LESSON 1
TRUE GIFT
Many know that Christ died to save them, continue to think that they need to do
something more to secure their salvation. However, Salvation does not have a price; it
is something nobody can buy or merit.
I. BY WHICH MEANS ARE NOT WE ARE SAVED? (Eph. 2:9)
A. Christ + Religion = Salvation
. Religion is man’s effort to reach God.
= Some trust in their religion or church to save their souls,
= others trust in the rules of the church; BUT RELIGION DOESN’T SAVE.
B. Christ + Religion + Works = Salvation
= Religion teaches works. Man emphasizes deeds. Nevertheless, we can do
absolutely nothing to merit God’s favour (Isa. 64:6, Rom. 3:10)
II. HOW ARE WE SAVED? (Eph. 2:8)
Christ = Salvation (Acts 16:30-31)
Salvation is:
A. By Grace (Rom. 5:8)
Salvation is a GIFT OF GOD. Salvation is FREE
How can we obtain it?
B. By Faith
Our parting salvation is to RECEIVE what God’s grace provides for us. Faith
is the empty hand extended to receive God’s gift. What is FAITH?
1. There are misconceptions of what faith really is. These neither save nor
change one’s life. Faith is not academic, financial or intellectual.
2. Biblical faith is personal trust in Christ, who paid our debt to God and the
assurance that God has forgiven our sins, disregarding all our efforts to earn
our own salvation.
a) This faith is founded on the word of God. (Rom. 10:17)
b) It is not enough to know the truth about one’s self and Christ. One
must be convinced of the truth. (Rom.10:9)
c) This kind of conviction produces trust.
d) But we also have to act (Rom. 10:13). To have faith is to say: “I
believe that JESUS took my place, died to save me, and I accept God’s
gift of salvation, eternal life.”
INSPIRATIONAL READING
The grace of the Lord is a bottomless ocean,
sufficient for you and for me;
It’s tender, it’s Free, it has no limitation.
Sufficient for all our needs.
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION (in class)
1. How can be sure that you are saved? (Jn. 5:24)
_____________________________________________________
2. If you were to die today, and you found yourself in the presence of God,
How would you answer Him if he asked you: why do you believe
I should let you enter heaven?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
3. How would you answer somebody who says: All religious bring people to
God?
______________________________________________________
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
For by grace you have been save, through faith
And this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not of works,
so that no one could boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)
NOTE
LESSON 2
TRUE TRAGEDY
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I. WHAT IS SIN?
A. Misconceptions
Often people have a misconception of what sin is and think:
1. “This is just the way I am. It can’t be a sin to be myself.”
2. “Sin is something that bothers the conscience. It is not sin
as long as I feel good about it.”
3. “ It is sin only if it hurts others. I do not harm anybody.”
4. “It is not sin if everybody does it.”
B. Biblical concept Sin is:
1. Having a poor attitude toward God and others.
2. Breaking God’s law. (Rom. 5:13)
3. Not doing what God asks. (Jas. 4:17)
II. WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF SIN?
Adam and Eve disobeyed God (Gen. 3). That is how sin came into the world.
This sinful nature was passed on to all generations.
III. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN?
A. Sin blemishes and contaminates the whole person. (Rom. 3:16-18)
B. Sin spreads and enslaves.
One sin is leading to another and another. (Rom. 1:21,32)
C. Sin separates, because it destroys the relationship between the individual:
1. And God (Rom.3:23)
2. And himself (Mk. 7:15)
3. and others.
D. Sin causes death (Rom. 6:23)
1. Spiritual death, because sin separated us from God. (Eph. 2:1)
2. Physical death, because sin conditioned our existence to a limited time.
3. Eternal death, the eternal punishment of those dead in sin, and the
separation from God for all eternity. (Rev. 20:14)
IV. IS THERE SOLUTION FOR SIN?
= Yes God provided salvation for man:
A. Through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. (Rom. 5:8)
B. Through Jesus Christ, we are cleansed of all our sins. (Heb. 10:17)
C. Through Jesus Christ, we are saved from judgment.
Faced with the reality of:
1) Our condition before God and
2) God’s gift, provided through His mercy and love.
We have two options:
1. To reject Jesus Christ (Jn. 5:24)
2. To accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour (Acts 2:38)
INSPIRATIONAL READING
What thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression,But thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my savior! ”tis I deserve thy place;
Look on me with thy favour, vouch safe to me thy grace”.
-Clairvoux
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION (in class)
1. What would you say to a friend who says: “I am too much of a sinner;
I do not believe that God can forgive me?”
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
2. What are the results of sin?
a) Rom. 6:23 _______________________________________
b) Ps. 66:18 _______________________________________
c) Isa. 59:2 ________________________________________
d) Eph. 5:5-6 _______________________________________
e) Rev. 21:27 _______________________________________
3. What is God’s attitude toward sin? (Heb. 1:13)
_______________________________________________________
4. What sins characterized our society?
________________________________________________________
5. The divine remedy for sin is found in: (circle the correct answer)
a) The evangelical church
b) The virgin Mary
c) Ourselves
d) Jesus Christ
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life
in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom.6:23)
LESSON 3
TRUE SOLUTION
(The substitution)
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(Heb. 7:25; 10:19-22). Christ’s work can only be effective Man’s condition, dead in
sin, made God’s intervention necessary for salvation.
I. WHY WAS THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST NECESSARY?
A. Because of man’s sin (Rom. 3:23)
B. Because of God’s nature.
1. God’s justice condemns the sinner and demands the penalty of death.
(Ex.34:7)
2. His love causes Him to show compassion toward man, and offers him the
solution to his problem. (Rom. 5:8)
= God solves the problem: JESUS CHRIST TAKES THE PLACE OF SINNER.
II. WHY CHRIST AND NOT ME?
A. The principle of substitution (Lev. 5:10)
=There is no forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood
(Heb.9:22;10:1-4)
B. Jesus Christ is our ideal substitute.
=He is “The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Jn. 1:29)
REQUIREMENTS
1. The substitute could not be an
Animal; it had to be a man
FULFILLMENT
Jesus is a true man.
(Heb. 9:11-24)
2. The substitute had to be sinless,
Innocent; Since all humanity is sinful
Jesus is innocent, without
sin; He is God, He had to
be divine.
(Heb. 7:26; 1:1-3)
3. The substitute had to die willingly.
Jesus died willingly.
(Heb. 10:8-9
4. The substitute for many had to
be an invaluable person
Jesus life was of be an
incalculable value.
(1 Pet. 1:19)
III. WHAT WERE THE RESULTS OF JESUS DEATH?
A. Jesus Christ is the Sufficient Substitute because He completed the work:
We have forgiveness of our sins. This means that we need no additional
Sacrifice for our sins. (Jn. 19:30)
B. Jesus Christ is the Efficient Substitute because He fulfilled His purpose:
We have a clean conscience. By Christ’s work He declare Man righteous and
free of guilt (2Cor. 5:21)
C. Jesus Christ is the Permanent Substitute because His ministry continues:
He intercedes for us; we have peace and communion with God
(Heb. 7:25; 10:19-22). Christ’s work can only be effective for us if we come to
Him by faith and accept the sacrifice He accomplished in our place on the
cross.
INSPIRATIONAL READING
Alas! And did my savior bleed and did my sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred Head for sinners such as I?
Was it for sins that I have done He suffered on the tree?
Amazing pity grace unknown, and love beyond degree!
-Watts-
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION (in class)
1. What would have happened if Jesus had not died?
_____________________________________________________
2. Why did Jesus die on the cross?
____________________________________________________
3. What 4 things didn’t Jesus do? Why? (1Pet.2:22-23)
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
4. What 3 things did Jesus fulfill with His death for our benefit?
(1Pet. 2:24-25)
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
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VERSE TO MEMORIZE
For God so loved the world
That He gave His one and only Son,
That whosoever believes in Him
should not perish but have eternal life.
(Jn. 3:16)
LESSON 4
TRUE CHANGE
(Repentance)
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I. WHAT DOES REPENTANCE NOT MEAN?
=Repentance is not remorse, doing penance, correcting one’s conduct or earning
merits or indulgences.
II. WHAT IS REPENTANCE?
= It is change, to turn around, to have a new mind and different purpose in life.
It is to turn ones back on sin, turn around 180 degrees, and walk in the opposite
direction.
= It is: (Lk. 15:11-24)
A. to recognize sin (v. 17)
When the young man realized how miserable he was, he “came to his senses.”
Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he realized and admitted his sinful
condition.
B. to lament one’s sin (v. 18-19)
Through the activity of the Holy Spirit, the young man’s spirit was broken.
Genuine pain and sorrow drove him to confession, and from that point, to a
change of attitude: repentance. (2Cor.7:9-10)
C. to confess and abandoned sin (v. 18-21)
The young man looked for a solution, came to a decision and acted.
1. He confessed his sin. This confession was a necessary condition to
restore communion with God.
2. He asked for forgiveness.
3. He abandoned sin. This abandonment was the fruit of repentance
because he had the genuine conviction of sin and the pain caused by
sin.
III. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF REPENTANCE
A. Confession
Sin is a barrier to interpersonal relationships. It separates people. Therefore,
we need to settle our accounts with those whom we have offended.
(Matt. 5:23-24)
B. Restitution
In certain cases it will be necessary to right some wrongs we have done
(Lk. 19:8). For example: repay borrowed money and debts, return borrowed
items, stolen money or goods, or somebody’s good name or testimony.
Restitution is our best witness to the world of how Christ is changing our
lives.
INSPIRATIONAL READING
When we walk with the Lord, In the Light of His Word,
What a Glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His goodwill He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION (in class)
1. To whom should one confess his sin?
(God, Pastor, offended party, intimate friend, etc.)
__________________________________________________
2. How can one make restitution if he has spoken badly of someone?
___________________________________________________
3. How is it possible to tell if someone has sincerely repented?
___________________________________________________
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins,
and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn. 1:9)
LESSON 5
TRUE LIFE
(New Birth)
Man cannot change himself; HE MUST BE RENEWED. The Lord Jesus said,
“Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3)
I. WHAT IS NEW LIFE?
A. What it isn’t:
= It is not a process; it is not a patching up of the old life. It isn’t anything
inherited.
= It isn’t obtained by the performance of a rite or ordinance.
B. What new birth is, according to the Bible:
1. To have a new heart and new nature (Ezek. 11:19, 20, 2Pet. 1:4) Being born
again involves a supernatural act. God places His Holy Spirit in our hearts,
making us new creatures (2Cor. 5:17)
2. “To pass from death into life” (1Jn. 3:14) describes a radical change.
3. To have eternal life. (1Pet. 1:3,5)
II. WHAT IS ETERNAL LIFE?
Since God has made us “new creatures”, with the power to live a new abundant
life, we now have:
A. New Certainty:
We rejoice in communion and peace with God; we even rejoice under
difficult circumstances. We have new hope and eternal life (Ro. 8:28 – 32)
B. Peace and joy:
Communion with God promises us indescribable peace and joy, because the
barrier of sin between God and us is gone (Jn. 16:33; 14:27).
C. A new perspective:
We will have new desires and a new perspective on life. The Lord gives us
new values and interests. (2Co. 5:17; Mt. 5:6; 1Pe. 1:18,19)
D. A new concept of good and evil:
Now we can distinguish clearly between what pleases God and what
doesn’t.We are confident that certain words, thoughts, and actions are not
compatible with the Christian life. Before, Satan blinded us (2Co. 4:4).
Before, we had a corrupted and guilty conscience; now we have a good
conscience, because we have been cleansed by the blood of Christ
(Eph.2:1-5).
E. A new desire to read the Word of God:
We receive spiritual food through the Word of God. At first, we drink
“spiritual milk” (1 Pet. 2:2). We don’t understand everything, but the Holy
Spirit teaches us. Later, we eat spiritual “meat” (Heb. 5:14). We need to
meditate on the Word day and night (Psalm 1:2), because God uses it to
change the desires of our hearts and help us to understand more and more
what His will is (Psalm 119:97).
F. Struggles (Tests of faith):
When we receive Christ as our Savior, we pass out of the kingdom of
darkness into the kingdom of light. Before, we belonged to the devil; now,
we belong to God. Of course, the devil isn’t happy, and opposes our
salvation. This compels us to struggle against this opposition
(Jn. 16:18; 2Ti. 3:12).
H. A new love and desire for fellowship with other Christians:
We have a new family, the family of God. Christ is our “Big Brother.”
We want to be with Him and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We want to members of His Church (Ac. 2:42, 46 – 47).
I. A desire to tell others of our new life in Christ:
When Christ changes and fills our lives, we can’t help wanting to share the
good news with others. The new life is too good to keep to ourselves
(Ac. 1:8; 4:20).
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION (in class)
1. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion? (Jn. 3:6-8)
_________________________________________________________
2.
Why is there a constant inner struggle in the believer? (Gal. 5:16, 17)
_________________________________________________________
3.
What must the believer do?
_________________________________________________________
4.
How do I know I am a “new creature?”
_________________________________________________________
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation;
The old has gone, the new has come. (2 Cor. 5:17)
LESSON 6
TRUE VICTORY
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What is temptation? It is the attraction which induces man to do evil.
I WHERE DOES TEMPTATION COME FROM?
It doesn’t come from God. God does not tempt anyone to do evil (Jas. 1:13).
However, He does allow and use temptation to accomplish His purpose in our
lives. Temptation comes:
A. From the devil (1Th. 3:5, 1Pe. 5:8)
Temptation comes from Satan, the tempter, enemy of God and man, who
strives to attract or seduce the believer to leave the path of God.
B. From the world (Eph. 2:2; 1Jn. 5:19)
Temptation shows up in worldly pleasures (1 Jn. 2:15-17), worldly
relationships (2Co. 6:14-18), and in worldly habits (Gal. 5:19-21).
C. From the flesh (Gal. 5:16; Jas. 1:14; Eph. 2:3)
Temptation comes from the inherited tendency to do evil. It is manifested in
sinful works ( Gal. 5:19-21). The old nature is neither changed nor eliminated
when we are born again. We receive a new, divine nature. There is a struggle
between these two.
II. WHY ARE WE EXPOSED TO TEMPTATION?
We have two natures with opposite desires. They are in conflict, which results
in internal struggle (Gal. 5:17).
A. The worldly Christians
Whose life is governed by the ego (self) (1Co. 3:3).
B. The spiritual Christian
Who submits to God (Gal. 2:20). The old nature cannot be reformed, and he
cannot trust it or overcome it buy his own strength. The only way to end the
internal struggle is to voluntarily surrender control to the Lord Jesus Christ.
III. HOW CAN WE TRIUMPH OVER TEMPTATION?
All of us are tempted, but, by the grace of God we can triumph over temptation.
Satan cannot force us to sin. He can only tempt us, and temptation is not sin.
A. Submit to God (Jas. 4:7)
Humble yourself before Him, acknowledging your powerlessness, and that He
alone has the power to triumph.
B. Flee temptation
Be careful what you look at. Guard your thoughts. Know your weaknesses,
and don’t trust in yourself (1Co. 10:12). Break off bad relationships and pray
for those friends.
C. Resist the devil (Tit. 2:12)
Use the “Sword of the Spirit,” the Word of God (Lk. 4:1 – 15). The devil
cannot resist it; he will flee from you! That’s what God promises, and He is
faithful. Study the Word and memorize Bible Verses, so you will be prepared
to triumph over temptation like Jesus did (Ps. 119:11).
CHRIST is our Master. With HIM we can triumph over ALL temptation. Ask
for HIS help! (Heb. 2:18).
INSPIRATIONAL READING
Somebody once asked a distinguished and godly old woman what she would
do if she were overcome by a terrible temptation. She immediately answered,
“I would lift up my hands to the Lord, and I would say, ‘Lord, your possession
is in danger. Take care of her; it’s urgent!’ Then I would forget the temptation
until another came.” When you are tempted Forget about yourself But don’t
forget God.
Taken from Manantiales en el Desierto
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Where do all deeds come from? (Mt. 5:27-28)
_________________________________________________________
2. What must we do? (Eph. 4:23)
_________________________________________________________
3. How do we do it? (Php. 4:7,8)
_________________________________________________________
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.
And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so you can stand up
under it. (1Co. 10:13)
LESSON 7
TRUE GOD
_____________________________________________________________________
WHAT IS GOD LIKE?
I. GOD IS ETERNAL
A. God is not limited or affected by time.
He doesn’t depend on others; He never changes. He always “is” (Ex. 3:14).
All that God is and does is eternal (Ecc. 3:14)
B. The Eternal God is the basis of our security.
In an age of many changes, insecurity regarding our unknown future, even
regarding death, He is our rock.
II. GOD IS HOLY
A. Holy means: separate, separated from sin.
God neither sins nor tolerates sin. He is pure, perfect. He is light (1Pe. 1:16).
He is all knowing, and His conduct corresponds with His knowledge, holiness,
and perfection.
B. In response to His holiness, I worship him. (Rev. 15:4)
God expects me to act in accordance with the light I have. If my conduct
conforms to the light, I am holy. God is my Model.
III. GOD IS JUST
A. God always acts with justice, and treats everyone fairly,
making sure that everyone receives the just consequences of his conduct
(Deut. 32:4; Psalm 11:17). He demands restitution when we sin. He has no
favoritism. He hates our injustices, and those who reject Him to the end cannot
be saved.
B. It gives us comfort to have entrusted our lives to a just God,
who treats all His children equally. Making restitution should be the norm in
our lives. When we fail Him, we should immediately ask for forgiveness. He
is faithful and just to forgive us. Our responsibility is to tell those who don’t
know Christ, that there is forgiveness in Him.
IV. GOD IS LOVE
A. God cannot stop loving us, because He is love. He loves everybody equally.
His love is unconditional, but not blind (Ro. 5:8; 8:33, 39).
B. God does not love because we are good or lovely. He loves us because
He is love; He loves us just as we are. We cannot merit or win His love.
V. GOD IS LORD
A. “Lord” is a term describing a person to whom we owe respect, and who
exercise authority, the authority of God, the Absolute Master of the universe
and of our lives.
B. By confessing Him as Lord, we recognize that He is the Master of our lives.
We show it by:
1. Worshipping only Him (Mt. 4:10),
2. Serving only Him (Mt. 4:10)
3. Living for Him alone (Rom. 14:8).
GREAT IS THE LORD, AND MOST
WORTHY OF PRAISE.
(Psalm 48:1a)
INSPIRATIONAL READING
The Lord is gracious and righteous; Our God is full of compassion.
The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great help, He saved me.
Be at rest once more, O my soul, For the Lord has been good to you.
For you, O lord, have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
That I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. (Ps. 116:5 – 9)
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Of what significance is it for us, as children of God, that He knows everything?
(Pr. 6:32)
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. In what ways is the Lord our God?
Ps. 139:1-6
__________
Dt. 9:14
___________
Ps. 1397-12
__________
Jn. 4:24
___________
Ps. 31:5
__________
Eph. 3:10
___________
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing (Ps. 23:1)
LESSON 8
TRUE GOD & TRUE MAN
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WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? (Php. 2:5-11)
For us, Jesus is:
I. ETERNAL CHRIST (Php. 2:6)
A. Pre – existent (Jn. 1:1)
The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have existed for all eternity.
B. Creator of Man
We were created to live in a loving relationship with God.
C. Saviour of Man
Although man chose to disobey God, He has never stopped loving us (Jn. 3:16)
II. CHRIST INCARNATE (Php. 2:7)
A. The Son made Himself nothing and became a man.
B. He lived as a man.
He gave up His throne in glory to become a servant.
C. He revealed the Father to us (Jn. 1:18).
III. CHRIST HUMBLED (Php. 2:8)
A. He died on a cross. in our place, in an act of service and love (Lk. 23:34).
B. He was separated from the Father, Because He took all our sins upon Himself
(Mk. 15:34). Still, He continues to love us.
IV. CHRIST EXALTED (Php. 2:9a)
A. He arose from the dead!
He finished His work and is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding
for us.
B. He is the only Mediator between God and men (1 Ti. 2:5)
C. He is the Giver of Life.
If we believe in Him, we become part of the family of God, and have eternal
life. (Jn. 14:19)
V. CHRIST EXPECTED (Php. 2:9b, 11)
He will come again with great power and glory to reign forever (Mt. 24:30).
We, His children, long for Him to return soon!!
INSPIRATIONAL READING
I saw the cross of Jesus
When burdened with my sin.
I sought the cross of Jesus
To give me peace within.
I brought my soul to Jesus;
He cleaned it in His blood,
And in the Cross of Jesus
I found my peace with God.
-Whitefield
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
1. How was Jesus like us?
_________________________________________________________________
2. How was Jesus different from other men?
__________________________________________________________________
3. Answer TRUE or FALSE
a. ___________ Jesus stopped being God when He became a man.
b. ___________ The Lord Jesus never claimed that He was God.
c. ___________ Joseph was Jesus’ true father.
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life
No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn. 14:6).
LESSON 9
TRUE HELPER (The Holy Spirit)
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WHY DID THE HOLY SPIRIT COME?
A. At first, the disciples did not understand.
In the face of the approaching loss of their Lord and Friend, sadness filled their
hearts (Jn. 14:16, 18). Nevertheless, Jesus told them, “It is for our own good that I am
going away.”
B. It is for our own good as believers:
1. because the Holy Spirit can be in all places at once.
2. because the Holy Spirit is always available, so we are never alone.
3. because all disciples’ faith is strengthened by having to trust in, and depend on
Someone invisible.
4 because the Holy Spirit works a transformation in us that prepares us for the day
when we are in the presence of the Lord, who is Spirit.
= Jesus left His disciples in the loving hands of God, in the care of the Third
Person of the Trinity.
WHAT IS THE SPIRIT’S MINISTRY?
The Holy Spirit prepares unbelievers for belief, convincing them of:
a) guilt regarding sin, b) righteousness and c) judgment.
A. At the moment of belief:
1. We are removed from the world and brought to Christ, united with Christ
(1Co. 12:13; Col. 1:13). The “baptism by the Spirit” is the initial act by which
the believers is introduced and incorporated into the body of Christ, the
Church.
2. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us (Ro. 8:9; 1Co. 3:16).
3. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30). A seal is:
a). a sign of ownership. We belong to God, because we were bought with
Christ’s blood.
b). the assurance that we will live with Him for all eternity (Eph. 1:13-14).
4. God enables us to serve Him and each other in the body of Christ through the
spiritual gifts He gives us. (Eph. 4:16).
B. In the course of the Christian life:
1. The Spirit of truth enlightens us so we can understand the Word of God
(Jn. 16:13).
2. The Spirit of truth gives us the power to testify about Christ (Jn. 15:26-27).
3. The Spirit guides our prayers (Ro. 8:26-27).
4. The Holy Sprit transforms us into the image of Christ
(2Co. 3:18; Gal. 5:22-23).
III. WHAT RELATIONSHIP DO WE NOW HAVE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?
A. We can advance His ministry
We can let Him direct our life and fill it with His (Eph. 5:18), submitting
ourselves daily to the Spirit, and seeking His will. Then, His power will
manifest itself in our character, and in our service to Him, at all times and in all
places.
B. We can impede His ministry
When we grieve Him by acting against His will (Eph. 4:30), or when we quench
His fire by not heeding His warnings or advice (1TH. 5:19).
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
1. How can we know if we have the Holy Spirit? (Ro. 8:9, 14:16)
____________________________________________________
2. What does the Holy Spirit do in our lives?
a).2Co. 5:17
___________________________________
b).Ro. 8:26-27
___________________________________
c).Eph. 2:2
___________________________________
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.
(John 16:13a)
LESSON 10
THE WORD (The Bible)
_____________________________________________________________________
What is the Bible?
I. OUR ONLY AND SUFFICIENT AUTHORITY BECAUSE
A. It is eternal (1 Pe. 1:22-25).
Everything will end. Only the Word of God will remain (Mt. 24:35)
B. It is infallible.
God called specific people to write His message. They wrote, moved by the
Holy Spirit (2Ti. 3:16; 17:2; 2Pe. 1:21). God inspired His servants to write His
Word without any error in the original text.
C. It is truth (Jn. 17:17).
God does not lie, and His Word is always true. It is His message (1Th. 2:13), the
sure foundation for our life.
II. OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
= The Bible tells us about:
A. Our God:
1. God, our Creator, uses the Bible to speak to His children today.
2. The Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the heart of the Bible, from the first
book to the last.
B. Our present life:
The Bible gives us instruction and advice for our life and well – being as
children of God.
C. Our future life:
The Bible shows us the way to heaven and to the Lord Jesus Christ, who left to
prepare a place for us in the house of the Father, where we shall spend eternity.
III. OUR SPIRITUAL FOOD
= The primary need for the new believer is to grow, and to grow through
nourishment of the Word (Mt. 4:4).
A. Diet
A balanced diet consists of:
1. Reading
2. Study and
3. Meditation.
Instructions
1. Set aside a specific time when you can be alone and quiet, preferably in
the morning.
2. The Bible isn’t a particular easy Book to read. Don’t read it at random.
Instead, follow a pre – determined plan. It is recommended to start with
one of the Gospels. Make sure to ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit
(Ps. 119:18).
3. After you have read a portion twice, ask yourself questions like the
following: “What does this tell me about God, about Jesus, about the
Holy Spirit, about myself, etc?”
4. Select a verse that has made a special impression on you, and memorize
it (Ps. 119:11).
5. Finish each session with prayer, asking that God may help you obey His
Word.
B. Results
1. The Bible is a Book that speaks. Reading and meditating on it leads to
dialogue between you and God.
2. The Bible is a Book to enjoy (Jer. 15:16). Approach it with an appetite!
3. The Bible is a Book to obey (Jas. 1:22 – 23).
INSPIRATIONAL READING
Benefits of reading and obeying the Words of Life of the Bible:
God’s presence
God’s Love
Spiritual Freedom
Armor against Satan
The foundation for faith and life
Spiritual riches
Wisdom
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Why were the Scriptures written?
Jn. 20:31
___________________________________________________
Ro. 15:4
___________________________________________________
2. What is the main theme of the Scriptures?
Jn. 1:29
___________________________________________________
Gal. 1:3-4
__________________________________________________
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
I have hidden your Word in my heart
That I might not sin against you.
(Psalm 119:11)
LESSON 11
TRUE CONVERSATION (Prayer)
_____________________________________________________________________
How can we talk to God?
I. WHAT DOES PRAYER INCLUDE?
Some people think prayer is a mechanical repetition, a memorized formula, a
prescribed ritual, or a way of making demands of God. But for the believer, prayer
is really different. It is a dialogue, which includes:
A. Worship
We express our love and worship for who God is (Lk. 11:2; Heb. 13:15).
B. Praise
We express our thanks for what God does
(Ps. 103:1,5; Eph. 5:20; 1Th. 5:8).
C. Confession
We admit our sinful nature and our need for forgiveness. Let’s be precise
and specific! (Ps. 32:5; 1Jn. 1:9).
D. Intercession
We are obligated and privileged to pray for each other (1Ti. 2:1). Jesus
Christ intercedes for us (Heb. 7:25).
E. Petition
We ask God for what we need (Php. 4:6)
II. HOW DO WE PRAY?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Ask in the Name of Jesus (Jn. 14:13-14; 15:16)
Pray according to God’s will (1Jn. 5:14-15).
Ask in faith (Mt. 21:22; Jas. 1:6,8)
Eliminate any obstacles of sin, disobedience, selfishness, lack of forgiveness,
idols in the heart, and pride (Ps. 66:18; Jas. 1:6,8).
III. HOW DOES GOD ANSWER OUR PRAYERS?
A. Yes. (Jas. 5:17 – 18)
B. No. (Dt. 3:23-27; 1Ki. 19: 4-5)
C. Wait. (1Sa.1:5, 10, 11, 20)
D. I have something better.
(1Ki. 8:17-19; 1Ch. 22: 7-10; 1Ki. 3:12-14; Eph. 3:20)
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
1. What are the “benefits” for which David thanks God in Psalm 103?
______________________________________________________
2. Where can we speak to God?
Mt. 6:6; Ac. 10:9 ______________________________________
Ac. 2:42; 12:12 ______________________________________
Conclusion
______________________________________
3. When can we speak to God?
Ps. 145:2 ___________
1Jn. 5:13
_____________
1Th. 5:17 ___________
Eph. 6:18 _____________
2Th. 1:11 ___________
Conclusion ___________________________________________
4. What are the benefits of prayer? (Match each phrase with its reference)
A It helps us to seek the will of God
_______ Jas. 5:15
B. It frees us from temptation
_______ Mk. 1:35
C. It strengthens us in our life and service to God
_______ Mt.26:36-46
D. It helps us in times of trouble
_______ 2Co. 13:7
E. God frees us from evil
_______ Mt. 4:2
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
(Philippians 4:6)
LESSON 12
TRUE TESTIMONY
_____________________________________________________________________
All believers are ambassadors for Christ. As such, they should show by their attitudes
and conduct that they have a new life.
I. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN WALK?
We have true freedom in Christ, to do what we must do.
Positive
Negative
1. Freedom in Christ should be used
to please God (1Co. 3:22-23).
1. Freedom in Christ is not given for
personal satisfaction. (Gal. 5:13).
2. Freedom in Christ provides an
opportunity for spiritual
growth (Eph. 2:10).
2. Freedom in Christ is not license for
selfish pleasures, nor an excuse to
practice bad habits (1Co. 6:12; 10:23).
3. Freedom in Christ is an opportunity
to be a blessing to other
christians (1Co. 10:24, 32, 33).
3. Freedom in Christ is not license to harm
other Christians (1Co. 8:9).
4. Freedom in Christ allows us to act with
a clear conscience (Ro. 14:22).
4. Freedom in Christ is not an excuse to hide
our sins (Ro. 2:16).
II. WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN’S WALK?
“… in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord (1Pe. 3:15a).”
A. We belong not to ourselves, but to God.
B. God is guiding our lives.
C. We depend on His means, not ours, to obtain spiritual victory.
III. HOW DO WE APPLY BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES?
A. Self – examination
1. Would Jesus do it? (1Co. 11:1)
2. Am I doing something that doesn’t please God? (Pr. 6:16 – 19; Gal. 1:10)
3. Does my conduct give the impression that I am doing some thing bad?
(1Th. 5:22)
4. Would I do it if I thought that God saw everything I do, say, or think?
(Pr. 5:21)
5. Are my actions good examples that the other Christians can follow?
(1Ti. 4:12)
6. If I do it, would it demonstrate that I love something more than God?
(1Jn. 2:15)
7. Would I like Jesus to find me doing it when He returns? (1Jn. 2:28)
B. Areas of life to examine:
1. Career plans
2. Material possessions
3. Affections (friendships, courtship)
4. Interpersonal relationships (parents, children, spouse, employer, employee,
colleagues, etc.)
5. Sexual life
6. Body (food, alcohol, drugs, clothes, staying up late, etc.)
7. Entertainment (movies, dancing, parties, reading, sports, gambling)
8. Work (lying, bribing, having a mistress)
9. Others (punctuality, keeping promises, etc.)
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
(The teacher and/or discipleship trainer may ask additional questions appropriate for the group.)
What would you do if you had to face the pressure of the world in the following
situations?
1. You are responsible for the accounting in a business. The chief Executive
Officer (CEO) tells you: “Prepare a balance sheet that shows profit, so we can
get a loan from the bank.” However, you know that the business is actually on
the verge of bankruptcy. As an added incentive, the CEO offers to give you a
blank cheque for the favor. What would you do as a believer?
2. What should a Christian secretary do if the boss invites her on a date or
“business trip?”
3. You go shopping for something. You take it to the counter, and are ready to pay
for it, when the cashier asks you, “With or without a receipt?” What would you
do?
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my
disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the
truth will set you free.
(John 8:31b – 32)
LESSON 13
TRUE MAN
Who am I?
I. I AM GOD’S CREATION
A. “In the beginning God created…”
God gave me life (Gen. 1:26, 28). When I do not accept the traits God gave
me, I experience frustrations, depression and even rebel against my Creator.
B. “In His own Image” (Gen. 1:27)
Man was created with a free moral will, capable of knowing, loving, and
having spiritual communion with God. God created Him with the capability to
reason and to rule over nature.
C. “It was very good” (Gen. 1:31)
That is what we are worth to God! But because of sin, the image of God in us
has been distorted and disfigured.
II. I AM OF GREAT VALUE
A. Christ in me:
God’s purpose is to restore His lost image in me. When I receive Christ, He
gives me the capacity to receive eternal life. Because God paid the greatest
possible price for me, I have value, the value of a new creature through Christ.
B. Christ in you:
For the same reason that I am valued by God, He also values my brother, and I
ought to love him.
III. I CAN BE HAPPY
God wants us to have an abundant life (Jn. 10:10). For this reason, I am:
A. Complete in Him
Because I was created for Him (Col. 1:16, 2:10), all the resources of heaven
are at my disposal. I live on a spiritual plane, which puts me above all
circumstances of life.
B. Useful to Him
Since we are in God’s hand, we can do great things for Him, but only through
Him (Php. 4:3; 1Co. 15:10).
C. Rich in Him
When God makes me His child, Jesus Christ is my brother. I am an heir of
God’s eternal riches (and co-heir with Christ). I will live with Him in His
palace forever and ever!
O Lord, what is man that you care for him,
the son of man that you think of him?
(Ps. 144:3)
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION
1. What is your responsibility to God?
_________________________________________________________________
2. Is man responsible for his own decisions?
Yes ________
No ___________
Why? ____________________________________________________________
VERSE TO MEMORIZE
For we are God’s workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(Ephesians 2:10)
PRAYER
Lord, help me to accept myself, with my weaknesses and frailties, with my
insignificance, inadequacy and defects. Let me accept myself because You have
accepted me. Help me to allow You to love me in the fullness of Your Love, and also
to allow my brothers and sisters to love me. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the
capacity to love and to be loved. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.