A Firm Foundation: Basics for Disciplemaking1

Leader Guide

A Firm Foundation is designed to provide new believers with a solid spiritual basis for progressing in the faith. It is also designed to give seasoned believers a review of principles that should be foundational for us, but which we might be neglecting. Studying these fundamentals is best when one disciple helps another, but can be used by one disciple on his own.

A Firm Foundation is comprised of three parts. First, the Essentials section covers essential elements of our walk with Christ, at a suggested pace of one element per week. It contains brief descriptions, Bible verses for the student to read on his own, assignments, and Scripture memory. Second, the Bible Study section is a teacher-guided example of how to read a short book of the Bible in sequence for study and application. Third, the On Your Own section gives the student a series of Bible passages to read daily for approximately thirty days, with prompts on how to study and apply the truth they contain.

1 Jan. 2017. Rob Faircloth.

Page 1 of 19

A disciple is a follower of Christ, having been baptized and learning to obey the commands of Jesus (Mat 28:18-20). He is growing spiritually and moving toward maturity in Christ (Col 1:28-29), though we don’t completely “mature” until we are glorified in Christ’s presence (Rom 8:28-30). Maturing disciples (those who are growing, rather than stagnant) are Trinitarian, relating to the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit.

TO THE FATHER. A disciple is able to start loving God and his church (Mat 22:37) and to start delighting in him above all else. The disciple prioritizes:

God’s Will. The disciple wants to know what God desires, and to live accordingly (Rom 12:2, Mat 6:10).

God’s Glory. The disciple seeks to glorify God in every aspect of life (1Co 10:13). God’s Pleasure. The disciple finds his greatest pleasure in God, and wants God to be

pleased with him (2Co 5:9; Psa 16:11).

THROUGH THE SON. A disciple is someone whose Head, Heart, and Hands are oriented to Christ and his mission. Jesus’ invitation helps us define a disciple: Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Mat 4:19). The disciple is:

Following Christ. The disciple recognizes Jesus’ authority, truth and command (John 14:6; Mat 4:19; Luke 9:23).

Imitating Christ. The disciple is being changed by Christ, pruned by God and bearing different fruit (Mat 4:19; John 15:1-2; Rom 8:29; Gal. 5:22-23).

Proclaiming Christ. The disciple knows he is saved to served Jesus, and adopts Jesus’ mission as his own. He fishes for men by the proclamation of the gospel, which is the ministry of reconciliation (Mat 4:19; Mat 28:18-20; 2Co 5:15-20).

What is a Disciple? (continued)

IN THE SPIRIT. That disciple abides in Christ and matures in him with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13-14; Rom 14:17). The disciple is:

Converted. A disciple has been converted from non-Christian to Christian through Spirit-generated rebirth (John 3:5; 2Co 5:17).

Committed. A disciple has progressed from isolated believer to connected member (1Co 12, 14; Eph 4; Mat 18:15-20).

Submitted. A disciple is submitted, living a Spirit-filled (Eph 5:18), Christ-centered life, which manifests itself in:

o Love for God through worship and holiness, ando Love for others through fellowship and forgiveness (Mat 22:37-40)

Imparted. A disciple connects with and imparts himself to the body of Christ through Spirit-gifted service (Rom 12:4-6; 1Pe 4:10).

Replicated. A disciple is being reproduced through Spirit-empowered evangelism (Acts 1:8), disciplemaking (2Ti 2:2; Mat 28:18-20), and fruit-bearing (Gal. 5:22-23).

We do not achieve any of these perfectly, and don’t see progress in them overnight. Part of being a disciple of Christ is recognizing in ourselves and in others small steps toward maturity that we make regularly over the course of our lives.

Section One: Essentials

For this section, the leader may address each topic completely in that session. Or he may provide the student Bible passages to read ahead of time, or he may provide the Student Guide, which contains only the element for each week, with Bible verses to read and Scripture memory for the week.

1. Salvation

Truth Objective: When a person comes to faith in Christ, many things change, and the Bible describes these changes in many ways. Understanding what has changed helps the believer live in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord.

Darkness to Light (1 Peter 2:9) Death to Life (Ephesians 2:1-7; John 5:24) Dirty to Clean (1 John 1:9; Isaiah 1:18) Bound to Free (Romans 6:15-23) Serving Satan to Serving God (1 Thessalonians 1:9; Ephesians 2:1-3) Bearing God’s Wrath to Enjoying God’s Grace (John 3:16, 36) Orphaned to Adopted (Ephesians 1:3-6; John 14:18) From Hell-Bound to Heaven-Bound (John 5:28-29) Old to New (John 3:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Application: Review with the student the changes that occur when someone comes to faith in

Christ. Discuss the significance of the things God has already done (salvation) and what the believer participates in (sanctification).

Help the student see how this understanding helps the believer in evangelism, in disciple-making, in assurance of salvation, in growth in holiness.

Memorize: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Resources: Finally Saved (John Piper); Real Change: Conversion (9Marks Study)

2. Assurance of Salvation

Truth Objective: When we place our faith in Christ for salvation, we trust that our salvation is guaranteed through him. As a result, we don’t need to worry about him leaving us, and we are certain that our lives will be lived to his glory through the Holy Spirit, and that we will spend eternity in heaven with him when we die. Nothing can take the objective fact of our salvation away, but various things might affect our feeling of security or assurance, or the evidence of our conversion. Even so, we can be assured by the reality of Christ’s work for us.

Scripture.

Page 2 of 19

Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:16 (the sealing and witness of the Spirit)

Romans 8:28-39 (assurance is based on the power of God) John 10:28-29 (security in Father & Son) 1 John 5:11-13; 1 John (we can know we’re saved) John 1:12-13 (assurance is based on the work of Christ)

Application: Review the gospel message with the student. Ask him how he knows that he is saved:

o Have you come to the point in your life that if you died tonight, you know that you would spend eternity with God in heaven?

o If you are standing before the throne of God, and he asks why he should let you into heaven, what would you say?

Remind him that believers don’t need to ask God for salvation again and again, because his salvation is assured for him once we repent, believe, and trust him. Works don’t save us, so works don’t “un-save” us, but a changed life and behavior are evidences of our salvation (see 1 John).

Pray with him or her and thank God that we can have assurance of salvation. Ask God for power to walk in the power of the Spirit until the end.

Memorize: 1 John 5:11-13

Resources: Can I Be Sure I’m Saved? (R.C. Sproul); Saved Without a Doubt (John MacArthur)

3. Victory Over Sin

Truth Objective. Before we become Christians, we are slaves to sin, unable to honor God. But now we have been set free from sin, and we have victory of sin’s power, including death. We overcome sin by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the more holy we become, the more we resemble Jesus. We should actively strive to live as slaves to God for righteousness, and continue coming out from under the bondage of sin. When we are tempted to sin, we can be victorious and obey Christ, because he has secured the victory, and because the Spirit of Christ abides in us.

Scriptures: Romans 6:3-10, 8:1-15; 1 Corinthians 5:17-21 (new life in Christ) Romans 6:14 (grace delivers from sin’s dominion) 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 (way of relief promised) 1 Corinthians 15:57 (victory through Jesus) 1 Peter 1:13-16 (holiness like God) Galatians 5:16-26 (the power of the Spirit) James 4:7 (submission to God)

Application: Have the student list different sins he or she struggles with. Study what the Bible says

about those sins. Then pray for the Spirit to help obey in those areas. Review 1 Corinthians 10:13 in detail, and for application.

Page 3 of 19

Memorize Psalm 119:9, 11 with him. Discuss with the student how believers are saved from the Penalty of Sin, from the

Power of Sin, and from the Presence of Sin.

Memorize: Romans 6:14; 1 Corinthians 10:13

4. Separation from Sin; Godliness

Truth Objective. The disciple of Jesus must not only know that through Christ he has victory over sin, but also strive to recognize and avoid sin.

Scripture. 1 John 1:5-2:2 (walking in the light) 2 Timothy 2:19-22 (departing from iniquity) Romans 6:12-14 (sin should not dominate us) 1 John 2:15-16 (we should not love the world) Romans 12:1-2 (we should not conform to the world) 1 Timothy 4:7 (train yourself for godliness) Hebrews 12:14 (strive for holiness)

Application. Demonstrate how God’s commands reveal his will for our holy living. Discuss how the believer deals with specific, known sin, but also turns from a life of

sin, in general, to a life of holiness. Ensure that the student understands how salvation in Christ enables us to live in a

manner pleasing to God.

Memorize: 1 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:14

Resources: The Pursuit of Godliness and The Pursuit of Holiness (Jerry Bridges)

5. The Lordship of Christ; Obedience

Truth Objective. Jesus is fully God and fully man. In order to trust Jesus to save us from our sins, we must surrender our live to him and follow him as Lord and King. Repenting for salvation includes turning away from sin (self-rule) and turning toward him in obedience (Christ-rule).

Scriptures: John 1:1-14; 10:30 (Jesus is fully God) Romans 10:9-10 (we must confess that Jesus is our Lord) John 14:15 (loving Jesus means we obey his commands) Matthew 28:18-20 (obeying Jesus is part of being a disciple, and of making disciples) 1 Samuel 15:22 (obedience is better than sacrifice) James 4:17 (disobedience is sin)

Application: Discuss why it was necessary for Jesus to be both God and man. Explore what it

means that Jesus was actually God in the flesh.

Page 4 of 19

Think of ways that we do not obey Jesus, and think of ways that we can obey him more in daily life.

Make a list of the things in our lives that change when we become a disciple of Christ.

Identify an area of the student’s life that demonstrates disobedience to Christ. Devise a plan to bring that area into obedience.

Memorize: John 14:15; James 4:17

6. Walking with the Holy Spirit

Truth Objective: The Holy Spirit is fully God, and is the presence of God in us. Part of his work in us is to bring us into conformity to God’s will, making us holy and pleasing to the Lord.

Scriptures: John 16:13-15 (the Spirit glorifies Christ) Romans 8:26-27 (the Spirit helps us pray) John 14:16-17 (the Spirit is the Comforter) John 16:7-11 (the convicting ministry of the Spirit) Galatians 5:22-23 (fruit of the Spirit) Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11 (gifts of the

Spirit) Ephesians 5:18 (be filled with the Spirit) Galatians 5:16 (walk by the Spirit) Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (do not grieve or quench the Spirit)

Application: Discuss how the Holy Spirit speaks in the Word, intercedes when we pray, gives gifts

for ministry, and convicts of sin. Suggest keeping a journal of how the Spirit is working in his life, speaking through

God’s Word, in gifting, or in sensitivity to sin. Discuss the things that quench and grieve the Spirit, and evaluate whether any of

those things are present.

Memorize: Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:22-23

Resources: The Holy Spirit (Ferguson); The Forgotten God (Francis Chan)

7. Knowing the Will of God

Truth Objective. God does not tell us what he desires regarding every single decision that we make. But he does tell his people what his will for us is. Generally, his will is to make us more like Jesus, and he instructs us how to be more like Jesus in the Bible. As we read his clear will in Scripture and obey, he give us wisdom in other areas to make decisions that please him. In this way, we receive God’s guidance for daily living.

Scripture. Romans 12:1-2 (testing the will of God by self-sacrifice and mind renewal)

Page 5 of 19

Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:9, 33 (godly wisdom and counsel) Matthew 28:18-20 (his will that we make disciples) See below for additional Scripture.

Application. Explain the difference between God’s providence and sovereignty, which we

typically know after the fact, and his revealed will in his commands. Know the difference between obedience in clear matters, and wisdom in other

matters. Explain how the believer can determine whether he is within the clear, revealed will of God, and, if so, how wisdom and Christian liberty then leads his decision-making.

Demonstrate how you would attempt to discern the Lord’s will in a major life decision, as well as in an ordinary daily choice.

Use the following summary about God’s will:

o God wants men to be Saved (2 Peter 3:9-10)o God wants men to be Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:17-18)o God wants men to be Sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7)o God wants men to be Submitting (1 Peter 2:13-15; Ephesians 5:18-6:9;

Hebrews 13:17)o God wants men (sometimes) to be Suffering (Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 3:17;

4:19; 2 Timothy 3:12)

Memorize: Romans 12:1-2; Proverbs 3:5-6

Resources: Found: God’s Will (John MacArthur); Can I Know God’s Will? (R.C. Sproul)8. The Bible: God’s Word

Truth Objective. The Bible is God’s word to his people, and is sufficient for all matters of our faith and practice. It is the primary way that God speaks to us, and the only way that God has directed us to listen to his message (he does not promise to communicate with us in other ways, or bless attempts to hear him in other ways). Its content is assured by God, and we can be confident that the copies we have are accurate.

Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (inspiration and use of the Bible) Hebrews 4:11-13 (effects of the Bible) 2 Peter 1:19-21 (origin of the Bible) Matthew 22:29 (danger of not knowing Scripture) Psalm 19:7-11 (description of the word)

Application. Ensure that the student has a good Bible translation for general use. Demonstrate how to use the references, marginal notes, and concordance.

Memorize: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12

Resources: You Can Trust the Bible (Erwin Lutzer); From the Mouth of God (Sinclair Ferguson)

Page 6 of 19

9. The Bible: Reading Regularly

Truth Objective. Because God has spoken to us in his word, each believer should make sure that he is reading what is in the Bible. Because we tend to forget what we have learned, we should read and re-read the Bible regularly.

Scripture. 1 Timothy 4:13 (read carefully) Acts 17:11 (daily reading) Revelation 1:3 (blessing come with reading) Joshua 1:8 (daily reading and meditation) Deuteronomy 17:19 (need for daily reading)

Application. Demonstrate the difference between reading and studying. Expose the student to the different Bible reading plans that are available.

Memorize: Joshua 1:8

10. The Bible: How to Study

Truth Objective. The Bible is God’s revelation of himself to mankind, and contains everything we need for life and godliness. But we need to study God word in order to understand what it says.

Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (the purpose and methods of Bible instruction) Hebrews 4:11-13 (the effects of exposure to God’s word) Acts 17:11 (commendation for Bible study) Ezra 7:10 (Ezra’s example)

Application. Select a passage of Scripture and study it together. After reading it, show him how

ask primary questions of God’s message:o Observation: what does the passage say?o Interpretation: what does the passage mean?o Application: what do I need to do as a result of what the passage says and

means? Should I praise God for something? Should I obey a command? Should I claim a promise? Should I avoid a sin? Should I follow an example? Should I pray about something? Should I change how I think? What I do? What I’m passionate

about? Review and explain the Ineffective Bible Study Methods in the Appendix.

Memorize: Luke 8:18

Page 7 of 19

Resources: Knowable Word (Peter Krol); Journey into God’s Word (Duvall & Hays); From the Mouth of God (Sinclair Ferguson)

11. The Bible: Listening, Memorizing & Meditating

Truth Objective. The more we hear God’s word, the more we know God, and we are able to hear God’s word in many ways: preaching, teaching, personal Bible reading, etc. But mere hearing is not enough, and we should also take care to memorize God’s word, and to meditate on it.

Scripture. Jeremiah 22:29 (call to hear the word) Luke 8:18 (we should listen carefully) Colossians 3:16 (memory enriches us) James 1:22-25 (we must do the word) Matthew 4:1-11 (Christ’s example) Psalm 119:9, 11 (memory helps avoid sin) Psalm 1 (effects of meditation) Joshua 1:8 (promises for meditation) Philippians 4:8 (mental disciples of meditation)

Application. Demonstrate how to hear a sermon or lesson and take notes. Discuss the various ways that we listen to God’s word, and explain that when we are

hearing others read or expound it, that we should not be passive, but active listeners. Discuss how to memorize and meditate on Scripture, and work on Bible memory

with him.

Memorize: Psalm 1:1-2

Resources: Listen Up! (Christopher Ash); Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Donald Whitney)

12. Speaking to God: Prayer

Truth Objective. We hear from God in his word, and we speak to him through prayer. Everyone who has repented and believed in Christ is able to pray directly to God because of what Jesus did for his people. Prayer is seeking God’s face, his will, his heart, his hand, and his strength.

Scripture. Matthew 6:9-13 (the disciples’ prayer) John 15:7 (abiding in Christ) John 17 (Jesus’ example) 1 John 5:14-15 (asking according to God’s will) 1 Corinthians 7:5; Romans 12:12 (be devoted and constant in prayer) Ephesians 6:18 (in the Spirit, with supplication, alert, with perseverance) Matthew 26:41 (to avoid temptation) Other: Colossians 4:2-4; Luke 18:1-8; 1 Peter 4:3, Philippians 4:6-7; James 4:3; 5:13-

16; 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 8;

Page 8 of 19

Application. Demonstrate the benefit of having a time of regular, deliberate prayer, but also the

ability to engage in spontaneous prayer. Be aware of the impediments to prayer. Demonstrate how to use the Psalm-of-the-Day, disciples’ prayer and A.C.T.S.

acrostic in prayer:o Disciples’ Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

Praise Purpose Provision Pardon Protection Power

o A.C.T.S. Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication

Observe how the student prays. Illustrate answers to prayer. Help the student develop a prayer list.

Memorize: Matthew 6:9-13; Matthew 26:41

Resources: Praying the Bible (Donald Whitney); Prayer (Packer & Nystrom); Prayer Guide published by the Church

13. Meeting with God Daily

Truth Objective. It is crucial to the believer’s growth in holiness to spend time with God every day. Time alone with God in Bible study and prayer is invaluable as we strive to know God more.

Scripture. Psalm 5:3 (David) Luke 10:38-42 (Mary & Martha) Mark 1:35 (Jesus) Genesis 19:27 (Abraham) Exodus 34:2-3 (Moses) Daniel 6:10 (Daniel) 1 Corinthians 1:9 (called to fellowship)

Application. Demonstrate how to have daily time by inviting the student to participate with you. Show him how you listen to God, speak to God, and commit yourself to his service

each day. Encourage him to develop the habit of daily time in the word of God and in prayer.

Pray through a Psalm or other passage together.

Memorize: Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-2

Page 9 of 19

14. Church Life

Truth Objective. The church is not a building, but the people of God who meet together in a local congregation, whether in a building, a home, or in a tent. When we come to Christ in repentance and faith, we become part of God’s family. We are children of God and we belong to God’s household, which the Bible calls the church (“Church”). This happens immediately when we are converted to Christ. But we live out our role in God’s household through the local church, or congregation of believers (“congregation”). Joining a congregation doesn’t happen automatically, but we do this following our profession of faith (and usually, baptism). Because of our new obligations to others, it is not possible to serve the Lord without being part of a local congregation.

Scripture. Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:11-32 5:25-28 (church life) Hebrews 10:23-35 (do not forsake fellowship) Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (relation to spiritual leaders) 1Corinthians 5:1-13 (maintaining purity of witness) Matthew 16:13-20; 18:15-20 (Jesus delegates authority to the church) Acts 2:42 (example of the early church)

Application. Explore whether the student belongs to a congregation, and if not, why not. Explain how membership is implied in the Bible, and how walking with Christ is not

possible without walking with other believers in mutual commitments and accountability of church life.

Memorize: Acts 2:42

Resources: Life in the Father’s House (Mack & Swavely); Church Membership (Jonathan Leeman)

15. Church Ordinances

Truth. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two ordinances that Jesus commands each church celebrate. They do not save anyone, but serve as proclamations of salvation. Baptism is a public symbol by which we proclaim our repentance and belief and identify with Christ and his church through immersion in water. The Lord’s Supper is a proclamation of Christ’s death, remembering his work on the cross in the past, his present representation of us in heaven, and celebrating his return in the future.

Scripture. Matthew 26:17-30 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Matthew 3:16-17 Acts 2:37-41 Romans 6:1-4

Application & Action.

Page 10 of 19

Explain why baptism and the Lord’s Supper express obedience to the Lord, and why they are done in the context of a local church body.

If he has professed faith in Christ, discuss the next step of public proclamation through baptism. If he has professed and been baptized, encourage his participation in the Lord’s Supper.

Help him to take the opportunity afforded in the Lord’s Supper to confess sin, repent, and celebrate Christ’s forgiveness.

Collect the student’s answers to the Baptism Survey provided in the Appendix, and discuss any inconsistent ideas.

Resources: Understanding the Lord’s Supper and Understanding Baptism (Bobby Jamieson); FAQs about Baptism, Communion & Membership

16. Witnessing: Testimonies & Evangelism

Truth Objective. A believer’s testimony is the description of what God has done in his life: our life before conversion, how God brought us to faith in Jesus, and our life after conversion. Giving a testimony is not witnessing, but might include witnessing.

Scripture. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 (the evidences of conversion) Acts 26:1-8 (Paul’s testimony) John 9:25 (blind man’s testimony) John 14:6, Acts 4:12 (exclusivity of salvation in Jesus) 1 John 1:3 (declaration of experience) Proverbs 11:30 (the wise win souls) 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (the gospel described) 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (ambassadors for Christ) Matthew 28:18-20 (making disciples requires evangelism) Luke 24:46-47 (good news should be proclaimed)

Application. Explain the difference between giving a testimony and evangelism. Help the student write out his testimony, using your own as an example. Demonstrate how you share your testimony, and encourage him to find three to five

people this week to whom to tell his testimony. Explore the various summaries of the gospel in the Bible. Discuss the importance of regular review of the gospel, and some of the different

ways to understand and talk about the gospel:

o The Gospel from the Air Creation Fall Redemption Consummation

o The Gospel from the Ground God Man

Page 11 of 19

Christ Response

o The Seven Threads of the Gospel God is Holy Man is Sinful Christ is Sufficient Faith is Needed Time is Short Costs are High Rewards are Great

Memorize: 1 Peter 3:15

Resources: Evangelism (Mack Stiles); The Gospel & Personal Evangelism (Mark Dever)

17. Disciple Making

Truth Objective. God commands all Christians to be involved in the global plan to make disciples of all nations. We do this by reproducing our faith into the lives of those around us, leading them to know the love of Christ and to follow him as Lord. Making disciples involves proclaiming the gospel, leading people to be baptized and join a local congregation, and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands.

Scripture. Matthew 28:18-20 (the Great Commission) 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (multiplication in disciple making)

Application. Demonstrate that the student came to know Christ by being made a disciple by

someone who was made a disciple, who was made a disciple, etc. Illustrate the disciple-making process from his own faith journey and what you are

doing with him. Encourage him to know that he is not alone in making disciples, but it is the entire

congregation that will instruct and help him in making disciples. Explain the Personal Disciple Making Plan and help him get started on it.

Memorize: Matthew 28:18-20

Resources: Discipling (Mark Dever); Gospel-Centered Discipleship (Jonathan Dodson); Personal Disciple Making Plan

18. Love & Service

Truth Objective. The two greatest commandments are to love God and to love others. Our love for God is reflected in service: how we serve God, serve one another, and serve the world.

Page 12 of 19

Service is a duty of every Christian, and is a privilege that allows us to relate to others as Christ does.

Scripture. Matthew 22:37-40 (the greatest commandment) John 13:1-17 (Jesus’ examples) John 13:34-35 (the love command) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (description of love) Hebrews 12:6 (love includes discipline)

Application. Identify ways that God has equipped the student to serve others. Help him find ways

to serve. Model love and service for him. Explore further how Bible truth exposes the difference between worldly love and

godly love.

Memorize: John 13:34-35

Resources: Servanthood as Worship (Nate Palmer); The Surprising Offense of God’s Love (Jonathan Leeman); The “One Another” Study

19. Spiritual Warfare/Armor of God

Truth Objective. We are involved in a battle with spiritual forces of evil. Satan (the devil) and his fallen angels (demons) are active in the world, attempting to thwart the will of God, undermine his plan of redemption, and steal the glory due his name. Together with our own sin nature (sometimes called “the flesh” in Scripture), the devil and demons tempt us to sin.

Scripture. Ephesians 6:10-18 (spiritual weapons for war) 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ours are not fleshly weapons) 1 John 4:4 (Satan’s power is limited) 1 Peter 5:8-9 (Satan’s actions and goals) Matthew 4:1-11 (using the word of God to resist Satan) James 4:7 (submission to God to resist Satan)

Application. Discuss the strategies of Satan and the demons regarding temptation, deception, etc.,

and encourage him with the armor of God. Explain that there is not a mystical procedure of “donning the armor” every day, but God’s armor is a picture of the various aspects of God’s protection of his people through the gospel of Jesus.

Explain how you have seen Satan at work, and discuss how the student might have seen such things.

20. Future Things

Page 13 of 19

Truth. Jesus will return one day in glory. His coming will be visible and triumphant, and he will come to raise the dead and judge the world. At that time he will preside over a remade heavens and earth. Only God the Father knows when this might happen, but the church eagerly awaits his return.

Scripture. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-11 Acts 1:9-11 Matthew 24:36-44

Application. Explain how our anticipation of the second coming of Jesus Christ affects the way we

live every day. Help the student make a list of things that one would do to prepare for the arrival of a

beloved guest. Discuss what things we do (or don’t do) when we anticipate Jesus’ return.

Memorize: John 14:3

21. Faith

Truth Objective. Faith is not a blind leap, but is stepping out on the dependable, proven, trustworthy promises of God. As we know God and his word more, the foundation of our faith strengthens. Faith is not merely an attitude about God, but actions that we take in light of God.

Scripture. Hebrews 11:6 (faith is necessary to please God) Hebrews 11 (heroes of faith acted on God’s promise) James 4:14-26 (we are save by faith alone, but the faith that saves produces good

works) 1 John 5:4 (faith overcomes the world)

Application. Explain the relationship of faith and works. Identify ways that the student does not trust God. Identify promises of God that

apply. Encourage him to think about areas of life in which he can trust God more, and help

him see how faith grows as we trust God more.

Memorize: Hebrews 11:6

22. Good Works

Truth Objective. We are not saved by good works, but by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Man was made, originally, for good works, and when God saves he does so in part to restore to us the ability and privilege of doing good works that glorify him.

Scripture.

Page 14 of 19

Ephesians 2:8-10 (we are created to do works, in Christ’s power and by God’s design)

Acts 10:38 (Jesus’ example of doing good) Titus 2:11-14 (Jesus’ people should be zealous for good works) Titus 3:8 (those who believe in God should be devoted to good works) Matthew 5:14-16 (good works draw attention to God) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (one purpose of Bible intake is preparation for good works)

Application. Explain the difference between refraining from sin and doing good works. Ensure the student understands the difference between doing good works to obtain

salvation and doing good works as a result of salvation. Give examples of doing good works.

Memorize: Ephesians 2:8-10

23. Forgiveness

Truth Objective. Believers obtain God’s forgiveness when they are saved, but continue to need God’s forgiveness for ongoing sinful acts. Additionally, we are to forgive others as God has forgiven and forgives us.

Scripture. 1 John 1:9 (confession and forgiveness) Psalm 32:1 (blessings of forgiveness) Luke 17:3-4 (forgiving others) Matthew 6:9-13 (forgiving on the basis and in the power of God) Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15 (restitution and forgiveness) 1 Peter 4:8 (love enables us to overlook some offenses)

Application Discuss with the student what happens when a believer confesses and God forgives. Demonstrate for him how to confess a particular sin to God, and ask forgiveness. Demonstrate how to ask forgiveness when you’ve wronged someone else, and how to

grant forgiveness. Make sure the student knows that granting forgiveness means that the believer:

o Will not dwell on the incidento Will not bring the incident up again and use it against the offendero Will not talk to others about ito Will not permit the incident to hinder the relationship

Memorize: Matthew 6:14

Resources: Biblical Peacemaking (Ken Sande); Forgiving Others booklet

24. Worship

Page 15 of 19

Truth. God has created all people to worship him in obedience and holiness. Being restored to him in salvation allows us to begin worshiping him properly, as we were created. We are to worship with other believers when we gather with our congregation. But each believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and therefore everything we do in our lives will either give proper worship to God or not.

Scripture. Romans 12:1-2 (we give our lives as worship) 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (we are temples of the Holy Spirit) Nehemiah 12:27-47

Application. Describe the different ways that we worship (song, words or praise, etc.). Demonstrate how an individual can continue to worship even after he leaves the

congregation’s worship service, and how the way we live our lives is an expression of our worship.

Memorize: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 12:1

25. Stewardship & Giving

Truth Objective. Everything that a believer has, whether skills or talents or intellect or money, is from God, and we are entrusted with them in order to use them for God’s glory. This is sometimes referred to as “stewardship.” Stewarding our skills and talents means that we use them for the benefit of the kingdom of God through the local congregation. Stewarding our money means giving for the Lord’s work through the local congregation.

Scripture. 1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:6 (we should use our gifts to serve others) 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (give generously, deliberately, cheerfully, and expectantly) Luke 6:38 (the blessings of giving) Luke 21:1-4 (giving sacrificially) Proverbs 3:9-10 (give first to God)

Application. Explain what a “tithe” was in the Old Testament, and how we are not under Old

Testament rules for giving today. Review the New Testament grace duty to give sacrificially. Help the student develop a plan to give regularly, in any amount, working toward the

habit of giving generously.

Memorize: 2 Corinthians 9:7

26. Practical Matters

Truth Objective. Our actions reflect our faith, strong or weak. As we read the Bible, we see commands to use our tongue wisely, use our time wisely, give financial resources to the church, and give thanks in all circumstances. We demonstrate our faith by the way we live. Coming to Christ will affect every aspect of life: vocation, recreation, relationships, worldview, government,

Page 16 of 19

speech, sexual purity, marriage, parenting, managing finances. The Bible gives the Christ-follower ample instruction in these areas

Scripture. James 2:14-26; 3:1-4:3 Ephesians 4:25-32; 5:15-20 Colossians 4:2-6 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 Psalm 136

Application.. Help the student think about how to act in all those areas in a manner that pleases the

Lord. Help him see those instructions in Scripture, and how to look for further answers.

Include other aspects of living that the Bible addresses, to demonstrate the scope of instruction and guidance that God gives us.

27. Dealing with Sin2

Truth Objective. As a believer strives to separate himself from sin and walk in obedience to Christ, particular sins may be difficult to mortify (kill). In those times, it is necessary to develop a plan to be obedient to the Lord in that area, incorporating accountability with another believer to do so.

Scripture. Ephesians 6:10-20 (the armor of God helps overcome temptation & sin) Matthew 26:41 (be alert, watching and praying) 1 John 1:9; James 5:16 (confess sins, to God and to man) Romans 8:13 (we must mortify all sin) Psalm 119:11 (use Scripture to avoid sin)

Memorize: Romans 8:13

Resources: “Personal Improvement Project”; Help! I Want to Change (Jim Newheiser)

Section Two: Bible Study

In this section, the teacher leads the student through a portion of a Bible book in sequence, demonstrating how to use the Bible reading skills mentioned in Question 7 above to improve understanding and application. Suggestions for the book, passage length, and additional questions appear below. Additionally, demonstrate to the student how to discern basic background and context information for the Bible book. These might be in the introductory notes, if he has a study Bible, or you may demonstrate these from resources such as Ryken’s Bible Handbook, How to Read the Bible Book by Book (Gordon Fee), or Holman’s Guide to Understanding the Bible.

2 Other topics might include the Tongue, Time, and World Vision

Page 17 of 19

Section Three: On Your Own

In this section, the student is given thirty days’ worth of brief Bible passages. He is to read them in light of the skills discussed in Question 7 and the example you provided in the Bible Study section.

Page 18 of 19

Appendices

A. Baptism Survey

1. Does baptism save anyone?2. Should profession of faith be required for baptism?3. Should all believers be baptized?4. Should baptism be required for communion?5. Should baptism be required for membership?6. Does communion save anyone?7. Should profession of faith be required for communion?8. Should all believers take communion?9. Should it be required that those taking communion be members of the church serving it?10. Should it be required that those taking communion be members of some church?11. Should all believers be members of a church?12. Should profession of faith be required for membership?

B. Ineffective Bible Study Methods

1. Lucky Lotto (Hunt & Peck). This method lets the Bible fall open “at random” and places the finger on a verse that is assumed to be directly applicable. A depressed man used this method and came upon Matthew 27:5: He went out and hanged himself. Confused, he did it again, this time coming to Luke 10:27: Go and do likewise. Giving God one more chance to clarify matters, he came to John 13:27: What you are going to do, do quickly.

2. Brussels Sprouts. Studying the Bible as we might consider eating vegetables: Do I have to?3. Channel Changer. Jumping from place to place with no order or consistency.4. The Concorde (The Flash). Racing through to get finished.5. Baseball Card. Reading and re-reading only your favorite passages.6. Clint Eastwood (Lone Ranger). Reading as if you don’t need any help.7. Magical. Abracadabra – it applies to my life.8. Indiana Jones. Reading to find the hidden, coded meaning.9. Divination. Open the Bible, flip through until something strikes you, trust this is God’s will for you

today.10. Support Group. Read a passage, close the Bible, consider how you feel about what you just read.11. Prayerful. Ask God to bring to mind a passage to address a current problem or need. Listen to what

thoughts come into your mind.12. Cross-Reference. Read a passage, look up another this reminds you of, repeat until exhausted.13. Word Study. Decide which topic to study, identify words related to it, search for passages, etc. 14. Expert. Read a passage, read study notes or commentary, believe and act upon what the commentator

wrote.

C. Other Resources

Other resources are printed by the church, and are available on request.

Personal Disciple Making Plan One Anothers Guide Prayer Guide Personal Improvement Project Spiritual Disciplines for Growth

Page 19 of 19