within the body. (1 Cor 12:12, 27; Eph)
read in Psalm 139: “in thy book all things were written even before it was done.”
WHAT DOES THE CHURCH PROVIDE FOR US? There is nothing that God does not know: In Galatians 1:15 St. Paul says, “I was
already separated for the work of God ever in my mother’s womb.”
1. A place for . (Heb. 13:15) c. Step no. 3: _______________________________. (Genesis 50:20)
2. A place for . (Eph 4:12-13) d. Step no. 4: _____________________________. (Ephesians 1:11-12, Proverbs
3. A place for .
21:5)
4. A place for . (1 John 1:3-7)
We need to cooperate with God’s plan for us according to the part that He
5. A place for . (Acts 2:47; 5:42)
reveals to us.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL CHURCH e. Step no. 5: __________________________________________. ( Genesis 39: 1-6)
We need to wait patiently until God’s plan for us is fulfilled. We don’t need to put
1. . ourselves in position. We don’t need to scheme to get a position; neither should
2. ______________________________________ . (1 Cor 16:2) we use underhanded means to gain power. We don’t need to promote ourselves.
We must let God do it.

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5
THE PLANNED LIFE THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF DISCIPLESHIP
1. Why we need to receive God’s plan for our life.
a. ______________________. 1. A Disciple PUTS _________ FIRST IN HIS LIFE, AND IS TAKING STEPS TO
In the gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verse 15-20, we are told the story of a rich man. ______________________________. (Titus 2:11-12)
Despite his wealth, he was striving for more riches that he did not know where to
2. A Disciple has a CONSISTENT _____________________________________ AND
put all his harvest. So he said, “I will destroy my barns and I will build bigger
IS DEVELOPING IN HIS _______________________. (Psalm 143:8)
barns, bigger storehouses.” After that he said to himself, “You have done well,
now you can rest,” That the dream of most people. However, the Lord said, “You 3. A Disciple DEMONSTRATES FAITHFULNESS AND A DESIRE TO LEARN AND APPLY
fool! Tonight your soul will be required of you.” THE WORD OF GOD THROUGH REGULAR ______________, _________________,
 _________________________________________ ON THE SCRIPTURES. (Col c. Give an example of such person in the Bible.
3:16) One good example is Balaam, the false prophet (NUM 23-25). Although some of
the beautiful statements and prophecy with regard to Messiah came from his lips,
4. A Disciple MANIFESTS A HEART FOR WITNESSING, GIVES HIS TESTIMONY WELL, he was not of God and was eventually destroyed (NUM 31:8).
AND PRESENTS THE ____________________ WITH INCREASING SKILL. (1 Pet
3:15) We need to understand that there are two types of guidance. One is called
situational guidance and the other is called general guidance. Situational
5. A Disciple ATTENDS CHURCH AND MAINTAINS CLOSE TIES WITH ITS guidance is related to a need at a specific moment while general guidance has
___________, DISPLAYING _______ AND ___________. (Heb. 10:24-25) something to do with the general direction of our life. Some people are very good
at knowing God’s will at a specific moment but they are disobedient throughout
6. A Disciple DEMONSTRATES A _____________________ BY A SINCERE INTEREST God’s general direction in their lives. (Note: An example can be given at this
IN HELPING OTHERS. (1 Cor 16:15) point.). We should be careful that just because we know the Lord’s will once in a
while, we have a guaranteed place with God (see MATT 7:21-23). The more
7. A Disciple is a _______________ AND ________________. important thing is that our whole lives must be lived in total obedience to God’s
general guidance.
8. A Disciple is GIVING REGULARLY AND HONORING GOD WITH HIS ____________.
(2 Cor 9:7; Luke 6:30) 1. We must desire to obey.
a. JN 7:17 – What is the second foundational rule for receiving God’s guidance?
9. A Disciple WILL DEMONSTRATE THE _________________________ BY AN
ATTRACTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS FELLOWSMAN. (Gal 5:22-23) We must desire to obey. Note that the condition to knowing is the willing to do
His will. We can only be willing if we are trust that we have an Omniscient Father
10. A Disciple is SEEKING TO DETERMINE AND USE HIS _______________________. who never makes mistakes and whose plans are always for our good (JER 29:11).
(1 Cor. 12-14) This willingness is necessary because sometimes God’s way seems more difficult
than the rest and sometimes beyond our human understanding (ISA 55:8-9).

b. Give one such example from the Bible in which a promise made by God to a
person was fulfilled in a manner totally unexpected.

Such was the case of Joseph in the book of Genesis (GEN 37-41), to whom God
gave the promise of leadership. However, God’s route for Joseph’s receiving the
promise is slavery and imprisonment. But at the end of his life, Joseph was able to
say to those who have done him wrong, “you meant evil against me, but God
meant it for good…” (GEN 50:20).

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b. Is it also possible for somebody who’s not a child of God to receive God’s will or 42
guidance for a specific situation? OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THAT BLOCK THE FLOW OF MOTIVATIONAL
Yes, but it will not help his life. God is so good that He makes the sun to shine and GIFTS:
the rain to fall on both the righteous and the unrighteous (see MATT 5:45). But if
you are not His child as shown by the way you walk in His paths, it will not help
your life. It will only give you momentary glory, but it will destroy you in the end – 1. You may have that hinder the flow of your gifts.
destroyed by your own walk of unrighteousness. A. Most common bondage is _________ – all kinds of fear.
B. Bondage’s often results from events in our lives.
 - Divorce, fighting parents, alcoholism, drug usage, occult practices, mental
problems, abuse. When not healed, this may limit the freedom with which the
individual will function.
C. A person can be delivered from bondage with good Christian counselling and
ministry.
(Our Pastoral Care Department is here to serve you. Their phone number is:
475-6554, ext. 123)

2. ____________ can block the flow of your gift.

A. Whether expressed, or suppressed, unresolved anger is imprisoning. Anger
becomes a dam, preventing the flow of living water.
B. Jesus equated harboring of anger with murder (Matt. 5:21-26)
C. 3 steps are needed to dislodge the obstacle of anger:
i. Complete forgiveness of all who have angered us
ii. Deliverance
iii. Healing prayer

3. _____________________
A. Pressure by others for us to conform
B. Trying to imitate others
“If you are not you, who will be you?”

4. A poor ___________________ – you don’t value who you are

5. ______________________
“Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to
whom men commit much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:48)
A. Neglect to use your gift is to be irresponsible (1 Tim. 4:4)

6. _______ can block or distort the working of your gift.

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