Starting the Christian Life -...

Starting the Christian Life


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What’s Next: Starting the Christian Life© 2019 Our Daily Bread MinistriesAll rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Printed in SingaporeSecond printing in 2019

Welcometo the family of God!

We rejoice, the angels rejoice, and God rejoices

(Luke 15:10) that you have decided to follow Jesus

Christ! This decision puts you on a new, exciting

journey with the Lord.

If you’re asking, “What’s next?”, then this resource is

just for you. Over seven lessons, we will look at how

you can begin your new journey of faith with Jesus.

We will explore what God offers, what you can do—

and what you don’t need to.

Becoming a Christian is not a one-time event. In fact,

it is the beginning of a new life in a new family. When

we believe in Jesus, we join God’s family. And just like

a baby or young child who matures into a full-fledged

member of the family, we are to “grow up” in this

faith. God desires us to love, know, trust, and obey

Him more fully with each passing day.

May the joy of belonging to Christ and His family

encourage you to discover more about God and to

walk ever more closely with Him!

How to Use This BookOVERVIEW

Lesson 1 You’re Saved! ....................................................................07

Lesson 2 Talking to God ..................................................................13

Lesson 3 Reading the Bible ..............................................................19

Lesson 4 Being a Disciple ................................................................25

Lesson 5 Living a New Life ...............................................................31

Lesson 6 Going to Church ................................................................39

Lesson 7 Serving God and Others ....................................................45

FORMAT

READ & REFLECT:

Read each Bible passage and use it to help you answer the questions that follow. This simple inductive study will help you understand Scripture, which tells you about God and teaches you how to give Him first priority in your life. If you find some of the questions too challenging, you can also read the article first before doing the Bible study.

WARM UP:

These questions are meant to get you thinking about the key topic for the day. You can use them for personal reflection or as part of a group discussion.

THINK:

This summarises key biblical truths about the day’s topic. If you’re leading a group, you can use this to help explain the topic. Where appropriate, we’ve included additional practical tips on applying the Bible’s teachings in your life.

PRAYER:

Talk to God about what you’ve learnt, and ask Him to help you understand and obey Him by living in a manner that pleases Him.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Put what you’ve learnt into practice by keeping this challenge in mind as you go about the day.

GO FURTHER:

Use these reflection questions to delve deeper into the topic and the Bible.

6|You’re Save !

You’re Saved! | 7

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READ & REFLECT

And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:11–13

1. What has God given to all who believe in Jesus?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

2. How can we be certain we have this gift?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

• What we believe as Christians • What God’s grace means

What you will learn today:

You’re Saved!

WARM UP

How do you know you are really saved? What do we have to do to receive God’s grace?

8 | You’re Saved!

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:8–10

1. Do we need to be “good” to be saved? Why or why not?

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You’re Saved! | 9

We begin our journey with God with this simple but powerful truth: because we believe in Jesus, we are given eternal life. This assurance, according to 1 John 5:11–13, is sure and secure. John 3:16 makes it clear: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Our assurance of salvation comes as a result of God’s grace, which lies at the heart of the gospel (Ephesians 2:8–9). Grace is undeserved favour. Even though we didn’t deserve it, God sent His Son Jesus to die for us so that we might be forgiven and saved from eternal condemnation. By grace, we have an everlasting assurance of God’s forgiveness and love—no matter how we “feel”.

In order to understand grace better, let’s quickly recap the key ideas we believe in:

• God created us to have a loving relationship with Him (Acts 17:26–27).

• But all of us have turned against Him by living life according to our own standards and rejecting His authority. As a result, we fall short of God’s standard of goodness (Romans 3:23).

You’re Saved!

THINK

10 | You’re Saved!

• This makes us sinners, which earns us the consequence of death (Romans 6:23).

• But God provided a way out for us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die and take the punishment on our behalf. This was a sacrifice Jesus made out of love for us (John 3:16).

• Jesus died, but rose to life three days later, showing that God accepted His sacrifice (Romans 1:4).

• Forgiveness and salvation is God’s gift to us. We don’t deserve it, nor can we earn it through any means; it is only through His grace that we can be forgiven and saved (Ephesians 2:8).

Notice that we didn’t do anything to save ourselves! God did everything, and all we have to do is believe in Jesus and in all that He has done for us.

What does all this mean? Being saved by grace means that we don’t have to keep trying to earn God’s love. God does not require us to follow any rituals or do good deeds to stay in His family. What He desires, rather, is for us to have a loving relationship with Him. This relationship is eternal, and it will change the way we live. For example, we will want to do good—not to earn God’s approval, but out of gratitude and love for Him.

Over the next few lessons, we will look at what this relationship means and how we can nurture it. As with all journeys and relationships, there will be ups and downs, and difficult moments. But whatever happens, you can always be assured of God’s love and mercy.

You’re Saved! | 11

PRAYER

Thank You so much, God, for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Thank You for this amazing assurance of salvation which comes to us because of Your Son’s sacrifice. May I never take Your grace for granted.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Spend some time reflecting on 1 John 5:11–13. Think about the assurance you have as a child of God.

GO FURTHER

• Is there anything you have done that you don’t think God can forgive you for? What does the Bible say (see Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9)?

• What does God’s grace enable you to do? How should it affect the way you live from now on (see Titus 2:11–14; 1 Timothy 1:12–14)?

12 | Talking to God

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• Why we pray to God • How to pray to Him


Talking to God

READ & REFLECT

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

1. What can we pray to God about?

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___________________________________________________________

2. Does God promise to give us everything we ask for? What did He promise us?

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WARM UP

How do you become closer to a friend? How do two people who love each other build their relationship?

14 | Talking to God

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:14–15

1. How can we be sure that God hears us?

___________________________________________________________

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2. What confidence can we have in knowing that He hears us?

___________________________________________________________

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Talking to God | 15

One way of building a good relationship with someone is to talk to that person. Talking allows us to share our innermost thoughts and feelings about everything, tell each other what we need or want, and simply enjoy each other’s presence.

God made man to have a close relationship with Him. When we believe in Jesus, we become God’s children; He is now our heavenly Father. And just like an earthly parent, God is delighted when we talk to Him, confide in Him, learn from Him, and thank Him. Our Father values us and wants to spend time with us. That’s why Philippians 4:6 reminds all believers to “pray about everything”. He wants to hear about our fears, concerns, and needs, and He wants to offer us His comfort, guidance, and peace (Philippians 4:7).

Prayer builds our relationship with God. The more time we spend communicating with the Lord in prayer, the more we get to know Him and the closer we will grow to Him. Even God’s own Son, Jesus, knew how important prayer is. He made sure to go to His Father in prayer regularly (see Luke 5:16), knowing that He needed help and strength for His earthly ministry.

GOD HEARS US!

Naturally, you might ask, “Does God hear me when I pray?”

Talking to God

THINK

16 | Talking to God

HOW TO PRAY

Just as there is no set formula for conversation with a good friend or loved one, there is no formula for praying to God. The more you do it, the more natural it will become. Some people, however, do find it helpful to organise their prayers in order to avoid turning conversation with God into just reciting a wishlist. In Matthew 6:9–13, Jesus teaches us about praying. You might want to reflect

The simple answer is: yes! The Bible tells us that God hears us when we ask for things that please Him (1 John 5:14–15). You’ll notice, however, that God does not promise to give us everything we ask for. As a loving Father, He knows what’s good—or not good—for us. He doesn’t always say “Yes” to every request; sometimes, He says “No” or “Wait”, because He has better plans for us. Or He may want to nurture our patience and trust in Him. So when God says “No”, do continue to trust in His goodness.

The Bible tells us to “never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We can pray anytime, anywhere, and about anything. Indeed, prayer isn’t just asking God for things—it is communicating with God. So talk to God about anything—He loves to hear you!

We are also encouraged to speak to our Father as often as we can. Many believers find it useful to develop some consistency, so that prayer becomes a part of their daily lives. For example, some pray at regular times every day, such as in the morning and before they sleep. Don’t be discouraged, however, if you find it hard to pray at times. Prayer is not meant to be a duty nor a chore; God does not measure how good we are by the number of times we talk to Him each day. Rather, let prayer flow out of a relationship with a heavenly Father who loves us.

Talking to God | 17

on each prayer item He mentions and what it teaches us about God.

You can also use “ACTS” as a guide when praying.

A – Adoration. Praise God for who He is.

C – Confession. Acknowledge and repent of new sins daily. Seek God’s forgiveness and ask Him to help you not repeat them.

T – Thanksgiving. Thank God for His grace and provision in your life.

S – Supplication. Ask God to address your needs, remembering that He knows what’s best for you.

PRAYER

Thank You, God, for this amazing privilege of prayer—that I can talk to You, my Heavenly Father, anytime, anywhere. May I learn to listen as much as I speak, and may You teach me to pray according to Your will, so that over time, I may discover more about what You want of me. Thank You for always listening.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Spend some time praying today!

18 | Talking to God

GO FURTHER

• Read and reflect on Romans 8:26–27. What does it tell you about prayer? How can you apply the lessons to your own prayers?

• What difficulties (if any) have you found in praying? What practical steps can you take to make prayer more a part of your life?

Reading the Bible | 19

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• Why we read the Bible • How to read and understand the Bible• How to spend time with God regularly


Reading the Bible

READ & REFLECT

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul.The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart.The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever.The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them Psalm 19:7–11

WARM UP

Why do you think Christians read the Bible?

20 | Reading the Bible

1. Circle all the nouns describing God’s Word (e.g.“instructions”). What do they tell you about the Bible?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

2. Underline all the adjectives (descriptive words such as “perfect”). What do they tell you about God’s Word?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

3. Draw a rectangle around the words describing the results or effects of God’s Word (e.g. “reviving the soul”). What does God’s Word do?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

2 Timothy 3:16

1. In what ways is Scripture useful to us?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________


Some people think of the Bible, or Scripture, as a love letter from God. In a way, it’s true. The Bible tells us about who God is, how much He loves us, His plans for us, and what He wants of us. Although it was written by human hands thousands of years ago, it was God who inspired them to write what they did. That’s why we also call it “God’s Word”.

As followers of Christ, we believe in the full authority of Scripture. That means looking to the Bible for the final say on God’s holy standards, and not relying on our own human understanding. This can be challenging, as it is tempting to interpret the Bible such that it validates our own personal beliefs, principles, and values on how we should live and relate to God.

Psalm 19:7–11 explains the benefits of knowing the Bible well: it gives us life and joy, makes us wise, and teaches us to live according to His ways. And 2 Timothy 3:16 notes that Scripture teaches us what is true and what is wrong.

Along with prayer, reading and studying the Bible is key to deepening our relationship with God. Spending time in Scripture allows us to learn, understand, follow, and love Him. Psalm 1:1–3 urges us to “delight in the law of the LORD” and to reflect on it “day and night”. The more time we spend reading and reflecting

Reading the Bible

THINK


on the Bible, the more we will discover about God and about living in a way that pleases Him.

HOW TO START

If you’ve not read the Bible before, you may find some parts difficult to understand. Don’t worry! God does not expect us to fully comprehend His Word immediately. Just like prayer, it takes time. What’s more, as we keep reading, the Holy Spirit will help us understand what God is saying and how to apply it in our lives.

There are many ways to get access to Scripture. You can get a printed Bible, use an online one, or download a Bible app onto your mobile phone. The following steps can help you in reading, understanding, and applying the Bible. But don’t worry if they seem daunting at the moment—this is something that gets better with practice.

• Observe (“What does it say?”). Read the passage and ask the “who”, “what”, “why”, “where”, “when”, and “how” questions. For example: “Who was God talking to? What did He say, and why?”

• Interpret (“What does it mean?”). Understanding the lesson behind the passage takes practice. Bible classes, group discussions, and sermons at church will help. You can also use the many resources available to help you interpret the Bible, such as Bible study notes, commentaries, and dictionaries.

• Reflect (“What is God telling me?”). Take time to reflect on the passage. Allow God’s Word to settle in your mind and heart, and give God a chance to speak to you.


HOW TO DO “QUIET TIME”

Spending regular time with God will help us to draw closer to Him. This is often called “quiet time”—setting aside some time each day to read the Bible and pray to God. You can use devotional resources, like Our Daily Bread, to help you.

Here are some tips on starting your quiet time:

• Set aside some time each day to read the Bible and pray.

• Find a quiet place so you will not be distracted.

• Set realistic goals. Aim for consistency and progress, not perfection.

• Draw on God’s strength. Pray for the desire to spend time with Him—He loves it!

PRAYER

Father, thank You for giving me the Bible which helps me to know You better. Give me the passion and discipline to read the Bible, and open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your Word, so that they may draw me closer to You.

• Apply (“How can I practise this?”). Finally, put what you learnt into action. As you apply godly principles to your life in a practical way, the Holy Spirit will transform your thoughts, speech, and behaviour to reflect the character of Christ.


GO FURTHER

• Read Matthew 4:1–11 and Luke 2:46–52. What do these passages tell you about Jesus’ knowledge and use of Scripture, and the power of God’s Word?

• The prophet Jeremiah says he “ate” God’s Word (Jeremiah 15:16). Think about how you chew on your food, digest it, and turn it into energy. How can you apply this to reading the Bible?

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Start a regular quiet time for prayer and Bible reading.

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READ & REFLECT

Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

1. Who can be a follower of Jesus?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

2. What must we do if we want to follow Jesus?

___________________________________________________________

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• What it means to submit to God’s ways • Becoming like Jesus • Following Jesus


Being a Disciple

WARM UP

How should becoming a Christian change the way you live?

26 | Being a Disciple

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

1. What are we to seek, and what priority should we give to it?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

2. What will God give us in return?

___________________________________________________________

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Becoming a Christian doesn’t end with affirming our faith in God and then continuing life as usual. Rather, it is the beginning of a lifelong walk with God. That’s why Christians are called “followers” and “disciples” of Jesus. Just as a disciple seeks to learn from and live like his master, our main aim as Christ’s disciples is to be like Jesus. Everything we believe and do revolves around this goal.

What does discipleship mean for us today?

First of all, know that it won’t be easy! Being Jesus’ disciple means giving up our own way of life, taking up our cross, and following Him (Matthew 16:24). What does it mean to “take up our cross”? When Jesus took up His cross, He was willing to give up the right to His own life and die as a sacrifice for us. In the same way, we are called to give our total commitment to God, give up our rights and our “old” selves, and allow God to change us into the people He wants us to be.

Ultimately, it means submitting ourselves to God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives, so that everything we say, think, and do is in accordance with His ways. Over time, as we continue to walk closely with Jesus, the Holy Spirit will transform us to be more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). We will begin to think, speak, and behave like Him. Our attitudes, perspectives, and behaviour will begin to reflect His character. And we will seek

Being a Disciple

THINK

28 | Being a Disciple

to follow what Jesus said were the two greatest commandments: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind”, and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–40).

COUNTING THE COST

As we commit ourselves to following Jesus, we will learn to recognise habits, preferences, ambitions, and desires that hinder our walk with Him, and give them up. This, of course, can be challenging. That’s why Jesus tells His listeners to “count the cost” of following Him (Luke 14:28). Jesus didn’t mean that we have to give up all our wealth, possessions, jobs, and family before we become Christians; what He means is that we need to be willing to part with plans, people, and possessions if necessary. Following Jesus means giving Him first place in our lives.

If all this sounds intimidating, be assured that it will be worth it! Matthew 6:33 tells us that if we put God above all else and live according to His ways, He will give us everything we need. Indeed, what God promises is far greater than anything we may have to give up (Mark 10:29–30; 1 Peter 1:3–4). We can draw on God for the strength, patience, courage, and faith to be His disciples, and what we eventually gain will be far more valuable than anything we have ever had—eternal life with God.

And if you’re wondering whether you’re up to this whole business of discipleship, don’t be discouraged! Discipleship is a lifelong journey. As you continue to pray, read the Bible, and draw closer to God, you will get to know and understand Him better, and following Him will become more and more natural. Take heart: you don’t have to do this with your own strength. As you


PRAYER

Father, I want to submit every part of my life to You. You have created me, and everything I am and have is Yours. As a disciple of Your Son Jesus, I want to be like Him. Give me the desire to walk in Your ways.

GO FURTHER

• What are the hardest things for you to give up as a Christian? Why? What does God promise us, and how do they compare to what He wants us to give up for His sake (see Mark 10:29–30; 1 Peter 1:3–4)?

• The Ten Commandments that God gave the Israelites help us understand how we can obey God’s two greatest commandments—loving God and loving His people. Read Exodus 20:1–17 and think about what each one says about God’s character, and how it can be applied in today’s context.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Think about how you can submit your life and actions to Jesus.

commit your life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit will give you strength to follow Him as He transforms you from the inside (John 14:17).

30 | Living a New Life

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READ & REFLECT

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions . . . Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:16–17, 24–25

1. What does the Holy Spirit desire? And what does our sinful nature desire?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

• How to live a godly life • How to overcome temptation• How we can be free from sin and addictions


Living a New Life

WARM UP

Are there some habits or behaviours that you would like to change? Why?


2. How are we, who belong to Christ Jesus, supposed to live?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:21–32

1. What are we to do with our old sinful nature? How is our new nature described?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________


2. List down the things that Paul tells his readers not to do, and the things they are to do.

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THINK

As we have seen, becoming Christ’s disciple means starting a new life that includes living according to God’s ways. This can be a challenging journey: inevitably, we will find ourselves struggling against the temptation to do what is wrong. This tension between our “old” sinful nature, which desires to please itself, and the Holy Spirit, who will help us please God, is unavoidable. Galatians 5:16–17 acknowledges this tension and Galatians 5:24–25 shows us how to deal with it.

To live a godly life, we will not only need to know God’s ways well, but also follow them actively and consciously. In Ephesians 4:22–32, Paul urges believers to “throw off” their old, corrupted selves, and to “put on” new, Christ-like selves. It’s a bit like a total makeover—taking off old clothes and putting on new ones. We “put off” sinful actions and traits such as bitterness, rage, and anger (Ephesians 4:25–31), and “put on” holy characteristics like kindness, compassion, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32).

We don’t have to do this on our own. As we make efforts to resist the temptation to sin (see “Resisting Temptation” section for more details), He will give us divine strength to do so. We also have the assurance that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our limits (1 Corinthians 10:13), and that Jesus understands our struggle (Hebrews 4:15–16).

Living a New Life


FREEDOM FROM SIN

As we seek to follow God’s ways, we may find that we have many bad habits, character traits, and even addictions that are hard to change or give up. It could be a drug, alcohol, or sexual addiction. It could be a behavioural issue like a quick temper. Or it could be a bad habit like using foul language. Even though we know these behaviours displease God, we may feel enslaved by our sinful nature. Are we helpless against them?

The answer is simple: no. Of course, we will always struggle with sin in this world because we have mortal bodies, minds, and emotions that are weak and vulnerable. But Jesus assures us that He has saved us not only from the judgment of sin, but also from the power of sin. Romans 5:6–7 explains that when we believe in Jesus, our old selves were crucified with Him on the cross, so sin no longer has power over our lives: “We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin”. Jesus’ death frees us from the hold that addictions and temptations had over us. At the same time, the Holy Spirit will change us from the inside out, if we let Him, such that over time, we will naturally desire to do only what pleases God.

The reality is, we will find ourselves sinning again and again. But don’t be discouraged. God is merciful, patient, and compassionate (Psalm 145:8). We also have the assurance that if we confess and repent of our sins, God will forgive us (1 John 1:9). God loves us and has a deep desire to transform us, bit by bit and day by day, into the kind of people He wants us to be.

RESISTING TEMPTATION

It may be hard to resist the temptation to do wrong. However, we are not without help. The Bible contains many examples of


PRAYER

Lord, help me me to be honest with my flaws and failings, and give me Your divine strength to overcome my sinful nature. I know You have freed me from its power. Help me to resist temptation, and to be wise in recognising and avoiding the things that will make me sin against You.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Think about what you need to “throw off” as you allow the Holy Spirit to transform you.

how people dealt with it, including Jesus. They include:

• Flee temptation and avoid situations that may lead you to sin (2 Timothy 2:22; Proverbs 4:14–15).

• Know God and His Word, so that you will know what is right and wrong (Hebrews 5:14).

• Rely on God for strength to resist, not just on your self-control (Matthew 6:13; Hebrews 4:15–16).

• Focus on God and His ways, not on yourself and what you want (Colossians 3:1–3).

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” —1 Corinthians 10:13


GO FURTHER

• What attitudes, habits, and behaviours of yours are not in line with God’s ways? Think of how you can “throw off” these ways.

• What temptations do you find hardest to resist? How can you deal with them (see Genesis 39:6–11; Matthew 4:1–11)?

38 | Going to Church

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• What the church is • Why we go to church


Going to Church

READ & REFLECT

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24–25

1. Why are we to meet together?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

2. What should we do when we meet?

___________________________________________________________

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WARM UP

Can a Christian grow and mature in his or her faith alone? How would meeting with fellow believers help?


The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:12–13

1. What is the body of Christ likened to?

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2. Who is in the body of Christ? What do they have in common?

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Believing in God is a personal choice, but it is not meant to lead to an individual life. God never intended us to live as isolated Christians, nor are we to travel our journey of faith alone: the Bible repeatedly stresses the importance of worshipping God as a community (Hebrews 10:24–25). United by our belief in Him, we are to grow in our faith, serve Him and each other, and reach out to others—together.

When we commit our lives to Jesus, we join a universal body of fellow Christians called the “church”. It comes from the Greek word ecclesia, which means “called out assembly”. The church is made up of people who are called by God to live differently because of their relationship with Jesus Christ and who are united in fellowship by their common belief in God.

Today, we usually use the word “church” to describe a formal meeting or “service” held regularly at a specific building or venue. But the word can describe any gathering of fellow Christians to worship God together. It could be an informal meeting held in a home, for example.

Worship is an essential part of the Christian life. The word “worship” is widely believed to come from an old English word meaning “worth-ship”, referring to the worthiness of the person being honoured. As God’s creations, we praise and honour Him

Going to Church

THINK


for His greatness and sovereignty, acknowledge Him as our Creator, and thank Him for His sustenance and provision. And because God created us to have relationships with others, we do all this as individuals as well as a corporate body.

Meeting fellow believers also helps us to grow spiritually. We learn from Bible teachers and mature Christians, and encourage and help each other. In times of crisis and challenges, we can both receive and give help, advice, and encouragement, and pray for each other. We also help each other stay true on God’s path of holiness by spurring and challenging each other to walk in His ways, helping each other resist temptation, and holding each other accountable for the way we live our lives.

THE BODY OF CHRIST

At the heart of God’s instruction for us to worship and fellowship together is the fact that the church is the body of Christ, with Jesus as its head (1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Ephesians 1:22–23). This has several implications.

First, we are all ruled by Christ. Just as all parts of the human body are controlled by the brain, we are all to submit to Jesus’ rule. Second, we are called to work together. Just as every part of the human body is essential and plays a unique role, every member of the church is important. All of us are designed by God to support each other in different ways. He gives different members different spiritual gifts—talents, abilities, skills, or characteristics—that enable us to strengthen the church and do God’s work (Ephesians 4:11–13).

As fellow members of Christ’s body, we also serve and help each other, just like members of a family. In the next lesson, we will look at what this involves.


PRAYER

Lord, show me where and how I can worship You, grow in my walk with You, and help others in the church. Thank You for bring-ing me into Your body through Your death and resurrection. I pray for my fellow believers and myself; may we always stay united in this body.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Start going to church! If you are already attending a church, think about how God can use you there.

GO FURTHER

• Reflect on the implications of being a member of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:15–27). How should this affect your words, actions, and attitudes towards fellow believers? How should you treat them?

• What priority should you give to meeting with God’s people? How should this affect the way you spend your time each week?

44 | Serving God and Others

Serving God and Others | 45

Less

on

7

• How to serve God • How to serve others• How to be a witness for Jesus


Serving God and Others

READ & REFLECT

After washing their feet, [Jesus] put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. John 13:12–17

1. What example did Jesus set for us?

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WARM UP

In what ways can you serve God and others in your church? How would you tell others about your faith in God?


2. Why should we “wash each other’s feet”?

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3. What does “washing each other’s feet” involve? What might this mean today?

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Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20

1. What are we to do as Jesus’ disciples?

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2. What are we to teach others?

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We’ve seen how living as a disciple of Christ means communicating with God, learning about Him, submitting to Him, and worshipping Him together. Today, we look at how we can serve God, how we can tell others about Him, and how we can serve others.

Serving God means doing what God wants and giving Him glory in whatever we do. In fact, some of the things you have been learning to do over the past six lessons are already about serving God—giving up your own ways, living in His ways, and worshipping Him. It also includes serving others. This gives glory to God because it reflects His compassion and kindness. It also follows the example of Jesus, who told His disciples that He “came not to be served but to serve others” (Matthew 20:28). One of Jesus’ last actions before He went to the cross was to wash His disciples’ feet (John 13:12–17), after which He instructed them to serve each other just as He had done. In those days, this task was done by lowly servants, not by a master. In doing this for His own disciples, Jesus gave us a lasting example of the humility He wants us to show in serving others.

We can serve in many ways. In church, for example, we can pray and use the Bible to encourage each other. Outside, we can help the needy in various practical ways. This service is not

Serving God and Others

THINK


motivated by a reluctant sense of duty, but by a willing heart that desires to love and serve. As recipients of God’s grace, we don’t do good deeds to earn brownie points, but out of gratitude for the abundance that God has given us.

The call to serve God and others is captured in what Jesus called the two greatest commandments: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind”, and “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39).

TELLING OTHERS ABOUT JESUS

Accompanying the two commandments is Jesus’ Great Commission: tell the world about Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18–20). This is one of the most important elements of serving God and being a disciple of Christ. Our Lord’s purpose for coming into this world was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10); our mission as His followers is therefore to tell others about Jesus, so that they too might come to believe in Him and follow Him. Like witnesses, we are to tell people about what we have seen and heard, and what we know about Jesus (Acts 22:15). At the same time, our changed lives and the way we care for others will show them that God’s promises and transforming power are real.

You can do this in many ways:

• Share your testimony: Your own account of why and how you became a Christian is a personal, effective way of illustrating God’s power to change lives.

• Share Christ’s story: It may help to prepare a simple outline summarising the essentials of the Christian faith. The “Roman roads” series of Bible verses (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9; 10:13; 5:1; 8:1) is a good starting point.


PRAYER

Lord Jesus, fill my heart with a desire to serve others just as You did, and to do this with a willing, sacrificial heart like Yours. May I always be thankful for Your gift of salvation, and may I always be so filled with wonder that I can’t wait to tell others about Your gift to all men. Please give me the opportunity, courage, and boldness to speak about You today.

GO FURTHER

• What needs do you see around you? What are some practical ways in which you can serve others in the church and in your community?

• Recall what life was like before you became a Christian, how you turned to God, and how it has changed your life. Write it all down—that’s your testimony!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Think of someone you could share the good news with today.

• Show God’s love: As God’s “ambassador”, your words, actions, and attitudes can reflect God’s love and character.

• Talk about God: You don’t always have to “preach”. Simply telling others about your relationship with God can make them curious about your faith.

Moving On . . .Well done on completing all seven lessons! Now that you’ve learnt the first steps to take as a follower of Christ, do continue to keep growing in your relationship with Him. Keep on praying, reading the Bible, and meeting with fellow believers. Keep on loving God. And others.

We have other resources that can help guide you on your journey with God:

Our Daily Breadodb.org

This devotional can help you spend time with God every day. Each day comes with a Bible reading, a short article to help you reflect on the Bible passage, and a prayer or thought to help you apply what you’ve learnt. This devotional is available in many languages, and you can subscribe to a printed edition or have it sent to you via email. You can also read it online or via mobile app.

Print Email Mobile

God at the Center: Habits for Spiritual Growthdiscoveryseries.org/courses/god-at-the-center

While there’s no set formula to a faith-filled life, God has given us ways to strengthen our faith each day. Discover some practical steps you can take to build the fundamentals of faith for spiritual maturity.

What We Believe: Foundations of Christian Doctrine

discoveryseries.org/courses/what-we-believe

Lay a strong foundation for your faith through an understanding of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. This will help you gain a better understanding of God, yourself, and others.

Note to Leaders: If you’ve been guiding someone through this booklet and are looking for more resources to help you, check out Our Daily Bread Christian University, which offers online courses at no charge. These lessons are available in video, audio, or text format—whichever suits your learning style! Some suggested courses:

First Steps in Understanding the Christian Faithchristianuniversity.org/programs/first-steps-in-understand-the-

christian-faith

Leading a Small Groupchristianuniversity.org/courses/group-dynamics

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