However, there is a judgment of believers’ works also taught in the Bible. It is called the Judgment Seat of Christ. It has nothing to do with salvation and should not be confused with the judgment of unbelievers.

Judgment Seat

of Christ

1. What event happens when Christ returns according to Revelation 22:12?

Read Rev. 22:12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

2. Must Christians  someday give an account to God based on Romans 14:10 – 12?

Read Romans 14:10 – 12  But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

3. What are the reasons the believer will have no excuse to offer in judgment?

A. Read Philippians 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 

B. Read Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

C. Read Ps 119:105 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

D. Read 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

E. Read Heb 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 F. Read Luke 12:47 and James 4:17

Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

4. Is God Sovereign in assigning His servants to different tasks with different gifts and privileges to serve Him?

Read Ephesians 4:7, 11 and I Corinthians 12:1, 4, 7, 11 

Eph. 4: 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

1 Cor. 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

1 Cor. 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Cor. 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1 Cor 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

God will be sovereign in eternity in giving different places of service according to each Christian’s faithful service upon the earth. It is therefore possible for all Christians (not solely elders, deacons, and teachers) to be highly rewarded in eternity because rewards are based on faithfulness.

5. Read the following references and explain what happens when believers stand in the presence of God.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:10 and 1 Corinthians 4:5

2 Cor. 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

1 Cor.4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

6. What may be the motive of the Christian serving the Lord?

A. Read Matthew 6:2, 5, 16 and Colossians 3:22

Matt. 6:2  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matt. 6:5  And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matt. 6:16  Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward

 Col. 3:22  Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

B. Read Galatians 1:13 – 34

 Gal.1:13 – 14  For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

C. Read Galatians 5:6; John 14:21; 1 Corinthians 13:1 – 3 

Gal. 5:6  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

 John 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

 1 Cor. 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

7. How is it possible for a Christian to always know if their motives are right in serving Christ?

Read Hebrews 4:12 – 13 and Psalms 110:11

Heb. 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

 Ps. 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

One of the most often quoted passages in the Bible at times of heartache and especially at the time of grief over the passing of a loved one is in Revelation 21:4. It says that God shall wipe away all tears from the eyes of His children. This actually takes place after the judgment seat of Christ or after the judgment of the Christians!

 Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

If you read carefully, you may find as many as 14 or more “No Mores” in Revelation 21:1, 4, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27 and Revelation 22:3, 5. Some Bible students believe that the blessings of Revelation 21:4 were the same as in the Garden of Eden, before man sinned.

ANSWERS TO THE NUMBERED QUESTIONS

1. Rewards for service

2. Most certainly.

3. A. The believer had the power to do God’s will since Christ lives within him.

3. B. He had the direction to take since the Holy Spirit was given to lead him

3. C. He had the Word of God for his instruction

3. D. He was delivered from Satan’s power and dominion

3. E. He had the encouragement of faithful Christians

3. F. He knew that someday he must give an account

4. Yes, this is true

5. To appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account and receive rewards when Christ will expose the hidden things of the heart

6. A. To be seen of men

6. B. Religious pride

6. C. Love of God

7. By constantly subjecting his motives to the scrutiny of the Word of God

2 Peter 3:3 – 4, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”

This lesson begins the new category called Your Hope and is the last category in Basics for the Christian. “Part One” is on the promise of Christ to return for His own.

 The Promise:

I Will Come Again

John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Jesus spoke these words the night before he died on Calvary. Our Lord, in the depths of trouble, was concerned over the troubled disciples. They were troubled over many things. Jesus had told them of His coming betrayal, suffering, and death. He also had told them that they could not follow him to where he was going until later and of Peter’s denial. See John 13:1 and Isaiah 53:4 for a picture of our Lord’s concern over His disciples.

1. What did Jesus mean by the words in John 14:1 “ye believe in God, believe also in me?”

2. In verse 2, what do the words “many mansions” (dwelling places) suggest to you?

In John 14:2 the words “I go” include a number of precious truths. “I go” to the cross, “I go” into death, “I go” into heaven after death, “I go” to my Father (John 14:28) and “I go” for the purpose of preparing a place for you.

3. Where was Christ going to prepare a place for us?

Man was for the earth and not heaven. Do you see the contrast? God first prepared the earth for man and now He is preparing heaven for redeemed man.

The Personal Return

of Jesus Christ

For His Own

4. In John 14:3, what is the most important word in the phrase “I will come again”?

The teaching that Christ is PERSONALLY coming again for his own is found throughout the New Testament writings (See Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:4; Hebrews 9:28; James 5:7, 8; 1 John 2:28, 3:2).

5. Read the words carefully in John 14:3 and ask your self from who does Christ “receive” the believers when He comes for us?”

6. What prayer does John 14:3 (that where I am, there ye may be also) answer?

Thus, we see that Jesus promised that His Father’s house contains many dwelling places. He was going away to prepare a place for the believers and is coming again to receive His own unto Himself. Christ has been preparing a place for His own for almost 2000 years since the promise in John 14:2 was made.

The Dead and

The Living Saints

Meet the Lord

 Together in the Air

Read 1 Thess. 4:13 – 18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

7. In verse 13, what concern over the Thessalonians does Paul express?

8. In 1 Thess. 4:14, what guarantees our resurrection?

9. In 1 Thess. 4:15, what is Paul’s authority for his teaching?

10. In verse 15, how do we know that some Christians will live until Christ comes again?

11. According to verse 15, will those who “are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord” precede those which are “asleep” into God’s presence?

12. Name at least three things that take place when Christ returns to receive His own in verses 16 and 17 of 1 Thessalonians.

13. Does the word “shout” of Christ in 1 Thess. 4:16 remind you of another shout of His?

14. What other reference in the writings of Paul might the words “with the trump of God” in 1 Thess. 4:16 remind you of?

15. Are the “dead in Christ” mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and those “which sleep in Jesus” of verses 13 – 15 the same?

Note the similarity in the “comfort one another” mentioned by Paul in verse 18 with the words of Christ recorded in John 14? This is in sharp contrast to those who die “without hope” in their sin and perish in the horror of hell (See the words of Jesus in John 8:21 – 24).

How are The Dead

In Christ Resurrected?

16. How are the bodies of the “dead in Christ” raised according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:42 – 44?

Read 1 Cor. 15:42-44  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

17. What happens to the bodies of the living saints at Christ’s coming?

 Read 1 Cor. 15:51 – 53  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

18. What kind of BODIES will we have at the resurrection?

Read 1 John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Do we as Americans spend too much time adorning our corruptible bodies that will never enter heaven? Are we not glad that our present mortal body is not our ETERNAL BODY to dwell in?

ANSWERS TO THE NUMBERED QUESTIONS:

1. You believed in the God of the Old Testament who foretold my suffering and glory. Believe in me also when I fortell them. You believed in God who is invisible, so also believe in me when I die and become invisible to you. See 1 Peter 1:8.

2. There is room for all, a personal residence for each, or they could suggest varying rewards (a future study).

3. Unto the Father in Heaven: Jesus dearly loved His Father. This is revealed to us by the fact that the word “Father” is used 15 times in John 14 alone. Jesus longed to be in His Father’s presence (John 14:28) and now He would soon be separated from His Father (Mark 15:34).

4. “I” or the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven and return personally for us. He will personally escort us to the Father’s house.

5. From the Holy Spirit who has charge of us now!

6. John 17:24 – Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

7. He was concerned over the Thessalonians being ignorant because ignorance on death and the Second Coming breeds heartache and confusion. Note that those who are fallen asleep in verse 13 are the saved.

8. The resurrection of Christ

9. The Word of God

10. Paul is saying, “We who are still living when the Lord returns.”

11. No. The word “prevent” means precede.

12. Christ descends from heaven; the dead in Christ arise; those living are caught up to meet Christ in the air.

13. Read John 11:43 – 44 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. (See also John 5:28 – 29)

14. 1 Corinthians 15:52 – a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

The trumpet called God’s people to gather to Him. See Exodus 19:116 – 17 in the Old Testament.

15. Yes – the “dead in Christ” refers to the bodies of the saved and the words “sleep in Jesus” refers to their rest in His presence

16. Imperishable, in splendor, in power, and spiritual. Note this in contrast to our present bodies.

17. Changed or transformed

18. Like our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (See Luke 24:36 – 43).

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

This is one of the most familiar passages in the entire Bible and it tells us clearly why God sent His son into the world.

1. Whose will did Jesus Christ come to do according to John 6:38?

Read John 6:38

38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

2. Did Jesus always do what pleased the Father who sent Him?

Read John 8:29

29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

3. What did Jesus say in this same verse concerning the relation between himself and his Father?

4. Do you see how important it was to Jesus in doing the will of his Father who sent him in John 4:31 – 34?

Read John 4:31 – 34

31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

Please notice that Jesus had journeyed through Samaria to Galilee to bring salvation to a hungry-hearted fallen woman.

5. In Luke 19:9 – 10, what does the Scripture teach us as far as the purpose of Jesus in doing the will of his Father who sent him?

Read Luke 19:9 – 10

9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

While it was not the entire purpose of Jesus to seek and save the lost, it was a good portion of it.

6. In the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus as recorded in the 17th chapter of the gospel according to John, what did Jesus declare to the Father concerning those who belong to him?

Read John 17:18

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Jesus would say he had finished the work which his Father had given him to do in John 17:4. His public ministry is now over. There were no more miracles or ministry but rather betrayal, arrest, denial, condemnation, and crucifixion.

7. According to the Great Commission as given in Luke 24:46 – 48, God’s people are to be what?

Read Luke 24:46 – 48

46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise* from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

Christ commanded his followers to go into the entire world, but to start at Jerusalem. Foreign missions in today’s terminology did not come to the attention of the church until later in Acts 13.

8. In the gospel according to John, John the Baptist was sent to do what?

Read John 1:6 – 9

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. In verse 6 we read that there was a man sent from God. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

His name was John. Today, it could be Tom or Mary or any other believer. We are all sent ones or witnesses. Notice also in verse 7 that he came that all might believe. Now, all did not, but some did.

9. Romans 10:13 – 17 speaks to the matter of witnessing and the lost world. Identify the number of times the word “how” is repeated.

Read Romans 10:13 – 17

13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord , who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

You can not have faith in an unknown Christ. Every Christian has an ordained will of God, and within that will, they are sent into the world as a witness.

10. Is it true that Christians are co-laborers in the harvest according to John 4:35 – 38?

Read John 4:35 – 38

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

11. Based on 1 Corinthians 3:5 – 9, Christians are laborers with whom?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:5 – 9

5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

We are the only witnesses that God has chosen. You might ask about the Holy Spirit, but, remember the Holy Spirit dwells in you and works through you. Re-read John 8:29 above. Jesus said that He who sent me is with me. Examine the Great Commission as given in Matthew 28: 18 – 20. To those Christ sends, he promises I am with you.

12. Does God’s work require power?

Read Luke 24:48 – 49 and Acts 1:8

Luke 24:48-49

48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 1:8

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

To receive power is basic to all gospel and soul-winning work. Because there is no power there is no witness. With prayer, you will come out free of fear and bold as a lion. Had the disciples not done so, they would never have been able to do what followed.

Read Acts 4:29 – 31

29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

The words filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:4 describe the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and are exactly the same found in 4:31. The disciples prayed then and again here and on both occasions’ great numbers were saved.

Pentecost historically will never be repeated. However, this same outpouring is needed, this filling with the Holy Spirit is available, and this power is often repeated in this age.

ANSWERS TO THE NUMBERED QUESTIONS

1. His Father’s will

2. Absolutely

3. He and his Father were never apart

4. Doing the will of his Father satisfied even his hunger

5. To seek and to save the lost

6. Christ sent them into the world to do God’s will but in that will is to seek the lost

7. Witnesses or sent ones

8. John was sent as a witness

9. Five

10. Yes

11. We are sent laborers with each other and with God

12. Yes, without a doubt

1. How is it, as God’s people, we lose that deep desire to witness for Christ?

Read Revelation 2:4

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Do you see then that you and I received a new life in Christ? And, in our new life, Christ must be Lord. God has simply ordained certain ways by which we may become better and better acquainted with our Lord and our new life in Him.

The main way God acquaints us with Christ and the new life is through prayer and study of His living Word. Some have chosen to call this the devotional life as I have referred to it in the previous study. And, of course, I’m speaking of a consistent witness in life and word. God is ever so patient with us as babes in Christ but at some point He will press upon us by the Holy Spirit and call us to a deeper walk in order to maintain our witness.

The crux of the whole matter in your Christian walk is your prayer life, God’s Word, and your witness. We’ve studied in previous lessons about the fellowship we have with Christ. I don’t want to over labor the point but I doubt if I really can.

A. It is a personal fellowship with the person of Christ

B. It is not the fellowship between Christians

C. Many Christians have fellowship among themselves but have no fellowship with Christ

D. Sin destroys this fellowship with Christ

2. What is the greatest witness of the Christian?

Read Philippians 2:15

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

3. If a Christian believes that sin is hated by God, how should he look upon sin?

4. If the Christian believes that lost men perish in hell, what should be the witness of his life?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:11

11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Read Hebrews 10:31

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Read Jude 23

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

5. How does a Christian warn the lost world?

Read Colossians 1:28

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Read Colossians 3:17

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

6. Which will a lost man believe: your life or your words?

One reason that heaven is not a wonderful place sought after by the lost is because the Christian does not live for heaven. We should be extremely cautious about sin and having an attitude that sin is “not so bad”.

7. Do you think it was possible to live in the presence of Paul and not know that he longed for heaven?

Read Philippians 1:23

23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

8. In Acts 4:13, what caused the lost world to know that these men had been with Jesus?

Read Acts 4:13

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

9. What is significant about the fact that Mary and not Martha is referred to in John 11:45?

Read John 11:45

45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

10. Why did Mary’s life have a greater testimony than Martha’s?

Read Luke 10:38 – 42; John 11:32; John 12:3

Luke 10:38-42

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

John 11:32

32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

John 12:3

3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

11. Can you tell the difference in the life of a disciple that “sits at Jesus’ feet” and one who does not?

12. Do you believe the life of Stephen pricked Paul’s heart?

Read Acts 7:58 – 60; Acts 9:5

Acts 7:58-60

58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 9:5

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

13. Whose lives cast a great influence over Timothy?

Read 2 Timothy 1:5

5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

14. In Philippians 2:15 – 16, how is the Christian to shine as lights in the world?

Read Philippians 2: 15 – 16

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

15. What will testify before God in the day of Judgment?

Read 1 Peter 2:12

12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

16. What importance did works occupy in Jesus’ life?

Read John 5:36

36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

17. Did anyone’s life or spoken word influence you before you were saved?

ANSWERS TO THE NUMBERED QUESTIONS:

1. Because they have left their first love

2. The life

3. With hatred

4. The Christian should tell by their life that lost men are doomed to hell

5. By word and by life

6. Your life

7. Certainly not

8. Their lives reminded them of Christ

9. Mary’s life was different from Martha’s and had a greater influence

10. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet

11. Your answer

12. Oh yes. Stephen’s life and death were so like Christ’s

13. His grandmother and mother

14. His life which will hold forth the word of life

15. Our works

16. They witnessed to who He was

17. Your answer

1.  From the following references, what is it that Simon, the Samaritan woman, and the healed man from Gadara do immediately after their encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ?

Read John 1:40 – 42

40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

Mark 5:18-20

18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. 19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. 20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

John 4:28-30

28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

Do we have the attitude of those who are just saved or do we still have the desire we had when we were first saved? The joy of sins forgiven must be shared and the love of Christ motivates us to be a witness.

2. In speaking to the religious leaders of the city in Acts 4, what did Peter and John bear witness to?

Read Acts 4:19 – 20

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

3. What had Peter and John seen and heard?

4. In Acts 22, Paul’s testimony was to relate to what?

Read Acts 22:15

15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

5. What is the power of God for salvation according to Romans 1:16?

Read Romans 1:16

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

6. What is the Gospel according to I Corinthians 15:3 – 4?

Read I Cor. 15:3 – 4

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Compare carefully Romans 1:16 and 1 Cor. 15:3. The Gospel can’t save. The Gospel is “unto salvation”. That is it points to the one who does save. The Gospel did not die for our sins – Christ did. This is the difference in believing the Gospel and believing in Christ. The Gospel tells the facts of Christ. Believing in facts doesn’t save.

7. What did Christ show His disciples from the Scriptures and command them to do in Luke 24:45 – 49?

Read Luke 24:45 – 49

45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

8. Where were the disciples to begin in their witnessing?

9. Where is your Jerusalem?

10. Before they could witness what did the disciples need?

11. Does this tell us why we are not witnesses today?

12. Do you see the importance of having a devotional life?

13. Do you know more than you are telling?

14. Have you shared the good news in John 3:16 with anyone?

ANSWERS TO THE NUMBERED QUESTIONS:

1. Simon brings His brother, the Samaritan woman goes immediately to share what she has in Christ, and the healed man tells his friends what God had done for him.

2. What they had seen and heard

3. The crucifixion, burial, resurrection, ascension, Pentecost and Christ’s instructions (see Acts 1:8).

4. What he had seen and heard (Paul may have seen the crucifixion. Read Acts 7:58 - 60; 8:1 – 3.  In Acts 9, he saw the Lord).

5. The Gospel of Christ

6. Death, burial, and resurrection of Christ

7. The death and resurrection of Christ and to preach repentance and remission of sins to all nations

8. Jerusalem

9. Where you live

10. Power

11. Yes. We know, but we have no power to tell what we know

12. Your answer

13. Your answer

14. Your answer

A.  praying in the will of God,

 B.  praying in the Spirit, and

 C. praying in  faith.

 They are all closely related, if not one and the same, yet each shedding light in a bit different way on prayer.

PRAYING IN THE

WILL OF GOD

1. How many wills are there in the following verse?

Read Luke 22:42: Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

One of the most important elements of prayer is the elimination of our will from our life. As this passage tell us, when Christ prayed He was facing the next day:

A. The Cross

B. His death

2. With this thought in mind, what three things does Christ call upon the Christian to do according to the reference below?

Read Luke 9:23: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

I have said in the past that it is difficult to imagine a deeper work of the cross than in prayer. Does this help you see why it is that Satan wants to defeat us at this very point?

3. God hears and answers prayers that are according to our will or His will?

Read 1 John 5:14 – 15: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

God does not answer prayer merely because of our much repetition or even our sincerity.

PRAYING

IN FAITH

4. What is the condition Christ gives to answered prayer in the following verse?

Read Matthew 21:22: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

5. According to Paul in writing the Galatians letter, who is the source of faith?

Read Galatians 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

PRAYING IN

THE SPIRIT

6. How do we know the will of God?

Rom 8:26-27: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

7. From the same passage above, how does the Holy Spirit make intercession for us?

God’s will begins with God in heaven and the Holy Spirit dwells or lives in us (see 1 Corinthians 6:19).

8. What does the Holy Spirit use in making known to us God’s will?

Read Psalms 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Read Psalms 119:130: The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

9. Who inspired the Bible?

Read 2 Peter 1:21: For the prophecy came not in old-time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Let me summarize the three most important truths we’ve covered so far.

A. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us to make known God’s will.

B. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to make known God’s will.

C. The Holy Spirit produces faith in us to believe – God’s will.

A VITAL

RELATIONSHIP

WITH CHRIST

10. What does Christ tell His disciples they must do to get answers to prayer?

Read John 15:7: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

HINDRANCES

TO PRAYER

11. What is a hindrance to answered prayer according to the Psalmist?

Read Psalms 66:18: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me

There are a number of reasons God won’t hear us in prayer if we harbor sin in our heart. I’ll list three but there are certainly more.

A. God cannot fellowship with sin

B. It would make a mockery of God’s Holy character

C. It would make a mockery of the cross which opens the door of prayer to us

In light of this, how much more precious to us then is 1 John 1:9? If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

ANSWERS TO THE NUMBERED QUESTIONS

1. Two: My will and God’s

2. Pray (not my will), Die (take up his cross), Follow Jesus

3. God’s will

4. Faith – believing

5. It comes from God and produced by the Holy Spirit

6. By the Holy Spirit

7. According to the will of God

8. The Bible

9. The Holy Spirit

10. Abide (remain in constant fellowship) in Him and His words abide in our heart

11. Love of sin (Regard means to love, harbor, or conceal)

THREE CARDINAL

TRUTHS

It would be difficult to think of more basic cardinal truths for the Christian than Bible study, prayer, and witnessing. In this lesson, we come to discuss the matter of prayer in our walk with Christ and with others.

Before beginning, let me refer you to the study, Your Bible, should you want to refresh yourself on the first cardinal truth.

Then we’ll cover the topic of witnessing following these lessons on the secrets of prayer.

You may also want to revisit the study on the person and work of the Holy Spirit since it is inconceivable that any of these Christian disciplines are possible without Him. The Holy Spirit is not only at work in salvation, but in our life and service. The study, by Dr. C.L. Culpepper Sr., is excellent and found under the Category: The Holy Spirit.

Of the three areas mentioned (1) Bible study, (2) prayer, and (3) witnessing, which would you say most Christian are strongest? It is probably Bible study. Which area are we apt to be the weakest? I think it is prayer, and it is prayerlessness that contributes to our inconsistent witness for the Lord.

PRAYING IN

CONFIDENCE

1. Read Hebrews 10:17 – 21. Match below the letters A, B, and C to the numbers 1, 2, and 3 on why a saved person can approach God in prayer with complete confidence.

Hebrews 10:17-21: And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

A. _____ Because the blood of Jesus opens the Holy of Holies to us            

B. _____ Because our sins have been forgiven                                                   

C. _____ Because Christ is the High Priest over God’s house hold and He is our Savior                                    

1. Heb. 10:17 – 18;  2. Heb. 10:21;   3. Heb. 10:19

COMMANDMENTS

AND PROMISES

2. What three things are we instructed by Christ to do in Luke 11:9 – 10?

Luke 11:9 – 10: And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

3. What does Christ promise with regard to his commands on prayer according to the above passage?

All three words ask, seek, and knock in verse 9 are in continuous action. That is they are translated, “whoever asks and keeps on asking or whoever seeks and keeps on seeking’, etc.

This is important because continuous answers to prayer depend upon continuous praying. Quite simply, some things must be asked for more than once. Luke 11:5 – 8 illustrates this.

Luke 11:5-8: And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

4. Read Philippians 4:6 – 7. What we are commanded not to do, what are we commanded to do, and what are we promised? 

Phil 4:6-7: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

As Christians we sometimes worry for the reason that we don’t practice the above instruction.

5. Read Psalm 50:15. What is another command, and its promise in this passage? 

Ps 50:15: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

ANSWERED

AND UNANSWERED

PRAYERS

6. Read John 14:13 – 14. How is God the Father glorified?

John 14:13-14 13: And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

7. Read James 4:3. Since God is glorified by the Son answering prayer according to John 14:13, why does Christ not answer some prayers? 

James 4:3: Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

8. Read James 4:2. Will God answer un-prayed prayers? 

James 4:2: Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

Only eternity will reveal how many blessings God’s people miss because of refusing to pray. Do you recall how Saul, the first king of Israel, suffered loss by refusing to pray (see 1 Chron. 10:13 – 14)? Two sins are recorded against Saul in this passage. The first, he disobeyed God’s Word. The second, he asked for help against the Philistines army from a woman who had a familiar spirit (a magician or fortune teller) and not from God.

PRAYING IN

JESUS NAME

9. Look back at John 14:13 – 14. Is it true that whatever is asked in Jesus Name is granted?

10. If yes, how is it that we ask for something “in Jesus name” and don’t get it?

Asking “in Jesus name” involves more than closing our prayer with words “in Jesus name, amen’. It means a great deal more:

A. It means that the Christian asks for the same thing on earth that Christ asks for us in heaven or

B. We ask “in Jesus name” the same thing He asks of the Father in His own name or

C. Jesus simply speaks through us to the Father in His own name.

Let me illustrate this in closing by reading Luke 22:7 – 12.

 Luke 22:7-12: Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.” 9 So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?” 10 And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”‘ 12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.” (New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982) 

Please notice this with me:

A. The disciples were sent by Jesus

B. The disciples were told what to say to the man in the city

C. The disciples (verse 11) said, “The Teacher says to you” and so forth

D. The disciples ask the man “in Jesus name”, for a place to eat the Passover

E. This is one of the more clear illustrations in the Bible of praying in Jesus Name – to ask of the Father in Jesus’ Name what Christ is asking in His own name

ANSWERS TO THE NUMBRED QUESTIONS

1. A-3, B-1, C-2

2. Ask, Seek, and Knock

3. Receive, Find, and to Open

4. Don’t worry about anything, under every circumstance make your needs know to God with thanksgiving, and the peace of will guard (keep) your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus

5. Call on God in the day of trouble and God will deliver us and we shall glorify Him

6. By the Son answering prayer for the saved

7. God would not be glorified in the answer

8. No.

9. Yes

10. It wasn’t asked in Jesus’ Name

WITH CHRIST AND

THE CHURCH

As we consider our subject on “Walking with Christ”, you may have asked yourself how the church fits into the study. Well, there are several reasons for it:

A. We are learning to walk in fellowship with other Christians,

B. We are learning to encourage other Christians in their walk with Christ,

C. We need to understand the call and Biblical duties of a pastor as he tries to walk with Christ, and

D. We should know what the Christian’s attitude is toward the pastor and the local church as they endeavor to walk with Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

OUR

CHURCH

ATTENDANCE

1. Hebrews 10:25 tells us what we are not to neglect. What is it?

 Heb. 10:25: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Let me suggest a number of reasons why this is so very important for us in today’s culture:

A. God commands it,

B. It strengthens the Christian,

C. Fellowship with Christ is an opportunity for sharing,

D. The children in the family need to learn from the example of Christian parents, and

E. The lost world identifies Christianity with church attendance.

2. What does it mean to “exhort” each other in Hebrews 10:25?

3. Why are the words “as ye see the day approaching” important”? Consider the following references in you answer.

 Luke 21:28: And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Titus 2:13: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

4. Is there a progression people usually take in dropping out of church?

UNITY OF

BELIEVERS

5. Are Christians responsible for maintaining unity (oneness) with other believers? 

Eph. 4:3: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

6. How is perfect Christian unity and harmony possible?

 Acts 2:1: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

7. What causes disunity in a local fellowship according to the following references?

 1 Cor. 3:1-3: And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

SUPPORT FOR

OUR SPIRITUAL

LEADERS

8. From Galatians 6:6, who provides support to Gospel preachers?

Gal. 6:6: Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

(New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

Let me clarify this. The preacher is not paid for his teaching or preaching. His expenses are paid so he can give full time to preaching. But, he is not paid to preach, because he must preach, whether he is paid or not, if God has called him.

PASTORS

WHO TEACH

THE WORD OF GOD

9. How should you respond to a spiritual pastor – teacher based on Hebrews 13:7? 

Heb 13:7: Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

(New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, 1982)

10. Read Colossians 4:3 – 4. Do you pray for your pastor? 

Col. 4:3-4: Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

We should pray for pastors that God will open doors for them to preach the hidden, sacred secrets about Christ and that their preaching may make the secrets plain and understood as it is their duty to do

ANSWERS TO THE

NUMBERED QUESTIONS

1. Do not neglect Church attendance.

2. Exhort means to “encourage” or “admonish”.

3. We can see the time of the end drawing near (Heb. 10:25), and the Christian should live so as to watch and wait for that day (Luke 21:28; Titus 2:13).

4. Yes. For example it might be first Wednesday prayer meeting, then Sunday evening and lastly Sunday morning.

5. Yes. Genuine humility, gentleness, patience, and lovingly bearing with one another

6. By the work of the Holy Spirit who lives in every Christian

7. Christians who are not Spirit led or not spiritual.

8. Gospel preachers get their living by the Gospel. Let those who are instructed in the Word of God contribute toward the livelihood of his teacher.

9. Imitate their way of life and faith

10. Your answer.

THE CHURCH

We have learned so far that there are two principal uses for the term church in the New Testament. One refers to the BODY of all believers and the other the LOCAL assembly. The emphasis is upon the local church.

In addition, we saw that Paul stresses the ONENESS in the family of Christians in his letter to the Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 12:25-26: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Finally, the early church met in homes and other places on Sunday, the first day of the week.

OLD TESTAMENT

PASTORS

It may at first seem like the Old Testament is an odd place to start with a study on the pastor of a New Testament church, but, I think you’ll see the connection quickly. Many of the N.T. teachings or doctrines are wonderfully illustrated for us in the O.T. 

Jer 3:12-15: Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord ; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord , and I will not keep anger for ever.

13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord .

14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord ; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

1. The word pastor occurs of course in verse 15 and it means shepherd or overseer as it does in the New Testament. How is the pastor or shepherd described here?

2. What will the pastor do?

3. Who gives the pastor as explained in verse 15?

4. When does God give such pastors as in Jeremiah according to verses 12 – 14?

When God’s people refuse to repent, He refuses to give pastors like those of Jeremiah 3:15.

A SHEPHERD’S

RESPONSIBILITY

The words “according to (after) mine own heart” in 3:15 mean:

A. Pastors who seek after God

B. Pastors who seek God’s will

C. Pastors who seek God’s glory.

5. What are Pastors responsible for according to 1 Peter 5:2? 

1 Peter 5:2: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

The pasture that the shepherd leads the flock to is the pasture of “knowledge and understanding” we saw in Jeremiah. Let me add that before the pastor can lead the flock to such a pasture he must know where it is located and know the food there is good for the flock by having experienced himself.

Much time is involved in the matter of feeding God’s people with knowledge and understanding and the pastor must spend that time in the pasture “grazing” if they are to learn.

6. According to Ephesians 4:11, who is given the responsibility for the church? 

Eph. 4:11: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

7. What is their job description in verse 12?

 Eph. 4:12: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

THE ULTIMATE

GOAL

8. The ultimate goal of their ministry or service is what in verse 13?

 Eph. 4:13: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

9. Did you notice in verse 11 who gave such men?

10. What is the measure by which a Christian is to measure himself in verse 13?

11. Why were the Corinthians unwise in 2 Cor. 10:12?

2 Cor. 10:12: For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

THE THREATEN

FLOCK

12. In Ephesians 4:14, the term “children” refers to infants, babes in Christ. What dangers threaten the “infant” Christians?

 Eph. 4:14: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

13. According to Ephesians 4:15, what is one of the secrets of growing up in Christ?

Eph. 4:15: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

A FAREWELL

MESSAGE

14. Paul gives a moving farewell address to Christians at Ephesus in Acts 20:17 – 38. What description does he give of the leaders in this church in verse 28? (I would encourage you to read the entire passage) 

Acts 20:28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

15. In what way should a pastor fulfill his responsibilities according to 1 Peter 5:2 – 3? 

1 Peter 5:2-3: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

PREACHING

OF PASTORS

16. What does Paul preach according to Ephesians 3:8? 

Eph 3:8: Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

17. From 2 Tim. 4:2, how is Timothy instructed to preach by Paul?

 2 Tim 4:2: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

18. What is to characterize those who preach according to Paul in 2 Cor. 4:5?

 2 Cor. 4:5: For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

CONCLUSION

19. Go back to 1 Peter 5 and read verse 4. What is the reward promised to faithful shepherds? 

1 Peter 5:4: And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

20. Again, who calls men into God’s service according to Acts 13:2? 

Acts 13:2: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

ANSWERS TO THE NUMBERED QUESTIONS:

1. The pastor is one who is after God’s own heart

2. Feed the people with knowledge and understanding

3. God gives them

4. When god’s people repent (Note return in v12, acknowledge v13, and turn v14)

5. Feeding

6. Prophets, Apostles, Evangelist (missionaries), and Pastor-teachers (describes the same person)

7. To equip God’s people to labor in their appointed service for the ultimate building up of the body of Christ

8. To arrive at oneness in faith, and fuller, personal knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood measure by nothing less than the full stature of Christ.

9. God

10. The stature of Christ

11. They measure themselves by others rather than Christ

12. The danger of being “tossed” about by every changing wind of doctrine (teaching) which are authored by cunning men who deceive by their inventions of error

13. Pursuing the truth out of love

14. They are “overseers” (shepherds) by the Holy Spirit to feed the church

15. An example and not overlords

16. The unsearchable riches of Christ

17. The Word of God in all seasons

18. Not themselves but Christ Jesus as Lord

19. An unfading crown of glory

20. The Holy Spirit

MEETING

PLACE

1. From the following references, what example do we have as to the meeting place for many of the first group of believers? 

Romans 16:5: Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia unto Christ. 

1 Corinthians 16:19: The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

For further study you can read Acts 16:14-15, 50; 17:5; 18:5-11; 20:8. These references show how the houses of Christians were used as the meeting places for the first century Christians.

2. In Acts 17, did you notice the danger of using their home as meeting place?

Acts 17:5 – 9: But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

Christians met in other places such as the catacombs. These were underground cemeteries of ancient Rome. The Christians met in these underground cemeteries and had worship services. In Acts 16:13, we observe that these early Christians met by the river.

3. From John 20:19, why were these disciples meeting in secret? 

John 20:19: Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

FIRST DAY

OF THE WEEK

4. On what day of the week did the Christians come together to meet?

 Acts 20:7-8: And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 

1 Corinthians 16:2: Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

5. What day is the first day of the week?

6. What day is the Sabbath?

7. Does Exodus 20:8 concern Sunday?

Exodus 20:8: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

8. Why did the early Christians meet on the first day of the week? 

Mark 16:9: Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

John 20:19: Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

The Sabbath according to Exodus 20:8-11 is primarily a day of physical rest. The Lord’s day in the New Testament is primarily a day of worship and fellowship in Christ.

WAY OF LIFE

IN THE CHURCH

9. What four things did the first church in Jerusalem consider important? 

Acts 2:42-47: And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

10. What is God’s desire for the local church according to 1 Corinthians 1:10? 

1 Corinthians 1:10: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11. Is such a church possible? 

Eph 4:1-3: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

12. How is such a church possible according to Ephesians 4:3? 

Eph 4:3: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Historically there have been two predominate problems in many churches: splits and strife. If it were only occasional, then that would be a different matter; but, it’s persistent and in my opinion it’s because of a basic wrong in part with the church’s organizational structure. I’ll explore that at least to some measure in another lesson.

13. Do you remember how many times the term for the church appears in the New Testament?

14. How many of the 112 refers to the local church?

15. How many refer to the body of Christ?

16. Does the Bible emphasize the church as a local or universal body?

ANSWERS TO THE NUMBERED QUESTIONS:

1. Homes of dedicated Christians (Aquila and Priscilla – compare Rom. 16:3, 5; 1 Cor.16:19)

2. A mob attacked the house of Jason of whom they dragged and some brethren

3. For fear of the Jews

4. The first day of the week

5. Sunday

6. Saturday

7. No

8. It is the day of the Lord’s resurrection

9. A. Continuing in the Apostle’s teaching, B. Fellowship, C. Breaking of bread (Probably the Lord’s Supper in this text), and D. Prayer

10. That the church agree in what they say and refuse to split into factions but that the church be of the same mind and point of view

11. Certainly

12. In the person of the Holy Spirit

13. 112 times

14. 92

15. 17

16. Local