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Follow Up Bible Studies

After you take someone through the First Principles Study Series for Making Disciples
and then you baptize them, now what do you study with them going forward?

These 15 "follow up" studies are to be used in your weekly face-to-face discipling times
with newly baptized disciples. Do not confuse individual morning "quiet times" with the
below "follow up" studies. They are two different but equally vital forms of spiritual
training.

While this series is designed for teaching new members of the church in a one-on-one
setting, note that the lessons are relevant and just as powerful for older disciples as
well. Some of the below follow up studies are lengthy, and breaking them up into
smaller parts is fine. There is no need to rush through the series just to get it done.
Take your time, study the verses cited together and discuss them in great detail along
with the heart-stirring questions.

A version of these studies originally appeared in the first edition of "The Disciple's
Handbook" (now out of print). Special thanks go to Sam McMurray for typing this out.

- Joe Chiappetta, 2009, Chicago International Christian Church, http://chicagoicc.org

IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE STUDY

1. Attitude
How we should view God's Word?

Matthew 4:4 -- We need it to survive. Why do you eat everyday? We need to "feed"
ourselves daily on God's Word.

Deuteronomy 32:44-47 -- Not mere words but they are your life.

John 12:47-48 -- God will use it as the standard of judgement. Example: Final exam for
college course, the test will be from the text.

1 Peter 2:2 -- Crave the Word. Then you will grow. Don't be a shallow Christian!

Luke 2:46-47 -- Be like the young Jesus in his love for the word.

Mark 1:35 -- Sacrifice to have your time with God like Jesus did.

2. Application
How should we use it?

James 1:22-25 -- Do what it says!

Hebrews 4:12-13
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- Use it to find out what our hearts are really like and change that which is not pleasing
to God.
- Use it as a "scalpel" to cut out the sin in our lives and in the lives of others.

3. Rewards
What benefits do we get from God's Word?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 -- We will be well equipped/able to teach. God speaks through his
word.

2 Timothy 2:15 -- Workman who is not ashamed. Explain your convictions confidently.

1 Peter 3:15 -- Equipped for evangelism, able to answer questions.

Romans 10:17 -- Deepen our faith in Christ.

Psalm 119:9-11 -- We will be able to fight off temptation and Satan.

Psalm 19:7-8 -- Brings revival to the soul.

4. Your Decision

Psalm 119:15-16 -- I will not neglect your word.

Acts 17:11 -- Set a goal daily to study God's Word. Do it with zeal (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
- Discuss when you will study each day. Stick to it!
- Discuss hindrance and distractions.
- Start with a short prayer before reading, asking God for insight and wisdom.
- Seek advice on what to study often and then share what you're learning often.
- Keep a notebook.
- Also pray as needed throughout your reading (in the middle as something occurs to
you, at the end, etc).

Make your time with God last all day long.

- Put into practice what you've learned.
- Share what you've learned with others.
- Memorize scripture (Psalm 119:11).
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PRAYER

1. Introduction
- We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and
Sovereign, and our Father.
- Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
- Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God
- Prayer unleashes the power of God (James 5:16).
- Be willing to be taught to pray (Luke 11:1-4). It is difficult at times.
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2. Jesus' Prayer Life

Mark 1:35 -- Jesus, although very busy, found times and places free from distraction.

Luke 6:12 -- Jesus spends all night praying to God.

Hebrews 5:7 -- Jesus prayed with loud cries and tears. Discuss the difference between a
deep prayer life and a shallow one.

3. Keys to Effective Prayer

1 Peter 4:7 -- Be clear-minded and self-controlled.

Luke 18:1-8 -- Be persistent with all kinds of prayers (Ephesians 6:18)

Psalm 66:18, James 5:16-18 -- Personal righteousness

Matthew 21:21-22 -- Believe and do not doubt.

Psalm 5:3 -- Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered

Mark 11:25, Matthew 6:14-15 -- Forgiving others

1 Peter 3:7 -- Great marriage

Hebrews 10:19-23 -- Confidence in the blood of Jesus, not our deeds.

Psalm 55:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Philippians 4:6 -- Rely on God all day for
everything.
Jeremiah 29:10-13 -- Wholeheartedness, even wrestling in prayer (Colossians 4:12).

Acts 4:31 -- Doing our part

Psalm 119:147 -- Helpless, needy attitude: "I can't do anything on my own."

4. Practicals that Help

- Pray at least one-half hour each day in a solitary place.
- Pray with your roommates or spouse everyday.
- For parents, pray daily with your children.
- Have daily family devotionals.
- Make up a prayer list so you don't neglect praying for anyone.
- Be open about the victories and struggles in your prayer life.
- Stay out of sin and confess your sins.

1 Peter 5:7 -- Cast your deepest anxieties on the Lord in prayer.

5. Conclusion
- God can and will do the impossible through prayer.
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- Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.

Jeremiah 30:21 -- God is looking for people... devote yourself to be close to Him.

Isaiah 30:18 -- God longs to answer our prayers. He's our father (Matthew 5:6).
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SEEKING ADVICE

1. Character: Wise or Foolish (Proverbs 12:15)

- A fool does what he wants without advice.
- You are wise when you accept advice.
Q: Why is it sometimes to do what you feel without getting advice? (Proverbs 14:12,
Jude 1:10)

2. Outcome: Success or Failure (Proverbs 15:22)

- Many advisers bring success.
- Areas of importance: marriage, dating, parenting, finances, work, etc.
Q: What effect will our pride have on our seeking advice? (Proverbs 13:10)

3. Basis of Advice: Word of God or Feelings. (2 Timothy 4:1-4)

- God's Word is the source of the principles (Colossians 3:16).
- Do not seek advice from those who will tickle your ear (Ephesians 4:15).

4. Effectiveness: Best or acceptable. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)

- Disciples should strive to be our best, not just "OK."
- Seeking advice helps us become more confident--not just getting by.

5. Advisor Examples: Moses, Jehoshaphat (Exodus 18:13-16, 1 Kings 22:1-6)

- Moses heard Jethro's advice and took it. "He did everything he said." (vs 24)
- Moses could not handle his situation so he went to Jethro, a man who was more
mature than Moses. - Jehoshaphat was defeated because he accepted the advice of
unspiritual rather than spiritual men.
Most Common Pitfalls in Seeking Advice:

When You've...
1. Already made up your mind looking for a seal of approval.
2. You ask without explaining the whole picture.
3. Going to non-credible or non-authority advisor.
4. Not listening with an open heart.
5. Getting advice when it's too late for another recourse.
Suggested Scriptures:
Proverbs 3:5-7, 8:17, 9:8, 10:8, 10:17, 11:14, 12:1, 15:31, 19:20, 20:18, 26:12,
27:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Colossians 1:28-29
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EVANGELISM

1. Your New Purpose

2 Corinthians 5:11-21 -- Ambassadors for Jesus. Motivation: the love of God compels
us.

Acts 4:20, 5:41-42, Mark 5:20 -- True disciples are consumed with telling others what
the Lord has done for them.

2. Keys to Effectiveness

John 15:1-17 -- Remain in Christ; rely on Him daily.

Acts 17:16-17 -- Strive to share your faith everyday.

John 4:34 -- Believe the harvest is plentiful.

Acts 4:13, 2 Corinthians 3:12

Have boldness. Hindrances include... - Pride and being afraid of what others think
- Weak Conviction: not seeing people as lost
- Selfishness: centering on your problems
- Apathy: not caring about the lost
- Faithlessness: doubting that the harvest is great
- Lack of Confidence: ignorance of Scriptures.

Love and Service

- Be the friendliest person in the world.
- Don't be "preachy," share with loving boldness.
- Serve as Jesus did (John 13:1-17).

Zeal and Commitment

1 Corinthians 9:19-27 True disciple's attitude: "I want to win as many as possible."

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 -- Be motivated by the cross.

- Preach the Cross

3. Practical Challenges

- Make a thorough list and invite all your friends to church/Bible Talk.
- Share how Christ has change your life.
- Love a productive schedule/hard work (Proverbs 14:9).
- Learn to get people's phone numbers.
- Get involved in class or neighborhood programs (to meet people).
- Invite neighbors over for coffee. Get to know them; share with co-workers.
- Invited people that intimidate you--prominent people.
- Get to know clerks at stores, gas stations, etc.
- Seek lots of advice on how to share and invite.
- Learn the study series for making disciples as soon as you can. Know them inside out.
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- Develop an attractive (Christ-like) character--a sincere one.

- Listen to people and confidently look them in the eye.
- Learn to share your faith, not just invite.
- Bring people to your discipler to study with them.
- Pray daily to open hearts--then believe.
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DEFEATING SATAN DAILY

1. The daily war

1 Peter 5:8-11, 2:11

- Satan is out to devour you every day.
- Resist him every day.
- We are all going through the same kinds of struggles.

Ephesians 6:10-12 -- Satan is very powerful and he is scheming against you; that's why
it's a struggle every day.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10, 16-18

- We are hard pressed...
- Jesus didn't say it would be easy, but that it would be worth it.

2. Keys to Winning the War

Matthew 4:1-10 -- Know and trust the Word. How is your daily prayer and personal Bible
studies (quiet times) going?

James 1:13-15 -- Understand the difference between temptation and sin.

- Don't let temptations discourage you. Temptation is not a sin, but leads to sin if we
follow those ugly desires.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 -- There's always a WAY OUT... find it! Don't give up!

2 Corinthians 10:5-6, 1 Peter 1:13-15

Win the battle of the mind. Meditate on Jesus, grace, the cross, Heaven, the Word, etc.

Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 24:10

- Be strong. OVERCOME FEELINGS, moods, etc. People usually fall when they're
discouraged. Don't let yourself get discouraged.

Philippians 3:12-14 -- If we do fall or struggle, forget it because if we continue to love

God (walk in the light) GOD FORGIVES US of all our sins (1 John 1:5-10).

Proverbs 28:13, James 5:16

- BE ABSOLUTELY OPEN. When you fall into sin, don't avoid fellow Christians--run to
them for help!
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Romans 12:21, Ephesians 6:13

KEEP YOURSELF so PRODUCTIVE doing good that Satan can't get in. Example: when
tempted, write a note, call someone, go share your faith, etc.

Ephesians 4:26-27, Matthew 5:23-25, 18:5

- DON'T LET SATAN get a foothold; settle matters quickly, especially sins against each
other.

1 Peter 1:13, Roman 14:23

Kill ungodly COMPROMISES. Don't do anything that even has a hint of sin in it.

1 Corinthians 15:33 -- BE VERY CAREFUL around old friends. Don't compromise about
the truth.

Hebrews 2:18, 4:14-16

JESUS STRUGGLED TOO. Run to Him with confidence for help.
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RELATIONSHIPS IN THE BODY

1. Defined

John 13:34-35 -- A new Command - Love each other as Jesus did.

- Discuss Jesus' radical love for people.
- Called to love exactly like Jesus.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Romans 12:4-8

- Members of one body.
- What happens if your finger gets cut off? (i.e., we need each other.)
- A loving family working together

Romans 12:9-16 -- What's the difference between sincere and insincere love?
- Discuss how you practically apply this passage.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11:12

- Like a mother: gentle, caring
- Like a father: encouraging, comforting, urging

2. Demonstrated

Relationships Demonstrated by Actions

Proverbs 21:13 -- Give possessions

1 John 3:17-18, Acts 2:45

- Meet the needs in the family.
Colossians 1:28-29 -- Toil to present one another mature in Christ.
Ephesians 4:29-30 -- Say only what is edifying.
Hebrews 3:12-13 -- Encourage daily.
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1 Corinthians 13:4-8 -- Do you love like this?

Signs of unloving relationships:
Colossians 3:13 -- Unwillingness to forgive
Philippians 2:3-5 -- Pride
Philippians 2:14 -- Serving with a grumbling spirit
Proverbs 19:6 -- Serving only certain people
Luke 9:23 -- Preoccupied with self
Hebrews 10:24-25 -- Inconsistent church attendance
Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 27:5-6
- Non-challenging relationships
- Gossip, slanderous thoughts
Acts 4:32, Ephesians 4:1-3
- Disunity

Relationships Demonstrated by Attitudes

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 -- Respect those who work hard., Live in peace, encourage.

1 Corinthians 6:11-13 -- Be open about sins, struggles, marriage..

Ephesians 5:21 -- Submit to leaders and each other as well.
James 2:1-9 -- Love all people, even your enemies (Matthew 5:44).
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BEING DISCIPLED

Colossians 1:28-29 -- Bringing each other to maturity. We all need to become more like
Jesus everyday. God's plan has always been to use people to help us to be what he
wants us to be.
1. Initiation
Must desire to be discipled--no one will make you. Example: Going to the doctor, no one
makes you, but you desire to get better. Question: Do you want to become more like
Jesus?
Initiate in Questions.
- Seeking advice in finances, dating, school, home, family. Proverbs 12:15 -- Many
advisors make victory sure!
- Have an agenda of questions prepared for each discipling time.
- Reasons we don't: pride, independence, sin
Proverbs 8:13 -- God hates pride, independence.
Initiate in openness/confession. Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 66:18, James 5:16
- Sin, temptations, feelings, attitudes
- Disciples should never have to guess about what's going on. Share fears, desires,
dreams, embarrassments, joys, sorrows...
- Love conviction and accountability (Proverbs 12:1, 15:10, 27:5-6).
- Pride kills discipleship.
Initiate in friendships.
Initiate in evangelism.
- Be a self-starter. God hates laziness and apathy. Love the lost.
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- Bring people to disciplers to study with.

- This is how you'll learn to be abundantly fruitful.
Initiate in thinking.
- Learn to be independent thinkers, not independent spirits.

1 Timothy 4:7 -- Train yourselves to be godly. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

- Share your ideas with your discipler.

2. Imitation; Judges 7, Hebrews 13:7, Philippians 4:9

- Imitate your leaders.
- Purpose: obtain God's goals, qualities and unity (Judges 7:17)
- Faith: reliance on God
- Love: warmth and encouragement, character.
- Endurance: Even-temperedness and stability. Keeping your head in all situations.

3. Indignation: Sin is what keeps us from being great disciples.

- Pride: Proverbs 26:12. "I can make it on my own." No you can't! James 4:6 -- God
opposes the proud.
- Selfishness: Philippians 2:1-8 -- Jesus make himself nothing.
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PERSECUTION

1. Guarantee of Persecution
- Jesus Christ (John 15:20), Paul (2 Timothy 3:12)
- It is normal to be going through this (Acts 28:22, 1 Peter 4:12-19)

2. Purpose and Intent of Persecution.

- Intimidate Christians and deter preaching (Acts 3-5)

3. Real reasons behind Persecution.

- People are offended by exclusive doctrine (Acts 4:12, 17)
- Offended at being blamed for Jesus' death (Acts 2:23, 26; 3:13-15; 4:10; 5:28)
- Christians are a nuisance to contemporary standards (Acts 4:16, Acts 19:23-41)
- Jealousy (Acts 5:17)
- Retaliation from deep conviction and hard-lined messages (Acts 7:51-58)

4. Tactics of Persecution.
- False association with dangerous groups... Moonies, Jim Jones,
- Lies, half-truths, exaggerations, distortion of facts of Christian sect.
- Projecting isolated errors/sins onto the whole Christian sect.
- Inciting officials, family members by scarring them with lies.
- Deception, kidnapping, and brainwashing.

5. Preparation of Persecution.
- Read Psalm of David or episodes of persecution involving Jesus or early church.
- Spirituality as an offense is the best measure of defense.
- Talk about your feelings to someone who seems to handle it well.
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- Pray for your persecutors (Luke 6:28).

- Make changes where criticisms from persecutors seem valid.
- Leap for Joy (Luke 6:23).
- Decide to have even greater conviction (Acts 5:29-32; 40-42).

6. Benefits of Persecution.
- Be blessed (1 Peter 4:14)
- Scatter disciples to other regions with the message (Acts 8:1-4)
- Relate with Jesus and great Christians find out where your convictions are strong and
weak
- Creates opportunities to share your faith.
Suggested Scriptures:
Hebrews 10:32-39, 11:32-38, 1 Peter 2:19-23, 4:1-5
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HEART OF A DISCIPLE

Becoming a Disciple

Stages of Progression of the Heart (Simon Peter) Luke 5:1-11

(vs. 5) Submission, "Because you say so, I will"

- Even if it does not completely make sense
- Even if it is contrary to what I was taught before.

(vs. 8) Conviction, "Go away from me... I am a sinful man."

- Convicted of sin (unseen and seen) in inner life - Feel like withdrawing from the Lord,
or church of faithful Christians.

(vs 10) Purpose, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."
- The right purpose puts perspective on the matter. Instead of shrinking back, Simon is
called higher through Jesus' purpose for him.
(John 15:1-8) There would be pruning in Simon's life through this new purpose that
would deal with his being a "sinful man."

(vs 11) Commitment, "They left everything to follow him."

- They were willing to leave.
- It was immediate. Go anywhere and anytime.
Staying a Disciple

1. The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 -- Above all else guard your heart.

Psalm 139:23 -- Open your heart to God.

Hebrews 4:13 -- God cuts with His sword and sees everything.
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2. Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, 14:12, 21:13 -- Deceit

Deuteronomy 29:26-31 -- Idolatry

Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 -- Pride

Hebrews 3:12-19 -- Unbelief. (hardness, rebellion, disobedience).

Hebrews 12:3-12 -- Weariness.

3. The Remedy

Psalm 34:18, Psalm 51:17 -- Brokeness

Proverb 18:13, 1 Kings 8:37-40 -- Admission of sin.

Psalm 51:10 -- Pray for a new heart

Proverb 16:6, Psalm 112:1, 7-8 -- Fear God. If you fear God, you will run from sin.

Proverbs 5:10-14, 10:8 -- Love correction and accept commands.

Psalm 97:10 -- Loving God means hating all, any and every sin.

Galatians 5:24 -- Don't just kill the acts... kill all desire for sin.

Matthew 5:29-30 -- Have radical hatred towards sin. All sin is very serious.

Hebrews 3:12-13 -- Get help everyday from mature Christians (Galatians 6).

Titus 2:11-14, Romans 5:8 -- If you love the man who died for you, you will say "no" to
a sinful lifestyle. Fix your heart on grace/cross.
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BEING A SERVANT

1. Great Servant -- Mark 10:41-45

- There is nothing wrong with wanting to be great. Jesus didn't confront their desire to
be great, only their method.
- Greatness comes through being a servant. Your greatness in the Kingdom is only
limited by your willingness to be slave of all!

2. Selfless Servant -- Philippians 2:5-7

- Jesus set the pace for us by becoming a servant. He made himself nothing--for us.
Question: What are you making yourself into?
Question: How much does "self" matter to you?
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Question: How much does "self" influence your daily decisions?

- Self-denial is the essence of service. Luke 9:23 -- Must deny self daily. Denying self =
denying ungodly feelings.

3. Humble Servant -- Luke 17:7-10

Question: What should our attitude be while serving?
- Grumbling Servant -- "I'll serve, but I'm not going to like it." (Galatians 5:13).
- Complaining servant -- "Why do they always ask me to serve?" (Philippians 2:14)
- Proud servant -- "I serve more than anyone and deserve recognition."
- We must be humble servants and serve with joy.
- When we serve, we've done nothing special except our duty.
- Selective Servant -- Serves only certain people (Proverbs 19:6), or will do some
things, but not others.
- Convenient servant -- Serves only when it's convenient
- Lazy servant -- doesn't give his all (Colossians 3:17).

4. Excellent Servant -- Mark 7:37

- Jesus did all things well.
- When we serve, we must do so with excellence.
- Ephesians 6:7-8. When we serve, we must serve as though Jesus himself had asked us
to do it!
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LOVE OF GOD

Primer study to convince someone of God's love and how they can love God. Question:
What is something that everyone is looking for? Love.

1 John 3:16 -- Jesus laid down his life for you. (Who do you know that would do that for
you?). Then read John 3:16.

Illustration: A Father had one son. The father was a drawbridge operator for a railroad.
He brought his five year old son to work one day. The son got his leg caught in the
bridge gears and cried out to his father to help him. A radio call came to notify the
bridge operator that a train was coming. The father must go save his son and let the
1,000 people crash into the river or let his son die and save the people. He pulls the
lever to lower the bridge and crushes his son.
He cries and agonizes over his son. The train roars by and he looks up to see the people
in the train. Some look at the son and look away. Some are too busy to notice. Some
laugh and make fun of the son. Others are hurt and want to repay the father.

Question: How do you think the father felt when he saw those people? (This is how God
feels. He sacrificed his son). Consider the beatings and the crucifixion, etc.

Question: What does God want in return from us? Love.

1. Obedience, 1 John 5:3
- It is a joy to love and serve God.
- Example: Husband that loves his wife and will do anything to please her.
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2. Hunger and Thirst, Psalm 119:97

- Example: Cutting the grass under the sun in 95 degree temperature and thinking of ice
cold lemonade. (It's the "I can't wait to" attitude.)

3. Getting rid of sin, Colossians 3:5-10, "put to death"

- What sins do you need to get out of your life?
- We should see each of our sins as driving the nail in Jesus' hands.

4. Seeking God, Matthew 6:33

- You need to come to church, Bible study, and develop Christian friendships.
- Other people who are seeking God help us seek God.
- Read a gospel and take notes. What impresses you about Jesus?

5. Loving God, 1 John 4:19-21

- Our relationship with God is reflected here.
- What relationships do you have that you need to get right? Do it immediately.
- Do you believe God loves you? Are you willing to return God's love?
How often every week can we get together to study?
- Can you come to church (with a friend)?
- Will you begin to read the Bible? Suggest one of the gospels.
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"PHARISEE" LOVE OF GOD

The world has many ideas about how one should love God. The Pharisees were examples
of people who were religious yet misunderstood loving God. Such misunderstandings are
still very prevalent today. This study is about this love.

1. What loving God is NOT (in and of itself):

John 5:37-40 -- Diligent study of scripture

Matthew 6:1-2 -- Good deeds for others

Matthew 6:7 -- Lots of prayer

Matthew 6:17 -- Lots of fasting

Matthew 23:1-12 -- Leadership

Matthew 23:15 -- Evangelism

Matthew 23:23 -- Giving a tenth

- While the above activities are not wrong (and even noble if done with the right heart),
they do not prove anything about whether a person inherently loves God (John
5:41-44).
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Results of "Pharisee" Love of God (Matthew 23:23-28) = neglect the inward for outward
appearance.
- Greed (vs 25) money, time attention, materialism
- Self-indulgence (vs 25) self-centeredness, self-involvement
- Deceit (vs 28) image to keep up, even to the point of keeping a lot of SECRET SIN
- Envy (Romans 11:11) envy those with real scriptural knowledge, conviction, purity
- Anger (Romans 10:19) towards those who imply they need to change.
- Pharisees with Jesus, Jews with Paul, dead religions with Bible preaching churches

2. What loving God is:

John 8:31-32 -- Where the Pharisees "diligently study" the Word, disciples (those who
truly love God) apply it to their lives now. Both worship God, yet the disciple changes.

Question: What have you changed in the last four months for God?

John 13:34-35 -- Love others (disciples) as he loved. He poured out this amazing,
sacrificial love even before he went to the cross. Both Pharisees and disciples give to the
poor, but the disciple also gets involved in peoples lives for God (discipling).

Question: Who are who helping change (bringing to maturity) for God?

John 15:8, 16 -- Bearing "much fruit" is one of the main purposes of a disciple (one who
truly loves God). Some Pharisees and all disciples convert people. Disciples should do it
through the faithful and joyful lives they lead. They can build relationships right at
home. Pharisees that convert others go do it somewhere and then they are not involved
afterwards.
Disciples can point to much fruit "that will last" over a longer period of time. Pharisees
don't produce fruit that will last or have much to show.

Question: Are you more like a Pharisee or a disciple. Jesus called the Pharisees
hypocrites (Greek for "stage actor"). You can be a disciple and be taught how to love
God in the way that God defines love.
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CROSS (Longer Version)

1. The story: Matthew 26:36-27:54

As you take turns reading take notice of the various sufferings Jesus went through for
you and me.
Physical Pain

Matthew 26:67 -- Spit in his face, struck with fists, slapped and taunted.
Matthew 27:26 -- Flogging
Matthew 27:27-31 -- Mocking
Matthew 27:32 -- Crucifixion

Emotional Pain
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Matthew 26:36-38, Jesus' burden over his coming death

Matthew 26:40 -- Encounters loneliness and desertion (26:56). - Even from friends
Matthew 26:60 -- Falsely accused by the religious. Innocence.
Matthew 26:69-75 -- Peter's denial

Spiritual Pain
Matthew 27:46 -- Why did Jesus say this?

2 Corinthians 5:21 -- Jesus had never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus became sin on the
cross (took away our sins) to give us a way out of slavery to sin. Do you remember the
first time you ever felt really guilty for sin? Imagine Jesus.

2. Jesus took on our sins. (Isaiah 59:1-2) What did this cost him?
- Fellowship with God. 1 John 1:5, God is light, in him is no darkness.
- True separation. Jesus and God had never been separated before
- Scorn. Jesus had to endure severe treatment because of our sins.

3. Our response to this sacrifice

- Personalize: Realize that Jesus suffered and died because of your sin (immorality,
drunkenness, hatred, bitterness, lying, etc).
- If you were the only person who had ever lived, he still would have done that for you.
He died knowing that some would not even care. John 3:16
How does that make you feel? Acts 2:22-24, 36-37 -- Here is how others felt when
hearing the same thing: "cut to the heart". If cut, good. If not, something is wrong.
Illustration: one night you are walking home and begin to cross a busy street. Suddenly
you feel yourself being pushed from behind.
You look and see the man who pushed you being struck by a truck that would have hit
you. What is your response? You wouldn't walk away uncaring but try to save him and
help his family. You would be thankful because he saved your life--like Jesus did.

Response (repentance)
Luke 9:23-25 -- Daily crucify your sinful nature and live for God.

2 Corinthians 7:10-11 -- Turn to God with godly sorrow.

- Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins? Are you willing to follow him?
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PORTRAIT OF CHRIST

Common Misconceptions: Jesus was...

- Good Moral Teacher - Nice Guy
- Legend
- Mystic miracle worker - Theologian
- Other____
Who is this man? What was he like... Really? (Mark 4:35-41)
Question: Who is this man? Answer: God in the flesh (John 1:14, 20:27-28)

To paint who he is/was in the Bible, let's have a fresh canvas and new paint
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1. Challenging man, Mark 1:21, or John 2:12-22

- His sermons, what were his sermons really like?
- His presence, Jesus confronts wrong religious practices

2. Compassionate Man, Mark 1:40-44, Jesus "Filled with compassion"

- This passage balances and rounds out the picture of Jesus.

Leprosy: looked upon with fear by people

- Immediately the leprosy left him

Incredible compassionate man

- Show Jesus, the perfect personality, the perfect balance

3. Consumed Man, Mark 1:35-39, "That is why I have come"

- Jesus was concerned with his purpose
- Everyone has had to ask themselves the same questions.
- He has answers to the most basic questions!
Where did I come from?
What am I doing here?
What happens when I die?
We need the answers to those questions to live fulfilled lives

4. Controversial Man, Mark 10:32-34, "They will condemn him to death"

- Incredibly controversial man.
- People plotted to kill him!

5. Crucified Man, Matthew 27:22-31

- Jesus is our hope and answer!
- Jesus is worth a second look.

6. Conquering Man, Mark 16:1-7

- Physical resurrection
- Conquer death
- No one can compare to Jesus Christ--Man AND God.
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EVIDENCES

Question: What if I predicted 25 things in reference to _________ and hit the

predictions? (a baseball game, stocks, calamities).

Answer: The Bible makes even more bold predictions.

The collection: Is it faith in a book? No! 66 books. There are 39 in the Old Testament
and 27 in the New Testament.

On the Bible's authorship

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Question: Written by one man?

Answer: No! Over 40 writers.
Moses (shepherd), Joshua (general), prophets, a doctor, a fisherman, etc.

The sources: On three different continents. Europe, Africa and Asia.

Question: How could writers get their information together without God’s help?
- It was written over a period over 1500 years.
- How could authors conspire together on detail?

Authors: They could not.

- It contains, among other things, hundreds of predictions.
- Most of these were in reference to Jesus and his kingdom.
- Consider the probability of this really happening.

Question: What are the odds of (let's say) 40 prophesies about Jesus with the variables
being the locations of the sources, the # of authors, and the period of time which their
accounts were written?

Author: 10 to the 159 power.

There is archaeological proof that the books were written long beforehand.
- The dead sea scrolls (dated 100 BC-50 AD.) discovered in 1948.
- These confirm the prophesies predicting his life.

Scientific and Medical insight are revealed before man figured it out himself:

Leviticus 13:1-8 Isolation and quarantine.

Leviticus 14:1-9. Cleansing

Isaiah 40:22 The round earth

- The dating system today (BC, AD). The significance of Jesus' life must be considered.
- The virtues that he brought into civilization has made this a better world.
- Other religious leaders and religions borrow from him, not he from they.
- Working ethics and morality are from the Sermon on the Mount
- The power of the empty tomb
- Muhammad, Buddha, Confucius died and never rose from the dead.