the bookends theof christian life dthebookendsbook.com/media/bookendsguideandstudy.pdf · bookends...

dBOOKENDSTHE

CHRISTIAN LIFEOFTHE

BOOK BY JERRY BRIDGES & BOB BEVINGTONLEADER’S GUIDE BY SUSAN BEEBE

BIBLE STUDY and LEADER’S GUIDE

d

BOOKENDSTHE

CHRISTIAN LIFEOFTHE

BIBLE STUDY LEADER’S GUIDEBY SUSAN BEEBE

BOOK BY JERRY BRIDGES & BOB BEVINGTON

THEBOOKENDSOFTHECHRISTIANLIFE LEADER’SGUIDE

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DevelopedfromTheBookendsoftheChristianLife,byJerryBridgesandBobBevington,©2009.UsedbypermissionofCrossway,apublishingministryofGoodNewsPublishers,Wheaton,Illinois60187,www.crossway.org.

LEADER’SGUIDE THEBOOKENDSOFTHECHRISTIANLIFE

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TABLEOFCONTENTS

Preface ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Testimonies.................................................................................................................................................. 4

NotetotheTeacher..................................................................................................................................... 6

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 8

TheFirstBookend:TheRighteousnessofChrist

Chapter1:TheRighteousnessofChrist .............................................................................................. 10

Chapter2:TheMotivationoftheGospel............................................................................................ 15

Chapter3:GospelEnemy#1:Self-righteousness................................................................................ 22

Chapter4:GospelEnemy#2:PersistentGuilt .................................................................................... 28

Chapter5:LeaningontheFirstBookend ............................................................................................ 35

TheSecondBookend:ThePoweroftheHolySpirit

Chapter6:ThePoweroftheHolySpirit.............................................................................................. 42

Chapter7:DependentResponsibility.................................................................................................. 49

Chapter8:TheHelpoftheDivineEncourager .................................................................................... 55

Chapter9:GospelEnemy#3:Self-Reliance ........................................................................................ 61

Chapter10:LeaningontheSecondBookend ..................................................................................... 67

Conclusion:TheBookendsPersonalWorldview........................................................................................ 73

Appendix .................................................................................................................................................... 75

GospelProclaimingScriptureBookmark ............................................................................................ 75

SongLyrics ........................................................................................................................................... 76

ThomasWilcox’sInstructionsforDealingwithPersistentGuilt ......................................................... 86

AViewofAllThreeFocalPointsforShiftingOurDependencetotheSecondBookend..................... 88

BibleStudyAttached


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PREFACE

TheBookendsoftheChristianLife,writtenbyBobBevingtonandJerryBridges,hascaptivatedmanychurchesacrossthenation.ThebookhasbeenusedbyGodtotransformthelivesofmanyasithasprovidedavehicleto“examinetheframeworkthatsupports,stabilizes,andsecuresthebeliever’slifeinChrist.”

TheBookendsBibleStudyandLeader’sGuideweredevelopedtogiveyoutheuniqueopportunitytodigevendeeperintoGod’sWordtoexploretheframeworkofGod’splanofsalvationandtheGospel.LearnhowleaningontheBookendsoftheChristianLife–theRighteousnessofChristandthePoweroftheHolySpirit–canprovidehopetolivealifefreefromguilt,pride,andself-righteousness.JoinusinexploringGod’spromisesthatwillre-igniteyourpassionandappreciationforthegospelandmotivateyoutoliveagospel-drivenlife.


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TESTIMONIES

TestimonyfromusingtheBookendsBibleStudyGuideforpersonalBiblestudy:KathyRayPriceMD:Whetheryouarejuststartingyourspirituallife“library”orhavemanyvolumesofstudycompleted,Bookendsisastudythatwillhelpyourfaithbeclarified,strengthened,anddeepened!IgotsomuchmoreoutofthebookwhenIusedtheteacher’sguidealongwithmystudy.IwishIhadknownandtrustedintheBiblicalBookend’sprinciplesmywholelife!TheyreallymadetheconceptsofGod’srighteousnessandthepoweroftheHolySpiritpracticalandapplicabletoeverydaylife.Ilovedthescripturememory,deepstudyofscriptures,andsongsthatemphasizedeachlesson.Thankyouforastudythathelpedaddthesecritical“Bookends”tostabilizemyChristianlifeonthebookshelffoundationofChrist!TestimonyfromasmallgroupleaderwhousedLeader’sGuidefortheirsmallgroup:Ourladies’BiblestudyenjoyedtheBookendsbook,studyquestions,andawesomeadditionalscriptures,explanations,andlearningpointsfromtheteacher’sguide!Theladieswerefromseveraldenominations,variousagesandwalksoflife,andyetallfoundapplicableinformationfortheirfaithgrowth.TestimoniesfromthosewhoparticipatedintheBookendsBibleStudyinalargegroupsetting:Kristen:Ithinkthestudywasgreatatreallygettingatthemeatandpotatoesofhowto“use”theBibleorhowtostructureyourlifeasaChristian.Louisa:InweekoneofBookends,itwasobviousourteachershadbeenimpactedbythebook.Theirexcitementandenthusiasmwascontagious.IwantedtoknowwhattheyhadreadandhearhowGodhadimpactedthem.Inthisstudy,oneofmyfavoritethingswasthateachtimeweheardaboutan“ahha”momentofsomeone’sfaith,itwaslinkedtoscriptureandenabledmetohaveadeeperunderstandingofGod’sWord.Whilepersonalstorieswereshared,God’sstorywasmadeclearandrelevantforlifetodayandcommunicatedclearly.Idon’tthinkitwouldmatterifIwasanewbelieverorabelieverforyears,Iwouldgainsignificantlyfromthisstudy.Jane:CombiningavisualimageoftwobookendswithapracticalunderstandingoftherighteousnessofChristandthepoweroftheHolySpirithastransformedmylife.TheScriptureshavebeenunlockedforme.Thisknowledgeoftenoverflowsintoconversationswithothers.Itprovidesa“nutsandbolts”workingknowledgewhichgivesmeanewfoundconfidencetospeakaboutGod’slove.DailylifemakesmuchmoresensewhenIreturntotheconceptspresentedinBookends.Thebookisconcise,easytoread,andtheScripturereferencesarewelldocumented.Ithasbecomeaterrificreferencetoolforme.


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ThisBookendsstudyismulti-sensoryandexcitingtoparticipatein.Informationispresentedpassionatelyfromtheheart.Eachstudyincludestimeforlecture,smallgroupdiscussion,memoryverses,andmusic.Thevarietyofmethodsallowedmetoconnectthroughmanyfacetsinanintimateway.IamsogratefulthattheHolySpiritledmetothisstudy.Christie:HavingjustcompletedtheBookendsBibleStudy,Iwantedtotakeamomenttorecommendthisstudytoanyonethinkingoftakingit.WhetheryouarenewtofaithinChristoran“oldtimer”likemyself(I’velovedtheLordforover50years!)thisstudyhassomethingforyou.Thebookitselfisuniqueinitsabilitytoclearlylayoutthebasicsofthefaith,andthestudyguideopensupexcellentopportunitiesforclassdiscussion.ItisclearthewritershaveapassionfortheGospel.ChurchesshouldmakethisaregularintherotationofBibleStudiestheyoffer.Judi:WhetheranewChristianoramaturebeliever,theBookendsoftheChristianLifeBiblestudyprovidesauniqueopportunitytogrowinone’sfaith.ThestudyclearlyandconciselyportrayshowtheRighteousnessofChristandthePoweroftheHolySpiritaffectabeliever’slife.IntheGospel-drivenlifenothinghappensrandomly.ThroughthegraceofChristandthePoweroftheHolySpiritwecanbeformedintheimageHelongsforustobe.


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NOTETOTHETEACHER

ThisLeader’sGuidecanbeusedinthefollowingways:

• AsalargegroupdidacticguidefortheteacherinaBiblestudysetting

• Asasmallgroupleader’sguidetoemphasizelearningpointsandclarifyandamplifythematerial.

• Asanindividualstudyguideadjunct

Materialsneeded:

• TheBookendsoftheChristianLifebyBobBevingtonandJerryBridges

• TheBookendsBibleStudy(included)

• TheBookendsBibleStudyLeader’sGuide(included)

Homeworkrequired:ReadonechapterofBookendsoftheChristianLifeperweekandcompletecorrespondingBookendsBibleStudyquestions.Answerstoquestionsareaddressedthroughoutteachingcurriculumthefollowingweek.

Teachingformatforalargegroupsetting:

• Theteachingcurriculumisprintedinoutlineformatandistobeusedasyourguide.

• Thetimerequiredtocovertheteachingcurriculumisapproximatelyonehourperchapter.Itisoptimaltoaddanadditional20-30minutesattheendofclasstoallowsufficienttimeforprayeranddiscussion.

• Eachlessonfollowsthesamebasicformatandincludesthefollowing:

1. Beforeyoubeginteaching:

• Writeoutthelesson’sversesontheboardaheadoftime.Theclasscanthenrecordthembeforethestudybeginstobetterfollowthelesson.

• Passoutanymaterialsneededsuchassonglyrics,bookmarks,etc.

2. WelcomeandPrayer

3. QuickReviewofpreviousweek–includesreciting,asaclass,thememoryversefromthepreviousweek

4. TeachingContent/Today’sLesson

• Theteacherwillspeakmostofthetime,withperiodictimesofactivedialogueinaquestionandanswerformattoavoida“lecture”atmosphere.Thisteachingstylekeepsthestudentsattentivewhileatthesametimepromotingclassparticipationandacertainintimacywithintheclassroom.

• EachlessonincludesatleastoneBreak-OutSessionwithdesignatedBibleversesandcorrespondingquestionstobediscussedasasmallgroupateachtable,andthendiscussed


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asalargegroupwiththeteacherafterreconvening.ThisgivesparticipantstheopportunitytodigintoGod’sWordtogetherwithatraineddiscussionleader.

• Teacher’sNotesareaddedinstructionsonhowtopresentmaterialorconductsmallgroupexercises.

• GoingDeeperisanopportunityfortheteachertoexploreatopicmorein-depthwithstudentswhentimeallows.Thisoptionalteachingmaterialcanbeskippedifneeded.

• TheMemoryVersebestsummarizestheweek’smainteachingpointandemphasizestheimportanceofscripturememory.Thegoalistorecitetheverseasaclassthefollowingweek.

5. TheSongoftheWeek,playedattheendofclass,containslyricsthatsummarizetheweek’steachingmaterial.

6. SmallGroupDiscussionandPrayerTimeisanopportunityattheendofclassfortableleaderstoreviewhomeworkquestions,collectprayerrequests,andpraytogether.

Suggestion:Whentimeislimited,haveparticipantssummarizeprayerrequeststoonesentencesothateveryone’sisheard,theniftimeallows,gobackanddiscussinmoredetail.

Recommendedclassstructureinlargegroupsetting:

• Theclassshouldbedividedintosmallergroupsthatwillstayatthesametableseachweek.

• Eachtableshouldhavealeaderwhoisamemberofthechurchandhasbeentrainedtobeadiscussionleader.

• Thetableleaderwillberesponsibleforreviewingdiscussionguidelineswithtablememberspriortodiscussion.

• Tableleadersareresponsibleforpreparingaheadoftimeforfacilitatingdiscussionandansweringsmallgroupdiscussionquestionsduringclass.Thediscussionquestionsareaddedeitherattheendofclassorwillwebuiltinthroughoutclasstime.

• ThetableleaderwillalsoberesponsibleforcollectingprayerrequestandconductingprayertimeatendofBiblestudy.Thistimeisanimportantpartofdevelopingfellowshipandintimacywithineachsmallgroup.

WeeklyLifeAppsareadditionalresourcesthatenableparticipantsto“applytotheirlives”whattheyarelearningintheBookendsBibleStudy.Theyinclude:

• MemoryVerseBooklets–Providesmallbookletsforparticipantstorecordmemoryverses.Participantsareencouragedtousethebookletsformemorizingversesathomeaswell.

• SongLyrics–Distributelyrics(foundintheAppendix)fortheSongoftheWeekforparticipantstofollowastheylisten.

• PrayerRequestsBookmarks–UsedasbookmarkfortheBookendsbook,theseareforeachmembertorecordweeklyprayerrequests.Everytimethebookisread,participantsareremindedtoprayfortheirgroup.

• SmallGroupDiscussionQuestions–PrinttheseaheadoftimeforleaderstodistributeforBreakoutSessionsandDiscussionTime.


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INTRODUCTION

SESSIONONE

WELCOMEandPRAYER

Introduceyourselfandexplainwhyyouareexcitedaboutthisstudy.

1. SharehowGodcanusetheconceptsinthisbooktotransformyourfaithandincreaseyourappreciationfortheGospel.

2. Thisstudycanmeettheneedsofeveryoneintheclasswhetherit’stheirfirstBiblestudyorthey’vebeeninBiblestudiesforyears.

3. ThereisnothingmoreimportantthanfullyunderstandingtheGospelandwhatitmeansinourlives.

DiscussBUSINESSITEMSandANNOUNCEMENTS

Homework:

1. Weeklycalendar/assignments

2. Readchapterandcompletehomework

• Looseleafpapershouldbeinthebackofthestudyforanswersandnotes.

• Encouragestudentstotrytofinishallreadingandquestionsbutnottostressiftheydon’tgetitalldone.Encouragethemtopleasecomeregardless!ThisshouldbealowpressureBiblestudy.

3. BringBible!

LifeApps:

1. PrayerRequestsBookmarks–foreachmemberatatabletorecordweeklyprayerrequests,theseareusedasbookmarksforBookendsbook.Everytimeyoupickupthebooktoread,prayforthoseinyourgroup.

2. MemoryVerseBooklets

3. BreakoutSessions

4. SongLyrics–forSongoftheWeek

INTRODUCTIONS

Haveeachstudentsaytheirnameandwhytheyaretakingthestudy.

LEADERTESTIMONY

ExplainhowBookendshastransformedyourfaith.


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BOOKENDSILLUSTRATION1. Askparticipantstoimaginealltheactivities(books)we

balanceinourlives.(Astheyanswer,labelthebookswiththeiranswers.)Examples:

• ChristianGrowth:church,Biblestudy,quiettime,serving,sharingtheGospel,fellowship

• EverydayActivities/NecessitiesofLife:familyactivities,job,education,recreation,groceries,driving,laundry,cooking,householdchores

2. Theburdengetsheavierandheavierandhardertomanageasweaddmoreactivities.(Givebookstoanassistanttohold.Asthebooksgetmoredifficulttomanage,theywillfinallyfalltotheground.)

3. Weneedabookshelf/solidfoundationonwhichtoplaceourbooks!ThissolidfoundationisfoundonlyinarelationshipwithJesusChrist.WhenwereceiveChristasourSavior,wereceiveagreatfoundation(bookshelf)onwhichtoplaceourbooks.(Placebooksonashelf.)

4. Throughthisstudy,wewilldivedeepintoGod’sWordtobetterunderstandtheGospel–nomatterwhereweareinourwalk,whetherwe’veneverpickedupaBibleinourlivesorwe’vebeenaChristianallofourlives.It’simportanttounderstandhowdesperatelyweneedthisfoundationinourlives.NextweekwewilltalkabouttheGospelandwhyitprovidessuchasolidfoundationonwhichwecanplaceourbooks.

5. JustbecausesomeoneisaChristiandoesn’tmeanlifewillbeeasyorwithoutdifficultyinmanagingactivities.Inotherwords…justbecausewehaveanicebookshelfdoesn’tmeanit’seasytomanagethebooks.(Starttakingbooksofftheshelf,thenwobblethetable.Thebooksbecomeunstableandfall.)

6. Whatwouldhelp?Twostablebookendscanmakeallthedifferenceintheworld.ThetwobookendsareTheRighteousnessofChristandThePoweroftheHolySpirit.

• ThroughthisstudywearegoingtogainabetterunderstandingandappreciationoftheGospelandthefoundationaltruthsthatcomefrombeingunitedtoChristbyfaith.

• WewilllearnhowfaithinChristgivesusaccesstotheRighteousnessofChristandthePoweroftheHolySpiritandtheimpactthesetwobookendscanhaveonourlives.

• Wewillanswerquestionsthatweoftenaskourselveslike…(Readquestionsonpage16.)

MEMORYVERSE

Galatians5:1a–“ItwasforfreedomthatChristsetsusfree,thereforekeepstandingfirm…”

TEACHER’SNOTE:• Youneedavolunteerforthisillustration.• Use6-7thickbookswrappedinpaper.

GOINGALITTLEDEEPER…

Ontopofthedifficultyoftryingtomanageallouractivities,weaddasenseofguilt–guiltforwhatweshouldbedoingorguiltforsomethingwearedoingthatweshouldn’t.Wewillreadawholechapteraboutguilt.

1. Guilthandledtherightwayleadsustochange.

2. Guilthandledthewrongway…

• Pharisees-focusedonfollowingthelawandlookinggoodontheoutside,butwereoblivioustotheinternalconditionoftheirheart.

• Theguilt-ridenarepainfullyawareoftheirsinandimperfectionsbutkeeptryingharderandhardertobecomeacceptablebeforeGod.


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTERONE

FIRSTBOOKEND:TheRighteousnessofChrist

WELCOMEandPRAYER

1. Askifeveryoneisenjoyingthebooksofar.

2. Howdidthehomeworkgo?

3. Asifanyonewouldbewillingtosharethememoryversefromlastweek.

REVIEW

1. Lastweekweusedbooksasrepresentationsofalltheactivitiesofourlives.(Displaybooks/bookendsagain.)

2. Wediscoveredthatweneedagoodfoundation/shelf(savingrelationshipwithChrist)uponwhichtoplaceourbooks.

3. Justbecausewehavegoodfoundation/relationshipwithJesusChristdoesn’tmeanlifeisgoingtobeeasy.

4. WeneedtoleanonthebookendsoftheChristianLifewhicharetheRighteousnessofChristandthePowerandtheHolySpirit.

5. Wefirstneedabookshelftoplaceourbooksuponbeforewecanrelyonthebookends.ThereisnothingmoreimportantthanunderstandingtheGospelthatbuildsthefoundationofourlives.Thisisthesolidbookshelf.

LESSONONE

WhatistheGospel?

TheReality:Weareallsinners,whetherwelikeitornot.Romans3:23–“AllhavesinnedandfallshortofthegloryofGod.”

1. “Allhavesinned…”Whywouldsomepeoplequestionthis?

• “Iamaprettygoodperson…Ineverkilledanyone…Ifollowthetencommandments.”

• Howaboutinoureverydaylives?Unforgiveness,discontentment,selfishness,pride,judgementalism,jealousy,impatience,andirritability…Thelistgoeson.

2. “…andfallshortofthegloryofGod.”WhatdoesGodrequireofus?(Q#2)

• Matthew22:30–“YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,allyoursoulandallyourmind.”

• 1Peter1:15-16–“Buthewhocalledyouisholy,youalsobeholyinallyourconduct.”Beholyinallourconduct?

• Hebrews12:14–“Strivefor…holinesswithoutwhichnoonewillseetheLord.”

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Beforeyoubegin:

1. Writeversesontheboardforclasstolookupaheadoftime:

•Romans3:23and2Corinthians5:21inthereentirety

•ReferencestoMatthew22:30,Hebrews12:14,Isaiah59:2,1Peter2:22,Hebrews4:15,Matthew11:27,Luke3:23,Philippians2:8,Colossians1:22,Romans5:21,Galatians2:20

2. Selectafewpeopletoreadversesoutloudthroughoutteaching.

3. PassOutGospelProclaimingScriptureBookmarks

4. Songlyrics

TEACHER’SNOTE:HaveclassmembersfollowalongwiththeGospelProclaimingScriptureBookmark.


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3. Scripturesaysthatrighteousness(orholiness)isrequiredinordertobeinrightstandingwithGod.Whatisrighteousness?(Q#1)Neverdoingwhatiswrong,alwaysdoingwhatisright,andperfectlyobeyingGod.

TheProblem:

1. ThereisnoamountofgooddeedsthatcanrestoreourrelationshipwithGod.(Q#3)

• Romans3:10–“Noneisrighteous,nonotone.”

• Isaiah64:6–“…allourrighteousdeedsarelikeapollutedgarment(filthyrags).”

2. ReferbacktoRoman3:23–We“fallshortofthegloryofGod.”

• WhathappensifwefallshortofthegloryofGod?(Q#4)

• Galatians3:10–“CursedbeeveryonewhodoesnotabidebyallthingswrittenintheBookoftheLawanddothem.”

3. Whatdoesthiscursemeansforus?

• Isaiah59:2–“YouriniquitieshavemadeaseparationbetweenyouandyourGod,andyoursinshavehiddenhisfacefromyousothathedoesnothear.”WewillbeeternallyseparatedfromHispresence.

• Romans6:23a–“Forthewagesofsinisdeath.”

The GoodNews:

BREAK-OUTSESSION

1. Assigneachtableaversetolookupandread:Romans6:23b,Galatians3:13,1Peter2:24,Romans5:8,1Peter3:18(VersesfoundonGospelProclaimingScriptureBookmark)

2. Discussthefollowing:

• Whoistheversetalkingabout?

• WhyisitGoodNews?

3. Haveeachtableleaderreadverseoutloudandgiveanswersfromthetexttheyread.

PULLITALLTOGETHER

Summarizeclassinputtoanswerquestions:

1. Romans6:23b–“BUTthegiftofGodiseternallifeinChristJesusourLord.”GodgivesuseternallifethroughChrist!

2. Galatians3:13–“Christredeemedusfromthecurseofthelawbybecomingacurseforus.”

• Rememberthecurse?Whatarethewages(payment)ofsin?DEATH!(SeeRomans6:23a)

• ChristredeemedusfromthecursethatultimatelyleadstodeathandeternalseparationfromGod.

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Tableleadersshouldremindgroupmembersofdiscussionguidelines.

Haveeveryoneatthetableintroducethemselves.


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3. 1Peter2:24–“HeboreoursininHisbodyonthetree.”HepaidthepriceforoursinsbysacrificingHisbody.(Q#6)

4. Romans5:8–“ButGoddemonstrateshisownloveforusinthis:whilewewerestillsinners,Christdiedforus.”

• WhendidGoddemonstrateHisloveforus?Whilewewerestillsinners!

• DidHediebecauseIwasagoodperson?NO!HediedbecauseIwasasinner.

5. 1Peter3:18–“ForChristalsosufferedonceforsins,therighteous(Christ)fortheunrighteous(us).”

MEMORYVERSE

2Corinthians5:21–“Foroursakehemadehimtobesin(putonourfilthyrags),whoknewnosin,sothatinhimwemightbecometherighteousnessofGod.”

THECOATSILLUSTRATION

ImagineaMoralLedgerrecordingallofourgooddeedsandalloursins.

1. OurMoralLedger

• Sin–Wearecompletelysinful.Romans3:23–“Forallhavesinned…”

• GoodDeeds–Evenourmostrighteousdeedsarelikefilthyrags(Isaiah64:6).TheyarenothingcomparedtotherighteousnessofChrist!(Haveavolunteerputonthefilthyragcoat.)

2. Christ’sMoralLedger

• Sin–He“knewnosin”(2Corinthians5:21)(Q#6).“Hecommittednosin”(1Peter2:22).Jesuswas“ineveryrespecttemptedasweare,yetwithoutsin”(Hebrews4:15).

• GoodDeeds?–Heisperfectlyrighteous(Haveanothervolunteerputonthesparklywhitecoat.)

• HewasinperfectrelationshipwithHisFather.Whatdoesthatmean?Matthew11:27says,“NooneknowstheSonexcepttheFather,andnooneknowstheFatherexcepttheSonandanyonetowhomtheSonchoosestorevealtoHim.”Itisanexclusiverelationshipwithintimateknowledgeofeachother.

• Hewasperfectlyobedient.TheFathertakesdelightinallHisSondoes.WhenJesuswasbaptized,Godsaid,“YouaremybelovedSon,withyouIamwellpleased”(Luke3:23).

TheepitomeofChrist’sobediencewaswhenHehumbledHimselfbybecomingobedienttothepointofdeath,evendeathonacross(Philippians2:8).

THEGREATEXCHANGE

1. WhenChristdied,Hebecamesin.2Corinthians5:21–“Foroursakehemadehimtobesin…”

• Heputonourfilthysincoat.

• GodtookoursinsandchargedthemtoChristleavinguswithacleanledger!

TEACHER’SNOTE:

1. Youwillneed:

•Twovolunteers

•Onedirtycoatandone“sparklywhitecoat”

2. Writeledgeronboard:

US CHRIST Good Good Sins Deeds Sins Deeds


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2. 2Corinthians5:21–“…SothatinhimwemightbecometherighteousnessofGod.”

Isaiah61:10–“…forhehasclothedmewiththegarmentsofsalvationandhehascoveredmewiththerobeofrighteousness”!(Q#6)(Havethevolunteersexchangethefilthysincoatforthe“sparklywhitecoat.”)

3. FromthemomentwereceiveChristasourSaviorandputourfaithinwhatHedidforusonthecross,Godnolongerseesoursin,butseesChrist’srighteousness!

• ThismakesusacceptabletostandbeforeourHolyGod.DiscussColossians1:22–“Hehasnowreconciledinhisbodyoffleshbyhisdeath,inordertopresentyouholyandblamelessandabovereproachbeforehim.”

• QuotefromPastorJoeCoffey:“Christlivedthelifethatweshouldhavelivedanddiedthedeaththatweshouldhavedied.”

• JustasGodchargedoursintoChrist,HecreditstheperfectobedienceofJesustoallwhotrustinhim.

WhydoestheGreatExchangebringusGoodNews?

1. WenowcanenjoyanintimaterelationshipwithGodbecausethewagesofoursinhavebeenpaid!

• God’sgiftofHisSon,Christ,paidthepenaltyforoursins!SojustasGodchargedoursintoChrist,HecreditstheperfectobedienceofJesustoallwhotrustinHim.Christlivedaperfectlife-inGod’ssightitisasifwelivedaperfectlife.

• ThisnotonlygivesuseternallifeinthepresenceofourHolyGod,butwecanhavetheawesomejoyofhavingarelationshipwithHiminourdailylives!

• HowcanIbesureGodlovesandacceptsme?(p.16)BecausewhenHelooksatmeHeseesHisSonandlovesandacceptsmeasHisSon.

2. TheGoodNewsoftheResurrection

• AfterChristdied,Heroseagain!(Ephesians4)Hedidnotstayfullofsin.Instead,Herosefromthegrave,conqueredsinanddeathandregainedHisrighteousness.

• BecauseofHisresurrection,weasbelieversdonothavetoremainunderthedominionofsinanddeath.(Romans6:14)Thatisthejoybehindtheresurrection.

3. BecauseofHisdeathandresurrectionwearejustified.Romans4:25–“Hewasdeliveredovertodeathforoursinsandwasraisedtolifeforourjustification.”

• Whatdoesjustificationmean?Twowaysoflookingatit:(Q#7)

1) “JustasifI’dneversinned”referstothetransferofourmoraldebttoChristsoweareleftwitha“clean”ledger–alsoknownasforgiveness.Oursinshavebeenwipedclean.

2) “JustasifI’dalwaysobeyed”referstoourslatethatinnowfilledwiththeveryrighteousnessofChrist.BecauseweareclothedinHisrighteousness(Isaiah61:10).

• Howarewejustified?Romans5:1–“…wehavebeenjustifiedbyfaith”(Q#6)WhenweputourfaithinChrist’sdeathandresurrection,wearejustified.

• Whenarewedeclaredjustified?ThemomentwegenuinelytrustinChristasourSavior,wearedeclaredrighteousbyGod.Thisisaone-timeevent.


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HowdoweapplythisGoodNewstoourlives?

1. ReadGalatians2:20a–“IhavebeencrucifiedwithChrist.ItisnolongerIwholive,butChristwholivesinme...”

• Christdiedonthecrosstopayforoursins.

• WhenwereceiveChrist,webecomecrucifiedwithHim,dietoourownlife,andhavefreedomtoliveanewlifeinChrist.

2. ReadfurtherinGalatians2:20b–“AndthelifeIliveinthefleshIlivebyfaithintheSonofGod,wholovemeandgavehimselfforme”

• “Ilive”Justificationisnotonlyapastevent,butalsoadailypresentreality.Everyday,PaulrealizedhestoodrighteousinthesightofGod.

• “byfaith…”Faithinvolvesarenunciationandareliance.(Q#8;page28)

Renunciation–WemustrenounceanytrustinourownperformanceasthebasisofouracceptancebeforeGod.

Reliance–WemustrelysolelyonChrist’sperfectobedienceandHissin-bearingdeathasthesolebasisofourstandingbeforeGod

3. “Everydaywemustre-acknowledgethefactthatthere’snothingwecandotomakeourselveseithermoreacceptabletoGodorlessacceptable.”(Q#9;page29)WemustlookoutsideourselvesdailytotherighteousnessofChrist.

SONG

“InChristAlone”byOwlCity(“HereinthePowerofChristI’llStand”)

INVITATION

IfanyoneherehasneverplacedtheirfaithinwhatChristdidforthemandwouldliketotalkmoreabouthavingapersonalrelationshipwithChrist,pleaseletoneofusknow.Wewouldlovetotalkwithyoumore.

DISCUSSIONTIME

1. Tableleadersshouldhavesmallgroupsshareprayerrequests.

2. DiscussionQuestions:

• Asbelieverswhoarejustifiedbyfaith,whydowefallbackintorelyingonourownperformances?

• Howcanwestarttolivethisoutinourdailylives?

TEACHER’SNOTE:Printdiscussionquestionsaheadoftimeorwritethemontheboard.


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTERTWO

TheMotivationoftheGospel

WELCOMEandPRAYER

REVIEW

MemoryVerse:2Corinthians5:21–“Foroursakehemadehimtobesinwhoknewnosin,sothatinhimwemightbecometherighteousnessofGod.”

1. WhenweputourfaithintheredeemingworkofChrist’sdeathonthecross,weareclothedintheRighteousnessofChrist.

2. WhenGodlooksatus,HeseesHisSon.Becauseofthat,wecanhavearelationshipwithHim.WearenolongerseparatedfromHim.

3. DoesHeloveusbecauseofanythingwehavedone?No!

Ephesians2:8–“Forbygraceyouhavebeensavedthroughfaith.Andthisisnotyourowndoing;itisthegiftofGod,notaresultofworks,sothatnoonemayboast.”Thisbringsupsomegoodquestions:

1. Ifwearesavedbygraceandthereisnothingwecandotoearnoursalvation,whywouldwebemotivatedtoserve?

2. IfoursinsarealreadypaidforbyChrist’sblood,whycan’twejustgoonsinning?

3. Looktoscriptureformoreinsight…

• Romans6:1–“Whatshallwesaythen?Arewetocontinueinsinthatgracemayabound?Bynomeans!”

• Romans6:12-13–“Letnotsinthereforereigninyourmortalbody,tomakeyouobeyitspassions.Donotpresentyourmemberstosinasinstrumentsforunrighteousness,butpresentyourselvestoGodasthosewhohavebeenbroughtfromdeathtolife.”Wheredoesthemotivationtoserveand“presentyourselftoGod”comefrom?

LESSONTWOTheMotivationoftheGospel

Three-StepProcess

AgenuineloveforChristandthemotivationtoserveHimcomethroughthisthree-stepprocess:(Writetheseonboard.)

1. Anon-goingconsciousnessofourownsinfulnessandunworthiness(Q#2)

2. TheassuranceofforgivenessthatonlycomesfromthepoweroftheGospel(Q#2)

3. WhenwehaveexperiencedthetransformingpoweroftheGospel,werespondwithgenuinegratitudeandacommitmenttoGodthroughthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Beforeyoubegin:

1. Writeversesontheboardforclasstolookupaheadoftime:Isaiah6:1-8,Luke7:36-50,Acts9:1-9,Romans6:1,Romans12:1,Ephesians2:8,Philippians3:4-14

2. Selectafewpeopletoreadversesoutloudthroughoutteaching.

3. Songlyrics


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BREAK-OUTSESSION

ExplorethefollowingthreepeoplefromtheBibleandhoweachexperiencedthetransformingpoweroftheGospel.Thendiscusswhatthislookslikeinourownlives.

1. SinfulWoman-Luke7:36-50(Q#1)

2. HighlyRespectedJew–Isaiah6:1-8(Q#4-5)

3. Self-RighteousPharisee–Philippians3:4-14(Q#8-9)

PULLITALLTOGETHER

Aseachstoryisdiscussedhavearepresentativefromeachtablediscusstheiranswersrelatedtotheirdesignatedscripture.

TheSinfulWoman–Luke7:36-50

1. WhoinvitedJesusintohishome?(vs.36)

Simon,thePharisee(averyelitegroupofJewswhofollowedthelaw–veryreligious)

2. Whoisalsothere?(vs.37-38)

The“womanofthecity.”ItwasunusualforsomeonewithabadreputationtodareenteruninvitedintothehouseofaPharisee.

3. WhatdidthesinfulwomandowhensheheardJesuswasthere?

• Broughtanalabastarflaskofointment–veryexpensive

• StoodbehindHimatHisfeet–guestswerereclinedatthetable

• WeptandwetHisfeetwithhertears–outofthankfulnessandreverentawe

• WashedHisfeet–anactofhospitality

• WipedHisfeetwithherhair–hadtoloosenherlonghairwhichJewishwomenrarelydidinpublic

• KissedHisfeetandanointedthemwithherexpensiveointment–ahugesacrife

• Whywouldshedothis?ItwasanoutwardsymbolofherheartfeltgratitudeandaffectiontowardsJesus.

3. WhyisSimonthePhariseeupset?(vs.39–Q#1a)IfJesuswasaprophet,HewouldhaveknownthewomantouchingHimwasasinner.

4. HowdoesJesusrespond?

• Hetoldtheparableofthemoneylenderandtwodebtors.Oneowed500denariiandtheotherowed50.Whentheycouldn’tpay,hecancelledthedebtofthemboth.

• Heaskedaquestion–Whichofthemlovedthemoney-lendermore?Simonansweredthatitwastheonewhoselargerdebtwascancelled.Jesussaidthatwascorrectbecausethemoney-lenderwhoselargerdebtwascancelledhadmoretobethankfulfor,thereforelovedmore.

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Beforeyoubegin:

1. Haveeachtablelookupandreaddesignatedpassages.

2. Havethemfocusondesignatedquestionsfromthehomeworkrelatingtothepassage.

3. Reconveneanddiscussstoriesasaclass.


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5. HowdoesJesususetheparabletomakeHispoint?(vs.44-50)

• HecomparedthisstorywiththelovereactionofthesinfulwomanandSimon’sreactiontoJesus.Thesinfulwomanknewshewasaforgivensinnerandshowedgreatgratitudethroughheractions.SimonhadnowaterforHisfeet,nokiss,noanointingwithoil–noresponseofgratitude.

• ThereisaprofounddifferencebetweenthewaySimonandthewomantreatedJesus.Whatdoesthistellusabouthowtheyviewedtheirsinfulness?(Q#1b)ThewomanrecognizedhersinsandherneedforforgivenessmuchmorethanSimon.

6. WhatisJesus’pointintellingthisstory?(vs.47)

• Simonsensednoneedforforgiveness,soheshowedlittleloveforJesus.

• ThewomansensedJesus’forgiveness,therefore,shelovedmuch.

• Itisimportanttonotethatthewomanwasn’tforgivenbecauseshelovedmuch,butrather,shelovedmuchbecauseshewasforgiven.

7. Jesussaidtothewoman,“Yoursinsareforgiven.”(verse48)WhydidJesussaythisafterheroutwarddisplayofaffection?Hewantedtomakeherforgivenesspublic,especiallytheforgivenessofawell-knownsinnerinfrontofSimonandhisguests.

HowdoweseetheThree-StepProcessinthiswoman’sexperience?

1. Howcanwetellshewasconsciousofherownsin?

• Shewasobviouslydeeplyconvictedforhersins(frominitialencounterwithJesus).

• Shewasseekingforgiveness.

• Sheenteredintoapharisee’shousetoseek-outJesus.

2. Howissheassuredthatsheisforgiven?(verse48)ShereceivedassurancefromJesusthathersinswereforgiven.

3. Whatwasherresponseofloveandgratitude?(Q#3)ShewetandwashedJesus’feetwithhertearsandanointedHimwithexpensiveointment.

TheHighlyRespectedJew–Isaiah6:1-8

TheBackgroundofIsaiah

1. Wedon’tknowmuchaboutIsaiah.Whatwedoknow:

• Isaiahwasamemberofaroyalfamily.HewasthesonofAmoz,thereforehisunclewasAmaziah,KingofJudah.

• IsaiahisabookofvisionfocusedonthecharacterandpromisesofGod.

• JudahhadmovedfromdependenceonGod’spowertowardsunbeliefandjudgment.

2. ThefirstfivechaptersofIsaiahfocusesonJerusalemandJudah.Inchaptersix,heshiftshisfocustohimselfashedescribesavisionhehadoftheLord.

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Bepreparedfortoughquestionslike:“Whatifwefeelthereislittleforwhichweneedtobeforgiven?Doesthatmeanwelackappreciationandthereforlovelittle?

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Explainthatsometimeswehavetoreadalittlebeforeandafterapassagetofullygraspthecontextofthestory.


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TheText–Isaiah6:1-8

Isaiah6:1-3

1. Whenisthishappening?(vs.1)KingUzziahhadjustdied,“markingtheendofaneraofnationalprosperity.”

2. Whodoesheseeandwhereisheseated?(vs.1)TheLordsittingupona“throne,highandliftedup;andthetrainofhisrobefilledthetemple…”ThissuggeststheLord’sMajesty.

3. Hedescribesaseraphim(fieryangelicbeing)(vs.2).Whydoyouthinkhecoveredhisfaceandfeetwithhiswings?ThisindicatesthatevenasuperhumancreaturehumbleshimselfbeforeaholyGod.

4. “Holy,Holy,HolyistheLordofhosts;thewholeearthisfullofhisglory.”(vs.3)ThisdescribesGod’sinfiniteholiness.

Isaiah6:4-5–“Woeisme!ForIamlost;forIamamanofuncleanlips…”

1. HowdoesIsaiahrespondtoseeingtheLord?HowdoesheviewhimselfinlightofbeinginthepresenceofaHolyGod?(Q#4)

2. Whydoyouthinkhehadthiskindofresponse?

• BecomingmoreawareofGod’sholinessmadehimmoreawareofhisownsinfulness.

• ThemorewegettoknowGodthemoreweseeourownsin!

3. WhyisthissurprisingconsideringIsaiahwasveryreligiousandhighlyrespected?

• Hewasdoingalltherightthingsbutunderstoodthat“evenhismostrighteousdeedswerelikefilthyrags”!–Isaiah64:6

• HissituationwasthetotaloppositefromthesinfulwomaninLuke7becauseshewasaknownsinner.

• Eventhoughoutwardlyheseemedrighteous,IsaiahconsideredhimselfjustassinfulasthewomaninlightofGod’sholiness.(Q#6)

4. Weareallinthesameboat!


Theywereputtingtheirhopeinpaganpowersandfalseteaching.Isaiah3:8says,“ForJerusalemhasstumbledandJudahhasfallen,becausetheirspeechanddeedsareagainsttheLord.”

ThemessageofIsaiah:AlthoughtheLordbringsjudgement,thereishopeforredemption.

TEACHER’SNOTE:UsethestoryofJonahasananalogy.Jonahwashighlyreligiousandthesailorswereclearlysinners,yettheywereallsinners–allinthesameboat!


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Isaiah6:6-71. AsIsaiahwasrecognizinghissinfulness,theseraphimtouchedhismouthandsaid,“Behold…Your

guiltistakenaway,andyoursinatonedfor.”

2. JustlikethesinfulwomaninLuke7,IsaiahhadadeepconvictionofhisownsinfulnessandexperiencedtheassuranceofGod’sforgiveness.(Q#6)

Isaiah6:8

1. TheLordsays“WhomshallIsend,andwhowillgoforus?”

2. HowdoesIsaiahrespond?“HereamI!Sendme!”

3. Whydoyouthinkherespondedthisway?

• HerespondedbyofferinghimselftoGodoutofdeepgratitude.

• BoththewomanandIsaiah,wheninthepresenceofaHolyGodrecognizedthedeepgulfbetweenHisholinessandtheirsinfulness.

• WhenwehaveexperiencedthetransformingpoweroftheGospel,werespondwithgenuinegratitudeandcommitmenttoGod.(Q#6)

IsaiahexperiencedthesameThree-StepProcess(Q#6)

• AcuterealizationofhisownsinfulnessinlightofGod’sholiness

• HearingtheGospelthathissinswereforgiven

• Responseofgratitude,love,andsurrenderofhislife

TheSelf-RighteousPharisee

TheBackgroundofPaul

BeforetheGospel–Philippians3:4-6

1. BeforetheGospel,Paulhadeveryreasontobeconfidentintheflesh.Hewas…

• Circumcisedontheeighthday

• OfthepeopleofIsrael,tribeofBenjamin,HebrewsofHebrews–belongedtoalonglineofJewishancestry

• APharisee–consumedwithfollowingthelawbutdidnotacceptJesus’resurrectionortheGospel

• Zealous–butforthewrongthing.Hepersecutedthechurch.PaulthoughthewasdefendingtheholinessofGod.HedidnotbelieveJesuswastheSonofGod.

2. Accordingtoverse6,ifPaul’srighteousnesswasbasedonfollowingthelaw,whatwouldhebeconsidered?(Q#8a)“Astorighteousnessunderthelaw–blameless.”


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Paul’sConversion–Acts9:1-9

1. “Saul,stillbreathingthreatsandmurderagainstthedisciplesoftheLord.”(vs.1)

2. HewastravelingtoDamascustoarrestChristianswhenalightfromheavenflashedaroundhim.(vs.2-3)

4. Hefelltothegroundandheardavoice,saying“Saul,Saul,whyareyoupersecutingme?”Saulsaid,“WhoareyouLord?”TheLordreplied,“IamJesus,whomyouarepersecuting.Butriseandenterthecity,andyouwillbetoldwhatyouaretodo.”(vs.4-6)

5. HewasblindedforthreedaysandwasledintoDamascusbythosetravelingwithhim.AnaniaswascalledbytheLordtolayhandsonSaulsohecouldregainhissightand“befilledwiththeHolySpirit.”(vs.7-17)

6. “…Immediatelysomethinglikescalesfellfromhiseyes,regainedhissight,heroseandwasbaptized…ImmediatelyheproclaimedJesusinthesynagoguessaying,‘HeistheSonofGod.’”(v.18-20)Whyimmediately?Hewasgratefulforhissalvationandwantedtorespondingratitude.

AfterPaul’sConversion–Philippians3:2-14

1. ReferbacktoPhilippians3:7-9.“WhatevergainIhad,IcountedaslossforthesakeofChrist…Nothavingarighteousofmyownthatcomesfromthelaw,butthatwhichcomesthroughfaithinChrist,therighteousnessfromGodthatdependsonfaith.”

2. Accordingtoverses7-9,wheredoesPaulrealizehisrighteousnesscomesfrom?(Q#8b)HeunderstandsthathisownrighteousnessisnotameansofattainingarightstandingwithGod.ItisonlybytheshedbloodandrighteousnessofChrist.

3. WhatwasPaul’sreactiontotheGospel?ReferbacktoActs9:20.“ImmediatelyheproclaimedJesusinthesynagoguessaying,‘HeistheSonofGod’”

4. PaulrenouncedhisownrighteousnessandreliedsolelyontherighteousnessofChrist.HowdidthatfuelhisdesiretopursueChrist-likenessandserveGodwhole-heartedly?(Q#9)Philippians3:14–“IpressontowardthegoalfortheprizeoftheupwardcallofGodinChristJesus.”His“zeal”wasnolongermotivatedbyadesiretoearnGod’sfavorbutbyloveandgratitudefortherighteousnessofChristthatwasgiventohimbyfaith.

SummaryofPaul’sTestimony

JustlikethesinfulwomanandIsaiah,afterlife-changingexperienceswiththeGospeltheywerethenhighlymotivatedbygratitudetolove,worshipandserveGod.

TheApplication

AgenuineloveforChristcomesthrough…

1. FirstStep–Anon-goingconsciousnessofourownsinfulnessandunworthiness:

• Weallfallsomewhereonthespectrumbetweenthesinfulwoman,Isaiah,andthePharisee.Whereareyouonthespectrum?

• Weareallinthesameboat!Weallneedtoexperiencethesamethree-stepprocess.Forsome,thestepscomesuddenlyanddramatically.Othersexperiencethemmoregradually.

• Regardlessofwhereweareonthespectrum,weneedtorecognizethatweneedaSavior.

TEACHER’SNOTE:

ItisimportanttobrieflyreviewhowPaulbecameabelieversoyouareabletoshowtheimpacttheGospelhadonhim.


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2. SecondStep:Theassurancethatnomatterhowgreatorsmalloursins,theyhavebeenforgiventhroughHisdeathonthecross

3. ThirdStep:WhenweexperiencetheGospel,itmotivatesustolaydownourlivesoutofpuregratitude.

OurGoal:Weneedtointentionallybathourmindsandheartsinthegospeleveryday!

• “Preachthegospeltoourselvesdaily!!”–JerryBridges

• RemindourselvesofwhatHedidtoredeemusofoursinandgiveuseternallife.

4. TheResults:

• IncreasedawarenessofGod’sholinessaswegettoknowHimmore

• Increasedawarenessofourownsinfulness

• AdeeperunderstandingofthemeaningandapplicationoftheGospel

• AresponseofgenuinegratitudeandexperienceofthemotivatingpoweroftheGospel

Whatdoesthisresponseofgenuinegratitudelooklikeinourlives?

1. MEMORYVERSE:Colossians2:6-7–“Therefore,asyoureceivedChristJesustheLord,sowalkinhim,rootedandbuiltupinhimandestablishedinthefaith,justasyouweretaught,aboundinginthanksgiving.”

2. Aswehavereceivedthisawesomegiftofsalvation,howarewetorespond?WhatdoesitlookliketowalkinHim?

3. Romans12:1says,“Iappealtoyoutherefore,bythemerciesofGod,topresentyourbodiesasalivingsacrifice,holyandacceptabletoGod,whichisyourspiritualworship.”(Q#10)Whatisthe“therefore”therefor?InRomans,Paulspenttheprevious11chaptersteachingabouttheGospel.Inlightofeverythingheasjustsaid,Paul“appeals”toustorespondtotheGospelbypresentingourbodiesasalivingsacrificetoGod.

SONG

“MotionofMercy”byFrancescaBattistelli

DISCUSSIONTIME

1. AccordingtoColossians2:6-7,weareto“walkinChrist.”Whatdoesthatlooklike?

2. Romans12:1says,“Iappealtoyou,therefore,bythemerciesofGod,topresentyourbodiesasalivingsacrifice…

• Whatdoesitmeantopresentyourbodiesasalivingsacrifice?Page39inthebookrefersto“theentiretyofourlivesofferedcontinuouslytoGod!”

• Dowereallyofferourselvesasalivingsacrificedaily?WhatifwehavebeenaChristianformanyyears,orwe’vedoneamillionBiblestudiesandgrewupinthechurch?IsitmoreofadutythanajoyousresponsetotheGospel?


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTERTHREE

GOSPELENEMY#1:Self-Righteousness

WELCOMEandPRAYER

REVIEW

1. GenuineloveforChristandthemotivationtoserveHimcomethrough:

• Anon-goingconsciousnessofourownsinfulnessandunworthiness

• TheassuranceofforgivenessthatonlycomesfromthetransformingpoweroftheGospel

• WhenwehaveexperiencedthepoweroftheGospel,werespondwithgenuinegratitudeandcommitmenttoGod.

2. Withgratitudeandcommitment,weareto“walkinHim”and“presentourselvesasalivingsacrifice.”

• MEMORYVERSE:Colossians2:6-7–“Therefore,asyoureceivedChristJesustheLord,sowalkinHim,rootedandbuiltupinHimandestablishedinthefaith,justasyouweretaught,aboundinginthanksgiving.”

• Romans12:1–“Iappealtoyoutherefore,bythemerciesofGod,topresentyourbodiesasalivingsacrifice,holyandacceptabletoGod,whichisyourspiritualworship.”

TwoEnemiesoftheGospel

WhenwerelyonourownperformanceinsteadoftherighteousnessofChristforsalvation,twothingscanoccur:

1. Self-righteousness–WerespondtotheGospelbyrestingintheassurancethatweareagoodperson–“goodenough”toearnGod’slove

2. PersistentGuilt–WerespondtotheGospelwithanxietyovertheinadequacyofourperformanceandnotbeinggoodenoughor“worthy”ofHislove.

Inbothcaseswerelyonourownrighteousness,notontherighteousnessofChrist.

GospelEnemy#1–SelfRighteousness

1. Whatisself-righteousness?(Q#1)

• Wethinkof“snobs,conceited,holier-than-thoupeople.”Thesewordsareusuallyusedwhendescribinghumanrelationships.

• Whatkindofself-righteousnessarewedealingwithwhenitcomestotheGospel?(Q#2)Self-righteousnesstowardsGod.

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Beforeyoubegin:

1. Writeversesonboardforclasstolookup:Genesis15:6;Acts13:32;Romans4:13;Galatians1:6-8,2:16,2:21,3:13-14;Philippians3:9;Hebrews10:10;1Peter1:18-19

2. SongLyrics


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2. Whatdoesself-righteousnesslooklike?Typicalanswerstothequestion,“IfyoudiedtodayandGodaskedyouwhyheshouldletyouintoheaven?”wouldbe:“I’maprettygoodperson…IgotochurcheverySunday…IgotoBibleStudyeveryweek…”

3. Onwhatarethesepeopledependent?(Q#6)Theirownworksandtheirownrighteousness.

HowdoestheGospelchangeeverything?

WegobacktotheGreatExchange.2Corinthians5:21–“Foroursakehemadehimtobesinwhoknewnosin,sothatinhimwemightbecometherighteousnessofGod.”

1. WhatmakesusacceptablebeforeGod?

• WhenChristdied,Hepaidthepriceforoursinsbybecomingsinforus.

• Inturn,HeclotheduswiththerighteousnessofChrist.

• WhenGodlooksatusHeseesChrist–notbecauseofanythingwehavedone,butbecauseofwhatChristdidforus!

2. WhenweplaceourfaithintheGospel,thisnotonlyallowsustohaveeternallifewithHim,butenablesustohaveadailypersonalrelationshipwithHimandreceivethemanyblessingsthatcomewhenwereceiveChristasourSavior.

3. WhenwedependonourownperformancetojustifyourstandingbeforeGod,wearebeingself-righteous(asifwedeserveit)(Q#3),whichdefeatsthewholepurposeofChristdyingonthecross.

• Galatians2:21–“IdonotnullifythegraceofGod,forifrighteousnesswerethroughlaw(ourownperformances),thenChristdiedfornopurpose.”Anytimeweareself-righteous,wearetotallydisregardingwhatChristdidforus.

• Ifwecouldberighteous(inrightstandingwithGod)byouractions,thenChrist’sdeathmeantnothing!

BREAK-OUTSESSION

Galatians–Anexampleofself-righteousness

BackgroundontheBookofGalatians

1. GalatianswaswrittenbyPaultothechurchesofGalatia.Hehelpedestablishthesechurchesduringhisfirstmissionaryjourneyafterhisconversion(Acts9).Afterhisconversion,heimmediatelystartedproclaimingJesus’name.

2. WhatwasPaul’spurposeforwritingthebookofGalatians?

Galatians1:6-8–“IamastonishedthatyouaresoquicklydesertingHimwhocalledyouinthegraceofChristandareturningtoadifferentgospel–notthatthereisanotherone,buttherearesomewhotroubleyouandwanttodistorttheGospelofChrist.Butevenifweoranangelfromheavenshouldpreachtoyouagospelcontrarytotheonewepreachedtoyou,lethimbeaccursed.”

3. WhywasPaulastonishedwiththeGalatians?(Q#4a)

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Furtherdiscussion:Six“A”mazingBlessingsofGodonpage42–agreatlistofblessingsfromreceivingChristasSaviorandarelationshipwithHim

TEACHER’SNOTE:

HaveeachtablereadGalatians1:6-8anddiscusstheanswerstoquestion4fromthisweek’shomeworkbeforediscussingtheCaseStudyasaclass.


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• Theywerealready“quickly”desertingHim(Christ).Remember,itwasashortamountoftimebetweenthetimethathehadpreachedtheGospeltothemandtheywerequicklydesertingHim!

• Theywere“turningtoadifferentgospel.”Whatdoesthatmean?(Q#4b)

…PuttingyourhopeinanythingbesidesthehopethatChristgives.

…When“someoneproclaimsanotherJesusthantheoneweproclaim…acceptagospeldifferentthantheoneyouaccepted.”(2Corinthians11:4)

…“Aman-centered,performance-based,legalisticapproachtomakingoneselfacceptablebeforeGod.”(p.44)

4. WhatwasdifferentaboutthisgospeltheGalatianswereturningto?ItisimportanttounderstandthetrueGospelthatPaulpreachedbeforeonecandiscernthisdifferentgospel.ThebeautyofGod’sWordisthattheGospelisinterwoventhroughout,originatingintheOldTestament.Forthislesson,wearetakinganecessarytripbacktotheOldTestamenttodiscoverwhereGod’spromisesoriginatedandhowtheGospelunfoldswiththefulfillmentofthosepromisesthroughChrist.

TrueGospel

PaulpreachedtheTRUEGospelfoundinGod’sWord.HeproclaimedthatJesuswastheSonofGod(Acts9:20),“theChrist”(Acts9:22),thepromisedSavior(Acts13:32).

ThePromise:Acts13:32–“WebringyougoodnewsthatwhatGodpromisedtothefathers,thishehasfulfilledtoustheirchildrenbyraisingJesus.”

1. Towhomisthispromise?“Tothefathers”isreferringtoAbraham.IntheOldTestament,GodestablishedacovenantwithAbraham.Genesis17:7says,“Iwillestablishmycovenantbetweenmeandyouandyouroffspring.”ThispromisewasmadenotonlytoAbraham,buthisdescendantsaswell.Wewilldiscoverlaterthatweareapartofhisoffspringthroughfaith.

2. Whatkindofpromisewasthis?

• ItwasacovenantpromisemadebyGod.Acovenantisanagreement–apromisetokeepyourpromise.

• Itwasapromiseofblessing.Genesis12:3–“Andinyouallthefamilieswouldbeblessed.”Thisincludedpromisesofdescendantsandland.(seeGenesis15)

• Itwasaneverlastingpromise.Genesis17:7-9–“Throughoutgenerationsforaneverlastingcovenant.”

3. WhatwereAbrahamandhisdescendantstodoassignofthecovenant?Circumcision-CircumcisionofthefleshwasasignofthecovenantbetweenGodandtheIsraelitesandwasdonetodistinguishthosewhobelievedinGod’spromises.ThiswasapartoftheLaw.(Genesis17:1-14)

4. HowdidAbrahamrespondtothecovenantGodmadewithhim?

TEACHER’SNOTE:

RefertothebeginningofPaul’sministry,immediatelyafterhisconversioninActs9and13.


Forfurtherstudy,seeRomans9:4forthepromisedblessingstotheIsraelites:Adoption,Glory,Covenants(promiestosavethem),Law,Worship,Promies.(Reference:ESVStudyBible)


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• Genesis15:6–“AbrahambelievedGodanditwascountedtohimasrighteousness.”GodcountedAbrahamrighteousbecausehebelievedGodwouldkeepHispromises.(Romans4:3)

• ItisimportanttonotethatAbrahamwascountedrighteousbeforehewascircumcised.(Romans4:9-12)HewasconsideredrighteousbyGodbeforehecouldprovehimselfrighteousbyhisdeeds(obedience).

• Why?Becauseofhisfaith!

5. So,“…thepromisetoAbrahamandhisoffspringthathewouldbeheiroftheworlddidnotcomethroughthelaw,butthroughtherighteousnessoffaith.”(Romans4:13)

• Abrahamwouldreceivetheblessingsnotbecauseofhisdeedsorbecausehewascircumcised,butbecauseofhisfaith.

• Throughthisfaith,hestoodrighteous.

6. HowdidGodultimatelyfulfillHispromise?ThroughChrist’sdeathandresurrection!Acts13:32–“ByraisingJesus.”ThiswastheTrueGospel!

DifferentGospel

InwhatfalsegospelweretheGalatiansputtingtheirhope?AfalsegospelthattheJudaizerswereteaching.

1. Background:TheJudaizerswerefalseteachersfromJerusalemwhopreachedagospelofgraceplusworkstotheGentiles.AfterChrist’sdeathandresurrection,someconservativeJewishChristiansarguedthatinadditiontotheworkofChrist’sdeathonthecross,theGentilesshouldlivebytheJewishceremoniallaws(likecircumcisionanddietarylaws)asameansofjustificationbeforeGod.

2. Whythelaw?

• IntheOldTestament,GodgavetheIsraelitestheLawbecauseoftheirperpetualsinandcomplaining.HegavethemtheLawtopointouttothemtheirsin.

• TheLawrequiredobedience.TheIsraeliteswouldreceiveblessingfortheirobedienceandacursefortheirdisobedience.(SeeDeuteronomy11:26-28)RememberGalatians3:10–“CursedbeeveryonewhodoesnotabidebyallthingswrittenintheBookoftheLawanddothem.”

• TheJewsmadebloodsacrificesfortheirsin(referredtoasanatonement)attheTabernaclebecauseaccordingtotheLaw,“Withoutsheddingofbloodthereisnoforgivenessofsins.”(Leviticus5:11,17:11;Hebrews9:22)Ithadtobethebloodofaperfectanimal.Theythoughtthatthebloodoftheanimalswouldpayfortheirsins.ThehighpriestwouldcarryanimalbloodintotheMostHolyPlaceontheannualJewishDayofAtonementtomakeasacrificefortheforgivenessofsin.(Exodus30:33,Leviticus4:14,20)

• Therefore,itwasverydifficultfortheseJews,havingheardtheGoodNewsofChrist,toforsakethetraditionshandeddownfromtheirforefathers.FollowingtheJewishceremoniallawsbecametheirwayoflife–makingthemselvesacceptablebeforeGod.

• ThisiswhytheJewishleaderswerehavingahardtimeunderstandingtheideaofbeingjustifiedonlybytheirfaith.

3. BacktotheGalatians

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Laterwewilllearntheanswerto:“Ifourrighteous-nesscomesthroughfaithandnottheLaw,whydoweneedtoobey?”


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• TheJudiazersweretryingtoconvincetheGalatianstoaddbackcertaincustoms(“worksofthelaw”)tomakethemacceptablebeforeGod.

• TheJudiazerswereteachingthemthat“UnlessyouarecircumcisedaccordingtothecustomofMoses,youcannotbesaved.”(Acts15:1)

• Whycircumcision?AccordingtotheOldTestament,onehadtobecircumcisedtobelongtothepeopleofGod.(Genesis17:10)TherewasevenadebatebetweenPaulandPeteroverthis.(Galatians2:12)

4. WhatwasthisdifferentGospel?TheGalatiansweredesertingthetrueGospelthatPaulpreachedandfallingbackintorelyingontheirownhumaneffort(obeyingtheLaw)tobejustifiedbyGod.

PaulwaswritingtotheGalatianstoremindthemofthegoodnewsofChrist.

Galatians3:13-14–“Christredeemedusfromthecurseofthelawbybecomingacurseforus…sothatinChristJesustheblessingofAbrahammightcometotheGentiles,sothatwemightreceivethepromisedSpiritthroughfaith.”

1. WhatdidChristdo?Christredeemedusfromthecursebybecomingacurseforus!

2. WhydidHedothis?

• SothatinChristJesustheblessingofAbraham(beingjustifiedbyfaith)mightcometotheGentiles.GoodnewsisthatthroughfaithinChristtheblessingshavecometous,asGentiles.

• SothatwemightreceivethepromisedSpiritthroughfaith.ThisistalkingabouttheHolySpirit.(Wewilltalkaboutthisinthesecondhalfofthestudy.)

3. SowhatistheTrueGospelthatPaulpreached?

• PaulwastellingtheGalatiansthattheywouldreceivetheblessingsofstandingrighteousbyGod(theinheritanceofeternallifeandforgivenessofsins)throughfaithinChrist.

• ThepromisewasfulfilledbyChrist’sdeathonthecross.

HowdoestheTrueGospeldefeattheenemyofself-righteousness?

Galatians2:16–“AmanisnotjustifiedbytheworksoftheLawbutthroughfaithinChristJesus,evenwehavebelievedinChristJesus,sothatwemaybejustifiedbyfaithinChristandnotbytheworksoftheLaw.”

1. Howarewejustified?“Throughfaith!”(Q#5a)

2. WhatabouttheGalatians’worksandfollowingtheLaw?

• Galatians2:16–“Notbyworks.”(Q#5b)


InIsaiah,thereisprophecythatthisblessingwouldcometotheGentiles.Originally,thepromisewasonlyfortheJews…butbecauseofChrist…weasGentilesarepartofHisfamily.


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• Peter1:18-19–“Youwereransomedfromthefutilewaysinheritedfromyourforefathers,notwithperishablethingssuchassilverorgold,butwiththepreciousbloodofChrist,likethatofalambwithoutblemishorspot.”ThisiswhyHeisreferredtoasthe“LambofGod.”Hewasthe“Lamb”withoutblemishorspottobetheperfectsacrifice.Theshedbloodoftheperfect“LambofGod”gainsusforgivenessofoursinsandreconciliationwithourGod.

• Whataboutcircumcision?Galatians5:6–“ForinChristJesusneithercircumcisionnorun-circumcisionmeansanything,butfaithworkingthroughlove.”

• Hebrews10:10–“WehavebeensanctifiedthroughtheofferingofthebodyofChristonceandforall.”

3. Christwasourperfectsacrifice.ThebloodsacrificesseenthroughouttheOldTestamentwereforeshadowingofthetrue,onceandforallsacrificeofChrist.Hewasouratonement–oursinoffering.

MEMORYVERSE

Philippians3:9–“andmaybefoundinHim,nothavingarighteousnessofmyownderivedfromtheLaw,butthatwhichisthroughfaithinChrist,therighteousnesswhichcomesfromGodonthebasisoffaith.”

Howdoesthisrelatetous?

1. Whataboutoursacrificesandgooddeeds?WearemaderighteousbywhatChristdidforusonthecross–notbyanythingwehavedone.WearejustifiedbyourfaithinwhatHedidforus.

2. JustliketheGalatians,anytimewerelyonourownperformanceasameansofbeingacceptablebeforeGodortoearnoursalvation,wearebeingself-righteous.

SONG

“OnChristtheSolidRockIStand”byAvalon

DISCUSSIONTIME

1. ReadanddiscussLuke18:9-14(ThePhariseeandataxcollectorprayinginthetemple)foranotherexampleintheBibleofself-righteousness.(Q#9)

HowdoweknowthatthePhariseewasdependentonhisownrighteousness?“God,IthankyouthatIamnotlikeothermen…adulterers…Ifasttwiceaweek…Itithe…”HeassumedhisstandingbeforeGodwassecurebasedonhisobediencecomparedtoothersandhislackofscandaloussins.Anythingonourspiritualresumeislike“filthyrags”toChrist.NoamountofpersonalperformancewillevergaintheapprovalfromaholyGod.

2. Lookatthequestionsonpage49ofyourbook.Canyouidentifywithsomeexamplesofhowwecanbeself-righteousinoureverydaylives?(Q#10)

GOINGALITTLEDEEPER…SeeRomans2:29–“Circumcisionisamatteroftheheart.”


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTERFOUR

GOSPELENEMY#2:PersistentGuilt

WELCOMEandPRAYER

REVIEW

1. TwoCategoriesofSelf-righteousBelievers

• FirstCategory(Chapter3)–WerespondtotheGospelbyrestingintheassurancethatwearegoodpeople–“goodenough”toearnGod’slove.Faithandconfidencearebasedonourownperformanceorourlackofscandaloussins.

• SecondCategory(Chapter4)–PersistentGuilt–WepartiallyembracetheGospelbutconstantlyliveunderasenseofguilt.WeknowwearefallingshortoftheexpectationswesetonourselvesandassumeGodisdispleasedaswell.

2. TheProblemwithSelf-righteousness

• WerelyonourownperformanceasameansofbeingjustifiedbeforeGodandearnoursalvation.

• Wearenotrelyingonthefirstbookend–theRighteousnessofChrist.

3. GalatiansCaseStudy–Agreatexampleofself-righteousnessintheBible

• TheGalatiansweredesertingtheTrueGospelforadifferentgospel,puttingtheirhopeintheirownobedienceoftheLawtoobtaintheblessingofbeingrighteousbeforeGod.

• AnytimeweputourhopeinourownperformanceorsomethingotherthantherighteousnessofChrist,weareputtingourtrustinadifferentgospel.

4. TheTrueGospel

• Defeatstheenemyofself-righteousnesswhenwesolelyputourhopeinwhatChristdidforustomakeusrighteousbeforeourHolyGod.

• Galatians3:13-14–“Christredeemedusfromthecurseofthelawbybecomingacurseforus…”

5. MEMORYVERSE:Philippians3:9–“AndmaybefoundinHim,nothavingarighteousnessofmyownderivedfromthelaw,butthatwhichisthroughfaithinChrist,therighteousnesswhichcomesfromGodonthebasisoffaith.”WeneedtoremindourselvesoftheGospeleveryday!ThereisnothingwecouldeverdoornotdotochangeGod’sloveforus.

LESSONFOUR

GospelEnemy#2:PersistentGuilt

Whatisguilt?“Anawarenessofhavingdonewrong…accompaniedbyfeelingsofshameandregret.”(TheEncartadictionaryFamilyLife.com)

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Beforeyoubegin:

1. Writeversesonboardforclasstolookup:Genesis3:1-13;Ezekial18:30b;Psalms139:24;Romans2:14-15,8:1;Galatians2:21;Colossians1:13;1Timothy1:13-14;Hebrews9:14;1John2:12

2. SongLyrics


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Whatkindsofthingsdowefeelguiltyabout?(Couldbelittleorbig)

1. Thingsweshouldbedoing,butarenot–sinsofomission(readingtheBiblemore,prayingmore,readingtoourkids)

2. Thingsthatweshouldn’tbedoing,butare–sinsofcommission(drinkingtoomuchcaffeine,gossip,longlist!)

Whataboutguiltthatisnotjustifiedorhealthy?

1. Feelingguiltyaboutthingsthatarenotnecessarilybad.(Example:Spendingalotoftimeatchurch)orfeelingguiltyaboutsomethingthatisnotnecessarilyyourfault(Example:poorchoicesofyourwaywardchild.)

2. Whydoyouthinkyouarefeelingguiltyforthosethings?Examineyourownheart.IswhatyouaredoinginlinewithGod’swill?Areyoudoingitfortherightreasons?IfwhatyouhavedoneisnotinlinewithGod’swill,thenitshouldleadyoubacktothecross.

WhenChristiansfailtodealproperlywithguilt,wecanfallintoapatternofPersistentGuilt.Wefallintoafeelingofcondemnation–awareofoursinbutintentionallyorunintentionallyavoidingthesolution,whichistheGospel.

Whathappenswhenwesufferfrompersistentguilt?

1. Whenwesin,wefeelguiltynotonlybecausewehavefallenshortofourownexpectations,butwefeelthatwehavefallenshortofGod’sexpectationsaswell.

• Weallfallshort!RememberwhatwelearnedabouttheGospelthefirstweek?Romans3:23–“AllhavesinnedandfallshortofthegloryofGod.”WehaveallfallenshortofGod’sperfectstandard!

• ButtheGospelchangesthings.Romans5:8–“ButGoddemonstrateshisownloveforusinthis:whilewewerestillsinners,Christdiedforus.”BecauseofwhatChristdidforusonthecross,oursinshavebeenpaidfor,anditisHisrighteousnessthatweareclothedinthatmakesusacceptablebeforeGod.

• Whenwewallowinpersistentguilt,weleanonourownperformance(orlackthereof)tomakeusacceptablebeforeGod–insteadofontherighteousnessofChrist.Inaway,thisisaformofself-righteousness.(Q#1)

2. Persistentguiltalsoimpliesthatnotonlydowefallshort,butChrist’sdeathforusalsofellshortofitsintendedpurpose.

• ThepurposeofthecrosswastoeraseallourguiltandsinsowecouldstandrighteousbeforeourHolyGod.WhenwewallowinourguiltwearesayingthatChrist’sdeathwasnotenough–insufficient.WeareneglectingtheTrueGospel!

• That’swhyPaulwassayingtotheGalatians“IdonotnullifythegraceofGod,forifrighteousnesswerethroughlaw,thenChristdiedfornopurpose”(Galatians2:21).WemustrememberthatChristdiedandpaidthepriceforoursinssowedon’thavetowallowinpersistentguilt!

DealingwiththestrongholdofguiltgoesallthewaybacktotheGardenofEden.


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BREAK-OUTSESSION

TheFirstExperienceofGuiltintheBible

Genesis3:1-13–“…theserpentwasmorecrafty…hesaidtothewoman“DidGodactuallysay,Youshallnoteatofanytreeinthegarden?”...Thewomansaid“Wemayeatfruit…butnotofthetreeinthemidstofthegarden…lestyoudie.”

1. Whoisinthisstory?Adam,Eve,andtheserpent(FallenAngel,“Lucifer,”–Isaiah14:12-13)

2. WhatdidtheserpenttellAdamandEve?Theserpentsaid(v.4-5),“Youwillnotsurelydie.Godknowsthatwhenyoueatofityoureyeswillbeopened,andyouwillbelikeGod,knowinggoodandevil.”Isthisthetruthoralie?Perhapsafalsegospel?

3. Whathappensnext?“Shetookofitsfruitandate,shealsogavesometoherhusbandandheate”(v.6).Shebelievedanothergospel…andgaveintothetemptation.

4. WhathappensimmediatelyafterAdamandEveatethefruit?“Thentheeyesofbothwereopenedandtheyknewtheywerenaked…sewedfigleavestogetherandmadeloinclothes”(v.7).

5. Whatdoyouthinkitmeansthat,“Theireyeswereopened”?(Q#2)TheythoughtitwouldhelpthembelikeGod.Instead,theireyeswereopenedtotheirsin.

6. Whydidtheysewfigleaves?Theyrealizedtheywerenakedwhentheireyeswereopenedtotheirsin,andtheyfeltguilty.

7. WhatdidAdamandEvedowhentheyheardtheLordwalkinginthegarden?Howdidtheyrespondtotheirguilt?“TheyheardthesoundoftheLordGodwalkinginthegarden…themanandhiswifehidthemselvesfromthepresenceoftheLord”(v.8).Whenyoufindyourselfhiding,askwhy.Youknowwhatyouaredoingiswrongandyoufeelguilty!

8. HowdidAdamrespondtotheguilt?HeblameditonEve(v.12).Eveblameditontheserpent.Howoftendoweblameoursinonsomeoneelse?“Isinnedbecauseshemademeangry”Whodidthesinning?RememberEphesians4:26–“Donotsininyouranger.”

9. HowdidAdamandEveknowtheyhaddonewrong?Godgavethemaconscience.

WhatisaConscience?(Q#3)

1. Whatdoweknowabouttheconscience?

• Itisthe“instinctivesenseofrightandwrongthatproducesguiltwhenviolated.”(BibleCommentarydefinition)

• Everyhumanhasaconscience,whetherheorsheisaChristianornot.Itcanbeinfluencedbymanythings–media,upbringing,God’sWord,etc.

2. WhatdoestheBiblesayabouttheconscience?

TEACHER’SNOTE:

HavesmallgroupsreadGenesis3:1-13fromhomeworkquestion#2.Thenreconvendanddiscussthefollowingquestionsinitalics.


Godprovidedacovering(garmet)forAdamandEveinv.21.FirstevidenceintheBibleofGodmakingasacrificeofananimal(shedblood)sothattheycouldbe“covered.”


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• Gentileshaveaconscience.Romans2:14-15–“ForwhenGentiles,whodonothavethelaw,bynaturedowhatthelawrequires,theyarealawtothemselves,eventhoughtheydonothavethelaw.Theyshowthattheworkofthelawiswrittenontheirhearts,whiletheirconsciencealsobearswitness.”

• ItisevidentthatthatGodgavetheGalatiansaconscience—eventhoughtheGentilebelieverswerefreefromthelaw,theyshowedthatthelawwasstill“writtenontheirhearts.”

3. Itisimportanttonotethatourhumanconscienceisnotalwaysaperfectmoralguide.

• TheGalatiansstruggledwith“conflictingthoughts”abouttheirmoralbehaviorthatwouldeither“accuseorevenexcusethem”(Romans2:15).

• Asabeliever,GodgaveustheHolySpirittoremindusofHisWordandhelpusdiscernourconscienceanddeterminerightfromwrong.(Q#3)SeeJohn14:26.

WhatdidGoddesigntheconsciencetodoforus?(Q#3b)

1. Itsendsoffawarningsignalwhenweareabouttogoastray.DidEvelistentothewarningsignal?Genesis3:2–“Wemayeatfruit…butnotofthetreeinthemidstofthegarden.”No,shewentaheadandsinned.

2. Whenwesin,ourconsciencedeclaresusguilty.HowdidEverespondtotheguilt?ShehidfromGod.

Whenweneglectourconscience,wecanbegintoengageindestructivebehaviors.

Ineffectivewaysofhandlingaguiltyconscience(Q#4):

1.Useescapemechanisms–turntootherthingslikeTV,movies,sports,hobbies,evendrugoralcoholabuse.Thesenumbthepainofourconscienceandtemporarilymakeusfeelbetteraboutourselves,possiblyleadingintodeepersin.

2.Rationalizeandcreatedoublestandards–“WellatleastIdon’tdo…”,“Idon’thaveanyothervices,sothisismyonlyvice…”

3. Hidetheproblem–notseekhelpandtrytofixitfirstbeforefacingChristianfriends.

4. Usenon-biblicalconceptstocope–“Youmustlearntoforgiveyourself.”(Q#9)

5. Ignorethenaggingandbecomenumbtoit–Repeatedlyrejectingyourconsciencecaneventuallyincapacitateyou(Q#7).1Timothy1:19–“Byrejecting[theconscience],somehavemadeshipwreckoftheirfaith.”

Whatiswrongwithallofthesecopingstrategies?Whatisthedanger?(Q#6)

1. Themessageofthecrossisabsentwhenyourguiltishandledineffectively.ItcanleadyoufurtherawayfromthegospelandneglecttheGod-givenpurposeoftheconscience!

2. AconsciencewithouttheGospelonlyleadstomoreguiltandfeelingsofcondemnation.

TEACHER’SNOTE:

WewilladdresstheroleoftheHolySpiritinmoredetaillaterinthebook.

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Whatiswrongwiththisthinking?Wedonothavetheauthoritytoforgiveourselves.OnlyGodcandothat.Thiscouldpotentiallyleadtodelicatesubjectmatterthatmaybebetterdiscussedinasmallgroupsetting.


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OnlythelifeanddeathofChristcanbreakyoufreefromaguiltyconscience.

MEMORYVERSE

Hebrews9:14–“HowmuchmorewillthebloodofChrist,whothroughtheeternalSpiritofferedhimselfwithoutblemishtoGod,purifyourconsciencefromdeadworkstoservethelivingGod.”Hebrews9:14

1. Christwasourperfectsacrifice,theperfectLambofGod,withoutblemish–John1:29(RememberChapter3)

2. Whatpurifiesourconscience?(Q#10)WhenHesacrificedHisbodyandshedHisblood,oursinswerepaidfor,ourslateswerewipedclean–givingusapurifiedconsciencetostartnewandserveourGod!

HowdoyoumovefromthegripofpersistentguilttohealthyconvictionthatleadsustotheGospel?

Guilt-Conviction-Gospel-Repentance

1. Guilt

• Unhealthyguiltignoresthecross.AdamandEvehidfromGod.

• AcknowledgingyoursinandfeelingremorsefulishealthywhenitleadsyoutotheGospel!

2. Conviction–Ahealthyremembranceofoursinisablessing(Q#12).

• ThemoreweareinGod’sWord,themoreconvictedwebecomeastheHolySpiritremindsusofoursin.

• YoucanaskGodtorevealyoursintoyou,asinPsalm139:5–“Seeifthereisanyoffensivewayinme.”

• EvidenceofhealthyconvictioninPaul’slifeisfoundin1Timothy1:13-14–“FormerlyIwasablasphemer,persecutor…”Paulrecognizedhissin,buthedidn’tstaythere.Hedidnotstayinastateofself-condemnation.

3. Gospel

• TheGospelchangedPaul!Seetherestof1Timothy1:13-14–“ButIreceivedmercy…andthegraceofourLordoverflowedforme…ChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinnersofwhomIamtheforemost.”Convictedofhissin,Paulwentstraighttothecross.

• Healthyconvictiondrivesustothecross..Don’twallowinguiltandself-condemnation!Takeittothecrossandleaveitthere.Remember,youhavebeenforgiven.RememberwhyChristdied!

…1John2:12–“Yoursinsareforgivenforhisname’ssake”

…Romans8:1–Thereis,therefore,nownocondemnationforthosewhoareinChristJesus!

…Colossians1:13–“HehasdeliveredusfromthedomainofdarknessandtransferredustothekingdomofhisbelovedSon,inwhomwehaveredemptionandforgiveness!”

4. Repentance

• Oncewehaveacknowledgedoursin,wemustmovetoreentance.


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• TheBiblicaltranslationdefinition:is“achangeofmindaboutsinandaboutGod,whichresultsinturningfromsintoGod.”

• Turnawayfromyoursinandrepent/makeright.

…Ezekiel18:30b–“Repentandturnfromallyourtransgressions.”

…Corinthians7:10–“Forgodlygriefproducesarepentancethatleadsustosalvationwithoutregret,whereasworldlygriefproducesdeath.”

• Thismaybealoteasiersaidthandone.Wecouldbetalkingabouthabitualsinwehavebeendealingwithforyears.It’sonlybythepoweroftheCrossthatwecanturnawayfromsintolivenewlife.

SONG

“NotGuilty”byMandisa

SUMMARY

• TheonlywaytoescapethegripofguiltistoruntotheGospel!It’sOKtorememberyoursin,butdon’tstaythere!LetguiltremindyouoftheGospel!

• Remember:Guilt–Conviction–Gospel–Repentence.Wehavealreadybeendelivered.Hisstripeshavealreadyhealedyou!(Colossians1:13-15,Isaiah53:5)

• Whenwedothis,persistentguiltcanbetransformedintojoyfulgratitudefortheGospel!


Forin-depthstudy,seeWilcox’sinstructions.ItmaybehelpfultoprintforparticipantsforDiscussionTimeattheendofclassorforpersonalstudy.

Wilcox’sInstructions

PuritanThomasWilcoxdescribedsixwaystodealwithpersistentguiltbyshiftingourfocus.(Q#13)

1. ShiftyourfocusawayfromyoursinandontoChrist.Don’twallowinyourguilt!Takeittothecrossandleaveitthere.

2. ShiftyourfocustoChristourmediator.Hebrews9:15–“Therefore,heisthemediatorofanewcovenant,sothatthosewhoarecalledmayreceivethatpromisedeternalinheritance…”

3. ShiftyourfocustoChristcrucified,risen,andascended.Mark16:5-6–“Jesuswascrucifiedandrisen.”

4. ShiftyourfocustothegloryofChrist.Colossians3:1–“IfthenyouhavebeenraisedwithChrist,seekthethingsthatareabove,whereChristis,seatedattherighthandofGod.Setyourmindsonthingsthatareabove,notonthingsthatareonearth.”

5. Shiftyourfocusoffofself-condemnation.Romans8:–“ThereisthereforenownocondemnationforthosewhoareinChristJesus.”

6. Shiftyourfocusoffself-contempt.Remember,Pauldidnotwallowinhisself-contempt.Paulsays,“ButIreceivedmercy…andthegraceofourLordoverflowedforme”(1Timothey1:13-14).


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DISCUSSIONTIME

1. Readthetenquestionsonpage56andanswerquestion#8and#14intheStudyGuide.

2. PuritanThomasWilcoxdescribedsixwaystodealwithpersistentguiltbyshiftingourfocus.Whichofthesedoyoufindhelpfulandwhy?(Q#13)


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTERFIVE

LeaningontheFirstBookend

WELCOMEandPRAYER

REVIEW

1. BecauseofwhatChristdidforusonthecross,wehavetheRighteousnessofChristasabookendonwhichtoleanourbooks.

• ThereisnothingwecansayordothatwouldmakeusrighteousbeforeGod.ItiswhatChristhasdoneforusthatmakesusclothedintherighteousnessofChrist,sowecanstandacceptablebeforeourHolyGod.

• WhenGodlooksatus,HeseesChrist’srighteousnessandcanlookatuswithlove.Dowetrulyfeelthiswaydaytoday?

2. AswediscussedinChapters3and4,wetendtoleanonourownrighteousnesstogiveusconfidenceandhope.ThisleadstoSelf-RighteousnessandPersistentGuilt.

• AnytimewerelyonanythingbuttherighteousnessofChristtogaintheacceptanceofaHolyGod,wearebeingself-righteous.

• Wallowinginpersistentguiltisultimatelybeingself-righteousinsteadofrelyingonChrist’sdeathaspaymentforoursins.Itneglectstheverypurposeofthecross.Weneedtouseourguiltyconscienceandconvictiontoleadustothecrossinstead.

3. Guilt-Conviction-Gospel-Repentance

• WeneedtorememberwhatChristdidforus,insteadofwallowinginourguilt.

• LettheGospelremindusthatweareforgivenandoursinshavealreadybeenpaidforbyChrist’sblood!Andthenturnawayfromthatsin.

4. MEMORYVERSE:Hebrews9:14–“HowmuchmorewillthebloodofChrist,whothroughtheeternalSpiritofferedhimselfwithoutblemishtoGod,purifyourconsciencefromdeadworkstoservethelivingGod.”

5. OnlythelifeanddeathofChristcanbreakusfreefrompersistentguilt.Weneedtorecognizeourself-righteousnessandshiftourdependencebackontothefirstbookend–theRighteousnessofChrist.

GrowingintheGospel:ADiagram

Thediagrambelowisbasedonatimelinethatstartswithyourphysicalbirth.Ittrackstwo“awarenesses:”

1. YourawarenessofGod’sholiness2. Yourawarenessofyourownsinfulness

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Beforeyoubegin:

1. Writeversesontheboardforclasstolookup:Psalm139:24,Luke19:1-10,Galatians3:7

2. SongLyrics


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Atfirst,youareawareofneither.Butatsomepoint,duetotheworkoftheHolySpiritconvictingyouof“sin,righteousness,andjudgment”(seeJohn16:8),youbegintobecomepainfullyawareofboth.AsthisprocesscontinuesandthemessageofGoodNewsisrevealed—faithisawakenedandyoubecomebornagain.

However,astimegoeson,youbecomeincreasinglyaware:

1. Godisevenmoreholythanyoupreviouslyrealized2. Weareevenmoresinfulthanyoupreviouslyrealized

ThisiswhereyourawarenessoftheextentofthegraceoftheGospelmustalsoincrease.Thisisillustratedbythecrossinthediagrambecomingbigger—meaningthatnomatterhowholyyourealizeGodis,andnomatterhowsinfulyourealizeyouare,therighteousnessofChristisalwaysall-sufficientforyou.

AsyoubegintorealizeGodisevenmoreholythanweknewbefore,ifyoufailtogrowintheGospel,agapwillformatthetop.GospelEnemy#1willappearasyouattempttofillthisgapwithyourownrighteousness,asiftosay,“Iwillprovidemyownrighteousnessbecause,asgreatasChrist’srighteousnessis,itisnotquiteenoughforthelikesofme.”

Likewise,asyoubegintorealizethatyouareevenmoresinfulthanyouknewbefore,ifyoufailtogrowintheGospel,agapwillformatthebottom.GospelEnemy#2willappearasyouattempttofillthisgapwithpersistentguilt,asiftosay,“Iwillbearmyownguiltbecause,asgreatasChrist’sguilt-bearingis,itisnotquiteenoughforthelikesofme.”


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LESSONFIVE

LeaningontheFirstBookend

1. Althoughthischapteriscalled“LeaningontheFirstBookend,”amoreappropriatewordtouseisdependence.Whatdoesitmeanto“lean”ontheFirstBookend?(Q#1)Dependenceonthefirstbookendmeans“relyingon,trustingin,andplacingourconfidence,faith,andhopeintherighteousnessofChrist”(p.66).

2. Whatdowedependontogiveusvalue?Whatistheobjectofourdependence?DowereallydependfullyontherighteousnessofChristtomakeusacceptablebeforeGod?

3. TherearethreefocalpointsthathelpusshiftourdependencebackontotheRighteousnessofChrist(Q#3)MuchofthishastodowithourlevelofappreciationoftheGospel.

• Seeingourselvesasdesperatelylostsinners

• SeeingtherighteousnessofChristasall-sufficientforusdaily

• Seeingandrejectingourfunctionalsaviors

BREAK-OUTSESSION

ACaseStudyofZacchaeus–Luke19:1-10

1. WhowasZacchaeus?Thechieftaxcollectorandarichmanwhohadtakeneveryone’smoney.

2. Whatwashedoing?HewastryingtoseeJesus,butcouldn’t.

3. Why?Hewastooshort.

4. HowdidheseeJesus?Heclimbedasycamoretree.

5. Whathappenednext?AsJesuswaspassingby,Helookedup,toldZacchaeustocomedownoutofthetree,andinvitedhimselftoZacchaeus’house.

6. HowdidZacchaeusreact?(Q#5a)HehurrieddownandreceivedHimjoyfully.

7. Howdidthecrowdreact?TheygrumbledbecauseJesuswasgoingtobetheguestoftaxcollectorswhoweregenerallydishonestanddespisedbyeveryone.

8. Whywouldthismakethemgrumble?ThePhariseesthoughtthatifsomeonehadfellowshipwithasinner,itwouldmakethemunclean.

9. WhatwasZacchaeus’nextresponse?HecalledJesus“Lord”andimmediatelygavehalfofhisgoodstothepoorandrestored“fourfold”everythingtoanyonehehaddefrauded.

10.WhatwasJesus’response?JesusdeclaredthatZacchaeuswassavedandatruesonofAbraham.ZacchaeusreceivedtheinheritancethatonlyJesuscanbring.“FortheSonofMancametoseekandtosavethelost.”

FocalPoint#1:Seeingourselvesasdesperatelylostsinners

1. HowdoyouthinkZacchaeuswasabletoseehimselfasadesperatelylostsinner?

TEACHER’SNOTE:Havesmallgroupsreadthestoryaloudthendiscussquestion#5fromhomework.

TEACHER’SNOTE:DiscusshowthethreefocalpointshelpedZacchaeusshifthisdependencebackontotheRighteousnessofChrist.


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• BeinginthepresenceofJesuscausedZacchaeustorecognizethathewaslostandinneedofaSavior.(Q#5b-c)

• AsimilarreactioncamefromthetaxcollectorinLuke18:13(Chapter4).Theself-righteousPhariseewasthankingGodthathewasnotlikeothersinnersandbraggedofhisrighteousdeeds.Butthetaxcollector,knownforbeingdespisedanddishonest,recognizedhissinfulnessandbeggedforGod’smercy.

2. Whyisitsometimesdifficultforustoseeourselvesasdesperatelylostsinners?

• Wesaythingslike:“I’magoodperson.IgotochurcheverySunday,Ivolunteer,IfollowtheTenCommandments.”Wecompareourselvesto“moresinful”people,thinkingoursinsarenot“thatbad.”

• Wemaynotyethavebeenconvictedofacertainsin.Inthesecases,wehavenotcometotherealizationthatwhatwearedoinggrievesHim.

• Lookingatthelistonp.68remindsusthatweare“desperatelylostsinners!”(Q#8)Asinisasinisasin.“AllhavesinnedandfallshortofthegloryofGod.”RememberfromLesson2:We’reallinthesameboat!

3. WhathelpedZacchaeusrecognizehissinfulness?

• BeinginthepresenceofJesus.Thecloserwegettothelight,themoresinisexposed.(Q#7).

• Psalm36:9–“Forwithyouisthefountainoflife;inyourlightdoweseelight.”

4. Howcanwerecognizeourowndepravity?

• JustlikeZacchaeus–beinginthepresenceoftheLord.SpendingtimeinGod’sWordtoknowHimmore.

• WhenstandinginthepresenceofaHolyGod,ourownrighteousnessbecomesnothingmorethanfilthyrags.Werecognizethatnomatterhow“good”wemaybe,itistotallyinadequatebeforeGod.

5. Whatifyouhaveahardtimeunderstandingoradmittingyourdepravity?GenuinelyaskGodtoopentheeyesofyourheart.Prayscripture:

• Ephesians1:18–“…havingtheeyesofyourheartsenlightened,thatyoumayknowwhatisthehopetowhichHehascalledyou,whataretherichesofHisgloriousinheritanceinthesaints.”Whenwe“seewiththeeyesofourheart”theamazingblessingswehaveinChrist,webecomeawareofhowundeservingweareofthem.(Q#4)

• Psalm139:24–“Seeifthereisanyoffensivewayinme.”Ourtruedepravitywillbeexposedinthelightofhisholiness.

6. Whatdowedooncewerecognizeourowndepravity?

WeshiftdependencefromourowngoodnessbacktotheonethingthatcanbringusintorelationshipwithGod–therighteousnessofChristgiventousbyGod’samazinggrace.

FocalPoint#2:SeeingtheRighteousnessofChristasall-sufficientforusdaily

1. HowdoesZacchaeusseetheRighteousnessofChristasall-sufficient?


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• Inverse9,Jesussaid,“Todaysalvationhascometothishouse,sinceheisalsoasonofAbraham.FortheSonofMancametoseekandsavethelost.”

• WhywasheasonofAbraham?HemayhavetechnicallybeenanoffspringofAbrahambecausehewasaJew.ButinthiscasewhywasheasonofAbraham?Becauseofhisheritageorhiswealth?No!Itisbecauseofhisfaith.

• Galatians3:7–“ItisthoseoffaithwhoarethesonsofAbraham”(Chapter3).Acts13:32–“WebringyougoodnewsthatwhatGodpromisedtothefathers,thisHehasfulfilledtoustheirchildrenbyraisingJesus.”Genesis15:6–“AbrahambelievedGodanditwascountedtohimasrighteousness.”

• We,too,getthepromiseofbeingdeclaredrighteousbeforeGodbecauseofourfaithinwhatChristdidforus!

2. Zacchaeussawthathewasnotsavedbecauseoftheamountofpossessionshehadorhisheritage.Despitehissinfulness,theRighteousnessofChristwasall-sufficientforhimtobeaccepted.Itwasallthatwasneededforhimtobesaved.

3. HowcanweberemindedofthesufficientRighteousnessofChrist?

• RemindourselvesthatJesuswasperfectlyobedientasoursubstitute–ineveryareaofourlives(Q#9).Inareaswhereweseefailureandsin,Jesusprovidesaperfectobediencethatiscreditedtous.Example:Ifwelackpatience,Jesuswaspatientinourplace(p.70).(Q#10)Whatareyoulacking?Christlivedthelifethatweshouldhavelived!

• PreachtheGospeltoourselveseveryday.(Q#11)Firstthinginthemorning,praiseGodforwhatHedidforyou.Confessyoursins.ThankHimfordyingthedeaththatyoushouldhavediedandlivingthelifeyoushouldhavelivedsothatyoucanstandrighteousbeforeGodandhavearelationshipwithHim.

• MediateonGod’spromisesfromtheGospelinlightofoursins.(Examplep.71)

4. WhatisthebenefitofbeingremindedoftheRighteousnessofChrist?Itremindsusthat:

• Weseeourselvesasdesperatelylostsinners.

• We’vebeenrescuedbytheall-sufficientRighteousnessofChrist.

• IncreasesourappreciationfortheGospeldaily.

FocalPoint#3:SeeingandRejectingourFunctionalSaviors

1. Whatisafunctionalsavior?

• SomethingwedependonotherthantheRighteousnessofChristtosatisfy,fulfill,or“save”us–anythingweembracethatisn’tGod.

• Functionalsaviorscanbecomeoursourceofidentity,security,andsignificance.Theypreoccupyourmindsandconsumeourtimeandresources.Functionalsaviorsmakeusfeelgoodandsometimesrighteous.Forexample,parenting,servinginthechurch,etc.

2. WhyarefunctionalsaviorsenemiesoftheGospel?(Q#12)

• TheymakeusturnawayfromtheGospel.


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• Dependingonfunctionalsaviorsforhopeisidolatry.Exodus20:3–“Youshallhavenoothergodsbeforeme.”Functionalsaviorscontrolusandweworshipthem.

3. WhatwasZacchaeus’functionalsavior?Money,hewoulddoanythingtogetit.Hisself-worthdependedonhiswealth.

4. WhatdidZacchaeusdowithhisfunctionalsavior?WhenZacchaeusmetChrist,hesawthathisfunctionalsaviorwastotallyinsufficientanddramaticallyshiftedhisdependenceontotheRighteousnessofChrist.

5. Whatarewetodowithourfunctionalsaviors?(Q#13)

• Identifythem.Theycanbepeople,things,oractivities.Theycanbeharmfultoourbodieslikedrugs,alcohol,overeating,lackofeating.Ortheycanseemharmless,evengood,likefamily,friends,TV,sleep,caffeine,careers,hobbies,sports,relationships,possessions,acleanhouse,exercise,evenministry.Seefillintheblanksurveyp.73.

• Rejectthem!Oncewehaveidentifiedafunctionalsavior,rejectitbyturningourfocusbackontotheonlysourceofhope.

6. Biblicalexampleoffunctionalsavior:GodusedtheprophetJeremiahtowarnJudahagainstfunctionalsaviors.

• Jeremiah2:11-13–“Mypeoplehavechangedtheirgloryforthatwhichdoesnotprofit…Beappalled…beshocked…formypeoplehavecommittedtwoevils:theyhaveforsakenme,thefountainoflivingwaters,andhewed(chopwithanax)ourcisterns(tanksofwater)forthemselves,brokencisternsthatcanholdnowater.”(“Hewedcisterns”leadtobrokencisternswhichcannotholdwaterbecausetheyleak.)

• Functionalsaviorscannotbedependedupon!Theyleak,theyleaveusthirsty!

• DependingonafunctionalsaviorrequiresustoforsakeGod.NowonderJeremiahfindsthis“appallingandshocking!”(v.12)

7. Whathappenswhenwedon’trejectourfunctionalsaviors?

• Weendupleaningonourfunctionalsaviorinsteadofthefirstbookend.Functionalsaviorsareunreliable.Ifwetrustinbookendsthatareun-sturdy,theywon’tholdusupandwewillfall!

• Godknowsourheartandwhenwefallintodependenceonfunctionalsaviors.SometimesHe“mercifullyintervenes.Asasurgeonskillfullyremovesacanceroustumorbeforeitkills,soourmasterphysicianwillcutwayoursinfulattachments.”(p.74)

• HowdoesGod“mercifullyintervene”?Intheformoftestingandtrials–increasedphysicaldisabilities,disappointmentsinwork,beingdefraudedinabusinesstransaction.Hemayevenusemundaneexperiences–aflattireorlostluggage.Weeventuallyrealizethethingsofthisworldcannotgiveuseternalsecurity,identity,orworth.

8. Whatarewetodowiththesefunctionalsaviors?

• Wearetoidentifythem,thenremoveorrejectthem.

• ShiftourdependencebacktothelivingGod,thefountainoflivingwatersthatwillneverrundry.

• Dependonthelastingrighteousnessthatsaves,fulfills,andsustainsusforever.


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MEMORYVERSE

“Butlayupforyourselvestreasuresinheaven,whereneithermothnorrustdestroysandwherethievesdonotbreakinandsteal.Forwhereyourtreasureis,thereyourheartwillbealso.”Matthew6:20-21(ESV)

SONG

“Grace”byLauraStory

DISCUSSIONTIME

1. Whereisyourtreasure?Inwhatareyouputtingyourhope?

2. Lookatthefill-in-the-blankexerciseonp.73.Whichonedoyouidentifywiththemost?(Q#13)

• Oncewehaveidentifiedourfunctionalsavior(s),whatarewetodowiththem?Whatcanhappenwhenwedon’trejectourfunctionalsaviors?

• Currently,whatisGoddoinginyourlifetohelpfreeyoufromyourfunctionalsaviors?


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTERSIX

THESECONDBOOKEND:ThePoweroftheHolySpirit

WELCOMEandPRAYER

REVIEWChapters1-5

1. ThreefocalpointsthathelpshiftourdependencebackontotheRighteousnessofChrist:

• Seeingourselvesasdesperatelylostsinners

• SeeingtherighteousnessofChristasall-sufficientforusdaily

• Seeingandrejectingourfunctionalsaviors

2. Welearnedhowimportantitistoshiftourfocus…

• Offofourselvesoranythingwelooktowardstogiveusworth(functionalsaviors)

• BackontheRighteousnessofChrist

3. MEMORYVERSE:Matthew6:20-21(ESV)–“Butlayupforyourselvestreasuresinheaven,whereneithermothnorrustdestroysandwherethievesdonotbreakinandsteal.Forwhereyourtreasureis,thereyourheartwillbealso.”

• Whereisyourtreasure?Wheredoyouputyourhope?IsitintheeverlastingRighteousnessofChrist?Orisitinthethingsofthisworldthatwon’tlastforever?

• AsourunderstandingandappreciationfortheGospelgrows,ourmotivationtorelyonthefirstbookend(theRighteousnessofChrist)alsogrows.

• WeneedmorethanjustthemotivationtorelyontheRighteousnessofChrist.WeneedthePoweroftheHolySpirit!

LESSON6:ThePoweroftheHolySpirit

WhoistheHolySpirit?HeisamemberoftheTrinity–Father,Son,andHolySpirit

WhydidGodgiveustheHolySpirit?

1. BeforeJesuswascrucified,HeexplainedtoHisdisciplesthateventhoughHewouldnolongerbewiththemonearth,Hewouldsenda“Helper”thatwouldbewiththemforever.

• John14:16–“AndIwillasktheFather,andHewillgiveyouanotherHelper,tobewithyouforever.”

• John14:26–“ButtheHelper,theHolySpirit,whomtheFatherwillsendinmyname,HewillteachyouallthingsandbringtoremembranceallthatIhavesaidtoyou.

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Beforeyoubegin:

1. Writeversesontheboardforclasstolookup:John14:16;Romans8:11;2Corinthians3:18;Ephesians1:13-14,3:16;Philippians2:13-14;2Timothy2:1;Hebrews13:20-21

2. SongLyrics

GOINGALITTLEDEEPER…ForfurtherstudyoftheTrinity,refertoEphesians3:14-17–agreatrepresentationofthethreepartsoftheTrinity.


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2. Doesthispromiseonlyapplytothedisciples?No!Romans8:14–“ForallwhoareledbytheSpiritofGodaresonsofGod.”ThispromiseoftheHolySpiritappliestoallbelievers.GodsenttheHolySpirittoindwellinallthataresonsofGodthroughfaith.

HowdowegainaccesstotheHolySpirit?

Ephesians1:13-14–“InHimyoualso,whenyouheardthewordoftruth,theGospelofyoursalvation,andbelievedinHim,weresealedwiththepromisedHolySpirit,whoistheguaranteeofourinheritanceuntilweacquirepossessionofit…”

1. WhendowereceivetheHolySpirit?WhenweheartheWordofTruth,theGospelofSalvation,andbelieveinHim.

2. Whathappenswhenwehearandbelieve?

• “WearesealedwiththepromisedHolySpirit.”

• Whatdoesitmeantobesealed?(Q#2)Definition:amarkofownershipoftenusedbyancientkingstosignifyownership.TheESVStudyBiblenotesin2Corinthians1:21-22thatwhenwereceivetheHolySpirit,itcertifiestheauthenticityofouracceptancebyGodasbeinggenuine.(ESVNotes)

3. HowistheHolySpirita“guarantee?”

• Definitionof“guarantee”–afinancialtermreferringtothefirstinstallationpaidasapledgeoffaithfulnesstocompleteapurchase.(On-linedictionary)

• TheHolySpiritisGod’spledgetocompleteHisfinalredemptionofHispeoplewhenChristreturns.TheHolySpiritprotectsandpreservesChristiansuntiltheyreachtheireternalinheritance.

4. WhenweunderstandthetrueGospelandtheimplicationsofwhatChristdidforus,andwereceiveHimasourpersonalSavior,wereceivetheHolySpirit.

WhydoweneedthePoweroftheHolySpirit?

ThereasonsweneedthePoweroftheHolySpiritareendless.

1. Tohelpusintimesoftrouble(Helper)

• John14:16–“…HewillgiveyouanotherHelper.”

• WhydoweneedaHelper?John16:33–“Ihavetoldyouthesethings,sothatinmeyoumayhavepeace.Inthisworldyouwillhavetrouble.Buttakeheart!Ihaveovercometheworld.”

• Whatwillwehaveinthisworld?Trouble(ESVversionsays“tribulation”)

• Whatis“tribulation?”Definition–“grievoustrouble;severetrialorsuffering.”

• Whatotherkindoftribulation?Ephesians6:12–“Forwedonotwrestleagainstfleshandblood,butagainsttherulers,againsttheauthorities,againstthecosmicpowersoverthispresentdarkness,againstthespiritualforcesofevilintheheavenlyplaces.”

• Whatdowewrestlewith?“Rulers,authorities,cosmicpowers…spiritualforcesofevil”


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• WhatdoestherestofJohn16:33say?“Takeheart,Ihaveovercometheworld!”WhenChristdiedonthecross,deathwasdefeatedandthese“spiritualforesofevil”wereputtoshame.Colossians2:15–“HedisrmedtherulersandauthoritiesandputthemtoopenshamebytriumphingovertheminHim.”TheHolySpiritlivinginsideofusisgreaterthananyevilweface.

• Althoughdeathwasdefeated,westillfacetheday-to-daybattles.Wedon’thavethestrengthtofightagainstthesepowerfulenemiesonourown,soGodgaveusthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

2. Tostrengthenus

• RemembertheblessingswereceivewhenwereceiveChristasourSavior.(Chapter3)

• God’sgracegivesustheblessingofprivilegeandtheblessingofpower.

• Whatisthedifferenceinthetwocategoriesofgrace?(Q#4)

• Whatprivilege?TheprivilegeofbeingclothedwiththeRighteousnessofChrist.

• Whatpower?BecauseofGod’sgrace,weareblessedtohaveaccesstothePoweroftheHolySpirit!

• HowareweempoweredbytheHolySpirit?2Timothy2:1–“BestrengthenedbythegracethatisinChristJesus.”(PauliswritingtoTimothyhere.)

…WhatdoesPaulmeanby“bestrengthened?”(Q#3)“Strengthened”isa“passiveimperative”–indicatessomethingdonetous,notbyus.SoTimothyistobestrengthenedbysomethingoutsidehimself.

…Whatishestrengthenedby?“ThegracethatisinChristJesus.”Christ’sobedientlifeanddeathpurchasedeveryblessingGodhasforus!

…ThegracewereceiveisbecauseofwhatChristdidforus.

• WhatdoesitmeantohaveaccesstothePoweroftheHolySpirit?

…TheblessingsthatGodgivesusthroughChristaredistributedandappliedtousbytheHolySpirit.

…ThatiswhyPaultoldtheEphesiansinEphesians3:16,“BestrengthenedwithpowerthroughHisSpiritinourinnerbeing.”WearestrengthenedbythepoweroftheHolySpirit!

• Whatkindofpowerarewetalkingabout?Romans8:11–“IftheSpiritofHimwhoraisedJesusfromthedeaddwellsinyou,HewhoraisedChristJesusfromthedeadwillalsogivelifetoyourmortalbodiesthroughhisSpiritwhodwellsinyou.”ItisthesamePowerthatraisedChristfromthedead!

• HowdoesthisstrengthfromtheHolySpiritplayoutinourlives?

GOINGALITTLEDEEPER…ForfurtherstudyonhowJesushas“overcometheworld,”see:• Ephesians1:21–“Heis“faraboveallruleandauthorityandpoweranddominion.”• 1John4:4b–“ForHewhoisinyouisgreaterthanhewhoisintheworld.”• 1John5:4-5–“foreveryonewhohasbeenbornofGodovercomestheworld…”


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BREAK-OUTSESSION2Corinthians12:9-10

MEMORYVERSE

“Mygraceissufficientforyou,formypowerismadeperfectinweakness.Therefore,Iwillboastallthemoregladlyofmyweakness,sothatthepowerofChristmayrestuponme.(NASB“powerofChristmaydwellinme.”)ForthesakeofChrist,then,Iamcontentwithweaknesses,insults,hardships,persecutions,andcalamities.ForwhenIamweak,thenIamstrong.”2Corinthians12:9-10

• “Mygraceissufficientforyou.”TowhatisPaulreferring?ThegraceGodgivesyouthatblessesyouwiththepoweroftheHolySpiritissufficientforyou.Itisallweneedtofacewhatevercomesourway!

• “Formypowerismadeperfectinweakness.”Christ’spowercanbemostevidentwhenweareatourweakest.WhentherecanbenootherexplanationforyourstrengthexceptonlythatwhichcanbeexplainedbythepoweroftheHolySpirit!

• “ThereforeIwillboastallthemoregladlyofmyweaknesses.”Why?“ThatthepowerofChristmayrestuponme.”PaulisactuallyabletoboastofhisweaknesssothatthepowerofChristcanrestuponhim!(NASB–SothatthepowerofChristcan“dwell”inhim!)

• “ForthesakeofChristthen,Iamcontentwithweakness,insults,hardships,persecutionsandcalamities…”ChristisglorifiedwhenpeopleseeinyouastrengththatcomesonlyfromChrist.WhycanPaulbecontent?Withwhatdoyouneedbecontent?

• “ForwhenIamweak,thenIamstrong.”Whenwegothroughtrialsandweakness,Christ’spowerbecomesapparentinourlives.WhenweareweakwecanbecomestrongbecauseofthePoweroftheHolySpirit!

• JustaswemustlookoutsideourselvestotherighteousnessofChristforourstandingbeforeGod,wemustalsolookoutsideourselvestothepoweroftheHolySpiritforourstrengthtolivetheChristianlife.

3. Torevealhimselftous

2Corinthians3:18–“Andweallwithunveiledface,beholdingthegloryoftheLord,arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromonedegreeofglorytoanother.ForthiscomesfromtheLordwhoseistheSpirit.”

• Whatdoesitmeanto“beholdthegloryofGod?”ForaveiltoberemovedsoyoucanseeGod’sglory.(ESVCommentary)

• ItisonlybythepoweroftheHolySpiritthatourfacesbecome“unveiled,”thatweareabletoseeGod’sglory,andareabletobetransformed.OnceagainthishappensaswegettoknowHimbetterthroughthereadingofHisWord.

4. Tosanctifyus

Referbackto2Corinthians3:18–We“arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromonedegreeofglorytoanother.ForthiscomesfromtheLordwhoistheSpirit.”

TEACHER’SNOTE:Breakintogroupstoread2Corinthians12:9-10aloudattheirtablesanddiscussQ#5ofthehomework.Thenreconveneanddiscussthemeaningofthepassageonephraseatatime.


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• “Beingtransformedintothesameimage…”Whatisthisprocesscalled?Sanctification.AsourfacesareunveiledandweseeGod’sglory,wearebeingtransformedandbecomingmorelikeHim.ThisisdefinitelyaprocessandwillnotbecompleteuntilweseeHimfacetoface.

• “ForthiscomesfromtheLordwhoistheSpirit.”ItisonlybythepoweroftheHolySpiritthatwecanbetransformedinourdailysanctificationprocess.

5. ToWorkinus–TheHolySpiritappliesHispowerinourlivesintwoways

QualifiedSynergism–WhenHesuppliesuswithalltheenablingpower,butwedoallthetangiblework

• Philippians2:13-14–“ItisGodwhoworksinyou,bothtowillandtoworkforHisgoodpleasure.”(Q#11)

…Godprovidesuswithboththemotivation(thewill)andthepower(thework)toobey.ThePoweroftheHolySpiritrelievesusfromtheburdenofhavinginsufficientwillpowerandstrengthtoobeyGod.

…AsHesuppliestheenergy,withwhatdoesHeequipustodothiswork?

• Hebrews13:20-21–“NowmaytheGodofpeace,whothroughthebloodoftheeternalcovenantbroughtbackfromthedeadourLordJesus,thatgreatShepherdofthesheep,equipyouwitheverythinggoodfordoingHiswill,andmayHeworkinuswhatispleasingtoHim,throughJesusChrist,towhombegloryforeverandever.Amen.”

…WhatdoesHeequipuswithaccordingtov.21?“EverythinggoodfordoingHiswill.”1Peter4:10-11statesthat“Eachhasreceivedagift,useittoserveoneanother.”WeservebythestrengththatGodsupplies.(Q#11)TheseareSpiritualgifts.

…WhatelsedoestheHolySpiritequipuswith?FruitoftheSpirit...Galatians5:22-23–“love,joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentlenessandself-control.”ItisonlybythepoweroftheHolySpiritthatwecanhaveanyofthesequalities.

…WhatdoesHeequipusfor?TodoHiswill(Hebrews13:21)

…WhatisHiswill?ToProclaimHisWord(Acts1:8–“YouwillreceivepowerwhentheHolySpirithascomeuponyou,andyouwillbemywitnesses…totheendsoftheearth.”)andtoGlorifyHim(1Peter4:11–“WeservewiththestrengthGodsupplies…inorderthatineverythingGodmaybeglorified…”)

MonergisticWork–WhentheHolySpirithelpsusaccomplishHisagendaforourownspiritualgrowthwithoutoureffortandsometimesinspiteofoureffort–sometimestoaccomplishthingsthatareonHisagenda.

• WhataresomeessentialsofourChristiangrowthagendathatareonlybythepoweroftheHolySpirit?(Q#12)

…HisworkbeginswhenHegivesusnewlifebycausingustobebornagain.(John3:5talksaboutbeing“bornoftheSpirit.”)WearejustifiedwhenwefirstplaceourfaithinwhatChristdidforus(justification).WearesealedwiththeHolySpirit

TEACHER’SNOTE:Refertopages86-91forfurtherexplanationoftheSpirit’sMonergisticandSynergisticwork.(Q#10)


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…Theprocessofrecognizingoursin,goingtotheGospelofgrace,andthenrespondingwithgratitude

…RepentanceandhavingFaith–Acts11:18,Ephesians2:8

…Obey–Ezekiel36:27

…MotivationtobelikeChrist

…Assuranceofoursalvation–Romans8:16–“TheSpirithimselfbearswitness…thatweareChildrenofGod.”

• OnlybythepoweroftheHolySpiritcanwelivetheChristianLife,repent,havefaith,obey,havethemotivationtobelikeChrist,andbeassuredthatwearechildrenofGod(p.88-89).

SometimesitisdifficulttounderstandwheretodrawthelinebetweenthePoweroftheHolySpiritandoureffort.Theauthorsrefertothisas“TheSeamlessApplicationofMonergismandSynergism.”Thebestexplanationofthisisthat“Wearetoworkandapplyourselveswithutmostseriousnessandvigilance;butwe’retodosowiththerecognitionthatGodprovidesusthemotivationandthepowertoobey”(p.87-88).

Whatisourrole?

JustlikewiththeFirstBookendwithourrenunciationandreliance,weneedtorenounceallconfidenceinourownpowerandthencompletelyrelyonthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

1. Wedon’tmerelyneedthehelpoftheHolySpirittodothis–wemustbeenabled.

2. WeneedtoacknowledgethatonourownwearehelplessandthenembracerelianceonthepoweroftheHolySpirit!

TheSovereigntyoftheHolySpirit

1. GodisincontrolandHemanifestsHimselfthroughthepoweroftheHolySpiritaccordingtoHisowntiming!(Q#8)

2. WhydowesometimesfeelliketheHolySpiritisnotempoweringuswhenwewantHimto?(Q#9)

• MaybeitistoremindusthatwithoutHisenablingpower,wecan’tfightsin,growincharacter,orministereffectively.Itdrivesusbacktothecrossandremindsusthatnomatterwhatareinadequacyis,westandacceptedbeforeGodbecauseoftheRighteousnessofChrist–notbecauseofourownability.

• OthertimesHedramaticallymanifestsHimselfthroughuswhenwearemadefullyawareofourownweaknessandability.

SUMMARY

WecannotlivethelifethatGodcalledustowithouttheRighteousnessofChristandthePoweroftheHolySpirit.Thatiswhythisbookiscalled“TheBookendsoftheChristianLife.”

TEACHER’SNOTE:Seepage89foragreatexplanationofthisprocess.TheHeidelbergCatechismisstructuredaroundthree“G”s:OurGuilt,God’sGrace,OurresponseofGratitude.(Q#13)


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1. Bothare“blood-bought,life-changingfountainsofgrace-blessingsbeyondmeasure”sothatGodgetsalltheglory.(p.92)

2. Whatisthedifferencebetweenthem?(Q#14)

• TheRighteousnessofChristcanneverbechanged.BecauseofwhatChristdidforus,nothingcouldevermakeusmorerighteousorlessrighteousinourstandingbeforeGod.

• ThePoweroftheHolySpiritisalwaysinprocess.ItcanneverbefinishedandcompleteinourlifeuntilweseeHimfacetoface.WhenwereceivetheHolySpirit,wemustrespondtoitanddependonit.

SONG

“InMe”byCastingCrowns

DISCUSSIONTIME

DescribeatimeinyourlifewhenyouhaveexperiencedthePoweroftheHolySpiritandyouknowthereisnootherexplanationfortheworkthatwasdoneinyourlife.Discussquestions1,6,and7fromthehomework.


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTERSEVEN

DependentResponsibility

WELCOMEandPRAYER

REVIEW

1. WhenwereceiveChristasourpersonalSavior,wereceivemanyblessingsthatcometousbyHisgrace.WearenotonlyblessedwiththeprivilegesthatcomewithbeingclothedintherighteousnessofChrist,butwehavetheblessingofbeingstrengthenedbythepoweroftheHolySpirit.

• 2Timothy2:1says,“BestrengthenedbythegracethatisinChristJesus.”Wearestrengthenedbysomethingoutsideourselves–thePoweroftheHolySpirit.

• TheblessingsthatGodgivesusthatareinChristbecauseofwhatHedidforusaredistributedandappliedtousbytheHolySpirit.

2. GoddistributesHisblessingstousthroughtheHolySpirit:tohelpus,strengthenus,revealHimselftous,sanctifyus,andworkinustoaccomplishHispurpose.

3. HowdoesthestrengthfromtheHolySpiritplayoutinourlives?

• MEMORYVERSE:2Corinthians12:9-10–“Mygraceissufficientforyou,formypowerismadeperfectinweakness.Therefore,Iwillboastallthemoregladlyofmyweakness,sothatthepowerofChristmayrestuponme.ForthesakeofChrist,then,Iamcontentwithweaknesses,insults,hardships,persecutions,andcalamities.ForwhenIamweak,thenIamstrong.”

• SometimesitisthroughtrialsandweaknessthatChrist’spowerbecomesmostapparentinourlives.Whenweareweak,thepoweroftheHolySpiritcanmakeusstrong.

• Nomatterwhatwearedoing,whetheritbestrugglingorservingGod,noneofitispossiblewithoutthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

4. JustaswemustlookoutsideourselvestotherighteousnessofChristtostandbeforeGod(FirstBookend),wemustalsolookoutsideourselvestothepoweroftheHolySpiritforstrengthtolivetheChristianlife.

5. WhenwereceivetheHolySpirit,wemustrespondtoHimanddependonHim.

LESSON7:DependentResponsibility

1. InrespondingtotheworkoftheHolySpirit,wheredowedrawthelinebetweenwhatweareresponsiblefor,andbeingtotallydependentonHispower?

2. Whatdoes“dependentresponsibility”mean?Wearebothdependentandresponsible:

• Thedictionarydefinitionofdependentis“toexistbyvirtueofanecessaryrelation.”

• WeareresponsibleforbeingdependentonHimforeverything!

TEACHER’SNOTE:

Beforeyoubegin:

1. Writeversesontheboardforclasstolookup:Matthew6:33;Ephesians1:17-18;1:19;2Timothy3:16;Hebrews4:12

2.MemoryVerse:John15:5

3. SongLyrics


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BREAK-OUTSESSION

2Timothy2:15andColossians1:29

Whatdoes“dependentresponsibility”looklikeinGod’sWord?

1. 2Timothy2:15–“DoyourbesttopresentyourselftoGodasoneapproved,aworkerwhohasnoneedtobeashamed.”

• Whatdoesitmeanto“doyourbest?”

• Page96–“Bediligent”or“Makeeveryeffort.”Timothy’sdependenceontheSpiritdidnottakeawayhisresponsibilitytoworkhardwiththegiftsGodgavehim.

• WearetoworkdiligentlyatourChristiangrowthwiththeassurancethatGodisatworkinus.

2. Colossians1:29–“ForthisItoil,strugglingwithallHisenergythatHepowerfullyworkswithinme.”(Q#1)

• Whatdoestoilmean?“Labortothepointofexhaustion”

• Whatdoesstrugglingmean?AGreekwordwhoseEnglishdefinitionis“toagonize.”

• PaulworkedhardonhismissionaryjourneytoproclaimtheGospelandbeallthatGodintendedhimtobe.

• WithwhoseenergydidPaulstruggle?God’senergyworkedpowerfullywithinPaulandworkspowerfullyinus.Ephesians1:19–“AndwhatistheimmeasurablegreatnessofHispowertowarduswhobelieve,accordingtotheworkingofHisgreatmight.”

3. TheHolySpirit’sroleisnottomakeourownenergyunnecessary,butrather,effective.

DependentResponsibilityinourefforttogrowinChrist-likeness

1. ForwhatdoesGod’sWordsayweareresponsible?

• Colossians3:12-14–Godcallsusto“Puton…compassionatehearts,kindness,humility,meekness,andpatience,bearingwithoneanother…forgivingeachother…”

• Galatians5:16,22-23–FruitoftheSpirit–“WalkbytheSpirit”

• Seep.97forotherversesthatrefertomoreresponsibilities:“Watchandpray,”“Besteadfast,”“Trainourselves,”“Makeeveryeffort”togrowinChristiancharacter.

2. Whatdowenoticeabouttheverbslistedabove?

• Theyaremoralimperatives,actionstatements,directcommands–notsuggestions.

• Commandsfromwhom?1Thessalonians4:3a–“ForthisisthewillofGod,yoursanctification…”PaulistalkingtotheThessaloniansaboutthewillofGod–oursanctification–tomakeusmorelikeHim!

3. AllofthemoralimperativesfoundinGod’sWordarenotjustgoodadvice.Theyaredirectcommandsfromthecreatoroftheuniverse–theverywillofGod.

TEACHER’SNOTE:Havesmallgroupsreadversesanddiscusswhadependentresponsibilitylookslikeinscripture.


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4. WhydowesometimesglossoverthesedirectcommandsfromGod?WemightnotlikewhatGodisaskingustodobecausesometimesitishardtofollowHiscommands.Howdoweglossover?Beingselectiveofwhatweshouldandshouldnotobeyinscripture.

5. LookbackatGalatians5:16,22-23–“WalkbytheSpirit…”TheonlywaywecandowhatGodiscallingustodoisbythepoweroftheHolySpirit.ItgoesontomentiontheFruitoftheHolySpiritinverses22-23(“love,joy,peace,patience….”).Itisoftendifficultandsometimesnearlyimpossibletohavethesequalities.WemustremembertheyareonlydisplayedinourlivesthroughtheHolySpirit.

6. GodhasgivenusmanycommandsinHisWord.ItisimportanttorememberthatthisiswhyHegaveustheenablingpoweroftheHolySpirit.

7. ItisourresponsibilitytowalkinobediencewiththewillofGodandtoworkwith100%ofoureffortwiththegiftsHehasgivenus.Atthesametime,wearetobe100%dependentontheHolySpirittoenableusandmakeourworkeffective.Theharderwework,themorewedependonthepoweroftheHolySpirit.(Q#2)

MeansofGrace

1. Whatdoesthismean?

• GodusesdifferentinstrumentstostrengthenusbyHisgrace.

• WehavetheresponsibilitytorespondtothisgracethroughSpiritualDisciplines.

• ThroughpracticingtheSpiritualDisciplineswegainaccesstoHisgrace.(Q#3)

2. Twoimportanttruths(Q#4)

• Spiritualdisciplinesarenotthesourceofspiritualpower,theyareHisinstrumentstotransmitHispower.

• Thepracticeofdisciplinedoesn’tearnusfavor.(ChristdidthatforuswhenHediedonthecross.)Wecan’tfallintolegalisticthinking–thatsomehowthesedisciplineswillmakeusmorerighteous.

SpiritualDisciplinesWeshouldnotlookatcultivatingourrelationshipwithGodasalistofdo’sanddon’ts.WehavearesponsibilitytorespondtothemeansofgracetheSpiritprovidestodrawusclosertoHim. DailyCommunionwithGod(QuietTime)

1. WhydoaQuietTime?

• ItfacilitatesfellowshipwithGod.

• HecallsustospendtimewithHim.1Corinthians1:9–“Godisfaithful,bywhomyouwerecalledintofellowship…”

2. WhatdoesfellowshipwithGodlooklikeinGod’sWord?

• MEMORYVERSE:John15:5–“Iamthevine;youarethebranches.WhoeverabidesinmeandIinhim,heitisthatbearsmuchfruit,forapartfrommeyoucandonothing.”(ESVnotes:“‘Abideinme’meanstocontinueinadaily,personalrelationshipwithJesuscharacterizedbytrust,prayer,obedience,andjoy.”WeneedtorecognizethatapartfromHim,wecandonothingofexternalvalue.)


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• Matthew6:33–“SeekfirstthekingdomofGodandHisrighteousness,andallthesethingswillbeaddedtoyou.”AsweseektoknowHimmore,ourknowledgeofHimincreases.AsourknowledgeofHimincreases,themorewewanttospendtimewithHim.

• Psalm63–“OGod,youaremyGod;earnestlyIseekyou,mysoulthirstsforyou.”Whenyoulovesomeone,youwanttospendmoretimewithhim,DowetrulydesiretobewithHim?

3. ExamplesofQuietTime:Biblereading,praying,journaling,listeningtopraisemusic,etc.

4. ImportanttonoteaboutspendingtimeinGod’sWord:

• OtherwayswespendtimewithGodcannotsubstituteforbeingintheWord.

• Therewillbeseasonswherethisisverydifficult.Whenthishappens,dowhateverittakestoremindyourselfofGod’sWordthroughouttheday,suchaskeepingtheBibleopenonthekitchencounter,postingBibleversesalloverthehouseorinthecar…

• Itisimportanttonotjustgothroughthemotions.Weneedtotaketimetoprayoverandreflectonwhatwe’veread.

• PraywhatPaulprayedfortheEphesians:Ephesians1:17,18–“TheGodofourLordJesusChrist,theFatherofglory,maygiveyouaspiritofwisdomandofrevelationintheknowledgeofHim,havingtheeyesofyourheartsenlightened,thatyoumayknowwhatisthehopetowhichHehascalledyou.”

• Prayforwisdomandenlightenment.AskHimtorevealwhatHewantsyoutolearn.TaketimetobequietandlistentowhatHemayhavetosaytoyou.

WhataretheessentialaspectsofdailycommunionwithGod?

1. TheGospel

• WhytheGospel?Itistheprimaryinstrumentofspiritualtransformation!

• 2Corinthians3:18–“Andweall,withunveiledface,beholdingthegloryoftheLord,arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromonedegreeofglorytoanother.ForthiscomesfromtheLordwhoistheSpirit.”

• HowdowebeholdthegloryofGod?(Q#6)TheHolySpirithelpsusunderstandtheGospelby“liftingtheveil.”WhenweunderstandtheGospel,weseeGod’sglory.Asthishappens,theHolySpirittransformsus.

• ItisimportantforustopreachtheGospeltoourselveseveryday.(Q#7)BegineachdaybyacknowledgingthatwearesinnersandthatGodhasmadeusalivewithChrist,forgaveusoursins,andcancelledourdebtthroughthecross.

• FindapassagethatsummarizestheGospelandmeditateonthat.(Colossians2:13-14)

• AsweunderstandtheGospelandremindourselvesofwhatChristdidforusdaily,theHolySpiritwillmotivateustowanttoliveourlivestoglorifyHim.

2. AllofScripture

• WhytheBible?


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…ItisGod’sWord.AllscriptureisGodbreathed.2Timothy3:16says,“AllscriptureisbreathedoutbyGodandprofitableforteaching,forreproof,forcorrection,andfortraininginrighteousness.”

…TheWordofGodistransforming.Hebrews4:12–“ForthewordofGodislivingandactive,sharperthananytwo-edgedsword,piercingtothedivisionofsoulandofspirit,ofjointsandofmarrow,anddiscerningthethoughtsandintentionsoftheheart.”God’sWordisalive,active,andconvicting.

• Whatdowefindinscripture?(Q#8)

…ToknowGod’swill.InColossians1:9-10,PaulprayedthattheColossianbelieversmight“befilledwiththeknowledgeofHiswillinallspiritualwisdomandunderstandingsoastowalkinamannerworthyoftheLord,fullypleasingtohim.”

…Romans12:2–“Betransformedbytherenewalofyourmind,thatbytestingyoumayknowwhatisthewillofGod.”ScripturerevealsHistruth,andtheHolySpiritusesthistruthtotransformorsanctifyus.

…ToknowthehopeHehasforus.LookbackatEphesians1:17,PaulprayedthisfortheEphesiansthatthrough“theknowledgeofHim,havingtheeyesofyourheartsenlightened,thatyoumayknowwhatisthehopetowhichHehascalledyou…”

…ToknowthepromisesofHispowerandprovisiontohelpuscarryouthiswill.

• Scriptureistheonlywaytorenewourminds.DonotrelyonanybookbesidestheWordofGodfortruth.Itisoktoreadotherbooksaslongasyoudon’treplacethetruthfoundintheBible!AlwayscomparewhatyouarereadingtoGod’sWord.Ifitdoesnotcoincide,thenitisnottruth.Don’tputyourhopeinit!

• GodalsorevealsHisWordtousthroughBible-basedpreaching,Biblestudy,andscripturememorization.

3. Prayer

• Whydowepray?ToacknowledgingourdependenceonHim(Q#9)andourhelplessnessandinabilitytoaccomplishanythingonourown.

• Whenarewetopray?1Thessalonians5:17–“Praywithoutceasing”(dailyprayersandshort,spontaneousprayersthroughouttheday)

• Whatarewetoprayfor?

…Toworkinusandenableustowork.Wecanuseaprayerjournalorprayscripture.Therearecountlesswayswecanpray.

…AreweprayingtogetwhatwewantorforGod’swillforourlives?ItisnotforustoquestionHiswill.WearetosubmittoandacceptwhateverHehasforus.

…HealwayshearsusandHealwaysresponds(yes,no,notyet)

…Themoreprayer,themoredependency–themoredependency,themorepower.

4. Circumstances

• Weshouldcontinuallyreflectonthevariouscircumstancesthatcomeourway.

• Romans8:28-29–“AndweknowthatinallthingsGodworksforthegoodofthosewholoveHim,whohavebeencalledaccordingtoHispurpose.


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• Godcauses“allthings”–circumstances,events,actionsofotherpeople(goodorbadinourestimation)–toworktogetherforourgoodandHisglory.(Q#10)

…Ourgood?ConformitytotheimageofHisSon(sanctification).

…Hisglory?Heusesallcircumstances,goodandbad,toaccomplishHiswill,whichwillultimatelygiveHimglory.

• Aswereflectonourchallengingcircumstances,weshouldaskGodhowHewantstousetheminourlives.WeshouldalsomakeahabitofrecognizingthatgoodcircumstancesareonlybyGod’sgraceandmercy.

SUMMARY

1. WeneedtodependonthepoweroftheHolySpirit,butwehavearesponsibilityaswell.

2. CommunionwithGodneedstobeadailypracticeandourheart’sdesire.ThiswillonlyhappenwiththepoweroftheHolySpirit.(Q#11-12)

SONG

“IWillAbide”byChristfortheNationsandLaurenFarmer

DISCUSSIONTIME

WhatcanyoudotoimprovethequalityofyourdailycommunionwiththeLord?


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTEREIGHT

TheHelpoftheDivineEncourager

WELCOMEandPRAYER

REVIEW

1. Welearnedwhat“DependentResponsibility”meansinourwalkwithChrist.

• ItisourresponsibilitytowalkinobediencewiththewillofGodandtoworkwith100%ofoureffortwiththegiftsHehasgivenus.

• Atthesametime,wearetobe100%dependentontheHolySpirittoenableusandmakeourworkeffective.

2. Welearnedabout“MeansofGrace”

• GodusesdifferentinstrumentstostrengthenusbyHisgrace.

• WehavetheresponsibilitytorespondtothisgracethatHeprovidesbyparticipatingindifferentspiritualdisciplinessuchasprayer,spendingtimeinGod’swordetc.AsweparticipateinthesespiritualdisciplineswearerespondingtoHiscalltodependonHimbyabidinginHim.

3. MemoryVerse:John15:5–“Iamthevine;youarethebranches.WhoeverabidesinmeandIinhim,heitisthatbearsmuchfruit,forapartfrommeyoucandonothing.”WeneedtorecognizetheimportanceofdailycommunionwithGodandabidinginHim.ApartfromHim,wecandonothing!

TheHelpoftheDivineEncourager

1. WhydoweneedthehelpoftheDivineEncourager?Becausewestillfaceadailybattlewithsin.

2. Whydowestillhavetobattlesin?

3. “Alreadynotyetphenomenon”

• Althoughwearefreefromcondemnation,westillbattlewithsinuntilthedayweseeJesusfacetoface.WearealreadyperfectinourstandingbeforeChristandinourpositionasbeingjustified,butnotyetinourday-to-dayexperience.

• Althoughwearefreefromcondemnation…

…Romans8:1–“Thereis,therefore,nownocondemnationforthosewhoareinChristJesus.”

…Romans6:14–“Forsinwillhavenodominionoveryou,sinceyouarenotunderthelawbutundergrace.”

• Butwewillstillbattlewithsin…

…Galatians5:17–“ForthedesiresofthefleshareagainsttheSpirit,andthedesiresoftheSpiritareagainsttheflesh,fortheseareopposedtoeachother,tokeepyoufromdoingthethingsyouwanttodo.”

TEACHER’SNOTE:ThereisoftenaquestionamongstbelieversregardingthefactthatifwealreadystandrighteousbeforeGod,whydowestillbattlewithsin?Discussingthe“AlreadynotyetPhenomenon”helpsusunderstandwhywestillfaceadailybattlewithsinandwhyweneedthehelpoftheDivineEncourager.


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…Whatare“desiresoftheflesh?”Oursinfulnature…thedesiretodoanythingoutsideofGod’swill.Ourfleshisenmity(astateofbeingactivelyopposedtosomeone)againstGodaslongasweareinthisflesh.

…Whenwereceiveournewbody,wewillbefreefromsin.

• Whyarethe“desiresoftheSpirit…againstthefleshandtheyareopposedtoeachother?”

…“Tokeepusfromdoingthethingswewanttodo.”ThedesiresofourfleshpullusawayfromthedesiresoftheSpiritinaconstantbattle.

…Romans7:15–“ForIdonotunderstandmyownactions.ForIdonotdowhatIwant,butIdotheverythingIhate.”Sometimeswethinkwe’vegotacertainsinknockedonlytofindourselvesslippingbackintotemptation.

4. ItisclearthatweneedthePoweroftheHolySpirittohelpusfightthisever-presentbattlewithsin!

HowdoestheHolySpirithelpusbattlesin?

1. TheHolySpiritgivesusHOPE.

MEMORYVERSE–Romans15:13–“MaytheGodofhopefillyouwithalljoyandpeaceinbelieving,sothatbythepoweroftheHolySpirityoumayaboundinhope.”

2. WhatkindofHope?

• TheHopethatGodgaveusaHelper(John14:16)towalkwithusandempowerusthroughthisbattle.Galatians5:16says,“ButIsay,walkbytheSpirit,andyouwillnotgratifythedesiresoftheflesh.”TheHolySpiritremindsustodependonHisstrengthaswegothroughthesanctificationprocessinourdailybattlewithsin.

• TheHopethatGodisatworkinus.Philippians2:13–“…itisGodwhoworksinyou,bothtowillandtoworkforHisgoodpleasure.”He’snotfinishedwithusyet!

• TheHolySpiritgivesustheHopeofRighteousness(Q#2).Galatians5:5says,“ForthroughtheSpirit,byfaith,weourselveseagerlywaitforthehopeofrighteousness.”TheHolySpiritpointsustotheRighteousnessofChrist,remindingusthatwedonothavetoproduceperfectrighteousnessbyourownefforts.BecauseofwhatChristdidforus,wecanstandrighteousbeforeourGod.

3. WhydoesGalatians5:5saythatwe“eagerlywaitforthehopeofrighteousness?”

• We“waiteagerly”forGodtocompleteHisrighteousnessinuswhenweseeHimfacetofacewhenwedieorwhenChristreturns.

• Thisiswherethe“NotYet”partofthephenomenonfitsin.Ephesians1:13-14–We“weresealedwiththepromisedHolySpirit,whoistheguaranteeofourinheritanceuntilweacquirepossessionofit…”GodgaveustheHolySpirittohelpusinthebattleuntilweseeHimfacetoface-untiltheredemptionofthosewhoareGod’spossession.

…Nottheredemptioninitsfirststage.Galatians3:13–“Wewereredeemedfromthecurseofthelaw.”WearealreadyredeemedbythebloodofChrist.Ourtitleissecured.Wehavebeenpaidfor.Wearesonsanddaughters.WearealreadyperfectinourstandingbeforeourGod.


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Romans8:23–“Butweourselves,whohavethefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,groaninwardlyaswewaiteagerlyforadoptionassons,theredemptionofourbodies.”We“eagerlyawait”forthefulfillmentofouradoption-whenourbodiesareredeemedandraisedfromthedead!

4. TheHolySpiritgivesushopeinourbattlewithsinaswewaiteagerlyforthedaywhenwearewithHimanddeliveredfromthebattleonceandforall.Aswewait,theHolySpiritencouragesus.

FourwaystheHolySpiritencouragesus:

Thespiritencouragesustorenewourdependenceonthesecondbookendbyrememberingthefirst:Life-changingGratitudeforPurchasedGrace.

BREAKOUTSESSION

1.Life-changingGratitudeforPurchasedGrace

TheHolySpiritenablesustohavelife-changinggratitude

WhathappensasaresultoftheHolySpiritlivinginsideusandencouragingus?

• John15:26–“WhentheHelpercomes,Hewillbearwitnessaboutme.”(Q#3)TheHolySpiritopensourheartstotheGospel.2Corinthians3:18–“BeholdingtheGloryoftheLord.”TheHolySpiritliftstheveilsoweareabletoseetheGospel!

• John14:26–“…hewillbringtoyourremembranceallthatIhavesaidtoyou.”HeremindsusofHistruththatwehaveheard,read,ormemorizedandstirswithinusahugesenseofgratitudethattransformsusattheverycoreofourbeing.(Q#4)

• 2Corinthians5:14-15–“FortheloveofChristcontrolsus,becausewehaveconcludedthis:thatonehasdiedforall,thereforeallhavedied;”(Q#5)

…WhatabouttheGospelmotivatesus?TheloveforChristortheloveofChrist?TheloveOFChrist!

…Whatkindoflovecontrolsus?“Becauseonehasdiedforall,therefore,allhavedied.”It’sthekindoflovethatcausedHimtogiveupHisownlifeforus!WhenChristdiedtopayforoursins,itwasasifwealldied.

…WhydidHedie?(Seetherestof2Corinthians5:14-15)V.15“thatthosewholivemightnolongerliveforthemselvesbutforHimwhofortheirsakediedandwasraised.”Thatwewouldnolongerliveforourselves,butforHim!!It’snotaboutus!Howmanytimesdoweneedtoremindourselvesofthis!

• 1John4:9-10,19–“InthistheloveofGodwasmademanifestamongus,thatGodsentHisonlySon,intotheworld,sothatwemightlivethroughHim.Inthisislove,notthatwehavelovedGodbutthatHelovedusandsentHisSontobethepropitiationforoursins…WelovebecauseHefirstlovedus.”(Q#5)

…WhydidGodsendHisonlySonintotheworld?SothatwemightlivethroughHim!Tobethepropitiationforoursins

…Whatdoespropitiationmean?Propitiationmeans“wrathbearer.”HeborethewrathofGodforus!

TEACHER’SNOTE:Havegroupsreadversesinitalicsandthenanswerquestionbelow.Thenreconveneforclassdiscussion.


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Ourgratitudeforthelovethatprovidedthefirstbookend(theRighteousnessofChrist)encouragesustodependonthesecondbookend(thePoweroftheHolySpirit)forthestrengthtoobeyHiscommandmentsandlivetheChristianlife.

AsourunderstandingofChrist’sloveincreases,ourgratitudeincreases!ThatiswhyweneedtobeinGod’sWordand“preachtheGospeltoourselves”daily.TheHolySpiritwillrenewourmotivationtoliveforChrist.

2. TheExplusionPowerofaNewAffection

• Howdowebattleagainstthesinsofourheart?

…TheOldParadigm–whatIshoulddofightsmysinfuldesireofwhatIwanttodo–verylimitedsuccess.

…TheNewParadigm–WemustreplacetheobjectofoursinfulaffectionwithGodhimself.BasedonThomasChalmers’sermonontheexpulsivepowerofanewaffection.(Q#6)TheintensityofournewaffectionforChristweakensandsometimesdestroysthepowerofsininourhearts.

• Wemustbattledesirewithdesire.Whicheverdesireisthestrongestwilldeterminetheoutcomeofthebattle.(Q#7)Galatians5:17–“ForthedesireofthefleshareagainsttheSpirit,andthedesiresoftheSpiritareagainsttheflesh,fortheseareopposedtoeachother,tokeepyoufromdoingthethingsyouwanttodo.”OurGodlydesiresmustovercomeoursinfuldesiresifwe’retoobeyGod.

• Howdowewinthebattleagainstsin?Wemuststrengthenandencourageourgodlydesires.Howdowestrengthenourgodlydesires?Bysimultaneouslygrowinginourawarenessof:

…Oursin:ourknowledgeofthemoralwillofGodandhowfarshortwefalldaily.

• HowdoestheHolySpiritdothis?John16:8statesthatwhentheHelpercomes“Hewillconvicttheworldconcerningsinandrighteousness.”

• Asourawarenessofoursinincreases,theimmensityofthegapbetweenwhatwedeserveandwhatChristpurchasedforuswidens.(Q#8)

…God’slove–WeneedtoremindourselvesoftheamazinggraceandblessingspurchasedbyChrist’sdeathonthecross.

• Hisloveforusissogreatthat“whilewewerestillsinners,Christdiedforus!”–Romans5:8

• Weneedtotruly“grasphowwideandlongandhighanddeepistheloveofChrist”–Ephesians3:18-19

• AsourdesperateneedfortheGospelandawarenessofHisamazingloveincreases,oursinfuldesiresweakenandarereplacedwithanewdesireforGod.“BecauseChristlovesmesomuch,Ilovehimmorethan_________.”(p.115)

• OurloveforGodisthenexpressedinpersonalobedienceandadeepenedrelationshipwithHim.


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3. EnjoyingtheRelationship

• WestminsterConfessionofFaith–Whatisthepurposeoflife?“ThechiefendofmanistoglorifyGodandenjoyHimforever.”WhatdoesitmeantoenjoyHim?(Q#9)ToexperienceanactiveandintimaterelationshipwithHim.

• BecauseoftheGospelwecanhavearelationshipwiththeCreatoroftheuniverse!Matthew27:51–WhenChristdied,“thecurtainofthetemplewastornintwo,fromtoptobottom.”Hebrews4:16–“Sowecan“approachthethroneofgracewithconfidence.”1Peter3:18–“Christsufferedonceforsins,therighteousfortheunrighteous,thatHemightbringustoGod.”

• BecauseofourunionwithChrist,theFatherlovesusasHelovestheSon.John17:22-23istheprayerJesusprayedbeforeHeenteredthegardenofGethsemaneonthenightbeforeHisdeath:“TheglorythatyouhavegivenmeIhavegiventothem,thattheymaybeoneevenasweareone,Iinthemandyouinme,thattheymaybecomeperfectlyone,sothattheworldmayHelovesusasHelovedHisownSon!

• HowdoesenjoyingarelationshipwithGodhelpbattleagainstsin?(Q#11)TheHolySpiritusesourappetiteforenjoyingourrelationshipwithGodtobattleagainstoursinfuldesires.IsitworthturningourbacksonGodtoenjoysin’sfleetingpleasures?InHebrews11:25,Moseswouldratherbeill-treatedwiththepeopleofGodthantoenjoythefleetingpleasuresofsin.ArelationshipwithGodissoenjoyablethatitmakesotherpleasuresappearsmallincomparison.

4. ThePromisesofGod

HowdoestheHolySpiritpointustoHisTruthandthePromisesofGod?

• TheHolySpiritpointsustotruth.John16:13–“WhentheSpiritofTruthcomes,Hewillguideyouintoalltruth.”Whatistruth?

…John14:6–“Iamtheway,thetruth.”TheSpiritpointsustoJesuswhoisthesourceofourrighteousnessforjustification.Jesusistruth.

…John17:17–“Yourwordistruth.”TheSpiritpointsustothetruthinGod’sWordtohelpusbattlesinandtoguideusinbecomingmorelikeChrist.God’sWordittruth.

• TheHolySpiritleadsustospecificpromisesofGod.

…Thepromisesequipusforourmoment-to-momentbattleswithsinorwhatwewillfaceinthefuture.(Q#12)2Peter1:4–“HehasgrantedtousHispreciousandverygreatpromises,sothatthroughthemyoumaybecomepartakersofthedivinenature,havingescapedfromthecorruptionthatisintheworldbecauseofsinfuldesire.”Becomepartakers?HisWordgivesustheassurancethatHe’llfulfillHispromisesinHisownperfecttiming.

…Hispromisespointustowardthehopeofheavenandeternallife.John16:13–“TheSpiritofTruth…willdeclaretoyouthethingsthataretocome.”1Corinthians2:9-10–“Whatnoeyehasseen,norearhasheard….whatGodhaspreparedforthosewholoveHim.”

…HispromisesempowerustowalkthroughthemostdifficulttrialsandglorifyGodintheprocess.Deuteronomy31:8–“TheLordHimselfgoesbeforeyouandwillbewithyou,Hewillneverleaveyounorforsakeyou,donotbeafraid,donotbediscouraged.”

TEACHER’SNOTE:Greatillustration-SaraGroves(Christiansinger/songwriter)sanginhersongHelloLord,“IknowthatyoutoretheveilsoIcouldsitwithyouinpersonandhearwhatyou’resaying.”


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Whatisourrole?

1. WehavetheresponsibilitytorespondtoGod’sgracebyparticipatingindifferentspiritualdisciplines(Chapter7),suchas:

• SpendingtimeintheWorddaily

• ScriptureMemorization

• Journaling

2. StoreHispromisesinourheartsowecanbeequippedforwhatevercomesourway.

SONG

“StrongEnough”byMatthewWest

DISCUSSIONTIME

1. Towhatspiritualdisciplinescanyoucommittoprepareyourselfforyourfutureneeds?(Q#13)

2. WhataresomeofthepromisesfromGod’sWordthattheSpirithasusedtomotivateorencourageyouinyourwalk?(Q#14)


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTERNINE

GOSPELENEMY#3:Self-Reliance

WELCOMEandPRAYER

REVIEW

1. WhydoweneedthehelpoftheDivineEncourager?Althoughwearefreefromcondemnation,westillfaceadailybattlewithsin.

2. “Alreadynotyet”Phenomenon–WeareperfectinourstandingbeforeChristasbeingjustified,butwestillbattlesinonthisearth.ThatiswhyGodgaveustheHolySpirit.

3. TheHolySpiritgivesushopeforthebattle,whichleadsustoourMEMORYVERSE:Romans15:13–“MaytheGodofhopefillyouwithalljoyandpeaceinbelieving,sothatbythepoweroftheHolySpirityoumayaboundinhope.”

4. FourwaystheHolySpiritencouragesus:

• Life-changinggratitudeforpurchasedgrace

• Theexpulsivepowerofanewaffection–ourGodlydesiresmustovercomeoursinfulifwe’retoobeyGod.ThisisonlypossiblebythepoweroftheHolySpirit.

• Enjoyingtherelationship–TheHolySpiritusesourgrowingappetiteforenjoyingourrelationshipwithGodtobattleagainstoursinfuldesires.

• ThepromisesofGod–TheHolySpiritpointsustoHisTruthandthePromisesfoundinHisword.

GospelEnemy#3:Self-Reliance

1. Whataresomeexamplesofself-relianceintoday’ssociety?“Justdoit.”“Pullyourselfupbyyourbootstraps.”“Youcandoit!”

2. Whatdoestheworldsayaboutself-reliance?(Q#2)

• Weneedtobeself-confidentandself-sufficienttobesuccessful.

• Goodself-esteemisoneofthegreatestvirtues.

• Wemustlearntobeindependent–relyingonnoonebutourselves.

3. Whydoyouthinktheworldissoself-reliant?(Q#1)

• Thisconcepthasbeenforcefedtoussincewewereborn.How?Parents,teachers,coaches,motivationalseminars,TV,movies,advertising,self-helpbookssuchas“ThePowerofPositiveThinking,”etc.

• It’sbeenembeddedinourminds–ifwejusttryhardenoughwecanaccomplishanything.

Whatiswrongwithbeingself-reliant?


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ItisNotBiblical

1. Whenweareself-reliantwearesinning.GodwantsustorelyonHimandwhenwedon’tweareessentiallydisobeyingHimanddependingonsomethingelseWeareredirectingourdependencyontoanobjectoffaithoutsideofthepoweroftheHolySpirit.WeneedtohumblyrememberwhatourpositionisinourrelationshipwithGod.

• John15:5–“Apartfrommeyoucandonothing.”(Q#3)WeasChristiansaredependentonthepoweroftheHolySpirittolivetheChristianlifeandbearspiritualfruit.WecandonothingofeternalvaluewithoutHim.

• Acts17:28–“InHimwelive,moveandexist.”Everythingwedo,everypartofourlife,ourabilitytothink,breathe,etc…itallcomesfromGod.

• Corinthians4:7–“Whatdoyouhavethatyoudidnotreceive?Ifthenyoureceivedit,whydoyouboastasifyoudidnotreceiveit?”(Q#4)Everythingwehavehasbeengiventous.Allofourabilities,opportunities,andblessingsarefromGod.

2. God’sWordsaysthatourhumanstrengthisinsufficienttolivetheChristianlife.WecannotbewhoGodhascalledustobewithoutthePoweroftheHolySpirit.WhenwetrytolivetheChristianlifeonourownstrengthitcanleadtosin.

ItisaGospelEnemy

1. Whenwerelyonlyonourselves,wearebeingself-relianttowardsGodbecausewearedependingonourownpower,notthepoweroftheHolySpirit.

2. Theauthorscompareself-reliancewithself-righteousnessinthefirstBookend(Q#2):Self-righteousnessistheoppositeofdependenceonChrist’srighteousnessforjustification.Wethinkweearnoursalvationbygoodworks.Self-relianceistheoppositeofdependenceontheHolySpirit’spowerforsanctification.Weassumewegrowspirituallybyourowneffortandwillpower.

3. WhenwearenotrelyingonthepoweroftheHolySpirit,wearenullifyingtheGospel.Whenweareself-reliant,we’redenyingtheverypowerthatraisedChristfromthegrave.Romans8:11–“IftheSpiritofHimwhoraisedJesusfromthedeaddwellsinyou,HewhoraisedChristJesusfromthedeaddwellsinyou.”ItisonlybythegraceofGodandChrist’sdeathonthecrossthatweevenhaveaccesstothepoweroftheHolySpirit!

4. Therefore,weneedtorelyonthepoweroftheHolySpiritforeverythingGodcallsustobe–inourjob,family,dailyroutine,evenourspiritualdisciplines.

Self-RelianceintheBible

1. PaultalksabouttheRomansexchangingGod’struthforalieandrelyingontheirowntruth.

• Romans1:25,28NASB–“FortheyexchangedthetruthofGodforalie,andworshipedandservedthecreatureratherthantheCreator,whoisblessedforever…Godgavethemovertoadepravedmind.”

• WhathappenedwhentheRomansstartedrelyingontheirowntruthandwhattheywantedtobelieve?Godgavethemovertoadepravedmind.Definitionofdepraved:“morallycorrupt.”

• Whenwedon’tacknowledgeGodanylonger,wecanendup“morallycorrupt!”


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2. Peter

• Matthew26:31-35–BeforeJesus’crucifixionHesaid,“Youwillallfallawaybecauseofmethisnight…”Peterresponded,“Thoughtheyallfallawaybecauseofyou,Iwillneverfallaway.”Jesuscounteredthatbeforetheroostercrowed,PeterwoulddenyHimthreetimes.Peterretorted,“EvenifImustdiewithyou,Iwillnotdenyyou!”

• WhatwasPeter’sobjectofdependence?Whatwashedependingon?(Q#6)Hisownwillpower.“Iwillneverfallaway;Iwillnotdenyyou.”Hethoughthewouldhavethestrengthtostandwhereotherswouldfall.

• Luke22:60-63–PeterdeniedJesusthreetimesbeforetheroostercrowd.ThenPeterrememberedwhatJesushadsaid,hefeltconvictedand“weptbitterly.”HerealizedhedidnothavethestrengthonhisowntostandstrongforJesus.

Self-RelianceinourLives

1. HowoftendowerelyonourownstrengthinordertoremainfaithfultoJesus?

• Whenthishappenswhatisourobjectofdependence?Ourselves!

• Wheredopeoplewhodon’tknowChristthinktheirstrengthcomesfrom?Whatkindsofthingsdotheydo?Example:ThosethatuseYogatofindthestrengthandpowerwithinthemselves.

2. WhatdoesitlooklikewhenwetrytolivetheChristianlifebyourownstrength?

• Self-imposeddemandsorguidelinesabouthowtobeagoodChristian.“ButIgotochurcheverySunday.”“ButIprayeveryday.”

• Whathappenswhenwedothis?Itcanleadtopride,frustration,legalism,evenaship-wreckoffaith.1Corinthians10:12–“Letanyonewhothinkshestandstakeheedlesthefalls.”

• Whenweperceivewe’vesucceededonourown,andmetourowncriteria,wetakecreditandstealGod’sgloryintheprocess.Wethink,“Idothework,Igetthecredit,notGod.”WemustrememberweareacreatedbeingfromahigherpowerandaretogiveHimalltheglory!

• Ironically,themoreGod-givennaturalabilitieswehave,themorepronewearetorelyonthemratherthanGod.Wetakethemforgranted.WeforgetthatourgiftsandsuccessareonlybythegraceofGod.Onceagain,wetakeallthecredit.

• Whenwerelyonourownstrength,intheslightestway,inordertoremainfaithfultoJesus,wedenythatourstrengthisimperfectandtheHolySpirit’sstrengthisflawless.

3. WheredoesGod’sWordsayourstrengthcomesfrom?

• Psalm121:1-2–“Iliftupmyeyestothehills.Fromwheredoesmyhelpcome?MyhelpcomesfromtheLORD,whomadeheavenandearth.”

• IntheMessageTranslation–“MystrengthcomesfromtheLord.”

BREAKOUTSESSION

BiblicalDependence–Paul


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OneofthemostfrequentlyquotedmotivationalBibleversesisPhilippians4:13–“IcandoallthingsthroughChristwhostrengthensme.”Butthisversecanbetakenoutofcontext.WeneedtolookfurtherintoPaul’scircumstancestobetterunderstandwhatheisreferringto.

1. Paulhadundergoneseverepersecutionandtrialsduringhismissionaryjourneys.Hewaswritingthisfromprison.Let’slookatsomeofhishardships.

• 2Corinthians11:25,27–“ThreetimesIwasbeatenwithrods.OnceIwasstoned.ThreetimesIwasshipwrecked;anightandadayIwasadriftatsea…intoilandhardship,throughmanyasleeplessnight,inhungerandthirst,oftenwithoutfood,incoldandexposure.”

2. NowletslookattheversesthatcomebeforePhilippians4:13.

• Philippians4:11-12–“ForIhavelearnedtobecontentwhateverthecircumstances.Iknowwhatitistobeinneed,andIknowwhatitistohaveplenty.Ihavelearnedthesecretofbeingcontentinanyandeverysituation,whetherwellfedorhungry,whetherlivinginplentyorinwant.”

• WhatissuewasPauldealingwith?“Tobecontent”(v.11).Contentinwhat?“Whateverthecircumstances!”Remember,Paulhadto“learn”tobecontent.”Itisaprocess!ItisoftenonlyinhardshipthatGodcaneventeachuscontentment.

3. Lookagainatverse13–“IcandoallthingsthroughHimwhogivesmestrength.”(Q#7)WhatdoesPaulmeanby“allthings”?ThroughstrengthfromChrist,PaullearnedtobecontentwithallthecircumstancesGodallowedinhislife.Whatdoesthismeanforus?ObediencetoGod…allthatisinHiswill.Howcanwedothis?BythepoweroftheHolySpirit!RememberfromChapter6–ifGodhascalledyou,He“willequipyouwitheverythinggoodfordoinghiswill…”Hebrews13:20-21.

4. MEMORYVERSE:2Corinthians3:4-6–“SuchistheconfidencethatwehavethroughChristtowardGod.Notthatwearesufficientinourselvestoclaimanythingascomingfromus,butoursufficiencyisfromGod…whohasmadeusministersofthenewcovenant…”(Q#7)

5. OursufficiencytobeaneffectiveministeroftheGospelcomesfromHimandHimalone!

HowdoestheHolySpirithelpfreeusfromself-reliance?

1. Byrevealingoursinfulness:FromJohnNewton’sletters(Q#9)

• Whenweacknowledgethatourheartsaredeceitfulandourlivesarefullofweakness,stubbornness,ingratitude,foolishness,theHolySpiritremindsusthatnoneofthiscanseparateusfromtheloveofGod.Howdoweknowthis?Romans8:38-39–“ForIamsurethatneitherdeathnorlife,norangelsnorrulers,northingspresentnorthingstocome,norpowers,norheightnordepth,noranythingelseinallcreation,willbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodinChristJesusourLord.”

• Werecognizethatwhenwe’vewanderedorhavefallen,Hehasbeentheretopickusup–fromthemomentwereceivedHimasSaviorandHeredeemedus,toeverytimewefall.Psalm40:1-2–“IwaitedpatientlyfortheLORD;Heturnedtomeandheardmycry.Heliftedmeoutoftheslimypit,outofthemudandmire;Hesetmyfeetonarockandgavemeafirmplacetostand.”

TEACHER’SNOTE:Havegroupsread2Corinthians11:25,27,thenreadPhilippians4:11-13.DiscusshowPaulshiftedhisdependencebackontothepoweroftheHolySpiritdespitehiscircumstances.Thenreconveneanddiscussasaclass.


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• Thepainbroughtaboutbyrecognizingoursinfulnessweakensourself-reliance.TheHolySpiritpointsustothecrossremindingusthatitisChrist’sdeaththatpaidforoursin.Hediedthedeathweshouldhavedied.Galatians2:20–“IhavebeencrucifiedwithChrist.ItisnolongerIwholive,butChristwholivesinme.”HepointsustoHispowerthatremindsuswehaveaHelperthatwillgiveusstrengthtoturnfromsinandlivemorelikeHim.

• SoastheHolySpiritremindsusofoursinandourinsufficientstrengthtolivetheChristianlifeonourown,weareremindedofourdesperateneedforHim.

2. Byhelpingusacceptthe“thorn”inourflesh

• SometimesGodallowscertainchallengingcircumstancesinourlivestoremindusthatinourweakness,wecanrelyontheall-sufficiencyofthePoweroftheHolySpirit.

• Let’sgobacktoPaul.Weknowthatalonghismissionaryjourneyheenduredmuchpersecution,hardship,andmanysleeplessnights.ButGodalsoblessedhimwithamazingvisionsandrevelations(2Corinthians12:2-3).

• 2Corinthians12:7-8–(Q#10)“Sotokeepmefrombecomingconceitedbecauseofthesurpassinggreatnessoftherevelations,athornwasgivenmeintheflesh,amessengerofSatantoharassme,tokeepmefrombecomingconceited.ThreetimesIpleadedwiththeLordaboutthis,thatitshouldleaveme.”

• Whywashegiventhisthorninhisflesh?Tokeephimfrombecomingconceitedbecauseofthegreatnessoftherevelationshereceived.

• Whatdoyouthinkthethornwas?Wedon’tknowwhathisthornwasorwhetheritwasphysicaloremotional.ItmusthavebeenpainfulbecausePaulbeggedthreetimesfortheLordtotakeitaway.DidGodremovethethorn?No!

• 2Corinthians12:9a–(Q#11)“Godsaidtome,‘Mygraceissufficientforyou,formypowerismadeperfectinweakness.”GodpromisedthatHisGracewouldbesufficientforPaulandHispowerwouldbemadeperfectinPaul’sweakness.Soinsteadofrelyingonhisownflesh,PaulembracedthepowerofChristrevealedtohimthroughhisweakness.(Q#13)Paul’sweakness,nothisrevelations,wereusedastheplatformtodemonstratethepoweroftheHolySpirit.

• 2Corinthians12:9b–“Iwillboastallthemoregladlyofmyweaknesses….ForwhenIamweak,thenIamstrong.”God-reliancetooktheplaceofself-reliancewithPaul.Inhisweakness,herealizedthathisownstrengthwasinsufficient.ThisenabledPaultocompletelyrelyonthepoweroftheHolySpirittoserveGod.Philippians3:14–“IpressontowardthegoalfortheprizeoftheupwardcallofGodinChristJesus.”

Whetheritisinoursinorinchallengingcircumstances,weneedtorememberthatourstrengthisimperfectandembracethePoweroftheHolySpiritwhosestrengthisflawless.

SONG

“HolySpiritHaveYourWay”byLeeland


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DISCUSSIONTIME

1. ReadMatthew26:31-35.WhatwastheobjectofPeter’sdependence?Inwhatwaysdoouractsofself-relianceresemblePeter’sdenialofChrist?(Q#6)

2. Whenwefallintoapatternofself-reliance,howcanthetruthfromPhilippians4:13and2Corinthians3:5-6shiftourdependencebackonthepoweroftheHolySpirit?(Q#7)

3. WhatareyoudealingwithrightnowwhereyouneedtoembracethepoweroftheHolySpirit–likePauldid?


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LEADER’SGUIDECHAPTERTEN

LeaningontheSecondBookend

WELCOMEandPRAYER

REVIEW

1. Whyisself-reliancewrong?

• Itisnotbiblical.ApartfromHimwecandonothing.WeweremeanttohaveanintimaterelationshipwithGod,andbeingself-reliantdrawsusfurtherawayfromHimandcanultimatelyleadtosin.

• ItisaGospelenemy.WhenwearenotrelyingonthepoweroftheHolySpirit,weareessentiallynullifyingtheGospel.We’redenyingtheverypowerthatraisedChristfromthegrave!Self-reliancecausesustotakeallthecreditwhenwesucceedandstealGod’sgloryintheprocess.

2. FromwheredoesGod’sWordsayourstrengthcomes?

• Psalm121:1-2saysour“strengthcomesfromtheLord!”

• MEMORYVERSE:2Corinthians3:4-6–“SuchistheconfidencethatwehavethroughChristtowardGod.Notthatwearesufficientinourselvestoclaimanythingascomingfromus,butoursufficiencyisfromGod,whohasmadeusministersofthenewcovenant…”

• OursufficiencytobewhoGodcallsustobecomesfromHimandHimalone.

3. Insteadofrelyingonourownflesh,weneedtoembracethepoweroftheHolySpiritthatcanberevealedtousthroughourweakness-likePauldidin2Corinthians12:9–“ForwhenIamweak,thenIamstrong.”

ChapterTen:LeaningontheSecondBookend

EventhoughwearewellawareofthePoweroftheHolySpirit,whatdowehaveatendencyofdoing?

1. Leanonourownstrengthinstead!Weleanourbooksonourown“bookends:”ournaturalabilities,ourstrength,andourresources.

2. Howdowefightthisnaturaltendency?

• WeneedtoconstantlyremindourselvesofthegreatnessofthePoweroftheHolySpiritby“seeing”withtheeyesofourhearts.(chapter5)

• Ephesians1:18-19–“Havingtheeyesofyourheartenlightenedthatyoumayknow…whatimmeasurablegreatnessofHispowertowarduswhobelieve,accordingtotheworkingofHisgreatmight.”AgreaterunderstandingofHispowershiftsourdependenceawayfromourownstrengthandontotheHolySpirit.

ThreeFocalPointsforShiftingourDependencetotheSecondBookend

FocalPoint#1:OurDesperateWeakness


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1. TheauthorsuseIsaiah41:14-16toportrayhowGodtransformsourdesperateweaknessintoapowerfultoolforHim.

2. Isaiah41:14–“Fearnot,youwormJacob,youmenofIsrael!Iamtheonewhohelpsyou,declarestheLord;yourRedeemeristheHolyOneofIsrael.”

• WhodoyouthinkGodisspeakingto?GodisspeakingtoHisdiscouragedchosenpeopleintheOldTestament.HeisconsolingJacobandtheJewishexilesinBabylon(6thcentury).

• WhydoyouthinkGodcallsJacobaworm?(Q#2)ApartfromreceivingGod’senablingpower,we’reashelplessasworms!

3. Isaiah41:15-16–“Behold,Imakeofyouathreshingsledge,new,sharp,andhavingteeth;youshallthreshthemountainsandcrushthemandyoushallmakethehillslikechaff…AndyoushallrejoiceintheLord;intheHolyOneofIsraelyoushallglory.”

• Whatcanhappenwhenweshiftourdependencetothesecondbookend?Godmakesofusa“threshingsledge.”Athreshingsledgeisapowerfultoolusedtoharvestcrops(ESVStudyBibledefinition).

• TheHolySpirittransforms“theworm”intoauseful,powerfultoo.–athreshingsledgethatcrushesmountains.WhenHetransformsusfromuselesswormsintopowerfultoolsforHim,wegetthejoy,andGodgetstheglory!

4. SeeingourselvesasweakandhelplessisanecessarystepinshiftingourdependencefromourstrengthtoHis.Weneedtostoprelyingonourownpowerbeforewe’reabletoreceivepowerfromtheHolySpirit.

FocalPoint#2:TheReliablePoweroftheHolySpirit

1. WeneedtofocusonthereliablepoweroftheHolySpiritinoursanctificationprocessandinthedailyspiritualbattlesweface.

2. Progressivesanctification(Q#3)–Whatdoweknowaboutsanctification?

• ItisthecontinualprocessofbecomingmorelikeHim.ItstartsatthepointintimewhenwearejustifiedbytrustingChristasourSaviorandendsatthemomentwedepartfromourphysicalbodyandseeHimfacetoface.

• Progressivesanctificationencompasseseverythinginourlives,bothspiritualandtemporal.1Thessalonians5:23–“NowmaytheGodofpeaceHimselfsanctifyyoucompletely,andmayyourwholespiritandsoulandbodybekeptblamelessatthecomingofourLordJesusChrist.”

• WeneedtotrulytrustthattheHolySpirithasthepowertochangeourlifenomatterwhatwearegoingthrough.DoyoureallybelievetheHolySpiritcanchangeyourlife?

3. Whatdoestheprocessofsanctificationinvolve?(Q#4)

• TheprocessofthistransformationintoChrist-likenessinvolves“seeingHim”withtheeyesofourheart.2Corinthians3:18fromCh6–“Andweall,withunveiledface,beholdingthegloryoftheLord,arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromonedegreeofglorytoanother…”


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• Howdowe“seeHim”?BydailybeinginGod’sWordandspendingtimewithHim.Whenwespendalottimewithsomeone,webegintopickuptraitsfromthatperson.AswespendmoretimewithGod,wewillseethegloryoftheLordmore,andwewillbecomemorelikeHim.

4. Sowhenwecombine1Thessalonians5:23and2Corinthians3:18,weseethatoursanctificationisaGod-centeredprocessmediatedbythepoweroftheHolySpirit.WeneedtoremembertorelyonHispowertohelpusbecomemorelikeHim!

5. WhatishappeningwhenwedependfullyonGodandHeseemsunresponsive?(Q#5)

• AswedependonthePoweroftheHolySpirit,HetransformsusaccordingtoHisplanandtimetable.Rarely,ifever,accordingtoourtimetable.

• InHisinfinitewisdomandmercy,Heempowersonlywhatisbestforus–forourgoodandHisglory(Romans8:28).

6. DependingfullyontheHolySpiritdoesnotmeanthatwewillalwaysgetwhatwewant.

• Hebrews11speaksofmany“HeroesofFaith”mentionedthroughouttheBible.Althoughtheirfaithwasstrong,theiroutcomesweren’talwayswonderful.“Someweretortured…stoned…sawnintwo”(vs.35-37).“Thoughcommendedthroughtheirfaith,didnotreceivewhatwaspromised,sinceGodhadprovidedsomethingbetterforus,thatapartfromustheyshouldnotbemadeperfect”(vs.39-40).

• WecanrestassuredthatwecanrelyontheHolySpirittoaccomplishallofHisdivineintentionsandinthemeantimewecanbetransformedintoamightytoolforHim!

BREAKOUTSESSION

7. Remember,aslongasweareonthisearth,wewillfacedailyspiritualbattles,butwedon’thavetofightitwithourownpower!(Q#6)

• 2Corinthians10:3-4–“Forthoughwewalkintheflesh,wearenotwagingwaraccordingtotheflesh.Fortheweaponsofourwarfarearenotoftheflesh,buthavedivinepowertodestroystrongholds.”(Definitionof“stronghold”:Afaultythinkingpatternbasedonliesanddeception.)

• Whataretheweaponsofourwarfarethathavedivinepower?“TakeupthewholearmorofGod…tostandfirm.”Ephesians6:13-20–TheShieldofFaith,TheSwordoftheSpirit(WordofGod),HelmetofSalvation,Breastplateofrighteousnessetc…

• Godprovidesuswitharmorthatwillcoverusfromheadtotoesothatwehavecompleteprotectionfromtheenemyandarereadyforbattle!ThroughtheweaponsempoweredbytheHolySpirit,Hecandestroyourstrongholdsofsin–whetheritiswrongthinking,behavior,orwhateveryourstrongholdmightbe!


The“HeroesofFaith”didnotreceivewhatwaspromisedbecauseJesushadnotcomeyet.ButtheystillhadfaiththatGod’spromisewouldbefulfilled.RememberHebrews11startsoutwith“Nowfaithistheassuranceofthingshopedfor,theconvictionofthingsnotseen.”HowmuchgreatershouldourfaithbethatweareamongtheNewTestamentSaints–knowingthatthereareactualwitnessestoJesus’deathandresurrection!ThisisaremindertousthatapartfromtheGospelwecannotbecomeperfect.BecauseJesusisthecompletionofGod’spromise!

TEACHER’SNOTE:Howdoesthetruthfrom2Corinthians10:3-4andPhilippians1:6giveyouhopeforthesebattles?


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• RememberJesusneversaiditwouldbeeasy.John16:33–“Inthisworld,youwillhavetrouble…”ButHepromisesus…“Fearnot…Ihaveovercometheworld!”

• Philippians1:6–“Iamsureofthis,thatHewhobeganagoodworkinyouwillbringittocompletionatthedayofJesusChrist.”(Q#6)HepromisesHewillcompletethissanctificationprocessinus!

FocalPoint#3:RejectionofSelf-Reliance

1. Itisfairlyeasytodetectourownself-reliance.(Seequestionsp.140asagoodreminder.)Thechallengeisrejectingit.“Tokillpoisonivy,orself-reliance,youhavetogetitbytheroots”(p.141).

2. Whatisattherootofself-reliance?(Q#7)Pride!

• Genesis3:5-6–Inthegarden,theserpenttemptedAdamandEvebysaying,“YouwillbelikeGod.”Whatbecametheirmotivation?To“belikeGod.”

• Isaiah14:12-14(KJV)–Luciferdeclares,“IwillmakemyselfliketheMostHigh.”Hewantedtobeglorifiedandhedidn’twanttosubmittoGod.Instead,hewantedtobelikeGod.

• Whenwearebeingself-reliant,weareessentiallywantingtobeourowngod.Wedon’tthinkweneedGodandthat’swhyweenduprelyingonourselves.Whenwesucceed,wewantthecredit,attention,andtheglory.Thisisaprideissue!Wearemakinga“declarationofindependence”apartfromGod,andthisistherootofsinnatureinallofus.

3. Self-relianceisattherootofallthreeGospelenemies!

• Self-reliance–Icandoitmyself.

• Self-righteousness–Iammyowngod.Ideterminewhat’srightandwrong.Ideclaremyselfas“goodenough.”

• PersistentGuilt–IrefusetoacknowledgeandembracethesolutionGodhasprovidedformysindilemma.Iwillbemyownjudge.

4. Howdowerejectself-reliance?

• Makingadailydeclarationthat“GodisGod,andIamnot”and“killing”self-relianceattheroot.

…Colossians3:9–“…Putofftheoldselfwithitspracticesand…putonthenewself,whichisbeingrenewedinknowledgeaftertheimageofitscreator.”AlsoseeEphesians4:22.

…MEMORYVERSE:Galatians5:16–“ButIsay,walkbytheSpirit,andyouwillnotcarryoutthedesireoftheflesh.”IfyouwalkbytheSpirittherewillbenoneedtorelyonyourself!

• Replacingself-reliancebycultivatinghumilityandgodliness.Whatdoesthislooklikeinourlives?

5. Byplantinghumilityandgodliness,thereisnoroomforself-reliance.

TEACHER’SNOTE:ReadIsaiah14:12-14initsentiretyforcontext:“Howartthoufallenfromheaven,OLucifer,…IwillascendintoHeaven,IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod.Iwillascendabovetheheightsoftheclouds;IwillbelikethemostHigh.”

TEACHER’SNOTE:WalkingbytheSpiritimpliesbothdirectionandempowerment–thatismakingdecisionsandchoicesaccordingtotheHolySpirit’sguidance,andactingwiththespiritualpowerthattheSpiritsupplies–ESVStudyBible


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• Humility

…Whatishumility?(Q#8)C.J.Mahaney’sdefinition:“honestlyassessingourselvesinthelightofGod’sholinessandoursinfulness.”Philippians2:3NIV–“Donothingoutofselfishambitionorvainconceit,butinhumilityconsiderothersbetterthanyourselves.”

…Whatisnecessarytocultivatehumility?Afreshviewofthecross.(Q#9)Remindourselvesof2Corinthians5:21–“ForoursakeHemadeHimtobesin,whoknewnosin,sothatinHimwemightbecometherighteousnessofGod.”Isaiah53:5NASB–“Hewaspiercedthroughforourtransgressions.”

…Whenwelookatthecrosswesee:1)Jesusbearingoursin–exactlywhatwedeservefromGodforeachsinwecommit;2)theOnewhosefleshwasnailedtothecrossshouldhavebeenus;3)TheholinessandjusticeofGodallatthesametime.HiswrathagainstsinasHepunishedthe“sinbearer”inourplace!

…Aswecultivateasenseofhumility,thereisnomoreroomforpridethatleadstothedesiretobelikeGod.

• Godliness

…WhatisGodliness?(Q#10-11)Definition:“TheattitudeofregardingGodineverythingallthetime.”Someonewhois“God-centered,”“God-glorifying,”“God-esteeming.”(p.143-144)

…1Corinthians10:31–“DoalltothegloryofGod.”EveryaspectofourlifehasthepotentialtoglorifyGod!1Timothy4:7b-8–“…Trainyourselfforgodliness…”DowetrulydoeverythingtothegloryofGod?

…WhatistheoppositeofGodliness?UngodlinessordisregardingGod.Whenwetrytotakeallthecreditfordoinganythinggoodinourlives,wearebeingprideful.PrideisrootedinungodlinessbecausewearetotallydisregardingGod.

…Howdowefightforgodliness?Byseeingthecrossastheoverarchingmessageandmeaningoflife.DisciplineourselvestopracticethepresenceofGod.2Corinthians10:5–“TakeeverythoughtcaptivetoobeyChrist.”Philippians4:8–“Finally,brothers,whateveristrue,whateverisnoble,whateverisright,whateverispure,whateverislovely,whateverisadmirable–ifanythingisexcellentorpraiseworthy–thinkaboutsuchthings.”ReplacetheliewithGod’struth.Ifwe’rethinkingaboutGodatalltimes,thereisnoroomforanythingelse!

AViewofallThreeFocalPointsin1Corinthians2:1-13

PaulwasagreatbiblicalexampleofsomeonewhousedallthreefocalpointstoshifthisdependencebacktothePoweroftheHolySpirit.Inhisownlifehe:

#1–Recognizedhisownweakness

#2–AcknowledgedthereliablepoweroftheHolySpirit

#3–Rejectedhisownselfreliance

Bydoingthis,PaulwasabletoshiftdependenceoffofhimselfandbacktothePoweroftheHolySpirit(theSecondBookend).1Corinthians2:3-5–“…myspeechandmymessagewerenotinplausiblewordsofwisdom,butindemonstrationoftheSpiritandofpowerthatyourfaithmightnotrestinthewisdomofmenbutinthepowerofGod.”


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AfterPreachingtheGospeltoyourselfeverydaymakeaDailyDeclarationofDependence(Q#13)

1. Irecognizemyabsolutelackofpowerandability.

2. IredirectmydependencetothesupremelyreliablepoweroftheHolySpirit.

3. Irejectmytendencytoself-reliance:“YouareGod,andIamnot.”

TOSUMITUP

“WeworkhardinthestrengthHeprovides,nottoearnmeritbuttoglorifyandenjoyHim.”(p.146)

SONG

“JesusMessiah”byChrisTomlin

DISCUSSIONTIME

1. WhichoneofthethreefocalpointsdoyouidentifywiththemostthatwillhelpyouleanmoreonthePoweroftheHolySpirit?

2. Howcanthetruthsfoundin1Corinthians15:10and2Corinthians4:7encourageyouinyourdependenceontheBookendsoftheChristianlife?(Q#14)

• ICorinthians15:10–“BythegraceofGodIamwhatIam,andHisgracetowardmewasnotinvain.Onthecontrary,Iworkedharderthananyoneofthem,thoughitwasnotI,butthegraceofGodthatiswithme.”

• 2Corinthians4:7–“Wehavethistreasureinjarsofclay,toshowthatthesurpassingpowerbelongstoGodandnottous.Weareafflictedineveryway,butnotcrushed;perplexed,butnotdriventodespair;persecuted,butnotforsaken;struckdown,butnotdestroyed…LEADER’SGUIDE


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CONCLUSION

TheBookendsPersonalWorldview

Whatisaworldview?(Q#1)

1. Anall-encompassingframeworkofideasandbeliefsthroughwhichanindividualviewsandinteractswiththeworld.(p.149)

2. Itprovidesasystemforinterpretingandapplyingknowledgeanditaffectshowweviewalloflifeandhowwemakedecisions.

TheBookendsoffersagood“personalworldview”(Q#2)

1. Aframeofreferencethatprovidesclarityandguidanceforourday-to-daydecision-makingprocessandactions.(p.150)

2. Atanygiventime,allChristiansareoccupiedinoneormoreofthesethreeareasofsin:

• Battlingsin

• Activelysinning

• Intheaftermathofsin

TheBookendsworldviewishelpfulinalltheseareas(Q#3)

1. Battlingsin

• Wemustleanonthesecondbookend,thePoweroftheHolySpirit,toprovidethestrengthweneedtobeobedientandnotgiveintotemptation.

• WealsomustlookattheRighteousnessofChrist.OurgratitudefortheGospelmotivatesustoturnfromoursinandreturnlovetoHimbyobedience.

2. Activelysinning

• Whetheritisself-righteousness,persistentguilt,orself-reliance,inallcaseswehaven’treliedontheRighteousnessofChristandthePoweroftheHolySpirittoreceivegraceandavoidsinning.

3. Aftermathofsin

• WemustrenewourdependenceonthefirstbookendbypreachingtheGospeltoourselveseveryday!RememberChristlivedthelifeweshouldhavelived,anddiedthedeathweshouldhavedied.

• HisobedienceanddeathisallsufficientforreconcilingustoGod.

• WerelyontheHolySpirittorevealoursin,drawustothecross,andenableourrepentanceandtransformation.

4. Bookendsworldviewalsohelpswith:(Q#4)

• Interpersonalrelationships:marriage,parenting,extendedfamily,friends,coworkers,etc.


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• Circumstances

• Decisionmaking:regardingtime,money,lifestyles

• Mostimportantly:motivationsanddependencies

TheBookendsworldviewprovidesaconstantawarenessofthesetwofundamentalrealities:(Q#5)

1. We’re100%dependentonarighteousnessandstrengthoutsideourselves.

2. Weremain100%responsiblefortheplacementofeachofourbooksonthebookshelfofourlives.

TheBookendsworldviewisusefulbecauseitistheapplicationofbiblicaldoctrineandtransformingtruththatstabilizesourfaithandsanctifiesourlives!

Wheredowegofromhere?

1. WearetobeliketheProphetIsaiahwhosaid,“HereamI!Sendme!”fromIsaiah6:8.(Q#6)RespondtotheGospelwithagratitudesodeepthatitmotivatesustobewillingtobeusedbyGodhoweverHechooses.

2. TheChristianlifeisnotonlyaboutourpersonaljustificationandsanctification.It’sfulfillingtheGreatCommission.

• Gooutintotheworld,sharethegospel,andmakedisciples.

• Livesfilledwith“selflessserving,radicalgiving,andsacrificialliving”(p.154)

TheimpactofbeingcoveredbytheperfectRighteousnessofChristandbeingenabledbythePoweroftheHolySpiritshouldchangeeverything.ItdidformeandIprayitdoesforyou,too!

Jude24-25–“NowtoHimwhoisabletokeepyoufromstumblingandtopresentyoublamelessbeforethepresenceofHisglorywithgreatjoy,totheonlyGod,orSavior,throughJesusChristourLord,beglory,majesty,dominion,andauthority,beforealltimeandnowandforever.Amen”


75

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76

InChristAloneByOwlCityInChristalonemyhopeisfound,Heismylight,mystrength,mysong;thisCornerstone,thissolidGround,firmthroughthefiercestdroughtandstorm.Whatheightsoflove,whatdepthsofpeace,whenfearsarestilled,whenstrivingscease!MyComforter,myAllinAll,hereintheloveofChristIstand.ThereinthegroundHisbodylayLightoftheworldbydarknessslain:ThenburstingforthingloriousDayUpfromthegraveheroseagain!AndasHestandsinvictorySin'scursehaslostitsgriponme,ForIamHisandHeismine–BoughtwiththepreciousbloodofChrist.Noguiltinlife,nofearindeath,ThisisthepowerofChristinme;Fromlife’sfirstcrytofinalbreath.Jesuscommandsmydestiny.Nopowerofhell,noschemeofman,CaneverpluckmefromHishand;TillHereturnsorcallsmehome,HereinthepowerofChristI'llstand.TillHereturnsorcallsmehome,HereinpowerofChristI'llstand.HereinthepowerofChristI'llstand.


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MotionOfMercyByFrancescaBattistelliIwaspoorIwasweakIwasthedefinitionofthespirituallyBankruptconditionSoinneedofhelpIwasunsatisfiedHungryandthirstyWhenYourushedtomysideSounworthyStillYougaveyourselfaway…[Chorus]That’sthemotionofmercyChangingthewayandthewhyweareThat’sthemotionofmercyMovingmyheartNowI’mfilledbyaloveThatcallsmetoactionIwasemptybeforenowI’mdrawntocompassionAndtogivemyselfaway[Chorus]That’sthemotionofmercyChangingthewayandthewhyweareThat’sthemotionofmercyMovingmyheartLivingforthelostLoving‘tilithurtsNomatterwhatthecostLikeYoulovedmefirstThat’sthemotionofmercyGodgivemestrengthtogivesomethingfornothingIwannabeaglimpseoftheKingdomthat’scomingsoon[Chorus]That’sthemotionofmercyChangingthewayandthewhyweareThat’sthemotionofmercyMovingmyheart


78

TheSolidRockByAvalonMyhopeisbuiltonnothinglessThanJesus'bloodandrighteousnessIdarenottrustthesweetestframeButwhollyleanonJesus’name

(I'mleanin’onJesus)(I'mleanin’onJesus,Jesus)(I'mleanin’onYou)

Whendarknessfails,HislovelyfaceIrestonHisunchanginggrace(Everyhighandstormygale)Ineveryhighandstormygale(Myanchorholdswithintheveil)Myanchorholdswithintheveil

OnChrist,thesolidrock,IstandAllothergroundissinkingsandAllothergroundissinkingsand(Allothergroundissinking,sinking)(Allothergroundissinking,sinkingsand)

Hisoath,Hiscovenant,HisbloodSupportmeinthewhelmingfloodWhenallaroundmysoulgiveswayHethenisallmyHopeandStayOnChrist,thesolidrock,IstandAllothergroundissinkingsandAllothergroundissinkingsandAsignoflove

WhenHeshallcomewithtrumpetsoundOh,mayIthen,inHimbefoundDressedinHisrighteousness,aloneFaultlesstostandbeforethethrone

OnChrist,thesolidrock,IstandAllothergroundissinkingsandAllothergroundissinkingsand

OnChrist,thesolidrock,IstandAllothergroundissinkingsandAllothergroundissinkingsand

AllothergroundissinkingsandAllothergroundissinkingsandNoother,I'mleanin’onJesusAllothergroundissinkingsand

Holdmein,I'mleanin’onJesusAllothergroundissinkingsand‘Causeonarock,Istand


79

NotGuiltyByMandisaIstandaccusedThere’salistamilelongOfallmysinsOfeverythingthatI'vedonewrongI’msoashamedThere'snowhereleftformetohideThisisthedayImustanswerformylifeMyfateisintheJudge’shandsButthenHeturnstomeandsaysIknowyouIloveyouIgaveMylifetosaveyouLovepaidthepriceformercyMyverdictnotguiltyHowcanitbe?Ican’tbegintocomprehendWhatkindofgraceWouldtaketheplaceofallmysin?IstandinaweNowthatIhavebeensetfreeAndthetearswellupasIlookatthatcross‘CauseitshouldhavebeenmeMyfatewasinthenail-scarredhandsHestretchedthemoutformeandsaid[Chorus]I’mfallingonmykneestothankYouWitheverythingIamI’llpraiseYouSogratefulforthewordsIheardYousay[Chorus]


80

GraceByLauraStoryMyheartissoproud,myeyesaresounfocused.IseethethingsYoudothroughmeasgreatthingsIhavedone.AndnowYougentlybreakme,thenlovinglyYoutakemeAndholdmeasmyFatherandmoldmeasmyMaker.IaskYou:“HowmanytimeswillYoupickmeup,WhenIkeeponlettingYoudown?AndeachtimeIwillfallshortofYourglory,Howfarwillforgivenessabound?”AndYouanswer:“Mychild,Iloveyou.Andaslongasyou'reseekingMyface,You'llwalkinthepowerofMydailysufficientgrace.”AttimesImaygrowweakandfeelabitdiscouraged,Knowingthatsomeone,somewherecoulddoabetterjob.ForwhoamItoserveYou?IknowIdon'tdeserveYou.Andthat'sthepartthatburnsinmyheartandkeepsmehangingon.IaskYou:“HowmanytimeswillYoupickmeup,WhenIkeeponlettingYoudown?AndeachtimeIwillfallshortofYourglory,Howfarwillforgivenessabound?”AndYouanswer:“Mychild,Iloveyou.Andaslongasyou'reseekingMyface,You'llwalkinthepowerofMydailysufficientgrace.”Youaresopatientwithme,Lord.IaskYou:“HowmanytimeswillYoupickmeup,WhenIkeeponlettingYoudown?AndeachtimeIwillfallshortofYourglory,Howfarwillforgivenessabound?”AndYouanswer:“Mychild,Iloveyou.Andaslongasyou'reseekingMyface,You'llwalkinthepowerofMydailysufficientgrace.”


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InMeByCastingCrownsIfyouaskmetoleapOutofmyboatonthecrashingwavesIfYouaskmetogoPreachtothelostworldthatJesussavesI’llgo,butIcannotgoaloneCauseIknowI’mnothingonmyownButthepowerofChristinmemakesmestrongMakesmestrongCausewhenI’mweak,YoumakemestrongWhenI’mblind,YoushineYourlightonmeCauseI’llnevergetbylivingonmyownabilityHowrefreshingtoknowYoudon’tneedmeHowamazingtofindthatyouwantmeSoI’llstandonYourtruth,andI’llfightwithYourstrengthUntilYoubringthevictory,bythepowerofChristinmeIfYouaskmetorunAndcarryYourlightintoforeignlandIfYouaskmetofightDeliverYourpeoplefromSatan’shandToreachoutwithYourhandsTolearnthroughYoureyesTolovewiththeloveofasaviorTofeelwithYourheartAndtothinkwithYourmindI’dgivemylastbreathforYourglory


82

IWillAbideByChristFortheNationsandLaurenFarmerIwillabideundertheshadowofYourwingsIntheshelterofYourarmsIwillbeAndIwilltrustinYouYourhandisleadingmeMysoulwillfollowhardafterThee[Chorus]ThemerciesofYourheartawakenthedawnInYoumyjoyisfoundcompleteUndonehaveIbecomehumbledbyYouYou'reeverythingIlongtobe[BRIDGE]JesusSaviorGodofmineYoualonehaveransomedmylifeKingforeverRedeemerandFriendIbelongtoYoumyBeloved


83

StrongEnoughByMatthewWestYoumustYoumustthinkI’mstrongTogivemewhatI’mgoingthroughWell,forgivemeForgivemeifI’mwrongButthislookslikemorethanIcandoOnmyown[Chorus]IknowI’mnotstrongenoughtobeEverythingthatI’msupposedtobeIgiveupI’mnotstrongenoughHandsofmercywon’tyoucovermeLordrightnowI’maskingyoutobeStrongenoughStrongenoughForthebothofusWell,maybeMaybethat’sthepointToreachthepointofgivingupCausewhenI’mfinallyFinallyatrockbottomWell,that’swhenIstartlookingupAndreachingout[Chorus]CauseI’mbrokenDowntonothingButI’mstillholdingontotheonethingYouareGodAndyouarestrongWhenIamweakIcandoallthingsThroughChristwhogivesmestrengthAndIdon’thavetobeStrongenoughStrongenough(Repeat)Oh,yeah[Chorus]


84

HolySpiritHaveYourWayByLeelandLongafterthetearsfallI’mstillyourchildIputdownmydefensesandlaydownmyprideLoveandforgivenessflowindeepandwideSoIruntoyouandsurrenderall!AsIlaydownmylifeAndpickupmycrossWhatajoyitistogivemylifeawaytoyouAllthatIneed,AllthatIseekIsYouherewithmeHolySpirithaveYourwayinme!Intimesoftrouble,thoughtrialsmaycomeTherockofagesisstandingstrongI’mfightingbattles,butthewariswonSoI’llruntoyouandsurrenderallAsIlaydownmylifeAndpickupmycrossWhatajoyitistogivemylifeawaytoyouAllthatIneed,AllthatIseekIsYouherewithmeHolySpirithaveYourwayinme!MoreofYouandlessofme,GodMoreofYouandlessofme,GodMoreofYouandlessofme,GodMoreofYouoverflowingAsIlaydownmylifeAndpickupmycrossWhatajoyitistogivemylifeawaytoyouAllthatIneed,AllthatIseekIsYouherewithmeHolySpirithaveYourwayinme!HolySpirithaveYourwayinme!


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JesusMessiahByChrisTomlinHebecamesin,whoknewnosinThatwemightbecomeHisrighteousnessHehumbledhimselfandcarriedthecrossLovesoamazing,lovesoamazingJesusMessiah,nameaboveallnamesBlessedredeemer,EmmanuelTherescueforsinners,theransomfromHeavenJesusMessiah,LordofallHisbodythebread,hisbloodthewineBrokenandpouredoutallforloveThewholeearthtrembled,andtheveilwastornLovesoamazing,lovesoamazing,yeahJesusMessiah,nameaboveallnamesBlessedredeemer,EmmanuelTherescueforsinners,theransomfromHeavenJesusMessiah,LordofallAllIhopeisinYou,allIhopeisinYouAlltheglorytoYou,God,thelightoftheworldJesusMessiah,nameaboveallnamesBlessedredeemer,EmmanuelTherescueforsinners,theransomfromHeavenJesusMessiah,Lordofall


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ThomasWilcox’sinstructionsfordealingwithpersistentguilt:

ShiftyourfocusAwayfromyoursinandontoChrist

1. AsPauldid,1Timothy1:13-14–“FormerlyIwasablasphemer,persecutor…“ButIreceivedmercy…andthegraceofourLordoverflowedforme…ChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinnersofwhomIamtheforemost.”

2. Paulrecognizedhissin…buthedidn’tstaythere.HeturnedtotheGospel.

3. Guilt-Conviction-Gospel-Repentance

• Don’twallowinyourguilt!Takeittothecrossandleaveitthere.

• Thenturnawayfromyoursin.Ezekiel18:30b–“Repentandturnfromallyourtransgressions.”

• ThisisonlypossiblewiththepoweroftheHolySpirit.

ShiftyourfocustoChristourMediator

1. Hebrews9:15“Therefore,heisthemediatorofanewcovenant,sothatthosewhoarecalledmayreceivethatpromisedeternalinheritance…”

• ChristisourHighPriestwhoofferedHimselfastheperfectsacrifice!

2. Hebrews4:14,16–“Wehaveagreathighpriest…letusthenwithconfidencedrawneartothethroneofgrace,thatwemayreceivemercyandfindgracetohelpintimeofneed.

• SinceChristpaidourdebt,rememberweareclothedwithHisrighteousnessandwecanhavearelationshipwithHimandapproachHimwithconfidence!

3. Hebrews10:19–“SincewehaveconfidencetoentertheholyplacesbythebloodofJesus,butthenewandlivingwaythatheopenedforusthroughthecurtain,thatis,throughhisflesh.”

ShiftyourfocustoChristcrucified,risen,andascended

1. Mark16:5-6–“Jesuswascrucifiedandrisen.”

2. Luke24:51–Jesus’ascension–“Hewascarriedintoheaven.”

3. ICorinthians15:3-4–“Christdied,wasburiedandwasraisedonthethirdday.”

• Christisnotstillonthecross!Heroseagainandconqueredsinanddeath!

4. Galatians2:20–“IhavebeencrucifiedwithChrist.ItisnolongerIwholive,butChristwholivesinme.”

• RememberwhatHiscrucifixionmeansforus!WehavebeenredeemedandarefreetoliveinChrist.

5. Ephesians1:20-21–Christis“seatedattherighthandintheheavenlyplaces,faraboveallruleandauthority…”

• Heisseatedintheheavensasouradvocateandourmediator,whichleadsusto…


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ShiftyourfocustothegloryofChrist

1. Colassians3:1–“IfthenyouhavebeenraisedwithChrist,seekthethingsthatareabove,whereChristis,seatedattherighthandofGod.Setyourmindsonthingsthatareabove,notonthingsthatareonearth.”

2. Hebrews8:1–“Wehavesuchahighpriest,whoisseatedattherightthroneoftheMajestyinheaven.”

3. Let’srememberwhothisisabout…ashighandliftedupasHeis…

• Isaiah43:25–“I,amhe,whoblotsouryourtransgressionsformyownsake,Iwillnotrememberyoursins.”

• 1John2:12–“yoursinsareforgivenforhisname’ssake.”

• Ezekiel36:22–“Itisnotforyoursake.”It’snotaboutus!

• GodsavedusbecauseHelovesusbutnotnecessarilyforoursake,buttodemonstrateHisgracewhichultimatelygivesHimglory!

Shiftyourfocusoffofself-condemnation

1. Romans8:1–“ThereisthereforenownocondemnationforthosewhoareinChristJesus.”

2. IfwedeclareourselvesguiltyitneglectstheGospelmessageofgrace,forgiveness,andhope!

Shiftyourfocusofself-contempt

• Ifwerewallowinginourguilt,weneedtorealizethatwearefocusedonourselves!Itisaformofself-centeredness,whichistheoppositeofChrist-centeredness.ShiftourfocusbackontoChrist!


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AViewofAllThreeFocalPointsforShiftingourDependencetotheSecondBookendDemonstratedintheLifeofPaul(1Corinthians2:1-13)

Useasreference:TheThreeFocalPointsare:

#1–OurDesperateWeakness

#2–TheReliablePoweroftheHolySpirit

#3–RejectionofSelf-Reliance.

ICorinthians2:1-2–“IdidnotcomeproclaimingtoyouthetestimonyofGodwithloftyspeechorwisdom.ForIdecidedtoknownothingamongyouexceptJesusChristandHimcrucified.”

• EventhoughPaulwasveryintelligentandprobablyknewhisscriptureinsideout,hemadeitclearthathewasnotrelyingonhisownwisdom.Focalpoint#3

• Heacknowledgedhisownweaknessandpointedstraighttothegospel.Focalpoint#1

Verses3-5–“…myspeechandmymessagewerenotinplausiblewordsofwisdom,(focalpoint#3)butindemonstrationoftheSpiritandofpowerthatyourfaithmightnotrestinthewisdomofmenbutinthepowerofGod.”

• HepointedthathismessagewasonlybythepoweroftheHolySpirit.

• HewantedothersnottorelyonPaul’swisdombutonthepowerofGod.Focalpoint#2

Verse7–“WeimpartasecretandhiddenwisdomofGod,whichGoddecreedbeforetheagesofourglory…”

• PaulpointsustothewisdomofGodthatwas“beforethefoundationoftheworld.”(Ephesians1:4)Focalpoint#2

Verse9–“Whatnoeyehasseen,norearheard,northeheartofmanimagined,whatGodhaspreparedforthosewholoveHim.”

• AwisdomthatgoesbeyondourimaginationofwhatHeplannedforus.

• QuotedfromIsaiah64:4“Fromoldnoonehasheardorperceivedbytheear,noeyehasseenaGodbesidesyou,whoactsforthosewhowaitforHim.”WewaitwithanticipationandexpressdependenceonwhatHehasplannedforus.(Focalpoint#2)

Verse10,12-13–“ThesethingsGodhasrevealedtousthroughtheSpirit.FortheSpiritsearcheseverything,eventhedepthsofGod.Nowwehavereceived…theSpiritwhoisfromGod,thatwemightunderstandthethingsfreelygivenusbyGod.Andweimpartthisinwordsnottaughtbyhumanwisdom(Focalpoint#3)buttaughtbythespirit,interpretingspiritualtruthstothosewhoarespiritual.”(Focalpoint#2)

• PaulisemphasizingthatitisonlythePoweroftheHolySpiritthatrevealstousGod’struth!ThereforePaulisrevealinghisdependenceontheHolySpirit.

d

BOOKENDSTHE

CHRISTIAN LIFEOFTHE

BIBLE STUDY

BOOK BY JERRY BRIDGES & BOB BEVINGTON

THEBOOKENDSOFTHECHRISTIANLIFE BIBLESTUDY

1

CHAPTERONEFirstBookend:TheRighteousnessofChrist1. WhatdoestheBiblemeanbytheword“righteous”?(page19)

2. ReadMatthew22:36-40and1Peter1:15-16.WhatisGod’sstandardforthelevelofrighteousnessHerequiresofus?Why?(20)

3. ReadRomans3:10andIsaiah64:6.WhatdoesGod’sWordsayaboutourrighteousness?

4. ReadGalatians3:10-13.

• Whathappenswhenweareunableto“abidebyallthings?”(20)

• WhatdidChristdoforus?

5. WhatisthedifferencebetweentrustinginChristforoureternaldestinyversustrustingHimforourday-to-daystandingwithGod?(21)

6. Read2Corinthians5:21.Inlightof2Corinthians5:21,read1Peter2:22andHebrews4:15.WhatdoesGod’sWordsayaboutJesus’levelofobediencehereonthisearth?(22)

BIBLESTUDY THEBOOKENDSOFTHECHRISTIANLIFE

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• 2Corinthians5:21saysthatGod“madeJesustobesin.”Accordingto1Peter2:24,howdidJesusdothis?(24)

• ReadMatthew27:46.Explainthesignificanceofthefirstsentenceonpage24ofthebook,“ThephysicalpainHeenduredwasnothingcomparedtotheagonyofbeingseparatedfromtheFather.”WhatdoesthissayaboutJesus’relationshipwithHisfatheratthetimeofJesus’death?

HowdoesJesus’relationshipwiththeFatherbeingbrokenresultinoursbeingrestored?

• 2Corinthians5:21says“sothatinhimwemightbecometherighteousnessofGod.”AtthemomentweputourfaithinwhatChristdidforusonthecross,accordingtoIsaiah61:10,whathappens?

HowarewepresentedbeforeourGod?WhenHelooksatus,whodoesHesee?

• Asaresultofthis“GreatExchange,”accordingtoRomans5:1,“Byfaith”weare____________.

7. ExplaintheconnectionbetweenChrist’srighteousnessandourjustification.(26)

8. Faithinvolvesbotharenunciationandareliance.


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• Intermsofthefirstbookend,whatkindofrenunciationisrequiredofus?(28)

• Wheremustweplaceourreliance?Bespecific.

9. Whatdoesitlooklikewhenwestandinthepresentrealityofourjustificationeveryday?Whatdifferencewillitmakeinourday-to-day,moment-to-momentlives?(27-30)

10. Thefinalparagraphonpage30asksseveralquestions.Trytoanswerthembasedonwhatyouhavereadinchapterone.


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CHAPTERTWOTheMotivationoftheGospel1. ReadLuke7:36-50.

• Inthestoryofthesinfulwoman,whyisSimonthePhariseeupset?

• ThereisaprofounddifferencebetweenthewaySimonandthewomantreatedJesus.Whatdoesthistellusabouthowtheyviewedtheirsinfulness?(page31-33)

• Thinkingbackonyourlastseveralmonths,hasyourattitudetowardyoursinbeenmorelikeSimonorthewoman?Why?

2. NoneofuslovesChristthewayHedeservestobeloved.GenuineloveforChristcomesthroughtwoimportantunderstandings.Whatarethey?(34)

3. Howdoesthestoryofthesinfulwomandepictthetruthofthefirstparagraphonpage35?Howcanyouapplythistoyourself?

4. ReadIsaiah6:1-5.


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• HowdoesIsaiahrespondtoseeingtheLord?

• HowdoesheviewhimselfinlightofbeinginthepresenceofaHolyGod?(35)

5. PutyourselfinIsaiah’splace.DoyouthinkyouwouldhaverespondedthewayIsaiahdidinverse5?Whyorwhynot?

6. HowwasIsaiah’sexperiencesimilartothatofthesinfulwomanofLuke7?Whatwerethethreecommonsteps?(36)

7. Inlightofthesethreesteps,whatcanyoudotogrowinyourexperienceofthemotivatingpoweroftheGospel?

8. ReadPhilippians3:4-9.

• Accordingtoverse6,ifPaul’srighteousnesswasbasedonfollowingthelaw,whatwouldhebeconsidered?

• Accordingtoverses7-9,wheredoesPaulrealizehisrighteousnessactuallycomesfrom?


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9. ReadPhilippians3:7-14.PaulrenouncedhisownrighteousnessandreliedsolelyontherighteousnessofChrist.HowdidthatfuelhisdesiretopursueChrist-likenessandserveGodwhole-heartedly?(38)

10. ReadRomans12:1.InlightoftheGospelmessageofmercy,howarewetopresentourbodies?

• Explainthesignificanceoftheexpressionalivingsacrifice.(39)

11. ConsidermakinganapplicationforyourlifebasedonRomans12:1.


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CHAPTERTHREEGospelEnemy#1:Self-Righteousness1. Describeinyourownwordswhatitmeanstobeself-righteous.

2. Whatisthedifferencebetweenself-righteousnesstowardGodandself-righteousnesstowardothers?Whichisworse,andwhy?(page41-42)

3. ReadGalatians2:21.Howdoesthebeliefthatwehaveearned(merited)God’sblessings“nullifygrace”andsetusupforcommittingself-righteousnesstowardGod?(42-43)

4. ReadGalatians1:6-9.

• WhywasPaul“astonished”withtheGalatians?

• ExplaininyourownwordswhatPaulmeantbyadifferentgospel?

5. ReadGalatians2:16andfillintheblanks.“Yetweknowthatapersonisnotjustifiedby_________,butthrough_________in_________.”

• InChapterOnewediscussedthatbeingjustifiedmeanswearedeclaredrighteous(inrightstanding)withGod.AccordingtoGalatians2:16,howarewejustified?


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• Arewejustified(declaredrighteous)byourownworks?

6. Thesecondparagraphonpage44describesthebasismostpeoplegivefortheirbeliefthatGodwillacceptthemintoheaven.

• Whyisthisapproachconsideredtobeself-righteous?

• ReadMatthew7:21-23.WhatdoesJesusindicateHisresponsewillbetothislargegroupofpeoplewhobasetheiracceptancefromGodontheirownworks?

7. ManypeoplebankonthehopethatGodwillconsidertheirgooddeedstohaveenoughredeemingvaluetooffsettheguiltoftheirbaddeeds.Whyisthisadangerousassumption?(45)

8. Thinkaboutyourrecentprayertimes.AreyouconfidentinyourunderlyingassumptionsandattitudesaboutwhyGodshouldfavorablyansweryourprayers?

9. Isaiah64:6saysthatallofourrighteousdeedsarelike__________.NowreadLuke18:9-14.

• WhywasthisPhariseethankfulthathewasnotlikethe“othermen?”


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• OnwhatwasthePhariseebasinghisrighteousness?

• OnwhatwasthetaxcollectorbasinghisappealtoGod?

• AccordingtoJesus(verse14)whywasthetaxcollectorjustified,ratherthanthePharisee?

10. Describetheself-righteousmoralisticbeliever.(47-49)Basedonyouranswerstothetenquestionsonpage49,doyoutendtofitinthiscategory?

11.Whyispersistentguiltactuallyaformofself-righteousnesstowardGod?(50-51)

12. Doyouagreethatmostbelieversvacillatebetweenmoralistic,performance-basedself-righteousnessononehand,andpersistentguiltontheother?Whichcategorydoyouleantowardmore,andwhy?(50-51)

13. Explainthelastsentenceonpage51.

14. Fromeverythingyou’vereadinchapters1-3,howdoesleaningontheFirstBookendslayGospel

Enemy#1?


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CHAPTERFOURGospelEnemy#2:PersistentGuilt1. Explainhowthosewhoembracepersistentguiltleanonthesameobjectofdependencyasthose

whoembraceself-righteousness.(page53)

2. ReadGenesis3:1-13.AfterAdamandEveatefromthetreeofknowledgeofgoodandevil,whatdoyouthinkitmeansthat“theeyesofbothwereopened?”

3. Whatisaconscience?Explaininyourownwords.

• WhatdidGoddesigntheconsciencetodoforus?

• Whatareitstwopurposes?(54)

4. Whydowetendtousedifferentescapemechanismswhendealingwithaguiltyconscience?Whatisthepurposeoftheseescapemechanisms?(55)

5. Whathaveyouusedinthepasttoattempttoescapethevoiceofyourconscience?Isthissinful?Whyorwhynot?(55)

6. Describehowpersistentguiltgetsastrangleholdonbelievers.(55-56)


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7. Read1Timothy1:19.Whatcanhappentoourfaithwhenwerepeatedlyrejectourconscience?

8. Howhavethetenquestionsonpages56and57revealedthepresenceofpersistentguiltinyourlife?

9. Theideathatwemust“forgiveourselves”hasnobasisinScripture.Whydoyouthinkthisconcepthasbecomesopopular–evenamongChristians?(57)

10. ReadHebrews9:14.Whatpurifiesourconscience?

11. Describehowthefirstbookendistheonlywaytodefeatpersistentguilt.(57-58)

12. Read1Timothy1:13-14.Explainhowahealthyremembranceofoursincanbeablessing.(58-59)

13. PuritanThomasWilcoxdescribedsixwaystodealwithpersistentguiltbyshiftingourfocus.Whichofthesedoyoufindhelpfulandwhy?(59-61)

14. Describehowpersistentguiltcanbetransformedintojoyfulgratitudeforthegospel.(61-63)


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CHAPTERFIVELeaningontheFirstBookend1. Explainwhatitmeansto“lean”ontheFirstBookend.(page65)

2. Ourunchangeable,infallibleGodprovidesthebookends–thereforetheynevermoveorfail.Theproblemisourfailuretoleanourbooksonthem.Describehowthishappens.Howcanwecorrectthis?(65-66)

3. Whatarethethreefocalpointsfordependence-shifting?

4. Ephesians1:18speaksof“havingtheeyesofyourheartsenlightened.”Whatdoesitmeanto“see”withtheeyesofyourheart,andwhyisthissoimportant?(66)

5. ReadLuke19:1-10.Despitethecrowd’sdisapprovalofZacchaeus,howdoesZacchaeusrespondtobeinginthepresenceofJesus?(verse8)

• WhydoyouthinkZacchaeusrespondedinthisway?

• Readverse10againandcomplete:“FortheSonofMancametoseekandtosavethe___________.”


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• WasZacchaeussavedbecauseofhisownrighteousness?

6. Whyisitvitalthatweseeourselvesasdesperatelylostsinners?

7. SeePsalm36:9andJohn8:12.Explaininyourownwordswhattheauthormeanswhenhesaysonpage68,“WhenwestepintothelightofChrist’sperfectrighteousness,ourutterdepravityisexposed”?

8. Inwhatwaysdoesreviewingthelistonpage68helpyou“see”yourselfasadesperatelylostsinner(FocalPoint#1)?Whathappenstoourdependence?(68-69)

9. Readtheparagraphthatstartsonthebottomofpage69anddescribewhytherighteousnessofChristisall-sufficientfortheneedsofsinners.

10. ItisnotenoughtomerelyseetherighteousnessofChristasall-sufficient;wemustseeitasall-sufficientforus.ThinkaboutspecificareasyoudesperatelyneedtherighteousnessofChristtosubstituteforyoursinandfailure.IsHisrighteousnesssufficientforeventhat?HowdoesthisrealizationmakeyoufeeltowardHim?

11.WhatdoesitmeantopreachtheGospeltoyourselfeverydayandwhyisitsovitaltoyourspiritualhealth?(70-72)

12. ReadJohn8:12.Explainwhyfunctionalsaviorscouldbedescribedasevil.(72-74)


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13. Fromthefill-in-the-blankexerciseonpage73,identifyyourfunctionalsavior(s).

• Oncewehaveidentifiedourfunctionalsavior(s),whatarewetodowiththem?Whatcanhappenwhenwedon’trejectourfunctionalsaviors?(74)

• Currently,whatisGoddoinginyourlifetohelpfreeyoufromyourfunctionalsavior(s)?(74)


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CHAPTERSIXSecondBookend:ThePoweroftheHolySpirit1. Explainthedifferencebetweenmotivationandability/powerwhenitcomestolivingaChristianlife.

(page81)

2. AccordingtoEphesians1:13,whenarewesealedwiththeHolySpirit?

3. In2Timothy2:1Paulwrote,“BestrengthenedbythegracethatisinChristJesus.”Explainwhatitmeansto“bestrengthened.”(82)

4. Explainthedifferenceinthetwocategoriesofgrace:theblessingofprivilegeandtheblessingofpower.(82-83)

5. Read2Corinthians12:9.Explainwhatthisversemeansinyourownwords.

6. Explainthedifferencebetweenhelpandenablement.(85)

7. WhendiscussingtheroleofourfaithinleaningontheFirstBookend,theauthorsstatethatfaithinvolvesbothrenunciationandreliance.ExplainhowthesetwotermsapplytoourroleinleaningontheSecondBookend.(85)


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8. Fromthesectiontitled,TheSovereigntyoftheHolySpirit,explainwhattheHolySpiritbeing“sovereign”means.(85-86)

9. WhyisitthatwhenwerelyonthePoweroftheHolySpirit,sometimesHetemporarilywithholdsHispowerwhileothertimesHedramaticallymanifestsHispowerinus?(86)

10. Fromthesectiontitled,“TheSpirit’sSynergisticWork”explainwhatismeantbytheexpression,“qualifiedsynergism.”DescribehowthisrelievesusfromtheburdenofhavinginsufficientwillpowerandstrengthtoobeyGod.(86-88)

11. Read1Peter4:10-11andPhilippians2:12-13.Explainhowthesepassagesareexamplesofqualifiedsynergism.

12. InwhatwaysistheSpirit’swork“monergistic”?Howhaveyouexperiencedthisinyourlife?(88-90)

13.WhatthreewordsdoestheHeidelbergCatechismuseinunderstandingthemonergisticworkoftheSpirit?Whatdothesewordsreferto?(89)

14. DescribethesimilaritiesandthedifferencesbetweenthefirstandsecondBookends.(92)


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CHAPTERSEVENGospelEnemy#2:PersistentGuilt1. ExplaintheconceptofdependentresponsibilityfromColossians1:29.(page95-96)

2. Explainthetwosentencesthatstartonthebottomofpage98:“There’snoconflictbetweenourworkandourdependence.Infact,theharderwework,themoreabsoluteourdependenceontheSpiritmustbecome.”

3. Whatismeantbytheterm“spiritualdisciplines”?Howdotheybenefitus?(99)

4. Whattwotruthsmustweconstantlykeepinmindaswepracticethespiritualdisciplines?Whyarethesetwotruthssoimportant?(99-100)

5. ExplainhowreadingtheBiblecanbecome“aconversation,aprocessoftalkingtoGodandlisteningtoHim”inanexperienceofdailyfellowshipwithHim.(100)

6. Read2Corinthians3:18.Explaininyourownwordswhatitmeansto“beholdthegloryoftheLord.”Howdoesthisresultintransformation?

7. Whatisinvolvedin“preachingthegospeltoyourselfeveryday?”WhyisthissoimportanttoyourdailycommunionwithGod?(101)


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8. ReadColossians1:9-10andRomans12:2.WhyisScripturesoinstrumentalinrenewingandtransformingourlives?Whataresomepracticalwayswecanapplythistruthtoourdailylives?(102-103)

9. Explaininyourownwordshowprayerisanexpressionofourdependency?Howdoesprayercauseourdependencytogrow?(103)

10. ReadRomans8:28-29.HowdoesGodusethecircumstancesinourlives(bothgoodand“bad”)asameansofgraceinourlives?(104)

11. Read1Corinthians1:9and1John1:3.WhatarewecalledtohavewiththeLord?Inlightofthis,explainthedifferencesbetweenourunionwithChristandourcommunionwithChrist.(106)

12. ReadPsalm63:1andPsalm42:1-2.ThePsalmists’vividdesireforcommunionwithGodisevidentinthesepassages.FromallyouhavereadinTheBookendssofar,whatisthereaboutGodthatwouldmakeHimthisdesirabletoyou?

13.WhatcanyoudotoimprovethequalityofyourdailycommunionwiththeLord?

14.Whowillgiveyouthestrengthtocarryoutthesedesires?


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CHAPTEREIGHTTheHelpoftheDivineEncourager1. WhyistheHolySpiritreferredtoastheDivineEncourager?(page109)

2. ReadGalatians5:5.WheredoestheHolySpiritoftenpointusforencouragement?(109-110)

3. ReadJohn14:26and15:26.Inyourownwords,explainwhatJesusmeantwhenHesaid“TheHelper…willbearwitnessaboutme.”

4. Whatisgratitudeforpurchasedgrace?Whyisitlife-changing?(110-111)

5. Read2Corinthians5:14-15and1John4:9-10,19.ExplainwhatPaulmeantwhenhesaid,“theloveofChristcontrolsus.”

6. ReadthequotefromThomasChalmersonpage113.Explainwhatitmeansto“replacetheobjectofoursinfulaffectionwithaninfinitelymoreworthyone-Godhimself.”

7. Explainthedifferencebetweenthediagramsonpages113and114.

8. Thinkcarefullyaboutyourlifeandthenfillintheblankonpage115.NowreadtheparagraphthatfollowstheblankanddescribehowyoufeelaboutGodandyoursin.


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9. Inyourownwords,describewhatitmeanstoenjoyyourrelationshipwithGod?(116-117)

10. ReadJohn17:22-23.WhatremarkablestatementdoesJesusmakeabouttheimpactoftheGospelonthosewhobelieveinHim?

11. HowdoesadesiretoenjoyyourrelationshipwithGodempoweryourbattleagainstsin?(118)

12. Fromtheparagraphthatstartsatthebottomofpage118,describehowtheSpiritusesthepromisesofGodtoequipusforourbattleagainstsin.

13. Fromtheparagraphthatstartsatthebottomofpage119,whatspiritualdisciplinescanyoucommittoinordertoprepareyourselfforyourfutureneeds?

14.WhataresomeofthepromisesfromGod’sWordthattheSpirithasusedtomotivateorencourageyouinyourwalk?


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CHAPTERNINEGospelEnemy#3:Self-Reliance1. Whydoesitseemstrangetothinkofself-relianceandits“cousins”asenemiesoftheGospel?(page

123-124)

2. Whatisself-reliance?Howdoesitcomparetoself-righteousness?(124)

3. AccordingtoJohn15:5,whatiswrongwithaself-reliantapproachtolife?(125-126)

4. Accordingto1Corinthians4:7,whydoyoubelievetheauthorsstatethatweshouldnotbeself-reliantaboutanything?Doyouagree?Whyorwhynot?

5. Thelastparagraphonpage126statesthatallbelieversareinclinedtofallpreytoself-relianceeveryday!Doyouagree?Whathaveyoudoneinthelast24hoursthathasnotbeendonewith100%dependenceonthepoweroftheHolySpirit?

6. ReadMatthew26:31-35.WhatwastheobjectofPeter’sdependence?Inwhatwaysdoouractsofself-relianceresemblePeter’sdenialofChrist?(127-128)

7. ReadPhilippians4:13and2Corinthians3:5-6.Whenwefallintoapatternofself-reliance,howcanthetruthfromthesescripturesshiftourdependencebackonthepoweroftheHolySpirit?


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8. ReadthestoryofBrian’sstrugglewithself-relianceonpages128-131.Whatsimilarpatternsandoutcomeshaveyouseeninyourownlife?

9. WhichofthefourexcerptsfromJohnNewtondoyouidentifywiththemost?Why?(131-132)

10. Read2Corinthians12:7-8.WhatinsightsandapplicationsdoyoufindinthedescriptionofPaul’sthornintheflesh?(132-133)Whattypesof“thorns”haveyouexperienced?

11. Nowread2Corinthians12:9-10.HowdidthispromisehelpPauldealwithhisthornintheflesh?WhydoyousupposePaulwasableto“boast”ofandbe“content”withhisweaknesses?

12.What“thorn”canyoubecontentwithinyourlife?

13. Inyourownwords,explainwhatPaulmeantwhenhesaid,“ForwhenIamweak,thenIamstrong?”

14. Howcan2Corinthians12:9-10helpfreeyoufromself-reliance?


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CHAPTERTENLeaningontheSecondBookend1. Thefirstparagraphinthischapterdescribesbothbookendsas“infinitelysolidandweighty.”Doyou

believethis?Whyorwhynot?(page135)

2. ReadIsaiah41:14-16.Howdoesanearthwormaccuratelyportrayourweakness?Whathappenstotransformusfrom“worm”to“threshingsledge”?(136-137)

3. Explaintheterm“progressivesanctification.”Howdoesitunfoldinthelifeofthebeliever?Whichcomesfirst,justificationorsanctification?(138)

4. Read2Corinthians3:18.

• Explainwhattheauthorsmeantbysaying“…theprocessofourtransformationintoChrist-likeness,involved‘seeing’?”

• Using2Corinthians3:18,completethissentence.“Forthiscomesfromthe____________whoisthe____________.Whatisthepowersourceofthistransformation?

5. WhenweplaceourdependencyonthepoweroftheHolySpirit,itseemslikesometimesHecomesthroughforus,butsometimesHedoesn’t.Howcanyouexplainthisapparentinconsistency?(139-140)


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6. Spiritualwarfareisadailybattle.Howdoesthetruthfrom2Corinthians10:3-4andPhilippians1:6giveyouhopeforthesebattles?(140)

7. Self-relianceistenaciouslikepoisonivybecauseitsrootsystemisextensive.IdentifyanddescribetherootoftheGospelenemies.(141-142)

8. Whatishumility?Howdoesitaddressourself-relianceatitsroots?(143)

9. Whyisa“freshviewofthecross”neededinordertocultivatehumility?(143)

10.Whatisgodliness?Howdoesitaddressourself-relianceatitsroots?(143-144)

11. Read1Corinthians10:31and2Corinthians10:5.Howcanwepursuegodliness?(143-144)

12. Read1Corinthians2:1-13.HowareallthreeFocalPointsforshiftingourdependenceonthesecondbookenddemonstratedinthispassage?(144-146)

13. DoyouagreewiththeDailyDeclarationofDependence?(146)

14. Howcanthetruthsfoundin1Corinthians15:10and2Corinthians4:7encourageyouinyourdependenceonthebookendsoftheChristianlife?


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CONCLUSIONTheBookends:APersonalWorldview1. Whatisa“worldview”andwhyisitimportant?(page149)

2. ExplainhowtheBookendscanbeapersonalworldview.(149-150)

3. HowistheBookendsPersonalWorldviewhelpfulineachofthethreearenasofsin?(150-151)

4. Otherthanhelpinginourbattleagainstsin,inwhatotherareasdoestheBookendsPersonalWorldviewhelp?(152)

5. WhatdoestheBookendsPersonalWorldviewprovidethatmakesitsohelpfulandworthwhile?(152-153)

6. HowdoesIsaiah’sresponse,“HereamI!Sendme”reflecttheultimategoaloflivingbetweentheBookends?(153-154)

7. Readthesecondparagraphonpage154.Visualizetheactivitiesofyourlifefromthismomentforwardasbooksthatarestabilizedandsecuredbyleaningonbothbookends.Howdoesthischangeyouroutlookonlife?Howdoesitchangeyourplansfortherestoftheday,therestoftheweek,andyourlong-termfuture?


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8. Lookbacktothequestionsonpage16andanswerthemagain.HowdoyouranswerscomparetothoseyouwrotewhenyoustudiedtheIntroduction?

• SummarizewhatyouhavelearnedfromTheBookends.

ThanksforcompletingtheStudyGuide.IfyouhaveanycommentsorsuggestionsfortheauthorsofTheBookendsoftheChristianLife,pleasesubmitthemonthe“Contact”pageatTheBookendsBook.com.

Crossway Books published The Bookends of the Christian Life by Jerry Bridges and BobBevington in 2009. Since its release, it has become known as an effectiveway for Christiansto grow in their understanding of the transforming power of the gospel.

The Bookends Bible Study and Leader’s Guide was developed to give you the uniqueopportunity to dig even deeper into God’s Word to explore the framework of God’s planof salvation and the gospel. Learn how leaning on the Bookends of the Christian Life— theRighteousness of Christ, and the Power of the Holy Spirit—can provide hope to live a lifefree from guilt, pride, and self-righteousness.

“Susan Beebe, in her outstanding Bible Study and Leader’s Guide, hastaken The Bookends of the Christian Life to a new and deeper dimension.Anyone who wants to grow in their relationship with Christ and the HolySpirit will benefit from this book.”

—Jerry Bridges

“The Bookends Bible Study and Leader’s Guide is an excellent tool forteaching the meaning and application of the gospel to men, women,and teen-agers at all levels of spiritual maturity— including “seekers.”I recommend it for developing life-changing gratitude for the gospel!”

—Bob Bevington

Join us in exploring many promises in God’s Word that will reignite your passion andappreciation for the gospel and motivate you to live a gospel-driven life!

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