Community Group Lesson Guides Vol. I Table of Contents

By Ken L. Birks

Intro

IBC

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5

Lesson 6

Lesson 7

Lesson 8

Lesson 9

Lesson 10

Lesson 11

Lesson 12

Lesson 13

Lesson 14

Lesson 15

Lesson 16

Lesson 17

Lesson 18

Lesson 19

Lesson 20

Lesson 21

Lesson 22

Lesson 23

Lesson 24

Lesson 25

Introduction

Ice Breaker Questions

Father God - Our View of Him

Father God - His View of Us

Our Great Salvation

Abiding in the Word

Building Faith Muscles

The Call to Discipleship

Characteristics that Define who we are

Characteristics that Define our Transformation

Success & Right Thinking

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Imitating Christ's Humility

Love Not the World

Being a Christian in a Non-Christian World

The Importance of Making a Determined Effort

Characteristics of a Discipled Life

The Power of Encouragement

Faith, Hope & Love - The Essentials

Walking in God's Grace

Discovering our True Identity

Kingdom Realities

The Normal Christian Life

The Dynamics of Biblical Change

Overcoming in Life's Situations

Abundant Living - Keys to Spiritual Fullness

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Introduction to Community Groups

A Community group is Christ's church in purpose, nature, and power. Most tasks of the church should be fulfilled through this community life: prayer, discipleship, leadership training, worship, exercising of the gifts, edification and witness.

Christ indwells, empowers and uses the Community for edifying the body, equipping the saints and evangelizing the lost.

The primary purpose of the community group is to focus on Christ in our midst. The Community Group Experience Jesus promised that He "would not leave us orphans", that He and the Father would "abide with us", and that the Spirit would be "in us and with us".

We believe His promise that "where two or three are gathered together in His name, He is in their midst."

Jesus prepares us as individuals and as a community to touch the spiritual and physical hurts and needs of those we meet during the week.

The goal in each meeting should be to experience Christ's indwelling presence, His edifying power and His ministering purpose in our lives.

The Meeting Format (a 1 ½ hour time slot is sufficient for a Community Home Group meeting)

It's very helpful to begin the first 15 minutes of the meeting with a time of open fellowship and food. It really helps in getting people warmed up towards one another.

Most meetings could begin with short time of worship. This could be an opportunity for gifts of the Spirit to come forth during this time or even during other parts of the meeting.

An ice-breaker question could be asked of which each member of the group should

respond to. This is should be a non-threatening question such as "What was the most significant thing that happened to you this week?" The ice-breaker question is important because it opens everyone up to one another and makes it easier to receive from one another as the meeting progresses.

There will be a learning time which could consist of: Bible study in the form of group

discussions on spiritual needs and principles, or activities to strengthen fellowship in the community. As a leader you are more of a facilitator than a teacher although you will teach somewhat. The goal is to really lead the group in discussion getting everyone involved and participating.

There should also be a time of reflection as to what work of Christ's power and grace He

may wish to do in your lives in relationship to the lesson. This could be a time for gifts of the Spirit to flow such as word of knowledge or wisdom. You may want to divide up into smaller groups to pray and minister to one another during this time.

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There should be a time of praying for one another for a particular need or as to how Christ may want to use you to minister to someone during the week - This could also be a time for gifts of the Spirit to flow.

If Holy Spirit wishes to interrupt the flow of any meeting, He should have perfect liberty to do so. Don't be so intent on finishing the lesson that you miss out on how the Holy Spirit wants to minister.

Community Group Objectives A Successful Community Group should experience many of the following objectives during the course of the Group.

Love

Suffering

Kingdom of God

Modeling

Signs & Wonders

Compassion

Intimacy

Acceptance

Development

Discipline

Revelation

Value

Encouragement

Generosity

Power

Shared Love

Partnership

Unity

Affirmation

Prayer

Joy

Peace

Fun

Questions Answered

Obedience

Discipleship

Conflict Resolution

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Ice Breaker Questions

Compiled by Ken Birks from Various Sources 1. Who is the most relevant person in our time? 2. What is the title of the best book you have ever read? Why? 3. As a teenager growing up what did you identify with the most and how did it shape your life? 4. What is the name of the best movie you have ever seen? Why? 5. What comes to mind first when you hear the word "reality"? Why? 6. What is the most beautiful thing about people? Why? 7. What is the most honest thing you have done? 8. What is something in your life that you have had to make a determined effort in order to see

some positive results? 9. In a spiritual sense, "what do you feel most passionate about?" 10. If you could change one thing about yourself what would you change? Why? 11. What is the ugliest thing you know? Why? 12. What do you like to do most with a free hour? Why? 13. What is the most significant event of the last three months? Why? 14. What force of history are you most aware of as you plan your life? Why? 15. On what basis do you select your friends? Why? 16. What is the most overwhelming thing you know? Why? 17. What is the greatest problem in the United States? Why? 18. What thing makes you most humble? Why? 19. What is the greatest value that guides your life? Why? 20. If you could chose to be an animal what animal would you choose to be? Why? 21. If you could smash one thing and one thing only, what would you smash? Why? 22. What is the greatest crime one person can commit against another? Why? 23. For what do you think you would be willing to lay down your life? Why? 24. What do you feel when you stand on the shore of the ocean? 25. If you were tape recording the sound of violence, what sound would you use? Why? 26. What sound would you use for beauty? Why? 27. If an atomic bomb were to explode a block away in ten minutes, what would you do for those

ten minutes? 28. What one word would you put on your gravestone? Why? 29. Choose a word that best describes your life up to this moment? Why? 30. What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen? 31. What is your biggest worry? Why? 32. What idea does everyone in this room want to hear? Why? 33. What do people like best about you? Why? 34. What do you think of when you think of tragedy? Why? 35. What person has influenced your life the most? Why? 36. What skill do you need in order to succeed? Why? 37. What talent should you develop? Why? 38. What makes you most secure? Why? 39. What institution is most in need of change? Why? 40. What word best describes advertising? Why? 41. Choose a word to describe a sunset? Why? 42. When do you feel most lonely? Why? 43. When do you sense being most alive? Why? 44. What TV advertisement bothers you the most? Why? 45. Choose a word you to describe the elderly population? Why?

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46. Why don't you speak to people in class who look lonely? 47. What is the biggest waste you know of? Why? 48. What will you be doing ten years from now? 49. What will save American politics? Why? 50. What future discovery do you anticipate the most? Why? 51. What is the greatest music ever composed? 52. What do you love most? Why? 53. Why are you here?

About the Past

54. What was the most significant thing that you did this past week? 55. What was the most significant thing that happened to you this past week? 56. What is your earliest memory? 57. What did you enjoy about school? 58. Name one thing you miss about being a kid. 59. What was your favorite musical group when you were in Junior High? 60. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? 61. What was your favorite childhood injury? 62. Worst roommate you have ever had? 63. Which is the funniest prank played on you or played by you? 64. What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

Icebreaker Questions – Facts

65. Do you have any hidden talents? 66. What jobs do your parents do? 67. Name one thing that not many people know about you. 68. Tell me about a funny family story. 69. You wouldn’t be caught dead, where? 70. Was there ever a time when you were frightened for your life? 71. What outdoor activities do you like to do? 72. Why do you like living in this area? 73. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far? 74. What do you consider your greatest achievement? 75. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death? 76. Do you have any phobias? 77. Do you feel you have a purpose or calling in life? 78. Name three exotic countries you would like to visit.

Icebreaker Questions - Philosophy 79. If your house was on fire and you could grab only 3 things before leaving, what would they

be? 80. Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets? 81. Do you believe in ghosts? 82. What do you value most in life? 83. What do you think the greatest invention is in your lifetime and why? 84. What do you think the secret to a good life is? 85. What would be your dream job?

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86. If you could have three wishes granted, what would they be? 87. If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to? 88. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? 89. What is important to you right now? 90. What is your goal in life? Do you think you will achieve it? 91. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time

you had left. 92. What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday? 93. If you could go on a road trip with any person (dead or alive), who would you choose and

where would you go? 94. What do you think the most ultimate gift of the world is? 95. Tell something that nobody in the group knows about you. 96. What is your earliest childhood memory? 97. What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? 98. If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? 99. The great theologian Andy Warhol stated that everyone gets 15 minutes of fame. What

happened during your 15 minutes? 100. Name the most famous person you've had a face to face encounter with ("brush with

greatness"). 101. Name your favorite children's story. 102. If you could spend 15 minutes with any living person, who would it be and why? 103. What person in the Bible do you most closely identify with? 104. What article of clothing most closely describes your personality? 105. If you were to write a book what would it be about? 106. How many rings before you answer the phone? 107. What is the first thing you think of when you wake in the morning? 108. If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it? 109. Who was your favorite teacher and why? 110. What makes you feel the most secure? 111. Who do you admire the most? 112. Have you ever had a reoccurring dream? What was it 113. What was your nickname growing up or now? 114. Who was your hero when you were a child, and what did you do to be like them? 115. Peanut or plain? 116. What is your favorite cartoon character & why? 117. Who inspires you and how are you a bit like them? 118. How did you learn to ride a bicycle? 119. When was the last time you did something for the first time? What was it? 120. If you knew you could not fail, what would you do? 121. What is your concept of a fruitful day? 122. What was your favorite thing to play with as a child? Why? 123. If you could be any animal in the world for 24 hours, which animal would you be? Why? 124. Have you ever jumped out of a plane? 125. If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be? 126. What is your best personal characteristic? 127. What is your favorite quote? 128. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do? 129. What is your favorite weird food combination? 130. If you had to be a flower, which one would you like to be and why?

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131. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three books and three people would you take with you? Why?

132. What was your favorite childhood toy? 133. My biggest pet peeve is... 134. What is your favorite commercial? What commercial annoys you the most? 135. If you could be an ice cream flavor, what would it be? Why? 136. Name a turning point in your life that makes you smile/cry. 137. If there were a holiday in your honor what would it celebrate? 138. What clubs were you a member of in High School? Are you still interested in any of the

same things? 139. If you were to be on a reality TV show which one would you be on; and why? 140. If you could be anything in the world, what would you be and why? 141. If someone rented a billboard for you, what would you put on it? 142. If you had to enter a competition for the "Most Uselessly Unique Talent," what would your

talent be? 143. If you were a Smurf, what would your name be? 144. What is your worst personality characteristic? 145. If you had to be a teacher of something, what would you teach? 146. How would you like to be remembered? 147. What is one thing that you constantly think about (other than material things)? 148. What did you like best about your hometown? 149. Something interesting you might not know about me is... 150. What do you think is best feeling in the world? 151. If you could have written any book, what book would you like to have written? 152. What is your most favorite pair of shoes ever? Explain. 153. What's your favorite sport? 154. What's your middle name? Why? 155. Which member of your family has had the greatest influence on your current way of

thinking? 156. What dessert describes you the best and why? 157. What kind of music do you like? 158. What is your favorite animal? 159. What do you keep in your wallet aside from money, cards and pictures? 160. What punctuation mark best describes your personality? Why? 161. If you could plan your ultimate vacation, where would you go? 162. What is something you have that is of sentimental value? 163. What is your most embarrassing moment? 164. Listener or talker? 165. Can you comfortably eat in a restaurant by yourself? Go to movie? 166. What was the first car you drove? 167. What do you miss most about childhood? 168. What one thing (modern convenience) could you not live without? 169. If you could meet anyone from history, who would you meet and why? 170. What was the first live concert you ever attended? 171. What was your longest relationship and why did it end? 172. Is the glass half empty or half full? What is in the glass? 173. If you could be one kind of beer which one would you be and why? 174. Where do you see yourself in ten years? 175. What is the worst possible name to call a child?

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176. If you could meet anyone from the Bible who would it be and what would you ask them? (Besides Jesus)

177. If you could snap your fingers and appear somewhere else, where would you be? 178. If you could date any celebrity, who would it be and why? 179. What specific thing have you done that impressed yourself? 180. If you could switch bodies with a certain celebrity, who would it be and why? 181. If you could fly to a different time zone, which one would you fly to? Why? 182. What cartoon character best represents your personal philosophy? 183. What's your passion? 184. What does your room look like? 185. What internet site do you surf to the most? 186. If you could only where one color for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? 187. If you could have one super human power, what would it be? 188. If you could be any color in a Crayola box, what color would you be and why? 189. Would you rather be really hot or really cold? 190. What was in your high school locker? 191. I was once mistaken for ... 192. What is the best/worst pick up line you have ever heard? 193. What is the weirdest gift you have ever received? 194. If there was a whole different concept of reality (like The Matrix) what would it be? 195. Where would you like to retire and why? 196. What is one secret that you haven't told anyone? 197. What is the craziest (or stupidest) thing you have ever done? 198. What is your favorite season? 199. What's the best dinner you ever had? 200. Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? Why? 201. Which of Snow White's 7 dwarfs describes you best and why? (Doc, Happy, Bashful,

Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey) 202. If you were attending a Halloween party, what would your costume be and why? 203. What do you feel is your most attractive physical feature? 204. If you were on death row, what would your last meal be? 205. Name 3 things you think will become obsolete in ten years. 206. Tell two truths and one lie about yourself to the others in your group. Everyone try and

guess the lie. 207. If I wasn't afraid I would _________ (What?) 208. What is a song for which you thought you knew the words and later found out that you had

them wrong? (For example, I always used to sing the theme song to Top Gun– Highway to the Danger Zone– as “I went to the danger zone.)

209. What was the worst punishment your parents ever gave you? 210. What was your worst summer or part-time job? 211. If given a chance to get back at something during the past, what will be that time and why? 212. What mountain would you want to climb someday? 213. Best or worst experience at summer camp 214. Name a pet you have owned and how you came to name him/her. 215. Describe an interesting experience you had the last time your power went out. 216. What’s your favorite line from any movie? 217. What is the best or most interesting class you have ever taken in high school, college or

graduate school? 218. What famous person do you know or have met personally? 219. If you had unlimited money and space, what one thing would you add to your bedroom?

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220. Who was your first big crush? Why did you like this person? Did he/she like you back? 221. What is a fashion trend that you used to wear (in the 70s, 80s, etc.) that you would now be

embarrassed to wear? 222. If you could go only to one restaurant for the next five years, which would it be? 223. What is something you have lost that you have never found, or were tremendously relieved

when you did find it? 224. Best dessert you have ever had? 225. What is one of the strangest southern expressions you have heard (or other idiomatic

expression)? 226. What is your favorite breakfast? 227. If you had the opportunity to live one year of your life over again, which year would you

choose? 228. Do you wake up to a CD, the radio, or a buzzer? 229. What is set as the background on your computer? 230. What magazine(s) do you subscribe to? 231. If you were a professional wrestler, what would your ring name be and why? 232. On Saturdays, I like to... 233. Where would you like to be a missionary to? 234. Which Scooby-Doo character are you most like (Scooby, Shaggy, Daphne, Fred, Velma, the

monster, Scrappy?) 235. If you had to endure one natural disaster (i.e. hurricane, tornado, etc), what would you pick

and why? 236. What movie or TV show do you take guilty pleasure in watching?

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Notes

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Father God – Our View of Him Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: When you were a child, what were your first thoughts of God? Bible Study Discussion – Our View of God Most of us grew up with a distorted perception who God is and how He desires to relate to us. We may view God as some mean and cruel person who wants to punish us for every wrong thing we do or we may see Him as the benevolent God, who is primarily a forgiving God. Or we may perceive Him as a critical God, who wants absolute control of all things. Our discussion will focus on who God is and how we should view Him from true Biblical view. How you perceive God will affect how you relate to Him. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that we have a correct Biblical view of who God is.

What were your perceptions of God as you were growing up?

How did these perceptions affect your relationship with God? Facilitator: Have someone read Psalm 145:3 & Isaiah 40:28

How does our discovery of God’s greatness affect our relationship with Him? It enables us to come into a deeper understanding and revelation that enhances our relationship with Him as our creator. God is not only the creator of the universe and the world, but also the creator of our lives, the one who has poured into us our talents, gifts and personalities. God’s desire is for us to discover His creative beauty in each of our lives, which helps to point us towards our destiny in Him. In order to begin to get a glimpse into God’s greatness we must begin to see Him as He views Himself. Instead of allowing our lives to be conformed to our limited of view of who we think God to be, we must humble ourselves and see Him as He has revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ,1 the Scripture and the revelation of His Spirit. His ways and thoughts are so much higher than our ways.

How has your limited view of God affected the relationship you have with Him?

1 Jesus answered: “Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the

Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:9 NIV

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How does seeing God through the life of Jesus help you to better understand Who He is and what His heart is towards you?

Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the question. The Bible reveals a personal God reaching out to His creation, demonstrating all of the characteristics of personhood that we experience as human beings, except without sin. God is Love – He shows unfathomable affection. Have someone read 1 John 4:8. 1 John 4:8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Knowing that God is a God of love – How does that help you in your relationship with Him?

It makes me feel secure. God in His love desires our everlasting welfare and all of His acts are done to secure it. His Love is consistent, unfailing and pure because “God is love” in the core of His nature. Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the question. God is Holy – Absolute purity – Cannot sin nor tolerate sin. Have someone read Isaiah 6:3 and Romans 5:8 Isaiah 6:3 And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"

Knowing God is absolutely Holy and mankind is basically a sinful creature, how do we reconcile ourselves with God?

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God’s holiness is revealed in the fact that when Adam and Eve sinned they were expelled from the Garden and were cursed to live outside the garden where they now had to work and toil. Even though God could not tolerate sin He provided atonement for Adam and Eve’s sin by shedding the blood of an animal and covering them with its skin. Thus began the story of redemption and atonement through spilled blood. Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the question. God is full of Goodness. Have someone read Romans 2:4 Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

What part did God’s goodness have to do with you in coming to God through Jesus Christ?

Love, benevolence, mercy and grace are all included in His goodness. The goodness of God is that which enables Him to be kind, benevolent, and full of good will toward all men. In this core of

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His being God is tenderhearted, sympathetic and inclined to give blessings. He takes great pleasure in the happiness and well-being of His people. Ministering Purpose and Prayer: Pray for one another in light of the question below: You may want to divide up into smaller groups to do so.

In light of this discussion, how can we pray for you?

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Notes

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Father God – His View of Us Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What was the most significant thing that happened to you this past week? Always feel free to come up with your own ice breaker or pick another one from the Ice Breaker list. Bible Study Discussion – God’s View of Us.

What is your present perception of how you believe God views you? Facilitator: Ask the question above before you have someone read Jeremiah 29:11-13. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

What does Jeremiah say to you about How God really thinks about you and how does it affect your walk with Him?

When we begin to perceive God in the same way that He perceives us there is an agreement in the Spirit that brings a greater connection and intimacy with Him and thus causes us to seek Him more with a full heart of assurance. The following Scriptural reference expresses this thought fully. Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.13And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Facilitator: Have someone read Psalm 139:17 & Isaiah 55:9. Psalms 139:17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! Isaiah 55:9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

If you were to totally bring your thoughts into alignment with these two verses, how do you think it would change your view of God and what He desires to do in your life?

Facilitator: Have someone read Song of Songs 1:5 & Romans 5:8

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Song of Songs 1:5 I am dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

What do these verses say about how much God loves and likes us? God loves us and likes us even in our most darkened and sinful state.

How do these verses affect your walk with the Lord? This is probably one of the most important factors in our whole Christian experience that gives us confidence in God. When we fully grasp the significance that God loves us and likes us even in our darkened and sinful state, it gives us confidence and assurance to move forward in His grace and mercy which enables us to walk as overcomers.

Do you think God is troubled when He thinks about you? Facilitator: Allow everyone in the group to answer this question without too much comment then share the following. Absolutely not! He makes a distinction between our actions and who He created us to be. Like a good parent, He may not approve of all the things we do, but He always loves and likes us. God thinks we are precious . . . incredibly valuable. Like a caring parent, He adores us.

Do you believe God wants to impose His will upon you? God will never impose His will upon us. He gives us the right to make the choice as to whether we want His intervention or not. Facilitator: Have someone read Jeremiah 17:9-10 and then ask the question below. Jeremiah 17:9-10 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.

Why do you think it is in God’s best interest not to impose His will upon us? He loves us enough to let us go our own way and find out for ourselves the kind of fruit we are capable of producing.

How do we enter into God’s will for our lives? We must yield to Him when He calls us, if we want His help and intervention in our lives.

Can you think of a time when you knew clearly what God wanted you to do and you didn’t do it? What was the outcome?

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Facilitator: share the following with your group. It has become very clear from the Scriptures that God is very much for us. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? If this is true, then we must embrace it and walk in the true reality of God for it to become the new reality of our lives. As we meditate on who God really is and what His heart’s desire is towards us, we will find ourselves walking in a state of renewal that brings us into the prosperity and blessing that God desires for us. Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.3He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper Ministering Purpose and Prayer: You may want to divide up into smaller groups to pray for one another.

How has this session changed your perspective on how God views you?

How can we pray for you?

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Notes

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Our Great Salvation Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: Who is your favorite Bible character and why? Bible Study Discussion: Our Great Salvation. Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the question that follows. The Bible refers to our common salvation experience as a great salvation, a salvation that Old Testament prophets and righteous men and even angels have desired to look into, but could not experience. Hebrews 2:3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, Matthew 13:16-17 "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17"for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. In this lesson, our goal will be to look into this great salvation that has been freely given to us by the Father and to see why it is so great. What are components of salvation that make it so great? How do we receive all that God intended for us to experience through this Great Salvation?

When you think about your salvation experience, what is the one thing that stands out in your mind the most about what God has poured into your life in salvation?

Facilitator: Have a couple of people read the following Scriptures and discuss the questions that follow. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

How did God show His longsuffering towards you?

What does it mean when it says, “The Lord is not willing that any should perish? John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

What does John 3:16 mean to you? What all do you see in this Scripture?

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It is because He died for all that we can claim for ourselves and confidently extend to others the right and title to sonship and salvation through Christ, and live in a state of blessed assurance. Romans 5:18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. Since all humanity came under judgment in Adam, all humanity must come into at least the possibility of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Facilitator: Have someone read the following the Scriptures and then ask the questions that come after them. John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Why did John the Baptist introduce Jesus as the Lamb of God? It is through the blood sacrifice of Jesus that makes salvation possible. Hebrews 9:22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

What is it about blood having to be spilled that is so important in relationship to salvation?

Facilitator: After your group members have attempted to answer the above question, read the Scripture below. Leviticus 17:11 'For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.' Facilitator: Share the following and then have someone read the two Scriptures and then ask the question that follows. We see in Scriptures that it is very clearly stated that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation for mankind. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

What is it about Jesus that separates Him from all other religions or spiritual figures?

The Reason Jesus is the only way to the Father is that He was and is both God and man. He came to us as the only begotten of the Father and gave Himself as a ransom for our sins by dying on the cross and pouring His blood out to make atonement for our sins.

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1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, Facilitator: Share the following, including the Scripture and then ask the question. We must realize that salvation is a free gift from God and that there are no amount of good works we can do to earn it. It's Free! Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Salvation has nothing to do with whether we deserve it or not. It is not based on how good we are or have been. It is a free gift of God’s unmerited favor being bestowed upon our lives in spite of ourselves. It is totally based on our belief in the person of Jesus Christ is and who we believe Him to be.

Why do you suppose God decided to make salvation a free gift? Facilitator: Have someone read the following two Scriptures and then ask the question that follows: Hebrews 5:9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Matthew 18:2-4 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, {3} and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

What do these two Scriptures have to do with salvation? Repentance and obedience to Jesus and the Word of God are absolutely necessary in the salvation experience, because Jesus has become to all those who obey Him, the source of eternal salvation.

What does true repentance mean? Ministering Purpose & Prayer: Ask if there is anyone in the group, who has never completely surrendered their life to Jesus Christ in true repentance and then have everyone pray and minister over them.

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Notes

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Abiding in the Word

Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker Question: What is the greatest act of transformation you have encountered in your Christian walk? Bible Study Opening Question: What is the purpose of God’s Word for our lives?

It is a divine door into the ways and the wisdom of God It brings down our arrogance and pride, but edifies our spirits and enlightens our minds. More importantly the Word of God ushers us into encounter with the living God.

When we don’t meet Jesus upon opening the Bible we become dry, unaffected and bored. We will only know about God; we won’t truly know Him.

What does it mean to abide in the Word?

It’s being intimate with the Word in the midst of our obedience.

What does being intimate with the Word mean?

It means allowing it to wash over us and move us. It means meditating on the Word and pondering it and letting it sink deep into us. It means coming humbly and expectantly before the Word and waiting. It means clearing our mind of everything else and letting the Word fill us. It means allowing the Word to guide us to our destination: encounter with Christ.

In John 5:31-38 Jesus is speaking to a group of people, which included the Pharisees. He basically told them that they had been willing to go out into the wilderness to listen to John the Baptist’s message, but it hadn’t impacted them.

Why do you think they missed what John the Baptist was really trying to convey to them.

John 5:38 (NKJV) But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.

How could the people who knew the most about the Word of God be the ones who killed the Messiah?

They knew the Word inside out, but the Word did not know them. The Word wasn’t living,

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moving, breathing inside of them. They didn’t even recognize Jesus because they viewed the Word as an end in itself instead of the means to encountering the living God. (Corey Russell) We should ask ourselves the question: Are we just reading God’s Word or are we fellowshipping with God’s Word?

What does it mean to you to fellowship with God’s Word? This is a question we should ask ourselves as we spend time in God’s Word each day.

What kind of an impact do you think the Word would have upon your life if you spent more time fellowshipping with the Word rather than just reading it?

As we ponder, meditate and ask the Holy Spirit to give us understanding and revelation of God’s Word it will be like a lamp unto our feet drawing us into the depths of God with His character and nature being imparted into our spirits. It will give understanding to the simple as God breathes upon it and pours life into our spirits. Psalms 119:105 (NKJV) Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Psalms 119:130 (NKJV) The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. The Word of God should delight our souls as we receive revelation and understanding of God in a more intimate way. This is what continually motivates us along the path to transformation into the character and likeness of Jesus. We were made to be in relationship with God, to fellowship with Him. We cultivate intimacy with Him as we spend time meditating on and enjoying the Bible. It’s how our souls communicate with Jesus Christ, the living Word. Psalm 119:162 "I rejoice in Your word as one who finds great treasure." God is looking for a prophetic generation who will fall in love with His word - who treasure it and understand He meant us to truly enjoy it. Will you be one of these people? Ministering Purpose:

In light of this lesson and everything that has been discussed how has your perspective changed concerning what it means to abide in the Word?

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Building Faith Muscles Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members.

Ice Breaker: What is the first thing you think of when you wake in the morning?

Bible Study Discussion: Building Faith Muscles for Every-Day Living.

Facilitator: Please read the following with the Scripture references and then ask the question.

This lesson deals with the importance of applying faith in the midst of our every-day circumstances so that we can develop the faith muscles we need for our journey in life.

Faith is the essence of the Christian walk. It is when we apply faith to our every-day lives that we are able to grow in a way that is well pleasing to God as well as increasing the joy and peace we have in Him as we continue to seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

The word righteousness here is the same word Jesus used when John the Baptism questioned why he was baptizing Jesus rather than Jesus baptizing Him. Jesus’ response was that it had to be done to fulfill all righteousness. In other words it was for the purpose of the Father’s revealed will.

What do you suppose happens to our lives when we are moving from faith to faith according to Romans 1:7?

The Father is able to continually reveal His will and purpose for our lives, which pleases Him mightily. Facilitator: Share the following before asking the next question.

Our daily lives should to consist of a walk in faith, which means we should continually be moving from faith to faith our faith must be exercised on a regular basis. We need to look at the many things we are involved in each day and the problems we come up against as opportunities to exercise our faith.

What kind of a faith picture do you have for your personal life, family, marriage, job, school life or your business?

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Do you know what God's will is for you in all of these areas? If so, then you can begin to apply faith. God's will is for you to prosper in all of these areas.

In what area of your life do you need to develop greater faith muscles in? Is it your personal life, marriage, family, business, work, school or some other area?

Facilitator: Try to get each member of your group to answer the above question. They will have the opportunity to pray for one another at the conclusion of this lesson.

What are some faith exercises you could begin to do to grow in the area you have just mentioned?

Possible answers: Find Scriptural solutions, submit the areas to the Lord, allow the promise of God for this area to really fill your heart or get a faith picture of what it looks like.

Facilitator: Have someone read Hebrews 11:1 and then you read it from the Amplified Bible and the following and then ask the next question.

Faith's Definition – Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Bible.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title-deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality – faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses. (Amplified Version)

Faith involves assurance and conviction. When your faith is solid, it stands under every situation and supports it with assurance. It is being convinced, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that God will take charge of the situation.

Do you believe beyond the shadow of doubt, that God will take charge of your situation? Why?

Faith always relates to something yet future. The word "hope" points to the future. We must see tomorrow in light of God's abilities, not our own. Faith will prepare us for the adventure instead of fear, because of our assurance that God can handle all things.

Exercises to Build Your Faith Muscles:

As we begin to age we must exercise and eat right in order to preserve the strength of our bodies. As young Christians we grow very easily in faith, but as time goes by it becomes more of a struggle. We now have to exercise our faith more strategically by doing faith exercises.

How are you exercising your faith more strategically?

Facilitator: Give your group time to answer the above question and then give them the list below.

Here is a list of ways in which you can exercise your faith.

1. Begin every day with a faith picture of what you see God doing – Proverbs 3:5-6 Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your paths.

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2. Confess to one another the things you see God doing. Why is this important? – Philemon 1:6 the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus

3. Faith comes by looking for the Biblical solution. Why would this be important – Romans 10:17 faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

4. Put your faith picture into action – James 2:14-26 ....if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save Him?....Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.... faith without works is dead.... Do you see that faith working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

5. Expect change to occur - After you have firmly established a faith picture of what you desire in your lives, begin to expect a real change to occur. It takes a heart of anticipation and expectation for faith to be fully released. Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Whatever your area of you are working on to develop greater faith muscles, expect the change to come. Do you want to see your marriage change? Begin expecting it to. Do you want to see your ability to discipline your children change and become more consistent? Begin expecting it to. Do you want to see your financial situation change? Begin expecting it to.

Ministering Purpose and Prayer: Have your members pray for one another in the area where they need the greatest amount of faith.

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Notes

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The Call to Discipleship Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What city did you grow up in? How do you think your hometown or neighborhood helped to shape the person you are? Opening Statement: In his book, ‘The Cost of Discipleship,’ Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote of what he called the Great Divide: "The first step which follows Christ's call cuts the disciple off from his previous experience. The call to follow at once produces a new situation. To stay in the old situation makes discipleship impossible." Bible Study Discussion: The Call to Discipleship and Following Jesus.

What new situation did the call to discipleship produce in your life? Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the question after the Scripture has been read. The call to follow Jesus involves making a decision after we have tasted of the Lord’s goodness in our lives. The question we all must ask ourselves is: “Will I choose to follow Him whole-heartedly by putting the old behind me or will I continue to follow my own self-willed ways?” This is precisely what happened to Jesus’ first followers. They had met Him in Jerusalem, following John the Baptist’s announcement that He was the Lamb of God (See John 1:35-42). They then travelled with Jesus to Galilee, getting to know Him with no strings attached. It was in Galilee that Jesus called them to become disciples. Facilitator: Have someone read Matthew 4:18-22 and then ask the question. Matthew 4:18-22 (NKJV) And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

What new situation did the call to follow Jesus produce in their lives? Discipleship and following Jesus brings us into an even greater realm of trust, because we are now being asked to lay down everything at the feet of Jesus and trust Him with our lives even though we may not understand everything about Him or what He is asking us to do. It requires a

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leap of faith. This was a great dilemma for many of His disciples and man of them could not make this leap. 1 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV) Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Facilitator: Have someone read John 6:25-27 & John 6:60-68 and ask the following questions:

According to these scriptures, "What do you think was the deciding difference between those who left Jesus and those who decided to stay and follow Him?

The disciples who stayed had shifted their focus to who Jesus was rather than simply having their needs met.

Do you remember when this transition took place in your life and what the emotions you went through were like?

Facilitator: Have someone read John 8:31-32 and ask the following questions:

How does continuing or abiding in Jesus reveal the truth to us?

How does this set us free from our sin? Facilitator: Ask for 1 or 2 testimonies of how this has happened in various members of your group.

What is one of the greatest blessings you have experienced from losing your life that you might gain it? Have 2 or 3 share, depending on time.

Ministering Purpose and Prayer: What are some areas of pride and self-will that keep you from enjoying God's blessing? Pray for one another in the areas that are expressed.

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Characteristics that Define Who We Are Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What is your goal in life? Do you think you will achieve it?

Someone once wrote:

"Christianity gave those who had no respect, their self-respect; it gave those who had no life, life eternal;

It told men and women that, even if they did not matter to others, they still mattered intensely to God.

It told men and women who, in the eyes of the world were worthless, that, in the eyes of God they were worth the death of his only Son.

Of these three statements, which one means the most to you and why? Facilitator: Share the following with your group. 1. We Are Sons and Daughters of God. One of the greatest characteristics that define who we are as Christians is the fact that we are sons and daughters of God. John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: Our primary relationship that defines who we are is that of being one of God's own children. He is our daddy. We are all members of His family.

What does it mean to you to be called one of God’s sons or daughters and how does it affect how you live your life?

Facilitator: Share the following with your group. The spiritual family that God has placed us in now takes precedence over our natural family. Jesus shows this in His own example of His mother and brothers. Matthew 12:48-50 "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! "For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."

How is this true in your life? Luke 14:26 Anyone who wants to by my follower must love me far more than he does his own

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family, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters – Yes, more than his own life – otherwise he cannot by my disciple. (Living Bible)

In a practical sense, what does this Scripture say to you and how is it played out in your life?

Facilitator: Share the following with your group. 2. Genuine Fellowship with God and One Another. One of the most defining characteristics of a true Christian is the fellowship we have with God and with other members of the Father's family.

How has your fellowship with other members of the household of God affected who you are and what you do?

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Facilitator: Share the following with your group. There's a story about a woman who, on the advice of her doctor, had gone to see a pastor to talk about joining the church. She had recently had a facelift and when her doctor dismissed her, he gave her this advice: "My dear, I have done an extraordinary job on your face, as you can see in the mirror. I have charged you a great deal of money and you were happy to pay it. But I want to give you some free advice. Find a group of people who love God and who will love you enough to help you deal with all the negative emotions inside of you. If you don't, you'll be back in my office in a very short time with your face in far worse shape than before." The greater our fellowship is with the Lord and one another, the more we are absorbed into the true character of Christ. The more time we spend with someone, the more we become like them. We see this in the life of the early disciples. They were continually with Christ and couldn't get enough of Him.

How is your behavior different when you are with God’s people vs. people of the world?

Do you find that spending time with God’s people helps you to live the kind of life that pleases God? Why?

Facilitator: Share the following with your group.

3. We Receive a New Education. For many of us our secular education has helped to define the person who we are. As Christians we must realize we are now enrolled in a continuous education of the Holy Spirit and the word of God. The new education we receive in this realm will help to further define the person we are in God and His kingdom. Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

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John 7:16-17 Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. "If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

How has your journey in Christ helped to define the person you are today?

Ministering Purpose:

Facilitator: Share the following with your group and then ask the question below.

Someone once said, "The best argument for Christianity is Christians – their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians – when they're self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration. When they're narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths."

In light of everything that has been discussed in this lesson, is there a particular area that you need prayer in?

Pray for one another by dividing into smaller groups.

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Notes

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Characteristics That Define Our Transformation Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What was the most significant thing that happened to you in this past week or so? Bible Study: Characteristics That Define Our Transformation. Facilitator: Have someone read the following Scripture and then ask the questions. Luke 6:44-45 "For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

What does it mean to be a Christian?

What does a Christian look like?

My prayer is that we will come up with an accurate picture of what Jesus desires to see in us as true believers of Christ. As New Testament believers in Christ, we are to be like Him in all areas. It is actually His characteristics that are to be portrayed in our lives. Facilitator: Have someone read the following Scripture. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind (attitude - NASB) be in you which was also in Christ Jesus... Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the question. When we think of the transformation a Christian goes through and how Christ's characteristics are to be portrayed in our lives as believers the life of Peter comes to mind. Peter was a man with many facets to his character. I think most of us identify with Peter in some ways. He is a good illustration of the characteristics of true Christianity. We see in him a remarkable transformation that comes forth as a result of the grace of God being released into his life. He gives all of us hope.

How do you see the life of Peter as an example of the transformation process a Christian goes through?

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Possible Answers: Peter was naturally impulsive, tenderhearted, affectionate and gifted with spiritual insight; yet, sometimes slow to comprehend deeper truths.

What do the following Scriptures have to say about the transformation process a Christian goes through?

Facilitator: Have different individuals read each of the following Scriptures. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. Possible Answer: We should be going through a transformation process right up until the time we see Jesus face to face. Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Possible Answer: He began the transformation processes in our lives. Our transformation begins when we are translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son, because the influences in our lives begin to change.

When you were first saved what was the most transforming act God did in your life? Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the question. The truth is; when we come to Christ and He translates us from the kingdom of darkness, we begin a journey of transformation into a new person with new characteristics. All things become new with the old things passing away. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

What were some areas that became new for you, when you were first saved? Facilitator: Share the areas listed below with your group. 1. A Growth Begins to Take Place. 1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. There are three distinct things mentioned in this passage that will either enhance or hinder our growth in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We must lay aside all malice, guile and evil speaking. These things prevent the seed from germinating and growing.

We must humble ourselves with child-like faith. This is what fertilizes the soil of our hearts

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and causes the seed to germinate and begin to grow wonderfully. Matthew 18:3 "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

We must desire the pure milk of the word with a hungering and thirsting after righteousness.

How does transformation come about by desiring the pure milk of the word?

2. We Must Begin to Put on the New Man. Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. We have to realize, when we come to Christ, our thoughts, emotions and habits have been shaped by the world and an ungodly environment. There is a renewing of our minds that must begin to take place through God’s word. Therefore we are to begin putting off all of our old ways and begin putting on the new ways or the new nature. Ephesians 4:20-24 But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness. Colossians 3:8-10 But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, Peter was transformed from a profane fisherman to a man who walked in holiness and righteousness exhibiting the new man who was created according to Christ's image. Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" Ministering Purpose and Prayer.

In light of everything that was discussed in this lesson, what area are you having the greatest problem in that you know Christ wants to transform in your life?

Pray for one another

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Notes

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Success and Right Thinking

Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker Question: What does success look like to you?

According to Ephesians 1:17-19 & Jeremiah 29:11, how does God view your life? Facilitator: Have members of the group read the above Scripture references and then only read the statement below after others have attempted to answer the above question. To be successful in life we must fully accept the person we are in light of God's revelation of who He has created us to be. His thoughts about us are magnificent in comparison to ours

Are there things in your life that you have not fully accepted in relationship to the way God created and designed you?

What is the correlation between Jeremiah 29:12-13 and Verse 11? Facilitator: Read the statement below, only after others have attempted to answer the above question. When we fully understand that God is for us and not against us, it will cause us to seek Him with all of our hearts with a greater level of fervency. We will come boldly into His presence As a result we become who He has ordained us to be. This is success.

Do you see yourself more through your limited view or do you see yourself as How God views your life?

Whose view are your decisions in life made from? God’s view or your limited view?

Facilitator: Have someone read 2 Peter 1:2-4.

According to 2 Peter 1:2-4 what does Peter mean when he says, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus Christ?

What does this have to do with the success of your life? Facilitator: Read the statement below, only after others have attempted to answer the above question.

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The success of our lives is related to how much Grace God gives us. Aside from unmerited favor, grace is the desire and divine ability to do God's will. Peter’s prayer was that grace would be multiplied to every Christian.

How do we receive the abundance of grace that Peter is talking about? What is the key? (See James 4:6)

As we humble ourselves before God and others, we experience an abundance of Grace for all that God wants to do in us and through us. Have someone ready 2 Corinthians 10:17-18:

What does 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 have to do with your success in life? The success of our lives is also determined by the attitude we have about ourselves. A right attitude is based on comparing ourselves to the inward character of Jesus rather than measuring ourselves with the outward standard of those around us in order to gain their approval.

What do 1 John 5:18 & John 8:44 have to do with you being successful in what God has called you to be and do?

In order to be successful in life will demand that we put on the belt of truth concerning who God has called us to be. Satan has nowhere to stand when God's children walk in truth. Satan is aware of our potential in Christ and will do all that he can to try and diminish it or destroy it. We must stand firm in the truth of who God has created us to be; and as we do Satan can't touch us. Ministering Purpose:

Do you see yourself as becoming who God has ordained you to be?

If not, what’s holding you back? Facilitator: Have the group pray for those who are struggling to be who God has ordained them to be.

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Baptism of the Holy Spirit Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What was the most important event in your life during these past few weeks?

Bible Study Discussion: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Opening Questions: What does being baptized in the Holy Spirit mean to you? Facilitator: Have two or three people give their definitions of what the Baptism of the Holy Spirit means to them. Once that has taken place give the definition listed below. Baptism of the Holy Spirit Definition: The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from being born again. When we are born again we receive the birth of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a full emersion into the Holy Spirit with Him fully activated in our lives that happens with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Facilitator: Keep in mind that it’s important to understand that we may have varying experiences of how we personally received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which are valid experiences. Let your group know that they may have had a valid experience that is different than what is defined in the Word that is between them and God. When teaching on the subject we must always be careful to define it in relationship to how it’s defined in the God’s Word, not according to our personal experiences no matter how good they may have been. If we defined it according to our personal experiences there would be no continuity. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit as Defined in God’s Word: Facilitator: Have different people read the following Scriptures: John 7:37-39, Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, 19:1-6 & Acts 10:44-46. After the Scriptures are read, let your group know that Peter identified the experience in Acts 10:44-46 and Acts 2:1-4 as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that John the Baptist spoke of. (See Acts 11:16 & Matthew 3:1) in which both of these incidents the baptism of the Holy Spirit was confirmed with tongues. Have a couple people, who have had an experience similar to the Scriptures mentioned above share their personal experiences of how they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Be prepared to share your experience as well. Your group members will want to know how it happened with you.

What changes came about in your life as a result of having been baptized in the Holy

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Spirit? Have 2 or 3 individuals answer this question as well. Facilitator: Please share the following with your group. Why being filled with the Holy Spirit is Necessary. What is it about it that makes it so necessary to our walk with the Lord? Have various individuals share how each item listed below helps them.

Vital part of our spiritual foundation – Hebrews 6:1-3. Brings us into God's supernatural power – Acts 1:8 Helps to purify us – Matthew 3:11-12 Builds and strengthens our faith – Jude 1:20 Helps us pray In God's will – 1 Corinthians 14:2,15 Brings us Into a deeper level of Intimacy with God – 1 Corinthians 14:2 Brings us into a deeper level of revelation of God's Word – 1 John 2:20,27 Brings rest to our souls – Isaiah 28:11-13

Facilitator: Have two or three people share, depending on how much time you have left, on the following question:

In light of the above benefits of speaking in tongues, when do you find speaking in tongues most helpful for you?

God's Ministering Purpose. Ask if anyone in the group would like to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? If so, have at least two people with experience in this area take them to a more private place and begin ministering to them. Caution: Don’t do this unless you are spiritually prepared to do so. A bad experience can cause someone to go for a long time before they receive it.

Answers to possible Questions that may come up:

Tongues is not for today: This thought comes from 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 where it says, when that which is perfect is come tongues shall cease. Many scholars believe that when the Bible was canonized was the time, “when that which is perfect came.” The problem with this thought is that verse 12 defines what it is referring to, where it says, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” It’s speaking of the 2nd Coming of Christ. (See 1 John 3:2 as well) Acts 2:39 “For this promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” “1Corinthians 1:7-8 so that you come behind in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Tongues is not for everyone: This comes from 1 Corinthians 12:29 where it says: “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? This passage of Scripture is in the context of the spiritual gifts that Paul had just alluded to, which are part of what happens when the church comes together as a congregation. This is the gift of tongues which must follow with an

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interpretation. Not all people have this gift. The tongue that comes with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is to be used in private as part of our devotional prayer before the Lord. Paul’s desire was that we would all have this gift where he says in 1 Corinthians 14:5 “I wish you all spoke with tongues...”

The difference between the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and being born again. o The disciples were born again in John 20:22 and were baptized in the Holy Spirit in

Acts 2:1-4. o In Acts 8:5-7 during Philip’s preaching at Samaria people were heeding his words,

being baptized in water, being healed, miracles were happening and demons were coming out of them. It wasn’t until later when John and Peter were sent from Jerusalem that they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:14-15.

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Notes

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The Ministry of the Holy Spirit Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What person has influenced your life the most? Why? Bible Study Discussion: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit Facilitator: Read the paragraph and Scripture below and then ask the question that follows: If we fail to rely upon the Holy Spirit in our lives we will end up producing wood, hay and stubble rather than gold, silver and precious stones. On the other hand when we rely upon the Holy Spirit our works will be saved and we will receive the reward. With this in mind, we can see how important it is for us to know how the Holy Spirit wants to works in our lives. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (NKJV) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13

These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

What does this Scripture say to you concerning the Holy Spirit’s ministry in your lives? Facilitator: Read #1 and have someone read the Scripture below and then ask the question that follows: 1. The Holy Spirit teaches us and imparts the divine revelation of God into our Spirits.

1 John 2:20,27 (NKJV) 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 27But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

Describe a time when you experienced illumination or revelation from the Holy Spirit. How did it affect your life?

Facilitator: Read #2 and have someone read the Scripture below and then ask the question that follows: 2. The Holy Spirit will reveal the things freely given to us by God. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV) as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and

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godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Can you think of something God has freely given to you to help you work out His purpose in your life?

Facilitator: Read #3 and have someone read the Scripture below and then ask the questions that follows: 3. He leads and guides us into God’s will and our ministries. John 16:13 (NKJV) However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

Would you attempt to go on a Jungle or African Safari without a guide? Why not?

Has anyone ever been on an adventure where you needed a guide? If so, share how the guide helped you to accomplish your mission.

How does having a personal guide through life help you? Facilitator: Share the following after others have answered the questions above. The Holy Spirit is our personal guide through this life. When our lives are dedicated to serving God and His purpose we activate this ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When our lives are full of self will and self-serving motives His ministry in this area will be quenched. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Can you think of a time when the Holy Spirit really gave you some solid direction in your pursuit of life and following His will?

Whether it is through prophecy, the still small voice, dreams, visions or even an audible voice the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to be our personal guide into the purpose and will of God for our lives. Facilitator: Read #4 and have someone read the Scripture below and then ask the question that follows: 4. The Holy Spirit gives us victory over sin. Romans 8:11-13 (NKJV) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

What was a major victory in your life God accomplished and how did it come about?

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Facilitator: Read #5 and have someone read the Scripture below and then ask the question that follows: 5. The Holy Spirit is our Helper. John 16:7 (NKJV) Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

What does it mean to you to have a helper? Facilitator: Have three different individuals read the following Scriptures then ask the question below. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NKJV) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. John 5:30 (NKJV) I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. Proverbs 3:5-7 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

How do we go about activating all that the Holy Spirit has been commissioned to do in our lives?

We must acknowledge God in all of our ways, even in the least significant of areas. As we do He will guide and direct our lives in the way we should go. Ministering Purpose:

In everything we have discussed in this lesson, what is one area you are being challenged to depend on the Holy Spirit’s ministry in your life the most?

Facilitator: You might want to divide up into smaller groups and pray for one another.

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Notes

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Imitating Christ's Humility Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice-breaker: What do you like most about yourself or your life? Facilitator: Have someone read the following Scripture. Bible Study: Imitating Christ’s Humility – Philippians 2:1-11. What stands out in your mind most about this passage of Scripture?

How are humility and unity related?

What does it mean to consider others better than you? What does it not mean?

How can a person look after both their own interests and the interests of others?

In case of a conflict of interests, whose interests should have the priority? Why?

How is Jesus' life a life of humility?

How did He practice His humility in His relationships with people?

What are some ways that God would have us to practice humility in our relationships with each other?

How can you be both humble and confident at the same time? God's Ministering Purpose

How would your life be different if you consistently lived by verses 5-11? Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

How would your relationships change?

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Notes

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Love Not the World Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What was one thing that happened to you this past week that brought a sense of joy to you? Bible Study Discussion: Love Not the World. Opening Question: What kind of a relationship did Jesus have with the world? Facilitator: Have someone read John 17:15-19 and then discuss the following questions: John 17:15-19 (NKJV) I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

What does it mean to you to be in the world, but not of the world?

What are some practical ways in which this scripture has impacted your life?

What does the word sanctification mean to you? Facilitator: Have someone read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 & 7:1 and then discuss the following questions: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NKJV) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty."

What are some idols in today's world that Christians often find themselves associating with?

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How does our fellowship with the idols of the world affect our fellowship with God?

How should we relate to unbelievers? What is the proper balance? Have someone read 1 John 2:15-17 and then discuss the following questions: 1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV) 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. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

What are the results of being in love with the world?

How would you compare what the world has to offer with what Jesus has to offer?

What are some of the world's cultural values that seem opposed to the God's values? Ministering Purpose and Prayer:

Of the various idols that were brought up in tonight's lesson, which ones do you have the most difficult time dealing with in your life?

Of the various cultural values of the world that were brought up in this lesson, which ones seem to affect you the most?

How do you keep from being overpowered by the world's value structure? Or what can you begin to do to keep from being overpowered by the world’s value structure?

Facilitator: You may want to divide up into smaller groups and pray for one another in relationship to how these questions were answered

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Being a Christian in a Non-Christian World

Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What was your favorite thing to play with as a child? Why?

Bible Study: Being a Christian in a Non-Christian world 1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

What does it mean when it says; “the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one?

Facilitator: Once your group has answered the above question share the thought below. When it says the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one, it means the world is under the controlling influence of the devil. It means the devil or the wicked one is using all of his ability to exercise influence and authority over my life. This means I need to fully submit to God’s authority in my life so that He can rule my life from a kingdom perspective.

How is your Christianity personally affected by the fact that the world lies under the sway of the devil?

What are some of the attitudes and characteristics that are in the world that have the potential of rubbing off on you?

Facilitator: Once your group has answered the above questions, have someone read the following Scripture reference and then have them answer the question below. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Do you see any of these attitudes is your life, the people you know, children or other family members?

These are many of the attitudes that Christians have to deal with and contend with every day of

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their lives. They are also attitudes that are promoted heavily through the media. If the world were full of godly characteristics wouldn’t it be easier for us to put on the wonderful characteristics of Christ’s nature. But it is not and that makes it much harder to put on the clothing that belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ. The world hates those attitudes. The Challenge for the Christian in Today’s World:

How do you think God wants us to respond to the world’s attitudes and characteristics?

Facilitator: Once members from your group have attempted to answer the above question share the following with them. We are encouraged to be blameless and holy. Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. This means that we cannot afford to allow our attitudes and characteristics to be molded by the world. We are called to resist the mold of the world. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. In order to be the kind of controlling influence in the world that God has called us to will mean that each one of us takes on the responsibility of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and all of His garments. It is as we do this that we truly become salt and light and act as preserving agents and begin to flavor the world around us.

What are some Christ-like attitudes that help us to resist the conformity of the world? Facilitator: You will probably receive many varied answers which will be all good, but it would be good to share the thoughts below as well. We should conduct ourselves with simplicity and godly sincerity. 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. We must exercise a righteousness that is not phony.

How do we do that? Facilitator: Share the thoughts below after the group has answered the above question. We must strive to be holy without being self-righteous or appearing as we are snubbing the world. Our goal should to become more and more like Christ, whose presence welcomed sinners and

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made them comfortable. A description of Christ’s character concerning righteousness gives us a glimpse of why He was able to resist the conformity of the world without being self-righteous is found in Hebrews. Hebrews 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions." Jesus did not merely act righteously; He loved righteousness. He didn’t merely abstain from sinful deeds; He hated wickedness. His holiness was more than skin deep. His righteousness wasn’t outward conformity to a moral or religious code. It went beyond His thoughts, words and deeds. Jesus’ emotions were holy. His motives were holy. Everything He did was with the intent of pleasing His Father. We must exercise the proper response when we are reviled. 2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. We know from the Word of God that when we endeavor to live a godly life before unbelievers and the world, we will experience a certain amount of persecution, mockery, etc.

How does Christ want us to respond when we experience these things?

Facilitator: Share the thoughts below after your group has attempted to answer the above question. Give them time to do so. Jesus actually answered this question for us when He was being persecuted for righteousness sake? John 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." 1 Peter 2:21-23 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22"Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; 23who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; We must purpose in our hearts to always respond with Christ-like attitudes during these times otherwise we put out the light and our persecution and suffering is all in vain. Christ’s Ministering Purpose.

How has this lesson impacted you?

In what areas could the group pray for you?

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Notes

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The Importance of Making a Determined Effort

Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What is something in your life that you have had to make a determined effort in order to see some positive results? Bible Study Discussion: The importance of Making a Determined Effort.

How does determination relate to your walk with the Lord and being successful at it? Facilitator: Let group members answer the question then share the answer below as well. You can have plenty of vision, insight and purpose, but without determination you will not get the job done. When your vision and purpose fail, your determination must kick in to keep you going in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. Facilitator: Have one of your group members read the Scripture below and then ask the following questions. Proverbs 4:23-27 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.

What does the above Scripture have to do with determination?

What does it mean to ponder the path of your feet?

Give a definition of what you think determination is? Determination is the inner fortitude and strength of character – being disciplined to remain consistent, strong and diligent regardless of the odds or the demands. Determination is the act of deciding definitely and firmly, or coming to a resolve. Determination is acting in faith when we temporarily lose sight of where we are going.

Are there things in your lives that you have had to come to a firm resolve about? Facilitator: Share the following before the next question.

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Without determination we will find ourselves being tossed here and there and beat to a pulp when the enemy comes against us. When the pressure is on we will find ourselves reacting in a way that is contradictory to what we believe.

Have any of you ever acted contrary to what you believe, because you lacked the determination to do the right thing?

We must have the inner fortitude and strength of character to remain consistent, strong and diligent regardless of the odds or the demands. Facilitator: Have someone read the following Scripture and then ask the question below. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

Do you see determination as an important part of your spiritual warfare? Why? Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the question. The Example of Manasseh and the Canaanites: God had given all of the tribes of Israel the command to go forth into the Promised Land and to drive all of its inhabitants out. He not only commanded them, but promised them that He would help them. Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." With this promise the children of Israel were to go forth conquering all of the inhabitants of the Promised Land. We find that this did not happen in all cases, because of the determination of their enemies to continue to dwell in the land. Joshua 17:12-13Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, but the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. And it happened, when the children of Israel grew strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.

According to the above Scripture, why were the children of Manasseh unable to drive their enemy from their midst?

The reason the children of Manasseh were not able to drive the Canaanites completely out of the land was because they lacked the determination to do so. The Canaanites were more determined to stay then the tribe of Manasseh was to drive them out. Ministering Purpose and Prayer:

Are there areas in your life that you have not sensed the victory you could have had because you haven’t made a determined effort in?

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Characteristics of a Discipled Life Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: In a spiritual sense, "what do you feel most passionate about?" Bible Study: Characteristics of a discipled life. Facilitator: Have someone read John 15:8 & 15:16. John 15:8 (NKJV) By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:16 (NKJV) You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. Facilitator: Please share the following and then ask the question. In this lesson we will be discussing four characteristics of a discipled life that allow us to bear much fruit. Although there are many characteristics, the four we will talk about in this lesson are as follows: 1. Trusting in Jesus 2. Being a partaker of Christ's suffering 3. Walking in humility 4. Being devoted to God's purpose. 1. Trusting in Jesus.

What does it mean to you to trust in the Lord? Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

What does the above Scripture say to you about trust? Facilitator: Have someone read Jeremiah 17:7-8 and ask the following question.

Does anyone have a personal testimony of how your ability to trust in Jesus during a

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critical time in your life allowed you to produce good fruit? Facilitator: Please share the following and then ask the question. 2. Suffering for Christ.

Facilitator: Have someone read Philippians 3:10 and ask the following questions. Philippians 3:10 (NKJV) that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

How does the Father use our sufferings to bless others?

Does anyone have a testimony of this happening? 3. Walking in humility. Facilitator: Have someone read Luke 9:46-50 and ask the following question. Luke 9:46-50 (NKJV) Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great." Now John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side."

Why did Jesus use the illustration of a child to teach His disciples about humility?

How does humility produce spiritual fruit in our lives? 4. Being Devoted To God's Purpose. Facilitator: Have someone read 2 Timothy 1:9 and ask the following question. 2 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

How does having a strong sense of purpose produce fruit in our lives? Payer & God’s Ministering Purpose

Which of the four characteristics of the discipled life do you find most difficult? You might want to divide up into smaller groups and pray for one another in the areas they find the most difficult.

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The Power of Encouragement Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What has been the hardest job you've ever had? What made it so difficult?

Opening Question: When you were a child, who did you feel loved you the most? How did that person show love to you? Bible Study Discussion: The Power of Encouragement. In this study you group members will gain an in-depth perspective on what true fellowship in the church is all about. Facilitator: Have someone read the following passage of Scripture Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Facilitator: Share the following with your group. This passage of Scripture contains understanding on our role as functional members of the body of Christ. These two verses contain a wealth of information that indicates very clearly how we are to regard our participation in the church and community life. Opening Story to Share: Long ago a country pastor paid a visit to a man in his congregation. This man attended church infrequently, always finding excuses for his lack of attendance. Upon entering this man's home, the pastor walked over to the fireplace, picked up the tongs, removed a coal from the fire, and placed it by itself on the hearth. The man thought his action very strange, but as they talked, the force of the pastor's illustration hit home. If you spread out the coals of a fire, the flame will soon go out. But coals burning brightly together can warm, comfort, and protect. We are "living coals," designed by God to burn brightest when brought together in close association. And in case you were wondering, the man agreed to attend church next Sunday. The key question to be asked repeatedly throughout the study is: What do we learn about being a contributor to the church through our relationships? By examining these verses, we will gain an in-depth perspective on what fellowship in the church

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is all about and how important we are in our ministry of encouragement to others. Bible Study: Have someone read Hebrews 10:24-25 again. And let us consider... Facilitator: Have everyone think back over the past week and ask if anyone took time to consider various aspects of their life. (Take enough time to get their responses. As a leader, always be ready to lead out with a response.)

What did the act of serious consideration require in order to be effective? Possible Answers: Concentration or serious thinking was necessary, other priorities were set aside for a time, and so on.

...how to spur one another...

When has something spurred you on to action – what was your mental and emotional state?

Possible Answers: People get stirred up over different issues: abortion, child abuse, alcoholism, divorce, hunger, and so on. This stirring up is intended to encourage us towards the kinds of deeds described further on in this passage. ...on toward love...

What inspires you or spurs you on to love God more? Possible answers: Someone's changed life, a worship time, small group, church service, meaningful prayer, clearer glimpse of His attributes.

What spurs you on to love others? Possible answers: An example of someone else's love, Jesus' example of love for others, someone in need, the Holy Spirit's prompting, and so on.

List what you can do to stir up others to love God and others. ...and good deeds...

When has someone else stirred you to do good deeds? Share personal examples if appropriate. Let us not give up meeting together...

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What tempts you to skip out on times when Christians meet together? Possible answers: Tiredness, lack of commitment, too many commitments, personal conflicts with other members. ...as some are in the habit of doing... What could you do to challenge someone who didn't regard participation in church or a community group as being very important? Possible answers: Share what you've learned about the church through this study; point out scriptural truths that touch on the importance of meeting together. ...but let us encourage one another...

Why is encouraging one another sometimes a hard thing to do? We are inclined toward self-centeredness; we also allow fears, resistance from others, and fatigue to get in the way. ...and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

What is meant by "the Day"? It is the return of Christ, the end of history as we know it. Application: Because Christ may return to this earth in the near future, it is important for every believer to be an active participant in the life of the church. We must constantly ready ourselves for this great event. Ministering Purpose and Prayer.

According to Hebrews 10:24-25, in what ways can we stir others to action? By loving God, loving each other, doing good deeds, not forsaking assembly, and encouraging one another. Go around the group. List practical ways group members could apply this verse. If possible, have members share what they need from each other, as well as what they would like to provide for each other. Prayer focus: Have members pray for one another in the areas that they need help. Bottom Line: Each of us needs to contribute thoughtfully, deliberately, actively, intentionally, and prayerfully to each other's lives.

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Notes

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Faith, Hope, & Love Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What person in the Bible do you most closely identify with? Why? Bible Study Discussion: Faith, Hope and Love.

When did you demonstrate your greatest faith? What were the results of this faith? Facilitator: Share the following with your group. In 1 Corinthians 13 we find the apostle Paul speaking about the unperfected state that we as Christians find ourselves in while we wait for the time when we will see Jesus face to face. He is comparing our lives as to what they are now and what they shall be like at the return of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. He mentions several things that we now have in part of which are needed until we see Jesus face to face; and then he gives three essential ingredients that are needed in our lives right now; faith, hope and love. 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Many of the things that we now find essential for our Christianity and spiritual walk in this life will not be necessary when we live and reign with Jesus forever. Love is the one thing that will remain constant. It will be a part of our lives now and throughout eternity. Faith, hope and love are the three major essentials to the Christian life of which are necessary to keep us on course so that we do not shipwreck before the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What do you depend on most in your walk with the Lord? Faith, hope or Love?

How do you see these three elements keeping you on track with your walk with the Lord?

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Facilitator: Have someone read the following Scripture and then ask the questions below: Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What is faith sure and certain of?

How has faith, hope or love kept you standing firm in troubled times? Give an example.

In what way has God's love or the love of Christ caused you to be encouraged and strengthened to go forward in your Christian walk?

Facilitator: Have someone else read the Scripture below and then ask the question below. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

How does fixing your eyes on that which is unseen make a difference in your life? Give some examples.

Hebrews 6:18-19 (NKJV) that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

How does a person's hope in the future act as an anchor for the present? Facilitator: Have someone else read the Scripture below and then ask the question below. Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

How has holding fast to the confession of your hope kept you from wavering? Give some examples.

Reflection – Christ's Ministering Purpose. 1. Where do you think God is calling you to go in faith? 2. What steps does He want you to take now? 3. How could your Christian friends help you with this step? 4. What does Christ want to accomplish in your life this week?

Pray for one another as you go through these questions.

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Walking in God’s Grace

Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What is one of the most frightening things that ever happened to you? Bible Study Discussion: Walking in God’s Grace. Ephesians 2:4-10 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Opening Questions: What stands out to you or means the most to you from the passage in Ephesians 2:4-10?

God is rich in mercy.

He has a great love towards us

He has made us alive together with Christ

By grace we have been saved through faith.

In ages to come we will be shown the exceeding riches of His grace.

Salvation is not of ourselves, nor is it of works.

We are His workmanship. What does it mean to you to walk in God’s Grace? Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the questions. Even though we understand that we were saved by grace, many people fail to continue to walk in grace. We fail to walk in the fullness of God's grace and often revert back to walking in a spirit of condemnation and guilt, which leads to a performance based walk, because we fail to understand reality of a continuous walk in God's grace. The apostle Paul addressed this issue to the church in Galatia.

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Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by flesh? Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal through human effort? (NIV) This is a common problem that exists among all Christians, regardless of our doctrinal background because of our human nature, something of which we all share in common.

To get an idea of what I am talking about, let me ask all of you a question. If you knew you only one month to live, how would you prepare yourself to meet the Lord during that month?

Would you pray harder?

Would you memorize more scripture?

Would you read your Bible more?

Would you be involved in more spiritual works?

Would you give more money and get your tithes up-to-date?

Would you witness to everyone you see?

Or would you repent of every bad habit and sin that you could think of?

If your answer was yes to these questions, you’re probably a performance based Christian who is trying work to gain God's favor. These are all good things to do, but this isn't what God expects from us to gain His favor. There is no amount of work you can do to earn any more of God's favor. His favor has already been granted to your through His grace which is a free gift.

Do you believe you living by grace or are you living by performance?

What do you think are some of the reasons we sometimes revert back to a performance based walk vs. a grace based walk?

Most of us are legalistic by nature; we innately think so much performance by us earns much favor and blessing from God. Peter had this same attitude when he said to Jesus in Matthew 19:27, "We have left everything to follow you. Therefore what shall we have?" Peter had already added up his good works, and he wanted to know how much reward they would buy. Jesus answer to him was, "many who are first will be last, and the last first."

What do you think is the right attitude that God is continually looking for in us? There are rewards that we will receive for our labors, but if our motivation is self-serving and not provoked by a response to God's love and grace, we will probably lose our rewards.

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Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life. If we are doing things out of guilt, shame, eye service, as men-pleasers or some other self-serving motive we are performance based people who have fallen from the workings of God's grace and as a result we do not inherit the blessings that are entitled to us in the kingdom. When we fail we are guilt ridden and full of condemnation, thinking God doesn’t like us and is mad at us, instead of receiving the forgiveness and security that comes from abiding under His grace. Christ’s Ministering Purpose.

How has this lesson impacted you?

In what areas could the group pray for you?

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Notes

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Discovering Our True Identity in Christ

Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: As a teenager growing up what did you identify with the most and how did it shape your life? Bible Study Discussion: Discovering our True Identity in Christ. Opening Question: What part of your identity changed the most when you became a Christian? Facilitator: Share the following statement and then the question below. The focus of this lesson will be on our identity and who we are in Christ. Before we can fully take on a new identity we must be willing to allow our old identity to be crucified before our new one can take hold in our lives. The identity that we developed before we came to Christ was a result of an accumulation of un-crucified thoughts and unsanctified attitudes that have ruled our lives during our formative years.

What kind of un-crucified thoughts and attitudes ruled your life before you became a Christian and how did they affect you?

Facilitator: Share the following and then have a couple of different individuals read the Scripture References and then ask the questions below. As children growing up in a world that is under the influence and the sway of the enemy we received a steady stream of information and experiences that continually shaped our childhood perceptions. God’s desire and will for our lives is to translate us or rescue us from the kingdom of darkness and to bring us into the kingdom of His Son. 1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, & the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. Colossians 1:13-14 (NLT) For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. 14God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.

If you were to have lived in different country than which you did, do you think your identity would have been different? Why?

Do you see that when God rescued you from the kingdom of darkness into the

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kingdom of His Son that your identity was destined to change? Why? Facilitator: Have someone read the following Scripture reference and then ask the next question. Romans 12:1 (NLT) Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

Do you see that much of your identity was a result of copying the worldly influences around you? In what ways to you see this?

Facilitator: Share the following with the two Scripture references and then have someone read from the reference in Philippians. Unless we are willing to die to our old identity and allow it to be crucified with Christ and everything it represented, we will never fully take on the wonderful new identity Christ has promised us as believers in Him. Matthew 16:25 (NLT) If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. Once we have come to the place where we are willing to lose our old identity we can begin the wonderful process of discovery that brings us into a complete and new identity that is born out of the beauty and the glory of heaven rather than the depravity of hell. Knowing that our old identity was developed in our sinful nature, God now desires that our new identity be birthed according to His nature within us. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. According to Philippians 2:5-11, your new identity will be shaped in humility. Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT) Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. 7He made himself nothing; (of no reputation NKJV) he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form.

What are some of the things that we now have in Christ that are to make up our new identity in Him?

Possible Answers: The fruit of the Spirit, power, authority, confidence, divine ability, overcoming conquering mentality

Can you think of some Scriptures that speak of the above mentioned identity items? Facilitator: Give your group time to come up with some good references, but be prepared to have them look up the answers below. Possible Answers: Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Pet 1:4-8, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 1:17-19, Romans 8:37, 1 John 5:4. As Christians with a new identity, we now walk in the same power and authority that Jesus Christ

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walked in. This will produce a dynamic change in the way we relate to others and to God. Facilitator: Have someone read the Scripture below and then ask the question. 1 Corinthians 2:16 For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

How does having the mind of Christ in produce a new identity in our lives?

The Holy Spirit comes into our lives to reveal the heart of the Father unto us and to give us the authority and power that comes from Him as well. Ministering Purpose and Prayer:

What part of our new identity do you see lacking in your life that we can pray for? Facilitator: You may want to divide up into smaller groups and have the members ask each other this question before they pray for each other.

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Notes

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Kingdom Realities Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members.

Ice Breaker: What comes to mind first when you hear the word "reality"? Why?

Bible Study Discussion: Kingdom Realities. Facilitator: Share the following statement with your group and then ask them the question below. Share the answer below and the Scripture reference after they have defined the kingdom in their own words. When we are born again we are translated into the kingdom of God. As a result, our lives are now being governed by a whole new set of realities. These are kingdom realities that now begin to shape the person God has ordained us to be. In the past our lives were shaped by the world, Satan and his domain. Do our lives reflect these new realities or are we still stuck in your past? As we begin to adhere to the new realities of the kingdom, our lives should begin to change right before your eyes.

How would you define the kingdom of God?

The kingdom of God is God's rule and authority over any domain, sphere, or influence. It is not only His rule over a future kingdom, but includes His rule in all of history as well as the present time we are living in. Luke 17:20-21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; "nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

What do you think it means to have a kingdom perspective?

Paul's Prayer Concerning Our Perspective: Ephesians 1:15-19 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of

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the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

What does this Scripture have to say concerning the new kingdom reality in our

lives? We receive the spirit of revelation in the knowledge of Him.

How should this affect the way we live? We receive the hope of His Calling.

How does the hope of His calling change the reality in which live?

How Has His power in your life changed the way you view life?

Facilitator: Share Kingdom Reality #1 and have someone read the Scripture below. Kingdom Reality #1 – Through Salvation and the Blood of Jesus we are brought into the Kingdom. Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness,

and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. (NLT)

How has God rescued your life?

Facilitator: Share Kingdom Reality #2 and have someone read the Scripture below. Kingdom Reality #2 – People are shaped by the Culture they are born Into.

For example, when the early Americans first encountered the native Indians, they quickly realized they were different in many ways. Their values and lifestyle were totally different because of the culture they were born into.

What kinds of things have shaped your life and character and made you into the

person that you are?

What do you identify with the most? Is it your Job, position in life, money, hobbies,

interests, knowledge, activities, what we are good at, church life; musician, singer,

deacon, elder, or whatever?

What does your life evolve around? These are the things that shape your character

and who you are as a person.

Are you being shaped by worldly culture, church culture or kingdom culture?

It's important to understand that you were born into the kingdom and then added to the church. The kingdom culture comes first.

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Facilitator: Share Kingdom Reality #3 and have someone read the Scriptures below. Kingdom Reality #3 – A Kingdom Centered Person is rooted in Christ and His Kingdom. Colossians 2:7-8 …rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Would you say that seeking first God’s kingdom is true in your life or do you see a

mixture?

What can you do to alleviate the mixture in your life?

Facilitator: Share Kingdom Reality #4 and have someone read the Scripture below. Kingdom Reality #4 – There Is No End to the Kingdom’s Increase in Our Lives. Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Because we have now become full of the Holy Spirit, God is at work in our lives revealing new things to us all the time.

How has this rung true in your life? How does the Holy Spirit reveal new things to

you?

Ministering Purpose & Prayer:

In everything we have discussed in this lesson, is there a particular area in which you would like to see more growth?

Facilitator: You might want to divide up into smaller groups and pray for one another.

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Notes

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The Normal Christian Life Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What is one thing you would like to do more than anything else? Bible Study Discussion: The Normal Christian Life. Facilitator: Have different people read the following questions: After each Scripture is read have them answer the following Question:

What does this Scripture have to do with Normal Christian Living? Colossians 1:18 (NKJV) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NKJV) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Galatians 5:25 (NKJV) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Facilitator: Please share the following: From the above passages of Scripture we find five basic foundational principles that help us to live a normal Christian Life. They are as follows: 1. Christ must be preeminent in our lives. 2. We must seek first the kingdom above all else. 3. We must understand what the will of the Lord is. 4 We must be controlled by the Holy Spirit and feed upon the Word. 5. We must present ourselves unto God as living sacrifices and not be conformed to the world.

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Facilitator: Have different individuals give you some examples of how these principles help them to lead a normal Christian life. Facilitator: Listed below are eight areas that contribute to having a normal Christian Life. Talk briefly about each one and how they are all like spokes in a wheel. If a spoke is missing it will affect the ride we are having in God, and then ask the questions below. 1. Our relationship to Christ 2. Holiness and separation from the world 3. Our servanthood and ministries 4. Our relationship to the church 5. Doing good unto others 6. Being a giver 7. Having a devotional life 8. Being a witness.

In light of all of the areas that were just mentioned above, do you sense that your walk with the Lord is balanced or out of balance?

Which areas do you find the hardest to deal with?

Which area is the easiest for you? Facilitator: Share the following. Understanding that each of the areas listed above could be represented as a particular lens for your life, is there a particular lens or perspective that you tend to view the issues of life through rather than the kingdom of God?

If everything in your life was viewed through a particular lens, do you understand how your life could become somewhat out of sync with God’s overall purpose for your life?

Ministering Purpose and Prayer:

What are some of the world's major influences upon your life of which you need to let go of?

Facilitator: Have your members pray for one another to overcome the areas that are causing trouble. Remember we are healed when we confess our faults one to another. You may want to divide up into smaller groups.

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The Dynamics of Biblical Change

Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members.

Ice Breaker: What brought about one of the greatest changes in your life or a recent change?" Bible Study Discussion: The Dynamics of Biblical Change – The Christian life is a life of transformation and change. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. Facilitator: Make sure to make copies of the diagram & pass them out before the question.

When you look at the illustration below, at what level do you see yourself?

For those of you who are on level three, share a testimony of how God was able to help

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you after being disillusioned or losing your vision and purpose.

What would be your encouragement to someone who is stuck on level two? Facilitator: Share the thought below and then ask the questions. The Christian life is not static: It is a life of change. Each stage of our walk with God involves us with constant moving change, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.

What are a couple of the biggest changes you have had to go through as a Christian?

When you think about change, “how does God initiate change in your life?” Facilitator: Share the following and then ask the question below. Share the answer that’s in italic only after your group members have attempted to answer the question. His will is progressive by nature meaning we must constantly adapt to changes in our lives where the will of God is leading us.

What do you think are the primary reasons Christians sometimes fail to respond to change?

Many Christians fail to respond to change as God directs because of two primary reasons: 1) They lack the motivation to change, 2) they desire to, but they are not quite sure how to appropriate the changes. Facilitator: Have someone read the Scripture below and then ask the question below that goes with it. Ephesians 4:1-3 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

What are some motivational keys that help us to change? Facilitator: After your group has shared their answers share #’s 1&2 with them. 1. Our Desire to Change Is Something That Pleases the Lord. In our desire to have a walk that is worthy of our calling we see in the passage above that we are to walk in lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another etc. To have a walk that encompasses these attitudes involves submitting ourselves to the changing process that God has ordained for our lives. 2. Change Brings Forth a Greater Measure of Our Spiritual Inheritance. Since change is an act of obedience, we reap blessing upon blessing when we respond to God in obedience.

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1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Having a heart to change as God directs us to, helps to maintain His joy and peace in our lives. Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteous-ness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Facilitator: Share #3 below, ask the question, then give group members time to answer before sharing the five symptoms that represent change.

What do you think are some symptoms that represent a need for change in our lives? 3. Learn to Recognize the Symptoms that Represent a Need for Change. 1. Having a feeling of being unsatisfied 2. Having a feeling of being resisted. 3. Having a feeling of uselessness. 4. Having a feeling of lacking 5. Having a feeling of being out of date with the move of God. If you have any one of these feelings, it's probably a good indication that you have a need for Biblical change in your life; because the Christian life is not static, it is a life of change. Prayer & Discovery

For those who are stuck on level two, how can we pray for you?

What area in your life do you sense God’s conviction to change? Facilitator: Make several copies of the next page so that each person in your group has a copy of the diagram.

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Where is Your Faith? Being an Overcomer in Life’s Situations

Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What is the most overwhelming thing you know? Why? Facilitator: Please have someone read the following Scripture and then ask the question below. Luke 8:22-25 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, "Where is your faith?"

What do you think Jesus was trying to teach His disciples in this Scripture?

In this situation Jesus was demonstrating to His disciples that He had power and authority over every situation in life. If we are to put our faith and trust in Jesus, He will be there for us no matter how difficult or distressing the situations we face seem to be.

Where is your faith in relationship to all that you are going through?

Have you ever reached the point where you can't take it anymore?"

Facilitator: Please share the following areas in which most people have problems in life with and then ask the questions below.

Broken relationships

Busy lifestyle

Divine delay in God's promises

Emotional problems

Family problems, children, etc.

Financial problems

God's chastening

Hardness of the way - Numbers 21:4

Marital problems

Sickness, health or death.

Which of these problems do you have the most trouble with as far as your faith is

concerned?

I

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In each of these areas we are susceptible to disappointment, difficulty and heartache. Where

is your faith in each of these areas?

Jesus has given us authority and power over all the issues of life. He wants us to be

overcomers in all that we do and comes our way.

Facilitator: Please have someone read the following Scripture and then ask the question. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Do you believe that it’s possible for you to be an overcomer in whatever situation life

throws at you? Why or why not?

Facilitator: Please share the following, including the Scripture with your group and then ask

the question.

How to Be an Overcomer by Learning How to Apply your Shield of Faith.

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. 1. Apply your shield of faith by understanding where your source faith is at.

The source of our faith is in Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith and will always be on our side no matter what. Many times in the midst of life's hardships the accuser of the brethren comes to us and tries to convince us that we are unworthy of God's help in our lives.

How have you applied this principle to your faith in times of difficulty?

Facilitator: Please share the following and then have someone read the following Scripture and then ask the question.

2. The Shield of Faith is Applied when you Bring the Word of Truth to your Situation.

We not only have the shield of faith to protect us from Satan's fiery darts, but we also have the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit to apply to our spiritual arsenal. Psalms 119:24-25 Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors. My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. Facilitator: Have a couple of people give examples of when they were able to apply the word of God to a situation and were revived. Be prepared to give one of your personal examples as well.

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Does anyone have a personal example of how you were able to apply the word of

God to a situation and thus were revived?Ministering Purpose and Prayer:

Facilitator: Take the time to pray for one another, especially for those who voiced in any of the areas where they have a hard time applying faith to.

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Notes

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Abundant Living: The Keys to Spiritual Fullness Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads. As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members. Ice Breaker: What is the greatest value that guides your life? Why? Facilitator: Please have someone read the following Scripture and then ask the question. John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Do you believe you are living the abundant life that Jesus spoke of? Why or Why not?

Facilitator: Please have someone read the following Scriptures and then ask the question. Ecclesiastes 6:3 If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he; Ecclesiastes 5:10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.

What do these two scriptures point out concerning the abundant life? These two Scriptures point out very clearly the peril of an empty soul and how vain it is to put your trust in the things of the world and carnal pleasures. Facilitator: Please share the following and then ask the question. As Christians, who have been born again by God's Spirit, it is foolish to trust in the empty things of this life. In order to be truly satisfied in this life we must invest our lives in those things that have eternal value rather than those things that are of temporal value.

Do you think that God wants you to enjoy life and the pleasures of life? In contrast to having an empty soul, I believe it is God's deepest desire for each of us to experience God meeting our deepest needs with a spiritual fullness that flows from His being. His desire is to bring us into a place of spiritual fullness.

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Facilitator: Please have someone read the following Scripture and then ask the question. Psalm36:8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.

When you see or hear the words "Spiritual Fullness," what are some of the things that come to your mind?

Facilitator: Please share the following blessings that come from walking in the Fullness of God’s blessings and then ask the question below. The Fullness of God's blessing constitutes the following:

Joy

God’s Presence

Finances & Needs Met

Spiritual Rest

Wisdom & Understanding

Freedom from Guilt

Emotional needs

Knowledge of God’s Will

Divine Guidance

Healing

Righteousness

Peace

How do these attributes play out in your life? Vital Keys to Receiving God's Fullness:

What do you think some of the vital keys to receiving God’s Fullness are as you read the following Scriptures?

Facilitator: Go through these Scriptures one at a time and have your group discuss what each one has to do with abundant living and receiving God’s fullness. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Psalm 143:6 spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. “To long after God” implies in the Hebrew “to seek greedily.” It is a very aggressive word. This would involve intensive prayer and fasting on occasions in addition to your regular times of prayer and worship. Personal and corporate worship are ways of thirsting after God. 1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who... delights is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Malachi 3:10 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

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Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Acts 3:19 "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, Facilitator: Concluding thoughts to share. We have seen that it is God’s desire that we as born again Christians walk in the spiritual fullness that causes us to experience an abundant life in Him. His desire as we have seen is to abundantly satisfy us with the fullness of His house. It’s up to us to drink and be filled with the Holy Spirit, who brings us His fullness into our lives. It is when we fail to drink from His fullness that we experience added demonic activity in our lives. If our lives are full of God and His goodness, Satan doesn’t stand much of a chance with us. So let’s drink up and experience all that God has for us. Ministering Purpose and Prayer: Spend time praying for one another in any of the areas that were covered in the lesson that they might be struggling with.