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A L i f e B u i l d e r B i b l e S t u d y

L i f e B u i l d e r B i b l e S t u d i e s from Scripture Union

ËxHSLIPJy994818zISBN 978 1 85999 481 8

Christian BeliefsKnowing what we believe is foundational to a healthy relationship with God

and others. These studies explore what Christians need to understand about

some vital topics: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, human nature,

salvation, the Church and the ‘last things’. Having a good grasp on these

beliefs will equip us to make sense of the world we live in; strengthen our

assurance of our own identity in Christ; and direct us to a life of integrity.

Other titles available! Contact Scripture Union on 0845 0706006 or your Christian bookshop for details.

TOPICAL STUDIESAngels/ 8 studiesChristian Beliefs/ 12 studiesChristian Character/ 12 studiesChristian Community/ 10 studiesChristian Disciplines/ 12 studies Decisions/ 9 studiesEncountering Jesus/ 8 studiesEvangelism/ 12 studiesFaith/ 9 studiesFriendship/ 10 studiesFruit of the Spirit/ 9 studiesGod’s Comfort/ 9 studiesGood & Evil/ 8 studies‘I am’ sayings of Christ/ 8 studiesImages of Christ/ 10 studiesImages of God/ 10 studiesImages of the Spirit/ 8 studiesIntegrity/ 10 studies Jesus’ Final Week/ 8 studies Kingdom of God, The/ 10 studiesLord’s Prayer, The/ 8 studiesMeeting God/ 12 studies Meeting Jesus/ 13 studiesMeeting the Spirit/ 10 studiesParables/ 12 studies

Prayer/ 12 studiesPraying the Psalms/ 9 studiesSelf-Esteem/ 9 studies Sermon on the Mount/ 12 studiesSingleness/ 10 studiesSpiritual Gifts/ 8 studiesSpiritual Warfare/ 9 studies Ten Commandments, The/ 12 studies Twenty-Third Psalm, The/ 9 studiesWoman of God/ 10 studies

CHARACTER STUDIESAbraham/ 9 studiesDavid/ 12 studies Elijah/ 8 studiesJoseph/ 9 studiesNew Testament Characters/ 10 studies Old Testament Characters/ 12 studies Peter/ 12 studiesWomen of the New Testament/ 10 studiesWomen of the Old Testament/ 12 studies

OLD TESTAMENT BOOKSGenesis/ 26 studies (in 3 parts)Joshua/ 12 studies

Nehemiah/ 13 studiesEsther/ 9 studiesPsalms/ 12 studies Proverbs/ 10 studiesIsaiah/ 22 studies Daniel/ 12 studiesJonah, Joel & Amos/ 12 studies

NEW TESTAMENT BOOKSMatthew/ 22 studies (in 2 parts) Mark/ 20 studies (in 2 parts)Luke/ 26 studies (in 2 parts) John/ 26 studies (in 2 parts) Acts/ 24 studies (in 2 parts) Romans/ 19 studies (in 2 parts) 1 Corinthians/ 13 studies2 Corinthians/ 11 studies Galatians/ 11 studies Ephesians/ 11 studies Philippians/ 9 studiesColossians & Philemon/ 10 studies1 & 2 Timothy & Titus/ 11 studiesHebrews/ 13 studies James/ 9 studies1 & 2 Peter & Jude/ 12 studies John’s Letters/ 12 studiesRevelation/ 14 studies

Over 10 Million LifeBuilders in Print

1 2 s t u d i e s

f o r i n d i v i d u a l s o r g r o u p s

Stephen Eyre

BELIEFSCHRISTIAN

Christian beliefs cover.indd 1 21/02/2008 09:48:06

Scripture Union is an international Christian charity working withchurches in more than 130 countries providing resources to bring the goodnews about Jesus Christ to children, young people and families and toencourage them to develop spiritually through the Bible and prayer. As wellas coordinating a network of volunteers, staff and associates who runholidays, church-based events and school Christian groups, ScriptureUnion produces a wide range of publications and supports those who usetheir resources through training programmes.

Scripture Union, 207–209 Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2EB, UK.email: [email protected]: www.scriptureunion.org.uk

Scripture Union Australia: Locked Bag 2, Central Coast Business Centre,NSW 2252.www.su.org.au

ISBN 978 1 85999 481 8

First published in the United States by InterVarsity Press.First published in Great Britain by Scripture Union 2001, revised 2002,reprinted 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008.

© all editions Stephen Eyre.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, storedin a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without theprior permission of Scripture Union.

The right of Stephen Eyre to be identified as author of this work has beenasserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act1988.

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HolyBible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 byInternational Bible Society. Anglicisation copyright © 1979, 1984, 1989.Used by permission of Hodder and Stoughton Limited.

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication data: a catalogue record for thisbook is available from the British Library.

Printed and bound in Singapore by Tien Wah Press Ltd.

christian beliefs.qxp 25/01/2008 11:00

Contents

G

ETTING

THE

M

OST

O

UT

OF

C

HRISTIAN

B

ELIEFS

—————— 5

T

HE

R

EVELATION

OF

G

OD

1 God in the

World &

Psalm 19 ———————

9

in the Word

T

HE

T

RIUNE

G

OD

2

Knowing God

Isaiah 40:9-31

—————12

3

Jesus: God with Us

John 1:1-18

——————16

4

The Holy Spirit

John 14:15-27

—————20

H

UMAN

N

ATURE

5

Our Identity & Dignity

Genesis 1:24—2:25

———24

6

Our Identity &

Genesis 3

———————28

Depravity

Beliefs.book Wednesday, December 26, 2007 2:40 PM

H

OW

G

OD

S

AVES

U

S

7

Deliverance from Sin

Romans 3:9-31

—————32

8

Freedom to Be Holy

Romans 8:1-17

—————36

9

The Best Is Yet to Come

Romans 8:18-39

————40

T

HE

C

HURCH

: G

OD

’

S

H

OLY

P

EOPLE

10

The Mission of the Church

Acts 2

————————44

11

The Community of

the Church

Ephesians 4:1-16

————48

T

HE

L

AST

T

HINGS

12

Hope for the Future

2 Peter 3:3-14

—————52

Leader’s Notes

———————————————————56


Getting the MostOut of

Christian Beliefs

As a new Christian in college, I wanted to learn all about the Chris-tian faith through teaching, sermons and Bible study. I soon discov-ered, however, that many Bible studies and sermons left me bothconfused and frustrated. I had trouble putting all the piecestogether—especially since various denominations seemed to hold dif-ferent and often conflicting views. I wanted an overview of the basictruths that Christians believe.

Later I found that while there have always been theological differ-ences among Christians, there is a great deal that we have in common.C. S. Lewis called this common core of belief “mere Christianity.”These common beliefs can be briefly summarized under six headings.

■

Revelation.

It refers not to the last book in the Bible but to howGod makes himself known.

■

God.

What is he like? What can we know about him?

■

Human Nature.

What are we like? How are we to relate to God?What happened when we sinned?

■

Salvation.

What has God done to rescue us from sin?

■

The Church.

Jesus has called us to follow him together. What doeshe require of us?

■

The Last Things.

Jesus is coming back. How can we live in hopefulexpectation?These headings also provide the outline for this study guide.

A systematic study of our beliefs as Christians can provide manypersonal and practical benefits. First, Christian beliefs help us makesense of the world we live in. How can we explain the presence ofboth incredible beauty and ugliness in the world? Why do we see not


6

———————————————————————

C h r i s t i a n B e l i e f s

only supreme goodness but also diabolical evil? A knowledge of basicChristian beliefs helps us wrestle with questions that have baffledpeople for centuries.

Second, Christian beliefs strengthen our identity in Christ. Ourculture urges us to seek our identity in our possessions, our personalachievements or our career. Yet Scripture tells us our identity is notderived from these things. It depends not on how others see us, buton how God sees us. As we learn the essential beliefs of Christianity,we begin to discover who we really are.

Third, Christian beliefs not only guide our thinking but also directour behavior. In our day we desperately need men and women ofintegrity, people who are living examples of biblical values. As welearn these essential values, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms usinto the likeness of Christ himself. Christian beliefs build Christiancharacter.

Finally, and most importantly, Christian beliefs help us draw nearto God. As we look into the Scriptures, we come to know the Authorof Scripture. Biblical truths become a window into the heart and mindof God.

In our day there is a wishy-washy relativism that masquerades asfaith. “It doesn’t matter what you believe, just as long as you believe.”“All roads lead to God.” “The important thing is to be sincere.” If weknow what we believe, we will resist such shallow claims. God is per-sonal. He has told us about himself and what he requires of us. All therich knowledge of God is expressed through our Christian beliefs.

If we approach the Scriptures with humility and a fervent heart, Chris-tian beliefs can strengthen our faith and ignite our souls. At the end of theguide is a reading list with books that you could explore on each of thestudy topics. For a comprehensive overview of Christian doctrine youmight want to check out

Know the Truth

by

Bruce Milne,

Knowing Chris-tianity

by J. I. Packer,

Theology for Ordinary People

by Bruce L. Shelley or

Foundations of the Christian Faith

by James Montgomery Boice.

Suggestions for Individual Study1.

As you begin each study, pray that God will speak to youthrough his Word.


G e t t i n g t h e M o s t O u t o f

C h r i s t i a n B e l i e f s ——————

7

2.

Read the introduction to the study and respond to the personalreflection question or exercise. This is designed to help you focus onGod and on the theme of the study.

3.

Each study deals with a particular passage—so that you candelve into the author’s meaning in that context. Read and reread thepassage to be studied. If you are studying a book, it will be helpful toread through the entire book prior to the first study. The questions arewritten using the language of the New International Version, so youmay wish to use that version of the Bible. The New Revised StandardVersion is also recommended.

4.

This is an inductive Bible study, designed to help you discoverfor yourself what Scripture is saying. The study includes three typesof questions.

Observation

questions ask about the basic facts: who,what, when, where and how.

Interpretation

questions delve into themeaning of the passage.

Application

questions help you discover theimplications of the text for growing in Christ. These three keysunlock the treasures of Scripture.

Write your answers to the questions in the spaces provided or in apersonal journal. Writing can bring clarity and deeper understandingof yourself and of God’s Word.

5.

It might be good to have a Bible dictionary handy. Use it to lookup any unfamiliar words, names or places.

6.

Use the prayer suggestion to guide you in thanking God forwhat you have learned and to pray about the applications that havecome to mind.

7.

You may want to go on to the suggestion under “Now or Later,”or you may want to use that idea for your next study.

Suggestions for Members of a Group Study 1.

Come to the study prepared. Follow the suggestions for individ-ual study mentioned above. You will find that careful preparation willgreatly enrich your time spent in group discussion.

2.

Be willing to participate in the discussion. The leader of yourgroup will not be lecturing. Instead, he or she will be encouraging themembers of the group to discuss what they have learned. The leaderwill be asking the questions that are found in this guide.


8

———————————————————————

C h r i s t i a n B e l i e f s

3.

Stick to the topic being discussed. Your answers should be basedon the verses which are the focus of the discussion and not on outsideauthorities such as commentaries or speakers. These studies focus ona particular passage of Scripture. Only rarely should you refer to otherportions of the Bible. This allows for everyone to participate in in-depth study on equal ground.

4. Be sensitive to the other members of the group. Listen atten-tively when they describe what they have learned. You may be sur-prised by their insights! Each question assumes a variety of answers.Many questions do not have “right” answers, particularly questionsthat aim at meaning or application. Instead the questions push us toexplore the passage more thoroughly.

When possible, link what you say to the comments of others. Also,be affirming whenever you can. This will encourage some of the morehesitant members of the group to participate.

5. Be careful not to dominate the discussion. We are sometimes soeager to express our thoughts that we leave too little opportunity forothers to respond. By all means participate! But allow others to also.

6. Expect God to teach you through the passage being discussedand through the other members of the group. Pray that you will havean enjoyable and profitable time together, but also that as a result ofthe study you will find ways that you can take action individuallyand/or as a group.

7. Remember that anything said in the group is considered confi-dential and should not be discussed outside the group unless specificpermission is given to do so.

8. If you are the group leader, you will find additional suggestionsat the back of the guide.


1

God in the World& in the Word

“I don’t believe in God!” That was my declaration as a confused andangry teenager. However, I found my unbelief hard to maintain. Myadolescent hungers weren’t satisfied in the “normal” places likemusic, friends or school. But during my first year of college, Godbegan to reveal himself to me in ways that I couldn’t deny. After a yearof his constant calling, I yielded.

GROUP DISCUSSION. C. S. Lewis writes, “Avoiding [God], in manytimes and places, has proved so difficult that a very large part of thehuman race has failed to achieve it.” What influences and events haveled you to faith in God?

PERSONAL REFLECTION. Both head and heart are required for a healthyrelationship with God. Sit quietly and then consider: What do I feeltoward God right now?

General revelation refers to the way that God makes his existenceknown in the world. Special revelation is the term for how God makeshis will known to his people. Psalm 19 is a meditative reflection bythe psalmist on both special and general revelation. Read Psalm 19.

1. How does the psalmist help us perceive the presence of the invisi-ble God?

P s a l m 1 9


10 ————————————————————————————————— C h r i s t i a n B e l i e f s

2. The psalmist views the world as we might view a work of art (v. 1).How does seeing the world in this way help us to appreciate God’s glory?

3. The psalmist says the creation speaks in every language and inevery corner of the world (v. 2). What can anyone in the world knowabout God through creation?

4. What are some things about God that can’t be known through creation?

5. The sun gets special mention (vv. 4-6). How is God’s glory particu-larly revealed in the sun?

6. Which aspects of creation have helped you learn the most aboutGod and his glory? Explain.

7. In verses 7-14 the psalmist shifts his focus from the way Godmakes himself known in creation to the way he reveals himself in hislaw. What words does the psalmist use to describe God’s law?

8. According to the psalmist, what are the benefits of knowing God’slaw?


G o d i n t h e W o r l d & i n t h e W o r d ——————————— 11

What benefits have you received from God’s law?

9. Why would reflecting on God’s creation and his law cause David tothink about his own responsibility before God (vv. 11-13)?

How do both nature and God’s law bring up the idea of sin and ourneed of forgiveness?

10. God is a person who is making an effort to be known. Whatshould you be willing to do to know him better?

Tell God that you want to know him better. Ask him to open your eyes to asense of his presence and your mind to the understanding of his character.

Now or LaterThe sense of God’s presence is all around us, but for many reasons weare dull in our spiritual perception. Keep a record this week of everytime that God comes to mind. At the end of the week review yournotes and see if there are special actions or places that are a specialmeans of God’s presence in your life.


www.scriptureunion.org.uk

A L i f e B u i l d e r B i b l e S t u d y

L i f e B u i l d e r B i b l e S t u d i e s from Scripture Union

ËxHSLIPJy994818zISBN 978 1 85999 481 8

Christian BeliefsKnowing what we believe is foundational to a healthy relationship with God

and others. These studies explore what Christians need to understand about

some vital topics: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, human nature,

salvation, the Church and the ‘last things’. Having a good grasp on these

beliefs will equip us to make sense of the world we live in; strengthen our

assurance of our own identity in Christ; and direct us to a life of integrity.

Other titles available! Contact Scripture Union on 0845 0706006 or your Christian bookshop for details.

TOPICAL STUDIESAngels/ 8 studiesChristian Beliefs/ 12 studiesChristian Character/ 12 studiesChristian Community/ 10 studiesChristian Disciplines/ 12 studies Decisions/ 9 studiesEncountering Jesus/ 8 studiesEvangelism/ 12 studiesFaith/ 9 studiesFriendship/ 10 studiesFruit of the Spirit/ 9 studiesGod’s Comfort/ 9 studiesGood & Evil/ 8 studies‘I am’ sayings of Christ/ 8 studiesImages of Christ/ 10 studiesImages of God/ 10 studiesImages of the Spirit/ 8 studiesIntegrity/ 10 studies Jesus’ Final Week/ 8 studies Kingdom of God, The/ 10 studiesLord’s Prayer, The/ 8 studiesMeeting God/ 12 studies Meeting Jesus/ 13 studiesMeeting the Spirit/ 10 studiesParables/ 12 studies

Prayer/ 12 studiesPraying the Psalms/ 9 studiesSelf-Esteem/ 9 studies Sermon on the Mount/ 12 studiesSingleness/ 10 studiesSpiritual Gifts/ 8 studiesSpiritual Warfare/ 9 studies Ten Commandments, The/ 12 studies Twenty-Third Psalm, The/ 9 studiesWoman of God/ 10 studies

CHARACTER STUDIESAbraham/ 9 studiesDavid/ 12 studies Elijah/ 8 studiesJoseph/ 9 studiesNew Testament Characters/ 10 studies Old Testament Characters/ 12 studies Peter/ 12 studiesWomen of the New Testament/ 10 studiesWomen of the Old Testament/ 12 studies

OLD TESTAMENT BOOKSGenesis/ 26 studies (in 3 parts)Joshua/ 12 studies

Nehemiah/ 13 studiesEsther/ 9 studiesPsalms/ 12 studies Proverbs/ 10 studiesIsaiah/ 22 studies Daniel/ 12 studiesJonah, Joel & Amos/ 12 studies

NEW TESTAMENT BOOKSMatthew/ 22 studies (in 2 parts) Mark/ 20 studies (in 2 parts)Luke/ 26 studies (in 2 parts) John/ 26 studies (in 2 parts) Acts/ 24 studies (in 2 parts) Romans/ 19 studies (in 2 parts) 1 Corinthians/ 13 studies2 Corinthians/ 11 studies Galatians/ 11 studies Ephesians/ 11 studies Philippians/ 9 studiesColossians & Philemon/ 10 studies1 & 2 Timothy & Titus/ 11 studiesHebrews/ 13 studies James/ 9 studies1 & 2 Peter & Jude/ 12 studies John’s Letters/ 12 studiesRevelation/ 14 studies

Over 10 Million LifeBuilders in Print

1 2 s t u d i e s

f o r i n d i v i d u a l s o r g r o u p s

Stephen Eyre

BELIEFSCHRISTIAN

Christian beliefs cover.indd 1 21/02/2008 09:48:06

lifebuilder bible studies - welcome | scripture union christian... · getting the most out of...

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