Purpose: The purpose of this session is to help you see how important you are as you live as a disciple and witness to the world. Your life is significant to both those who live around you and also to the Father.

Objectives

1. To help the disciple see that as an ambassador for Christ, it is important how we live.

2. To understand that we represent the King of Kings as we live in this world.

3. To understand that God has given us a message that we can both tell and live before others.

4. To grasp more fully that we belong to the King of Kings.

Scripture Memory

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people.

Matthew 5:13

Agenda

1. Prayer and mutual sharing.

2. Discuss questions.

3. Review memory work.

4. Present and discuss disciples testimony.

Introduction

The purpose of this session is to stress from God ’s Word the importance of the disciple’s personal life. How the disciple conducts himself is relevant and of utmost importance. We have been chosen as heavenly ambassadors to bear His Word of love and grace. The following observations are simple, but they are direct and clear.

I. Believers (disciples) are:

A. A chosen race, a royal priesthood...to proclaim His excellencies, 1 Peter 2:9

B. Exalters of Christ — those who enable Him to be seen more clearly, Philippians 1:20.

C. Epistles (letters) known and read by all men, 2 Corinthians 3:2.

D. Lights in the world — reflectors of Christ, Matthew 5:14; 2 Corinthians 3:18.

E. Christians — “little Christs,” Acts 11:26

F. The “salt of the earth,” Matthew 5:13. A preservative that also causes thirst.

G. Examples, 1 Timothy 4:12.

How much folly does it take to ruin a testimony...to cause a life to be ineffective? Very little — Ecclesiastes 10:1; Hebrews 12:1

II. Who would be affected by the breakdown of my personal life?

A. Myself —little things can sap our spiritual strength. Unwillingness to judge little things can render us useless. When spiritual strength is sapped we become mere decorations.

B. Unbelievers— those who need Christ, 2 Timothy 2:21. We are responsible to the extent that we could have been used to reach others.

C. Believers—young and/or weak Christians could be hurt, Hebrews 12:12.

D. Last, but certainly not the least, God the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; and Ephesians 4:30. The Holy Spirit is grieved and quenched by our sinning. We can’t grieve someone who doesn't love us.

Worksheet

In considering “living out the gospel,” there is a place to look at the importance of my life as a disciple. The object of this learning experience is to help an individual see that the nature of one”s personal life can have a significant effect upon his ultimate discipleship ministry and effectiveness as a minister for Christ. This in no way means that I should give attention to the way I live only because of this ministry. To live a double or inconsistent life, or to tolerate a problem that is contrary to Scripture is to invite ruin, shame and dwarfed usefulness. It is important to see the uniqueness of believers and disciples as we are described in the Word of God. We can begin to do this by looking at the following verses and responding to the questions with the verses noted.

1. How are Christians described in 1 Peter 2:9? What seems to be our unique purpose in the world as described in this verse?

2. Philippians 1:20 tells us we are to?

3. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 3:2 tells us we are a _______________. In your own words, what significance does this have in relation to our behavior in the world?

4. What term was first used for disciples at Antioch? Acts 11:26.

What does this term mean in its biblical setting (speculate)?

5. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus calls the disciples ________________. Compare this with John 8:12. What comments can you make on the similarities and differences taught in these two verses?

6. In Matthew 5:13, we are called ________________________ What are some of the ways we are like this?

7. The final similarity or picture is found in 1 Timothy 4:12. What are we called in this passage?

To whom?

8. List the practical truths that come to mind as you read these verses describing Christians.

A.

B.

C.

9. In connection with the “race” I am running, what do I need to do according to Hebrews 12:1?

10. Most of us are somewhat aware by this time of what a sin is. What is an “encumbrance?”

A very personal question might be, what encumbrances are in your life that are hindering your effectively running of race? If you don’t know, ask God to show you, and list them.

11. What is the basic teaching or instruction from Ecclesiastes 10:1?

12. The following verses give some indication of who is affected by your personal life. As you think of your impact upon the world and those you know, analyze these verses and write briefly who is affected by your life.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

1 Corinthians 3:16,

Ephesians 4:30

1 Thessalonians 5:19

2 Timothy 2:21

Hebrews 12:12-13

13. Christians are not meant to be decorations. Little things can sap our strength and power, and we can end up “on the shelf,” 1 Corinthians 9:27. We need to judge things in our lives and keep “on track!” We cannot afford to let little things sap our power and usefulness. 1 Corinthians 9:27 tells us of what possibility?

14. We should note that the word translated “disqualified” means something other than losing one’s salvation. The word in the original Greek is “adokimos,” which was a word used by Greek housewives for cracked pottery which was no longer able to hold water. These pieces of pottery often ended up on an upper shelf where they contained things such as but-tons and pin (in our culture). They were simply used ornamentally and for lesser uses than they had been destined for in their making.

What happens in the life of one of whom this is true?

How would you describe someone who is “on the shelf?”

Questions for Review and Discussion

1. In view of the theme and material included in this worksheet, what is the most important consideration for you and your life?

2. How can we develop a sensitivity to sin and behavior that would affect our witness?”

3. 1 Corinthians 9:27 tells me that we can be “put on the shelf,” or disqualified. What does this mean in terms of how you live your life?

4. From your life and personal testimony, what indications do you have that you have had an impact on another person?

Summary and Key Concepts

The purpose of this session is to show that the life I live as a Christian is desperately important if I am to be an effective ambassador. There are several figures of speech in Scripture that give adequate description of what I am and how I should be. It is important to give sufficient time in studying them to understand what a believer is and can be in this world. It is true that if I have a poor Christian testimony — if my life is grossly inconsistent with what it could be otherwise, I will not be effective as far as my service is concerned.

It is also crucial to illustrate through the use of 1 Corinthians 9:27 that it is possible to be permanently disqualified from the race— to be “put on the shelf” and be of no more use to the Savior— if I persist in sin and do not confess and daily yield to His leadership.

Equally important is the truth that a “hypocrite” is not someone who does not live up to what he professes to be. Most of us would then be hypocrites. Rather, a hypocrite is someone who has no intention of living up to what he professes to be.

Be sure to see and understand the reality that we do not live our lives unto ourselves. Many people can be affected when we are negligent and live in sin. At this particular time, the lives of some of us who are Christians have become a joke to unbelievers. It may be important to look back to sessions on spirituality and maturity and do some reviewing of these important topics.

Life Application

Every Christian should have a well written and rehearsed testimony of what God through Christ has done for him, or her. ( Peter 2:15). This week write out a ten minute testimony of your life: before Christ, how God brought you to Christ, and how your life has changed since receiving Christ. Use only three minutes or less in writing about your life before Christ. Plan to read it to your discipler. It is also helpful to develop a three minute testimony and a one minute testimony.

Purpose: The purpose of this session is to teach various biblical laws that should affect the behavior of a Christian when the behavior is not clearly taught in Scripture.

Objectives

1. The disciple will experience freedom in Christ in his daily walk.

2. The disciple will learn the difference between a legalist and a weaker brother.

3. The disciple will learn to keep to the main issues when dealing with someone who does not know the Lord.

Scripture Memory

For the love of Christ controls us, since we have concluded this, that Christ died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Agenda

1. Mutual sharing and prayer.

2. Discuss the session materials.

4. Sharing of memory verse.

5. Discussion of any new terms.

Introduction

The Lord obviously knew (He is omniscient) there would be situations throughout time that direct statements in Scripture would not cover. Because of this, He gave certain principles in His Word that would govern such situations. These are basically stated as "laws" and they govern all situations we might be confronted with in time—all situations that are ambiguous and not covered by direct statements of Scripture. Among these are the following three "laws”:

The Law of Liberty, Galatians 5:1,13.

The "law of liberty" is the Scriptural principle that I am not to be governed by external law of any kind, but by an inner law of freedom that comes from Christ and the Holy Spirit Who indwells me, Romans 8:11. It states basically that in all areas of behavior, I have the privilege of doing things that are not specifically forbidden, if they do not fulfill the desires of the flesh. A further condition for the exercise of liberty is found in...

The Law of Love, Romans 14:14-23.

The "law of love" is an extension of the practice of the "law of liberty.” This law says that my practice of liberty should not be such that would cause my "weaker brother" (one who doesn't understand liberty) to be grieved or to stumble. A further statement is to the end that my behavior should not "destroy" the work of God. These are harsh statements concerning what happens to the weaker brother. To stumble means to "fall flat on one's face,” usually with the idea of not walking again. There is another consideration which is necessary and equally important. One cannot allow his life to become "other-directed,” which is very unhealthy spiritually and psychologically. There are people everywhere who are against just about everything. Even the eating of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, because "the seed is mixed,” and this is "forbidden in the Old Testament.” The reality is simply this. I will have difficulty with a psychological variable related to health if I carry this law to the extreme and do nothing that a believer anywhere has a conscience against. There is, on the other hand, a need to model liberty in order that the "weaker brother" who doesn't understand liberty may grow.

The Law of Priorities, 1 Corinthians 10:23-33.

This is a law which says simply that I need to keep the issues clear. In the instance mentioned in 1 Corinthians, eating meat offered to idols was the consideration. If a heathen invites you to dinner and offers you filet mignon that has been offered to an idol, in the idol's temple, go ahead and eat it. Don't make an issue out of something that is not the chief issue with an unbeliever. Christ is the supreme issue in the life of an unbeliever—not abortion, liquor, or the day on which one worships, etc. Keep the issues clear. If the heathen creates an issue, however, then you must deal with it. How would he do this? Simply if he would say, "Dear Christian friend, I have served you with meat offered to a heathen god. Are you going to eat it?" Then you can deal with the issue of the heathen god, moving the conversation to the chief issue which is one’s relationship to Jesus Christ.

Worksheet

The purpose of this session and worksheet is to help you develop some ideas concerning principles that govern behavior that may be "doubtful.” The Scripture does not cover explicitly every problem that occurs throughout all time. But it does through principles and implications. There is no behavior known to man to which the Scripture does not apply in one way or another. This is basically seen in the discussion of three laws that will be elaborated in this worksheet. Read Galatians 5, Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 carefully.

The Law of Liberty

One basic result of the new birth that I have experienced relates to a new freedom I have found through Christ. This is a freedom from external laws that would govern me. Galatians 5:1 tells me that I am to ________ ________ ___________. What does this mean to you?

What function did the law serve for those who were in Old Testament times? Galatians 3:23-24.

There are two words that can be translated “teacher” in the Greek language. The first of these is pedagogues. The second is didaskolos. An understanding of these two words is necessary in understanding the whole impact of the truth taught in this passage. The paidagogas was something of a tutor. In the Greek culture, he was given charge of the children and was responsible for their being in school. He saw that they were dressed, had clean ears, and if they hesitated to go to school, he would prod them in order to get them there. But once they were in school, they were under the supervision of the didaskolos. Perhaps it is becoming more clear now. The law was our paidagogas to bring us to Christ, our didaskolos. It was never intended to be our way of life, which is inward rather than external.

What is the implication of Galatians 3:25?

The thought of these passages is that I am no longer under an external _______ or form of control. If control is no longer from without it must be from ____________, and this control is brought about through the ______________, Galatians 5:25. Therefore, the law of liberty is a law that says I have the right to do whatever is not forbidden explicitly in Scripture.

Surely the reality of _____________________ in my life does not encourage me now to sin more freely, Romans 6:1. Rather, grace teaches me?Titus 2:11-12.

Grace rightfully leads me to a more holy life. The law of liberty does not give me license to sin. The exercise of this law says I can make judgments concerning choices of behavior that are not explicitly forbidden in Scripture. But there are some governing principles regarding these choices. One of these is found in Galatians 5:13.

The second principle is found in Romans 14. As you read this chapter, what term is used to describe one who doesn't understand liberty? __________. What kinds of "doubtful behavior" were problems in the day Paul wrote these words, Romans 14:2,5?

What should we keep in mind concerning judging one another, Romans 14:7, 10, 12?

What could be "doubtful behaviors" today?

1.

2.

3.

Still another governing principle that concerns the law of liberty is found in Romans 14:13. What is this?

What meaning do you attach to the word "stumble?"

What problems are initiated by true exercise of the law of liberty?

1.

2.

3.

The Law of Love

The law of love is one that restricts the exercise of the law of liberty. This law basically tells us to think carefully about "how" we exercise the law of liberty. We need to be careful and not cause a _____________ brother to ____________ , Romans 14:2,13.

Remember that the weaker brother is one who doesn't understand ________________. The meaning of the word "stumble" is to fall flat on one's face—to be scandalized. What are some descriptions of one who stumbles? What do they do? What are stumbling behaviors? List behaviors. See Romans 14:3, 15, 21.

1.

2.

3.

4.

The word "stumble" carries the idea of not getting up again. This certainly is stronger than having someone look at us and judge us for something that is perfectly legitimate and Scriptural, or even to be mildly offended. This practice of judging others is typical of immaturity and leads to sin. I need to be concerned that I do not set up a weak brother to sin, but there is also a need to help the weak believer learn how to be mature and live according to the law of liberty. I am never to exercise the law of liberty at the expense of the fragile understandings of the "weak" brother, if it will seriously damage his faith. I should certainly be willing to give up the good for the better, looking carefully at anything that would hinder, block or slow down my effectiveness for Christ.

Another important consideration in the law of love is where it leaves me in the world of mental health. Am I "inner-directed" or "other-directed?" Most experts agree that to allow my life to be controlled by the expectations of others is unhealthy and impedes my functioning in the world. It sets me up for anger, feelings of futility and uselessness, and it most assuredly affects my growth as a person and a child of God. To allow my life, and my practice of liberty to be subjected totally to the whims of an immature "weaker brother" can be devastating upon my own life and ministry. Inner-directedness, on the other hand, is what my life in the Spirit should be. This includes the proper exercise of the law of love.

The Law of Priorities of The Gospel

This is a law that relates to my interpersonal relationships with the world. By the "world" is meant the world of non-Christians or unbelievers. I am to be in the world and it is important for me to relate to those who do not know the Savior, not only because they are people of worth, but because they are people who need to know the Savior. This is a law that says, "Keep the issues always clear!" And the issue for every unbeliever is only JESUS CHRIST and relationship with Him!

What was the issue in 1 Corinthians 10:23-33?

Look at the passage and try to discover for yourself the proper concepts taught in this passage, with the information you already have in the preceding paragraph. Write them in your own words:

1.

2.

Many years ago as a young pastor, I was faced with a situation that seriously challenged the exercise of the law of priorities. A member of my church had a neighbor who was involved in terrible conflict with his wife, and he asked me if I would call on them and "straighten them out.” That is a terrible thing to ask a pastor to do. Particularly when the couple are not only non-members of one's church, but when there was no invitation or request on the part of the people who were involved. I have since learned that there is nothing more volatile than to stick my nose into someone's personal business, but nevertheless, I did.

My knock on their door was responded to by the husband, who happened to be of the Jewish faith. He was overjoyed to see me and to think that I would be concerned enough about them as persons to pay a personal visit. He said, "Oh pastor, come in and let me give you a glass of wine." Now understand that I was pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hoffman Heights in Aurora, Colorado, and wine had never passed my lips in my entire 33 years. But I had recently become acquainted with this principle and knew that I had to accept the token of friendship offered by this unbeliever, or stand the chance of making an issue out of something that was truly not an issue. Pictures flashed before my eyes. This man would say to the member that asked me to visit, "Your pastor came by last night and we sat down and drank a glass of wine and had such a good talk," and I would immediately lose my job. Fortunately for me, his kids got into a horrible fight and he forgot about the wine. But to make an issue out of that wine would be a violation of the law of priority.

What are some examples from contemporary life that would be covered by these principles, i.e., what are some of the things we might create as issues with unbelievers, when they are no issue at all?

1.

2.

3.

4.

It is clear that sin is an issue, but it is not “the” issue with unbelievers. I need to always keep the issues clear.

A Very Special Problem—Legalism

One of the blights of the church and Christian world today is legalism. Legalism is a sometimes subtle action which adds to Scripture the thinking of men concerning behavior that supposedly is acceptable to God. There are those who do not understand liberty and are “weaker brethren,” and continue in their legalistic practices. Perhaps illustrating some situations which are legalistic, but not necessarily bad (indeed they are sometimes helpful) would aid understanding. They become legalistic when we make them biblical injunctions. In this session, I will suggest the practice of liberty in the presence of legalism even though it causes the legalist to judge me.

Legalism is making interpretations as “if from Scripture” things that simply are not in the Scriptures, and treating them as if they had equal value and importance in the Christian life. Some of the Jewish laws relating to the Sabbath were legalistic and certainly absurd. Certain laws relating to eating were legalistic. Many of these practices are carried on today in Israel by the orthodox Jew. Christians develop legalistic doctrines and practices as well.

We can bring to mind things we have in Christianity today. A strict early morning devotional time when we meet the Lord is sometimes applied to all Christians as if it were the stated will of God, and one is in fault if he does not meet this requirement. This is legalistic. Research done by Craig Ellison demonstrates that in-depth Bible study done periodically does far more for a Christian and his well-being than daily devotions. This does not mean that meeting the Lord daily in the morning is not good. Rather, that it must not be legislated or forced upon another as a written standard from God.

Drinking an occasional glass of red wine is good for the heart. Yet some who are legalistic would judge one who does this and call him a “wine-bibber.” The Scriptures certainly do not teach that. It will be interesting to see if our Lord was an abstainer, though He made water into the best wine at Cana.

We have scores of things we try to push on people that are in essence legalistic. These are things that usually relate to written policies that become sacred, as if they were the Scriptures. They are simply the laws of “the Medes and the Persians.”

What is the responsibility of the Christian who practices liberty when there is a legalist present who passes judgment upon him? Remember, the “law of love” relates primarily to the “weaker brother” who is usually immature and doesn't understand liberty. In the Galatians account, Paul rebuked Peter (Galatians 2:11-14) when he withdrew from eating with the Gentiles because the Jews had arrived. Paul told him to be consistent in his actions and eat with Gentiles even if Jews were present. This should be an encouragement to us in calling for our exercise of liberty as a model for the weaker brother and others. Modeling is a very effective way of teaching. This is one way a weaker brother can learn to practice the glorious liberty he has in Christ. Christians put scores of things on each other that are simply pure legalism. We must be sure our application of principle does not take on the air of absolute authority.

Situations That Relate to Today’s Discussion of Legalism

At the end of each illustration, chose all possibilities from this list that deals with the particular situations. Discuss your choices with your discipler.

a. The Law of Liberty

b. The Law of Love

c. The Law of Priorities

1.Pastor Joe has a couple call him and ask for an appointment to try to work out problems they encounter during their relationship at home. The pastor agrees to see people for counseling and an appointment is given to them. During the first session, he discovers that the couple is not married...each having divorced a previous spouse. The pastor is faced with a dilemma because they are obviously living in a conjugal relationship as spouses. He also learns that neither is a Christian. Their relationship is sinful and runs crosscurrent to the beliefs of the pastor. What should the pastor do? Can you identify which of the above laws relates to the situation?

2. Jim and Lucy are Christians and members of a strong Bible-based church. They are celebrating their fifteenth wedding anniversary and include in the dinner arrangement a dessert drink that contains some alcohol. They are observed by another couple who are quick to judge them. When they return to their car to drive home, someone (perhaps the couple who saw them) wrote “wing-bibber” on a piece of paper and put it under the windshield wiper of their auto. No other word was given as to who was the author of the critique. Analyze and state which laws are violated in this scene.

3. Peter and Pam are senior leaders in their church. One day they observe their pastor and wife attending the local movie theater. They call the pastor and admonish him and his wife to set a better example. Analyze and state which of the above laws are applicable.

4. Mrs. Smith is the local leader of an organization favoring women’s right to make choices concerning abortion (a planned parenthood association). One day she invites Mrs. Jones to lunch to get acquainted. Mrs. Jones is a Christian. Mrs. Smith is member of the local Bahai faith. Should Mrs. Jones try to convince Mrs. Smith that she is on the wrong side of the abortion issue? State the laws that govern this situation.

5. Bill is a brand new Christian. He is a recovering alcoholic. Ned is a member of the church they attend and knows of Bill’s problem. They go to lunch together and Ned orders a beer with his lunch. Bill orders a beer also. He is confused inasmuch as he has considered beer one of his chief problems but now feels it may be all right after all. This situation at lunch has caused Bill to lapse into his old habit and he is once again held in its vice-like grip. Who has violated what law?

6.Mary is homecoming queen at the senior festivities of her school. She is a Christian. Because there is some dancing, and she will be involved in this dancing, she is considering taking part. Some of her friends from church are there also, and are confused about her taking part in the dancing festivities and have strong feelings against it. What laws apply for Mary?

Questions for Review and Discussion

1. What is the chief issue for any unbeliever?

2. What is the biggest problem in maintaining balance between the laws of
liberty and the practice of the law of love?

3. React to this statement. "Christ Jesus has made me free. Now I can do anything I wish!"

4. How should I practice liberty in the relationships I have with "weaker
brethren?"

5. Give a description of a "weaker brother.”

6. Jim is a Christian from a very rigid and legalistic background. He believes that going to a movie is a sin and a poor witness. You desire to attend a movie and find it has a P.G. rating. Jim is your friend and knows you are going to attend and is ready to judge you. What should you do?

Summary and Key Concepts

This is a summary related to the three laws for effective living. Look this over and be sure you have included in your discussion the following important ideas.

These are laws that have to do with behaviors that are not clearly outlined in Scripture. Many of the things we include in the category of liberty are in gray areas because of cultural conditioning and the lack of a clear statement concerning that behavior.

The law of liberty gives me the right to choose my behavior in areas not clearly defined by the Word of God. I am released to be "inner-directed" by the Holy Spirit rather than by an external law. Two qualifying conditions are involved in the exercise of this law. The first is that whatever I choose to do is not to be for the fulfillment of the "lusts of the flesh.” I am not to serve the "old man.” The second is that my behavior is not to cause a weaker brother to stumble or "fall flat on his face.” It is important to note at this point that I am to model liberty for the weaker brother, but I am not to model it at the expense of his turning away from Christ and finding his faith destroyed.

The law of love is a law that takes the weaker brother into consideration when I practice liberty. Remember that a "weaker brother" is any brother who doesn't understand liberty. It matters not whether he is a new Christian. If my behavior destroys him, I have not walked in love. But, as we noted in the previous paragraph, it is important that I practice liberty for weaker brothers and teach them to walk fully in the liberty with which they have been set free.

While the first two laws relate to believers, the last one—the law of priorities—is related to unbelievers. This is simply the principle that says that I must keep the issues clear before the unbeliever in the world. I am to "eat meat offered to idols" if he sets it before me. I should ask no questions. There are other things in contemporary society that are like the issue of meat. I am to keep issues clear at all times.

It is important to emphasize that this does not give me the right to sin in a situation involving an unbeliever. It is never right to do wrong in order to get a chance to do right. But issues may rise that are really not chief issues with those who do not know Christ. I am to keep issues clear. There is no issue as significant as the issue of salvation, as far as the unsaved is concerned.

I need to model liberty but not to destroy a "weaker brother" by my practice of liberty, or use liberty to fulfill the desires of the flesh. And always keep the issues clear with one who doesn't know Christ.

Think Clearly...

The Law of Liberty refers to me and the new place of privilege and freedom I have in Christ.

The Law of Love refers to the weaker brother and how I practice liberty in his presence.

The Law of Priorities refers to the unbelievers and helps me keep the issue with them clear.

Purpose: This session is intended to help you know the will of God for your life.

Objectives

1. The disciple will learn what makes knowing the will of God difficult for some.

2. The disciple will learn some of the specifics and non-specifics about the will of God.

3. The disciple will understand the ways that God can help them when they make honest mistakes.

4. The disciple will learn some things that are involved in knowing God’s will for themselves.

Scripture Memory

Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice - alive, holy, and pleasing to God - which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God - what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2

Agenda

1. Prayer and sharing.

2. Review Scripture memory.

3. Discuss worksheet.

4. Discuss the questions.

Introduction

Our Father has not placed us in this world without a concern about the place we are to fill and things we are to do. There is much written today about the will of God and its importance in our lives. A good book written on the subject is entitled Decision Making and the Will of God, by Gary Friesen. It is recommended to you for your broader reading.

Perhaps a general statement is in order. The will of God for me is not a highly specific plan that covers every detail of my life. There are choices I can make within the broad boundaries given to me in Scripture. There are also specific considerations that God has for me and wishes me to fulfill. This description represents the position of Lifestyle Discipleship. Some interpret Scripture differently on the issue of choices.

I. The will of God for me should be the chief aim of my life, 1 Samuel 15:22.

A. Some general things for my life and any life of a Christian today are:

1. We are to be witnesses of things we know, Acts 1:8.

2. We are to be delivered from this present evil age, Galatians 1:4.

3. We are to be sanctified (in a practical sense), 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

4. We are to learn to give thanks for all things, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

5. We are ultimately to be with Him where He is, John 17:24.

B. General characteristics of the will of God, Romans 12:2.

1. It is good.

2. It is acceptable.

3. It is perfect (complete or adequate)

4. It is best, even if it is the most dangerous or most misunderstood.

5. It is ultimately the easiest and safest place to be.

II. What makes the will of God difficult to know?

A. Lack of surrender to the Holy Spirit’s control, Romans 6:13.

B. Tolerating sin in my life, the lack of confession and forsaking of sin, Proverbs 28:13.

C. Lack of a spiritual motive — wanting to know the will of God to consider it rather than to do it.

Not knowing the will of God can lead to wasted lives and often “second best,” frustration and sorrow.

III. How do we know the will of God?

A. Scriptural confirmation

B. Inward impulse

C. Trend of circumstances

D. Overall peace

E. Godly Counsel

F. Prayer

Worksheet

Before you go any further, imagine you are in a situation that is far-reaching in its results and most difficult to make a decision about. How would you go about making this decision? What criteria would apply? Is it biblical to ask God for a “fleece?” (Judges, 6) Answer these questions before going any further with this session.

1. How much do our personal feelings and emotions play a part in our deter mining this aspect of the Christian life?

2. There is a bit of controversy in the church today over how specific the will of God might be. How specific is the will of God in your life? Answer in your own words from your own understanding at this time.

3. Some things are highly specific. Look up the following verses and write in your own words what they teach about the will of God.

a. We are to be ___________________________, Acts 1:8.

b. The Father purposes that we should be rescued _______ ________ _____________ evil age, Galatians 1:4. What does this mean?

c. It is the will of God that we be _______________, 1 Thessalonians 4:3.

d. ______________________________ is an important aspect of the will of God, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

e. God has purposed (so it is His will) that? John 17:24

It would be reasonable to say that everything God commanded that applies to me in the Scriptures can be considered the will of God for me. On the other hand, there is a framework within which I work in this world, and within that framework, I can make choices which are personal and more appropriate for me. To say that the will of God applies to every possible decision is probably being too specific.

4. General characteristics of the will of God are found in Romans 12:2. Read this verse carefully and list the characteristics in your own words.

a.

b.

c.

If these are true, what reaction in me is appropriate?

5. The will of God is ultimately the safest, easiest, and most restful place to be, even if it is the most difficult. Some people have difficult times determining the specific will of God for their lives. What could be some of the reasons for this difficulty?

a.

b.

c.

6. The will of God is more difficult to determine if one has not surrendered to God — if he is not practicing the Lordship of Jesus. It is also more difficult if I am tolerating a specific sin in my life that is continuing without being judged and confessed. A lack of a spiritual motive can also be a problem. Some seek to know the will of God to consider it, rather than to actually do it. It is doubtful if the Father would reveal His secrets to men under these circumstances. How God can override choices that are made contrary to His will is not fully understood. How does Romans 8:28 reveal that He can do this?

Structure From the Scriptures and Experience

What is known about the specific will of God? How do we find it? It is important that all these factors work together and that none be used in isolation.

I. I need to consider what I think I would like to do. This could involve teaching, witnessing, or perhaps doing some physical activity in behalf of the church. Let us refer to this as an inward impulse. This is not valid in every case, however. Jonah is an example. His inward impulse was to flee.

II. There will be Scriptural confirmation. By this is meant that there will be instruction from the Word of God. We must be sure that we follow the teaching of the Holy Spirit and never move contrary to the Word of God.

III. The third thing is the trend of circumstances. This is simply an open door or an opportunity to do what I would like to do.

IV. Overall peace is an important consideration. This means simply that I have a settled and good feeling about the whole situation. And I would certainly say that even with the previous three variables present, it would be foolish to consider the activity or direction inwardly unless an overall peace was available.

V. The confirmation of the local church, is likewise important.

VI. In each of these things, it is obviously assumed that prayer is involved...that we have sought His face and direction in each matter.

We should be careful about asking for a “fleece,” a sign, which may be an indication of unbelief.

Questions for Review and Discussion

1. React to these statements: “The will of God is very specific and includes every detail of my life.” “To miss the will of God is to miss God’s only and best plan for my life.”

2. What would be the best thing to do if you are in doubt about the will of God in your life?

3. List some things that you can be certain of as far as the will of God for your life is concerned.

4. What is the best thing to do if you feel you have gone in a direction that is not the will of God?

5. What should you do if what you feel is the will of God seems to be contrary to the revealed will of God in Scripture?

Summary and Key Concepts

There are many important concepts to learn concerning the will of God for our lives. Perhaps the first and most important is that God is concerned about His children and has plans for us.

Concerning the specificity of His will for us, there are many things that are specific; we should earnestly seek such things. He may have a will for us as well, that is more general and we should follow biblical principles in seeking it.

We should remember that it is always the will of God that we are obedient to His Word. There are many statements and principles in the Scriptures that apply to me, and it is never the will of God that we violate these. Whatever is inconsistent with Scripture is certainly inconsistent with His will.

But there are many things in our lives concerning which the Father has undoubtedly given us a choice, as long as they are consistent with the principles laid down in Scripture.

Certain things might impair our knowing the will of God for our lives. These include known sin, lack of a spiritual motive, and unwillingness to surrender our lives to Him.

The will of God is always best in my life. It is ultimately the safest, easiest and happiest place to be. We need to pray for guidance, of course. Then six things are important in our knowing the specific will of God for our lives. These include the confirmation of Scripture, inward impulse, the trend of circumstance, overall peace, godly counsel and prayer.

Life Application

Write an example of seeking the will of God in your life; share this with your discipler. If you have not sought the will of God specifically, begin asking and pray with your discipler using the principles mentioned in this session.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to acquaint you with a good method or outline for study in any book of the Bible.

Objectives

1. The disciple will understand how to approach a chapter for deeper and more analytic study.

2. The disciple will understand more about parallel passages.

3. The disciple will learn how to find doctrinal truths systematically.

4. The disciple will learn more about making personal applications of practical truths.

Scripture Memory

Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

2 Timothy 2:15

Agenda

1. Sharing of personal difficulties and prayer.

2. Work through the session material together.

3. Deal with new ideas.

4. Challenge the disciple to work at this method regularly in Bible study.

5. Review memory work.

The ABC Method

This method of study is designed to encourage the user to fulfill the command in 2 Timothy 2:15 regarding study. One should learn to search and “accurately handle” the Word of Truth. The Scripture used in this first attempt together is Romans 5:1-12. Pray before you begin, asking God to reveal more of His truth to you.

Book:

Chapter:

Application (s): In relation to God — in relation to man. These should be personal, practical, and applicable. Those related to God will result in spiritual enrichment and be uplifting. Those related to man should challenge us to consistency in our lives.

Basic Passage(s): This involves the text around which the Scripture seems to be centered, or what seems to be the most important truth in light of the contents.

Cross References: The best commentary on Scripture is Scripture itself, and according to Isaiah 28:9-10, we will best understand a portion of Scripture when we allow other passages to throw light on it. Meditate and attempt to remember one or more Scriptures that help in the understanding of the passage being studied.

Difficulties: List all difficulties that you have personally with the passage, as well as all possible difficulties. Include the reference where the difficulty occurs.

Eminent Truth: Doctrinal truths should be listed at this point. State such truth as clearly as possible. Include the text where the truth is located.

Final Study: This involves either a summary or an outline in your own words. Simply state which you are using and then proceed.

Life Application

Do passages of your choice on the following pages.

Study Sheet

Book:

Chapter:

Application

Basic Passages

Cross References

Difficulties

Eminent Truth

Final Study