IA. A Bible Study on Prayer

1B. The Nature and Foundation of Prayer

1C. Matthew 7:7-11

^7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. ^7:8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks the door will be opened. ^7:9 Is there anyone among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ^7:10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ^7:11 If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

2C. Acts 4:24-31

^4:24 When they heard this, they raised their voices to God with one mind and said, “Master of all, you who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything that is in them, ^4:25 who said by the Holy Spirit through your servant David our forefather,

‘Why do the nations rage, And the peoples plot foolish things? ^4:26 The kings of the earth stood together, And the rulers assembled together, Against the Lord and against his Christ.’

^4:27 “For both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, ^4:28 to do as much as your power and your plan had decided beforehand would happen. ^4:29 And now, Lord, pay attention to their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your message with great courage, ^4:30 while you extend your hand to heal, and to bring about miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ^4:31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God courageously.

3C. Ephesians 2:17-18

^2:17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, ^2:18 so that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

4C. Hebrews 4:15-16

^4:15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. ^4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.

5C. Questions

1. In Matthew 7:7-11 what does it mean to “ask,” “seek,” and “knock”? What are the images here? What sense about prayer do you get from them?

2. What do vv. 8-11 teach you about the heart of God, his goodness, and his willingness to give? How does this help you to persevere in prayer?

3. How did Peter, John, and the others “raise their voices to God” in Acts 4:24? What does “one mind” mean? How important is “unity with other Christians” to a prosperous prayer life? Note: You may want to wait until you have completed more of this study before you answer that question. Keep it in your mind for now.

4. How did the early Christians address God in Acts 4:24? Why is God’s sovereignty in creating, sustaining, and guiding all of creation important to recognize in prayer (see Acts 4:28)?

5. What Scripture passage do they pray in Acts 4:25? How does that inform and impact their prayers? What can you learn from this?

6. What do these early Christians pray for in Acts 4:29? What do they ask God to do (Acts 4:30)? What was the result of their prayer (Acts 4:31)?

7. Who gives us access to the Father in Ephesians 2:17-18? How is this the foundation for the possibility and practice of prayer?

8. When we are in need, what does Hebrews 4:15-16 teach us to do? How is God’s throne referred to here? How is that encouraging? What is implied with the use of the verb “find”? NOTE: As a needy creature, you will look somewhere for what only God can offer. Why not come to Him first?

2B. Perseverance in Prayer

1C. Psalm 88:1, 13

^88:1 O Lord God who delivers me! By day I cry out and at night I pray before you. ^88:13 As for me, I cry out to you, O Lord; in the morning my prayer confronts you.

2C. Luke 18:1

^18:1 Then Jesus told them a parable to show them they should always pray and not lose heart.

3C. Questions

1. What emotional state is conveyed by the words, “I cry out” in Psalm 88:13? How do you respond to your suffering? Do you pray? Or, do you quit praying? Why? Read all of Psalm 88 and note the psalmist’s attitudes and struggles.

2. In Luke 18:1 Jesus teaches us that we should always pray. What does it mean, then, to “lose heart”? What things can cause us to become discouraged with prayer and give up? Read the rest of the passage, i.e., from 18:1-8.

3B. The Pattern of Prayer

1C. Matthew 6:9-15

^6:9 So pray this way: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored, ^6:10 may your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. ^6:11 Give us today our daily bread, ^6:12 and forgive us our debts, as we ourselves have forgiven our debtors. ^6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ^6:14 “For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ^6:15 But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins.

2C. A.C.T.S.

The “term” A.C.T.S. is an acronym developed to help us mentally focus while we pray; it keeps our minds from wandering. In general, it follows the pattern of prayer Jesus outlined for us in Matthew 6:9-15.

1D. Adoration

2D. Confession

3D. Thanksgiving

4D. Supplication

3C. Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus, who was opposed to the mindless repetition of long prayers, gave this pattern for prayer in Matthew 6:9-13? Why is a pattern for prayer important? NOTE: “pray this way” implies, to some degree, that what follows is a model or pattern for prayer. But notice that while this pattern is followed throughout the NT, the prayer itself is not repeated verbatim anywhere.

2. Who does Jesus tell us to focus on first in prayer (6:9)? How are we to address God? What two things are we to pray concerning God (6:9-10)? Later in the study, come back and relate Matthew 6:9-10 to 1 John 5:14-15.

3. After we’ve addressed God and His concerns, Jesus leads us to pray for ourselves. What three things does he say to pray for in 6:11-13? How would you summarize these things and what conditions are attached in 6:12 and 6:14-15? Why is forgiveness so important to Jesus’ conception of true prayer?

4. Summary: What does A.C.T.S. mean? How is it helpful?

4B. The Preconditions of Prayer

1C. Psalm 66:18

^66:18 If I had harbored sin in my heart, the sovereign Master would not have listened.

2C. Mark 11:24-25

^11:24 For this reason I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ^11:25 Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your sins.”

3C. John 16:24

^16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive it, so that your joy may be complete.

4C. James 4:1-3

^4:1 Where do the conflicts and where do the quarrels among you come from? Is it not from this, from your passions that battle inside you? ^4:2 You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask; ^4:3 you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions.

5C. 1 John 5:14-15

^5:14 And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ^5:15 And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, then we know that we have the requests that we have asked from him.

6C. Questions

1. What does Psalm 66:18 teach us about the relationship of answered prayer to known sin in our lives?

2. What two conditions are placed upon prayer in Mark 11:24-25? How are they related to each other? Mark 11:24 seems to be a carte blanche or free ticket to get whatever we want. All we need to do is believe! But is this true? How does v. 25 place a restriction, to some degree, upon v. 24 and how do the other passages in this section (i.e., 4B) round out Jesus’ meaning here? What, then, is Jesus’ point about the centrality of faith in our prayer lives?

3. What does it mean to ask for something from God “in the name of Christ” (John 16:24)? What is the result of answered prayer in John 16:24? How does John 16:24 relate to the same author’s words in 1 John 5:14-15? What is the number one delimitation placed upon prayer? How does this relate to some peoples’ concept that God is simply a nickelodeon waiting for someone to put in a nickel’s worth of prayer? On the other hand, what does God say he’ll do if we ask according to his will?

4. According to James 4:1-3, what are some other reasons for God refusing to grant our requests?

5B. The Power of Prayer

1C. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

^7:13 When I close up the sky so that it doesn’t rain, or command locusts to devour the land’s vegetation, or send a plague among my people, ^7:14 if my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

2C. James 5:14-16

^5:14 Is anyone among you ill? He should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. ^5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up—and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ^5:16 So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.

3C. Questions

1. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the chronicler lists three things that must go with prayer if we want God to respond from heaven, forgive us, and heal our land. What are they and how are they related to each other and other verses in this section? What does 7:14 teach about God’s willingness to respond to sincere and truthful prayer? Do you think the church is currently availing itself, to the degree that it could, of God’s wonderful promise of restoration, forgiveness, provision, and divine enablement?

2. What does James say about prayer in 5:14-16? We have seen all throughout this study that there is an explicit connection made between ethics and prayer in Biblical teaching. Indeed, this was made clear in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Are you surprised to see James make the same connection again at the end of 5:16? What does he say about the relationship of answered prayer and the condition of one’s spiritual and ethical life? We often focus on the power of prayer and forget that God listens to people not prayers, per se.

6B. The Practice of Prayer

1C. Mark 1:35

^1:35 Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.

2C. Luke 6:12

^6:12 Now it was during this time that he went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent all night in prayer to God.

3C. Acts 1:14

^1:14 All these continued together in prayer with one mind, together with the women, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

4C. Romans 12:12

^12:12 Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.

5C. Colossians 4:2-3

^4:2 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. ^4:3 At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

6C. Colossians 4:12

^4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

7C. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

^5:16 Always rejoice, ^5:17 constantly pray, ^5:18 in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

8C. Questions

1. What does the example of Jesus teach us about the necessity of focused and regular prayer? Why would the Son of God need to pray so much? What does that imply about us?

2. What is Paul’s basic point about prayer in his letters? How does this relate to Jesus’ teaching in, say, Luke 18:1?

3. How did Paul characterize Epaphroditus’s prayer life on behalf of the Colossians? How does this relate to Luke 18:1 and Paul’s teaching on prayer? Have you ever sustained this kind of ministry for others? What would it be like to do so? Who could you pray constantly for, to see them mature in their Christian faith?

7B. The Petitions of Prayer

1C. Jeremiah 33:3

^33:3 ‘Call on me in prayer and I will answer you. I will show you great and mysterious things which you still do not know about.’

2C. Matthew 9:37-38

^9:37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. ^9:38 Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”.

3C. Luke 6:28

^6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

4C. John 14:13-14

^14:13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ^14:14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

5C. Acts 26:29

^26:29 Paul replied, “I pray to God that whether in a short or a long time not only you but also all those who are listening to me today could become such as I am, except for these chains.”

6C. Romans 10:13

^10:13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

7C. Ephesians 3:14-20

^3:14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ^3:15 from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named. ^3:16 I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner man, ^3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, by being rooted and grounded in love, ^3:18 you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ^3:19 and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. ^3:20 Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, ^3:21 to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

8C. Philippians 4:6-7

^4:6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, tell your requests to God in your every prayer and petition—with thanksgiving. ^4:7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

9C. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

^2:1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, ^2:2 even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ^2:3 Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, ^2:4 since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

9C. James 1:5-8

^1:5 But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. ^1:6 But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. ^1:7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, ^1:8 since he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

10C. Questions

1. What did God encourage Jeremiah to ask for? What promise did He attach to it? How can that apply to us today? Read the context of Jeremiah 33.

2. What does the Lord encourage us to pray for in Matthew 9:37-38? How is this related to the pattern for prayer he gave us? Cf. Matthew 6:10?

3. According to Luke 6:28 how are we to treat our enemies? Who is an enemy and what would you pray for him/her/them?

4. Why does the Son answer our prayers according to John 14:13? How does that relate to asking in “Christ’s name”?

5. What does Paul pray for King Agrippa? How does this relate to Romans 10:13?=

6. Praying for the growth of believers can be very exciting as we watch God work in their lives. What is the ultimate goal for which Paul prays for churches in Ephesians 3:14-21? How does verse 20 relate to his prayer? We often detach verse 20 from its immediate context, and it is true that God can do amazing things, but what is Paul’s point in verse 20 as it stands in Ephesians 3:14-21? How does this relate to the basic point of 2:11-22 and living with Christians who are in many ways different than we are?

7. According to Philippians 4:6 what attitude does Paul prohibit us from sowing to? What, instead, are we to do? How does “thanksgiving”—a common theme in biblically oriented prayer—relate to anxiety and what do both thanksgiving and anxiety reveal about the nature of our belief concerning God’s goodness and power?

8. What does God promise us in Phil 4:7 and how does it relate to our circumstances and His sovereign control (see Romans 5:1-5 and 8:28-29)?

9. Who are we commanded to pray for in 1 Timothy 2:1-2? Why should we pray for them (2:2b-4)?

10. James says that we can ask God for wisdom to know how to live righteously in any and every circumstance. What is the condition for such a prayer to be answered?

11. We are told by James to ask for wisdom from God and that God will give freely. But people easily doubt the wisdom that comes from God (James 1:6-8). Why is this so? Could it be connected to the nature of God’s wisdom for us (James 3:17)? NOTE: It is fallen human nature to ask for something and then doubt the answer when it seems difficult or unpleasant. For example, James’ advice to “rejoice” in our trials hardly meets with approval among most people, yet it is God’s wisdom. To doubt it is to walk in unbelief and eventual chastisement. To do it is to trust and be rewarded (James 1:22). To rejoice in our trials is to walk in the Spirit wrought conviction that God cares, is wise, and knows what he’s doing.

8B. The Problems of Prayer

1C. Mark 14:38

^14:38 Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

2C. Luke 20:45-47

^20:45 As all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, ^20:46 “Beware of the experts in the law. They like walking around in long robes, and they love elaborate greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. ^20:47 They devour widows’ property, and as a show make long prayers. They will receive a more severe punishment.”

3C. Questions

1. What is the problem in Mark 14:38? Have you ever experienced this? Why is preservation from temptation linked with prayer? What does this teach you about our responsibility in sanctification (see e.g. Phil 2:12-13)?

2. Luke 20:45-47 presents another problem in prayer. What is it? What does Jesus say will happen to those who flaunt their prayers in this way? Why? What do they demonstrate about themselves when they consistently pray with open and flagrant demonstrations of personal religious achievement? Are they stealing the glory due to God alone (Isa 42:8; John 5:44).

IIA. Synthesis, Practical Applications, and Training

1B. Meditate

1C. Review the Truths about Prayer

2C. Organize the Truths in Your Mind

2B. Restate

1C. State the Essential Truth about the Meaning of Prayer

2C. Bring in Other Biblical Ideas about Prayer

3B. Relate

1C. To Other Biblical Doctrines

2C. To Your Life: How? When? Where? Why? Who? What?

4B. Formulate

1C. Ongoing Applications

1D. Daily Prayer in Quiet Time: ACTS (Time, Place)

2D. Developing a Prayer Journal (Attention/Purpose/Watchfulness)

3D. Spontaneous Prayer throughout the Day

4D. Praying Psalms

5D.

6D.

2C. Special Applications

1D. Prayer Map of the World

2D. Praise Prayer (Music)

3D. Prayer Partners

4D. Extended Times in Prayer

5D. Special Family or Church Prayer Times

6D. Read Books on Prayer (e.g., George Muller; Missionaries)

7D.

8D.

3C. Training Objectives and Activities

Objective: To help the person establish the habit of concentrated prayer each day as well as the habit of routinely initiating spontaneous prayer.

1D. Pray with the person you’re helping.

2D. Take the person to a prayer meeting and discuss it later.

3D. Show the person how to pray using Scripture.

4D. Share answered prayer requests with him.

5D. Share struggles with prayer and pray together about them.

6D. Etc.

IA. A Bible Study on the Quiet Time

1B. The Needs of Man

1C. Pre-Fall: Man’s Need to Hear from God and Fellowship with Him

1D. Genesis 1:28-30

^1:28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply! Fill the earth and subdue it! Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground. ^1:29 Then God said, “I now give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the entire earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. ^1:30 And to all the animals of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food. It was so.

2D. Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17

^2:8 The Lord God planted an orchard in the east, in Eden; and there he placed the man he had formed. ^2:9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow from the soil, every tree that was pleasing to look at and good for food. (Now the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were in the middle of the orchard.)…^2:15 The Lord God took the man and placed him in the orchard in Eden to care for and maintain it. ^2:16 Then the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat fruit from every tree of the orchard, ^2:17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.”

3D. Questions for Thought

1. Why do you think it was necessary for God to speak to Adam and Eve before the Fall? Weren’t they holy at that time?

2. To what areas of life does God speak in Genesis 1:28-30? How does that relate to today?

3. God’s word in Genesis 1:28-30 is a pronouncement of blessing and the issuing of certain commands. What new element is added to God’s word of command in Genesis 2:17? What does this teach you about hearing and listening to God’s word?

4. The words of God in Genesis presuppose that man has a relationship with God and can respond in that context. Why is a regular Quiet Time important in that light?

2C. Post-Fall: Man’s Need to Hear from God and Fellowship with Him

1D. Genesis 3:8

^3:8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God moving about in the orchard at the breezy time of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the orchard.

2D. Verbal Revelation, Events, Theophanies, Visions, Jesus Christ

God has revealed himself in a diversity of ways according to (and in) Scripture. Hebrews 1:3 says that God spoke in times past in “many ways and in diverse manners.” He spoke directly with Adam and Eve, with Noah and with Abraham, for example. He also manifested himself through many different events, the primary one being the exodus of his people from Egypt (Exodus 12-15). Further, there were times throughout the OT that he revealed himself through theophanies, i.e., visible and audible manifestations (e.g., Genesis 18:1-2; Exodus 3:1-3), dreams (Genesis 28:10-17; 37:5-11; Daniel 2) and visions (Gen 15:1; 1 Chron 17:15; Acts 10). Supremely he has revealed himself in the incarnation (John 1:1, 14-18).

3D. Questions for Thought

1. What does Genesis 3:8 teach you about God’s desire to be with his people?

2. How do Adam and Eve respond to God’s presence after they’ve sinned, i.e., knowingly broke a commandment of God? What does it mean to try and hide from an omniscient and omnipresent God (cf. Jer 23:24)? How do we typically respond to God’s word and presence when we experience guilt for sin (cf. Jonah 1:1-3)? What do we need to do in this case (1 John 1:9)? How can a regular Quiet Time help with this (John 13:9-10)?

3. God has revealed himself in a great number of ways in the past. What does this teach you about Him? How has he finally and decisively revealed himself and what record do we have of that? How is the record itself (i.e., the Bible) a revelation from God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)? How does this last truth relate to a Quiet Time and hearing God’s voice?

2B. Examples of Godly Men

1C. Moses (Exodus 33:7-11)

^33:7 Moses took the tent and pitched it outside the camp, at a good distance from the camp; and he called it the tent of meeting. And anyone seeking the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting that was outside the camp. ^33:8 And when Moses went out to the tent, all the people would get up and stand at the entrance to their tents, and they would watch Moses until he entered the tent. ^33:9 And whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. ^33:10 When all the people would see the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people, each one at the entrance of his tent, would rise and worship. ^33:11 And the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And then Moses would return to the camp; but his servant, Joshua son of Nun, a young man, did not leave the tent.

2C. David (Psalm 63:6)

^63:6 whenever I remember you on my bed, and think about you during the nighttime hours.

3C. Daniel (Daniel 6:10)

^6:10 When Daniel realized that a written decree had been issued, he entered his home, where the windows in his upper room opened toward Jerusalem. Three times daily he was kneeling and offering prayers and thanks to his God just as he had been accustomed to do previously.

4C. The Early Church (Acts 2:42)

^2:42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

5C. Peter (Acts 3:1; 10:9)

^3:1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time for prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon.

^10:9 About noon the next day, while they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.

6C. Paul (Acts 16:16)

^16:16 Now as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave girl met us who had a spirit that enabled her to foretell the future by supernatural means. She brought her owners a great profit by fortune-telling.

7C. Questions for Thought

1. According to Exodus 33:7-11 Moses enjoyed great privilege before God and frequent access to his thrilling presence. But through Christ we now live in the holy of holies, through his Spirit (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19-25). God will speak to us “face to face” through his word if we draw aside and humbly accept his word to us (James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1-3). This is great motivation for investing the effort to seek God in a Quiet Time.

2. In Psalm 63:6, when did David think about God? Following his example, what could you do along similar lines?

3. What drove Daniel with passion to be alone with God and seek his face? Was this a one time thing for Daniel? What things in your life is God using to bring you to himself in a meaningful and radical way? What things in your culture cause you to want to go to God and seek his guidance? Are you letting him have his way? Meet with him to discern what’s going on in your life and the lives of those around you. Let the Quiet Time with God be the center of your relationship with him and out of that minister love to those in need in your circle of influence. Think of the Quiet Time as a chance to spend time with someone you love.

4. What four elements were essential in the early church’s meetings? How much better would our local church involvement be if throughout the week we sought God on a daily and regular basis?

5. NOTE: Sometimes God will reveal extremely important things to you as you meditate on his word and pray. Of course, he revealed the “inclusion of the Gentiles into the church” to Peter through a vision (Peter sought him in prayer and God revealed his will). He may do that sort of thing for you, but again his primary method (not the only method, however; for God also uses the people of God and circumstances) for leading and guiding his people is through marrying His inspired word (i.e., Scripture) to our hearts and consciences through his indwelling Spirit.

6. In Acts 16:16 Luke says that Paul and he were going to find a place of prayer. It is clear that Paul and Luke understood that seeking God must be done on a regular basis. It is indeed a habit of holiness. How does this relate to your life and the discipline of Quiet Time?

3B. The Example of Jesus

1C. Mark 1:35

^1:35 Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.

2C. Matthew 4:4

^4:4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

3C. Matthew 14:23/Mark 6:46

^14:23 And after he sent the crowds away, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

4C. Luke 5:15-16

^5:15 But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds were gathering together to hear him and to be healed of their illnesses. ^5:16 Yet Jesus himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.

5C. Luke 6:12

^6:12 Now it was during this time that he went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent all night in prayer to God.

6C. Luke 9:18

^9:18 Once when Jesus was praying by himself, and his disciples were nearby, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”

7C. Luke 11:1

^11:1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

8C. Questions for Thought

1. What does Mark 1:35 teach you about Jesus’ need to be with the Father and his phenomenal commitment to ensure that he was? Read earlier in Mark 1 and describe the context of Mark 1:35. Busy-ness is a part of living in our society, but we must take steps, as best we can, to ensure that his word does not get choked out of our lives.

2. In Joshua 1:8 the Lord told Joshua that success in his obedience and ministry before the Lord was tied to his meditation on the word of God. In Matthew 4:4 what does Jesus say about that Word? What is the context of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 4:1-11? Quiet Time is a good place to practice the presence of God through meditation on his word.

3. What does Matthew 14:23 and especially Luke 5:15-16 and 6:12 say about Jesus and his relationship with God? Why do you think Jesus prayed so much? What does that seem to imply about our relationship with God?

4. What occurred as a result of Jesus praying so often? Read Luke 11:1.

4B. A Practical Suggestion

I suggest not trying to read through the Bible in one year in your Quiet Time. This means reading three of four chapters at a time and most people take quite a long time to do that. Rather, read a psalm or a paragraph in the Gospels or Paul and meditate on that. See if there are Sins to forsake, Promises to claim, Errors to avoid, Examples to follow, something new about God (the Father, Son, or Spirit). Pray before reading the passage and then pray while reading through it. After you have done this, worship and adore the Lord in praise and prayer (using music is helpful). Then pray for your various concerns including job, family, friends, etc.

The entire Quiet Time could take 10 minutes or 30 or more; the goal is to know and honor God and benefit your spiritual life and growth. For further help on studying and understanding the Bible, see my “How To Study A Book of the Bible” at the website: www.bible.org.

IIA. Synthesis, Practical Applications, and Training

1B. Meditate

2B. Restate

3B. Relate

4B. Formulate

1C. Ongoing Applications

1D. To have a Quiet Time each day.

2D. To establish a Bible reading program to use in your Quiet Time.

3D. To practice the habit of writing in a journal.

4D. To be able to help another have a consistent Quiet Time.

5D. To have one Quiet Time a week with your spouse.

6D.

7D.

2C. Special Applications

1D. To organize a weekend retreat focusing on and practicing Quiet Time.

2D. To read a book devoted to this subject.

3D.

4D.

3C. Training Objective and Activities

Objective: to help the new believer establish the daily habit of drawing aside to hear from God and fellowship with Him (1 Cor 1:9).

1D. Have one Quiet Time together each week for a predetermined period of time.

2D. Share your Quiet Time blessings with a new believer.

3D.

4D.

IA. A Bible Study on Serving and Spiritual Giftedness

1B. Serving and Proper Motivation: Our Gracious Election, Calling, Sanctification, and Hope

1C. Romans 7:6

^7:6 But now we have been released from the law, because we have died to what controlled us, so that we may serve in the new life of the Spirit and not under the old written code.

2C. 2 Corinthians 5:15

^5:15 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.

3C. Ephesians 2:8-10

^2:8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ^2:9 it is not of works, so that no one can boast. ^2:10 For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

4C. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

^2:20 Now in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others rather ignoble. ^2:21 So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

5C. Revelation 1:5-6

^1:5 and from Jesus Christ—the faithful witness, the firstborn from among the dead, the ruler over the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has set us free from our sins at the cost of his own blood ^1:6 and has appointed us as a kingdom, as priests serving his God and Father—to him be the glory and the power for ever and ever! Amen.

6C. Questions for Thought

1. In Romans 7:6 what do you think Paul means by the contrast between serving “in the new life of the Spirit” instead of “under the old written code”? If God’s law is “holy, righteous, and good” (7:12; 13:8-10), what does the apostle mean? Cf. Romans 7:14; 9:30-33).

2. The person who has “come to life” though their faith in Christ can really only have one genuine response. What is that in 2 Cor 5:15? What does it mean to live for Christ instead of for yourself? Whne you’re able sometime, read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 and Romans 12:1-15:13, noting all the implications of living for Christ and His glory.

3. What is the relationship between salvation by grace through faith and good works in Ephesians 2:8-10? What do you think are some good works that Paul might be referring to?

4. Read the context of 2 Timothy 2:20-21. What is the “great house” to which Paul refers? What are some gold and silver vessels and some made of wood or clay? According to 2 Tim 2:20-21, what then is the condition for useful service to the Lord? How would further seminary education or Biblical and theological training help and/or hinder in this process?

5. Summarize the message of Revelation 1:5-6. How does this text relate to other passages you’ve already looked at in this section?

2B. The Nature of True Service to God and Man

1C. It Is Wise

1D. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

^9:24 Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win. ^9:25 Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. ^9:26 So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air. ^9:27 Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified.

2D. 2 Corinthians 8:10-15, 20-21

^8:10 So here is my opinion on this matter: it is to your advantage, since you made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give, ^8:11 to finish what you started, so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, you can also complete it according to your means. ^8:12 For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have. ^8:13 For I do not say this so there would be relief for others and suffering for you, but as a matter of equality. ^8:14 At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality, ^8:15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.” …^8:20 We did this as a precaution so that no one should blame us in regard to this generous gift we are administering. ^8:21 For we are concerned about what is right not only before the Lord but also before men.

2C. It Is Sacrificial and Loving

1D. 2 Corinthians 6:4-10

^6:4 But as God’s servants, we have commended ourselves in every way, with great endurance, in persecutions, in difficulties, in distresses, ^6:5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in troubles, in sleepless nights, in hunger, ^6:6 by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by benevolence, by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love, ^6:7 by truthful teaching, by the power of God, with weapons of righteousness both for the right hand and for the left, ^6:8 through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as impostors, and yet true; ^6:9 as unknown, and yet well-known; as dying and yet—see!—we continue to live; as those who are scourged and yet not executed; ^6:10 as sorrowful, but always rejoicing, as poor, but making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

2D. Romans 12:1-2

^12:1 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. ^12:2 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.

3C. It Is Rooted in Personal Faith and Love for People

1D. 1 Corinthians 15:14, 20, 58

^15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith is empty…^15:20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ^15:58 So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

2D. 1 Thessalonians 1:3

^1:3 because we recall in the presence of our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

3D. Galatians 5:6

^5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight—the only thing that matters is faith working through love.

4C. It Is Single-Minded: Seeking Christ’s Glory

1D. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

^1:9 For people everywhere report how you welcomed us and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God ^1:10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.

2D. 2 Timothy 2:4

^2:4 No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him.

3D. Luke 9:62

^9:62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

4D. 2 Corinthians 4:5

^4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.

5D. Joshua 24:15

^24:15 If you have no desire to worship the Lord, choose today whom you will worship, whether it be the gods whom your ancestors worshiped beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But as for me and my family, we will worship the Lord!”

5C. Questions for Thought

1. What does Paul mean when he says “run to win” in 1 Corinthians 9:24? How do we as Christians differ from those in the world (v. 25)? Why does Paul talk about “subduing the body” in a context of running well in the Christian life?

2. How does 2 Corinthians 8:10-15, 20-21 show that Paul tried to serve God wisely and for the greatest benefit to all? This is just one example of the way Paul served God. How does it help you?

3. Is there a cost in following Jesus, i.e., in serving him and others? Read 2 Corinthians 6:4-10. What are some of the ways in which Paul commended himself before the Lord and to the Corinthians? How is Paul’s ministry similar to that of Jesus? Notice how tested and proven character, as well as knowledge, is key to serving God properly.

4. According to Romans 12:1, in light of what truth are we supposed to present ourselves to God for service? What kind of sacrifice is Paul talking about? How is it possible to be a “living” sacrifice? Why is serving God the “reasonable service” of an informed Christian? What two commands does Paul give in 12:2? When we obey these two commands, what is the result? How is that related to serving God in 12:1?

5. According to 1 Corinthians 15:14, 20, 58, what is the relationship between “working for the Lord” and Christ’s resurrection? Why is this so important to understand and remember (cf. 15:58)?

6. How do you think faith and love are related to each other? Read 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Galatians 5:6, and Colossians 1:3-8.

7. In 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 what is the nature of true service to God? In our day to day experience, what are some idols that seek to prevent us from worshipping the Lord unhindered and with sincerity of heart? What must we do with them?

8. What does 2 Timothy 2:4 communicate about single-mindedness in our service to the Lord? Does this mean that we can have no hobbies?

9. What does Jesus mean by “look back” in Luke 9:62? What do you think would happen to a farmer, who having hooked up the oxen and now plowing along, kept looking behind him? In what ways do we “look back” and what are we told to do about it (cf. 1 John 1:9)?

10. According to 2 Corinthians 4:5, what confession stands at the heart of all our service?

11. How is Joshua a model for us? Read Joshua 24:1-28.

3B. Christ as the Model Servant

1C. Mark 10:45

^10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

2C. Philippians 2:5-11

^2:5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, ^2:6 who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, ^2:7 but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. ^2:8 He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross! ^2:9 As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, ^2:10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ^2:11 and every tongue confess to the glory of God the Father that Jesus Christ is Lord.

3C. Questions for Thought

1. Summarize the message of Mark 10:45? What is the ultimate sacrifice in serving God? Why is even this unacceptable to God if it is not done for love’s sake? Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-12.

2. The pattern of “the Servant” in Philippians 2:6-11 is humility, service, suffering, death, and then exaltation. In general, what does this mean for those of us who claim to follow Christ?

4B. Struggles with Service

1C. Fatigue

Fatigue in serving Christ can result from a number of things. First, sometimes we’re physically tired simply from travelling, staying up late with people, working hard at conferences, discipling people in difficult situations etc. What we need to do in these cases, is, as we’re able, simply get back on track with our sleep. Remember, as far as we know, we’ll be serving Christ for many years, i.e., if he tarries and if he permits us breath! This could be a long time; so serve him wholeheartedly knowing that it must be done wisely. Don’t kill the horse so that you can no longer deliver the message! Second, there are times when we are emotionally tired as a result of any number of issues we’ve had to deal with. One that we need to be careful for involves serving the wrong master. Recently we had a leadership meeting at our church to see how everyone was doing. One person in particular was quite distraught as a result of the emotional fatigue incurred through serving into the same depressing situation for a long period of time. But, she came to realize that while the situation was indeed difficult, she had been serving out of wrong motives, i.e., out of a need for personal acceptance and recognition. Now before you judge her too quickly, bear in mind that serving Christ is difficult at times and motivations get fouled up in the process. However, when she sought Christ in repentance, the difficulties were not removed, but she regained a renewed sense of emotional and physical strength. Remember too that often there is a fairly direct link between emotional and physical tiredness.

2C. Ineffectiveness

This is a difficult problem to assess, since effectiveness ultimately comes from the Lord. We plant and sow, but “God causes the growth” (1 Cor 3:7). Nonetheless, as 1 Cor 9:24-27 talks about, there is a need to evaluate our effectiveness or lack thereof. One of the best ways to go about this, besides asking other leaders and people you respect for help (including reading good books), is to begin a dialectical process of going back and forth from scripture to your experience and from your experience back to scripture. In other words, prayerfully do ministry and then prayerfully read about it in scripture (cf. 2 Tim 3:14-17). Get this dialogue going with God, yourself, and scripture and do so in light of the ministry in order to see what God has to show you.

3C. Being Treated Like A Servant

A common occurrence related to being a servant of Christ is the rather stinging and unpleasant experience of actually being treated like a servant! Imagine that! Those who are walking with God realize their calling as Christ’s servants, but not many of us enjoy being treated like servants. Well, if you are really serving Christ, this will always be part of the experience. Now as a leader, there are times when it is entirely appropriate to speak into someone’s life—someone who consciously or unconsciously survives on the service of others, but never lifts a hand to help—gently rebuking and encouraging them to “step up to the plate” and begin to serve their Lord and his people (1 Peter 4:10). Remember too, that as servants of our humble and mighty savior, Jesus Christ, we have never been, in principle, anywhere that he has not already been.

4C. Difficulty Finding a Niche

Some people want God to show them where to serve, and until he does, they’re content to do nothing. This is wrong headed, for the Bible commands us to serve wherever we reasonably can and there are always more needs than can ever be met. Begin serving and from this posture ask God to show you your spiritual gift(s) and more specific areas of service and contribution. Do not sit there and do nothing! This can reflect unbelief and therefore disobedience. God’s leading often comes in our willingness to move out and trust him. So go and serve with all the faith in God and love for people he can work in you (Phil 2:12-13)!

5C. Questions for Thought

1. What are some of your struggles that prevent you from stepping out and boldly serving the Lord? What is the Lord teaching you through them?

2. Who could you ask to pray for you, that God might lead you into the ministries and good works he has prepared for you?

5B. Service and Spiritual Gifts

1C. General Service

All of us have been called as servants and should be serving the Lord and his people in some way on a regular basis. Such is a reasonable and timely response to grace. As I mentioned above, I feel that it is in the context of actually serving the Lord that he reveals to us special areas of service according to the gifts he has supplied to us. Through the advice of wise people, prayerful scriptural reflection, and circumstances—all three of which are organized for us by the indwelling Spirit of God—we will learn to walk in areas of service already marked out for us (see Ephesians 2:8-10).

2C. Specific Contributions: Using Your Gift in Humble Service

1D. Romans 12:3-8

^12:3 For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith. ^12:4 For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same function, ^12:5 so we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are members who belong to one another. ^12:6 And we have different gifts, according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith. ^12:7 If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; ^12:8 if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.

2D. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (Eph 4)

^12:4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. ^12:5 And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. ^12:6 And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. ^12:7 To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all. ^12:8 For one is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, and another the message of knowledge according to the same Spirit, ^12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ^12:10 to another performance of miracles, to another prophecy, and to another discernment of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. ^12:11 It is one and the same Spirit, distributing to each person as he decides, who produces all these things.

3D. 1 Peter 4:10

^4:10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

3C. Questions for Thought

1. We have already seen that Romans 12:3-8 really starts in 12:1-2 (and indeed in the first chapter of the book). In 12:1-2 we saw that in light of God’s mercy Christians are to offer themselves to Him for service. They are not to conform to this world but are to be transformed so that they can test and approve God’s will. In short, then, the context of 12:3-8 is personal and corporate holiness. This must never be forgotten, lest the gifts be sought after as an end in themselves. Thus there is no room for pride, but only sober judgment about one’s gifting (12:3). And we must also be continually reminded nowadays of the organic relationship between each member of the body and all the others (12:4-5). Keeping, then, these truths before us we are ready to proceed into a discussion concerning the diversity of the body and the exercise of the spiritual gifts in 12:6-8. What are the gifts that Paul mentions here? What accounts for the differences of gifts among members Christ’s body (12:6)? Do you think you have any of the gifts mentioned in this list? If so, what one and how can you develop it? NOTE: Some gifts, such as serving, are very broad in their application and may include any number of Spirit sponsored, godly activities that benefit the body. A good litmus test to discover your particular gifting includes (1) motivations in your heart; (2) the blessing of God on your attempts to serve; and (3) the encouragement of others.

2. Who is the author of the gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6? Why do you think Paul brings in the Trinity at this point? What does the Trinity teach us about God’s unity and diversity?

3. According to 1 Corinthians 12:7, what is the purpose for the spiritual gifts and are they given only to certain persons, i.e., perhaps those who are more holy than others?

4. In Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:7-16, and 1 Peter 4:10 what are some of the gifts God gives to his church? What does each one refer to and how would they function? NOTE: The precise meaning and function of some of the gifts (e.g., “a word of knowledge”) are difficult to be certain about. Ultimately they must be Spirit sponsored, gracious in their delivery, and used only for the benefit of others. They are not to be used for self-advancement.

5. Who decides who receives what gift(s) (12:11)? Read the list and rhetorical questions in 1 Corinthians 12:28-21? This is very important. Paul can command a church as a whole to let other gifts be exercised (14:39-40; 1 Thess 5:20), but he never commands a certain person to “get” a spiritual gift or even to ask for one. Surely this has some application to us today. Furthermore, spiritual gifts, as necessary, beautiful, and encouraging as they are, are nonetheless not the telltale sign of the presence of the Spirit. The genuine and true confession of Christ as Lord is the sign that one truly possesses the Spirit of God (1 Cor 12:1-3). I do not say this to denigrate God’s amazing grace (for his gifts are really specific, identifiable manifestations of his grace) in any way, but only to relate us rightly to it.

6. What command does Peter give us in 1 Peter 4:10? How does this relate to you right now?

6B. The Goal of Service

1C. To Bring Honor and Praise to Christ

1D. 1 Peter 4:11

Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

2D. Colossians 3:23-24

^3:23 Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, ^3:24 because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.

2C. To Build His Body and Help People

1D. Ephesians 4:7-13, 16

^4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. ^4:8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he took captives, he gave gifts to men.” (^4:9 Now what is the meaning of “he ascended,” except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? ^4:10 He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.) ^4:11 It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, ^4:12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, ^4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God—a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature.

2D. 1 Corinthians 12:7

^12:7 To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.

3C. Questions for Thought

1. What is the ultimate reason for the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Peter 4:11?

2. According to Colossians 3:23 in what manner are we to serve the Lord? Why (cf. 3:24)? What is the danger in serving men only, with our eyes fixed on pleasing them and with little or no thought given to pleasing God? How is this like idolatry?

3. Why were the various gifts given the church according to Ephesians 4:12-13 (See again 1 Cor 12:7)? How do the gifts relate to Christlikeness? Individual and corporate?

7B. Rewards for Service

1C. Now

1D. Mark 10:28-31

^10:28 Peter began to speak to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you!” ^10:29 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, there is no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel ^10:30 who will not receive in this age a hundred times as much—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, fields, all with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. ^10:31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

2D. 3 John 4

^1:4 I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are living according to the truth.

3D. Philippians 1:25

^1:25 And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith, ^1:26 so that because of me you may swell with pride in Christ Jesus, when I come back to you.

2C. In Eternity

1D. 1 Corinthians 3:8

^3:8 The one who plants and the one who waters are united, but each will receive his reward according to his work.

2D. 2 Corinthians 5:10

^5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.

3C. Questions for Thought

1. What sorts of things does Jesus promise those who serve him in the advancement of the gospel (cf. Mark 10:28-31)? Does this always happen? What ultimately happened to Peter to whom the Lord addressed the promise?

2. In 3 John 4, John says that his greatest joy is to see his children walking in the truth. Is this the reward you want for your service? See also Paul in Philippians 1:25-26.

IIA. Synthesis, Practical Applications, and Training

1B. Meditate

2B. Restate

3B. Relate

4B. Formulate

1C. Ongoing Applications

1D. Discipling others

2D. Serving in some capacity in your church

3D.

4D.

2C. Special Applications

1D. Helping in one time events

2D.

3D.

3C. Training Objectives and Activities

Objective: The new believer will develop a servant’s heart and seek to offer services freely, spontaneously, and without complaining. Further, over time, the discipler will help the maturing Christian to recognize his/her areas of giftedness and to look for avenues to develop this gift(s).

1D. Involve the new believer in a church related project.

2D. Ask him/her to serve in menial tasks.

3D. Do not put the new believer in a position of authority too quickly. Explain why (1 Peter 5:1-11; 1 Timothy 3:6-7). Godly, loving, character always precedes position and authority.

4D.

5D.

IA. A Bible Study on Giving

1B. The Foundation for Giving

1C. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

^29:10 David praised the Lord before the entire assembly: “O Lord God of our father Israel, you deserve praise forevermore! ^29:11 O Lord, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all. ^29:12 You are the source of wealth and honor; you rule over all. You possess strength and might to magnify and give strength to all. ^29:13 Now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your majestic name. ^29:14 “But who am I and who are my people, that we should be in a position to contribute this much? Indeed, everything comes from you, and we have simply given back to you what is yours.

2C. Matthew 7:7-12

^7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. ^7:8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks the door will be opened. ^7:9 Is there anyone among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ^7:10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ^7:11 If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! ^7:12 In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets.

3C. Luke 11:13

^11:13 If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

4C. John 1:16

^1:14 Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory—the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father. ^1:15 John testified about him and cried out, “This one was the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than I am, because he existed before me.’” ^1:16 For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another. ^1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ. ^1:18 No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in the presence of the Father, has made God known.

5C. 1 Corinthians 4:7 (Matthew 10:8)

^4:6 I have applied these things to myself and Apollos because of you, brothers and sisters, so that through us you may learn “not to go beyond what is written,” so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of the one against the other. ^4:7 For who concedes you any superiority? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as though you did not? ^4:8 Already you are satisfied! Already you are rich! You have become kings without us! I wish you had become kings so that we could reign with you!

6C. 2 Corinthians 9:8

^9:8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.

7C. Questions for Thought

1. What was David asking the people for in 1 Chronicles 29:5? What kind of response did he get from the leaders and the people? Why do you think it’s important to give freely and spontaneously? According to 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 where does wealth ultimately come from? When God does provide for us, what should our response be? Do you praise God for his gifts to you? Do you seek to use them to advance his purposes in the world, akin to what David did in the building of the temple?

2. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus says to “ask, seek, and knock.” What reasons are given in Matthew 7:8-11? What do you suppose Matthew 7:12 means in this context? Why is it here?

3. In the previous verses we have seen that the foundation of all giving is God’s graciousness to us. According to Luke 11:13, what is the most precious gift he has ever given us and how does this relate to all other giving? Read John 1:14-18 also. Again, what is the foundation of all our desires and acts of giving? Based on Luke 11:13 and John 1:14-18, can anyone ever “out-give” God?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 4:7. What mistake had the Corinthians made regarding the gifts they had received? Has this happened to you in your life? What should you do about it?

5. How does 2 Corinthians 9:8 nicely summarize the foundation of all Christian giving? Why do we give? Are we trying to earn favor with God? Are we working for grace or from grace?

2B. The Blessing of Giving

1C. Malachi 3:6-12

^3:6 “Since, I, the Lord, do not go back on my promises, you, sons of Jacob, have not perished. ^3:7 From the days of your ancestors you have ignored my commandments and have not kept them! Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the sovereign Lord. “But you say, ‘How should we return?’ ^3:8 Can a person rob God? You indeed are robbing me, but you say, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and contributions! ^3:9 You are bound for judgment because you are robbing me—this whole nation is guilty. ^3:10 “Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse so that there may be food in my temple. Test me in this matter,” says the sovereign Lord, “to see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until there is no room for it all. ^3:11 Then I will stop the plague from ruining your crops; the vine will not lose its fruit before harvest,” says the sovereign Lord. ^3:12 “All nations will call you happy, for you indeed will live in a delightful land,” says the sovereign Lord.

2C. Galatians 6:9-10

So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. ^6:10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.

3C. 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

^9:10 Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow. ^9:11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God, ^9:12 because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God. ^9:13 Through the evidence of this service they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone. ^9:14 And in their prayers on your behalf they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you. ^9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.

4C. Questions for Thought

1. According to Malachi 3:6-12 the nation of Israel were guilty of not bringing the entire tithe into the storehouse and God was reprimanding them for it. What blessings, however, did he promise if they would respond in faith and give generously to him? What principle can we learn from this? Compare 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 and Galatians 6:9-10.

2. Summarize at least three principles that are taught in Galatians 6:9-10.

3. Both Galatians 6:9-10 and 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 make a connection between giving material goods and reaping a spiritual harvest of righteousness. Explain this connection in your own words. What blessings are related to giving in 2 Corinthians 9:10-15? Think on both a personal and corporate level.

3B. The Practice and Attitude of Giving

1C. Proverbs 3:9-10

^3:9 Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first fruits of all your crops; ^3:10 then your barns will be filled completely, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

2C. Proverbs 11:24-25

^11:24 One person is generous and yet grows more wealthy, but another withholds more than he ought and comes to poverty. ^11:25 A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.

3C. Matthew 6:2-4

^6:2 Thus whenever you do charitable giving, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in synagogues and on streets so that people will praise them. I tell you the truth, they have their reward. ^6:3 But when you do your giving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ^6:4 so that your gift may be in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

4C. Mark 12:41-44

^12:41 Then he sat down opposite the offering box, and watched the crowd putting coins into it. Many rich people were throwing in large amounts. ^12:42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth less than a penny. ^12:43 He called his disciples and said to them, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the offering box than all the others. ^12:44 For they all gave out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in what she had to live on, everything she had.”

5C. Luke 6:32-38

^6:32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ^6:33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ^6:34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to be repaid, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, so that they may be repaid in full. ^6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people. ^6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. ^6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. ^6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.”

6C. Acts 2:42-47

^2:42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ^2:43 Reverential awe came on everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs came about by the apostles. ^2:44 All who believed were together and held everything in common, ^2:45 and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need. ^2:46 Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, ^2:47 praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.

7C. 2 Corinthians 8:5

^8:5 And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

8C. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; 9:6-7

^8:1 Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, ^8:2 that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. ^8:3 For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, ^8:4 begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints…^9:6 My point is this: the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. ^9:7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.

9C. Questions for Thought

1. What practice does Proverbs 3:9-10 outline for us? How could you implement it in your own life? Why might it be important to give of the first of our earnings to God?

2. Summarize the principle in Proverbs 11:24-25. Have you ever seen instances of God working in this way?

3. In Matthew 6:2-4 Jesus explains how God will deal with people who give in a hypocritical fashion. How will they be treated by God? Why? What untruth do they probably believe about God that underlies their hypocritical desires?

4. Read Mark 11:45-12:44. The scene is in the temple and the religious authorities are questioning Jesus about the source of his authority. But they do so in antagonistic ways, attempting to trap him in his words. They are leaders without faith in God and without love for others. Why, then, at the end of this section does Mark show Jesus drawing his disciples’ attention to the women in 12:41-44? What does she teach us about true faith and giving?

5. Why is Luke 6:38 in a section dealing with love for enemies? What is the principle Jesus is teaching in v. 38? Again, make sure you relate it to the context in 6:32-38.

6. What does Acts 2:45 teach us about giving freely?

7. What example do the Macedonian churches set for other churches (and us) by the manner in which they went about giving? What does it mean to give yourself to the Lord first and then to people?

8. From 2 Corinthians 8-9 draw out as many principles on “giving” as you can. Relate each principle to others in 2 Corinthians 8-9 and to others in the Bible (consider the principles you’ve already learned in this study). Try to develop an outline from 2 Corinthians 8-9 that you could share with others.

4B. The Need to Give Wisely

1C. Proverbs 19:6

^19:6 Many people entreat the favor of a generous person, and everyone is the friend of the one who gives gifts.

2C. Proverbs 27:23-24

^27:23 Pay careful attention to the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds, ^27:24 for riches do not last forever, nor does a crown last from generation to generation.

3C. Questions for Thought

1. What caution does Proverbs 19:6 bring to mind? Have you ever seen this happen?

2. How do Proverbs 27:23-24 relate to giving and possessing wealth in general?

5B. Hindrances to Giving

1C. Matthew 6:24

^6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

2C. Luke 14:33

^14:33 In the same way therefore not one of you can be my disciple if he does not renounce all his own possessions.

3C. James 4:1-4

^4:1 Where do the conflicts and where do the quarrels among you come from? Is it not from this, from your passions that battle inside you? ^4:2 You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask; ^4:3 you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions. ^4:4 Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world means hostility towards God? So whoever decides to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy.

4C. 1 John 2:15-17

^2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, ^2:16 because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the Father, but is from the world. ^2:17 And the world is passing away with all its desires, but the person who does the will of God remains forever.

5C. Questions for Thought

1. In Matthew 6:24 Jesus says there is no middle ground between loving God and loving money; a person is either serving one or the other. How does this relate to giving regularly and generously?

2. In Luke 14:33 what do you think it means to renounce all your possessions? If Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-34 that God knows all our needs and provides for us, “renounce” cannot mean to simply give them all away. After all, it would seem that, for argument’s sake, anyway, that they’re from God (cf. 1 Tim 6:17). What then does Jesus mean? Is he speaking hyperbolically (cf. Matthew 5:29)? If so, what is his point?

3. Though James 4:1-4 does not relate directly to giving, it does talk about the condition of our heart and our desires for wealth. Can the person James describes give generously to others? Why not? How is selfishness both ugly (on God’s people) and a serious hindrance to the grace of giving?

4. How does 1 John 2:15-17 straighten us out regarding how we are to view the world and its riches? A wrong view of the world can have disastrous consequences for Christians. NOTE: Here, John portrays the world from the point of view of its anti-God stance and sinfulness. He, of course, is not referring to the world in the sense of God’s creation and its goodness, but the world in its fallenness and rebellion. Relate 1 John 2:15-17 to the idea of giving.

IIA. Synthesis, Practical Applications, and Training

1B. Meditate

2B. Restate

3B. Relate

4B. Formulate

1C. Ongoing Applications

1D. World Vision Children

2D. Church Giving

3D. Missionaries

4D. Constantly Looking for Needs

5D.

6D.

2C. Special Applications

1D. Attending Fund Raising Functions

2D. Special Projects

3D. People with Immediate Needs

4D.

3C. Training Objectives and Activities

Objective: The disciple of Christ will develop the virtue of abundant generosity and the wise giving of time, resources, and money. They will develop a consistent pattern of giving to the ongoing needs of the church and of looking to meet needs in other special situations.

1D. Share with your disciple your plan for giving money to the Lord’s work. You do not need to communicate exact amounts, but only that you give happily, sacrificially, and consistently.

2D. Help the disciple understand that all wealth comes from God and is to be regarded as His; we are to see ourselves as stewards of his resources.

3D.