Christian Increases, front conver (450 x 687), 27kb
Front Cover

THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
INTRODUCTION

This study is only a guide and outline. All authority and
instruction must come from God's word. It is the Bible, in
particular the New Testament, that is our guide and it is our
Lord Jesus Christ who is the source of our life. In light of
this, we offer the following suggestions:

 1. Precede and conclude each study lesson with prayer.

 2. Older and younger Christians are studying, sharing, and
    learning together. No one has all the answers other than
    our Lord.

 3. Reach each scripture together carefully before discussing
    and answering the questions.

 4. Be as complete as possible with each answer.

 5. If different translations of the Bible are being used, we
    recommend reading the scriptures aloud from each
    translation.

 6. When further questions arise, don't be tied to this study
    guide.

 7. Although there are lessons here in it, it is not vital
    that a full lesson be completed at one time. Be flexible.

 8. Our aim is more that study together. We desire relation-
    ship to develop between the Christians involved.

 9. If at any time additional aid is desired, we encourage you
    to feel free to call on any of our elders and/or our
    minister.
10. Precede and conclude each study session with prayer. God
    bless you as you share in this avenue of growth toward
    maturity in Christ. Our aim is to learn to serve Christ
    our Lord in a way tha brings glory to Him (Colossians
    1:28).

1



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN UNDERSTANDING

1.  How do you feel right now about having become a
    Christian?________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
2.  It is valuable to consider what it means to be a
    Christian.
    a.  Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:17-18: What has happened to
        your past sins?_______________________________________
    b.  Romans 8:15-17; II Corinthians 6:17-18: What is the
        relationship now between God and you?_________________
        ______________________________________________________
        ______________________________________________________
3.  What special blessing is promised in these passages?
    Hebrews 13:6______________________________________________
    I John 1:8-9______________________________________________
    James 4:8_________________________________________________
    I Corinthians 6:19-20_____________________________________
4.  What response to these blessings should we make?
    Matthew 6:33______________________________________________
    Romans 6:11-14____________________________________________
    Romans 12:1-2_____________________________________________
    I Corinthians 13:1-13_____________________________________
    Galatians 6:7-10__________________________________________
    Colossians 3:1-3__________________________________________
5.  What changes do you feel you will need to make in your
    life to respond to the blessing which are now yours?______
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
6.  Hebrews 10:19-25; Acts 20:7; Ephesians 5:19-20; Colos-
    sians 3:16: How is God's plan of worship beneficial to us?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
7.  John 3:1-8; Romans 6:1-7; Colossians 1:13-23: What changes
    has God through Christ already made for you?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
8.  I John 1:5-10; James 5:16-18: What provisions has God
    made for Christians when we sin?__________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

2



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN BEING MORE LIKE CHRIST

1.  Our duty and God's grace must be kept in mind always:
    Matthew 28:20; John 14:15; Ephesians 2:8-10. How do you
    balance these ideas in your understanding?________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
2.  To be more Christlike, what helps do we have?
    II Peter 1:3-4____________________________________________
    11 Timothy 3:16-17________________________________________
    Galatians 6:1-2___________________________________________
    Hebrews 10:23-25__________________________________________
    Colossians 3:16___________________________________________
    Romans 8:26-27____________________________________________
3.  II Peter 1:5-8: Define these seven terms:
    virtue____________________________________________________
    knowledge_________________________________________________
    self-control______________________________________________
    steadfastness_____________________________________________
    godliness_________________________________________________
    brotherly kindness________________________________________
    love______________________________________________________
4.  II Peter 1:9-11: What are the results if we lack these?___
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    What are the results when they are ours?__________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    What assurance of staying true to Christ is given?________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
5.  Galatians 5:22-24: Discuss and define these terms:
    love______________________________________________________
    joy_______________________________________________________
    peace_____________________________________________________
    patience__________________________________________________
    kindness__________________________________________________
    goodness__________________________________________________
    faithfulness______________________________________________
    gentleness________________________________________________
    self-control______________________________________________

3



6.  Matthew 5:3-16; What ideas do these verses suggest to
    you?______________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
7.  Romans 1:16-17; 10:17; I Peter 2:1-3, 11-12; II Peter 3:
    17-18: Where can we find help in increasing in
    Christ' likeness?_________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
8.  Romans 1:15-32: Toward whom is God's wrath revealed?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
9.  To summarize and review, read these scriptures:
    Colossians 3:5-17_________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Philippians 2:1-18________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Ephesians 6:10-20_________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Galatians 6:7-10__________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    I Corinthiins 15:51-58____________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-19________________________________
    __________________________________________________________





4




THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH

1.  How does one become a part of Christ's church?
    Acts 2:37-47______________________________________________
    I Corinthians 12:12-13____________________________________
    Ephesians 5:23, 13-14_____________________________________
2.  By what name is the church Biblically referred to?
    Colossians 1:18___________________________________________
    Colossians 1:13___________________________________________
    I Timothy 3:15____________________________________________
3.  What do these passages reveal about the head/authority for
    the church?
    Ephesians 1:15-23_________________________________________
    Colossians 1:18-20________________________________________
    Matthew 16:13-19__________________________________________
    1 Corinthians 3:11________________________________________
    Colossians 3:15___________________________________________
4.  I Corinthians 12:14-27; Matthew 18:20: How important are
    you to the body/church of Christ?_________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
5.  What is God's desire for the church as seen in Scripture?
    Ephesians 4:1-6___________________________________________
    John 17:20-24_____________________________________________
    I Corinthians 3:1-11______________________________________
    Luke 4:16_________________________________________________
6.  Notice the various terms used to describe the church:
    Acts 20:17________________________________________________
    Acts 20:28________________________________________________
    I Timothy 3:1-7___________________________________________
    Titus 1:5-9_______________________________________________
    I Peter 5:1-5_____________________________________________
7.  How should Christians relate to God's leaders?
    I Peter 5:5_______________________________________________
    Hebrews 13:17_____________________________________________
    Ephesians 5:21____________________________________________
8.  What qualities of leadership do we see in these passages?
    I Timothy 3:1-7___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

5



    Titus 1:5-9_______________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
9.  Acts 6:1-7; I Timothy 3:8-13: What other function in the
    church is described?______________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Who is to serve in this manner?___________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
10. Hebrews 10:19-25; I Timothy 4:6-13; II Timothy 4:1-5;
    Titus 2:1; 3:1; Ephesians 4:11-15: What is the role/task of
    the preacher/evangelist in the church?____________________
    __________________________________________________________
11. Read Revelation 2:1—3:22; Galatians 1:6-10: What Warnings
    and blessings are available for the church?_______________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
12. Summarize your understanding of the importance of being a
    part of the church/body/household/family of Christ:_______
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________







Evaluating My Increase

1.  I feel my greatest spiritual strength right now is________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
2.  The greatest need(s) I have in my spiritual life is/are __
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

6



3.  During the progress of these studies I have resolved to
    begin_____________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
4.  The plan of Bible study I would like to increase more and
    more is __________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
5.  My temptation/weakness is experienced most in_____________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
6.  I need the help of fellow Christians in order to begin to_
    __________________________________________________________
7.  One way I plan to help others is__________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
8.  One area of service in the church that I would like to get
    involved with soon is_____________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
9.  Specific questions I have are:___________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________


Signed__________________________________ Date_________________







7



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN WORSHIP

1.  Acts 20:7: What two activities are given here as an
    example of New Testament worship?_________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
2.  Hebrews 10:19-25: Note the four "let us" admonitions:
    Hebrews 10:22_____________________________________________
    Hebrews 10:23_____________________________________________
    Hebrews 10:24_____________________________________________
    Hebrews 10:25_____________________________________________
    How do you see these related to one another?______________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Matthew 5:6: How do you see this passage related to
    Hebrews 10:19-25?_________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Matthew 18:19-20: What relationship do you see between
    this scripture and Hebrews 10:19-25?______________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
3.  Luke 4:16: What example of Jesus relates to our worship?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
4.  Psalm 111:9-10; Psalm 29:1-2: From this Old Testament
    background, what do you see as the essence of worship?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
5.  What is the significance of prayer as we worship?
    Acts 2:42_________________________________________________
    Acts 4:22-31______________________________________________
    Acts 12:12________________________________________________
    1 Corinthians 14:15_______________________________________
    I Thessalonians 5:17-18___________________________________
6.  Ephesians 5:19-20; Colossians 3:15-27; Hebrews 2:10-12;
    Acts 16:25: What does singing accomplish?_________________
    __________________________________________________________
    What instruments are employed in singing?_________________
    Is there New Testament authority for prayer and for sing-
    ing?______________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

8



7.  Acts 2:42; 20:7; Matthew 28:20; I Timothy 4:1-7; II Timo-
    thy 2:1, 15: What role does teaching/preaching as worship
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Hebrews 5:11-14; I Peter 2:1-2; II Peter 3:18; Revelation
    22:18-19: Why do we need God's word taught us faithfully
    and accurately?___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
8.  Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:17-34: What are the
    items used in the Lord's Supper?__________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    What do these items signify?______________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    What should be our attitude as we partake?________________
    __________________________________________________________
9.  I Corinthians 16:1-2; II Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:6-15: What
    should Christians contribute?_____________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    What blessings attend our giving?_________________________
    __________________________________________________________
10. What strength is gained in faithful, regular worship?_____
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

9



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN STUDY

1.  Define some terms:
    context___________________________________________________
    study (vs. read)__________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Versions: The most commonly available versions are: King
    James Version (1611) KJV; Revised Standard Version
    (N.T. 1946; O.T. 1952) RSV; New American Standard
    (1960) NAS; New International Version (1978) NIV; New
    King James Version (1978) NKJV.
2.  Tools to aid Bible study:
    a.  Bible dictionary—useful for background information
        and for insight into customs, etc.
    b.  Biblical Encyclopedias—useful for more complete
        information on subjects and concepts.
    c.  Concordance: (Some are included in Bibles) Exercise:
        Look up grace in concordance and read all passages
        listed. Look up faith in concordance and read all pas-
        sages listed.
    d.  Topical indexes and/or Topical bibles.
    e.  Use and comparison of versions.
    f.  Commentaries: visit the church library and familiarize
        yourself with the study tools there.
3.  The arrangement of the New Testament:
    a.  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John: teach the life and
        meaning of Christ.
    b.  Acts:  the coming and development of Christianity on
        earth.
    c.  Romans through Jude: Letters to Christians to guide
        them.
    d.  Revelation: symbolic look to the future glory in
        Christ.  Read II Timothy 3:14-17; 2:15.
4.  Ways to study the Bible:
    a.  By subjects, i.e., faith, baptism, church, etc., all
        passages on one subject consulted.
    b.  By books: one book of the Bible, verse by verse.
    c.  By chapters and/or paragraphs.
    d.  By significant words.
    e.  Biographies in the Bible.
        Each method has advantages and limitations.

10



5.  Note the reason(s) for studying God's word:
    Psalm 119:97-105__________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Proverbs 1:1-7____________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    John 17:17________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Acts 17:11________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Romans 1:16-17____________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Romans 10:16-17___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    1 Corinthians 1:18-25_____________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Galatians 1:6-10__________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Ephesians 4:14-16_________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Philippian 1:9-11_________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    I Timothy 6:3-12__________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    II Timothy 2:15___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    II Timothy 3:14-17________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    I Peter 2:2-3_____________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    II Peter 3:17-18__________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    I John 1:1-4______________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    II John 9_________________________________________________
    Jude 3____________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Revelation 22:17-19_______________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

11



Evaluating My Increase

1.  I feel my spiritual strength right now is_________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
2.  The greatest need(s) I have in my spiritual life is/are___
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
3.  During the process of these studies I have resolved to
    begin_____________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
4.  The plan of Bible study I would like to follow to increase
    more and more is__________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
5.  My temptation/weakness is experienced most in_____________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
6.  I need the help of fellow Christians in order to begin to_
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
7.  One way I plan to help others is__________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
8.  One area of service in the church that I would like to get
    involved with soon is_____________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
9.  Specific questions I have are:____________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________


Signed__________________________________ Date_________________


12



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN DOING GOOD

1.  James 1:22; Ephesians 2:10: Why should Christians learn to
    do good works?____________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
2.  I Peter 2:11-12; Matthew 5:14-16; Acts 10:37-38: What
    purpose(s) is/are to motivate our acts/works?_____________
    __________________________________________________________
3.  Titus 2:11-14; 3:8, 14: What should be our attitude in
    doing good for others?____________________________________
4.  What specific good works do these scriptures suggest?
    Matthew 4:19______________________________________________
    II Timothy 2:24-26________________________________________
    John 15:8_________________________________________________
    I Corinthians 1:3-5_______________________________________
    Hebrews 10:24_____________________________________________
    II Corinthians 1:3-5______________________________________
    Galatians 6:1-2___________________________________________
    James 5:19-20_____________________________________________
5.  Toward whom do God's children want to show goodness?
    Galatians 6:5-10__________________________________________
6.  What significance do good works have for us as Christians?
    Matthew 25:31-46__________________________________________
    Luke 10:29-37_____________________________________________
    James 1:17________________________________________________
7.  What do these passages suggest to you about good works?
    1 Timothy 5:10____________________________________________
    Titus 2:2-8_______________________________________________
    Acts 20:35________________________________________________
    Ephesians 4:28____________________________________________
    Hebrews 13:2-3____________________________________________
8.  What do you see in these scriptures of good we need to do?
    Matthew 28:16-20__________________________________________
    Mark 16:15-16_____________________________________________
    Luke 24:44-47_____________________________________________
    Romans 10:8-17____________________________________________
    Matthew 18:15-17__________________________________________
9.  I Corinthians 12:12-27: We are not identical. What have
    you determined from this study that you can begin to do in
    the way of good works?____________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
   
13



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN DAILY LIVING

1.  What is our basic commitment to our Lord?
    Matthew 22:34-40__________________________________________
    Matthew 6:25-33___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Colossians 3:1-4__________________________________________
2.  What positive idea do you see in these passages?
    Matthew 7:12______________________________________________
    Matthew 5:16______________________________________________
    Romans 12:1-2_____________________________________________
    James 4:17________________________________________________
    I Peter 2:21______________________________________________
    Philippians 1:19-20_______________________________________
3.  How do these scriptures relate to our relationships in
    life?
    Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21____________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20__________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Acts 4:18-20; 5:29________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Romans 13:1-5; I Peter 2:13-17____________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    I Timothy 2:1-4; Romans 13:6-7____________________________
    __________________________________________________________
4.  What does the Bible say about our home life?
    I Peter 3:1-7_____________________________________________
    Hebrews 13:4______________________________________________
    Titus 2:3-5_______________________________________________
    Colossians 3:18-19________________________________________
    Ephesians 5:21-33_________________________________________
    Matthew 5:31-32___________________________________________
    I Corinthians 7:1-16______________________________________
5.  What guidance does God's word give us at our job?
    I Thessalonians 4:9-12____________________________________
    II Thessalonians 3:10-12__________________________________
    Ephesians 6:5-9___________________________________________
    Colossians 3:22—4:1_______________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

14



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN SELF-SACRIFICE

1.  Romans 12:1-3: What does this scripture suggest to you
    about living for Christ?__________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
2.  When considering our lives, what does the New Testament
    say about our bodies?
    I Corinthians 6:13-20_____________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    I Timothy 4:7-8___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    I Corinthians 3:16-17_____________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
3.  What principles guide us in our choice of language?
    Matthew 5:33-37___________________________________________
    Ephesians 4:25, 29, 54____________________________________
    Colossians 4:6____________________________________________
    I Timothy 4:12____________________________________________
4.  How should we relate to our enemies in life?
    Romans 12:14-21___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    1 Peter 2:21-23___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Matthew 5:43-48___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
5.  Christians are called out of, yet live in, the world. What
    guidance do these scriptures furnish?
    Romans 12:2_______________________________________________
    I Peter 2:11-13___________________________________________
    II Peter 1:3-11___________________________________________
    James 1:12-25_____________________________________________
    Galatians 5:19-21_________________________________________
    Titus 2:11-14_____________________________________________
    Psalm 1:1-2_______________________________________________
    Psalm 119:97-105__________________________________________
    II Timothy 2:15___________________________________________
    II Timothy 3:14-17________________________________________





15



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

1.  What is God's will for us as revealed in these scriptures?
    Matthew 10:22_____________________________________________
    Matthew 24:9-23___________________________________________
    Revelation 2:10___________________________________________
    How would you define enduring and faithful as a Christian?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
2.  I Peter 5:8-11: What is the devil going to do now that we
    have decided to follow Christ?____________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
3.  I Corinthians 10:1-13: What great promise is made for us
    by our Lord in this passage?______________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Does God remove the promise of temptation to help us
    resist it?________________________________________________
    What are some escapes He provides for us?_________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
4.  James 1:12-15: We will all be tempted. What is the source/
    basis of temptation?______________________________________
    Does God tempt us?________________________________________
5.  Hebrews 4:14-16: Even Jesus was tempted. Temptation is
    not sin; when does it become sin?_________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    What concept of Jesus is suggested in these verses?_______
    __________________________________________________________
6.  What can we do to resist temptation to sin?_______________
    Colossians 3:2____________________________________________
    Galatians 5:24____________________________________________
    Romans 12:1_______________________________________________
    I Corinthians 15:33_______________________________________
    Psalm 101:3_______________________________________________
7.  What quality do we need to develop to aid in resisting
    temptation?
    I Peter 2:21-24___________________________________________
    II Peter 1:5-7____________________________________________
    I Corinthians 9:24-27_____________________________________
    Galatians 5:23____________________________________________

16



8.  Luke 6:22-23; Matthew 5:10-12: We all like to be approved
    of by others. How can this be a source of temptation to
    sin?______________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
9.  Acts 8:14-24; I John 1:9: When we as Christians do yield
    to temptation to sin, what then should we do?_____________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    If the sin is publicly known and/or if we need help in
    overcoming the temptation, what provision is made in James
    5:16-18?__________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
10. II Peter 2:4-10; 3:3-10: What is God's attitude when we
    sin and then seek forgiveness?____________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Romans 6:1: Because God is gracious, are we free to sin?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
11. At this point, what do you understand concerning:
    a.  Our need to resist temptation?________________________
        ______________________________________________________
    b.  God's attitude when we do not resist?_________________
        ______________________________________________________
    c.  God's help in resisting temptation?___________________
        ______________________________________________________
    d.  What we need to do when we sin?_______________________
        ______________________________________________________
12. What temptations do you feel the weakest in resisting?____
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
13. What will you do to strengthen your resistance to these
    temptations?______________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________






17



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN DETERMINING RIGHT AND WRONG

1.  It is often said: "Ask what Jesus would do" when a choice
    of action is to be made. How do you feel about that sug-
    gestion?__________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
2.  Hebrews 5:11-14: What stages of Christian growth do you
    recognize in this scripture?______________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
3.  What specific sins do these scriptures have listed?
    I Corinthians 6:9-10______________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Galatians 5:19-21_________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Romans 14:13-16___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Ephesians 4:25-31_________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Ephesians 5:3-6___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    Colossians 3:5-9__________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
4.  In Galatians 5:19-21, it includes things like those
    listed. What would you include in the list?
5.  What does the Bible say about our conscience in:
    Romans 14:23______________________________________________
    Acts 24:16; I Timothy 4:1-2_______________________________
    I Corinthians 9:19-23_____________________________________
6.  I Corinthians 8:1-13: What consideration should Christians
    have in mind as they determine right and wrong?___________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
7.  I Corinthians 6:12-20; 10:31-33; Romans 12:1-2: How is
    my physical body related to determining right and wrong?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
8.  What Biblical teaching is seen in each of these scriptures
    concerning my mind/thinking?
    Proverbs 4:23_____________________________________________
    Matthew 15:17-20__________________________________________
    Philippians 4:8___________________________________________

18



9.  Ephesians 5:15-16; Matthew 25:14-30: What guidance is
    provided as we use our time, money, and possessions?______
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
10. Revelation 21:8; 22:1-5; Matthew 7:13-14, 21-27; Why is it
    important to develop our ability to determine right and
    wrong?____________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
11. What questions do you have concerning right and wrong?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
12. How can we continue to develop our abilities to determine
    what is right and what is wrong?
    II Timothy 2:15___________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    II Timothy 3:14-17________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    I Thessalonians 5:17______________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    James 1:5-7_______________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
13. What plans are you making for your continued growth in
    this aspect of serving Christ?____________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________








19



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
IN CONTINUAL SPIRITUAL PROGRESS

Someone has suggested stages of Christian growth similar to
human physical growth. Let us consider these:

Honeymoon Stage:                    Happy and joyful in a new
                                    relationship. We also need
                                    to begin planning how to
                                    retain this relationship.

Fight Stage:                        Old habits, feelings, and
                                    attitudes try to come back
                                    into our life. Time to
                                    learn to resist the evil.

Doubting Stage:                     Wondering begins about
                                    the meaning of salvation.
                                    A need for more informa-
                                    tion develops. Good Bible
                                    Study habits help.

Panic-Search-for-Truth-Stage:       Questions and decisions
                                    arise. Decisions must be
                                    made about right and
                                    wrong. Some uncertainty
                                    and confusion common.
                                    Need Christian friends
                                    and helpers.

Silent Christian Stage              Beliefs known but not
                                    shared. Inner calm. Time
                                    to learn how to share
                                    Christ with others.

Do you find yourself in one of these stages. Let's outline
briefly the available help provided by the church:

 1.  Older Christians—let them know your needs.
 2.  Small group studies-help Christians grown.
 3.  Life group meetings-fellowship and encouragement.
 4.  Bible classes Sundays and Wednesdays--grow in know-
     ledge.

20



 5.  Worship assemblies--commune and be strengthened in the
     faith.
 6.  Individual counseling--elders ready to help as needed.
 7.  Special classes--Family, Training to Multiply (evange-
     lism), others as announced.

You have begun a new life in Christ. This study has been one
means of aid in your first days. You have grown. You have
made spiritual progress. This needs to continue all the days
of your life. Let's consider the continued growth needed.

 1.  What are these passages emphasizing?
     Ephesians 2:19-22________________________________________
     Ephesians 4:14-16________________________________________
     II Thessalonian 1:3______________________________________
     I Peter 2:2______________________________________________
     II Peter 3:18____________________________________________
 2.  I Corinthians 15:58: Discouragement comes from feeling
     useless. How can we avoid this?__________________________
     _________________________________________________________
 3.  Philippians 3:12-16: What is our goal in our growth?
 4.  Mark 4:1-20: What hindrances are noted by Jesus to the
     work of His word in our lives?___________________________
     _________________________________________________________
 5.  What activities can we be involved in to help us grow?
     Matthew 4:19_____________________________________________
     John 1:40-46_____________________________________________
     Galatians 6:10___________________________________________
     Matthew 5:13-16__________________________________________
     John 15:1-11_____________________________________________
     II Corinthians 13:5______________________________________
     James 1:26-27____________________________________________
     I Thessalonians 5:17_____________________________________
     Matthew 10:32-33_________________________________________
     Acts 20:18-21____________________________________________
     Acts 2:42________________________________________________
     Hebrews 10:19-21_________________________________________
     James 5:19-20____________________________________________
 6.  What questions do you have concerning your continued
     spiritual progress?______________________________________
 7.  Share your plans to grow in Christ.______________________
     _________________________________________________________

21



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
YOUR FIRST FORTY DAYS IN CHRIST

In all probability someone has shared this study guide with you immediately following your decision to die with Jesus Christ in baptism. You have just come forth from the water and all your sins have been forgiven, and there is now a new power at work in your life, the Holy Spirit of God. You were willing to count yourself nothings and now God has raised you up to life on the higher plane.

One of the things a disciple of Jesus learns is that there is much that he or she doesn't know or understand. This should in no way discourage you. It just means that you have a lifetime of growing and developing ahead. It will never become boring. God's love is wide and deep and long and high, and the more we grasp the better it all becomes.

This study guide is designed to help you have some direction each day for the next forty days as you start listening to the voice of God as He speaks to your whole life. Why forty days? That was the length of testing Jesus himself went through following His own baptism. He passed victoriously through that testing because He knew the word of God and each time Satan came, He drove him away by using the very words of Scripture. Satan will make his attack on you. He knows you are young and more vulnerable, but God is with you, and with the weapons of righteousness in your right hand and left, you can defeat anything that would take your new life from you.

Determine right now that you are going to make this a rich and powerful study. Open wide your heart and let God do with you all he wants to do. Make sure that you have a definite time and a definite place reserved each day to study the scriptures so you can keep hearing the word of God. Don't let anything or anyone keep you from this most crucial time.




22



THE CHRISTIAN INCREASES ...
WEEK ONE - "Dead to self-Alive to Christ"

This week you will study passages in the scriptures that show clearly the problem. The problem is self. Christ calls us to crucify the old self and He promises to raise up a new, different self.

1st Day

1.  Before you actually begin your Bible study program, take a
    few minutes and write down, in your own words, what your
    baptism into Christ meant to you. Why did you do it? What
    is it going to mean? If you will keep this in a safe
    place it will mean a great deal to you for years to come.
    As the years pass, it will serve as a reminder to you of
    the serious commitment that you made.
2.  Turn to Luke 9:18-16. Read and study this passage several
    times.
3.  Now turn to Luke 18:28-30 and look at the promise that is
    attached to discipleship, indeed to the decision you have
    just made.
4.  These two passages will become very important as you
    share your life in Christ with others. Remember where they
    are and what they say. As you continue to go through this
    study, remember that everything you learn is something you
    will be responsible for passing on to someone else. Don't
    skim over it. Learn it as you go.

2nd Day

1.  Turn to Romans 6:1-14. Read and study this carefully.
    Each time you come to the word we or us substitute your
    own name. For example: Romans 6:2: "Certainly not! How
    shall John who died to sin live any longer in it?"
2.  Write down some of the things about your old self that
    caused it to receive the death sentence.
3.  Write down some thing about your new self that you really
    want to express.
4.  How do you specifically plan today to live out verse 13?

23



3rd Day

1.  Before you start today's study, ask yourself a very
    important question about everything you have learned. It
    is something that you will be responsible for passing on
    to someone else. Don't skim over it. Is there anything in
    you that does not want to be with other disciples? If so,
    you can be sure it is something not of God and must be
    crucified. It is your old, independent self; not the new
    self God is giving you.
2.  Turn to Romans 7:14-24 and read how powerless we are to
    live the new life alone. Do you see why we must exalt
    Christ? Especially note verse 24.
3.  But now go on to Romans 8, where we see how we can do
    the impossible. You were told at your baptism that you
    would receive the gift of the Spirit. Now study some of
    what the spirit means in your life. Read and study verses
    1-17, making notes on the thing that strike you. Remember
    to continue substituting your own name for the pronouns.

4th Day

1.  As you have questions about things that you are studying,
    or things that are happening to you, seek out some other
    brother or sister in Christ and let them help you. They
    have been through many things you will go through. Benefit
    from their wisdom and understanding.
2.  For this Bible study, you will need both an Old Testament
    and a New Testament. If you don't have both, make
    arrangements to get them.
3.  We are children of God. As His children, we need His
    correction and instruction. This is true for every
    Christian. How you take correction is going to make a
    great difference in your growth in Christ. Turn to
    Proverbs 12:1-2. Next look at Proverbs 12:15. Then go to
    chapter 10, verse 17.
4.  Write down you own attitude toward being corrected.
    Distinguish between those things that are left over from
    your old self and those things Jesus Christ is putting in
    your heart.
5.  Go to the New Testament now and read II Timothy 3:16-17,
    and answer the question: what is going to be your attitude
    toward God's word?

24



5th Day

1.  In your new life, you will find that attitude is imporant.
    If you develop a critical, negative, pessimistic attitude,
    you will put out the Spirit's fire in your life. Today the
    Bible study will focus on the reason you can keep a great
    a great attitude even in the worst circumstances.
2.  Read and examine each of the following passages: John
    16:33; Romans 8:28; Phili8ppians 4:12-13, 19; and James
    1:2-4.
3.  When these are all put together, what are they promising
    you about everything in your life?
4.  How does this fit with having a good attitude regardless
    of what is happening?
5.  List anything tha tis tending to cause you to have a
    negative, complaining, pessimistic attitude. Confess these
    to another Christian and ask for their prayers and
    encouragement.

6th Day

1.  By today you have probably realized that you are not doing
    all for Christ that you determined to do. You want to love
    him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength but you
    fail in some specific areas. What you will study today
    will be very important in dealing with this for the rest
    of your life.
2.  Turn to I John 1:5-10. Read it once; carefully.
3.  Think of the difference between light and darkness. In
    one, things are out in the open. You can see them as they
    really are. In the other, things are hidden and covered by
    darkness. With this in mind, what does he mean when he
    calls us to "walk in the light?" Do you see how this
    fits with verse 9 and the call to admit our sins?
4.  We all, from the oldest to the youngest in Christ, sin. If
    we claim that we don't, we lie (verse 10). How then are we
    to handle all this? Do we cover and hide our sin? Or do we
    bring them out into the open?
5.  Look at the two results of walking out in the light, as
    described in verse 7. How will this cause a deeper
    fellowship with the brothers and sisters?
6.  Remember this trustworthy saying: "Satan's only ground is
    darkness. When we confess our sins and bring them out
    into the light, we take away from him his only base of
    operation."

25



7th Day

1.  As you come to the end of the first week as a committed
    follower of Jesus Christ, go back to the most basic idea
    in discipleship. Turn to Galatians 2:20.
2.  Every time your old nature tries to assert itself, you can
    say: "I have been crucified with Christ." Concerning what
    things do you especially need to say that today? Write
    them down.
3.  As you determine what you should do with your day,
    remember, "I, ______________ no longer live, but Christ
    lives in me." Meditate on this great idea and then
    determine to let your life today be used for the very
    things that Jesus Christ is most interested in.
4.  Focus on Paul's words today: "You are not your own; you
    are bought with a price" (I Corinthians 6:19-20). Believe
    that--your are not your own, Jesus Christ has purchased
    you for his purposes by his death on the cross. Carefully
    distinguish between your purposes and his purposes and
    live as one who has been bought with such a great price.









WEEK TWO - "No Life Outside The Body"

8th Day

1.  Begin today by reading Matthew 28:18-20, concentrating on
    verse 18 and verse 10. What do these two verses say to
    you?
2.  Jesus Christ, who has all authority, taught us that the
    church is important. In Matthew 16:16-18, Jesus hears
    Peter confess Him to be the Christ, the Son of God, and
    immediately Jesus said, "On this rock I will build My
    church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against
    it." Jesus saw the church as the center of His plan. He
    wanted to build it and He intended to make it so strong
    that the forces of Satan could not stand against it. What
    Jesus counted as so important, we, too, must count so
    important.
3.  For a true picture of what the church should be striving
    to become every day, look at Acts 2:40-47.

26



4.  What can you do today and the rest of this week to
    contribute to this kind of life, the church, among God's
    people.
5.  If the church of which you are a part is not like this at
    all, what should you do? Complain vigorously? Leave the
    church and go it alone? Or, is there a better, more
    more Biblical option?

9th Day


1.  Paul describes the church as the body of Christ. Read
    Romans 12:1-8 and see how giving yourself first to God
    leads to giving yourself to others in the body of Christ.
2.  Notice particularly verse 5, which says: "so we, being
    many, are one body in Christ" or "individual members of
    one another." How does this conflict with the American
    ideal of individualism?
3.  List three things that you know already that you can do
    for other members of the body of Christ. Share these with
    someone close to you and get their reaction.
4.  List at least three things that you need from the body of
    Christ
in order to grow in Christ. Share these with
    another person, also.

10th Day

1.  Read Ephesians 4:1-5. Why does it seem to you that God is
    so concerned about the body of Christ being in unity and
    peace?
2.  Turn to Romans 14:13--15:3 and read how far we should go
    and how much we should bend to keep the body of Christ
    together.
3.  Is there anything in your life that is so important to you
    that you would not give it up even if it were keeping
    people from coming to Jesus Christ or growing in Him? If
    there is, look back to verse 21, and seek help if dealing
    with this area of your life.

11th Day

1.  God is greatly concerned about the unity of the church,       but He is also greatly concerned about the purity of the
    body of Christ. We are called to a holy life and a pure
    life, and sin

27



    that is hidden or ignored will destroy the power of
    the church.
2.  Read Ephesians 5:1-14. List those things which are de-
    scribed here as improper for God's holy people.
3.  How would living as "children of light" be totally
    different from those things you have just listed? What is
    the basic difference?
4.  You are a young Christian, but what should you do if you
    see brothers or sisters falling into some sin? Read
    Galatians 6:1-2.

12th Day


1.  What is the one thing that must be in the church and in
    our relationships above all else? Read the following
    passages: John 13:34-35; I Corinthians 13:1-3; Galatians
    5:6, 13-14; Ephesians 5:1-2; Colossians 3:14; I Peter 4:8.
2.  For a more precise definition of love, compare John 13:34-
    35 with I John 3:16. List all the things you can think of
    that describe the way Jesus loved us.
3.  How are you progressing in your relationships with your
    new brothers and sisters in Christ? Are they seeing your
    love for them? Many new Christians just want to beloved
    and to be served
. Break this pattern and reach out to
    others, because Jesus has reached out to you.

13th Day

1.  One of the things we can all do for one another in the
   
body is give encouragements. Read a powerful statement
    about this in Hebrews 3:12-14.
2.  According to this passage, what is to be the specific
    purpose of our encouragement? If this is not clear, be
    sure to discuss it with a brother or sister in Christ.
3.  Look at II Timothy 4:2. Notice we can encourage people by
    sharing the word with them; not just complimenting them.
    In your new relationships, try to share with someone
    every day something that you have found in God's truth
    that is inspiring and encouraging to you.

14th Day

1.  When problems develop in the body between brothers and
    sisters, they must be dealt with so that Satan is given no

28



    opportunity to enter in. Read Matthew 18:15-20, which
    gives us the right way to deal with such situations.
2.  Determine early in your Christian life that you will not
    complain or grumble behind someone's back about what
    they have done. Determine that you will always go to them
    and resolve the problem with God's help (verse 20).






WEEK THREE - "Go Make Disciples

This week we cant to look at how God plans to use you to
bring others to freedom from sin that you have found in
Christ. First, we will consider how important your own life
is in sharing with others.

15th Day

To be a disciple is to come under the discipline of Jesus
Christ. To be a disciple is to let Jesus Christ be Lord in
all the areas of your life. Examine carefully the follow-
ing items and make sure that you are opening up and work-
ing on those that are applicable to you.

Financial Status--Are you using money wisely? Are you
taking care of debts? Are you giving generously to the
church? Is all your money God's money?

Sexuality--Are you completely free of any immoral
relationships? Are you opening up your struggles to others
who can help and encourage you? Are you strongly rejecting
the world's attitude toward sex and replacing it with
God's attitude? This area is a real stumbling block for
many young Christians. Don't dismiss it lightly.

Time Management--Are you eliminating wasted time from your
schedule? Do you have definite plans at the beginning of
each day? Have you shared your schedule with someone else
to get their opinion and input? Read I Thessaloninans 4:
1-12 for Bibleical encouragement in all these areas.

29



16th Day

1.  Turn to I Peter 3:13-17 (especially note verse 15 and 16).
2.  What is involved in each of these statements?
    a.  "In your hearts acknowledge Christ as the Holy Lord."
    b.  "Always be prepared to give an answer."
    c.  "With kindness and respect"
    d.  "Keeping a clear conscience."
3.  Who are the people around you? Write down their names. The
    need to hear the answer about Christ as Lord in the
    spirit of the passage you have just read.

17th Day

1.  The last words a person speaks usually tell us a lot about
    the major things on their heart. Turn to Matthew 28:18-20
    and read again the final commission of Jesus before He
    left this world.
2.  What does it mean to you that "all authority has been
    given" to Jesus Christ? What does it mean that  he has all
    authority over you?
3.  What the implications for you life in his statement to
    "make desciples?"
4.  Look back over the list of people you wrote down
    yesterday. Begin praying for them specifically that you
    may share with them the message that Jesus has given you.

18th Day

1.  Start today with Colossians 4:2-6.
2.  List all the things you find here that relate to sharing
    your faith with someone.
3.  What does it mean to "Make the most of every oppor-
    tunity?" How have you used the opportunities of this week?
    What can you do to use them more for the Lord?

19th Day

1.  We tend to think that certain situations are not good ones
    for sharing the gospel. Most of us would find being in
    prison and in chains a terrible circumstance for
    evangelism. Read Acts 16:22-34.

30



2.  To see that this is no fluke, turn next to Philippians
    1:12-14 and listen to what Paul has to say while writing
    from another prison. This one probably in Rome where he
    was chained to a guard.
3.  What situations are you in right now? Write down why
    these situations make sharing the gospel difficult.
    Having done this, give all these excuses up to the Lord
    and claim the fact that He is able to work powerfully in
    all circumstances. Turn over to Philippians 4:4-6 for
    encouragement.

20th Day


1.  To make disciples, we need boldness and courage. In
    ourselves we don't have what it takes. The Holy Spirit
    will fill us with the boldness we need. Read Acts 4:
    8-13, noting especially verse 13.
2.  Also notice the message we must proclaim. It is found in
    verse 12. Don't ever water down this message. He is the
    only one who can change lives.
3.  Read II Timothy 1:7. When you find yourself being timid,
    you can be sure that it is yourself. It doesn't come from
    Him. The self must be denied and we must give God's
    Spirit the freedom to fill us with power, love, and
    control. There are many statements in the Scripture
    concerning courage and boldness. Keep studying and never
    be satisfied with timidity and fear.

21st Day


1.  True evangelism aims at bringing a person into the body of
    Christ. As you share with people, make every effort to
    introduce them to the members of the body where you are.
    Experience shows that this is a powerful tool in teaching
    people.
2.  Look at Acts 2:42-47. This is to be the spirit found in
    our fellowship and, when outsiders come in, they will be
    convinced that something is missing in their lives.
3.  You have now been a Christian for three weeks. You can be
    having an impact on others for Jesus Christ by now. If
    this is not happening, or if you see that it could be
    happening much more, et with a brother or a sister and
    share what is going on. Let them encourage and help you.

31



WEEK FOUR - "The Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit"

During this week of the study we will look at the God we
worship and the way He expresses Himself in the Father, the
Son, and the Spirit.

22nd Day

1.  Turn to Mark 14:32-36. Notice the word Jesus uses for
    God. It is the Aramaic word Abba. It was an intimate word
    and no Jew ever used it before Jesus to describe God. Look
    at Romans 8:15-17 and Galatians 4:6. Do you see the kind
    of God we have and how we can approach Him?
2.  Look at Matthew 7:7-12. What does this say specifically
    about God's concern for you today? What things are you
    concerned about? What does God feel for you?

23rd Day

1.  Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Our whole faith is built
    on the fact that He came into this world from His own
    special place, and put down His life for us. What does
    that tell you about such a one?
2.  Read John 1:1-18. According to this passage, what do we
    find in Jesus Christ? What does it all mean to your
    personal life that He is this way?
3.  Look closely at what He went through for you. Take the
    Old Testament and read Isaiah 53 and see the statement
    made about Him even before He appeared on earth.

24th Day

1.  When you were baptized into Jesus Christ, you received the
    gift of the Holy Spirit. Today and tomorrow, we want to
    look at some of the ministries of the Holy Spirit in your
    life.
2.  Turn to John 16:5-15 and read carefully, looking for
    teaching about the work of the Holy Spirit.
3.  The work of the Holy Spirit involves convicting of sin,
    righteousness, and judgment. How would you relate the
    passage to the ideas found in Ephesians 6:17; II Timothy
    3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; I Corinthians 3:16 and 6:17-20?

32



25th Day

1.  Continuing to look at the work of the Holy Spirit, turn to
    Romans 8 and read verses 1-17.
2.  Focus on verses 9-11. What kind of promise is made to you
    here? Write down some ways you can see this practically
    affecting your life.
3.  In our lives we have been enslaved to various passions and
    desires. On our own we have found that we had no real
    power to break free from these desires. Notice the message
    of verse 12 and 13. How do we put to death the misdeeds of
    the body?
4.  Notice in verses 14 and 17, how the Spirit of God in us
    brings us into intimate relationship with God.

26th Day

1.  It is important to learn all you can about Jesus Christ
    because of what the following scriptures teach: II
    Corinthians 3:18 and Romans 8:29. What do these passages
    teach about our relationship to Jesus Christ?
2.  Look at I John 3:1-3. What the hope referred to in verse
    3?
3.  List at least three things that are found in Jesus Christ
    that you want to work on in your life.
4.  How would you respond to someone who might say: "Trying to
    be like Jesus is an impossible dream. It can only
    frustrate you."

27th Day

1.  Look at the picture of Jesus Christ found in Hebrews 4:14-
    16.
2.  Write down what each of these statements means to your
    life:
    a.  Jesus is the great High Priest who has gone into
        heaven.
    b.  Jesus is able to understand and relate to our
        weaknesses since He was tempted in every way like us,
        yet without sin.

33



    d.  Because of Jesus, we can approach God's throne, a
        throne of grace, with confidence.
3.  How does this understanding of Jesus Christ affect you
    right now? Write down the way it changes your attitude.

28th Day

1.  There may be some things that will happen to you to make
    you wonder if God is for you or against you. Read Romans
    8:31-39 to see the kind of God you worship.
2.  Go back to verse 28 for still another promise.
3.  Paul lists in the first passage a number of things that
    might seem to cut us off from the love of God. What are
    some things in your life that are difficult or
    threatening? Write out verse 37 just as Paul says it and
    then write verse 38 substituting the things in your life
    that might interfere with your relationship with God.
4.  What role do you play in gaining this victory?







WEEK FIVE - "Submit to Every Authority"

This week you will study one of the keys to the Christian
life. It is totally opposed to worldly wisdom, but it is
something we see perfectly in Jesus, and He wants to see it in
us. It is the principle of submission.

29th Day

1.  Already you have studied passages that tell you who really
    has all authority today. It is Jesus Christ, but God has
    set up certain orders in society. The purpose: (1)
    maintain order and (2) teach us to be submissive and
    obedient in spirit so we can ultimately and basically
    submit to and obey Jesus Christ.
2.  To follow Jesus Christ, one must have an obedient spirit.
    One must be willing to submit to another's authority. Read
    I Peter 1:2, 14. What kind of children does God want?

34



3.  Read Ephesians 2:1-2 to determine what kind of spirit God
    is opposed to.
4.  Look at Hebrews 5:7-9 for an important statement about
    Jesus Christ who is our example in all attitudes. What did
    He learn? How was it learned? What does God want us to
    learn? How will it be learned?

30th Day

1.  Return to I Peter
where we learned yesterday that God
    wants obedient children. Now look at I Peter 2:11-17.
2.  Our old self with its sinful desires (described in verse
    11) does not want to obey. It doesn't like to be told what
    to do. That is why Jesus says, "Deny yourself." We must be
    willing to cooperate with God's plan.
3.  Notice in verse 13 why you submit to every ordinance
    [authority].
4.  List all the authorities that you can think of that are in
    your life; meaning, all the people that are in some role
    where they can tell you what to do, or strongly expect you
    to do what they ask. What is your attitude toward these
    authorities?

31st Day

1.  The question is often asked, "Do I have to submit to these
    authorities in my life even when they are wrong?" What do
    you think the mind of Christ would say here?
2.  Continue the passage you started yesterday, Read I Peter
    2:18-23. What does it contribute to the question raised
    above?
3.  What we are being told here and in Ephesians 5 and 6 and
    Colossians 3 is that we should have a submissive and
    obedient attitude at all times. We should be ready to obey
    obey those that God has put over us. However, there will
    come times when we cannot obey. See Acts 4:18-20 for a
    clear example. Study this carefully. When a command of
    some man or woman constitutes a clear violation of
    scripture, then we cannot obey that person; but we should
    not then take on a rebellious attitude. We should lovingly
    and with respect for their authority decline to submit in
    that area.

35




32nd Day


1.  In the body of Christ, God has placed certain men over
    you. First, there are the elders or overseers in the body,
    and then those who have been given special authority by
    the elders. Look at what Hebrews 13:17 says about your
    responsibility to these men.
2.  Do you know the names of the elders and other leaders who
    are working to lead and guide you? How can you
    specifically make their work a joy and not a burden?
3.  Does this passage say that we have to agree with
    everything a leader does before we can submit to him and
    and obey him?
4.  Make use that all of your relationships with all of your
    leaders are good ones. If there is any anger or resentment
    or hurt in you toward any one of them, don't put off
    sitting down with the leader and opening up your heart. If
    you see others in the body developing rebellious and
    disobedient attitudes, go to them and encourage them to
    deal with that.

33rd Day

1.  Go to Ephesians 5:21 and start reading, and go through
    chapter 6 verse 4. Regardless of who you are, you are more
    likely in some kind of family relationship. In these
    relationships, you can show the love of God ... the kind
    of love that is willing to lay down its life for others in
    the family.
2.  If your spouse, parents, or children have not been seeing
    in you the things described in Ephesians 5 and 6, then a
    confession to them could open up many new possibilities in
    your ministry to them.
3.  Remember, you ultimate concern is that your family
    members come to know the living God through you life in
    a deeper and deeper way.

34th Day

1.  Turn to and read Romans 13.
2.  List as many clear teachings in this passage as you find.
3.  Is there anything wrong with a bitter, complaining
    attitude about the government one lives under?
4.  When must a Christian say no to government? In what way
    should he say no?
 
36



35th Day


1.  One of the great texts in the New Testament is Philippians
    2:1-11. Read this carefully, looking for the deeper
    teaching about the power of submission.
2.  In what ways can you empty yourself? (This is literally
    translated in some versions: made himself to be nothing.)
3.  In what specific ways can you, this week, take the form of
    a servant to others who are lost?
4.  What happens to those who submit? What does God do?







WEEK SIX - "Fighting the Good Fight of Faith"

36th Day


1.  You are well over a month into your life as a follower of
    Jesus Christ. If you have been serious about it, this
    month is one in which you have faced many things about
    yourself that need changing. It also is one filled with
    joy because you know that God is for you and Jesus Christ
    is with you to help you become like Him.
2.  Look at Paul's word about joy in Philippians 4:4-6. How
    often does it say we should rejoice? Compare this with I
    Thessalonians 5:16-18. When should we rejoice? Be
    thankful?
3.  If you have been guilty of complaining or being negative
    about your life, see out another disciple and let him/her
    know that you are sorry because you have all the reason in
    the universe for joy.

37th Day

1.  The image of soldier or warfare is often used in the New
    Testament. The reason is: we are at war. The ways of God

37



    and the ways of men influence by Satan are totally
    opposed. Our culture is constantly bombarding us with its
    message of how to find life, but God's message is totally
    different. One cannot survive in warfare unless he is
    equipped and knows how to do battle. For the rest of this
    week, we will look at this matter.
2.  Start with Ephesians 6:10-18. There is enough here for
    several days of study and we will take a little at a time.
3.  First of all, in warfare we need to clearly identify the
    enemy. Verse 11 makes that identification very clear to
    us. Who is the enemy? What are some of the schemes you
    can see him working in your life to take you out of the
    light of God?
4.  Please realize now and always that your boss, your
    parents, your husband, your wife, are not your enemy.
    Flesh and blood people are not enemies, and any time we
    identify them as enemies we fall into Satan's scheme and
    begin shooting at the wrong person. List some times
    recently when you may have done this or come close to
    doing it.
5.  Set your mind against the real forces of darkness that
    Satan commands. Pray for strength and for God's mighty
    power to overcome it.

38th Day

1.  Read Ephesians 6:10-18 again.
2.  Satan's power is described in real terms and you will be
    vulnerable to him if you are not aware of his power. But
    why is it true that we do not have to be fearful of this
    warfare?
3.  We don't have to be fearful, but we do have to put on the
    full armor of God. Without the protection adn the
    spiritual weapons He supplies, we will be overcome. Let's
    look at them one at a time:
    a.  The belt of truth--where do you find truth
        (John 17:17)?
    b.  The breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14;
        Philippians 3:8-9).
    c.  The gospel of peace (Ephesians 2:14-18).
    d.  The shield of faith--how does it put out the fiery
        darts of Satan?
    e.  The helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17; Romans
        8:1-2).
 
38



    f.  The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God
        (Hebrews 4:12).
    g.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions. How has your
        prayer life developed?
4.  You now know what the armor of God looks like, but please
    realize that like any good soldier, you will have to put
    is on anew each day. One of Satan's schemes is to make you
    believe once will do for all time. Every day you need to
    be in God's truth, reaffirming the gospel, reclaiming your
    righteousness and salvation in Christ, restating your
    confident in prayer and in the God who answers prayers.

39th Day

1.  Begin today with II Timothy 2:1-7.
2.  Focus in especially on verses 3 and 4. Becoming a
    Christian is not like going on a picnic. It is like
    joiningg an army, taking up weapons, receiving training,       and then going into battle. If you are really walking with
    Jesus Christ and waging His warfare, you will experience
    hardship. Look at II Timothy 3:12. What does this promise
    say? What are we assured of?
3.  Returning to II Timothy 2:4, we see that the warfare is
    going to be so serious and so intense that the Christian
    soldier must not get involved in civilian affairs. There
    are a lot of things to do in the world that are not wrong.
    But they are wrong for us if they take away from the front
    lines and from fighting the good fight. Are there some
    things in your lift that need to be given up because they
    require involvement in civilian affairs?

40th Day

1.  Your study guide ends today, but may your study never end.
    Your are on your way to things too glorious and enriching
    to even describe. Never, never, never, never, never give
    up!
2.  Read carefully the call of these passages: 1 Peter 2:1-2;
    Hebrews 5:11--6:3; Colossians 2:6-10.
3.  Keep studying, keep confessing your sins, keep encouraging
    others, keep sharing your faith, "and whatever you do in
    word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus
    Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

39



Prayer: "Father, thank you for taking our broken lives and
making something beautiful out of us. May we always put our-
selves in Your hands to be molded and shaped by You. Use our
very lives to draw many people into the kingdom of Your Son,
Jesus Christ.
Through Him Amen."









40



Christian Increases back cover, (450 x 695), 33kb

Back Cover