SALVATION

(Draft: Not For Distribution)

  1. What happens to a person when he accepts Jesus as his Lord and Master?

    2. Read: Revelation 3: 20

    If you open the door of your heart what will happen?

      

    Read: 2 Corinthians 5: 17

    According to 2 Corinthians 5: 17, what has happened at conversion?

      

    Recognize that a miracle has taken place in your life. You are a new creation in Christ: you have had a change of heart. Now you must learn God's Word in order to have a change in concepts. God's Word is truth, and the truth shall set you free. (John 8: 32). You have a new interest in spiritual and eternal things, even though you still live in a material world. You now have a real relationship with Jesus Christ; you now possess eternal life, provisionally.

  2. How do we know our sins are forgiven?

    3. Read: 1 John 1:9, Isaiah 55:6-7, Acts 2:21

    These scriptures show that if we call on the name of the Lord,    our sins, and forsaking our old    and    , God will have    on us.

    It is important to realize that the assurance of salvation is not based on feelings. The assurance of salvation, of forgiveness, and of victory, is found only in the Word of God. Feelings change, but God's Word never changes. Many things affect our feelings: outward circumstances, health, difficulties in our lives, etc. We cannot, and must not, depend upon feelings to assure us of salvation. One day we may feel saved; the next day we may be assailed with doubts. Therefore, we must depend on the one thing that never changes -- the Word of God. (Luke 21: 33)

  3. How do we know God has accepted us?

    4. Read John 6:37

    If anyone comes to Jesus,   

    Also, read Jeremiah 29:13.

    God promises us in Hebrews 13: 5 and Romans 8: 38-39 that, once we come to Him, He will never leave us nor forsake us; nothing can separate us from His love.

    Read: Philipppians 1: 6.

    God has begun a good work in us and will    it until the day of Jesus Christ.

    Explain that, since this is a walk of faith and not of feelings, we should never feel that God has deserted us -- just because, at times, we do not feel His presence. God often allows us not to be aware that He is with us, so we will learn to trust Him, even when our feelings tell us he is not there.

  4. How are we to regard our old life, as sinners, before we knew Jesus?

    5. Read: Luke 9: 62 and Philippians 3:7-9

    After we come into our new relationship with Jesus, how are we to consider our old life, in comparison?

      

    Also, read Ephesians 5: 8-13.

    We are now children of    and should not associate with the unfruitful works of    .

    Stress the importance of completely letting go of all things in this life that would hold us back from our Christian life. If your convert dresses in "mod" or worldly styles, recommend Pastor Barnett's booklet, "Fads, Fashions and Fancies" (sold on the bookcounter). Explain that his old acquaintances, and his old ways, will not help him in his new life. He must make a decision to separate himself from the world, and therefore, should not act as the world does.

  5. What should a Christian do if he fails God?

    6. 1 John 1: 9.

    When we find we have sinned, what should we do?   

    If we confess our sins and truly repent, what does God do?

      

    According to 1 Corinthians 10: 13, is there any temptation that we are not. able to overcome?   

    It is important to know the difference between simply being tempted and actually yielding to temptation.

    1. If we give in to temptation and fail God, we should confess this failure and sin, to God, immediately. Be explicit about it. (Example: "Lord, I lied." or "Lord, I cheated.) (Etc.) Ask for forgiveness. Ask for help for the next fime you face temptation.
  6. What does God expect of His children?

      7. We see, by these scriptures, that God expects us to be    to His commands and will.

      God expects us to be obedient. However, He will never force us to obey. In His Word, He tells us what He expects of us, and then it is up to us to obey or disobey. The secret of real Christian success is immediate obedience.

      James 4:17 "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

      God expects us to    .

      Prayer is the expression of our own heart, in our own words, to our heavenly Father. It is giving vent to that warm, tender yearning and love towards God, that we feel deep inside. It does not matter whether our prayers are long or short, loud or soft, eloquent or not. The important thing is that we espress our feelings to God, honestly, and fervently.

      We should be constantly       through all things, even in trials.

      Praise and thanksgiving is a very vital part of our walk with God. There are literally hundreds of scriptures in the Bible that tell us to praise the Lord. The best place to learn to praise Him is in church services when the entire congregation is praising Him.

      We must be diligent to    God's Word.

      Why?   

      It is important to read and study the Bible, that the Spirit may be able to quicken portions to your heart. This will strengthen you and enable you to be an effective tool for God to work through.

      We need to have    with other Christians. We must be faithful to gather together because each member of he Body is important.

      Church and fellowship. As a part of a new family, the Body of Chirst, it is your obligation to participate as part of that family, in order to grow and become what God wants you to be.

      Stress the importance of coming to church. Explain that God is able to work on him, and help him to grow into a mature Christian by what is presented in the sermons, songs and testimonies. If he regularly attends services, he will be built up in faith and become a strong Christian. Also, suggest that your new convert volunteer some time to help out at the church. (There is always something that needs to be done.) And this will help the new convert feel more a part of the body. He will get to know other brothers and sisters, thus making him feel that Community Chapel is "his" church.

      We are to    the Lord and have    that He will meet the needs we have in our lives.

      God expects us to trust Him with our lives, and to put our faith in Him, rather than, in ourselves. We first learn to trust the Lord by taking to him little things in our lives. This increases our faith, which causes us to trust Him to lead us through every trial and situation.

      In order to    we are to put on the    of God.

      The best resistance against evil is truth. "Know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." In order to fully know the truth, we must study God's Word and put on the "whole armour of God."

      We are to be God's    by what we    and how we    around others, especially the unsaved. We must be faithful to share with others the    we have within us.

      Another source of daily strength comes from witnessing to others about what Jesus means to us. We are witnessing, at all times, by the way we act. Some witness to their selfishness and their meanness, while others witness the their love of God by their deeds and their words. As a Christian, your actions and words around others should be blameless. People should be able to see that you are different: a shining example of the love of God, at all times.

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WATER BAPTISM

  1. Why do we need to study Baptism?

    2. Read: 2 Timothy 2: 15.

    Why is it necessary to study the scriptures at all?

      

    (Use this explanation only if necessary.) The King James Version's rendering of this verse means, literally, "to give diligence to, hasten, endeavor." Thus, this phrase, "study to shew thyself approved" might be translated, "Hasten (or endeavor) to shew (or present) thyself (as) approved unto God." We do not study so that God will approve of us, but that we might know the truth, and apply it correctly to our lives, and to the lives of others.

    Read: John 14: 15

    If we love Jesus, we will    . Also read Luke 6: 56, and 1 John 5: 1-3

    Read: Acts 5: 29.

    Peter and the apostles knew that we ought to    .

    Emphasize that we are never to obey man or follow man's doctrines, traditions, or commandments, if doing so would be in disobedience, or at variance with, God's will for our lives, as shown in His Word.

    Read: Matthew 15: 3, 7-9 with Galatians 1: 7-10 and Romans 3: 3-4.

    Should we follow man's religious traditions if they are not in line with the Word of God?   

    Many individuals and congregations blindly hold to religious ordinances, doctrines, rituals, etc., because they are "traditional," even though these traditions lack any scriptural basis. (You may use examples to illustrate this to the student, but be careful not to maliciously tear apart a specific church or group.)

    According to the above scriptures in Galatians (especially Galatians 1: 7), what is the danger of blindly following the doctrines, theologies, and teachings of men?

      

    Read: 1 Thessalonians 5: 21.

    Because there are many that would misrepresent, or pervert, the Gospel of Christ, we need to

       .

    Today, as in the early days of the church, there are religious leaders, theologians, "false prophets," and others who cunningly and deliberately falsify, or twist, the Gospel and the Word of God for their own gain and purposes. For this reason, we need to be sure, through our own research, and praying for guidance, that the teaching we receive is consistent with the Word of God. No Christian should ever hold to a teaching, doctrine, or theology which lacks scriptural evidence, or is inconsistent with the Bible, regardless of what a "theologian," "Bible scholar," or "prophet of God" proclaims. Review the importance of studying the scriptures.

    Conclusion: Scripture teaches us to study the Bible so we may learn and obey the commandments of God. Regardless of how ancient, or sacred, we are not to follow any commandents, traditions, or doctrines of men that are inconsistent with the teachings of the Word of God.

  2. What does the word "baptism" mean?

    3. The word baptism comes from the Greek word BAPTIZO, which means "immersion" or "to immerse." BAPTIZO is a form of the Greek root BAPTO: literally, "to dip" or "plunge under." The use of the word baptism in the King James Version and other English translations is a tranliteration, rather than a translation, of the Greek into English. (A transliteration is the forming, developing, of a new word, into one's native language, using the equivalent letters and vowel sounds of a word form a foreign language.. Thus, baptism derives from BAPTIZO.) Consequently, much confusion and false doctrine regarding the rite of water baptism has arisen. According to the Greek, it is evident that where the words baptism and baptize are used in the English, the more proper and more accurate translations would be, "immersion" and "immerse," respectively. In no case is either of the above words used as a translation of the Greek word RHANTIZO (used in Hebrews 9:19), which means "to sprinkle."

    The Greek word BAPTIZO literally means    .

    The use of the words baptism and baptize in the English are    of the original Greek.

    Thus, the words baptism and baptize actually mean    and    , respectively.

    According to the Greek, to baptize mean "to sprinkle."

  3. How should baptism be administered?

    4. Read: Matthew 3:6, 16 with Mark 1:5, 8-10.

    According to these passages, Jesus was .

    Likewise, in Acts 8:36-38, the Ethiopian Eunuch was .

    Since, according to the above scriptures, both Jesus and the Eunuch came up out of the water after baptism, it is evident that both must have first been immersed.

    Read: John 3: 23.

    Why was John baptizing in Aenon?   

    In order to baptize properly, one needs at least enough water in which to immerse a new convert. A small bowl of water (from which one sprinkles) is not sufficient.

    Read: Romans 6: 3-6 with Colossians 2: 12.

    Baptism typifies (or is symbolic of) Jesus'    .

    We need to be immersed (buried) in the water and brought back up (resurrected) in order to fulfill this type.

    We bury the old "flesh man" (sinful, dead flesh) in baptism, and arise a new man, dead to sin!

    Read: 1 Corinthians 10: 1-2.

    Moses, leading the nation of Israel through the Red Sea, is a type, or foreshadowing of    .

    Conclusion: Baptism is properly administered by    in the water.

  4. Why should we be baptized?

    5. (Note: After reading the scriptures, fill in the corresponding blanks.)

    Read: Matthew 28: 19, Mark 16: 16, Acts 2: 38, 10: 48.

      

    Remember, from John 14: 15, that we are to obey the commandmenst of Jesus. Likewise, the apostles should be obeyed, because all scripture is inspired by God. (See 2 Timothy 3: 16)

    Read: Acts 2: 38, 22: 16, Luke 1: 76-79, 24: 47.

      

    Remission means "dismissal" or "release" from sins, through the grace of God. When saved and baptized, we no longer need to account for our sins before God, as our sins are washed away!

    Read: Mark 16: 16 with 1 Peter 3: 21.

      

    Reread: 1 Peter 3: 21 (note the words in parentheses):

      

    Again, because of the King James Version's translation of the Greek, some confusion may arise as to the interpretation of this scripture. The Greek word translated, here, is EPEROTEMA, which literally means "inquiry" or "appeal," as in legal matters. We are baptized before the Almighty Judge of heaven and earth as an appeal for, or inquiry towards, a good conscience before God.

    Read: Romans 6: 3-11 with Colossians 2: 12.

    When we are baptized in water, we    and arise    .

    We demonstrate to the congregation (the Body of Christ), friends, and relatives, that we desire to serve Christ, totally, and wish to be identified with Him through the symbolicism of baptism.

    When we become joined to Christ, we become a part of the body of Christ. See: 1 Corinthians 1: 13-18 and Galatians 3: 27.

    We "put on Christ," becoming members of the Body of Christ through baptism. We do not become baptized into a particular church, denomination, or congregation.

  5. When should we be baptized?

    6. Read: Acts 3: 19, with Acts 2: 38.

    According to these two scriptures, when should one be baptized?

      

    Read: Acts 8: 12

    When were the Samaritans baptized?

      

    Read: Acts 9: 17-18 with Acts 22: 13-16.

    When was Saul (Paul) baptized?

      

    Reading earlier in the chapter, we see that Peter was preaching the Gospel to the Gentile, Cornelius, and his house. (See Acts 10: 38, 43). Peter knew that they were converted when they were filled with the Holy Spirit; He then commanded them to be baptized.

    Note: Although the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not the sign of conversion, only people who have been converted, or "saved," become "Spirit-filled."

    Conclusion: When should every newly-born Christian be baptized?

      

  6. Into whose name should we be baptized?

    7. Read: Matthew 28: 19.

    How many names did Jesus tell his disciples to baptize in (be careful, here)?

      

    Does the scripture indicate what this name (these names) is /(are)?

      

    The word "name" is clearly singular; The words "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost" are titles, rather than names. To give an example, suppose we have two men, Bill and John. Bill is John's father; John is, therefore, Bill's son. People do not call Bill "father," as there are many fathers in the world. This leaves us with the question, "What is the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost? The answer to this will be presented in the remainder of this section.

    Into what name did the apostles baptize?

    In Acts 2: 38?   

    In Acts 8: 16?   

    In Acts 10: 47-48   

    The original Greek, here, has "Jesus Christ," instead of "the Lord," as in the King James Version.

    In Acts 19: 3-5   

    Note: These people had already been baptized for the remission of sins by John ("John's baptism"), yet the apostle Paul insisted that they be bapized, all over again, in the name of Jesus Christ!

    Conclusion: Into what name did the apostles baptize?   

    Read: Galatians 3: 27, Romans 6: 3, and 1 Corinthians 1: 13-18.

    Into whose name does the apostle Paul state that we are baptized?

      

    From above, is it clear what the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost? (in Matthew 28: 19) is?   

    Read: Colossians 3: 17

    We are to do    things in the name of Jesus Christ.

    Does this include baptism?

  7. It is necessary for all new converts to be baptized. To "baptize" means to    . Therefore, baptism should be done by    in    . Baptism is a type of Jesus'       and    , therefore when we are baptized, we       , and rise to walk in the    .

    8. When should we undergo baptism?   

    Review any sections dealing with questions the student missed as you summarize the lesson.

  8. TEACHER:

    9. Questions and problem areas concerning baptism:

    Problem: "I was sprinkled as an infant. Isn't this good enough?"

    Solution: No, for two reasons. The first reason is that, (as we saw in Section B), sprinkling, regardless of the dignity and solemnity of the rite, is a totally different act from baptism. Thus, one who has been sprinkled still needs to be baptized. The second reason is that, an infant, or a very young child, does not understand repentance from sin, and therefore cannot repent before baptism, as demanded by Acts 2: 38. Any time an infant is sprinkled or immersed, one is "simply getting a child wet".

    Problem: "I was baptized through immersion as an infant." The scripture says in Ephesians 4: 5 that there is only one baptism. Therefore I cannot be re-baptized."

    Solution: As seen in Acts 19: 3-5, one can be re-baptized. However, one need not be baptized more than once, if baptized properly,

  9. TEACHER

    10. the first time. It is of no value (and, in fact, improper) to baptize an infant, as the infant cannot repent of his sins. (See Acts 2:38) The "one baptism" of Ephesians 4: 5 is baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, "one" referring to the quality of exclusiveness, rather than quantity. Baptism in the name of John, Paul, Mary, etc., are not baptisms at all, in God's sight.

    Problem: "I was immersed before I was saved."

    Solution: You need to be re-baptized. Acts 2: 38 says, "repent and be baptized ... for the remission of sin ..." The sins of an unsaved person cannot be remitted because he has not repented of them; therefore, being baptized before being saved is of no avail.

    Problem: "I was immersed in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. Do I need to be baptized over again?"

    Solution: Yes. The clergyman or believer who performed this rite did not complete the baptism, as he did not state the all-important Name of the Father, son and the Holy Ghost. (See Section F of the study.) Had you been baptized in the name of he Father, Son and Holy Ghost, which is Jesus Christ (or more simply, in the name of Jesus), your baptism would have been completed. We saw in Acts 19: 3-5 that believers were re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ; This is also necessary for those who have yet to be baptized properly, according to Scripture.

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THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Let the student know that Ghost and Spirit are translations of the same Greek word, PNEUMA. So the terms Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are interchangeable.

  1. The Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of the LORD, and the Spirit of God are the.

    2. It is very important to realize, here, that the Holy Spirit is not a name, but rather, a title, referring to the Spirit of God, or God's Spirit.

    Who is, "He that shall baptize in the Holy Ghost?"   

    In John 7:38, what does the phrase "rivers of living water" refer to:   

    According to this section of Scripture, why was the Holy Spirit not yet given?

      

    To what does Jesus' glorification refer, His resurrection or His ascension?

    See John 16:7   

    In these scriptures, Jesus reveals the coming of the Comfortor.

    In John 14: 17, What is the Comfortor called?   

    Who is the Comfortor, according to John 14: 26?   

    The Comfortor, the Spirit of truth, and the Holy Ghost are the

    According to John 16: 7, could the Commfortor(Holy Spirit) come if Jesus did not go away?   

    Is this consistent with Jesus' teaching in John 7: 37-39?

    Therefore, we see that believers could/    (circle one) receive the Holy Spirit until after Jesus' ascension.

    What were the disciples commanded to wait for?   

    What is the promise of the Father?   

    Why were the disciples commanded to wait for the promise of the Father?

      

    One of the reasons we know that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for us, today, is because the early disciples were not Jesus' witnesses to the "uttermost part of the earth." However, today, His disciples are spreading the Gospel across the world, and need the power of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

    You might point out the difference in Peter's behavior before and after he was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Before, Peter denied Christ (Luke 22:34, 56-62). After being filled with the Spirit, he risked his life in giving a dynamic speech, denouncing the Jews for crucifying their Savior (Acts 2:22-40).

  2. The day of Pentecost.

    3. Acts 1: 12-15; 2: 1-18.

    After reading Acts 2: 17-18, you may choose to refer back to Joel 2: 28-29.

    Where were the disciples gathered together? (Acts 1: 12-13)

      

    How many were there? (Acts 1: 15)   

    What happened when the disciples were "filled" with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2: 1-4)   

    Some people reason that tongues, here, were given to bridge a language barrier. This is not the case, however, as devout Jews all knew the Aramaic language * of their homeland and did not require a divine, universal language to communicate. (Notice that Peter preached to the Jews that assembled from many nations -- In Aramaic, of course. The visiting Jews were bi-lingual -- that is, they knew Aramaic and the languages of the individual lands they lived in.) Instead, as in 1 Corinthians 14: 22, the tongues were a sign manifested by the disciples to the unbelieving Jews.

    Read: Acts 2: 38-39.

    Is the "gift" of the Holy Spirit for all believers, past, present and future?

    Is the "gift of the Holy Spirit" for us today?

    Is the Holy Spirit for you?

  3. Other scriptural accounts of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

    4. Read: Acts 8: 16, Acts 10: 44-48, with Acts 11: 15-18.

    Until this time, only the Jews (meaning Peter and the disciples) had received the Holy Spirit. Here, God pours the Holy Spirit upon Gentiles, and also to show that all believers are candidates for the Holy Spirit baptism.

    Note: This scripture also reveals that water baptism is not necessarily a prerequisite for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, as some may believe. Those of the house of Cornelius were not baptized until after they became "Spirit-filled."

    Note: The Jews expected the Gentiles to receive salvation, but not the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 10: 34-35, 43)

    *Aramaic language -- the Jews came back from their exile in Babylon with a Babylonish-Hebrew mixture: Aramaic (or Chaldean mixed with Hebrew).

    How did Peter and the others with him know that the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit?   

    Was this the same "gift" that Peter and the 120 received on the day of Pentecost?

    see Acts 11:17

    Read: Acts 19: 1-7.

    What happened when Paul laid hands on the Ephesians, here?

      

    Does there appear to be any difference between "receiving the Holy Spirit," being "baptized in the Holy Spirit," being "filled with the Holy Spirit," and receiving the "gift of the Holy Spirit?"   

    If so, what is the difference?

      

    Semantic questions:

    Some students may answer "yes." If they do, let the try to determine the difference. When they are unable to do so, they will be more convinced than if you simply tell them they are wrong. See Glossolalia, pages 65-67a.

    What is the sign that one has been baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6)?

      

    Did Jesus tell us this would happen (Mark 16:17)?

    see Isaiah 28:11-12

  4. Why do we speak in tongues?

    5. 1 Corinthians 14: 4   

    1 Corinthians 14: 22   

    1 Corinthians 14: 21 with Isaiah 28: 11-12   

    Matthew 11: 28-30 and Hebrews 4: 8-11   

    Romans 8: 26-27   

    Note: The proper English translation of the Greek is "for," not "with." Greek grammar will support either, but the context demands, "for."

    Be sure to explain this scripture so that the student understands. Feel free to use your own words. Man, being flesh, tends to pray for what he wants, not what God wants. We pray to be relieved of a problem or trial, or we ask for something which is not good for our spiritual lives. God, through the Holy Spirit, our Intercessor, is correcting the prayer according to the will of God for our own benefit. Man cannot, himself, interfere with the perfect prayer of the Spirit, because he cannot understand it. Our spirits are praying for certain spiritual results, but our minds (rationale) misunderstand the need. The Holy Spirit corrects the prayer to align with the pure motives of our spirit -- or He directs our prayer for a change of motives.

    James 3:1-8   

    You will probably need to help the student determine the answer, so explain the answer if it is not readily apparent to him.

    I Corinthians 14: 2   

    No one (friends, roomates, relatives, etc.) can "eavesdrop" on prayer that cannot be understood!

    Review the above scriptures with the student, if necessary. Encourage the student, if he is not yet Spirit-filled, to seek earnestly. Read: Luke 11: 9-13. If he is newly Spirit-filled, then encourage him to pray regularly both in the Spirit and in English!

    The baptism in the Holy Spirit is for you!

    We are commanded to be filled with the Spirit in John 20: 22 and in Ephesians 5: 18.

    We are to pray regularly in the Spirit (pray in tongues), as seen in John 4: 14-15, 18, 39 and Jude 20.

    If time permits, discuss the above.

    Keep seeking.

    If one asks for the Holy Spirit, he will not get a devil.

    The benefits that accrue from the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

    See Glossolalia, pp. 112-115

    How to receive the Holy Spirit.

    You are encouraged to read:

    They speak with Other Tongues, by John Sherril.

    Glossolalia, by Donald Lee Barnett.

    The scriptures listed in Glossolalia, pp. 109-110

    Lead the student to the acceptance of the Holy Spirit.

CHURCH GOVERNMENT AND BODY MINISTRY

  1. The Church.

      2. Be sure that the student realizes, here, that the Biblical meaning of "church" is radically different from themodern concept of a building or a religious organization.

    1. The Church is the Body of Christ.

      2. Read: 1 Corinthians 12: 12, 27, Romans 12: 4-5, Ephesians 1: 22-23, 5: 29-30, and 4: 4-7.

      From these scriptures we learn that there is (are)    body (bodies) in Christ.

      Explain that 1 Corinthians 1: 2 and Acts 13: 1 show that each assembly is also considered a church, or body of Christ, and should be complete in itself as far as ministries ae concerned, but that all, collectively, make up the one, universal, body of Christ.

      Read: Galatians 3: 28 with 1 Corinthians 12: 13.

      Can people of all races, sexes, and religions be a part of the Body of Christ?

        

      Read Colossians 1: 18 with Ephesians 1: 22-23.

      What is the body of Christ referred to in these two scriptures?   

      Read: Ephesians 5: 23.

      Who is the head of the Church?   

      The relationship of Christ to His Church is the same as that of   

      Read: 1 Corinthians 12 (entire chapter)

      We learn here, as well as in the preceding scriptures, that there is only    (number) Body of Christ.

      Yet, there are    members.

      According to 1 Corinthians 12: 15-24, are all of the members of the Body of Christ necessary?   

      Are you a necessary member of the Body of Christ?   

      Make absolutely sure that the new convert understands this. Too many think that, just because they do not see a specific role in the assembly, that they are not a part of the Body. If our pupil feels this way, encourage him! Help him (or her) to realize that everyone has a part, whether he be the pastor, an elder, a musician, a Sunday school teacher, or a prayer warrior. Show him (through personal experience, if possible) that one's part in the Body of Christ becomes more clear as one matures in the Lord.

      It is evident from this entire chapter that everyone in the Body of Christ has the    /different (circle one) role or position.

      Who determines your position? (1 Cor. 12: 18, 24)   

      As individual members of the Church, we see that we are the    of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

      Read also 1 Corinthians 3: 16, 6: 9 and 2 Corinthians 6: 16.

      If time permits, read 1 Corinthians 3: 16, 6: 19 and 2 Corinthians 6: 16 with the student. These scriptures are parallel to the two given above.

  2. Offices of the Church.

    3. Read Ephesians 4: 11-13 and 1 Corinthians 12: 5, 28.

    With the help of your instructor, fill in the six offices of the church.

    1.    : (lay foundations; start new churches and turn them over to pastors)
    2.    : (bring forth inspired revelations, "fore-tellings" from God, teach
    3.    : ("announcers of good tidings," go forth preaching the Gospel to unbelievers) (e.g. Philip, Acts 21 :8)
    4. 4.    and    : (lead, guide, and teach their churches)
    5.    : (literally, "undergirdings," deacons - those who care for the mundane, physical needs of the church)
    6. 6.    : (literally, "steerings"; those who guide and direct the government of the Church (eg. Elders)

      7. Because it is somewhat difficult for a new convert to glean these offices directly from scripture, help them develop their answers. As much as possible, let them arrive at answers. For the most part, however, you will need to explain the offices and their functions, allowing your student to fill in the blanks from your explanations.

      Pastors and teachers is one office, according to the Greek grammar. In the King James Version, notice that the word "some" which precedes the previous three offices does not appear before the word, "teachers"; also notice the punctuation.

      Apostles (other than the twelve, who were a legal witness to the twelve tribes of Israel -- Acts 1: 21-22) : Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14: 14) Andronica and Junia (Rom. 16: 7), Silvanus (Silas) and Timotheus (Timothy) (1 Thessalonians 1: 1, with 2: 6 -- Timothy, first as pastor), Titus (2 Cor. 8: 23 messenger is apostle in Greek, see Rotherham), and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2: 25).

      Not everyone who prophesies is a prophet, but all prophets prophesy. Compare 1 Cor. 14:1, 5, 24, 31 with 1 Cor. 12: 28; 21: 11; See also Acts 21: 10,11; 20: 22-23; 13: 1-3; 15: 32; 11: 27-28; 21: 11; 1 Tim. 1: 18; 4: 14.

  3. The Nine Spiritual Gifts.

    4. Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

    List the nine gifts of the Spirit.

    1.   
    2.   
    3.   
    4.   
    5.   
    6.   
    7.   
    8.   
    9.   

      10. Below is the list of the nine spiritual gifs with a brief explanation of the operation of each:

    10. Word of wisdom -- supernatural wisdom of God given to an indivitual to accomplish a particular task or solve a problem (e.g. one having this gift receives a "flash revelation" from God, showing him the means for solving a spiritual or mundane problem in the church).
    11. Word of knowledge -- supernatural knowledge of a particular fact, situation, problem, etc., which, one having this gift could not himself know, unless it was revealed by God. (Often, those with the gift of healing also have the gift of the word of knowledge, and willl, by the power of he Holy Spirit, specify that one in the audience has a particular ailment or disease, so that the person might come forward to be healed. This provides tremendous evidence of the power of God, because, in most instances, the person with the healing gift could not possibly know of the other's ailment.)
    12. Healing -- supernatural power given to an individual in order to heal people of infirmity or disease under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
    13. Miracles -- power by God given to perform the supernatural (e.g. causing the blind to see, causing the lame to walk, etc.).
    14. Prophecy -- the bringing forth of messages directly from God to the assembly or an individual.
    15. Discenment of spirits -- supernatural ability on the part of a Christian to detect the presence of good (angelic) or evil (demonic) spirits in or near another person. Most commonly, a person with this gift is able to discern when another is demon-possessed.
    16. Tongues -- bringing forth an utterance from God in an unknown language or "tongue" for the benefit of a congregation or an individual.
    17. Interpretation of tongues -- bringing forth the translation of tongues when they are given forth by one having the gift of tongues. This might be done by the same or a different individual from the one who brought forth the message in tongues. (It should be noted here that the one interpreting tongues does not know the language, and, as with the gift of prophecy, simply "gives forth as the Spirit gives the utterance.")

      18. Undoubtedly, students will have questions, here, regarding the spiritual gifts. Have your student fill in the blanks on the study sheet. Explain the three different categories of the nine gifts of the Spirit. These are: 1) gifts of revelation -- word of wisdom, word of knowledge, and discernment of spirits; 2) gifts of power -- miracles, healings, and faith; 3) gifts of utterance -- prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. (Then have your student read through the remainder of the study.) (Or perhaps you would prefer to have them read the rest at home, answering their questions at the following study session.) In any case, below are a few answers to anticipated questions.

    18. What is the difference between the gift of the word of wisdom or the gift of the word of knowledge?

      19. Answer: One having the gift of the word of knowledge has, by a flash revelation, an understanding of the Word of God or of spiritual or physical conditions. One having the gift of the word of wisdom has, by a flash revelation, insight as to how to act in a given situation. The first is what; the second is how.

      Often, one having the gift of the word of knowledge also has the gift of the word of wisdom, so that he not only knows a problem exists, but also can provide the solution to the problem.

    19. What is the difference between the gift of healings and the gift of miracles?

      20. Answer: When one is "healed" by the Lord, the germ, cancer, virus, or whatever has cause the ailment is killed and the body, through natural processes, begins to heal. Thus, the person is truly healed, though it may take a while for the effects and recovery to wear off. In the case of miraculous healings (i.e. through the gift of miracles), not only is the cause of the disease destroyed, but also the symptoms of the malady completely and instantly disappear. For example, a person with a tumor on his arm may be healed by the Lord, but the body would naturally take several weeks to pass off the growth. On the other hand, the Lord might choose to cause a miracle, in which case, not only would the tumor be killed, but it would fall off immediately and the new skin would appear in its place.

      Miracles are not confined only to bodily ailments however. They work in the physical universe to protect God's people, convince skeptics, inspire faith, and show God's presence.

      The dispersion of gifts.

    20. Some persons have one or several spiritual gifts, wherease others have none. As previously mentioned, those with a healing ministry often have the gift of healing combined with the gift of the word of knowledge. Often, those with an utterance gift (e.g. prophecy) may have other utterance gifts (tongues or interpretation of tongues). No one needs to be alarmed if he has not been anointed for spiritual gifts, nor should one become prideful or "puffed up" should the Lord decide to use him in one of the gifts. Being used in a gift of the Spirit is not a sign of "spirituality." It is God using His saints according to His divine will. Also, it should be noted that just because God is not using you today in a particular gift or ministry does not mean that He will not choose to use you in the future. Be open to the gifts of the Spirit so that, if God chooses to operate a gift through you you will be ready.
  4. Participation in body ministry.
    1. You should testify if you can see that it would be beneficial to the edification of the assembly to do so. You need not wait for an overwhelming emotional experience or a special sign or vision t know when to say something. But do not take the pulpit only to chat and ramble on and on. Say concisely and specifically what God has done fo you, dwelling on the positive aspects. Do not drag on about the sin you have come out of, or your weaknesses; glorify God for what He has done. Testify when you know you have something that would bless or somehow benefit the assembly in general. As a new Christian, do not exhort, teach or admonish. There are plenty of elders, ministers, teachers and older brothers in the Lord who can take care of such matters. Do not depart radically from the order and tenor of the service. Do not just "take over" a service because you see some things you do not like or because you would like to see some new innovations added. Leave such decisions to the pasor and elders.

      2. -- Sunday school (helpers, typing, etc.)

      -- Janitorial work

      -- Construction

      -- Telephone receptionist in one of the offices

      -- Prayer group

      -- Witnessing team

      -- Christian school (various jobs such as typing, grading papers, monitoring the lunch room, etc.)

      -- Publications (typing, proofreading, bindery work, art work, producint and copying cassette tapes)

      Ask your counselor how you may get involved in a ministry that interests you.

GOING ON TO MATURITY

INTRODUCTION: In one sense, this study is the most important one, because diligent application of it will lead to a victorious, fruitful Christian life, where there will be much growth. The Christian who does not grow is a Christian whose salvation is in jeopardy; not because of the part God plays in salvation, but because God has called us to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." The student needs to understand that, although salvationis by grace, there are definite principles he must set in motion in his life. If the principles are not followed, he can expect that unconquered "giants" will remain in his life that will eventually overcome him.

Feel free to use your own examples in this study, ones that you know apply specifically to your student. If you know that he came out of the "hippie" drug life, or out of a legalistic denomination, etc., make this a personal study for the student. Deal directly with his life.

The key to a healthy heart.

A healthy heart is what keeps us in our daily life with Christ. Explain that the "heart" is the basis and motivation of our lives. It refers to what our true motives are and the true basis of our actions.

  1. God has set high standards for us.

    2. Read: Hebrews 12: 14, 2 Corinthians 7: 1, 1 Thessalonians 4: 7

    What kind of life does God expect us to live?   

    Read: Galatians 5: 22

    What are the fruits of the Spirit that God wants in our lives?

      

    Read: John 14: 15

    We are to keep Gods's    .

    Read: 2 Corinthians 3: 18

    We are to be changed into the    of God.

    Read: 2 Peter 3: 14, Philippians 1: 10

    We are to be found wihout    and    .

    Read: Ephesians 5: 26-27, 4: 22, 1 Peter 1: 16, and 1 John 2 :6

    We are not to have    or    : we should be    and without    .

    Read: Revelation 21: 2

    God is preparing us to be the    of Christ.

  2. In order to become Christ-like, we must have it in our hearts to do so.

    3. Read: Proverbs 23: 7

    As a man thinketh in his    , so is he.

    Read: Ephesians 6: 6

    We are to be as slaves, doing the will of God from our    .

    Read: Luke 8: 15

    The one with the good and honest heart bears much    .

    Read: Luke 8: 17, Proverbs 4: 23

    What is in a man's heart will be    .

    Read: Luke 6: 45

    A good heart brings forth    , and an evil heart brings forth    .

    A man    that which is in his heart.

    Lost some examples and discuss them.

    1.   
    2.   
    3.   
    4.   

      5. Discuss these examples with your student. Stress that as the fruit of the Spirit is manifested in the student's life (i.e. his heart) it will be evident from what he speaks.

  3. Developing a heart for God.

    4. Read: Jeremiah 24: 7

    Ask God to give you a heart to do His will. If he promises to give the children of Judah a "heart" for Him, He will do it for you, too.

    Read: Matthew 6: 19-21

    We should be laying up    in heaven.

  4. Guarding our hearts.

    5. Read: Proverbs 4: 23

    We are to    or    our hearts with all diligence.

    Read: Philippians 4: 4-8, Romans 12: 2, Ephesians 4: 23-24, Romans 8: 5-8, James 1: 14-15

    What we allow to remain in our    will get down into our hearts.

    Read: Philippians 3: 19

    The end of those who set their minds on earthly things is    .

    Read: Philippians 4: 8, 2 Corinthians 10: 5

    We guard our hearts by guarding what is consuming our time and our thoughts. List some things that are healthy for our hearts, some things that are neutral, and some things that will give us "heart trouble."

    Healthy Heart Neutral Heart Trouble

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

  5. Flesh man and spirit man.

    6. Emphasize the fact that each individual holds decision-making power. Everything one does is based on what his free will decides to do. The choice is between feeding the flesh man and feeding the spirit man. The end result will be based on what the free will decides to do.

    In Romans 7: 14-25, Paul talks about a struggle that goes on in our lives. This battle wages between the "flesh" and the "spirit." You, no doubt, have already been in this battle, not knowing exactly what was going on. There is a spiritual part of us that wants to serve God, and thee is also a part of us that Paul refers to as our "flesh" that only is interested in our own selfish desires. This "flesh man" is continually trying to drag down our "spirit man."

      If we continue to feed upon the unhealthy food listed above, that which gives us "heart trouble," the flesh man will become as strong as a heavy-weight champion. But the spirit man will starve to death.

      In this illustration, we find a person who is very miserable, not enjoying the peace, happiness, and joy of the Lord because he always finds himself yielding to the desires of the flesh.

      But, the more we feed upon healthy food, that which causes us to have a healthy heart, the stronger and healthier our spirit man will be; our fless man will become puny and sick.

      The Christian in this illustration is a happy, victorious one. He has the peace of the Lord in his heart; and God is changing him from glory to glory.

      Which one of these do you want to be?

      Living the resurrected life.

  6. How not to overcome the problems in our lives that are robbing us of the resurrected life.
    1. The legalistic approach: This Christian attempts to overcome these problems in his own strength. He tries to "get hold" of himself, and get the problems taken care of.
      1. This approach leads to self-righteousness, because anything that might be accomplished is done by self, not by God.

        2. Briefly explain legalism. It is a) setting of high standards for oneself and expecting everyone else to keep them; then judging them if they do not. And b) going beyond the Word of God; i.e. demanding that one dress, talk, and live by set rules tha the Bible does not expressly teach.

        Explain the difference between holiness and legalism. Pure motives from the heart produce holiness. Two people may live by the exact same standards (e.g. in dress, talk, lifestyle, etc.).

        The one who does it so that he can be righteous and holy is involved in legalism. The one who does it because he loves Jesus and wants to please Him is walking holy before God.

    2. The "it doesn't matter" approach: This Christian does not really care about changing. He feels that, if God wants anything different in his life, He will somehow automatically change him.
      1. This person never does change much. He ends up being a sloppy Christian and is often a poor testimony. He has a very good chance of completely backsliding and being completely separated from God.

        2. NOTE: Both of these approaches are a deep ditch on either side of the road. We want to be careful to stay in the middle of the road -- God's way.

  7. God's way for us to conquer problems and be changed from glory into the image of God, so we can live the resurrected life.
    1. The most important thing we will ever have to learn in this matter is that we must be    to change. We will never change anything in our life unless we are first    to change. You could not have been saved unless you were    to surrender your life to God.
    2. We may know that something is very wrong or bad for us, and yet we will not stop doing it unless we become willing to stop.
      1. For example, the person who smokes knows that he has a much greater chance of getting cancer than the non-smoker. Also smoking causes problems in his circulatory system, thus he is more apt to have a heart attack. He knows that it makes himself, his car, his clothes, and his home smell bad. He is aware of how much money it is costing him. But, if he is not    to stop, he never will. His judgment tells him it would be better to stop, but if he is not    he will never make the change.
      2. List some other examples and discuss them.
    3.   
    4.   
    5.   
    6.   
    7. We can know that something would be very good for us, yet if we are not    we will not start doing it.
      1. For example, a Christian can know all the reasons why he should spend time in prayer. He knows that he will feel the presence of God more readily, that he will be a more effective witness, and that he will have more of God's power; that he will be more sensitive to God's leading, and that he will be more effective in his ministry. But, if he is not    , he will not do it.
      2. List other examples and discuss them.
    8.   
    9.   
    10.   
    11.   

      12. A person's judgment tells him that it would be the right thing to do, but if he is not    he will never do it. Read Leviticus 26. Notice how God says, "if you will" and "if you will not." We can see that cursings or blessings are dependent upon our wills. This was recorded as a lesson to us. We can enjoy God's blessings, the resurrected live, "if" we are    !

  8. Repentance.

    9. If the area in your life you are now dealing with is sin, such as hate, jealousy, bitterness, criticalness, strife, or som external type of sin, you need to    . You need to name that thing for what it is;    . Do not make excuses for what you have done; God will not forgive excuses, but he will forgive confessed sin. (1 John 1:9) You must have the channel between you and God completely open and clear. This is done by repenting -- confessing sin and letting God scrub you clean.

    If you have been the victim of someon else's wrongdoing, you need to forgive them. Ask God to forgive you for holding something against them. Repent of it. Then begin to pray for that person. Ask God to put a love in your heart for him or her. Start thanking Him for the love He is putting in your heart for this individual. Continue to do this until such love is a reality. (Matthew 6: 14-15).

    This act of repentance will free your spirit and remove oppression. Now you are ready for the next step to the resurrection life.

  9. Now that I am williing . . .

    10. At this point a step of action is necessary. Without this step, nothing will happen. You must now make a definite    , so the change in your life can actually begin. For example, if you are aware of something in your life that is not pleasing to God, and you, therefore, want to get rid of it, nothing will happen until a firm decision has been made. The more firm this decision is, and the more total the committment, the easier it will be for you. Remember, we said earlier that this must be from the heart in order to be a lasting decision. We can ask God to put our decision down deep in our heart. We must also realize it is God who is going to do that changing, but it is necessary for us to be willing, to make a heart decision, and then to guard our heart.

    For example, let's say that you have a tendency to suffer from self pity. Through a sermon, God speaks to your heart about this and you realize it is a thing of the flesh and it is robbing you from living a joyful, resurrected life. You now have a problem.

    All the facts run through your mind and are submitted to your judgment. Your judgment says, "Quickly, give up the self pity; it is making you miserable." Logically, this is what we should do, but our flesh wants to fight that decision.

    It wants to reserve the right to feel sorry for itself. Remember the struggle between the flesh man and the spirit man? Now you are in the middle of it. If the flesh wins, you will continue to be miserable; if the spirit man wins, you will move on from glory to glory and enjoy the wonderful blessings of God -- the resurrection life.

    You finally decide to be willing to give this problem over to God's cleansing, delivering, power. Then you confess it as a sin and receive God's forgiveness. Make a decision to do it that very moment. Ask God to plant your decision deep in your heart. It is vitally important that you realize that the battle is now God's. You have turned this whole area over to Him for His cleansing and deliverance. (Remember what happens to the legalist!)

    Trusting:

    If we have given a problem to God, we must then trust that He, in fact, is delivering us from the problem. But how do we do this? How did you trust Him for your salvation? You did it by believing His Word (1 John 1: 9) and confessing your salvation. (Romans 10: 9) You trust for deliverance from self pity in the same way. (John 8: 36) "Lord, You have set me free from this self pity; and I thank You and praise You for it. I thank You, Lord, that my self pity was nailed to the cross." (Romans 6: 6) The more you confess this, the stronger you will be and the deeper it will go down into your heart.

    Reckon, or consider, it, done.

    Realize that when Christ died on the cross, your old sinful flesh man died with Him. You buried your flesh when you went down in the waters of baptism. It is not something that we accomplish, it is something that Christ accomplished for us. All we need to do is realize it, accept it, and act upon it, as described above. We walk the new resurrection life by believing. Walking by faith is God's way; it is what makes Him happy. He wants to know that it is all in Him, (John 15: 5) and by ourselves we can do nothing. We only need to accept and act upon the grace of God. when we do, it delights God's heart, and we are set free.

    Read: Romans 6: 2 and Colossians 3: 3.

    We    dead to sin

    Read: Romans 6: 4-5.

    We    buried with Him, that we should walk in    of life. This is the resurrected life we have been talking about.

    Read: Romans 6: 6.

    It says: "    this, that our old man    was, in Greek" crucified with him . . . " God wants us to know that the work has already been done.

    Romans 6: 6 also says: ". . . henceforth we should not serve sin." Christ's dying on the cross has liberated us from the bondage of sin.

    Read: Romans 6: 7.

    It says that we are    from sin.

    Note: It says we "are," not "shall be." The work has already been done on the cross.

    Read: Romans 6: 11 and Colossians 3: 5.

    It says to    consider" it done.

    Read: Romans 6: 13

    It says that we yield unto God by dealing with each area of our life that needs changing, according to the way this study tells us to.

    Read: the entire chapter of Romans 6.

    Read: Romans 8: 2

    We are already    from the law of sin and death.

    Read: Romans 8: 3

    Christ has already    your sin.

    Read Romans 8: 13

    It is by    that we mortify the deeds of the body.

    Testing time:

    What about when the test comes, when old thoughts of self pity hit me? Then you must do what Jesus did. Read: Matthew 4: 4, 7, 10. Immediately say (out loud, if possible), "I have given this problem completely over to God, and, by the work done on the cross. (Romans 6: 6), God has completely set me free from it." (John 8: 36) Then, begin to praise God for the wonderful work he has done in this area of your life.

    If you do it this way, you will experience wonderful deliverance fro God, enjoy His blessings, and live the resurrected life.

    Let's list some other possible problem areas and discuss them.

    1.   
    2.   
    3.   
    4.   

      5. It is important for you to realize that "giving it a try" will never work. A try is not a firm decision or total commitment, and God will never back you up in it. That type of attempt does not last.

      How do I avoid falling into temptation?

  10. By making decisions ahead of time. The moment you are confronted with a temptation is not the time to decide what you are going to do with it. At this point, the flesh may be weak. Sooner or later you will yield to the temptation.

    11. For example, knowing that God said we should not be unequally yoked together, the young person needs to fortify himself ahead of time. This is done by settling the matter in the heart -- by making a decision. The young lady who makes the decision that she will not date an unsaved man, will not have to give it a second thought when the nice looking, but unsaved, young man comes up and asks her for a date. The decision was made long before, and it is deep in her heart. If the decision is not yet made, she will have to decide each time she is asked what she is going to do, she will most likely yield to the temptatin in a weak moment. Indecision also brings confusion and frustration. A firm decision brings freedom and peace in the heart.

    Let's list some possible temptations we can make decisions on, now, and discuss them.

    1.   
    2.   
    3.   
    4.   
  11. What if I fall?

    12. If it happens that in a moment of weakness you fall into any sin, whether it is in an area in which you have made a decision or not, confess it to God righ away. You do not have to live with guilt or condemnation for even five minutes. As soon as you realize that you have sinned, repent of it and accept God's forgiveness. Then go your way in the joy of the Lord. Fortify yourself against doing that sin again, and walk with God.

    Read: 1 John 1: 9, 2: 1.

    How do I know what to deal with in my life?

  12. Problems you are aware of.

    13. If you are aware of a problem in you life, the best time to deal with itis now. Why settle for less when you can live the resurrected life? You know how to deal with your problems, so go right ahead and do so.

  13. What about problem areas I am not aware of?

    14. If you begin looking within yourself -- searching, digging, scrutinizing analyzing, and hunting -- you will focus on yourself. This will bring you into bondage and condemnation. Introspection is certainly not God's way. He wants you to look to Jesus and be free. Read: John 10: 10, 8: 36.

    You should ask God to search your heart, trust Him that He will do it, rest in Him, and and walk on, free in the Lord. Read: Psalm 139: 1, 23-24

    Read: Philippians 1: 6 and 1 Peter 5: 10.

    Read: Philippians 2: 13.

    God is working in you both to    and to    of His good pleasure.

    Read Philippians 3: 13-14.

    We are to    about our pst life and yesterday's mistakes and keep our eyes and heart on what lies ahead.

    Read: Philipians 3: 15.

    Here we find that God    to reveal these things to us.

    Read: the entire chapter of Philippians 3.

    Note how Paul is saying that we should not have any confidence in our own flesh. We should trust totally in God.

    Read: Philippians 1: 11

    The fruit of righteousness comes    .

    Read: Philippians 4: 13

    We can do all things    .

    Note: When God does put His spot-light on an area He want syou to deal with, it is best that you do it immediately. Let's deal with these things as they come along and live in the victory -- the resurrection life.

    Read Romans 8: 31-39

    In all things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him. Amen!