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Six Essential Habits of a Disciple

LEVEL 1: SIX ESSENTIAL HABITS OF A DISCIPLE

INTRODUCTION

Level 1 is designed to equip new members of the church with habits that will help them to mature as disciples of Jesus. The premise comes from 1 Corinthians 10:31b, “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Everything in our Christian lives fits under this umbrella, which helps us to understand how to “Walk in Love” as we proclaim, “Jesus is Lord.”

This class explains how to live as disciples of Jesus in the context of the local church while introducing many of the practices that will be emphasized throughout all six of the foundational Kingdom Training classes. Many of the programs of the local church will be introduced to help disciples become familiar with opportunities to get additional specific teaching and participate in activities that will promote growth in areas such as evangelistic activities; discipling through the churches small groups; serving in church ministries; helping the poor through the local HOPE worldwide chapter; attending marriage, parenting, and financial classes; or joining a support group. The Level 1 Course Overview summarizes the six Habits and the associated memory verses. HABIT 1 introduces the Purpose that guides disciples of Jesus – “Living for the Glory of God.” HABIT 2 provides practical instruction to help us maintain the habit of spending time with God every day. Other classes describe how to “Maintain an Evangelistic Lifestyle” (HABIT 3), “Embrace Discipling Relationships” (Habit 4), and “Prepare to Meet Together” (HABIT 5). The final class provides practical instruction on “Developing a Disciplined Life” (HABIT 6), a habit that will train us to persevere in keeping our habits, fighting temptation, avoiding sinful traps, and flourishing in our faith.

LEVEL 1 COURSE OVERVIEW

Class Title Memory Verse HABIT 1: Living for The Glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31 HABIT 2: Having Daily Quiet Times Matthew 4:4 HABIT 3: Maintaining an Evangelistic Lifestyle Matthew 28:18-20 HABIT 4: Embracing Discipling Relationship John 13:34-35 HABIT 5: Preparing to Meet Together Acts 2:38 HABIT 6: Developing A Disciplined Life Test

1. Explore our PURPOSE

2. Examine the PRINCIPLES

3. Engage with PRACTICALS



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HABIT 1: LIVING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

We all have a lens or paradigm through which we view every choice we make in life. As disciples of Jesus, we have chosen to make our decisions based on a recognition that “Jesus is Lord.” God gave us a living example that we can follow in the life of Jesus. Jesus brought glory to God in everything he did. As we learn to “walk in love” just as Jesus did, we bring glory to God. The figure below illustrates this paradigm. Our lives are built on the foundation of the grace of God which enables us to choose to “love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength” and to “live by faith.” We live out our faith by examining everything against the example of Jesus – asking the familiar question, “what would Jesus do?” This helps frame every decision in our personal life, public worship, relationships, profession, and interactions with everyone we come in contact with.

THE FOUNDATION OF LIFE

1) Stand by Grace (Ephesians 2:4-8) 2) Love God by Choice (Matthew 22:37-38) 3) Live by Faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)

• Believe the facts

• Trust the promises

• Obey the commandments

THE PURPOSE OF LIFE

1) All for the Glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) Questions to Ask: “Does this glorify God?” and “Is it the Lord’s will?” (James 4:15)

• Where we go and what we do

• How we act and react

• How we use our talents, money, time, possessions

2) Jesus Is Lord (Romans 10:9) Question to Ask: “What would Jesus do?” (1 John 2:6)

3) Walk in Love (Ephesians 5:1-2) Question to Ask: "How can I grow in my love?" (2 Thessalonians 1:3, Philippians 1:9)

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.



THE SPECIFICS OF LIFE

1) Personal Life

• Relationship with God [Covered in HABIT 2: Having Daily Quiet Times]

• Personal Righteousness & Personal Needs [Covered in HABIT 6: Developing a Disciplined Life]

2) Public Worship [Covered in HABIT 5: Preparing to Meet Together (Hebrews 10:24-25)] 3) Personal Relationships with Christians

• Discipling [Covered in HABIT 4: Embracing Discipling Relationships and Level 4: Six PRINCIPLES About Relationships]

• One Another Relationships [Covered in Kingdom Training Level 4: Six PRINCIPLES About Relationships]

4) Profession or School (Colossians 3:23-24) 5) Poor and Needy

• How we treat the poor is how we treat Jesus (Matthew 25:35-36)

• Service opportunities include our annual Season of Service with HOPE worldwide (Backpack Drive, September 11 Day of Service, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Holiday Toy Drive, and MLK Day of Service)

6) Proclaiming Jesus (Luke 19:10) [Covered in HABIT 3: Maintaining an Evangelistic Lifestyle] 7) Parents and Children (Exodus 20:12)

• Resources include Kingdom Kids, Youth & Family Ministry including Preteen-Teen-Parent Devotionals, and Good Enough Parenting class

• Sign up your kids for R Camp, Teen Camp, and HOPE Youth Corps! 8) Partner in Marriage (Ephesians 5:33)

• Resources include: Dynamic Marriage and United Marriage classes

• Sign up for one of the Marriage Retreats in February/March ➢ Embrace them all! Do your best! Know yourself! Train yourself!

CONCLUSION: Stand by Grace

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10) Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)

10 CONCEPTS (*from Part Four of Randy McKean’s book, “Radical Love”) 1) It’s All or Nothing 2) It’s Never OK to Say No to God 3) If It’s Not Daily, It’s Not Christianity 4) Understand the Seasons of Life 5) Your Christianity is Your Own Responsibility 6) Be Responsible but Not Over-Responsible 7) Understand That You Obey Your Highest Authority 8) Know, Welcome, and Respect Boundaries 9) Use Who You Are to Serve and Build Up the Church 10) Don’t Be Over-Wicked or Over-Righteous

Recommended Reading

* Randy McKean, Radical Love, IPI Books, 2016, www.ipibooks.com

http://www.ipibooks.com/



HABIT 2: HAVING DAILY QUIET TIMES There is nothing in life more important than our relationship with God. Loving God is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:35-36). Our time with God consists of both listening to the Word of God and talking to God through prayer. Like many aspects of Christianity, being with God is not complicated but it takes effort, authenticity, humility, and perseverance. This HABIT lays a foundation for every other life habit – let us spend time with the creator of the universe every day to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD – What does it look like?

1) To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:6-8) 2) Your words… were my joy and my heart’s delight. (Jeremiah 15:16) ENJOY GOD! 3) Don’t assume everyone has great time with God – like any relationship, it takes work! 4) Communicate with God: Talk to God (Pray) | Listen to God’s Word. (Psalm 5:3) 5) Call it prayer/closet time, meditation, quiet time, “loud cries and tears.” (Psalm 119:148) 6) Beware: Satan lures us with instant gratification to take advantage of our lazy, complacent

human nature. (2 Corinthians 2:11) 7) Jesus withdrew to lonely places early, late, and often. (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, Matthew 14:23) 8) Meditate on God’s Law day and night. (Psalms 1:1-2, Joshua 1:7-8) 9) Kings wrote their own copy of the Law to keep them humble. (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)

KEYS TO SUCCESS – What can I do to improve my relationship with God?

1) Attitude

• Understand our privilege – our Dad is King of the Universe! (1 John 3:1)

• We get to listen to God speak to us!

• Use music to soften your heart. (1 Samuel 16:16, Ephesians 5:18-20) 2) Consistency

• Establish a habit. We need spiritual/physical food/drink daily! (Deuteronomy 8:3)

• Set a time, pick a quiet place each day and keep it sacred.

• Do what you can – better short and consistent than long and inconsistent. 3) Spontaneity

• Enjoy some unscheduled time: go to God when you feel the need.

• Be flexible: don’t be repetitive; morning, noon, and night. (Psalm 42:1-2) 4) Perspective

• Give your heart: praise and worship the king through prayer, singing, listening to him.

• Open your heart: there’s no benefit to legalistically reading and praying.

• Change your scenery: enjoy nature, be in your closet, ask a friend to pray with you!

• Choose your position: sit/study/walk/kneel/prostrate. (Psalm 119:32)

Memory Verse: Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”



PRACTICAL PRAYER

1) Come before God: Revere Him, Recognize Him, Relate to Him. (Jeremiah 30:21)

2) Be honest!!! Examine your heart.

• What do you need? (Ezra 9:6)

• Renewal or nourishment; inspiration or power; knowledge or connection?

3) Pray Scripture: (Psalms 42, 51, 73, 119; Exodus 33:15, 1 Kings 8:23ff, Job 42, John 17, Acts 4:24ff, Ephesians 3:14-20)

4) Keep a journal; pray with someone; go on a “prayer walk”; ask another disciple. (Luke 11:1)

PRACTICAL BIBLE STUDY

1) Start with Prayer – for a receptive heart

• Be still. Listen. Be ready to obey.

• Pray scripture. (Psalm 119:18,24,50,133) 2) Scripture (OT) is about Jesus (John 5:39-40)

• Don’t stray far from the NT & Gospels. 3) Read the Bible!

Faith comes from hearing the word (Romans 10:17)

• Learn what each Book is about.

• Scripture helps us understand salvation. (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

4) Get the Right Tools*

• Bible, Notebook, and Spiritual Books

• Websites, Apps, and Sermons 5) Meditate & Memorize

• Pray to hear God’s truth on subjects.

• Ask others for their “go-to” verses; use cards and quiz each other. (Psalm 119:11) 6) Vary your Routine

• Choose a topic, focus on a character trait, a character, do a word study. (Concordance)

• Never lose sight of the goal – to do what the Word says! (James 1:22-25)

CONCLUSION

1) God’s Word humbly applied keeps us from drifting. (Hebrews 2:1) 2) What makes Christians different? God’s presence (Exodus 33:15-16) through the Holy Spirit

(Romans 8:9), and being with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) 3) What promise inspires us to change the world?

“I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Remember Jesus is with you!

GREAT BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS

• Who wrote this, to whom, and why?

• What does the scripture mean in context?

• To the original audience?

• In God’s overall plan of redemption?

• Is there an example for me to follow or sin to avoid?

• Is there a command for me to obey?

• How can I apply this in my life?

• What does this teach about Jesus?

• Is there a promise for me to claim?

• Is there a difficult-to-understand passage for me to ask about, study, or search out?

• Is there something for me to pray about?

Praying the Lord’s Prayer “ACTS” (Matthew 6:9-13)

Adoration: start with praise & worship

Confession: be real (he knows) and ask

for strength in temptation

Thanksgiving: thank God and be

grateful for what he has given you

Supplication: pray for needs and for God’s will to be done; don’t over-ask

Recommended References

* Books: Fee and Stuart, “How to Read the Bible for All its Worth” and “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” * Websites: NVCOC.org; disciplestoday.org; BibleGateway.com; BibleHub.com; thebibleproject.com * Apps: ReadScripture; Tecarta; YouVersion



HABIT 3: MAINTAINING AN EVANGELISTIC LIFESTYLE!

Jesus called us to follow him and become fishers of people. This is Jesus plan for changing the world, one person at a time. “Evangelize” simply means to share the good news. We shouldn’t have to set aside time “for evangelism.” Rather, as disciples we can share the good news everywhere they go – in the streets, in the home, on the job, all alone… The challenge is to train ourselves to maintain the HABIT of an evangelistic lifestyle. Let’s consider how!

OUR MOTIVATION = LOVE… for God and People

1) Christ’s Love Compels Us, making us ambassadors & messengers. (2 Corinthians 5:14-20) 2) Love for God leads us to obey Jesus… even when we don’t feel like it. (John 14:15) 3) Following Jesus, we take on his heart and compassion for people. (Matthew 9:35-38)

OUR EXAMPLE = Jesus’ evangelistic lifestyle

1) Jesus demonstrated an amazing heart for the lost. 2) Jesus shared his faith wherever he went.

Example: Jesus’ evangelism in the Gospel of Mark

• By the Sea of Galilee (1:14ff); in the synagogue (1:21ff); in people’s homes (1:29ff,32ff).

• Around town (2:1ff); by the lake (2:13ff); in a foreign land (5:1ff); in his hometown (6:1ff).

• On the way to Jerusalem (10:32ff); as they entered (11:1ff); in the temple (11:12ff).

• (14-15) In the garden; mistreated before authorities; at the cross; after resurrection!

MAKING DISCIPLES – The Process (Luke 10:1-24)

1) PRAY: “Ask the Lord of the harvest”

• Make a DECISION before God. Everything starts with your relationship with God.

2) WORK: “To send out workers”

• Jesus needs workers. We follow Jesus as “hard-working” servants. (2 Timothy 2:6)

3) SOW SEED: “Into his harvest field” [See the parable of the sower, Luke 8]

• The seed is the Word of God – as we go, we scatter the seeds of God’s Word.

• “When you enter a house” – Jesus sowed seeds through relationships.

• Invite people into your life, don’t just invite them to church.

Memory Verse: Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the

Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Evangelism Encouragements!

1. You have something to share!

• Share how God has had mercy on you! (Mark 5:19-20)

2. The “gospel” means “good news”!

• Experience & share it! (Mark 1:17-18) 3. Sharing our faith glorifies God!

• Our lifestyle will make God known. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

4. Share “as you go”!

• Make the most of every opportunity!

• Ex: The woman at the well. (John 4) 5. It’s on our lips when it’s on our heart!

• “from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)

6. It takes words… so open your mouth!

• Jesus is the Word; He spoke! (John 1)



4) FIND A WORTHY PERSON: [Matthew 10:11ff] “someone who promotes peace” [Luke 10:5]

• A “worthy” person: Someone who knows what you are all about, wants a relationship with you, and wants to learn from you; they are willing to put forth effort and time.

• Not just people who are open to a relationship with us… many want a friend.

• Make room in your life to reach out to a few people at a time.

• Be willing to move on: Jesus said, “take your peace back” – keep looking for the “worthy.”

5) GROW IN EFFECTIVENESS: [Hebrews 5:11-Hebrews 6:3]

• Mature Christians become effective teachers of the elementary truths of God’s Word.

• Practice studying the Bible with people – the more we ‘practice’ the better we get! o hear lessons on fishing but don’t go out and fish… you’re not a fisherman o hear lessons on driving but don’t go out and drive… you’re not a driver o hear lessons on evangelizing but don’t go out and evangelize… you’re not an

evangelizer… not a disciple… not like Jesus! We must actually practice what we believe!

6) WORK TOGETHER: “He sent them out two by two”

• Teammates: Work together to meet each other’s friends, evangelize, and study with people.

• Purposeful: Prioritize evangelism in your life! Ask people to study the Bible.

7) EXPECT FRUIT: “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name”

• Be faithful, patient, consistent: fruit will come!

• Jesus warned them, “do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” – true joy doesn’t come from results but from relationship.

• Disciples bear fruit… Jesus commanded us to “go and bear fruit.” (John 15:8,16)

• We remain on this earth to bear fruit. (Philippians 1:21-22,25)

CONCLUSIONS

1) Jesus changed the world by sharing good news in a way that inspired people to follow him. 2) As disciples, we have committed our lives to following Jesus, saying, “Jesus is Lord.” 3) We have the opportunity and responsibility to participate in the ministry of Jesus. 4) Jesus’ example: live an evangelistic lifestyle, find “worthy” people, call people to decision. 5) Imagine how God will use you: Expect others to become disciples!

Are You Competent to Convert?

Where do you see yourself? 1. Concerned but Unmoved

• Knows what is right and desires it

• But… doesn’t do what is right due to fear, busyness, unbelief, etc.

2. Consistent Evangelizer

• Shares how Jesus changed their life! 3. Confident Studier

• Builds a friendship

• Leads basic studies with confidence

• Transfers knowledge effectively

• Confronts people with scripture 4. Converter

• Persuades the heart with scripture

• Discerns life issues

• Helps people change (repent)

• Inspires and conveys urgency

• Calls people to a decision Challenge: Continue to Grow!

Recommended Reading

* Randy McKean, Radical Faith, IPI Books, 2015, www.ipibooks.com




HABIT 4: EMBRACING DISCIPLING / ONE ANOTHER RELATIONSHIPS

Jesus revolutionized religion by demonstrating God’s ultimate goal for every one of us: great relationships with God and people. Jesus taught us to approach God like a child seeking his daddy’s face. Now that God adopts us as his children, Jesus embraces us as family – his brothers and sisters. Jesus’ followers likewise embrace one another as family – “each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5). Our relationships are best described as “one another” relationships with the ultimate goal of helping each other become more like Jesus.

THE STANDARD: Love Like Jesus

We MODEL our relationships after Jesus 1) Focused Friendships: He called his disciples to him and chose twelve. (Luke 6:13) 2) Situational Friendships: He loved and discipled all who came into in his life.

How do we put these concepts into practice in our busy, fast-paced world? 1) Develop focused relationships through “discipleship partners” and “discipleship groups.” 2) Goal: help everyone live out “one another relationships” to become like Jesus.

THE COMMAND: One Another Relationships There are 59 “One Another” Scriptures in the Bible to: 1) Direct Christians how to treat one another 2) Govern & instruct “discipling” relationships 3) Form the foundation for all relationships

One another relationships in Christ are designed to be at a much deeper level than those in the world.

“that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” (Romans 1:12)

THE APPLICATION: Practical Discipling Relationships

Definition of discipling: A committed relationship/friendship through ongoing conversations about our lives that help us become more like Christ. 1) Purpose: to teach, encourage, train, build up,

sharpen, help, advise, and give perspective. 2) Two-way: it involves being open and being real

with each other; no one is “over” the other. 3) Relationship: friends helping friends. 4) Imitation: Christ is the standard and our lives are examples. 5) Foundation: the focus of our discipling relationships is our desire to be like Jesus. 6) Commitment: set and keep a consistent time (weekly is best).

Memory Verse: John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

One Another Scriptures

Encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13) Spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24) Serve one another (Galatians 5:13) Carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16) Pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18) Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32) Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)

Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you… (Matthew 28:20)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)



1. DISCIPLING IS: God’s plan for maturing Christians

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 1:28-29)

• Teaching: to impart skills or knowledge

• Admonishing: to notify of a fault; to reprove gently, but seriously; to exhort; to counsel against wrong practices; to caution or advise; to warn against danger or an offense

• Laboring: struggling together to be like Jesus

2. DISCIPLING IS: Speaking the truth in love

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into… Christ. (Ephesians 4:15) Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? (Galatians 4:16) Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (Proverbs 27:5-6)

• Better to hear the difficult things about ourselves from a friend than to listen to someone who does not love you enough to challenge you.

• We say, “Level with me!” “Tell it like it is!” “Be honest!” – Do we really want truth?

3. DISCIPLING IS: A method for teaching, guiding, helping, and getting advice

I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. (Romans 15:14) The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (Proverbs 12:15) Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22) Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. (Proverbs 19:20)

4. DISCIPLING IS NOT…

• …the only way to mature in Christ. It is one way to make disciples and live out “one another” Christian relationships!

• … being fully responsible to get another person to heaven. Discipling helps each individual to work out “their own” salvation! (Philippians 2:12-13)

• … an authority over you, to do what you are told. Discipling helps you obey God! The Word of God is the authority. Seek advice to figure out God’s will. (Romans 12:2)

• … primarily confessing sin. Discipling encourages you to overcome sin. (Hebrews 3:13)

• … primarily confronting what needs to change. Discipling helps you grow. (Prov. 27:17)

• … to meet all a person's needs. Discipling helps us meet our own needs. (Galatians 6:2-5) Note: Men need other men in their lives and women need other women in their lives.

• … primarily accountability time. It is a time to talk and gain spiritual perspective. Accountability is a tool to help us achieve our goals. Be humble and get help!

5. EMBRACE DISCIPLING RELATIONSHIPS!

• Do you have a committed discipling relationship? Have you set and kept a regular time?

Ideas for Discipling

• Can be individual or group time

• Help each other with life’s ups and downs!

• Pray together: pray for each other

• Read scripture: discuss insights and applications

• Be real: be honest and confess sin

• Openness breeds openness!

• Be a great encourager!

• Be open to encouragement!

Recommended Reading

* Gordon Ferguson, The Power of Discipling, 2001 www.ipibooks.com




HABIT 5: PREPARING TO MEET TOGETHER AS A BODY! God loves to have family celebrations. The OT introduced elaborate worship designed to help people connect with a holy and loving God. When Jesus built his church, he intended that the world would see God through his body (Ephesians 3:10). He promised to be present any time two or more gathered in his name (Matthew 18:20). The NT proclaims the priority of meeting together as a body, the need for a reverent attitude that recognizes the body of Christ, our interconnection as God’s family, and the collective activities we participate in as a church. As a church, we aim to create worship services where God is present and praised and people are inspired to worship him with awe, in Spirit and truth! Let’s be in the HABIT of meeting together!

Meeting Together Is Our PRIORITY

• Seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33) because Jesus is LORD!

• Prepare to encourage each other; our HABIT is to meet together. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Meeting Together With The RIGHT ATTITUDE

“Worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)

Meeting Together Is Our CONVICTION and PASSION (Acts 2:42-47)

• We need fellowship, especially when we don’t feel like it! (Hebrews 3:12-13)

• We respect God’s wisdom and the authority of God’s church leaders. (Hebrews 13:17)

• We are part of a body; we need every part, can’t say “I don’t need you.” (1 Cor. 12:12-27)

• We submit to the church leaders’ authority as part of Christ’s body. (Ephesians 4:11-14) - The church gathers on Sunday (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 16:1-2); “the Lord’s Day.” (Rev. 1:10) - Other meetings: midweek, house churches, Bible Talks, devotionals, retreats, etc.

Meeting Together Is To Have DISTINCT ELEMENTS

• Element 1: Come prepared to WORSHIP “Come before him” (Psalm 100:1-3; Psalm 102:21-22)

• Element 2: Come prepared to SING “Sing and make music” (Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:16)

• Element 3: Come prepared to FELLOWSHIP “Spur one another on” (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42)

• Element 4: Come prepared for CONTRIBUTION “Honor the Lord with your wealth” (Proverbs 3:9)

• Element 5: Come prepared for COMMUNION Remember Jesus’ body and blood – his love for us (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32) Examine our hearts – vertical & horizontal relationships; never take communion lightly!

• Element 6: Come prepared to HEAR THE WORD OF GOD “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:13; Isaiah 66:2b)

• Element 7: Come prepared to PRAY (Acts 4:23-24a; Acts 12:5)

Contributions

1. Weekly – support the local church (1 Cor. 16:1)

2. Poor – remember the needy (Galatians 2:10)

3. Special Missions – make disciples of all nations (2 Cor. 9:6-7)

All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. (Galatians 2:10; also see Matthew 25:40)

Memory Verse: Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the

forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”



Meeting Together In SPIRIT and In TRUTH

(1 Timothy 3:15; Gal. 1:8-9; Acts 2:38-39; 2 Timothy 2:24-26)

1) Truth NOT Tradition

• Jesus warned that worship in tradition is “merely human rules” and that it is “in vain.” (Matthew 15:6b-9)

2) Truth NOT False Teaching

• False/inaccurate teaching is a BIG DEAL. False teachers exist: they teach what is FALSE! (1 Peter 2:1)

• God cares about “life and doctrine.” (1 Timothy 4:16) 3) Example of Doctrinal Truth: Baptism

“Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:38)

• Requires repentance (Greek=metanoia), a change of mind; to surrender and make Jesus Lord.

• Brings forgiveness of sins.

• Is how we receive the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:9)

• Is how we get “into Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)

• “Baptism now saves you…” (1 Peter 3:21) If I’ve not done what God says to do, I’m not a Christian.

4) Examples of False Teachings

• False Gospel (Galatians 1:8-9) – What does the Bible teach about salvation? 1) Hear the Word (Romans 10:17) 2) Believe the Gospel (Faith – Hebrews 11:6) 3) Repent of Sins (Luke 13:1-5, 2 Corinthians 7:10-11, Acts 2:38) 4) Confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:12, Matthew 28:18-20) 5) Be baptized for forgiveness of sins and to receive gift of Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39)

• False Conversions (Romans 6:3-4) – These false teachings are NOT in the Bible! 1) Infant baptism is not conversion (Colossians 2:12); conversion requires faith! 2) Praying Christ into your heart is not repentance and does not make you “born again”

(John 3:3-5) or give you “a new life.” (Romans 6:4) 3) Accepting Jesus as your personal savior is not the same as making Jesus Lord –

beware of self-centered religion! 5) Conviction about Truth

Be prepared with an answer about what the Bible says = True Teaching! (1 Peter 3:15)

• Make Jesus’ Lord – never compromise!

• Be Prepared – don’t be surprised by Satan’s schemes!

• Preach the Word – with gentleness and respect!

CONCLUSION

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:27) Recommended: • Level 2: “Baptism 2/False Doctrines” and Level 5: “The Church is the Body of Christ”

A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24)

Inside or Outside of Christ? The Bible never says you can • faith into Christ

• believe into Christ

• repent into Christ

• confess into Christ

• accept into Christ

• or pray into Christ

The Bible ONLY says you can be BAPTIZED into CHRIST!



HABIT 6: DEVELOPING A DISCIPLINED LIFE ‘DISCIPLINE’ from the Latin word ‘discipulus’ or disciple (Oxford Dictionary) is the act of training and instructing. As disciples, Jesus is our example of how to live a DISCIPLINED life. A disciple “trains himself to be godly” (1 Tim. 4:7). The Bible instructs us to embrace DISCIPLINE whether it comes directly from God or through the circumstances of life for “the Lord disciplines those he loves” (Hebrews 12:6). Although everyone has the same number of hours in a day, the DISCIPLINED accomplish more and reap a harvest! How do we accomplish our dreams for God? What will help us fight the good fight and finish the race?

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)

• A DISCIPLE trains themselves to keep learning, growing, to be like Jesus.

• The Holy Spirit gives us DISCIPLINE to make that happen! (2 Timothy 1:7)

DEFINING THE DISCIPLINED LIFE

1) Perseverance not Procrastination (Hebrews 6:12, Proverbs 24:30-34, Proverbs 26:13-16) • Discipline is not a onetime thing.

• Discipline is a lifetime thing!

• Disciples choose a life of discipline, imitate good examples, and fight laziness/procrastination.

2) Discipline Requires Training (Hebrews 5:14, 1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

• No one can train | run | compete for another person.

• Each disciple must develop discipline for themselves.

• Training brings our lives under God’s control. (Romans 8:5-7)

3) Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23)

• NOT for SELF…to do more and better for SELF… our motivation is for GOD.

• What controls your life – feelings or principles?

• God created us as emotional beings; emotions are not bad.

• Do right feel right; when we do the right thing, we feel better.

4) A Disciplined LIFE… not just in one area of life… in all areas of life. What does that look like?

• Start with your mind: take captive every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5) through faith.

• Start in the morning: Get to bed on time and get out of bed on time.

• Be committed to time with God: Don’t trade time with God for time with man or TV.

5) Discipline is WORTH IT! Moses chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. (Hebrews 11:25)

• Envision the end result and desire that more than giving into the immediate pleasure that can be gained now. (Hebrews 12:7-11)

Recommended Reading

* Richard Taylor, The Disciplined Life



LIVING THE DISCIPLINED LIFE – FOUR AREAS

1) Disciplined with our TIME Make the most of every opportunity for the days are evil. (Eph. 5:16)

• Glorify God in every opportunity The Specifics/Responsibilities of Life (Graphic from Class 1)

• Consecrate your spare time Your hobbies, electronics, sports, music, entertainment, etc.

• Be on time: for church, class, work, appointments, etc. Tardiness communicates disrespect: “You’re not important!”

2) Disciplined with our MONEY

The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. (Psalm 24:1)

• Budget: have a plan for God’s money and stick to it.

• Stay out of debt: the borrower is slave to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

• Identify your materialism and greed: say “NO”; be content. (Phil. 4:11-12, Hebrews 13:5) God made you rich so that you can be generous. (2 Corinthians 9:11, 1 Timothy 6:17-18) Honor the Lord with your wealth. (Proverbs 3:9)

• Get training: Take FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY.

3) Disciplined with our SEXUAL NATURE

• God created our sexual nature and desires: God said, “It was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)

• Attack sin at temptation level: apply Jesus’ standard, not the world’s. (Matthew 5:27-30)

• Absolute purity (1 Timothy 5:2): “not even a hint of sexual immorality.” (Ephesians 5:3)

• Avoid tempting situations and places (Proverbs 5): Be aware of Satan’s scheme’s.

• Marriage must remain pure (Hebrews 13:4): meet each other’s needs. (1 Corinthians 7)

4) Disciplined with our PHYSICAL BODIES

• Care for your body: it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

• Take ownership of your health: use physical and mental health medical resources.

• Fight anxiety & stress: prayer and submission (Philippians 4:4-7) to the Great Physician!

• Beware of addictions: smoking, alcohol, and drugs (illegal and prescription drugs); food addiction for stress relief; lack of discipline can lead to serious health problems!

• Physical training is of some value! (1 Timothy 4:8) It takes self-control to stay in shape, eat healthy, diet, and keep the weight off.

• Tame your Tongue: words have impact – speak life! (James 3)

• Laugh! Don’t forget to have fun: “a cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Proverbs 15:13, 17:22)

DISCIPLINE / TRAINING is a must when we are young; even more so as we get older DEVELOP A DISCIPLINED LIFE… so that we may enjoy life!

DEVELOP A DISCIPLINED LIFE… so that we have a satisfying life! DEVELOP A DISCIPLINED LIFE… so we will have an impacting life!

DEVELOP A DISCIPLINED LIFE… so we will have a godly life! DEVELOP A DISCIPLINED LIFE… so we can get to heaven!

Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law.

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