The Call to
Biblical Fellowship An Inductive Bible Study
Sunergos Bible Studies Jan Wells
Copyright 2004 by Jan Wells The Call to Biblical Fellowship - An Inductive Bible Study by Jan Wells Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 1-932934-25-1
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright owners. Acknowledgments Unless otherwise indicated or if marked (ISV) Scripture quotations are taken from: The Holy Bible: International Standard Version®, ISV®. Copyright © 1996-2003 by The ISV Foundation of Yorba Linda, CA. Used by permission of Davidson Press, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND PAN-AMERICAN COPYRIGHT CONVENTIONS. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from The New American Standard Bible®, NASB® Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, KING JAMES ®VERSION. KJV is public domain and permissions for use are not necessary. Word studies are taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible as well as other reference sources. The Greek words given in the left column of the word study are the lexical form of the word, followed by actual word found in the Bible. When sources other than the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance are used in the center column of the word study they are in italic print. A complete list of the references used for this study is found in the Bibliography. The pictures on the front cover are: “The Emmaus Disciples” by Abraham Bloemaert, 1622. Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, and “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci, 1498 Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan
Sunergos Bible Studies 2485 Morse Road Sebastopol, CA 95472 707 829 2956 To order additional copies, www.SunergosBible.org 1/15/2008
Table of Contents Page Lesson 1 – Introduction to the Call to Biblical Fellowship.....................................................5 Lesson 2 – The Call to Loving One Another........................................................................11 Lesson 3 – The Call to Meeting Together ............................................................................17 Lesson 4 – The Call to Living in Peace with One Another...................................................23 Lesson 5 – The Call to Being Kind to One Another.............................................................27 Lesson 6 – The Call to Forgiving One Another ...................................................................33 Lesson 7 – The Call to Submitting to One Another..............................................................39 Lesson 8 – The Call to Serving One Another.......................................................................43 Lesson 9 – The Call to Comforting One Another.................................................................47 Lesson 10 – The Call to Being Hospitable to One Another ..................................................53 Lesson 11 – The Call to Confessing Your Sins to One Another ...........................................57 Lesson 12 – The Call to Praying for One Another ...............................................................63 Lesson 13 – The Call to Biblical Fellowship Review...........................................................67 Appendix ............................................................................................................................69 Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament ................................................................71 “The Shema”.......................................................................................................................73 Relating to One Another......................................................................................................75 God’s Intention for the Church............................................................................................79 Reaching Emotional Forgiveness ........................................................................................83 Grieving: For Those Who Have Hope ................................................................................85 Ten Point Covenant............................................................................................................. 87 Word Study Index ...............................................................................................................89 Bibliography .......................................................................................................................90 Book Summary ...................................................................................................................91 Author Profile .....................................................................................................................91 Sunergos Bible Studies........................................................................................................92
3
I have written this Bible study that it might strengthen and encourage believers who are fellow workers, translated from the word sunergos in the New Testament Greek. We are to glorify God in all that we do, and diligent study of His word will equip us to carry out God’s plan in our life and in His church so that we might truly enjoy Him forever. Join with me that we might be fellow workers, allowing God’s word to equip us as members of His body. In His Love,
Jan Jan Wells, M.A. Sebastopol, CA 95472 707.829.2956 email:
[email protected] website: www.sunergosbible.org And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker (sunergo), in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:2
I have found that there are some prayers that I can voice that God will always answer. One is asking God to increase my desire to spend time with Him, asking Him that my spirit would long to commune with Him in the pages of His word. If you surrender your feeling of “you have to” study God’s word, and instead ask God to help “you want to” spend time with Him, you will be delighted and amazed at the difference in your attitude toward the spiritual discipline of Bible study. Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!
4
Lesson 1
Lesson 1 – Introduction to the Call to Biblical Fellowship What does the Bible mean when it uses the word fellowship? Some churches have a gathering place or room that they have called fellowship hall, and this room provides a place for “social” gatherings. This study looks at the way the early church understood fellowship and the biblical challenge that Christians are to be obedient to the “one another” commands found in the New Testament. This study will examine what it means to have fellowship with the Lord God and what it means to be “in fellowship” with believers in the body of Christ. Each week The Call to Biblical Fellowship will focus on one or more of the “one another” statements, including the following: loving one another, assembling together, being at peace with one another, being kind to one another, forgiving one another, being subject to one another, comforting one another, serving one another, confessing to one another, and praying for one another. The additional challenge of this lesson will be to memorize Scripture to help you be stronger in your faith so that you might walk in obedience to God’s holy word. Each lesson will ask you to choose a verse to hide in your heart. 1. John 13:34, 35 tells us that when Jesus was with His disciples right before His crucifixion He told them that they were to love one another. Jesus said that as He loves His followers, we are to also love one another. Jesus said that by the love His followers have for one another all mankind would know that these individuals are His disciples. Those who follow after Christ will seek to learn from Him, as a disciple always seeks to learn from their teacher. Christ’s disciples will be obedient to His call, willing to obey His teaching, and willing to join with others who walk in the same way. The truths in John 13:34,35 are very important, please write out Jesus’ command and the promise made to His disciples.
Many books in the New Testament teach how Christ’s disciples are to love one another. The statements in the New Testament that include the words “one another” give us examples as to how we are to be in relationship with others who are believers. One way to approach this study would be to search Scripture for every place the phrase “one another” is used and then look at the context of those phrases to see how those who follow Christ are to live. This study will be looking at the “one another” commands of the New Testament to help you understand and live out true biblical fellowship. This study is also being presented to you from a heart that is passionate about Christ’s intention for the church. As you complete this study you will also look at God’s intention for His people to gather together in biblical fellowship as His church. Another goal is to challenge you to live by the teaching of the Bible, that you would be different from who you were when you began to study the theme of biblical fellowship. We will begin by looking at what God intended for those who follow His plan and seek to live according to His purpose. As Christians we have recognized our sin and turned to God for forgiveness. Christians have been reconciled with God and given the gift of 5
Lesson 1 eternal life through the cleansing power of the blood of Christ. Christians have been indwelt by the Holy Spirit and given everything we need to be godly while we are here on earth. Please open your time in the word by praying for God’s truth to be revealed to you as you study His word today. Begin with these observation questions. • What does it mean to be in fellowship with the Lord God, His Son Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? Look at these Scriptures to see the relationship that God wants to have with you. What do these Scriptures say about the benefit, privilege, and responsibility of being a Christian? (See Questions 5 and 6 for more about this.) The benefit and privilege: Your responsibility: a. Romans 8:15
b. John 10:14,15,27,28 (Jesus’ words)
c. John 17:20,21 (Jesus’ prayer)
2. Nearly every day the lesson will study some of the specific words that were used in the Scripture to clarify your understanding of the meaning of these words used by the author. You might benefit from this part of the lesson, you might quickly look at the definition, or on some days you might skip this altogether. In order to save you the time of having to look up these words in reference books, the word studies will appear on a chart like the one that follows. Many books are available to help with word studies. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is an excellent resource for looking at both the Old Testament Hebrew words and the New Testament Greek words. The definition column in the middle might also give the word as it is translated in other versions of the Bible. When another source is used in the definition column this is given in italics. A complete list of the references used for this study is found in the Bibliography. In the first column you will find the Strong’s number and the lexical form of the word, the word before it is changed grammatically to fit its context. The second row will show the actual word used based on the grammatical use of the word. Sometimes these two 6
Lesson 1 words will be the same, and sometimes they are different. The third line has the biblical reference of the word from the lesson. Included in the third column will be some cross-references that will show you how the word was used in another passage of Scripture in a similar way. Words can have more than one meaning, and they can be defined by looking at their context. You might briefly summarize what you learn about the word from the cross-reference(s) given, or just choose to read the verse. Please examine these word studies for two of the key words in today’s lesson. Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s, Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
2842 koinonia koinonian 1 John 1:3 80 adelphos adelphos Mark 3:35
Fellowship, to share with others, communicate, distribute, be partaker
1 John 1:7
Brothers, (literally or figuratively), near or remote (much like). In the early church the word adelphos was directed toward Christian men and women.
1 Thessalonians 4:9,10
3. Look at what is taught in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 about relationships. After reading these verses, think about how and why having a friend makes a difference.
Many say that the third in the strand mentioned in Ecclesiastes 4:12 represents God. What difference does knowing God make in your relationship with a friend? Before you answer please read Isaiah 41:10 to see these important truths that were proclaimed about God. For Christians, we can thank the Lord that this is still true today, as God has not changed. How is God described in Isaiah 41:10?
Think of a friend of yours who is also a Christian. Draw a simple sketch of Ecclesiastes 4:12 with your name, your friend’s name, and God’s name incorporated into your drawing.
What schemes would your enemy Satan use to try to destroy this cord? How can you recognize these schemes? What can you do about this? 7
Lesson 1 Look back at the first question in Question 3 and your answer. Now please underline with your pencil what Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says about the difference that a friend makes. Are you this kind of a friend? If you are not this kind of friend, are you willing to become this kind of friend? If you are this kind of friend are you willing to learn to be an even better friend? 4. Now please read Psalm 1 to see the standard for relationships that our righteous God set for His people. What does this say to you about with whom you are to associate and what will be the benefit of this association?
One way to learn about something is to look for the contrasts that are used in a passage. Choose two different colors of pencils or markers and mark the words that were contrasted in this passage. How would you briefly summarize these differences? _______________________________ or ______________________________ 5. Jesus spoke to His disciples when members of His earthly family came to see Him. What did Jesus say about those who are in relationship with Him in Mark 3:34,35? What did Jesus imply was necessary for His followers?
The apostle Paul wrote about God’s will in his letter to the church at Rome. Read Romans 12:1,2 to see Paul’s description of God’s will. Write this out here and then stop and reflect on what this means to you today.
6. Jesus spoke to people in a variety of ways to help people understand what it means to be His disciple. Sometimes what Jesus said was more “abstract” and for people who are “concrete” thinkers, “abstract” teaching is not as easy to understand. “Concrete” thinkers like to be taught with examples that are literal. Now with this in mind, read Jesus’ “abstract” words to His disciples in John 6:51-57 to see what Jesus was asking of His disciples and what Jesus promised His disciples. Answer on the next page. 8
Lesson 1
7. When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome he used the word “we” to designate his brothers and sisters in the Lord. Please read Romans 8:26-30 to see what has been promised to Christians. What is implied by the phrase “conformed to the image of Christ,” in Romans 8:29?
How does this truth influence your daily life?
8. For some people fellowship means getting together to visit, sharing events that hold a common interest. It could be said that this is communication of a more surface nature, so that people do not really connect at a significant level. Biblical fellowship means to share in common what is important and that would include one’s relationship with the Lord. Biblical fellowship means to connect at a spiritual level where the individuals involved talk about the Lord and what He is doing in their life. Biblical fellowship involves rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn, as recorded in Romans 12:15. This verse presents a simple picture of one of God’s purposes for the church. Record this on the chart in the Appendix entitled “God’s Intention for the Church.” When we live in obedience to Christ we can grow “in community.” The authors of the book Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You claim that Christians do not grow when they are isolated and separated from others.1 These Christians claim that having friends helps people become stronger in their faith. Do you agree or disagree? In Ray Stedman’s book Body Life, he presents the church with a perspective of what the body of Christ is to do and how the body of Christ is to relate to one another. He mentioned that throughout the centuries when there has been a revival movement in the Christian church, believers seek to reestablish biblical fellowship and that has always included the confession of one’s faults and the bearing of one another’s burdens.2 Think back to the last three conversations you have had with Christian friends. In these conversations, did you share what the Lord means to you or how He has been working in your life? Did you ask this of the person with whom you were talking? Did you unite your hearts in prayer for one another and for someone else? Continued on the next page.
1
James G. Friesen, E. James Wilder, Anne M. Bierling, Rick Koepcke, and Maribeth Poole, Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You, Pasadena, Shepherd’s House, Inc., 2000, p. 5. 2 Ray C. Stedman, Body Life, Glendale, Regal Books, 1972, p. 118. 9
Lesson 1 a. b. c. This study will examine what it means to have fellowship with the Lord God and what it means to be in fellowship with fellow believers in the body of Christ. You will study the following topics: loving one another, assembling together, being at peace with one another, being kind to one another, forgiving one another, being subject to one another, comforting one another, serving one another, confessing to one another, and praying for one another. Each week the questions “in the box” will include a look at a New Testament verse that used the word fellowship. You will see how this word was used so that you will more fully understand what it means to come together for fellowship. You will then record what you have learned on a chart in the Appendix called “Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament.” As you go through the study the word fellowship will become more and more clear to you and you will also see how you might be in fellowship with others. Look at how the word fellowship was used in 1 John 1:7. What are Christians asked to do in this context (1 John 1:5-10)?
Now record your summary of this on the chart called “The Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament.” When I studied 1 John 1:9, I was reminded of the hymn “Cleanse Me.” You could close by singing these words as your own prayer asking God to help you be genuine and consistent in your Christian walk. God will always answer this prayer by helping you, strengthening you, and upholding you. Have no fear of this because God is your God. Think about what it would mean to sing these words from a heart that is sincere and without hypocrisy. Remember the word hypocrisy came to the English language from a word that was used in ancient Greek drama. Hupokrites describes someone who put on a mask to “perform.” It was understood that a hypocrite sometimes acted like they were someone else, rather than being genuine, consistent, and real. “Cleanse Me” Search me, O God, and know my heart today; try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me; cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free. Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine; fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine. Take all my will, my passion, self and pride; I now surrender, Lord in me abide. O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee; send a revival – start the work in me. Thy word declares Thou wilt supply our need; for blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead. By J. Edwin Orr 10
Lesson 2
Lesson 2 – The Call to Loving One Another This week’s lesson will focus on the biblical command to love one another. This study is seeking to understand the word fellowship based on the “one another” statements in the New Testament. My thought is that obedience to the “one another” commands in Scripture would be a way of actively displaying one’s love for others. I think that assembling together, being at peace with others, being kind to others, forgiving others, being subject to others, comforting others, serving others, confessing to others, and praying for others demonstrates biblical, Christ-like love. Remember the challenge to memorize a verse each week? Did you memorize a verse from Lesson 1? Write that verse out here. If you did not memorize a verses, choose a verse to memorize from last week and then write this here as your reminder of this challenge. Here are a few suggestions to help you memorize Scripture: Say the verse out loud, over and over and over again. Write the verse in BIG letters on a board or with chalk on your sidewalk. Sing the words of the verse to a simple tune. Take a walk and recite the verse slowly as you move along. Never give up! Remember to ask God to help you remember His precious truth. My memory verse from Lesson 1:
1. Today’s lesson will look at some Scripture to help us understand what it means to love one another. This lesson will challenge you to be more loving to those individuals that God brings into your life. Open with prayer that God’s Holy Spirit would guide you into His precious and holy word so that you would perceive God’s message to you. Begin with these observation questions. • When Jesus was on earth people came to Him with questions. A very important question is addressed in Luke 10:25-28. Look at this passage and what question was asked of Jesus and then at Jesus’ response. (See Question 3 for more about this.) The question (Luke 10:25): The answer (Luke 10:27):
•
In Luke 10:29 the lawyer asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Please read how Jesus answered the lawyer’s question. Keep in mind that Jesus told His followers that they were to love their enemies in Matthew 5:44. (Mark this verse for Question 6.) 11
Lesson 2 Who did Jesus say was the injured man’s neighbor?
There were some who proved that they were not the injured man’s neighbors. Who were they and what did they represent to Jesus’ audience?
Based on the parable of the Good Samaritan, what did Jesus say was involved in the act of loving your neighbor?
A Historical Comment on Samaria When the Hebrew people divided their country into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom called Judah, the northern kings established Samaria as their royal residence. King Ahab allowed his wife Jezebel to make the city the center for the worship of Baal. When Samaria fell to Assyria, some of the Israelites were exiled and many who remained married people from other cultures. These marriages led to the worship of many foreign gods, so that when the Babylonian exiles were allowed to return to Jerusalem, the leaders would not allow the Samaritan Jews to participate in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. By the time of Christ the Samaritans had their own place of worship (Mt. Gerizim) and were totally excluded from the nation of Israel. In the first century, Jewish people would not even walk through the region of Samaria, but would take a longer route to the east to avoid any interaction with the Samaritan people. Jesus interacted with the Samaritans in conversation, healed, taught, announced His Messiahship, and shared the example of the “neighborly” Samaritan. Before Jesus ascended to heaven He told His disciples that they were to go to Samaria and be His witnesses. Considering the history of Samaria, why was it unique for Jesus to give the Samaritan as the example of the loving neighbor?
Look at Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4:21-24 and write on the chart in the Appendix what this says about “God’s Intention for the Church.” •
12
There are several Greek words used for love in the New Testament. These are listed in the word studies in Question 2. For this question, look in Question 2 for the Greek word Jesus used in the command “love one another” in John 13:34,35. Another word for love in the Greek language was phileo. Look at the definition of this word and
Lesson 2 then look at how Jesus used this word in John 5:20. (More on the word phileo in Question 4.)
2.
Please examine these word studies for the key words used in today’s lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
26 agape agapate John 13:34
Love, benevolence, affection, feast of charity. An unconditional sacrificial love that wants the best for the other person Love, to love, (in a social or moral sense): (be-) love (-ed). The verbal form of # 26 (agape). Love, to be a friend (fond of an individual or an object), i.e. have affection for (denoting personal attachment); to have in common Lover of goodness, fond of good, promoter of virtue, love of good
1 Corinthians 13:1-4
Lovers of their husbands ISV, affectionate as a wife: love their husbands, fond of man Lovers of their children ISV, fond of one’s children, i.e. maternal
Hapax legomen, the only place this word was used in the New Testament. Hapax legomen.
Love for mankind ISV, fondness of mankind, i.e. benevolence (philanthropy), kindness
Used twice in the New Testament. Acts 28:2
1656 eleos eleos Titus 3:5
Steadfast love ISV, mercy, compassion (human or divine, esp. active): (+ tender). Immediate regard to someone’s misery that is the consequence of sin.3
Titus 1:4
5367 philautos philautoi 2 Timothy 3:2 794 astorge astorgoi 2 Timothy 3:3
Lovers of self, fond of self, lover of own self
Hapax legomen.
Unloving, hard hearted towards kindred, without natural affection
Used twice in the New Testament. Romans 1:31
25 agapao agapeseis Luke 10:27 5368 phileo phileo John 5:20 5358 philagathos philagathon Titus 1:8 5362 philandros philandrous Titus 2:4 5388 philoteknos philoteknous Titus 2:4 5363 philanthropia
philanthropia Titus 3:4
3
John 3:16 Matthew 10:37
2 Timothy 3:3
Hebrews 4:16
Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study New Testament, Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, p. 911. 13
Lesson 2 3. There was a constant flow of questions presented to the rabbis and Pharisees concerning how the Jewish people were to live their lives while under the rule of a heathen nation. The Roman Empire at the time of Christ allowed Israel the freedom to continue with their religion. The Hebrew people in the first century were able to attend services in their neighborhood synagogue, as well as worship during the sacred holy days in Jerusalem. Some of Israel’s laws brought up questions about day-to-day life. When the lawyer asked Jesus about eternal life in Luke 10, he knew the teaching of the sacred writings, but still presented his question before Jesus. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus was asked what was the foremost commandment and Jesus quoted from the proclamation prayer of Israel called the Shema, given in Deuteronomy 6:4,5. Mark 12:29,30 says “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ In Mark 12:31, Jesus quoted Leviticus 19:18 and said, “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” By the time of Christ, the Shema was read to begin the time of teaching in the Hebrew synagogue. The synagogue leaders added other Scripture to the reading and then the early Christian church added truths from the (New Testament) epistles that pointed to Christ. Look at the Shema in the Appendix to read what was proclaimed as truth in the Jewish synagogue and then in the early Christian church. The second command to love your neighbor as yourself, is found in Leviticus 19:18 and that verse begins with two commands telling the people of Israel what they were not to do. What were the people commanded to not do? a. b. 4. The apostle Paul used several compound words that included the word phileo in his letter to Pastor Titus who was leading the “new” church on the Greek island of Crete. Look at the Greek word Paul used for love in Titus 3:4 (in Question 2) and then read Titus 3:4-7 to see how God’s love is described.
Now look at the standard that God set for the church based on Paul’s writing to Titus. Who was given the command? What was involved in these instructions? a. Titus 1:8 b. Titus 2:4 c. Titus 2:4 5. In the midst of important teaching to the church in Corinth, Paul presented a description of the nature of love. I challenge you to think about what would be the opposite of each of these qualities. Be honest with yourself as to whether your response to people is a loving response or the opposite. Do you faithfully demonstrate love for the people that God brings into your life? Seriously consider Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. 14
Lesson 2 Think of a time where you could easily have shown the opposite of this loving quality, but through God’s strength and His grace you responded in a loving way. Definition of love, from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, ISV Love is very patient
The opposite of this quality:
An example of a time when you lived out this quality of love:
Love is very kind Love is never envious Never vaunted up with pride Nor is she conceited And never is she rude Never does she think of self She never gets annoyed She never is resentful Is never glad with sin But always glad to side with truth Whene’er the truth should win She bears up under everything Believes the best in all There is no limit to her hope, and never will she fall 6. To close today’s look at Jesus’ commandment to love one another, let’s look at some of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Read what Jesus said about loving one’s neighbor and loving one’s enemy. What did Jesus say that we are to be in Matthew 5:4348? What is promised to the person who is obedient to these commands?
Continued on the next page.
15
Lesson 2 The apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:10, 11 that “the person who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no reason for him to stumble. But the person who hates his brother is in the darkness and lives in the darkness. He doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” Read these verses again and stop to meditate on these truths. What does this mean to you?
Someone “coined” this acronym for love. To love is to LISTEN, OVERLOOK weakness, VALUE others, and EXPRESS God’s grace and mercy. Think about this! As we continue to think about what it means to be in fellowship with one another, we will look at every place the word fellowship was used in the New Testament. Read Philemon 6, 7 to see the words fellowship and love used in the same sentence. Record your insight into this word koinonia on the “Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament” chart from the Appendix. As we move through this study we will be asked to review many of the “one another” commands and place these commands and a practical response to the statements on a sheet found in the Appendix called “Relating to One Another.” This will help you remember what you have learned and will also provide a framework for the review lesson at the end of the study. Turn to the first sheet entitled “Relating to One Another,” and think about what you have learned about Jesus’ command to love one another. You might not know the hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” but please take the time to read the words of this hymn and consider if this expresses your heart. Ask the Lord to help you, today, where you are, so that you might continue to grow in your faith and be what God intended you to be in the body of Christ. From Lamentations 3:22, 23 I pray, “Thank You Lord for Your love for me. Your mercies never cease, Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness.” “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love! The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares. We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear; and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear. When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again. By John Fawcett and Hans G. Naegeli
16
Lesson 3
Lesson 3 – The Call to Meeting Together Robert Mulholland said that those growing in their faith are “in the process of becoming conformed to the image of Christ, for the sake of others.” Stop and think about what this would mean to people in the Christian church today. If everyone in the church had this passion, what would it be like to come together as the body of Christ? This week’s lesson will introduce the topic of believers coming together as a body. This direction will be examined more carefully as the study continues. Be open to getting to know God’s plan and purpose for the church as well as what this means to your personally. Now another reminder of the spiritual discipline of Scripture memorization. Ask God to help you choose a verse to memorize, perhaps one from last week’s lesson. Write that verse here.
1. This lesson will look at a very important portion of the biblical fellowship study. Some cultures seem to “breed” independent people. What does God intend for His children in His church? Read as your opening prayer Psalm 150 to see a Hebrew call to worship and then ask God for His truth to help you change, that you might love Him more fully, and love your neighbors as yourself. Begin with these observation questions. • When Jesus was asked “What was the greatest commandment?” He quoted the command given in Leviticus 19:18. A question to ask might be “As a part of a church, is the pattern of my life loving my neighbor as myself?” Look at the commands found in Hebrews 10:24, 25. Write out the “one another” statement in Hebrews 10:24. Write out the first command that follows in Hebrews 10:25. (The last command, in Hebrews 10:25 will be examined in a later lesson.) a. b. Record these commands on the chart in the Appendix called “God’s Intention for the Church.” •
In Paul’s teaching to the churches in Rome and Corinth he gave them specific instructions as to how they are to relate to “one another.” Read these and write out how believers are to relate in the body of Christ. a. Romans 12:15 b. 1 Corinthians 12:25, 26
17
Lesson 3 Sometimes we allow our own fleshly response to get in the way of obedience to God’s instructions. Some might say that indifference to others keeps them from obeying the commands that you just looked at in Paul’s writing. Think about this. Is there an emotional response that gets in your way of obedience? For example, I know someone who struggles with jealousy and has a very difficult time with these commands. When you believe in God’s sovereignty, and His provision, then jealousy becomes the sinful response to not trusting God with what He is doing in your own life. Please stop and ask God to help you reach out to someone in the church in sincere obedience to these instructions.
2.
•
Please summarize the message that James gave to Christians in James 2:1-10.
•
What is your personal response to this teaching from James 2:1-10?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words used in today’s lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
6116 Hebrew atsereth Joel 1:14
Assembly, especially on a festival or holiday, a (solemn, sacred) assembly (meeting). Also used for an assembly on behalf of Baal in 2 Kings 10:20. Assemble, to gather for any purpose; hence to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)… Stimulate, incitement (to good) or dispute (in anger): contention, provoke unto; from 3947 paroxuno, to sharpen alongside…
Nehemiah 8:18
622 Hebrew acaph Micah 4:6 3948 paroxusmos paraxusmon Hebrews 10:24
Micah 2:12
Used twice in the New Testament. Acts 15:39
1997 episunagoge episunagogen Hebrews 10:25
Meet together ISV, a complete collection; specifically a Christian meeting (for worship); (gathering)
Used twice in the New Testament. 2 Thessalonians 2:1
4863 sunago sunegmenoi Acts 4:31
Assemble, to lead together, i.e. collect or convene; specifically to entertain (hospitality): … come together
Acts 11:26
18
Lesson 3 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4864 sunagoge sunagogen James 2:2
Assembly, an assemblage of persons, specifically a Jewish “synagogue” (the meeting or the place); by analysis a Christian church, congregation Church, a calling out, i.e. (concrete) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): assembly Worship, (derived from 2965 meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand): to fawn or crouch to i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
Acts 9:20
1577 ekklesia ekklesian Acts 14:23
4352 proskuneo proskunesousin Revelation 4:10
Acts 14:27
John 4:24
3. God very carefully directed His people as to how they were to assemble together for teaching and for worship. After the building of the temple in Jerusalem, the nation of Israel was to worship God in the temple under the authority of the priests and later the Sadducees. Israel established the synagogues in their own neighborhoods. When the population of a neighborhood had ten Hebrew men, they were to start a synagogue, to provide for their community. People of the nation of Israel met in the synagogue for the reading of God’s word and for teaching. The gathering in the synagogues was under the authority of rabbis as well as the Pharisees. This system could be summarized in this way: Israel worshipped God in the temple and they received teaching and listened to the reading of Scripture in the synagogues. Psalm 42:4 reflects the attitude of those who came to worship God, “They went to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.” This word, holyday was a day of festival, a day for coming together in a sacred celebration. One of my favorite passages of Old Testament Scripture is in Nehemiah 8. Read Nehemiah 8:1-12 to see how the people responded to the reading of God’s word.
How did the leaders direct the people and why?
Summarize your insights on the “God’s Intention for the Church” in the Appendix.
What does this tell you about your attitude toward coming together for the reading of God’s word?
19
Lesson 3 4. Books have been written about the purpose of the Christian church. One way to determine the purpose is to see God’s instructions to those in leadership. First look at Ezekiel 34:1-10 and think about God’s design for the church by seeing how God described the work of the shepherd who would be facing judgment. What does this imply about God’s design for the church? (Summarize your insights on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart in the Appendix.) What did the shepherds allow?
What is God’s design for the people?
5. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said that He would build His church and the gates of hell would not conquer it. When we look at the writing of the New Testament epistles we see how Christ intended His church to be built. The spiritual gifts are given to build up (edify) the church. God has entrusted pastors with the responsibility of building up the church. Dr. David McCormick defines the role of pastor to include the sustaining, healing, reconciling, and guiding of people. Many have said that a pastor is “to lead, feed, guide and guard” the members of their church. Please read Ephesians 4:11-16 to see what Paul taught about those who were entrusted with the role of leadership and then what this is to mean to you a member of the body of Christ. What are you to receive and be, according to this passage?
Summarize your insights from Ephesians 4:11-16, and list these on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart in the Appendix. 6. The root of the Greek word for fellowship means common. People in the church come together for fellowship and they need to recognize what they have in common. Fellowship is identifying with the body of Christ. Read Galatians 3:26-29 and think about what Christians have in common according to these verses. Write out your response to this significant teaching.
Continued on the next page. 20
Lesson 3 Is the pattern of your life to live in obedience to Hebrews 10:24? If you believe it is, think of a time when you lived this out in the body of Christ.
As we move through this study you will be asked to review each of the “one another” commands and place these commands and a practical response to the statements on the sheet found in the Appendix called “Relating to One Another.” This will help you remember what you have learned and will also provide a framework for the review lesson at the end of the study. Turn to the first sheet entitled “Relating to One Another,” and think about what you have learned about the commands of Hebrews 10:24,25a. Luke’s account of The Acts of the Apostles shares the history of the early church. Look at Acts 2:42-47 and record five signs of the church that are shared by Luke.
The word fellowship is used in Acts 2:42. Look at how the word was used in this passage and record what you find on the “Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament” chart in the Appendix. Remember at the end of the study you will take the Scriptures where the word koinonia is used and write your own explanation of the word. In the writing of the Old Testament God directed His people to assemble together to worship Him. The book of Hebrews used the Hebrew Scripture word for assembling according to God’s direction. The book of Revelation shares the importance of worship in heaven. One purpose of the church here and now is to gather together for community worship before God. This corporate worship is a part of the process God uses to mature His people. Do you know someone who has recently stopped going to church? Could you honestly say that you have missed them? Would you take the time to contact that person? Would you encourage this “neighbor” to return? This should only be done after praying and asking God for a sincere heart, that you might be an encouragement to the person you contact. Continued on the next page. 21
Lesson 3 You might close by singing the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” as an act of worship unto the Lord. Do you join with the saints who adore God, as verse two declares? One way of worshiping God is to assign Him worth, privately and corporately. Privately offer up your tribute to the Lord God Almighty. Prepare your heart to join with the body of Christ in the worship of your Lord and Savior as a gathering of saints. “Holy, Holy, Holy” Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, which wert and art, and evermore shalt be. Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; only Thou art Holy - there is none beside Thee perfect in pow’r, in love and purity. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Reginald Heber and John B. Dykes
Please close by offering a prayer of adoration unto the Lord.
22
Lesson 4
Lesson 4 – The Call to Living in Peace with One Another In Mark 9:50 Jesus told His followers that they are to live in peace with one another. Other Scriptures teach believers to be of one mind, united in one spirit. This lesson will look at some of the places in Scripture where believers are given these same instructions. You might ask the Lord to show you a verse to memorize this week. Remember to learn the location of the verse too to help you place the verse in Scripture. Write out the verse that you commit to memory that relates to this week’s theme.
1. A Christian asked if he was expected to be his brother’s keeper. The answer given was “no,” but in fact he had a greater calling, because he was to consider himself as his brother’s brother. One of David’s psalms focuses on the blessing there is for brothers who dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1 would be easy for anyone to understand, but the two verses that follow would make more sense to someone who lived in the ancient near east! Read Psalm 133:1 and write out what is said about the blessing of living in unity.
Today’s lesson will look at what it means to be united in Spirit and at peace with others in the church. Open by prayerfully reading John 17 to see Jesus’ heart toward today’s theme. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak truth to you concerning today’s theme so that you will not lean on your own understanding. Begin by answering these observation questions. • What did Jesus ask of God for His followers in John 17:11,15,21,23?
•
In Paul’s teaching to the church in Rome he directed the church to be of the same mind toward one another in Romans 12:16. Think about this command and record your insight on the “Relating to One Another” chart in the Appendix.
23
Lesson 4 •
2.
Romans 14:19 presents another instruction for members of the Christian church. Write this out here and add this command to the “Relating to One Another” chart in the Appendix.
Please examine these word studies for the key words used in today’s lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
7965 Hebrew shalom Isaiah 26:3
Peace, safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, … the absence of strife, expresses completeness, harmony, fulfillment Peace, rest, quietness, set at one again, complete; in the Greek culture peace was simply the opposite of war United, oneness, unanimity, unity KJV
Isaiah 48:22
Reconciliation, exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e. restoration to (the divine) favor: atonement, reconciling
Used four times in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 5:19
Reconciled, to change thoroughly, i.e. to conciliate
Hapax legomen.
1515 eirene eireneuete Mark 9:50 1775 henotes henoteta Ephesians 4:3 2643 katallage katallages 2 Corinthians 5:18 1259 diallasso diallagethi Matthew 5:24
Galatians 5:22 Used twice in the New Testament. Ephesians 4:13
3. Hebrews 12:14 says that Christians are “to pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness.” Stop and think about why these two qualities were together in this verse.
Romans 12:18 says that “if possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people.” In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount He addressed personal relationships and what is required for His followers. Please read Matthew 5:21-26 and reflect on Jesus’ commands and the consequences for those who do not obey.
4. Now read Ephesians 4:1-7 to see what Paul taught to the church in Ephesus about being united. What did Paul ask of believers in Ephesians 4:3 and how were they to do this? Record your findings on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart in the Appendix.
24
Lesson 4 What did Paul say that believers have in common in Ephesians 4:4-6?
The same word united (unity in the KJV) was used in Ephesians 4:13. As a review for what you studied in Lesson 3, what did Paul say was a goal of the church?
5. The apostle Paul wrote about differences in people and how the church is to respond to these differences in Romans 14 and 15. Read Romans 14:1,4, and 17. What were believers asked to do and not do? How did Paul describe the kingdom of God in Romans 14:17?
Now look at what Christians are asked to be in Romans 15:5-7. Record the “one another” statements from these verses on the chart in the Appendix. 6. Scottish born Dr. David Livingstone served as a missionary during the colonial period in Africa and fought against the slave trade. In 1959, one hundred years after he discovered the area, there was racial unrest in Livingstonia. The British dropped a message asking the settlers to arrange stones in an “I” if they were OK and in a “V” if they felt in danger from the Africans. The white residents replied with stones writing out “Ephesians 2:14.” These stones are still in place today! Please write out this verse and reflect on the power of this message.
Matthew 5:9 records Jesus’ words announcing blessing. “Blessed are those who make peace, for it is they who will be called God’s children.” Remember one role of the church is to reconcile people to God as well as reconcile people with one another. Reconciling involves re-establishing broken relationships. Praise the Lord that those who follow Christ Jesus have been reconciled with God. Romans 5:1 says that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. What made it possible for you to be reconciled? You might read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 and allow these words to bless your spirit as you write out your answer.
Continued on the next page.
25
Lesson 4 Now ask the Lord to help you understand the role that you have been entrusted with concerning reconciliation, according to 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. Who are you as a believer, and what have you been asked to do?
According to this 2 Corinthians passage, how did God design His church? Record this in the Appendix on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart. Read these two verses and put into your own words these messages. a. Show honor to everyone. Keep on loving the brothers, 1 Peter 2:17.
b. Clothe yourselves in love, which ties everything together in unity, Colossians 3:14.
The word peace in the Bible is associated with being complete in relationship with God through the blood of Jesus Christ. Christians are to take the blessing of reconciliation with God and completeness in Christ, and pass it on to others. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:15 that as a believer you must put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. Read Ephesians 3:9,10 to see how the word fellowship (in the KJV), was used and what this means for the church. Record these truths on both “The Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament” and “God’s Intention for the Church” charts. Satan has countless schemes aimed against those who follow Christ. Our enemy also has schemes against the church. The song “Onward, Christian Soldiers” addresses the battle that we fight daily. Notice the teaching about the church in the second verse, and especially how we are united as believers. You might close by singing or reading these words as your own personal declaration. “Onward, Christian Soldiers” Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before: Christ the royal Master leads against the foe; forward into battle, see His banners go. Refrain: Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Like a mighty army moves the church of God; brothers we are treading where the saints have trod; we are not divided, all one body we, one in hope and doctrine, one in charity. Refrain: Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, but the church of Jesus constant will remain; gates of hell can never ‘gainst that church prevail; we have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail. Refrain: Onward, then ye people, join our happy throng, blend with ours your voices in the triumph song; glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King; this through countless ages men and angels sing. Refrain: By Sabine Baring-Gould and Arthur S. Sullivan
26
Lesson 5
Lesson 5 – The Call to Being Kind to One Another Today’s lesson will look at what is meant by the command to be kind to one another. A good way to learn about being kind is to look at God’s kindness to us as it is presented in His holy word. Please open by reading David’s Psalm 86 and notice how God is described in this psalm. Allow the words of Psalm 86 to minister to your spirit. Read David’s prayer as your own prayer, allowing these truths to fill you with adoration and praise. Write out your personal response to Psalm 86 as your prayer to God.
1. Ask the Lord to help you see His truth as you approach His word today. Now begin the lesson with these observation questions. • Our command for today comes from Ephesians 4:32. Write out this verse and then read the verse in its context, as the paragraph begins with Ephesians 4:25. Notice the contrasts that Paul made in this paragraph.
(We will study the “one another” command in Ephesians 4:25 in a later lesson!)
4
•
After looking at the definitions for the words lovingkindness, kind, and kindness in Question 2, think about what would be the opposite of these words and record your thoughts here.
•
1 Corinthians 13:4 says that love is kind. When you are kind you are being obedient to Jesus’ command that His disciples are to love one another. It is said that the Greek word for kindness has “only the harmlessness of the dove.”4 God has made us all different, and we respond differently to truth!
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 967. 27
Lesson 5 a. When I thought about this I pictured a dove gliding across my front yard. If you think in “pictures” draw a simple picture of a dove and label the wings in some way, to represent what this quality of kindness means in your life. b. If you think in poetic phrases, write a poem about what kindness means to you as God’s child. c. You might write out a simple explanation of your understanding of what it means to be kind. d. For logical people who think in mathematical formulas, you could illustrate the concept of kindness in a logical fashion. Meditate on what kindness is and what it is not and express in some way what this truth means to you.
2.
Please examine these word studies for the key words used in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
2617 heced Psalm 86:5
Lovingkindness, kindness, by implication (towards God) piety, … or (subjectively) beauty, favour, good deed, merciful, mercy; covenant love Kind, useful (in manners or morals): better, easy, good (-ness), gracious; from 5532 chreia, to use Kindness, usefulness, i.e. moral excellence (in character or demeanor): gentleness KJV, good (-ness). It is “the grace that pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would have been harsh and austere.”5
Psalm 86:13,15
5543 chrestos chrestoi Ephesians 4:32 5544 chrestotes chrestotes Galatians 5:22
5
Ibid. 28
Matthew 11:30 Romans 2:4
Lesson 5 3. I asked several people to think of examples of people from the Bible who showed kindness to others. I ask you to study two different accounts from the Gospels to see an example of kindness being demonstrated and an example of someone who did not have kindness shown to them. After reading these two accounts, think about your own life and your relationship with others. a. What was the need that was presented and how was “human” kindness shown in Mark 2:1-12?
b. What difference would “human” kindness have made in the life of the man Jesus encountered in John 5:1-15?
c. Please think about the two “needy” men presented in these two Gospel accounts. Both of these events tell us something about Jesus. Stop and think about how these events could have an application to your own life regarding how you relate to others. What is your personal response to these two events?
4. One incredible truth to meditate upon is found in Romans 2:4. Read this verse and then considering the definitions for kind and kindness in Question 2, put into your own words what you learn about kindness and God from Romans 2:4.
5. Many would look at Jesus’ attitude toward children as evidence of His kindness. Jesus welcomed children to come to Him. Jesus blessed children. Jesus laid hands on children. Mark 10:16 records the only place where Jesus “laid hands” on someone, aside from those times when He touched someone to heal them. Read Mark 10:13-16 and ask the Lord to reveal to your spirit your attitude toward others. Is kindness the pattern for your life, or are you kind to some and indifferent to others? Ask for God’s wisdom to see your heart as He sees it. How would you describe your heart toward others?
29
Lesson 5 6. I asked several people the question, “What behavior is unkind?” At a child’s level, several parents answered by saying that hitting and calling people names is unkind. For those who are older, being unkind is responding with a harsh manner and being angry or “snippy.” Someone also said that to gossip about someone is unkind. Here is a thought provoking reflection on gossip that might speak to you. The author is unknown. “Nobody’s Friend” My name is Gossip. I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age. The more I am quoted the more I am believed. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name or face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I am nobody’s friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I make headlines and headaches. I topple governments and wreck marriages. I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion. I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip. What behavior do you think is unkind? You can ask God for His help with these attitudes or patterns of behavior that dishonor Him.
In Galatians 5:19-21 Paul listed the deeds of the flesh and then shared the fruit of the Spirit. What a contrast Paul made in these two lists. Kindness is in the middle of the list of the qualities called the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22,23. Write out the fruit of the Spirit here.
One of the phrases that was used in the book of Judges was that “everyone did what was right in their own eyes,” rather than doing what was right according to God’s standard. This reminds me of Proverbs 3:5,6 that says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.” The phrase “in all your ways,” also reminds me of the “great commandment,” we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. What do these passages mean to you concerning the command that Christians are to be kind to one another.
Continued on the next page. 30
Lesson 5 Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12 that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. This persecution should not come from within the church. When it does, believers are not living as Christ would have them live. As a review, think about today’s command of being kind to one another and record your insights concerning this instruction on the “Relating to One Another” chart in the Appendix. Read 2 Corinthians 13:14 and 1 John 1:3 and record on the chart in the Appendix (“The Use of Koinonia in the New Testament”) what these two verses tell you about fellowship. Pastor Rick Warren’s explanation for the purpose of the church involves “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will grow a Great Church.”6 (We looked at the great commandment earlier in Luke 10, and the great commission is in Matthew 28:18-20.) Add the truths in Matthew 28:18-20 to the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart. To grow in one’s faith is to ask God for His heart and His perspective that you might see as He longs for you to see. Close with the words of this song as your prayer before God. “Open My Eyes” Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me; place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free. Chorus: Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God, Thy will to see; open my eyes – illumine me, Spirit divine! Open my eyes, that I may hear voices of truth Thou sendest clear; and while the wave – notes fall on my ear, ev’ry-thing false will disappear. Chorus: Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth ev’ry-where. Open my heart and let me prepare love with Thy children thus to share. Chorus: By Clara H. Scott
6
Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church, Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1995, p. 102. 31
Lesson 6
Lesson 6 – The Call to Forgiving One Another God is His grace and mercy made it possible for mankind to be forgiven of their sins through the sacrificial offering of His holy Son. The fulfillment of David’s message in Psalm 32:1,2 has been completed in Jesus Christ. David wrote “How blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered! How blessed is the person whose sins the Lord will never charge against Him.” Paul wrote in Colossians 1:13 that God “rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of the Son whom He loves. In Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Praise God that as believers we can say that our sins are forgiven and that we have been reconciled to God Almighty by Jesus’ willingness to suffer on our behalf. Today’s lesson will look at a command that is often very difficult to obey. C.S. Lewis said “forgiveness is a beautiful word until you have something to forgive.” In the Bible we are presented with teaching about the need to extend forgiveness to others. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:32 that we are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Jesus taught about forgiveness when He taught His disciples how to pray. 1. Please open by reading or reciting what the church has called The Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13. Allow these words to be your own prayer to represent your heart before the Lord God. Begin with these observation questions. • Looking at Matthew 6:9-15, what do you learn about forgiveness?
7
•
According to Matthew 6:14,15, what is God’s attitude toward those who do not forgive others?
•
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” To me this says that those who extend mercy to others will know God’s mercy. Forgiveness is defined by (biblical scholar) D.A. Carson as extending mercy to people.7 How does Dr. Carson’s perspective agree with Matthew 6:14,15?
•
The Greek language used two words for the word forgive, as given in Question 2. Paul used the same Greek word for forgiving in Ephesians 4:32 and in Colossians 3:13. Ephesians 4:32 is given to you in the introduction above. Look at Colossians
D.A. Carson, The Sermon on the Mount, Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 1972, pp. 23, 24. 33
Lesson 6 3:13 and reflect on what Paul taught about forgiveness here. What do these two verses say to you about your relationship with God?
Record your insights on the “Relating to One Another” chart in the Appendix. 2.
Please examine these word studies for the key words used in this lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5483 charizomai charizomenoi Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
863 aphiemi aphes Matthew 6:12
Forgiving, to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue: deliver, (frankly) forgive, (freely) give, grant Forgive, to send forth, in various applications, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), to yield up
430 anechomai anechomenoi Ephesians 4:2 1933 epieikes epieikes Philippians 4:5
Accept ISV, to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with: bear with, endure, forbear, suffer Forbearing spirit, appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild: gentle, moderation KJV, patient
Matthew 6:12,14,15
Colossians 3:13 1 Peter 2:18
3. In the Old Testament record of Joseph you can learn of a man that did not allow the circumstances of his life to make him bitter. Genesis 37:1-11 tells the early part of Joseph’s life and his relationship with his father and brothers. In Genesis 37:18-36 the brothers’ plot and sin against Joseph is told. After Joseph is taken to Egypt he ends up falsely accused and is held in prison. God was faithful to Joseph and allowed him to be a leader in the Egyptian government. When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to seek assistance because of the Middle Eastern famine, Joseph could have responded in his flesh in so many different ways. Read Genesis 50:1-14 to see how Joseph was reunited with his father and brothers and then look at Joseph’s response in Genesis 50:15-21. What is revealed about Joseph’s heart and his character in Genesis 50?
What is revealed about Joseph’s response to God in Genesis 50?
34
Lesson 6 What do you learn about forgiveness from Joseph’s life?
4. In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus taught about forgiveness in a parable. Jesus’ parable was in response to Peter asking Jesus how often he should forgive when his brother sins against him. The Jewish “law” said to forgive seven times. Read Jesus’ parable and answer these questions based on his teaching. a. How many times did Jesus say His followers are to forgive and what does this mean? b. What did Jesus’ parable say was the consequence for unforgiveness?
c. What is your response to Jesus’ teaching through the parable in Matthew 18?
d. Someone once said to me that they did not have a problem with forgiving others, but later they admitted that they tend to bear a grudge against someone when they have been wronged. What does Matthew 18 say about someone’s heart when the hold something against someone?
5. Corrie ten Boom’s life provides a powerful testimony of God’s grace as she shared how she was able to forgive the guards who treated her sister and herself so terribly in several WWII concentration camps. For these two Christian sisters, being held in horrid conditions was a “test” of their faith in Jesus Christ. Corrie’s sister Betsie continually Continued on the next page.
35
Lesson 6 shared the provision God was making for them even in their dreadful circumstances. When Corrie was discouraged and allowed her heart to be hardened, Betsie would remind Corrie of God’s love, God’s gift of salvation through the suffering of their Savior Jesus Christ, and God’s provision for them even in their filthy barracks. Betsie continually spoke God’s truth and encouraged those around her to live in peace through God’s grace. As their conditions grew worse, Corrie’s faith in God grew stronger. The community suffering with them heard God’s truth and many found comfort in the faith of these two amazing sisters. In studying the situation that these captured women endured, one sees that the sisters’ precious Bible that God continually (and miraculously) protected from confiscation, and the faith of these two women provided the hope and courage that helped many of the women to endure and to keep going. Because the barracks were infested with annoying fleas, no guards would enter for routine inspections. Huddled closely together for the daily reading of Scripture, this group of women understood biblical fellowship and the difference God makes when you live by His standards in community with others. Corrie was able to fulfill Betsie’s vision of ministering to the needs of others after her release from prison, even though she grieved the loss of her father and sister who did not survive their incarceration. At one speaking opportunity Miss ten Boom shared about our gracious and merciful God who forgives sins and then commands us to forgive others. Corrie was faced by a man touched by the message of the gospel and she recognized him as one of the cold-hearted prison guards who had disgraced the women she was with when she was being moved through the prison. By God’s strength and in His grace Miss ten Boom was able to extend her hand at the man’s greeting and in answer to her earnest prayer, she felt God enabling her to forgive this man. Corrie ten Boom was privileged to be able to share the message of God’s transforming power around the world. Elisabeth Elliot also bears witness of the power of God to soften her heart, grieved and wounded by the death of her husband at the hands of Ecuadorian Indians. In this same group who were killed, the son of another missionary has become friends and in fact brothers in the Lord with one of his father’s attackers. These two Christian “brothers” have joined in a ministry sharing about God’s grace and power that can heal even the deepest wounds. Is it easy to forgive someone who has wounded you or someone you love? No, but when you are a follower of Christ you can forgive. Look at these two verses and meditate on these truths and what that can mean to you when you must forgive someone. a. Philippians 4:13
b. Mark 9:23
Considerable research has recently been done concerning the impact of forgiveness and unforgiveness upon relationships. One perspective is that there are two types of Continued on the next page.
36
Lesson 6 forgiveness, decisional and emotional.8 Decisional forgiveness involves a decision to not seek revenge on another, but to release the person who has wronged you from debt, and to live in obedience to Christ’s command in Matthew 6:14,15. The feelings associated with forgiveness are complex and so the second aspect of forgiveness involves the emotions, and the replacing of negative emotions with positive emotions. While (agape) love covers a multitude of sins, it is (phileo) friendship, (storge) natural, and (eros) romantic love that can help people forgive emotionally. Often before emotional forgiveness enters the wounded one’s spirit, a God-given sense of fairness and justice can make the forgiveness process difficult. “Love, empathy, sympathy, and compassion gradually edge out unforgiveness.”9 In the process of emotional forgiveness, grieving takes place, and the work of grief must be processed for healing to take place. I believe that to relate to one another in the body of Christ, we must each understand the grieving process so that we can help one another work through grief. Look in the Appendix at the chart entitled “Reaching Emotional Forgiveness” for more on the emotional forgiveness and healing process. In the Appendix you will find a resource focusing on “Grieving: For Those Who Have Hope.” You might look at this now, because there is most likely someone that God has placed in your life who is struggling with the command to forgive one another. Or perhaps you yourself have struggled with a loss and have not yet forgiven yourself or God or someone who offended you. The work of grief will also be looked at in the “comforting one another” lesson. For now, simply write out the “stages of grief” from this resource in the Appendix. a. b. c.
d.
e.
Stop and ask the Lord if you might minister to someone who is going through the grieving process. Would the Lord use you to help them understand where they are and help them heal? Maybe you are grieving and need to meditate on your situation, seeking God’s help as you grieve. We are to always walk in obedience and seek God’s counsel and the counsel of godly people. While it is right to forgive someone, it is wise to realize that you do not have to have a relationship with someone who has abused you if that person will not confess, repent, and strive to make things right between you. Continued on the next page.
8
Everett L. Worthington, Jr. “Forgiveness in Marriage,” Christian Counseling Today, Vol. 12, No. 1, 2004, pp. 60, 61. 9 Worthington, Ibid., p. 60. 37
Lesson 6 One of the places the word koinonia was used is in 1 Corinthians 1:9. Read this verse in its context and record your response to this on the chart in the Appendix. The church is to be involved in the ministry of reconciling people to God, to themselves, as well as with others. You already looked at 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 in an earlier lesson, but read this passage again and consider what this means concerning the church. Record your insights on the chart in the Appendix, “God’s Intention for the Church.” The hymn “How Firm a Foundation” reflects the love of God and His power to enable you to “stand, upheld by His gracious, omnipotent hand.” Sing or read these words as a reminder of God’s provision for you, and as your own personal act of worship before Him as you close. “How Firm a Foundation” How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled? “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; I’ll strength thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand. “When through the deep water I call thee to go, the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow, for I will be with thee, thy trials to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply; their flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!” By John F. Wade and William Lester
38
Lesson 7
Lesson 7 – The Call to Submitting to One Another For those who follow Christ, obedience to the “one another” instructions is not simply obedience to some suggestions made by human authors. The word of God was truly “inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person who belongs to God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work,” 2 Timothy 3:16,17. Open by reading the heart of the Lord toward disobedience in Psalm 81:11-16 then ask the Lord for His help in understanding His word, so that by this understanding you would see what God longs for you to see. Since 2 Timothy 3:16,17 is absolutely true, what does this say to you about your lifestyle and your response to God’s word?
1. Today’s study will look at the command to be subject to one another, as found in Ephesians 5:21. Submission is difficult for independent, strong, and rebellious people. The Lord knows the struggle that each of us has with this command and yet the foundation of the Christian life is obedience. Begin with these observation questions. • What is the attitude that is asked of believers in Ephesians 5:21, in other words, why are we to submit to one another?
•
Looking at the context of a verse is always essential for accurate interpretation of any Scripture. The paragraph that includes Ephesians 5:21 begins with verse 15, and the main verb of the paragraph is found at the end of verse 18. Read this paragraph, Ephesians 5:15-21. The word “filled” is in the present tense and can be translated as the ISV “keep on being filled with the Spirit.” What difference will obedience to this command make in relationship to Ephesians 5:21?
•
Before moving on, please meditate on how you can make the command of Ephesians 5:18, 19 a part of your life. Record the truth from this passage on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart in the Appendix.
•
Now look at Ephesians 5:22 - Ephesians 6:5. In this passage what does God ask of each of the following: a. Wives b. Husbands c. Children
d. Slaves 39
Lesson 7 2.
Please examine these word studies for the key words used in today’s lesson.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5293 hupotasso hupotassomenoi Ephesians 5:21 Ephesians 5:24
Submit, to subordinate, to obey, be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto)
1 Peter 5:5 (Mark this for later.)
5401 phobos phobo Ephesians 5:21
Fear, alarm or fright, be afraid + terror; interpreted as godly fear or reverence
Philippians 2:12
3. 1 Samuel 15 contains the record of the anointing of Saul and his response to this divine calling. Please read this chapter and look for what Saul did that was wrong. Write a summary of what you learn about submission and rebellion from this chapter.
4. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5,6. What does this Proverb say to you about submission?
Look at Hebrews 12:9 and Romans 8:6-8 to see what is taught about the same word submit (hupotasso) that was used in Ephesians 5:21.
How do you live with this truth in mind?
5. Now read 1 Peter 5:5 to see how Peter used the same word submit (hupotasso). As we have studied God’s intention for the church, we have looked at a variety of purposes. Read 1 Peter 5:1-5 and think about what this teaches about the church and record this on your chart in the Appendix. How will obedience to these two commands influence the church? Continued on the next page. 40
Lesson 7 A Christian pastor shared how he counseled Christian couples concerning the Ephesians 5 passage. He said that when they need to make a decision, each has 48 points that can be used to come to a decision. The wife is to share how she feels about the concern or problem, stating her perspective. The husband is to listen and respect his wife’s opinion. This pastor suggests that the husband make the decision, taking the “two open votes” off the shelf figuratively speaking, and prayerfully decide to use his wife’s ideas alone, or incorporated into his ideas, or use his ideas entirely to decide what should be done. When a wife feels respected, nourished, and cherished, it is easier to hand over her ideas, concerns, questions, and opinions to her husband and allow him to decide what should be done. My husband and I live this way, it has become a pattern for our marriage and brings great freedom in times of indecision. What do you think of this idea?
Life can involve difficult situations, including when someone is abusive in any way. Ephesians 4:15 says that we are to speak the truth in love. As God’s children we are not to walk in unrighteousness. In situations where someone is “unequally yoked” with a non believer, the believer must set boundaries for what you will allow and what they will not allow. If someone is sinning against you or your children, what must you do? Where do you go for help? Certainly you go to the Lord, and you might also go to the church for counsel. You might be advised to go to the legal authorities. In obedience to God’s command to submit to others, you must determine what will you not submit to. When do you walk away? When do you say, I cannot submit to ______________? Sometimes God moves us away from those in authority over us. This might be very difficult. We must carefully seek His wisdom to know His will, which is proper, pleasing and perfect, according to Romans 12:2. Shakespeare wrote, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be, but to thine own self be true.” To help another person, you must know your own self. What in you makes it hard for you to submit? When someone is raised in a home where those in authority are inconsistent and their behavior unpredictable, submission to others in authority can be very difficult. What was modeled to you in your childhood, or family of origin? Did you have a lifestyle of rebellion toward God, toward government, or toward employers? All of this would make it more difficult for you to submit. I have a friend who struggled with submission to her husband because others had been critical of him and slandered his character. A thread of this attitude ran in this woman’s spirit making submission difficult. The biblical example is found in Acts 5:29 about Peter and John not submitting to the Jewish authorities who told them to not do what Christ had specifically told them they were to do. Now look at Galatians 2:9 for another place that the word koinonia was used and record what you learn from this verse on “The Use of Koinonia in the New Testament” chart. Continued on the next page.
41
Lesson 7 To conclude this lesson look at “Relating to One Another” in Ephesians 5:21 and 1 Peter 5:5 and reflect on what you have learned about these two commands. To live in obedience to the command “submit to one another” requires that you surrender to the Lord Jesus every moment of every day. Several years ago I was very frustrated by a circumstance that God had allowed in my life and shared this frustration with a friend. She reminded me that I am dead, I have been crucified in my flesh and it is not I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Living out this truth has really helped me deal with many disappointments and frustrations. Submitting to others requires forgiving others. Maybe you struggle with submission because of some offense that has never been reconciled. One way to approach this is by prayerfully writing out the offense and then in obedience announcing to God that you have forgiven the person for what they did to wrong you. If the opposite of obedience is rebellion, ask the Lord to help you live in obedience that you might forgive with a heart that longs to please your Father who has forgiven you by the precious blood of His holy and blameless Son. If there is bitterness in your spirit because of some offense, you might need to take a retreat from the world and spend time with the Lord. The Lord longs for your heart to be wholly His with no root of bitterness dividing your spirit. One final challenge for you to consider! Please take the time to go back to where this lesson began and read again Ephesians 5:21-33. What does this passage say about the church? Record your insights on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart. Maybe there is a verse from this passage you could memorize. Ask the Lord what verse you would share with someone this week as a reminder to you and an encouragement to your friend. Write out your verse here.
I love the hymn of consecration “Take My Life, and Let It Be.” What a message these words contain. You might close by singing this hymn as your expression of commitment before the Lord. “Take My Life, and Let It Be” Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee; take my moments and my days, let them flow in cease-less praise, let them flow in cease-less praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love; take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee, swift and beautiful for Thee. Take my will, and make it Thine – it shall be no longer mine; take my heart – it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne, it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee, ever, only, all for Thee. By Frances Ridley Havergal and John B. Dykes
42
Lesson 8
Lesson 8 – The Call to Serving One Another A goal of this study is to provide a resource to help those in the body of Christ renew their spirit to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ and be challenged and equipped to serve within the body of Christ. In Matthew 7:12 Jesus taught His disciples that whatever you want people to do for you, do the same for them. This became known as “The Golden Rule” and was a part of many religions of the ancient near east. 1. Today’s lesson will examine the command given to Christians to serve others. Open by praying that God would help you study His word and see yourself as He sees you. Begin with these observation questions. • Read John 13:5-20 and ask God to help you see the heart of Jesus. What do you learn about Jesus here?
What are you asked to do? What is the “one another” command given in John 13:14?
What promise is made to Jesus’ followers? •
What are Paul’s two “one another” commands given in Romans 12:10? a. b.
2.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words used in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1247 diakoneo diakonian Luke 10:40
Work ISV, to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend or [fig.] teacher); technically to act as a Christian deacon: (ad-) minister (unto), serve, use the office of a deacon Serving, attendance (as a servant, etc.) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate): (ad-) minister (-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief ministry Servant ISV, bond-servant NASB, a slave, frequently in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency. In a permanent relationship with another, consumed by the will of the other.10 A bond-slave chose to remain as a slave to their master even when freed.
2 Corinthians 8:19,20
1248 diakonia diakonian Romans 12:7 1401 doulos doulou Philippians 2:7
10
1 Corinthians 12:5
Titus 2:9
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 907. 43
Lesson 8 3. Christians are commanded to serve others. One’s attitude while serving is also important. John Maxwell said, “servanthood is not about position or skill. It’s about attitude.”11 The account of Mary and Martha demonstrates this lesson. Read Luke 10:38-42. What was Martha’s attitude while she was serving?
Paul shared an important instruction for the church in 1 Corinthians 10:31b. While the context was in regard to living in a society that offered sacrifices to idols, the eternal principle is important for those who follow Christ. Write out the message of this phrase and meditate on what this means to you as a believer. (Remember that “glory” means to give an accurate estimate of someone.)
Consider Jesus’ message that He shared with Mary and Martha in Luke 10:41,42 and put this into your own words.
4. Please read the account of Jesus with His disciples in Mark 10:35-45. Imagine that you were there during this episode. What does this account reveal to you about the tendency of mankind’s attitude toward others?
What did Jesus teach in Mark 10:43-45 about how His followers are to relate to others in His kingdom?
11
John C. Maxwell, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, Nashville, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1999, p. 136. 44
Lesson 8 5. Acts 20:35 says that it is more blessed to give than to receive. In 2 Corinthians 8:115 and 9:5-12 Paul wrote about serving by giving. Read these verses and record what Paul said about serving others. In inductive study you can address a passage by looking for the “5 Ws and an H” questions. In this passage these questions could include the following: a. To whom is this directed? b. What are they asked to do? c. Questions that are not essential to the theme being studied: Where was this taking place? When did this take place? Or when was this to take place? d. Why believers were being asked to do this?
e. How were they to live in obedience to this?
Put into your own words a summary of what Paul taught about serving others in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.
In 2 Corinthians 8:4 and Romans 15:26 Paul used the word koinonia. Record how the word was used on “The Use of Koinonia in the New Testament” chart in the Appendix. Consider Paul’s message to the churches in Corinth and Rome and record your insights on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart in the Appendix. A valid concern in the body of Christ has to do with training believers to set aside their self-absorption and put on the heart of a servant. Richard Foster says the church is to help others see “the difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant.”12 Oswald Chambers said, “Service is the overflow of superabounding devotion… The Son of God reveals Himself in me, and I serve Him in the ordinary ways of life out of devotion to Him.”13 Look at the word studies in Question 2 to see words that were used in Scripture relating to the principle of service. What is to be the motivation of service according to these verses? a. Galatians 5:13 b. 1 Peter 4:10 Continued on the next page.
12 13
Richard Foster, Celebrations of Discipline, HarperSanFrancisco, 1998, p. 132. Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, New York, Dodd, Mead & Company, 1935, p. 17. 45
Lesson 8 Now record the three “one another” commands from Question 1 on the “Relating to One Another” chart in the Appendix. Rick Warren writes about a church that functions with purpose, and says “every church needs an intentional, well-planned system for uncovering, mobilizing, and supporting the giftedness of it members… to set up a process to lead people to deeper commitment and greater service for Christ – one that will move your members from the committed circle into your core of lay ministers.”14 Pastor Warren teaches that the foundation for the church stands upon “four pillars.”15 Pillar #1: Every believer is a minister. Pillar #2: Every ministry is important. Pillar #3: We are dependent on each other. Pillar #4: Ministry is the expression of one’s SHAPE. The SHAPE acronym: S for your spiritual giftedness; H for your heart, passion, desires, and interests; A for the abilities and natural talents you were born with; P for your personality; and E for your life experiences. When you serve others do you set yourself aside and ignore your own needs? Some fall into this pattern and do not take care of their own needs or the needs of their family. Years ago someone put together an acronym for JOY: putting JESUS first, OTHERS second and YOURSELF last. This does not mean that you do not take care of yourself, but as Paul said in Philippians 2:3,4 “Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility think of others as being better than yourselves. Do not be concerned about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others.” Francis of Assisi said, “Being a servant of all, I am bound to serve all and to administer the balm-bearing words of my Lord.”16 Read St Francis’ prayer and consider making his words your own prayer of dedication, choosing to be servant devoted to Him, for the sake of others. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
14
Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church, Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1995, p. 367. Ibid., p. 370. 16 Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline, HarperSanFrancisco, 1998, p. 129. 46 15
Lesson 9
Lesson 9 – The Call to Comforting One Another The Holy Spirit will prompt believers to serve their brothers and sisters in the body. Write out a verse from last week’s lesson that brought you conviction concerning the biblical command to serve others.
1. In John 13:34, 35 Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another. You have studied that this command includes assembling together, living in peace with one another, being kind to one another, forgiving one another, submitting to one another, and serving one another. This lesson focuses on the command to comfort others, which involves coming alongside to encourage and edify. Obedience to these commands entails the exhortation to communicate “biblical insights and perspectives to hurting people.”17 David wrote in Psalm 69:20, “I looked for sympathy, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.” Psalm 69 joins other Old Testament Scriptures that contain Messianic prophecies. David understood what it was like to be without a human comforter. When we think about the sacrifice of our Savior we know that not only did His followers scatter like sheep in His hour of agony, but in taking upon Himself our sin, Jesus was separated from His Father, because our holy God could not associate with the bearer of the sin of the world. From our Savior who knew what it meant to be without comfort we are promised that the Holy Spirit will help and comfort us and through teaching in the epistles we are commanded to edify others. Open in prayer, asking the Lord God to strengthen and equip you for what He would want you to do within the body of Christ. Begin with these observation questions. • Augustine wrote about God, “Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in Thee.” Do you live as if this is true? The Old Testament tells us that God comforts His children. Write out the truth given in Psalm 23:4 about the comfort that God gives. You might look at the word study (in Question 2) for the Hebrew word used for comfort in Psalm 23:4.
•
17
In the New Testament, those who believe in Christ are given commands that relate to the idea of comforting and building up one another. Look at these “one another” statements and write these here. Notice the context of each verse to see specifically what was meant within the paragraph. a. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (Remember that whenever you see the word “therefore,” you must look at what was written “before.”)
Larry Crabb and Dan Allender, Encouragement, The Key to Caring, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1984, p. 137. 47
Lesson 9 b. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 c. Romans 14:19 (You already looked at this verse in Lesson 4.)
d. Hebrews 3:13
e. Hebrews 10:24,25 (What are believers asked to do here?)
•
2.
According to these verses what is it that specifically encourages others?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words used in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5162 Hebrew nacham Psalm 23:4
Comfort, properly to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry, i.e. (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself): comfort (self), ease [one’s self], repent (-er, -ing, self)
Psalm 119:50 (In the Septuagint, the Greek word used in both Psalm 23:4 and 119:50 was a form of # 3870, see below.)
3071 Hebrew Jehovah-Nissi Exodus 17:15 3619 oikodome oikodomes Romans 14:19
Jehovah-Nissi KJV, LORD (is) my Banner NASB, a symbolic name of an altar in the desert Building up, architecture, i.e. (concrete) a structure; figuratively confirmation: building, edify (-ication, -ing)
The only place this was used in the Old Testament.
3870 parakaleo parakaleite Hebrews 3:13
Encourage, to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray
48
Ephesians 4:12
1 Thessalonians 4:18 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Lesson 9 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3874 paraklesois parakleseos 2 Corinthians 1:3
Comfort, imploration, hortation, solace, consolation, exhortation, intreaty
Philippians 2:1
3875 parakletos parakleton John 14:16,26
Helper, an intercessor, advocate, consoler, comforter
Used five times in the New Testament. John 15:26 John 16:7
2799 klaio klaiein Romans 12:15
Mourn ISV, to sob, i.e. wail aloud, bewail, weep NASB and KJV
Philippians 3:18
3. The Greek words for encourage and comfort are compound words based on the prefix para and the root kaleo. The prefix para means beside, in the vicinity of, and to be in proximity with. Kaleo is the word for call and/or to speak. In Koine Greek, encouragement meant coming alongside of someone and calling out or speaking to them. In the Christian church, believers are to stand alongside of believers and call out God’s truth. An event in Exodus 17 provides a picture of two men coming alongside to help another. Moses recorded this account so the people would remember who God is and also see the role that is to be taken in community. Read Exodus 17:8-16 for these questions. a. Who led the people of Israel into battle? b. When was Israel victorious in battle?
c. Who came alongside of Moses, what did they do, and why? d. What did the Lord do on behalf of Israel?
e. What did the Lord ask Moses to do and why according to Exodus 17:14? f. The Hebrew word that Moses used to describe God was common in the ancient near east as something that marked a pole or standard to serve as an identification for a group of people. The root of the word means “lifted up or exalted.” The banner was an insignia and a triumphant sign for the people. What did Moses have in his hand? Picture this to reflect on how God used this.
49
Lesson 9 g. What does Exodus 17 say to you about God?
h. What does Exodus 17 say to you about your role in the body of Christ?
i. Record your response to the event of Exodus 17.
4. God was known to the nation of Israel as the Comforter. Look at these Scriptures to see what was said about God and how He comforted His people. a. Psalm 86:15-17 b. Isaiah 12:1,2 c. Isaiah 52:6-9 5. Jesus met with His disciples in Jerusalem the evening He was arrested and shared with them how they would be comforted after He would be gone. What do these verses tell you about God’s provision for His children? a. John 14:16 b. John 14:26 c. John 16:13 What does Jesus ask His disciples to do? a. John 15:4 b. John 15:8,10 c. John 15:12,13
50
Lesson 9 6. Please read 2 Corinthians 1:2-7 and record what was promised to believers as well as what Christians are asked to do. a. What is promised? b. What are believers to do?
As Christians we are commanded to mourn with those who mourn. We are to edify (build up) and encourage one another. How? We must understand the impact of loss and suffering. In order to minister comfort to others, you must understand what the other is going through, seek God’s wisdom, and ask for a heart of mercy and empathy. One important element of ministering to others is to recognize that while the grieving process involves similar struggles, each person’s situation is unique. People cannot be expected to respond in the same way to loss, even when the loss “looks” similar. Moving through the grieving process is HARD WORK. Part of the hard work is spending time with the Lord in His word. Grieving must lead us to be quiet before the Lord, being still in His presence, and listening to His word to know His heart and His grace and mercy. Numerous resources are available that focus on comforting, encouraging, and building up others. Some are included in this part of the lesson. Guidelines for offering encouragement to others:18 1. Express acceptance and extend God’s grace as someone explains their concern. To accept someone while they reveal their pain yields true encouragement. 2. Allow the person time to explain their situation. Offer advice if they seek advice. To share before “the problem is understood communicates disrespect for the person.” 3. Acknowledge the basic needs of the person for love and purpose, addressing the “impact made by the person on his world.” We must each make decisions as to how we will feel, act, and think based on biblical truth. We can help others with this standard for life as we speak God’s truth in love. We can come alongside of someone and offer biblical counsel. Ways that Christians can help others (based on the goals of encouragement, admonishment, and enlightenment from Larry Crabb:19 1. Those living with negative and anxious feelings need biblical encouragement that can lead to living by biblical truth. 2. Those living in disobedience need admonishment that can lead to God-honoring behavior. 3. Those living with confused minds need enlightenment that can bring about accurate thinking. Continued on the next page.
18 19
Larry Crabb Jr. and Dan Allender, Ibid., p. 109. Larry Crabb Jr., Effective Biblical Counseling, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1977, p. 165. 51
Lesson 9 Look at the page in the Appendix that addresses the issue of grief and the difference that the Lord makes in our life when we grieve. The sheet entitled “Grieving For Those Who Have Hope” contains Scripture, a description of what is to be expected in the grieving process, and guidelines for helping comfort and encourage those who are grieving. The stress that comes from any form of loss allows a person the opportunity to grow in their faith and in their relationship with the Lord.20 When you have been in need of comfort in the past are David’s words from Psalm 119:50 true for you? “This is my comfort in my affliction, that Thy word has revived me.” Look at two of the places Paul used the word koinonia in 2 Corinthians 13:14 and 1 John 1:3. Record these on “The Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament” chart. Go back to the “one another” statements from the observation questions, and reflect on these commands, recording your insights on the “Relating to One Another” chart in the Appendix. Now look at what Paul said about the church in Romans 12:4-8 and record what this says on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart in the Appendix. Are you afraid of saying the wrong thing when you go to comfort someone? How is it possible that you might encourage someone else? Think about how someone has comforted you sometime in the past. How did they do that? Think of a time when you were encouraged by someone when you were discouraged. How were you encouraged?
You could close with this song of consecration before the Lord, seeking His power and truth that you might be an encouragement to others. “Draw Me Nearer” I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me; but I long to rise in the arms of faith, and be closer drawn to Thee. Refrain: Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died; draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, by the power of grace divine; let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine. Refrain: Oh, the pure delight of a single hour that before Thy throne I spend; when I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God I commune as friend with friend! Refrain: There are depths of love that I cannot know till I cross the narrow sea; there are heights of joy that I may not reach till I rest in peace with Thee. Refrain: By Fannie J. Crosby and William H. Doane
20
Jay E. Adams, Competent to Counsel, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1970, p. 171. 52
Lesson 10
Lesson 10 – The Call to Being Hospitable to One Another Today’s lesson will look at the command to “show hospitality to one another without complaining” from 1 Peter 4:9. Some would say that this command is an extension of the command that we have already looked at that tells believers to serve one another. However, we will look at examples of extending hospitality that are in the Bible and see the message for us concerning this specific command. 1. It seems that there are a number of reasons that obedience to this command is VERY difficult for some people. Open by praying that the Lord would show you your heart so that you might learn what God would have you learn from His holy and precious word. Begin with these observation questions. • Look at the context of the verse in 1 Peter and see what was associated with this command. In 1 Peter 4:8-10 what are Christians asked to do and why?
•
In Romans 12 the apostle Paul gave instructions to the church as to how they were to relate to one another. Read Romans 12:13, and then go back to the beginning of the paragraph and read Romans 12:10-13 to see Paul’s (long) list of instructions. Write out the first “one another” command in this paragraph, and the last command that Paul gave that relates to our theme of the day.
•
Paul used the Greek word for hospitality philoxenos, in his pastoral epistles to Timothy and Titus. Read these two references and think about who was being described. (Read each of these verses in their context.) a. 1 Timothy 3:2 (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
b. Titus 1:8 (Titus 1:5-9)
Stop and think about what Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus. Why is it significant that Paul included this quality in his description?
53
Lesson 10 2.
Please examine these word studies for the key words used in today’s passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5382 philoxenos philoxenoi 1 Peter 4:9
Hospitable, fond of guests, given to (lover of, use) hospitality; literally, a love of strangers
Used three times in the New Testament. 1 Timothy 3:2 Titus 1:8
5381 philoxenia philoxenian Romans 12:13
Hospitality, hospitableness, entertain strangers
Used twice in the New Testament. Hebrews 13:2
3. In Hebrews 13:1,2 we are commanded to let brotherly love continue, as we are to “stop neglecting to show hospitality to strangers, for by showing hospitality some have had angels as their guests without being aware of it.” Most biblical scholars believe that this is a reference to an event in the lives of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18:1-33, 19:1. Read this passage to see who came to Abraham and Sarah and how Abraham and Sarah extended hospitality to these visitors.
4. In the ancient near eastern cultures, it was expected that individuals would extend hospitality to strangers. The Old Testament has a number of events that show that hospitality toward strangers was a part of society. Read Genesis 24:1-27 to see a time when hospitality was extended and the results of this. You could answer the “5Ws and an H” questions as you read about this event.
What does this tell you about God?
54
Lesson 10 5. Jesus spoke to His disciples about inviting people to special occasions. Read Jesus’ words and summarize what He said about hospitality. What did Jesus promise for those who were obedient to this command?
Now read what Paul said to Timothy about the qualities of a godly widow in 1 Timothy 5:10. Read this in its context to understand this instruction that was given to the church.
We find an example of hospitality that was “less than gracious” in Luke 10:38-42. How can you apply the message of this account to your own response to the command to be hospitable to one another?
I asked several women why they did not extend hospitality to others by inviting people into their home. I received a great variety of responses including the following: Our home is not perfect. Our home is too small. Our home is too cluttered. Our home is not clean. Our home needs to be painted. Our home needs new furniture. We only have a few place settings of “china” that match, and people think you should not use paper plates with “company.” We cannot financially afford to invite others over for a meal. Another set of excuses follow: My spouse does not like to entertain. Our children are not cooperative. I am not a very good cook. “Extending hospitality” is a lot of work. We are too busy. No one ever invites us over. Okay, it is time to get real. Do you have a reason for not being hospitable to others? While it is sometimes hard to get to the bottom of our hesitancies, please ask God to help you understand why you hold back in this way of showing love to others, strangers included.
Continued on the next page.
55
Lesson 10 Based on what you have studied today, why should you be hospitable?
What should you do about your excuse/s for not being hospitable?
Maybe you could put together a plan for being hospitable to others. There are people who invite people over to their home every week. if this is not a part of your “lifestyle” could you start out being hospitable twice a year? How about every other month? Being hospitable encourages others while you serve their needs. Being hospitable builds community within the body of Christ. People get acquainted across the table. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you with the command to be hospitable with others. Now look at how the word koinonia was used in Hebrews 13:16 and record your insights on “The Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament” chart in the Appendix. Read James 2:1-9 to see “God’s Intention for the Church” considering the nature of the church according to this passage. How does this relate to today’s theme of being hospitable to others?
Now record 1 Peter 4:9 on the “Relating to One Another” chart. Please also look at Romans 15:7 and Galatians 6:2 and add these commands to the chart, thinking about your attitude toward others. Jesus said to His disciples if they loved Him they would also love one another. You might close by singing the hymn “My Jesus I Love Thee” as a way of expressing your commitment to your Savior, Jesus Christ. “My Jesus, I love Thee” My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine - for Thee all the follies of sin I resign; my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou; if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ‘tis now. I love Thee, because Thou hast first loved me, and purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree; I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now. I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, and praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath; and say when the death-dew lies cold on my brow, if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now. In mansions of glory and endless delight, I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright; I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow, if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now. By William R. Featherston and Adoniram J. Gordon 56
Lesson 11
Lesson 11 – The Call to Confessing Your Sins to One Another St. Augustine said, “The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works.” Today’s lesson will first look at God’s perspective on sin and then the command from James 5:16a that tells us that we are to confess our sins to one another. 1. As you open today, please allow David’s psalm in Psalm 32 be your prayer and then complete the observation questions. • What did David say about sin and confession in Psalm 32:2-5? a. Sin b. Confession
•
The Bible reveals the nature of sin in a variety of ways to include the following: 1. Missing the mark, when people chose to aim poorly or at the wrong mark (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17) 2. Impiety or irreverence toward God and His righteousness (Colossians 3:25) 3. Transgressions where one goes beyond God’s established limit (Numbers 14:41, 42) 4. Lack of integrity (Leviticus 19:15) 5. Rebellion and disobedience toward God (Isaiah 1:2) 6. Treachery toward God (Jeremiah 3:10) 7. Perversion or a warped perspective (Isaiah 21:3) 8. Abomination to God (Deuteronomy 7:25)
•
Important teaching concerning the gospel is found in Paul’s epistle to the Romans. Read what is said about sin and confession and write these verses out here. a. Romans 6:23 b. Romans 10:9, 10
•
Any time a Christians sins they are to trust in God’s truth proclaimed by John in 1 John 1:9. This is such an important verse for believers to claim as truth. Write out this verse and thank the Lord for His faithfulness to forgive the sins that are committed after you become a Christian.
57
Lesson 11 •
Read James 5:13-20 and think about the importance of confession in the community of faith. Why is confession important?
•
Another verse that teaches the church how they are to relate to one another is found in Romans 15:14. What does this say?
How does this command in Romans 15 relate to James 5:16a?
2.
Please examine these word studies for the key words used in today’s passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3034 yadah Psalm 32:5
Confess, to use, i.e. (to hold) out the hand, … especially to revere, to worship (with extended hands); intensively to bemoan (by wringing the hands): cast (out), make confess (-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thanks (-ful, -s, -sgiving) Confess, to acknowledge or (by implication of assent) agree fully: profess, promise
1 Kings 8:33,35
1843 exomologeo exomologeisthe James 5:16 3670 homologeo homologeses Romans 10:9 3560 noutheteo nouthetein Romans 15:14
Confess, to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge: -con-(pre-) fess, confession is made, give thanks, promise; praise Instruct ISV, to put in mind, i.e. (by implication) to caution or reprove gently: admonish NASB and KJV, warn; to remind, to correct
Philippians 2:11
Romans 10:10
Colossians 1:28
3. Mankind is separated from God by their sin. Israel’s King David knew this separation and taught about confession and God’s forgiveness in Psalm 51. What did David ask of God?
58
Lesson 11 What did David say about God is this Psalm?
4. The apostle Peter acknowledged the new role of those who follow God when he said in 1 Peter 2:9 that Christians are a chosen nation, a royal priesthood. God anointed His priests to come before Himself on behalf of the people. At the time of the Reformation this became known as “the universal priesthood of all believers.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “A man who confesses his sins in the presence of a brother knows that he is no longer alone with himself; he experiences the presence of God in the reality of the other person. As long as I am by myself in the confession of my sins everything remains in the dark, but in the presence of a brother the sin has to be brought into the light.”21 In John 8:12 Jesus said that He was the light of the world and that those who walk in Him would have the light of life, and not walk in darkness. The apostle Paul said in Ephesians 5:9 that the fruit of the light consists of goodness and righteousness and truth. Jesus was talking with His disciples after His resurrection and spoke to them about a responsibility that His followers would have in John 20:23. This is very significant teaching, and leaders in the Christian church interpret these commands differently. Many biblical scholars say that these commands were given to Christ’s apostles to be used in the establishment of the church, and this was not extended beyond this group of men. Other biblical scholars claim that “apostolic succession” allowed every instruction from Christ to His disciples to be valid for today’s church. Read John 20:23 in its context and think about what this means. The bottom line is that once a person makes a confession of faith acknowledging their sin before Almighty God, they are forgiven and their relationship with God has been restored. When someone accepts the sacrifice of Jesus and believes in the finished work of Christ, true reconciliation occurs. As a forgiven child of God, we must bring our sin before the Lord and seek the promised forgiveness. What a blessing to know that 1 John 1:9 is valid for our every transgression. How can you as a believer encourage others to walk in the light?
5. In the passage where Paul taught about the sacrament of communion he used the phrase “one another” in 1 Corinthians 11:33. Read this verse in context and consider how this might relate to today’s “one another” command.
21
Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline, p. 148. 59
Lesson 11 6. How does your sin impact God? God spoke to Jeremiah about His people in Jeremiah 44:3-9 and acknowledged the peoples’ wickedness, as they continued to sin and serve other gods. God said He had sent His prophets to speak on His behalf and they continued to sin by doing the “abominable thing which I hate.” God said that His people did not listen or turn from their wickedness. What a picture was recorded for us to know how our sin affects God. Do you have God’s perspective on sin? Pastor Dr. Daniel Hahn teaches young people that, “Sin always feels like freedom at first, and sin always narrows into a prison down the line. Righteousness always feels like a prison at first, but always widens into freedom down the line.” The world says that freedom is when “I am able to do whatever I want.” The truth is that God has given us freedom from the power and bondage of sin. How does your sin impact others? How does your sin impact the body of Christ? We are not to have a “Lone Ranger” mentality. We are not to fall into the world’s perspective and think, “What I do on my own time is my own business.” What you do on your own time is also your family’s business, your spouse’s business, your children’s business, your parents’ business, your church’s business, etc. How does Paul’s message in Philippians 2:3, 4 relate to this?
Who would you be willing to go to in obedience to James 5:16a? James 5:16 follows with the command to pray for one another, and these two commands go together. Describe the person with whom you would confess your sins.
My prayer is that you will be blessed by the description of God that is given in Isaiah 30:18. Read this verse and meditate on what this means to you today. “Therefore, the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him.” This is the kind of person I would entrust with my confession: someone who is gracious (accepting) and compassionate. Were these qualities on your list? Are you a person people would entrust with their confession? Once I mentioned that I did not understand how the power of sin is broken when someone follows this command. My dear friend so gently said, because obedience to God’s word always brings blessing. “Thank You God for giving me a friend like Gladys who has such a strong faith in You and Your word.” Continued on the next page. 60
Lesson 11 Dr. Richard Melick wrote a book dealing with the topic of holiness. His simple definition of holiness is “walking with the Spirit of God so that the old ways of living are replaced by the fruit of the Spirit.”22 Here is a brief presentation of Dr Melick’s perspective. 1. We must have “new ambitions:” to worship, to live by a Christian’s lifestyle, to be concerned about stewardship (with our life and not just money), family relationships, and ministry. 2. We must have “new values:” placing God over self, (as taught in Luke 14:33 and Philippians 3:4-14), eternity over time (in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18), people over things, (as in Luke 18:18-30), and in self-sacrifice. 3. We must have “new pleasures:” these to be built upon Christian values and ambition. Do you agree with this? Do you live in this way?
Write your response to the “one another” commands from today’s lesson on the “Relating to One Another” chart in the Appendix. These include James 516a, Romans 15:14, and Ephesians 4:25. Look at the way the word koinonia was used in 2 Corinthians 9:13 and record this on “The Use of Koinonia in the New Testament” chart in the Appendix. Close by reading Psalm 1, and think about those with whom you are associated. Record your perspective on how this verse might help someone understand God’s intention for the church. Record this on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart. As a child I remember singing the song “Near to the Heart of God.” The desire of my heart is to not ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that I might confess my sins, and stay in perfect sweet communion with my God and Savior Jesus Christ. Sin that is not confessed sin grieves the Holy Spirit. Oh, that I might walk in obedience to the Lord. “Near to the Heart of God” There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God, a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God. Chorus: O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God, hold us who wait before Thee near to the heart of God. There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God, a place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God. Chorus: There is a place of full release, near to the heart of God, a place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God. Chorus: By Cleland B. McAfee
22
Dr. Richard Melick, Called to Be Holy, Nashville, LifeWay Press, 2001. 61
Lesson 12
Lesson 12 – The Call to Praying for One Another In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God called His people to humble themselves and pray, and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways. God then promised that He would hear from heaven and forgive their sin, and heal their land. Psalm 34:15, 16 (and 1 Peter 3:12) says that “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to his prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do wrong.” This lesson will look at the command to pray for one another. 1. Ask God to help you truly understand the message of today’s Scriptures. Begin with these observation questions. • Read James 5:13-20 and answer these questions. What are you to do if someone is suffering? What are you to do if someone is cheerful? What are you to do if someone is in need?
•
According to Ephesians 6:18-20, how are you to pray?
•
How does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 say we are to pray?
•
Look at the example of prayer in Colossians 4:12 to see how Epaphras prayed for others.
•
Now read about prayer in the early church in Acts 1:14, 2:42, 6:4. What was the practice of the Christian church in Jerusalem? Record this on the “God’s Intention for the Church” chart.
•
Read what Paul said about prayer in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. After reading this, think about what this says to you personally.
63
Lesson 12 2.
Please examine these word studies for the key words used in today’s passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance, unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
2171 euche euche James 5:15
Prayer ISV, properly, a wish, expressed as a petition to God, or in votive obligation; vow KJV
Used three times in the New Testament. Acts 21:23 (vow)
2172 euchomai proseuchesthe James 5:16b 1162 deesis deesis James 5:16c
Pray ISV, to wish, by implication, to pray to God
2 Corinthians 13:7,9
Prayer ISV, request, supplication; a petition. Can be a request for specific benefits from God or anyone else.23 Prayed ISV, to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship. “This denotes all that is included in prayer, thanks, asking, requesting special things.”24 Intercedes, to chance upon, by implication to confer with, to entreat, make intercession Intercedes, to intercede on behalf of, make intercession for. The Greek prefix huper means on behalf of.
1 Peter 3:12
4336 proseuchomai
proseuxato James 5:18 1793 entugchano entugchanei Romans 8:27 5241 huperentugchano huperentugchanei Romans 8:26
Hebrews 13:18
Romans 8:34 Hapax legomen.
3. Jesus modeled the importance of prayer throughout His ministry on earth. John recorded Jesus’ prayer for His disciples in John 17. Jesus prayed for His disciples to have unity and to be one in the Spirit. You studied Jesus’ prayer in Lesson 4. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 was not just for His disciples who had gathered with Him at the end of His life. Hebrews 7:25 and Romans 8:34 tell us about Jesus’ role in the life of believers today. What do these verses say and what does this mean to you personally? a. Hebrews 7:25 b. Romans 8:34 Another amazing truth appears in Romans 8:26, 27. What are the promises given to us?
What do these verses tell you about how you are to intercede for others?
23
Zodhiates, Ibid., p. 900. Ibid., pp. 951, 952. 64 24
Lesson 12 4. Paul taught about prayer as he shared with the recipients of his letters how he prayed for them. Read these verses to see how Paul prayed for others. Summarize what you can incorporate into your prayers for others. a. Ephesians 1:15-21
b. Philippians 1:3-5, 9-11
c. Colossians 1:3, 9-12
5. We are told to come to the Lord, and ask in faith believing. Scripture records people coming to Jesus in faith and receiving the answer to their prayers through the Lord’s divine intervention. Theology professor Dr. Millard J. Erickson writes, “It appears from Scripture that in many cases God works in a sort of partnership with humans. God does not act if humans do not play their part. Thus when Jesus ministered in his hometown of Nazareth, he did not perform any major miracles. All he did was heal a few sick people. That Jesus ‘was amazed at their lack of faith,’ (Mark 6:6) suggests that the people of Nazareth simply did not bring their needy ones to him for healing. It is clear that in many cases the act of faith was necessary for God to act – and such faith was lacking in Nazareth. On the other hand, when Jesus walked on the water (Matthew 14:22-33), Peter asked to be bidden to go to Jesus on the water and was enabled to do so. Presumably Jesus could have enabled all the disciples to walk on the water that day but only Peter did because only he asked. The centurion bringing his request for the healing of a servant (Matthew 8:5-13) and the woman with the hemorrhage (Matthew 9:18-22), clinging to Jesus’ garment, are examples of faith which, demonstrated in petition, resulted in God’s working. When God wills the end (in these cases, healing), he also wills the means (which includes a request to be healed, which in turn presupposes faith.) It is the means by which he accomplishes his end. It is vital, then that a prayer be uttered, for without it the desired result will not come to pass.”25
Jesus taught His disciples to keep on asking, keep on seeking, and keep on knocking. Stop and meditate on the examples Dr. Erickson gave in his perspective on God’s “providence in prayer.” What does this say to you concerning your own pattern of prayer?
Continued on the next page.
25
Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003, pp. 430, 431. 65
Lesson 12 The apostle Paul shares about his struggle with a fleshly battle in 2 Corinthians 12:710. What was God’s response to Paul’s prayers and why?
Do you have a friend you can call for prayer? Can you trust this person to hold a confidence in your time of trouble? If you do not have such a friend, ask God who you might approach that might consider interceding for you and bearing your burdens in this way. At the same time, are you a friend that others come to when they are in need of prayer? To be a person of prayer means that you trust God and believe His word. To be a person of prayer means that you take the command to pray for one another seriously and you love your neighbor as yourself. To be a person of prayer means that you willingly sacrifice your time to intercede on someone’s behalf. Are you a part of a community of faith that believes in the power of prayer? Are you a part of a prayer chain that supports those who are in need by contacting others for prayer? Are you a member of a small group that includes prayer in its meetings? Sometimes the sharing of requests takes longer than the time that is left for prayer. One suggestion is to sit in a circle and everyone prays for themselves and the person to their right. The first person prays for him or her self and then the next person does the same as well as praying for the person that prayed before them. After everyone has prayed, the person who began prays for the last person and closes the prayer time. This is good for several reasons. One reason is that sometimes we do not pray for ourselves, and with this “method” we do! It is also a good method because the group spends their time praying instead of talking about prayer requests. This also provides a way for everyone to participate. Now look at the “Relating to One Another” chart in the Appendix you have been working on in this study. The last “one another” statement is from James 5:16b. Explain your response to this command. Another dimension of the church is explained in 1 Corinthians 11:17-29. Read this passage and record what is taught here about “God’s Intention for the Church” on the chart in the Appendix. A hymn that called people to be holy is included to help you reflect on the command to pray for one another. May you long to spend time with the Lord and have faith to believe that prayer makes a difference, knowing that God is wise and good, and He knows what is best for His children. “Take Time to Be Holy” Take time to be holy, speak oft with the Lord; abide in Him always and feed on His Word. Make friends of God’s children; help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on; spend much time in secret with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, like Him you will be – your friends in your conduct His likeness will see. Take time to be holy, let Him be your guide, and run not before Him, whatever betide. In joy or in sorrow still follow the Lord, and looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word. Take time to be holy, be calm in your soul, each tho’t and each motive beneath His control. Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love, you soon will be fitted for service above. By William D. Longstaff and George C. Stebbins
66
Lesson 13
Lesson 13 – The Call to Biblical Fellowship Review Today’s lesson will review the call to biblical fellowship to reinforce the lessons you have studied over the past twelve weeks. Allow the many verses you have looked at to renew your mind today as you go back over what you have examined earlier. To live in community requires that you set your priorities so that you faithfully walk in communion with the Lord God and spend time with Him. To live in community requires that you rely on God for your strength and lean not on your own understanding. Deitrich Bonhoeffer said, “Only in fellowship do we learn to be rightly alone and only in aloneness do we learn to live rightly in fellowship.”26 God did not design men and women as solitary creatures. Here is something to think about. In five places in the New Testament, Christians are told to greet one another with a holy kiss. A contrast could be made with the kiss of Judas, in Mark 14:45. Judas’ kiss is considered by most as a hypocritical kiss of betrayal, a kiss that was not genuine. 1 Peter 1:22 says, “Now that you have obeyed the truth and have purified your souls to love your brothers sincerely, you must love one another intensely and with a pure heart.” Cain asked God “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Someone responded to Cain’s question by saying, “No, you are not your brother’s keeper, but you are your brother’s brother.”27 In Isaiah 50:4, Isaiah said that the Lord God had given him the tongue of disciples that he would know how to sustain the weary one with a word. The desire of my heart is to be used by God to sustain weary people through the study and application of God’s holy word. I ask God to make me teachable, that I might continue to daily seek His wisdom to know His way and His righteousness. 1. Jesus said (in John 10:10) that we have an enemy that wants to rob, kill, and destroy us. For review, look at the “Relating to One Another” charts in the Appendix and consider the schemes of the enemy that would cause you to be disobedient to these commands. What scheme or schemes does the enemy use to keep you “uninvolved” within the body of Christ?
What scheme or schemes does the enemy use to keep you “disconnected” from others in the body of Christ?
26 27
Deitrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, HarperSanFrancisco, 1954, p. 77. Billy Graham, Peace With God, Waco, TX, Word Incorporated, 1984, p. 187. 67
Lesson 13 Pause and ask the Lord what you need to do about the schemes of the evil one. Here are two examples: a. Do you isolate yourself because of fear? John wrote in 1 John 4:18 that there is no fear in love, because perfect love casts out fear. b. Are people drawn to you? Do people respond graciously when you reach out to minister to them? Are people drawn to you because they see your personal relationship with Jesus Christ? c. Do you give up on people when they disappoint you? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:8 that love never fails. 1 Peter 4:8 says that we are to keep fervent in our love, because love covers a multitude of sins. (God might call us to separate from someone who has been abusive and unteachable. Sometimes God asks us to stay in a difficult situation that we might be salt and light for the unbeliever.) Paul said he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. Let us join with the saints and claim God’s blessings, His strength, His help, His upholding, and determine to walk in obedience to His calling. 2. As we went through this study we studied God’s intention for the church. As you look over the Scripture you studied (on the God’s Intention for the Church” chart), respond to these Scriptures that share the nature, purpose, and task of the church. You might write a poem or a song. You might draw a diagram or a sketch. You might write a brief summary. The last part of the review is to think about how the New Testament used the word koinonia. Look again at the “Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament” chart and write out your simple summary of this important word. I am to serve others in love, to build up, and lift up others. An acronym for the word LIFT: LISTEN with LOVE that LEADS to action INTERESTED and INVOLVED in others’ lives Spending time with others in FELLOWSHIP and extending grace TRUSTING in God’s word and wisdom One dimension of being a follow of Christ involves meditating on Scripture to see God’s message for you personally. Please take some time to meditate on the truths you have learned from the past twelve weeks and ask the Lord God what He would have you to do establish a pattern for living in community while you participate in the body of Christ. Close by singing this hymn of consecration before the Lord God as a closing moment of worship. “Take My Life, and Let It Be” Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee; take my moments and my days, let them flow in cease-less praise, let them flow in cease-less praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love; take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee, swift and beautiful for Thee. Take my will, and make it Thine – it shall be no longer mine; take my heart – it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne, it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee, ever, only, all for Thee. By Frances Ridley Havergal and John B. Dykes
68
Appendix
Appendix
Use of the Word Koinonia in the New Testament How the word fellowship was used:
How I am to live this out in my own life:
Lesson 1 1 John 1:6,7
Lesson 2 Philemon 6,7
Lesson 3 Acts 2:42
Lesson 3 Philippians 1:5
Lesson 4 Ephesians 3:9,10
Lesson 5 Philippians 2:1
Lesson 5 1 John 1:3
Lesson 6 1 Corinthians 1:9
Lesson 7 Galatians 2:9
71
Appendix How the word fellowship was used:
How I am to live this out in my own life:
Lesson 8 2 Corinthians 8:4 Lesson 8 Romans 15:26
Lesson 9 2 Corinthians 13:14
Lesson 9 Philippians 3:10
Lesson 10 Hebrews 13:16
Lesson 11 2 Corinthians 9:13
Lesson 12 1 Corinthians 10:16
Lesson 12 2 Corinthians 6:14
As you go through this study of the word fellowship, underline with a colored pencil or marker the key words that you discover. What is important to know about how the word fellowship was used? Mark these important words in some way. When you have finished with these Scriptures, you will be asked to write out a definition of what the word fellowship means based on your examination of Scripture. The space here is for your concluding thoughts that will come together at the end of the study.
72
Appendix
“The Shema” When the Hebrew people assembled together for worship in their neighborhood synagogues, they would pray specific passages of Scripture that they called “Shema,” which was the Hebrew word for hear. The recitation of these Scriptures affirmed their faith in God, and in fact pious Jews said these prayers several times a day. The “Shema” was spoken to declare commitment to God and in their worship services it was spoken in unison as an expression of unity with others. In the first century A.D. after Christ’s ascension to heaven, the Christian church continued with the Old Testament tradition of praying “Shema,” and also included verses from the writings of Paul and James to help them acknowledge their faith in God and in their Savior, Jesus Christ. The early church was made up of Jews and Gentiles, and women as well as men worshiped together.
Old Testament Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:4-9 4 "Hear, 0 Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5 "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 "And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; 7 and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 "And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 11:13-21 13 "And it shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, 14 that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. 15 "And He will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you shall eat and be satisfied. 16 "Beware, lest your hearts be deceived and you turn away and serve other gods and worship them. 17 "Or the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain and the ground will not yield its fruit; and you will perish quickly from the good land which the LORD is giving you. 18 You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 19 "And you shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. 20 "And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your sons may be multiplied on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens {remain} above the earth.
73
Appendix
Numbers 15:37-41 37 The LORD also spoke to Moses, saying, 38 "Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. 39 "And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot, 40 in order that you may remember to do all My commandments, and be holy to your God. 41 "I am the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the LORD your God."
New Testament Scriptures Romans 3:30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.
Galatians 3:20 Now a mediator is not for one {party only) whereas God is {only} one. James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is {but} one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we {exist} for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we {exist} through Him.
Philippians 2:5-11 In God's own form existed He, and shared with God equality Deemed nothing needed grasping. Instead, poured out in emptiness, a servant's form did He possess, A mortal man becoming. In human He chose to be, and lived in all humility, Death on a cross obeying. Now lifted up by God to heaven, a name above all others given, This matchless name possessing. And so, when Jesus' name is called, the knees of everyone will fall, where 'er they are residing. Then every tongue in one accord, will say that Jesus Christ is Lord, while God the Father praising, ISV®
74
Lesson 4 Romans 14:19
Lesson 4 Romans 12:16
Lesson 4 Mark 9:50
Lesson 3 Hebrews 10:24,25a
The Command: Lessons 1 and 2 John 13:34,35
How or when could you practice this command? What makes this command hard to obey?
Relating to One Another
75
Appendix
76
Lesson 8 John 13:14
Lesson 7 1 Peter 5:5
Lesson 7 Ephesians 5:21
Lesson 6 Colossians 3:13
Lesson 6 Ephesians 4:32b
The Command: Lesson 5 Ephesians 4:32a
Appendix
How or when could you practice this command? What makes this command hard to obey?
Relating to One Another
Lesson 9 Hebrews 3:13
Lesson 9 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Lesson 9 1 Thessalonians 4:18
Lesson 8 1 Peter 4:10
Lesson 8 Galatians 5:13
Lesson 8 Romans 12:10b
The Command: Lesson 8 Romans 12:10a
How or when could you practice this command?
What makes this command hard to obey?
Relating to One Another
77
Appendix
78
Lesson 12 James 5:16b
Lesson 11 Ephesians 4:25
Lesson 11 Romans 15:14
Lesson 11 James 5:16a
Lesson 10 Galatians 6:2
Lesson 10 Romans 15:7
The Command: Lesson 10 1 Peter 4:9
Appendix
How or when could you practice this command?
What makes this command hard to obey?
Relating to One Another
Appendix
God’s Intention for the Church The nature, purpose, and/or task of the church: Lesson 1 Romans 12:15 Lesson 2 John 4:21-24
Lesson 3 Psalm 150
Lesson 3 Nehemiah 8:1-12
Lesson 3 Ezekiel 34:1-10
Lesson 3 Ephesians 4:11-16
Lesson 3 Hebrews 10:24, 25
Lesson 4 Ephesians 4:1-7
79
Appendix
God’s Intention for the Church The nature, purpose, and/or task of the church: Lesson 4 Ephesians 3:9, 10
Lesson 5 Matthew 28:18-20
Lesson 6 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Lesson 7 Ephesians 5:18-21
Lesson 7 1 Peter 5:1-5
Lesson 7 Ephesians 5:22-32
Lesson 8 Romans 15:26
80
Appendix
God’s Intention for the Church The nature, purpose, and/or task of the church: Lesson 8 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 and 2 Corinthians 9:5-12
Lesson 9 Romans 12:4-8
Lesson 10 James 2:1-9
Lesson 11 Psalm 1
Lesson 12 Acts 1:14, 2:42, 6:4
1 Corinthians 11:17-29
Look back over the Scriptures you have studied that focused on God’s intention for the church. As you read through the verses, circle the key words that relate to the church. Using these key words, how would you group these into areas where they are related?
Using the space on the back of this page, summarize the nature, purpose, and task of the church. 81
Appendix
God’s Intention for the Church The Nature, Purpose, and Task of the Church
82
Appendix
Reaching Emotional Forgiveness28 Five Steps to REACH Forgiveness With God: RECALL God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness towards us, even in our misery. EMPATHIZE with the heart of God. Pray to discern what God wants us to do whenever we are hurt. ACCEPT the altruistic gift of Jesus’ death for us, and the gift of the Holy Spirit as our helper. COMMIT to discerning God’s heart with the help of the Holy Spirit. HOLD on to Jesus as we struggle with forgiving the other person.
Five Steps to REACH Forgiveness with a Person With Whom One Has a Relationship: RECALL the hurt. Try to be objective and see both the perpetrator’s and our own side of the story. EMPATHIZE with the person who hurt you. Replace unforgiveness with any one (or more) of four related positive, other-oriented emotions: empathy, sympathy, compassion, and love. Jesus said, “Love our enemies.” It should be easier to love our spouse, child, or parent than to love our enemies. ALTRUSTIC gift of forgiving. Give forgiveness to bless the person who needs forgiveness. COMMIT to forgiveness. When a break-through occurs, solidify your experience of emotional forgiveness by writing an account of the experience in a journal or letter to your loved one. HOLD on to the emotional forgiveness whenever you doubt that you have forgiven. Doubts inevitably creep in, especially if new hurts are inflicted. But if you are intent on forgiving give your loved one the benefit of the doubt.
28
Worthington, Ibid., p. 61. 83
Appendix
Grieving: For Those Who Have Hope There is a supernatural dimension to God’s presence in the life of a Christian. God does heal the brokenhearted, mend the (emotionally) wounded, and restore the lonely. Here are some Scriptures that acknowledge God’s faithfulness: •
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me, Psalm 23:4.
•
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you, Psalm 32:8.
•
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those whose spirits have been crushed, Psalm 34:18.
•
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Thy consolations delight my soul, Psalm 94:19.
•
Remember the word to Thy servant, in which Thou hast made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Thy word has revived me, Psalm 119:49, 50.
•
Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness. Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness, Lamentations 3:19-23.
•
The Helper (the Comforter, KJV), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and remind you of all that I have told you, John 14:26.
•
For everything that was written long ago was written for our instruction, so that we might have hope through the endurance and encouragement that the Scriptures give us, Romans 15:4.
•
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our suffering, so that we may be able to comfort others in all their suffering, since we ourselves are being comforted by God, 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.
•
For God has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” Hence we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b,6.
What is Involved in the Grieving Process 1. The body responds physically to the situation by going into a temporary state of shock. For many the pain of their situation brings a temporary anesthesia and numbs them. This can last a few
85
Appendix hours or a few days. When this goes on for more than a few weeks, the person needs professional help.29 2. Denial of the seriousness of the present situation. Fear of the unknown is often a part of this. 3. The need to express emotion. Anger, resentment, and guilt are likely responses to the circumstance. The person might feel guilt about what could or should have been done. Forgiving oneself or others is often difficult in this stage. 4. Bargaining with God. Thinking there might be something that could be done to change the situation. 5. Depression, loneliness, and fear stemming from the trauma, loss, and grief can cause physical responses. In these feelings there is often a resistance to returning to “normal life.” 6. Eventually a measure of hope returns and there is an acceptance of the situation. For parents who lose a child to death, “You never get over it, but you must learn to accept it,” and also according to James Dobson, 80% of those couples who lose a child end up getting a divorce. Do not expect a grieving person to become their “old self” again, because after grieving one comes out a different person. One can either be stronger or weaker. Practical Guidelines for Comforting, Edifying, and Encouraging Those Who Are Grieving 1. Come alongside of someone who is in shock, offering practical help while encouraging them to participate in part of what must be done. 2. Confront someone’s denial with loving openness and honesty. Mourn with those who mourn. Do not deny or ignore someone’s pain. Acknowledge the MANY different kinds of losses in life that bring grief. “True grief tears apart one’s former patterns of life, as well as causes sorrow over the loss of a loved one. Grief is, therefore, a doubly painful experience.”30 Help others to face their pain without allowing a bitter root to grow up and cause them trouble, Hebrews 12:15. 3. Allow grieving people to express their emotions. Be a safe person for those who grieve, not holding against them their initial responses in their pain. Empathy can soften a heart that is hardened by loss and disappointment. Empathy can help someone who is stuck in anger. Acknowledge that because of the “loss,” life has changed and so life will not “go back to normal” as it was before the loss was experienced. 4. Rather than bargaining with God about the situation, seek God’s truth and accept His sovereignty, His plan, and His provision in the midst of the struggle. Christian maturity requires believers to set aside their dreams and surrender to Jesus. 5. Pray and encourage a lifestyle following the NEWSTART acronym which includes: sensible nutrition, exercise, adequate water consumption, being outside in the sunshine, temperance in all things, fresh air and deep breathing, adequate rest, and trusting in God for all things. Acknowledge that sometimes people need to take medication for depression. The wounds of loss need time to heal. Often fear or uncertainty about the future can consume one’s thoughts. 6. Allow individuals to grieve over a period of time. After three months the shock wears off and reality sets in. In the first year the individual will have gone through the special occasions like birthdays and holidays without their loved one. Acknowledging that it usually takes three years before the healing and acceptance is processed. We cannot rush someone through this work. Do not expect the grieving process to be over quickly, there is no easy solution to the complex issues involved in grief. Encourage the person that has experienced a loss to think of themselves as a survivor, rather than a victim. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to be an encouragement to others with: Your presence when you go to be with someone. Your words, whether they are written or spoken, as you share biblical truth. Your service, that freely offers help to someone in need. 29
Granger E. Westberg, Good Grief, Philadelphia, Fortress Press, 1964, p. 21. Jay E. Adams, The Christian Counselor’s Manual, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1973, p. 283. 86 30
Appendix
Ten Point Covenant31 1. The Covenant of Love Your commitment to each member of the group must be of the spirit that says, “Nothing you do or say will make me stop loving you.” 2. The Covenant of Availability I will be available when humanly possible to meet with the group on the meeting dates decided. I will make myself available to any member of the group when they are in need. 3. The Covenant of Prayer I will pray for each member of the group consistently. I covenant to pray for each member in a regular fashion, believing that our heavenly Father wishes His children to pray for one another and ask Him for the blessings they need. 4. The Covenant of Confidentiality The other points in this covenant are only possible in the security of a trust relationship. I will therefore share NOTHING outside of the group that has been shared inside of the group or shared in private ministry with another member of the group. 5. The Covenant of Openness Understanding that I cannot know you and you cannot know me unless we tell each other who we are, I will make the commitment to tell you who I am, both in my weaknesses and my strengths. I promise to strive to become a more open person, disclosing my feelings, my struggles, my joys, and hurts to you as well as I am able. The degree to which I share implies that I cannot make it without you, that I trust you with my needs, and I need you. 6. The Covenant of Sensitivity I will ask God to make me sensitive to the needs of each person in our group and I will consciously make the commitment to LISTEN to each person each time they speak, whether in words, actions, or attitudes. Even as I desire to be known and understood by you I covenant to be sensitive to you and to your needs. To the best of my ability I will try to hear you, see you, and feel where you are, to draw you out of the pit of discouragement or withdrawal. 7. The Covenant of Honesty Understanding that speaking the truth in love is both positive and constructive unto bodily growth, I will allow God to use me in our group’s growth process by telling you when I agree and when I disagree. I understand that honesty does not give me the right to hurt you. 8. The Covenant of Accountability It is my conviction that God has placed me in our group for building up the body of Christ, and that from time to time within our group it will be necessary for me to seek the mind of the Lord through the counsel and advice of our group. I will accept the responsibility for their counsel and advice and report to them what I have done with their collective wisdom. 9. The Covenant of Personal Integrity Realizing the need that every person has for support and close relationships, I make a personal covenant with you to hold your name and reputation in the highest regard. I will not entertain conversation from any source that is in any way derogatory to your personal character or integrity as a person of God, without expressing my support for you and my intention to share those comments with you. 10. The Covenant of Affirmation There is nothing you have done, or will do that will make me stop loving you. I may not agree with your actions, but I will love you as a person and do all I can to hold you up in God’s affirming love.
31
Dave Gould, used in discipleship and accountability groups 87
Appendix
Questions to Ask in a Soul Companionship Relationship 1. How often did you meet with God this week? 2. What has God been saying to you through His word this week? 3. What sins in your personal or business life did you commit this week that you need to confess? 4. How did you impact your marriage and family this week? Positively? Negatively? What could you do to improve? 5. Did you pray for me/us this week? 6. What challenges or struggles are weighing on your mind? 7. What lives did you impact for Christ this week? 8. Are you giving to the Lord’s work regularly and proportionately as God has blessed you? What percentage did you give last month? 9. What movies did you see this past week? Would you be willing to tell the whole congregation what you have seen? 32
32
88
Paul Meier, Gene Getz, Richard Meier, and Allen Doran, Filling the Holes in Our Souls, Chicago, Moody Press, 1992, p. 70.
Appendix
Word Study Index Listed by English Word, Strong’s Number, and Page Number in Lesson Hebrew Words A Assemble 622 Assembly 6116
18 18
I Instruct 3560 Intercedes 1793 Intercedes 5241
58 64 64
C Comfort 5162 Confess 3034
48 58
K Kind 5543 Kindness 5544
28 28
J Jehovah-Nissi 3071
48
L Lovingkindness 2617
28
P Peace 7965
24
Greek Words A Accept 430 Assemble 4863 Assembly 4864
L Love 25 Love 26 Love 5368 Love for mankind 5363 Lover of goodness 5358 Lovers of self 5367 Lovers of their children 5388 Lovers of their husbands 5362
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
34 18 19
M Meet together 1997 Mourn 2799
18 49
B Brothers 80 Building up 3619
7 48
C Church 1577 Comfort 3874 Confess 1843 Confess 3670
19 49 58 58
P Peace 1515 Pray 2172 Prayed 4336 Prayer 1162 Prayer 2171
24 64 64 64 64
R Reconciled 1259 Reconciliation 2643
24 24
E Encourage 3870
48
F Fear 5401 Fellowship 2842 Forgive 863 Forgiving 5483 Forbearing spirit 1933
40 7 34 34 34
S Servant 1401 Serving 1248 Steadfast love 1656 Stimulate 3948 Submit 5293
43 43 13 18 40
H Helper 3875 Hospitable 5382 Hospitality 5381
U United 1775 Unloving 794
24 13
49 54 54
W Work 1247 Worship 4352
43 19
89
Appendix
Bibliography Adams, Jay E. Competent to Counsel. Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1970. ___________. The Christian Counselor’s Manual. Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1973. Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together. HarperSanFrancisco, 1954. Bromiley, Geoffrey W. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1985. Butler, Trent C. Holman Bible Dictionary. Nashville, Holman Bible Publishing, 1991. Carson, D.A. The Sermon on the Mount. Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 1972. Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost for His Highest. New York, Dodd, Mead & Company, 1935. Crabb, Larry. “American Idols,” Leadership Magazine, Volume XXV, Number 3, 2004. __________. Effective Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1977. __________ and Dan Allender. Encouragement, The Key to Caring. Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1984. Doering, Jeanne. The Power of Encouragement. Chicago, Moody Press, 1982. Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003. Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1993. Foster, Richard J. Celebration of Discipline. HarperSanFrancisco, 1998. Friesen, James G., E. James Wilder, Anne M. Bierling, Rick Koepcke, and Maribeth Poole. Living From the Heart Jesus Gave You. Pasadena, Shepherd’s House, Inc., 2000. Graham, Billy. Peace With God. Waco, TX, Word Incorporated, 1984. Maxwell, John C. The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Nashville, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1999. Melick, Richard. Called to Be Holy. Nashville, LifeWay Press, 2001. _____________. New Testament 2 Class Notes. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Spring 2003. Sanford, Doris. The Comforter, A Journey Through Grief. Portland, Multnomah, 1989. Stedman, Ray C. Body Life. Glendale, Regal Books, 1972. Swindoll, Charles. Improving Your Serve. Waco, Word Books Publisher, 1981. Warren, Rick. The Purpose Driven Church. Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1995. Westberg, Granger E. Good Grief. Philadelphia, Fortress Press, 1962. Worthington, Everett L. Jr. “Forgiveness in Marriage,” Christian Counseling Today, Vol. 12, No. 1. American Association of Christian Counselors, 2004. Wuest, Kenneth. Wuest’s Word Studies. Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1944. Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study New Testament. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1991. Zodhiates, Spiros. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1990.
90
Book Summary This in-depth inductive Bible study will look in the New Testament at the Greek word koinonia (translated as fellowship and partnership). The lessons will take a look at many of the “one another” commands given to followers of Christ, beginning with our call to love one another. The lessons will examine how these “one another” commands provide a framework for Christian fellowship. Another dimension of the study is to look at God's purpose and intention for the Christian church. The lessons provide the challenge to walk in obedience to the Lord, while living in relationship with others in the body of Christ. Those who have never studied the Bible inductively will benefit from the teaching of this method as they move through of the lessons. Scripture will be thoroughly observed and carefully interpreted, as the students seek the eternal perspective of the word so that they might apply its truths to their own lives. In the Discipleship Series Bible studies, the lessons can each be completed in less than one hour. The Discipleship Series lessons will challenge those who want to come together with a group for study and biblical accountability.
Author Profile JAN WELLS has been married forty years, is the mother of two grown children, and is a grandmother. A former English and history teacher, Jan has written twenty in-depth, inductive studies reflecting her passion for the Lord and His word. Incorporated in Jan’s writing are a commitment to the importance of the ministry of discipleship within the body of Christ and a sensitivity to the differences in the way people think and learn. Jan, the creator of Sunergos Bible Studies, has taught the Bible to adults for over twenty years in an interdenominational ministry. The author has an M.A. in Christian Ministry from Simpson University (C&MA) and is pursuing an M.Div. from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (SBC). The studies have been used in a number of churches throughout the country and internationally, and because of their thoroughness, they have become valuable resources for many pastors and Bible teachers.
Sunergos Bible Studies Name of Study: Book Studies: Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith The Book of Ruth The Life of David The Book of Nehemiah The Book of Esther Jonah The Sermon on the Mount The Gospel According to Mark The Epistle to the Romans Galatians and the Fruit of the Spirit Ephesians Philippians and the Call to Biblical Fellowship Colossians Titus and the Call to Biblical Discipleship Philemon (Learn the Inductive Bible Study methodology with this short study) James Topical Studies: Old Testament Worship for Followers of Christ Prayers of the Bible Women of the Word Discipleship Series Studies:
Number of Lessons: 10 4 12 8 5 10 14 22 23 10 12 12 9 9 2 11 8 12 12
The format of the Discipleship Series is different, as each lesson is like one day’s work in the other studies.
The Call to Biblical Character – An In-depth Look at the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:10-12) The Call to Bear Fruit by the Power of the Spirit – An In-depth Look at Galatians 5:22, 23 The Call to Live Victoriously by Faith – An In-depth Look at Ephesians 6:10-20 The Call to Biblical Fellowship – An In-depth Look at the “One Another” Commands A Woman’s Call to Biblical Discipleship – An In-depth Look at Titus 2:3-5
11 12 10 12 16
All of these lessons are in-depth inductive Bible studies that encourage the students to examine Scripture through observation before seeking to interpret, while looking for eternal principles in the word that can be applied to their own life. While the studies encourage critical thinking, they also provide some “commentary” from a variety of conservative sources. The studies include instruction for studying inductively, and the work for each lesson has been divided into five days. All studies have been formatted with two options for completing the lessons. The student who has less time for study can complete the opening observation questions which cover the portion of Scripture or theme for the day, and then the student can move to the last question/s which might incorporate other Scriptures and as well as several application questions. The other option is for the student to complete the entire lesson for each day and that would generally take between 30 minutes to one hour. This option includes word studies and an in-depth look at the passage or theme for the day. Leader’s Guides are available for each study to provide resources for those interested in leading a study. Check the Sunergos Bible Studies’ website www.sunergosbible.org for availability, costs, and ordering options. New studies, leader’s guides, and other resources are available from the website. 92
![Women Of The Word [Inductive Bible Study]](https://epdf.mx/img/300x300/women-of-the-word-inductive-bible-study_5cdb7e1db7d7bc6b779827f3.jpg)
