NAVPRESS DFD Series 8 books

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2008 by The NavigatorsAll rights reserved. Permission is granted to download and print one copy to use with a study group.

Your Life in Christ

DFD Series


2/385

2008 by The Navigators

All rights reserved. Permission is granted to download and print one copy to use with a study group.

BOOK ONE

YOUR LIFE

IN CHRIST


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Revised edition 1980

All rights reserved. No part o this publication may be reproduced in any orm

without written permission rom NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs,

CO 80935. www.navpress.com

NAVPRESS and the NAVPRESS logo are registered trademarks o NavPress. Absence

o in connection with marks o NavPress or other parties does not indicate an

absence o registration o those marks.

ISBN-13: 978-0-89109-036-6

ISBN-10: 0-89109-036-3

All Scripture quotations in this publication are taken rom theHOLY BIBLE: NEW

INTERNATIONAL VERSION (niv). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International

Bible Society. Used by permission o Zondervan Publishing House. All rights

reserved.

Printed in the United States o America

34 35 36 37 / 12 11 10 09 08

NavPress is the publishing ministry of The Navigators, an international

Christian organization and leader in personal spiritual development.NavPress is committed to helping people grow spiritually and enjoy lives

of meaning and hope through personal and group resources that are

biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical.

For a free catalog go to www.NavPress.com

or call 1.800.366.7788 in the United States or 1.800.839.4769 in Canada.


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3



NOT bYbREad aLONE

Billions o the worlds people go through lie spiritually under-nourished. The words Jesus spoke centuries ago are still trueMan does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comesrom the mouth o God (Matthew 4:4).

Because they recognize this need in their lives that only Godcan satisy, more and more people are turning to serious study

o the Bible. Everyone needs to study the Bibleboth those newto the Christian aith and those who have known Christ or manyyears.

The Designfor Discipleship studies have been careullyplanned to help you:

Establish a program o personal study o the Scriptures.Examine the great truths o the Bible.Learn and practice the essentials o discipleship.

To get the ull benet o the course, it is important to work

consecutively rom Book One through Book Seven.All you need to begin is a Bible. Each question will direct you

to a passage o Scripture. Ater thinking about the passage, writethe answer in your own words.

Scripture reerences will give the book, chapter, and verse.For example, Revelation 3:20 reers to the book o Revelation,chapter 3, verse 20.

Be sure to pray beore you begin each chapter. Ask the Lordor understanding as you study these topics:

God Cares or YouThe Person o Jesus ChristThe Work o ChristThe Spirit Within You


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Chapter One

GOd CaRESFOR YOU

You are a special person.You are special because o God. God says you are valuable

to him. He genuinely cares about you and what happens to you.In this chapter, you will investigate our statements o Gods

concern or you:God created you.

God knows you.

God loves you.God made you part o his amily.

God

Created You

1. Genesis is the book o beginnings. Chapter 1 tells us that Godcreated the universe. Read Genesis 1:1-5. List at least three actsconcerning the creation.

2. How did God create the world?Read Hebrews 11:3

3. How should you respond to Gods creation?Revelation 4:11


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4. Why did God create you?Isaiah 43:7

5. The dignity God gave man is shown by mans uniqueness, his

authority, and his purpose. List some acts rom Genesis 1:26-28that indicate:

a. The uniqueness o man

b. The position or authority o man

c. The purpose o man

God

Knows You

6. In Psalm 139:1-6 David mentions several areas o his liewhich God has searched and known. List at least our o them.Then place a check mark by the areas God knows about yourlie.

7. How did David respond as he realized how completely Godknew him?Psalm 139:23-24


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8. What does Jesus reveal about Gods detailed interest in you?Matthew 10:29-31

God

Loves You

9. What was Gods greatest demonstration o his love?1 John 4:9-10

(Maniest means to show or make apparent;propitiation or expiation means a

payment that restores avor.)

God so Loved the worLd . . .

WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM

SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE

death Life

HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON

10. Study John 3:16 in relationship to the illustration above.

a. What did Gods love cause him to do?


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b. What does it mean that God gave his Son?

c. How can a person receive eternal lie?

11. In John 10:9-16, Jesus compares his love and concern to thelove and concern o a shepherd. According to this passage, whatare some o the things he wants to give you?

12. Which items that you listed in question 11 are mostimportant to you?

Take a moment to pray. Thank God or all the things you listedin question 11. Specically remember those which mean themost to you. Praise him that these things are given to youbecause o Jesus, and that you do not earn them by youractions.

God Made

You Part

of his faMiLY

13. How did Jesus teach his disciples to address God?Matthew 6:9

14. Is it true that God is everyones Father? Why or why not?John 8:42-44


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15. How is one born into Gods amily?John 1:12-13

The importance o the assurance o aith lies in the actthat, childlike, I cannot possibly love or serve God i I do notknow whether he loves and acknowledges me as his child.

ANDREW MURRAY1

16. List some o the advantages o being a true child o God romRomans 8:15-17.

(Abba is a personal name or ather.)

17. State briefy how you know God is your Father.

It is important or you as a Christian to be assured that God is

your Father and that you have eternal lie. Since eelings change,this assurance must ultimately depend on the Word o God. Iwrite these things to you who believe . . . that you may know thatyou have eternal lie (1 John 5:13).

Below are three verses that have helped many Christians gainthis assurance. You may want to memorize the verse which helpsyou most in this area.

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and

believes him who sent me has eternal lie and will not becondemned; he has crossed over rom death to lie.

JOHN 5:24

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal lie, andthis lie is in his Son. He who has the Son has lie; he whodoes not have the Son o God does not have lie.

1 JOHN 5:11-12

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. I anyone hearsmy voice and opens the door, I will go in and eat withhim, and he with me.

REVELATION 3:20

1 From The Assurance o Faith in The New Lie (1891).


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God created you or his own purpose and his glory. He gaveyou dignity by shaping you ater his own likeness.

God considers you to be o great value. He takes personalinterest in knowing you completely.He loves you so intensely that he sent his Son to die or youon the cross. This demonstration o his love shows he wants togive you an eternal and abundant lie.When God gave you this lie in Jesus Christ, you werespiritually born into Gods amily. He is your Father. You are hischild.


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Chapter twO

THE PERSONOF JESUS CHRIST

Man is incapable o ully understanding God. God is holy and manis sinul. To bridge the gap between God and man, God took theorm o a man in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the image o the invisible God. . . . For Godwas pleased to have all his ullness dwell in him (Colossians1:15,19).

To be the complete expression o God, Christ had to be God.To be seen and understood by man, he had to be human. JesusChrist has a dual naturehe is the God-man.

In order to begin understanding Jesus Christ, it is necessaryto explore his deity and hishumanity.

the deitY

of Jesus Christ

Some speak o Jesus Christ as a great man. To some he was theounder o a new religion. Others consider him a prophet. ButJesus himsel claimed that he was God. I this claim were not true,he could not be called even a good man, but would be an imposterand a liar.

The writer o Hebrews discusses Christs deity in chapter 1.Read this chapter beore answering questions 14.

1. Jesus superiority to the angels is shown by:

Verses 4-5


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Verse 6

Verses 13-14

2. Look again at Hebrews 1:8-12. In the blank next to eachstatement below, write the number o the verse that brings outthe truth stated.

Jesus is the Creator

Jesus is unchangeable

Jesus is eternal

Jesus is righteous

3. Whats one act about Jesus mentioned in Hebrews 1:3 that

enables him to reveal God? (There is more than one act given inthis verse.)

4. How does God address Jesus in Hebrews 1:8?

In Hebrews 1:10?

5. What did Jesus claim or himsel?John 10: 28-30

6. While on earth, Jesus perormed many miracles which clearlydemonstrated his divine power. From the ollowing verses inMatthew 8, list the ways Jesus showed supernatural power.

Verse 3

Verses 6,13

Verses 16-17

Verses 23-27


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7. What did Jesus do in John 11:39-44 that revealed his uniquepower?

8. Ater observing Jesus lie, power, and preaching, what didPeter conclude about him?Matthew 16:13-16

9. The chart on pages 1415 illustrates how Jesus ullledprophecy. How do the verses in this chart infuence your concepto who Jesus is?

10. Review questions 19. Give three reasons why you believeJesus Christ is God.

the huManitY

of Jesus Christ

11. How is Jesus humanity seen in the ollowing situations?

John 4:6

John 4:7

John 11:35


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Pro

Phecie

s

About

Jesu

s

chr

ist

Placeobirth

Butyou,Bethlehe

mEphrathah,thoughyou

aresmallamongth

eclansoJudah,outo

you

willcomeormeonewhowillberulerover

Israel,whoseorigin

sareromo

old,rom

ancienttimes(Micah5:2),700BC.

Jesuswasbo

rninBethleheminJud

ea

(Matthew2:1).

Bornoa

virgin

Thevirginwillbe

withchildandwillgive

birth

toason,andwillcallhimImmanuel(Isa

iah

7:14),700BC.

HismotherM

arywaspledgedtobe

marriedtoJoseph,butbeoretheyc

ame

together,shewasoundtobewithchild

throughtheH

olySpirit(Matthew1:18).

Histriumphal

entry

Rejoicegreatly,O

DaughteroZion!Shout,

DaughteroJerusa

lem!See,yourkingcomes

toyou,righteousandhavingsalvation,ge

ntle

andridingonadon

key,onacolt,theoaloa

donkey(Zechariah9:9),500BC.

Theytookpa

lmbranchesandwent

outto

meethim,sho

uting,Hosanna!Blessedishe

whocomesin

thenameotheLord!

Blessed

istheKingo

Israel!Jesusounday

oung

donkeyandsa

tuponit(John12:13-14).

Fulflledprop

hecyhelpsveriytheactthat

JesusistheC

hrist,theSonoGod.Lookingat

prophecieswhichprecededJesusbyhundreds

oyearsands

eeinghowJesusulflledthem

in

everydetailrevealsth

eauthenticityohis

claims.Thechartbelow

isabrielistosomeo

th

epropheciesmadeconcerningtheChristand

howJesusulflledthem

.

toPiC

ProPheCY

fuLfiLLMe

nt


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Betrayedbya

riend

Evenmycloseriend,whomI

trusted,

he

whosharedmyb

read,hasliteduphisheel

againstme(Psalm4

1:9),1000BC.

ThenJudasIscariot,oneotheTwe

lve,

wenttothechieprieststobetrayJesusto

them(Mark14:10).

Hisrejectio

n

Hewasdespised

andrejectedbymen...

Likeoneromwh

ommenhidetheirac

es

hewasdespised,

andweesteemedhimnot

(Isaiah53:3),700BC.

Hecametot

hatwhichwashisown

,but

hisowndidnotreceivehim(John1:11).

Crucifedw

ith

sinners

He...wasnumberedwiththetransgressors

(Isaiah53:12),700BC.

Tworobbers

werecrucifedwithhim,

oneonhisrig

htandoneonhislet

(Matthew27:38).

Handsandeet

pierced

Theyhavepierc

edmyhandsandmyeet

(Psalm2

2:16),1000BC.

Putyourfng

erhere;seemyhands.Reach

outyourhand

andputitintomysid

e

(John20:27).

His

resurrection

Youwillnotabandonmetothegrave,nor

willyouletyourHolyOneseedecay

(Psalm1

6:10),1000BC.

Youkilledtheauthorolie,butGo

d

raisedhimro

mt

hedead(Acts3:15).

Hisascension

Youascendedonhigh(Psalm6

8:18),

1000BC.

Hewastakenupbeoretheirveryeyes,

andacloudh

idhimromt

heirsight

(Acts1:9).


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15. What are some results o Jesus becoming a man?Hebrews 2:14-15

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Jesus Christ is the perect image o God. As God, he hasauthority over the earth.Jesus was human too. Many o his experiences were similar to

those you have today. He suered and was tempted. Thoughhe never yielded, this allows him to understand when you aretempted. When you ail, he orgives as you coness your sins tohim.


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Chapter three

THE WORkOF CHRIST

Many have heard about the last events o Jesus sinless lie onearth. He was condemned as a common criminal, hung rom across until dead, and three days later he rose rom the dead. Butew people understand the meaning o these events.

In this chapter, you will explore Jesus lie, his death, and hisresurrection.

the Life

of Jesus Christ

About 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ was born in the obscuretown o Bethlehem. While Jesus was an inant, Joseph and Marytook him to Egypt to escape the wrath o an irate king, Herodthe Great. Then, while he was still a young child, they moved toNazareth o Galilee.

1. When the angel announced his birth, what purpose did he giveor Jesus coming into the world?Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31-33

2. In what ways did Jesus develop as a youth?Luke 2:52


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3. What are some activities o Jesus public ministry?Matthew 4:23

4. What was his purpose in selecting the twelve apostles?Mark 3:14

5. What characterized Jesus leadership?Luke 22:25-27

How can you ollow Jesus example?

This study booklet merely touches on the events o Jesus lie. Atthe end o the gospel o John we read, Jesus did many other thingsas well. I every one o them were written down, I suppose that eventhe whole world would not have room or the books that would bewritten (John 21:25). Some o the more amiliar events o Jesus lieare presented in the illustration on page 20.

the death

of Jesus Christ

6. What did Jesus predict would happen to him?Matthew 16:21

7. What kind o death did Jesus suer?Matthew 27:35

With what kind o men did he die?Matthew 27:38


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PassoverM

eal,Wash

DisciplesFeet

LordsSupper

TrueVine

IntercessoryPrayer

Betrayal

GreatComm

andment:

Love

SignsofCom

ingEvents

PlotofJews

andJudas

TriumphalEn

try

intoJerusalem

CastingMone

ychangers

OutoftheTem

ple

TrialsBef

oreHighPriest,

Council,Pilate,andHerod

Death:Cr

ucixion,Burial

Resurrection

AppeartoDisciples

Appearto500

Ascension

alJ

lm

ldyMy

Ccf

r

theLastweeK

BirthinBethlehem

FlighttoEgyp

t

MovetoGalilee

VisittotheTemple

DiscussionwithRabbis

anoverview

o

theLieoChrist

deveLoPinG

Years

PubLiC

MinistrY

CarPenter

b

2

12

30

33

threeYearsoPubLiCMinistrY

Last weeK

TwelveApostlesCommissio

ned

Feedingthe5,000

JesusWalksonWater

Transguration

SeventySentOutonEvangelism

RaisingLazarusfromtheDead

SecondPa

ssover

CallingoftheTwelve

Sermonon

theMount

Parableof

theSower

GadareneDemoniacHealed

BaptizedbyJohn

TemptedintheWilderness

FirstMiracle:WatertoW

ine

FirstPassover:CastOut

the

Moneychangers

WomanattheWell

30

31

3

2

33


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8. Did Jesus go to the cross voluntarily? Explain your answer.John 10:17-18

9. What is mans condition apart rom Christ?John 3:18

10. Look up 1 Peter 3:18. What did Jesus do to bring condemnedmen to God?

11. Can anything be added to Christs death to make you moreacceptable to God? Why or why not?Hebrews 10:12-14

the resurreCtion

of Jesus Christ

12. Ater Jesus died and was buried, what was done to secure histomb?Matthew 27:62-66

13. Read Matthew 28:1-7. What was discovered at the tomb onthe rst day o the week?


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What did the angel say about Jesus?

14. What were the soldiers bribed to say?Matthew 28:11-15

As a lawyer I have made a prolonged study o theevidences or the events o the rst Easter Day. To me theevidence is conclusive, and over and over again in the

High Court I have secured the verdict on evidence notnearly so compelling. . . . I accept [the Gospel evidenceor the resurrection] unreservedly as the testimony otruthul men to acts they were able to substantiate.

EDWARD CLARKE 2

15. Ater his resurrection, Christ appeared to his disciples.

a. What was their rst impression?Luke 24:36-37

b. What things did he do to show them he had a body?Luke 24:39-43

16. What is the essence o the gospel message?1 Corinthians 15:1-5

2 As quoted by John R. W. Stott inBasic Christianity (London: InterVarsity,

1958), 46.


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Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, raised in Galilee, andbecame a carpenter. He spent three years ministering to

thousands and proving that he was the Christ.Then he was condemned to die on a cross to bear the penaltyor our sin.Ater three days, Jesus rose bodily rom the dead. Hisresurrection is a historical reality.


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Chapter FOur

THE SPIRITWITHIN YOU

Christ aroseand now he lives! When he ascended into heaven,he did not leave his ollowers alone. He sent them the Holy Spiritso that all Christians might live under his control.

Jesus Christs

asCension

1. Read careully the account o Jesus ascension in Acts 1:9-11.

a. In your own words, briefy describe the events recorded inverses 9-10, and what they mean to you.

b. Where is Jesus now? Verse 11

c. What did the two men clothed in white predict? Verse 11


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2. What is one reason Jesus has gone to heaven?John 14:1-3

3. Read Ephesians 1:20-23. To what place o authority has Christascended? Verse 20

From this position, over what does he reign? Verses 21-23

Jesus Christs

worK of interCession

4. What is Christ doing now?Romans 8:34

(Intercession means to plead on behal o another.)

5. In Jesus great prayer recorded in John 17, what were some othe things he asked or his ollowers?

Verse 13

Verse 15

Verse 17

Verse 21

Verse 24

6. Do you think Jesus is praying the same things or you today?Explain your answer.Hebrews 7:24-25


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the indweLLinG

hoLY sPirit

7.What did Jesus promise his disciples that his Father would do?John 14:16,26

8. What can be said o a person who genuinely acknowledges

that Jesus is his Lord? 1 Corinthians 12:3

9. What is true o every believer?

Romans 8:9

1 Corinthians 2:12

1 Corinthians 3:16

Titus 3:5-6

10. Why does God send his Spirit to indwell the believer? Circlethe letter o the correct answer. Galatians 4:6

a. Because the believer has been baptized.

b. Because the believer is his child.

c. Because the believer has dedicated his lie to him.

d. Because the believer has had a special experience.

11. What are some results o the Holy Spirits presence in the lie

o the believer?2 Timothy 1:7


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12. Review questions 711. How do you personally know theHoly Spirit lives in you?

LivinG under

the hoLY sPirits

ControL

13. What are two conficting natures in your lie?Galatians 5:16-17

Who should control your lie?

Here is one illustration o the power which results rom theunion o the Holy Spirit with the believer:

I have in my hand a piece o lead. I hold it over apool o water, and relax my grip. The lead is drawnirresistibly earthwards and sinks to the bottom o the

pool. It has been mastered by the law o gravitation. Itake the same piece o lead, attach it to a piece o woodand drop it into the pool. Now it foats. No change

has taken place in the nature or tendency o the lead,nor has the law o gravitation ceased to unction, butthrough its union with the wood, it has been masteredby a stronger law, the law governing foating bodies,and has been emancipated rom the downward pull o

gravitation.J. OSWALD SANDERS 3

14. Whom does the Holy Spirit gloriy?John 16:13-14

3 From The Holy Spirit and His Gits (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1940), 57.


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15. What is the sword o the Spirit?Ephesians 6:17

16. What eect does the Word o God have on the believer?

Hebrews 4:12

17. What is one activity in which the Holy Spirit helps you? How?Romans 8:26

18. What were some o the disciples activities ater being lledwith the Holy Spirit?Acts 2:42

19. In Acts 1:8, Jesus used the expression you will twice. Hemade both o these statements in conjunction with the HolySpirit coming on the disciples. What two statements did hemake?

How does the Holy Spirit help you in witnessing?

The Spirit-lled lie is:A lie o obedience to the Holy Spirit (question 13)A lie centered on the person o Jesus Christ(question 14)A lie ounded on Gods Word (question 16)

A lie o prayer (question 17)A lie o ellowship (question 18)A lie that witnesses (question 19)


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The Wheel Illustration is a helpul way to remember thesebasic truths about the Spirit-lled lie. It is a Christ-centered lie.The Holy Spirit ocuses your attention on Christ and empowersyou to live a lie oobedience to him. Gods Word andprayerbuild you up in a relationship with Christ so he can live throughyou and reach others throughellowship andwitnessing. With-out drawing attention to himsel, the Holy Spirit shapes eachactivity into an avenue o spiritual blessing.

20. Read Acts 4:31-33. List examples o the principles rom theWheel which are demonstrated by the disciples in this passage.

TheObedientChris

tian

InAction

ChristWitnessing Fellowship

Prayer

TheWord


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Jesus Christ promised that ater he let he would prepare aplace or believers. The apostles watched as Jesus ascended

out o their sight into heaven.Sitting at the right hand o God, Christ reigns over all creationand in particular the church or which he is constantly praying.Jesus Christ also promised to send the Holy Spirit ater he let.Today he comes to live in every believer.The Holy Spirit gives us power to lead an obedient, Christ-centered lie.


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Te Spirit-Filled Christian

DFD Series


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BOOK TWO

THE

SPIRIT-FILLED

CHRISTIAN


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Revised edition 1980

All rights reserved. No part o this publication may be reproduced in any orm

without written permission rom NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs,CO 80935. www.navpress.com

NAVPRESS and the NAVPRESS logo are registered trademarks o NavPress. Absence

o in connection with marks o NavPress or other parties does not indicate an


ISBN-13: 978-0-89109-037-3

ISBN-10: 0-89109-037-1

Unless otherwise identied, all Scripture quotations in this publication are taken

rom theHOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

(niv

). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission o Zondervan

Publishing House. All rights reserved. Other versions used include: The New

Testament in Modern English (ph), J. B. Phillips Translator, J. B. Phillips 1958,

1960, 1972, used by permission o Macmillan Publishing Company.

Printed in the United States o America

33 34 35 36 37 / 12 11 10 09 08


Christian organization and leader in personal spiritual development.NavPress is committed to helping people grow spiritually and enjoy lives






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HELPINg YouLEARN

Have you realized that you have a personal tutor at your side asyou study the Bible? He is always available to help you under-stand what it means and how it applies to you. He is the Author othe Biblethe Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ said the Holy Spirit wouldteach you all things and guide you into all truth (John 14:26;16:13).

The Holy Spirit teaches you both in your personal study othe Bible and as you listen to God-appointed pastors and teach-ers. One is not a substitute or the otheryou need both personalstudy and the teaching o others.

Ask or the Spirits guidance as you study. Psalm 119:18 is agood prayer: Open my eyes that I may see wonderul things inyour law.

For your personal Bible study, you need:A time: Just as church attendance is planned or a

regular time each week, you should also plan a time oryour Bible study. Some like to study a little every day;others set aside an evening each week. Decide on a timethat is best or you, then stick to it aithully.A place: I possible, choose a place ree romdistractions.A method: As you look up each verse o Scripture, thinkabout it careully, then write out your answer. Its alsohelpul to read the context (the surrounding verses)

o each passage listed. Write the answers in your ownwords whenever possible.Material: Besides your study book, you will need acomplete BibleOld and New Testaments.

3


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In Book One, Your Lie in Christ, you discoveredthe reasons or the central place Christ holds in your lie.But you may have wondered,How do I live a Spirit-

flled, Christ-centered lie? In this study you will ndanswers to this question in ve important areas:The Obedient ChristianGods Word in Your LieConversing with GodFellowship with ChristiansWitnessing or Christ

4


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Chapter One

THE obEDIENTCHRISTIAN

At the moment you placed your aith in Jesus Christ as yourSavior, a lie o obedience to God became a real possibility.The Holy Spirit set you ree rom the bondage o sin and death(Romans 8:2). He enables you to live a Christlike lie.

It is not just that we should strive to live like Jesus, butthat Jesus by his Spirit should come and live in us. Tohave him as our example is not enough; we need him asour Savior. It is thus through his atoning death that the

penalty o our sins may be orgiven; whereas it is throughhis indwelling Spirit that the power o our sins may bebroken.

JOHN R. W. STOTT 1

As you learn more about the obedient Christian in action,remember that the Holy Spirit will help you obey.

The Basis

for oBedience

When you consider obedience to God, it is necessary to remem-ber who he is and what he desires or you.

1. What do the ollowing statements tell you about God?

a. 1 John 4:8

b.Revelation 4:11

1 FromBasic Christianity (London: InterVarsity, 1958), 105.

5


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c. How do these acts infuence your obedience to God?

2. Read Deuteronomy 10:12-13.

a. What did God require rom Israel?

b. Why did God desire that they keep these commandments?

c. How does this apply to a Christian today?

3. What does 1 John 5:3 teach about Gods commandments?

4. Ater refecting on John 14:15 and 14:21, briefy state therelationship between loving God and obeying him.

oBedience

To God

How do you know what God desires or your lie? The Bible isGods revelation o truth, and obedience to Gods Word is obedi-ence to God himsel.

6


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5. Psalm 119 deals with the importance o Gods Word. What areseveral ways the Bible can help you live or Christ?

Verse 11

Verse 105

Verse 130

6.In 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul said that the Scriptures are protableor:

a. (What to believe and do)

b. (Recognizing sin)

c. (How to change)

d. (How to live)

This can be illustrated in the ollowing manner:

Teaching

Shows you the pathto walk on.

Training in righTeousness

Shows you how to stayon the path.

correcTion

Shows you how toget back on the path.

reproof

Shows you where youvegotten of the path.

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7. Jesus presents a vivid picture o two types o people inMatthew 7:24-27: the wise man and the oolish man. Read thepassage and answer the ollowing questions:

WISe MaN FOOlISh MaN

On what oundationwas the house built?

To what orces wereboth houses exposed?

What was the result?

Did this person hearGods Word?

How did these two men dier?

8. Perhaps Gods Word has recently made you aware o an area oyour lie that needs to be brought into closer obedience to God. Iso, in what area?

Keys ToconsisTenT

oBedience

Gods Provision

God does not expect you to live an obedient lie in your ownstrength. He has provided you with everything necessary to makeobedience a reality.

9. Who lives in every believer?

1 Corinthians 3:16

2 Corinthians 6:16

Galatians 2:20

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10. Why are Christians able to overcome their enemy in theworld? 1 John 4:4

11. In addition to his personal presence, what else has God given

to help you live or him? Match the letter with the appropriatereerence.

2 Timothy 1:7 a. All things that pertain to lie andgodliness

2 Peter 1:3 b. The Scriptures

Romans 15:4 c. Power, love, and sel-control

Your AttitudesWhile God has equipped you or obedience, a key to successuluse o these resources is your attitude.

12. What attitudes can you display in obeying God?

Deuteronomy 26:16

Psalm 40:8

Luke 8:15

The PracTice

of oBedienT

LivinG

The obedient Christian still aces daily struggles with temptation.How can we practice obedience and gain victory over sin? Biblicalprinciples and examples provide the answer.

13. Discover the source and causes o temptation in theollowing verses:

a. Who is the tempter?Matthew 4:1-3

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b. Who is never the source o temptation?James 1:13

c. What causes you to be drawn into temptation?James 1:14

14. In Joshua 7:20-21, examine Achans statement about hisdisobedience.

a. What actors contributed to his disobedience?

b. At what point could he have prevented his sin?

c. What can you learn rom his error?

15. Using the ollowing verses as a guide, write a brie denitiono sin.Isaiah 53:6; James 4:17; 1 John 3:4

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How does sin dier rom temptation?

16. Consider 1 Corinthians 10:13.

a. Are the temptations you ace dierent and perhaps moredicult than those aced by others?

b. What limit does God place on temptation?

c. What is God sure to provide when you are tempted?

This verse is a promise to claim. I you memorize and reviewit, it will remind you to look or the way out when you aretempted.

God oers us victory and deliverance, but men sin becausethey oten neglect the provision. Known but unconessed singrieves God. Although sin does not alter Gods love, it does cause

a break in ellowship with him.

17. In 1 John 1:9 we are told to (check the correct answer):

eel badly about sin.

try to do something to make up or sin.

coness sin to God.

try to orget about sin.

Why is this important?

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18. In Psalm 32:5, David prays and conesses his sin. Write thisverse in your own words.

The practice o walking in victory can be pictured as ollows:

19. In what practical ways can you avoid alling into temptation?Proverbs 4:13-15

co

nfessi

on

s

in

fellowship

wiTh godvicTory

confession

Conession restoresellowship with God.

sin

Broken ellowshipwith God.

way of escape

TempTaTion

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20. What two steps indicated in James 4:7 will help you walk invictory?

TO SUBMIT TO GOD you must yield your will to Gods will.TO RESIST THE DEVIL you must use Gods provision or victory.

21. These questions about sin and temptation probably remindyou o the daily confict you experience.

a. Review question 8. What is the root problem in the area yourecorded?

b. How does the temptation to disobey God in this area begin toshow itsel?

c. What steps can you take to avoid these beginnings?

Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratiy the desires othe sinul nature.

GALATIANS 5:16

rb T Pt

Your obedience to God is based on the act that he is yourCreator. You obey him because o who he is.God reveals his standards through the Scriptures.To the extent that you appropriate Gods provision or victory,you can experience a lie o obedience.

You are not immune, however, rom temptation and sin. Sindoes not negate Gods love or you, but it does break yourellowship with him. Conession restores that ellowship.

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Chapter twO

goDS WoRDIN YouR LIFE

A sword is to be used skillully in battle as both an oensive and adeensive weapon. God has equipped you with such a weapon oryour spiritual battle: the sword o the Spirit, which is the word oGod (Ephesians 6:17). The Holy Spirit uses the Word o God toaccomplish the work o God.

The great need o the hour among persons spiritually

hungry is twoold: frst, to know the Scriptures, apartrom which no saving truth will be vouchsaed by ourLord; the second, to be enlightened by the Spirit, apartrom whom the Scriptures will not be understood.

A. W. TOZER 2

Gods Word

his communicaTion

To you

The Bible is the most remarkable book ever written. The writ-ing was done by about orty men o many occupations. Theywrote over a period o approximately 1,500 years, and in threelanguagesHebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Yet the Bible has onegreat theme and central gureJesus Christ. All o this would beimpossible unless the Bible had one supreme Authorand it did:the Holy Spirit o God.

1. What does 2 Timothy 3:16 say about the Scriptures? (Circlethe letter o the correct answer.)

2 From The Root o the Righteous (Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, 1955),

37.

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a. Some o the Bible is inspired by God.

b. All o it is inspired by God.

c. Only the parts that speak to you in a personal way are inspired

by God.(Inspired comes rom a Greek word meaning God-breathed.)

The meaning, then, is not that God breathed into thewriters, nor that he somehow breathed into the writingsto give them their special character, but that what was

written by men was breathed out by God. He spokethrough them. They were his spokesmen.

JOHN R. W. STOTT 3

2. How was Scripture given?2 Peter 1:20-21

Who, then, helps you understand the Bible?1 Corinthians 2:12-13

3 From Understanding the Bible (London: Scripture Union, 1972), 183.

15

THE BIBLE AT A GLANCE (66 BOOKS)

OLD TESTAMENT (39 books)The New is in the Old concealed.

NEW TESTAMENT (27 books)The Old is in the New revealed.

HISTORY

17 books

Law

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

NumbersDeuteronomy

History and

government

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra

Nehemiah

Esther

POETRY

5 books

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Song of

Solomon

PROPHECY

17 books

Major

prophets

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

Minor

prophets

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

ZechariahMalachi

HISTORY

5 books

Gospels

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

The early

church

Acts

TEACHING

21 books

Pauls lettersRomans1 Corinthians2 Corinthians

GalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemon

General lettersHebrewsJames

1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 John

Jude

Prophecy

1 book

Revelation

God used forty different men over a period of 1,500 years (about 1400 BC to AD 90) to write the Bible.

TheOldTestamentlooksforwardto

Christssacrificeonthecross.

About400 years

betweentestaments

TheNewTestamentisbasedon

theworkChristfinishedonthecross.


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3. How do the ollowing verses describe Gods Word?

Matthew 24:35

John 17:17

Hebrews 4:12

4. Examine Psalm 19:7-11 careully. Use the ollowing chart toaid you in your investigation.

VerSeWhaT The BIBle ITS WhaT IT WIll

IS called characTerISTIcS dO FOr Me

7 Law perfect refreshes spiritually

Statutes trustworthy gives wisdom

8

9

10

11

In the chart above, place a check by the two or three thoughtsthat impressed you most about the Bible.

It is the very nature and being o God to delight incommunicating himsel. God has no selfshness. God keeps

nothing to himsel. Gods nature is to be always giving.ANDREW MURRAY4

hoW The BiBLe

heLPs you

5. Look up the ollowing verses and summarize some o the waysthe Bible is important to you as a Christian.

4 FromAbsolute Surrender(Chicago: Moody, 1962), 21.

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Jeremiah 15:16

John 5:39

2 Peter 1:4

1 John 2:1

6. Analogy is a orm which explains something by comparing it pointby point with something similar. In the ollowing verses, what is GodsWord compared with? What is the unction o these objects?

OBjecT FuNcTION

Jeremiah 23:29

Matthew 4:4

James 1:23-25

your

resPonsiBiLiTy

7.The Glories o Gods Word is a title given to Psalm 119. Nearlyevery verse o the psalm speaks o his Word, and about applying it

in daily living. Notice the psalmists attitudes and actions concerningGods Word. Beginning with verse 9, ll in the diagram below.

VerSe aTTITude acTION

9 Keeping Gods Word pure life

10 Wholeheartedly sought God PrayedDont let me wander

11 Hid Word in his heart

12 Asked God to teach him

13

14

15

16

8. According to John 8:31, what qualies a man to be Christsdisciple?

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How would you explain these words to another person?

9. From the ollowing verses ll in the remaining blanks.

acTION TO TaKe Why

Psalm 78:5-7

Acts 17:11

James 1:22

Revelation 1:3

10. Ezra is a good example o a man who elt a responsibilitytoward Gods Word. What was his approach to Scripture?

Ezra 7:10

Note the order o Ezras actions. He applied the Scriptures to hisown lie beore he taught them to others.

eZrascripTure oThers

applied applied

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11. Refect careully on Colossians 3:16.

a. What practical steps can you take to allow Christs Word todwell in you richly? (Examples: take notes during sermons; write

out memory verses.)

b. Number them in the order o eectiveness or yoursel.c. During the next week, how can you put into practice the rsttwo methods you numbered?

The imPorTance

of mediTaTion

Meditation on the Scriptures is prayerul refection with a view tounderstanding and application. The goal is to conorm your lieto Gods will by prayerully thinking how to relate Gods Word toyoursel.

Romans

10:17

hea

Revelat

ion1:3

read

Acts17:

11stud

y

Psalm1

19:9-11

meoize

Psalm1

:2-3med

itate

These ve methods o Scripture intake

help you get a rm grasp on Gods

Word.

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12. From Joshua 1:8, answer the ollowing questions.

a. What should be the source o your meditation?

b. Briefy state the relationship between meditation andapplication.

c. What are the results o meditation?

13. Meditate on Psalm 1 and record your ndings. Here are somequestions to help you get started:

How is the Christian like a tree?What are the dierences between the godly man and theungodly man as to habits, stability, and uture?What new ideas rom this psalm will help you in yourrelationship with God?

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In the space below, draw a simple picture that depicts the contento verses 2 and 3.

rb T Pt

God has communicated to man through his Wordthe Bible.

Through the Scriptures you can get to know God better,understand his desires or your lie, and discover new truthsabout living or him.God commands believers to let his Word dwell richly in them.So it is important to give yoursel wholeheartedly to allowingGods Word to ll your lie.God places emphasis on the act o meditating on his Word,because eective meditation leads to personal application.

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Chapter three

CoNvERSINgWITH goD

Communication is essential or any growing relationship, includ-ing our relationship with God. Prayer is our means o communi-cating with him.

When you pray, the Holy Spirit helps you know what to sayand how to say it (Romans 8:26-27).

The Spirit links himsel with us in our praying and

pours his supplications into our own. We may masterthe technique o prayer and understand its philosophy;

we may have unlimited confdence in the veracity andvalidity o the promises concerning prayer. We mayplead them earnestly. But i we ignore the part playedby the Holy Spirit, we have ailed to use the masterkey.

J. OSWALD SANDERS 5

Prayer

your communicaTion

WiTh God

1. As a believer in Christ you have been given a specialopportunity, according to Hebrews 4:16. What is it and why was itgiven to you?

5 FromSpiritual Leadership (Chicago: Moody, 1967), 79.

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2. Because God is the believers reuge, what are you told to do?Psalm 62:8

How does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 relate to this verse?

3. Dierent types o prayer are necessary to communicate thevariety o thoughts you want to express. Match each reerencewith the corresponding type o prayer.

Psalm 38:18 Hebrews 13:15 James 1:5 Ephesians 5:20

1 Samuel 12:23

Praise (or who God is)

Thanksgiving (or what he has done)

Conession

Prayer or others

Prayer or personal needs

The BenefiTs

of Prayer

Not only do Christians have the privilege o talking with Godabout everything, they also experience great benets rom theircommunion with God.

4. What truth do you nd both in Jeremiah 33:3 and Ephesians3:20?

5. What result did the psalmist experience when he prayed?Psalm 34:4

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What are some ears you can discuss with God?

6. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6-7 about a powerul key toreedom rom anxiety.

a. What are you to do?

b. Why do you eel God is interested in every area o your lie?

c. What is Gods promise?

d. In what area can you immediately begin to apply this truth?

condiTions

of Prayer

7. What conditions o prayer do you nd in the ollowing verses?

Psalm 66:18

Matthew 21:22

John 15:7

John 16:24

1 John 5:14-15Even when conditions are met, it sometimes appears as i God isnot answering prayer. But remember that No and Wait are asmuch o an answer as Yes.

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8. Consider Jesus pattern or prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.

a. How does the prayer begin? Why is this important?

b. Which requests are God-centered?

c. Which requests are man-centered?

d. In what specic ways can this pattern or praying help youpray?

for Whom

do you Pray?

9. What did Paul desire or those who didnt know Christ?Romans 10:1

What did he do about it?

10. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. What groups o people should youpray or? Why?

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11. What does the Lord desire you to pray or?Matthew 9:37-38

Why do you eel this is important?

12. How do you usually react when you have been intention-

ally mistreated by someone? Place a check mark by your rstresponse.

To become angry with him

To think o a way to get even

To make an excuse or him and try to orget it

To pray or him

To orgive but not orget

Other:

Examine Luke 6:28, then circle the correct response.

13. Using Pauls prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 as a guideline, listsome requests you could pray or others and or yoursel.

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Have you been using a prayer list? A list can help you remem-ber things you might otherwise orget to pray about. It can include:

Your amilyYour non-Christian riends and acquaintances

Your pastor and churchMissionaries and Christian workers you knowThose who oppose youGovernmental authoritiesYour personal needs

daiLy

conversaTion

WiTh God

14. What attitudes can you have in coming to God?

Psalm 27:8

Psalm 46:10

Psalm 63:1

What truths are illustrated by this diagram?

HOLY SPIR

IT

HO

LYSPIR

IT

BIBLE

GOD

MAN

JESUS CHRIST

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15. Examine Luke 10:38-42. You can make several observationsrom this passage which relate to spending time with Jesus Christ.

a. Contrast the activities o Mary and Martha.

Mary MarTha

b. Which one did Jesus commend and why?

c. Like Martha, you may be easily distracted by many things.What activities might distract you rom meeting with God?

d. What can you do to overcome these distractions?

16. From what you have already learned in DesignforDiscipleship, record several reasons why you need to spend dailytime with Godmeditating on his Word and conversing with himin prayer.

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rb T Pt

God has provided prayer as the means o communicatingdirectly with him, through Jesus Christ.

Prayer releases us rom ear and worry.The Scriptures provide numerous patterns and examples orour prayer.God desires your ellowship, and youneed to grow in yourrelationship with him. So regular times alone with God or thepurpose o ellowship are vitally necessary.

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Chapter FOur

FELLoWSHIPWITH CHRISTIANS

Accept lie with humility and patience, generouslymaking allowances or each other because you love eachother. Make it your aim to be at one in the Spirit, andyou will be bound together in peace. There is one Bodyand one Spirit, just as it was to one hope that you werecalled. There is one Lord, one aith, one baptism, one God

and Father o all, who is the one over all, the one workingthrough all and the one living in all.

EPHESIANS 4:2-6, ph

WhaT is

BiBLicaL feLLoWshiP?

1. Read 1 John 3:1. I you are Gods child and he is the Father

o all, what does this tell you about your relationship to otherbelievers?

2. Fellowship is derived rom the Greek word koinonia, whichmeans sharing in common. God has given you much to share. As

you examine the ollowing verses, determine what you can sharewith others and one practical way to share it.

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WhaT TO Share a Way TO Share

1 John 4:11,21

Galatians 6:2

Galatians 6:6

James 5:16

3. Recall an incident when you were reluctant to allow someoneto share something with you. Did your attitude hinder his attemptat sharing? I so, how?

Sharing involves giving and receiving, and both are integral partso meaningul ellowship.

4. Christians ellowship together on the basis o the act thatthey are orgiven sinnersorgiven, yes, but still sinners.Knowing this act, what is your responsibility toward your brotherwhen you have oended him?Matthew 5:22-24

(Raca is a term expressing contempt or someone.)

What is your responsibility when he has oended you?Matthew 18:15,35

Christians can honestly share their lives. You dont have to pre-tend to be something you are not.

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5. Picture the ollowing situation. Several Christians are in thesame room drinking coee and eating doughnuts as they discusslast weeks championship game. The conversation moves to thesubject o which animal makes the best household pet. Then

one o them tells a joke he recently heard. They enjoy a goodlaugh together and begin to talk about the weather orecast ortomorrow. As one o them leaves, he says, It sure is good to haveChristian ellowship!

a. Is this genuine Christian ellowship?

b. Why or why not?

c. Could it be improved? How?

The PurPose

of feLLoWshiP

6. Why is ellowship important?

Proverbs 27:17

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

7. What is the purpose o meeting together as believers?Hebrews 10:24-25

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8. In studying a verse, it is oten helpul to locate other verseselsewhere in the Bible which relate directly to the one beingexamined. The other verses are called cross-reerences.Hebrews 3:13 is a cross-reerence to Hebrews 10:24-25. From

this cross-reerence, why is it necessary to encourage oneanother daily?

9. Explain why ellowship is important to you.

The Body

of chrisT

10. God uses the analogy o a body to describe the relationshipo believers with one another and with Christ. Who is the head othe body? Why? Colossians 1:18

11. Each believer is given dierent but important responsibilitiesin this spiritual body, the church. Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-27.

a. Who gave the members their various unctions? Verse 18

b. What is his desire? Verse 25

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c. What attitudes can lead to disharmony in the body?Verses 15-16,21

d. Are there any unnecessary unctions (members) in the body?Verses 20-22

12. Think o what happens when you hit your nger with ahammer. How does this aect the entire body?

How can this illustration relate to the spiritual body?1 Corinthians 12:26

13. The body works together as one unit, yet it has many

specialized organs which perorm diverse unctions. Summarize ina ew sentences how both unity and diversity can exist togetherin the body.

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14. According to Ephesians 4:2-3, what will preserve unity in thebody?

15. Examine your attitudes toward other Christians. Is theresomeone you nd dicult to relate to in love as another membero Christs body? Why?

What steps can you take to bring harmony to your relationshipwith this individual?

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live togetherin unity!

PSALM 133:1

The LocaLchurch

16. What activities o the church in Jerusalem are mentioned inActs 2:42?

Three distinguishing marks o the early church were:

(1) GENEROSITY (2) PRAYER (3) POWER

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17. Read Ephesians 4:11-13. Who is to equip (perect) the saintsso they can do the work o the ministry?

What is the ultimate goal o Christian ministry? Verse 13

18. Examine 1 Peter 5:1-5. This passage gives direction to theleaders and members o a fock. Using the ollowing chart,contrast the right and wrong ways o demonstrating leadership.Verses 2-3

rIghT Way WrONg Way

What is your responsibility to your spiritual elders? Verse 5

36

THE

BODY OF

CHRIST MAY

BE BUILT UP

GODS

PEOPLE

APOSTLES

PROPHETS

EVANGELISTS

PASTORS

TEACHERS

HE GAVE SOME

TO BE . . .TO PREPARE

FOR WORKS OF

SERVICE, SO THAT


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19. In Colossians 4:3-4, Paul requested prayer or his ministry.

a. Paraphrase his request.

b. Stop or a moment and use this request as a basis or prayingor another Christian. Record the persons name here.

c. What is one thing you can do during this coming week toencourage those who are helping you walk with Christ?

20. What instructions are you given concerning the support othose who are appointed to preach and teach?1 Corinthians 9:11,14

Are you presently giving back to God part o what he is giving toyou? What does God want you to do with regard to prayer andnancial support or your spiritual leaders?

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Each Christian should select his church because he isconvinced that within its particular structure he will

fnd the greatest opportunities or spiritual growth,the greatest satisactions or his human needs, and the

greatest chance to be o helpul service to those aroundhim.

BILLY GRAHAM 6

rb T Pt

Genuine ellowship is based on the concept o giving to andreceiving rom other Christians. You can share with others

whatever God has given youorgiveness, possessions, love,his Word, and many other things.God gives ellowship or the purpose o mutual encouragementand growth.He wants Christians to live in unity and harmony with oneanother. To help us understand how believers are related, Goduses the analogy o the body. Jesus Christ is the head o thebody, which is comprised o all believers.All Christians throughout the world belong to Christs body,

but it is important or you to recognize how God wants you tobe related to a smaller, specic group o believers. This smallergroup is or the purpose o instruction, sharing, worship, andservice. God has given spiritual leaders to help you mature inChrist and to become eective in the ministry.

6 FromPeace with God (New York: Doubleday, 1953), 177178.

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Chapter FIVe

WITNESSINgFoR CHRIST

It is the Holy Spirit, not we, who converts anindividual. We, the privileged ambassadors o JesusChrist, can communicate a verbal message; we candemonstrate through our personality and lie what the

grace o Jesus Christ can accomplish. . . . But let usnever naively think that we have converted a soul andbrought him to Jesus Christ. . . . No one calls Jesus Lordexcept by the Holy Spirit.

PAUL LITTLE7

1. In Mark 5:18-19, notice Jesus words to a man he had healed.

a. Where did he send him?

b. What did he tell him to do?

c. Why do you suppose Jesus gave these particular instructions?

7 FromHow to Give Away Your Faith (Chicago: InterVarsity, 1966), 53.

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2. When you think about speaking o Christ, how do youreact? (Either check a given sentence or write one o yourown.)

I nd it dicult to speak o such a personal matter.I do not speak unless someone asks me.

I nd it easy to talk to riends about Christ, but not people Idont know.

I nd it easy to talk to strangers about Christ, but not closeriends.

I oten nd mysel talking to people about Christ, and I enjoy it

very much.

How do you think Peter would have answered this question?Acts 4:20

3. Sometimes you may eel as though you need to know all theanswers beore you can be an eective witness or Christ. Whatwould you share with others? 1 John 1:3

And or what purpose?

How would you summarize the most important things you haveseen and heard about Christ?

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4. Contrast the dierence in the lives o the people in this chart:

hOW dId Why dId They

They acT? acT ThIS Way?

The Authorities(John 12:42-43)

Paul(Romans 1:15-16)

5. Careully examine 2 Corinthians 5:9-14. In this section Paullists several motivations and reasons or witnessing or Christ. Listthose you discover.

Verse 9

Verse 10Verse 11

Verse 14

Witnessing is taking a good look at the Lord Jesus andthen telling others what youve seen.

hoW do you Become

an effecTive WiTness?

Witnessing is not merely an activityit is a way o lie. Christiansdont do witnessing; they are witnessesgood or bad. Concen-trate on improving your witness or Jesus Christ.

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Witness by Love

6. Consider the qualities o love mentioned in 1 Corinthians13:4-7. Which three do you eel would help you most to becomea more eective witness or Christ?

7. Read John 13:34-35. Imagine yoursel as one o the apostles,and Jesus has just nished making this statement. Whatimmediately comes to your mind?

Why do you think Jesus gave this command?

Some people never read the Bible and seldom attend church. Iyou want them to know what Christ can do or them, let them seewhat Christ has done or you.

Witness by Life

8. What can be the results o your good works?Matthew 5:16

9. Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-3. What did Paul say was true o the

Corinthians?

Do you think people notice your lie and consider it a witness orJesus? Why or why not?

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You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day,by the deeds that you do and the words that you say.

Men read what you writedistorted or true;What is the gospel according to you?

ANONYMOUS

Witness by Word

10. What challenge and instruction with regard to witnessing doyou see in 1 Peter 3:15?

11. Paul gave some important acts about witnessing or Christ in1 Corinthians 2:4-5. Paraphrase these verses.

12. The blind man whom Jesus healed had little or no theologicaltraining, but he was able to relate simply and eectively the actso his experience. What did he say?John 9:25

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Can you make a statement similar to that o the healed blindman? How would you say it in your own words?

I cannot, by being good, tell men o Jesus atoningdeath and resurrection, nor o my aith in his divinity.The emphasis is too much on me, and too little on him.

SAMUEL SHOEMAKER8

PauLs

sTory

Read the account o Pauls witness to King Agrippa and his royalparty in Acts 26:1-29, then answer the ollowing questions.

13. How did Paul begin his story? Verses 2-3

14. What characterized his background? Verses 4-5,9-11

(Blaspheme means to speak evil or contemptuously o God or sacred things.)

15. What reversed the direction o Pauls lie? Verses 12-15

16. How did Paul explain the gospel? Verse 23

8 FromExtraordinary Living or Ordinary Men (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,

1965), 117.

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Now, brothers, I want to remind you o the gospel Ipreached to you. . . . For what I received I passed on toyou as o frst importance: that Christ died or our sinsaccording to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he

was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-4

17. What did Paul ask Agrippa? Why is this question important?Verse 27

your

sTory

Now that youve seen how Paul gave his story, work on a way to

tell yours. Sharing how you became a Christian can be one o thebest ways o witnessing. It is particularly helpul in presentingJesus Christ to relatives and close riends.

In sharing the story o your experience:Make it personaldont preach. Tell what Christ has doneor you. Use I, me, and mynot you.Make it short. Three or our minutes should be enough timeto cover the essential acts.Keep Christ central. Always highlight what he has done or

you.Use the Word o God. A verse or two o Scripture will addpower to your story. Remember that the Word o God has akeen cutting edge.

How to Prepare Your Story

Try writing your story down on the next page just the wayyou would tell it to an unbeliever. Make the story clear enoughthat the person hearing it would know how to receive Christ.

Tell a little about your lie beore you trusted Jesus Christ;then about your conversion, how you came to trust him; andnally something o what it has meant to know himthe blessingo sins orgiven, assurance o eternal lie, and other ways your lieor outlook has changed.

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I you have been a Christian or a number o years, be surethat your story includes some current inormation about the con-tinuing eect o Christ in your lie.

As you prepare your story, ask the Lord to give you opportu-

nities to share it. Pray or two or three whom you would particu-larly like to tell about Jesus Christ in your neighborhood, at work,or at school, and take the rst opportunity to share your storywith them.

my

sTory

Beore I trusted Christ:

How I trusted Christ:

Since Ive trusted Christ:

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In conclusion, remember that you do not have the power inyoursel to convince anyone o spiritual truth. The Holy Spiritconvicts non-Christians o their need to know Christ (John 16:8).As you pray or those with whom you desire to share your story,

be sure to ask God to honor the proclamation o his Word, to con-vince people o their need, and to strengthen you as you share thegospel.

rb T Pt

According to the principles o Scripture, we are to be witnesses

o what we see and hear o Christ.We are witnesses by actions o love, by our liestyle, and by ourspeech.Pauls spoken testimony provides a pattern or verbal witness:telling what our lie was like beore we met Christ, telling howwe met Christ, and telling what our lie is like since meetinghim.

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Walking with Christ

DFD Series


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BOOK THREE

WALKING

WITH CHRIST


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Revise eition 1980

A rights reserve. No part o this pubication may be reprouce in any orm

without written permission rom NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Coorao Springs, CO80935. www.navpress.com

NAVPRESS an the NAVPRESS ogo are registere traemarks o NavPress. Absence

o in connection with marks o NavPress or other parties oes not inicate an


ISBN-13: 978-0-89109-038-0

ISBN-10: 0-89109-038-X

Uness otherwise ientie, a Scripture quotations in this pubication are taken

rom theHOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

(niv

). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Internationa Bibe Society. Use by permission o Zonervan

Pubishing House. A rights reserve. Other versions use incue: The New

Testament in Modern English (ph), J. B. Phiips Transator, J. B. Phiips 1958,

1960, 1972, use by permission o Macmian Pubishing Company.

Printe in the Unite States o America

33 34 35 36 37 / 12 11 10 09 08


Christian organization and leader in personal spiritual development.

NavPress is committed to helping people grow spiritually and enjoy lives






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3



GeTTING THe MoSTfRoM YouR STudY

The Bibe is a book o ie, a treasure chest o truth. . . reviving the soul,. . . making wise the simple,. . . giving joy to the heart,. . . giving light to the eyes,. . . more precious than gold,

. . . sweeter than honeyand in [obeying its teachings] there is great reward.

FROM PSAlM 19:7-11

The abunant wisom an riches Go has provie in his Worare avaiabe to every Christian, but they are possesse ony bythose who iigenty seek them. Meitation an prayer are twokeys which unock this storehouse o Gos wisom as you stuy.Prayeruy meitating on the verses you ook up wi hep you

unerstan their meaning an their appication or your ie.In Walking with Christ you wi be stuying ve important

aspects o your ie with him:Maturing in ChristThe lorship o ChristFaith an the Promises o GoKnowing Gos WiWaking as a Servant


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5



Chapter One

MATuRINGIN CHRIST

Toays wor is characterize by many inventions which meetpeopes nees quicky an easiy: instant oos, instant eectroniccommunication, instant inormation store in high-spee comput-ers. Christians must remember, however, that there is no suchthing as instant maturity in the Christian experience. Becominga Christian begins a ieong aventure o knowing Go better an

oving him more.

Dont let the world around you squeeze you into itsown mould, but let God re-make you so that your wholeattitude o mind is changed. Thus you will prove in

practice that the will o Gods good, acceptable to himand perect.

ROMANS 12:2, ph

MovingToward

MaTuriTy

1. You took your rst step towar spiritua maturity whenyou put your aith in Christ. list here an on the next pagethe important points o the gospe message, with scripturareerences:


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2. Rea Ephesians 4:11-16.

a. What is Gos esire or you? Verses 13,15

b. What are some characteristics o immature Christians(chiren or inants)? Verse 14

c. Accoring to this passage, what characterizes a spirituaymature person?

3. Contrast mans o nature with the Christians new nature.Ephesians 4:22-24

Old NaTuRE NEw NaTuRE

4. Consier 2 Corinthians 3:18.

a. Into whose image are you being change?

b. Who brings about this change?


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c. Are you competey change a at once?

5. What o the oowing verses in Romans te you about yourreationship to Christ?

a. What has areay happene to you?Romans 5:8-9

b. What shou you be oing now?Romans 6:19

c. What can you expect in the uture?Romans 8:16-18

These three aspects o savation in Christ are hepu in uner-staning Gos pan or beievers:

Justication Past tenseI have

been save . . . romthe penaty o sin

Myposition is in

Christ.

Sanctication Present tenseI ambeing save . . . romthe power o sin

My condition isbecoming ike Christ.

Gorication Future tenseI wibe save . . . rom thepresence o sin

My expectation is tobe ike Christ.

6. Think careuy about Coossians 3:2-4. How o these versesreate to the preceing chart?


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your

STarTing

PoinT

7. Examine Coossians 2:6-7. How i you begin your ie inChrist?

How shou you continue to grow?

8. Consier Romans 5:1-5. Because o your justication by aithin Christ, what practica benets are yours to experience?

9. Rea Ephesians 1 an ist severa things which you have inChrist.

The ProceSS

of growTh

10. A reveaing parae exists between physica ie an spirituaie. What can you earn about this parae rom the oowingreerences?

1 Thessalonians 2:11

1 Timothy 4:8


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Hebrews 5:13-14

1 Peter 2:2-3

What other iustrations o this parae o you know?

11. What things iste in Romans 5:17 can you receive?

What wi this enabe you to o?

12. Meitate on Romans 6:11-13.

a. What shou you count as true about yourse? Verse 11

b. What shou be your present reationship to sin? Verse 12

c. What must you not aow? Verse 13

. What action shou you take? Verse 13

e. How wou you expain the truth o Romans 6:5-6?


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13. Go intens or you to reign in ie (Romans 5:17), not orsin to reign in your ie (Romans 6:13). What appication o theseverses suggest or your ie?

14. Pau state that Christians are save through aith (Ephesians2:8-9), but your reationship to Go oes not en there.

a. Accoring to Ephesians 2:10, what are you?

b. Is Go sti working in you?

c. What is Go oing? Philippians 1:6

As you refect on your ie, be thanku or a that Go is oingin you. Conficts in your ie shou encourage you because theyinicate that Go is sti working in you, changing you to be ike

Christ. Take a moment to express your gratitue to Go or whathe has done, is doing, anwill do or you.

Our outer person is merely Gods ramethe real pictureis the inner person which God, the Artist, is still creating.

how To

Live

15. What guieines or your ie as a Christian o you see inthese verses?

Romans 8:4

2 Corinthians 5:7

Ephesians 5:2

1 John 2:6


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16. Using 1 John 1:6-10, contrast those who wak in eowshipwith Go an those who o not.

PEOPlE iN FEllOwsHiP PEOPlE NOT iN FEllOwsHiP

wiTH GOd wiTH GOd

TheMaTure

Life

17. What attitue shou a mature Christian possess?Philippians 3:13-15

18. Rea 1 Corinthians 15:58. Whie awaiting eternity withChrist, what shou Christians be oing?

What act can motivate you to o this?

19. What are some areas in which you can experience spirituagrowth?

2 Peter 3:18

1 John 4:16-17


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20. Consier 2 Timothy 4:7-8. What statement was Pau abe tomake concerning his earthy wak with Christ?

What i he expectanty await in the uture?

rmm Ts Pts

Go intens Christians to mature an become ike Jesus

Christ. Go has save Christians rom the penaty o sin. Theyare presenty engage in a confict with sin, but can anticipatea siness uture with Christ.Faith in Jesus Christ marks the beginning o Christian growth.The beiever has Gos resources avaiabe to him to hep himgrow.Spiritua growth is simiar to physica growth. It takes timeas Go works in the beievers ie. Christians shou reign inie, recognizing that Go is bringing to ument the work he

began in them.Growing in Christ is simiar to waking. le by the Spirit,Christians are to wak in aith an ove an in eowship withChrist.A mature Christian is one who continues to oow Christ,abouning in his work an experiencing his grace an ove.Go oes not orget the work o the beiever an wi one ayrewar him.


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Chapter twO

THe LoRdSHIpof CHRIST

Jesus Christ is Savior and lor.Wiiam Barcay has written, O a the tites o Jesus the tite

lor became by ar the most commony use, wiesprea, antheoogicay important. It wou hary be going too ar to saythat the wor lor became a synonym or the name o Jesus.1

The LordJeSuS chriST

1. Tites revea important inormation about the person to whomthey reer. What are Jesus Christs tites in the oowing verses?

John 13:13

Acts 2:36

Revelation 19:16

Summarize what these tites revea about Jesus Christ.

2. Jesus Christ is lor o (connect the oowing answers withthe corresponing reerences):

Creation Coossians 1:16-17

The iving an the ea Coossians 1:18A Christiansthe church Romans 14:9

1 FromJesus as They Saw Him (New York: Harper an Row, 1962), 408.

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