Quiet Times Search

• His teaching rotated between instruction and assignment
• Questions, illustrations, warnings, and admonitions were calculated to fill His work to evangelize the world.
• When the disciples were sent out they gathered themselves to see what things had been done
  • They were expected to share their experiences
  • Previous mission there was no mention of any spectacular success
  • They gain additional experience
  • Jesus cautioned the disciples against pride in their accomplishments
• Demon-possessed boy – lesson on how they needed more prayer and fasting
• Loaves and fish – lesson on faith they God will provide
• Lessons of patience
  • Danger of discouraging any sincere work - “Those who are not against you are for you” - Mark 9:50
  • Do little the little one stumble - Mark 9:42
  • Encounter resistance - Call down fire from heaven - Luke 9:51-54
  • Jesus came to save not destroy - Luke 9:55

• Everything must be re-examined
• Everything must be reconsidered
• Every desire, dream, use of money and time
• Now everything must have a kingdom-first focus

1. When you don't have daily times with God in the Bible and prayer
2. Responsibilities to the church are a burden
3. Not happy or consistent in giving
4. Personal comfort, desires direct life's decisions
5. Can't find the time to share your faith
6. Gain greater feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction serving another "kingdom"
7. You have greater regard and protection of your schedule
8. Discipleship times, family devotionals not deep or consistent
9. Gaining one more than is greater than gaining one more soul
10. Dreams center more in this world than in the kingdom

• NIV = spur on
• KJV = provoke
• CSB - promote
• NASB - stimulate

1. Stirring up, provoking - only used here in the NT
2. irritation, sharp disagreement - only Acts 15:39
3. Attack of high fever - not in NT

1. Sudden violent outburst
2. Fit of violent action or emotion
3. A severe medically attack

• Pray for their needs and let them know that you are
• Share scripture that you believe will be relevant
• When they share struggles - ask them about it consistently
• Do not be afraid to give someone a bold challenge

A successful life is not life from difficulty, trial, or tragedy - Philippians 1:12-14
While Paul was imprisoned, he learned how to live

He saw God the same - no matter what happened in his life

In an earlier letter he saw illness as an opportunity bring the gospel to the them - Galatians 4:13

He saw imprisonment for a chance to convert Romans
There became disciples is Caesar's household - Philippians 4:22
Something "not good" can be turned into the complete opposite when in God's larger pattern

Paul not giving up deepen their convictions - he emboldened them to share the message

Whatever happens in life can serve to advance the gospel when we are living by faith

• v20 - I have not hesitated to preach
• v21 - Declared that everyone must turn to God in repentance
• v23 - Faced hardships
• v24 - Meant everything to testify to the "gospel of grace"
• v26, 27 - I am innocent of the blood of all men

• Because he proclaimed the whole will of God
• Did not hesitate
• Ezekiel 33:6 - But suppose the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people. Then the sword comes and takes one of their lives. He is swept away for his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for that person's death.

• Paul had an encounter with Jesus
  • Encounters with Jesus are significant
  • Paul understood he was living in opposition to Jesus - killing Christians (people following Christ)
    
  • Don't want to be on the opposite side of the battle from God
  • Where are you at today? Do you know?
  • Share
    • Grow up religious - Every Sunday - through High School
      
    • Ask to come to church, study the Bible
    • Saw life and heart wasn't matching; my sin was in opposition to God
    • Tried to make it personal - mean and angry (Hoping the standard would changed)
    • They were there to help
• Paul had the humility to ask "What shall I do?" - v10
  • Paul had a heart of humility to be taught - Bible
    
  • Could have brought up his religiousness or accomplishments
  • Opened himself up to anything, Not "I'm sorry, won't do that again"
    
• Paul was religious all this life and had the heart to immediately obey and be baptized - v16
  • Perhaps, God uses the life of Paul to prepare our hearts for surrender
    
  • What have you been holding on to instead of Jesus? What is stopping you?

God create male and female in his own image - Genesis 1:27
Gender is how we bear the image of God

God does not have a body so it must be at the level of the soul

Men bear the image of God in their dangerous, inviting strength
Women bear the image of God tender and beautiful
God is the source of all masculine power and feminine allure

It is the nature of love to be generous
Married couples long to have children - want others to share in their happiness
There is no joy like a reunion - there is no sorrow like the sorrow of separation

Jesus tells us to not to fear death
Jesus makes a statement at Lazarus' funeral - if we a are his, we will never die - John 11:26
His tears for Martha and Mary and all who suffer loss and our inablility to see beyond it

God is not the God of dead but of the living - Luke 20:38

The fear of being bored is an unspoken fear of many about the life coming

Parable of the talents, what do the faithful get when they are rewarded?

More work!
You have faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things - Luke 19

Wouldn't a vacation be better?
Jesus believes he is sharing something delightful with us
Come and share your master's happiness - Matthew 25:23

With beauty, we need not fear indulging here
There is not a possessive quality to it
You can love the landscape without acquiring the real estate

Beauty is the closest thing we have to fullness without possessing on this side of eternity

Two kinds of losses in life:

1. Shared by all mankind - accidents,  fate, acts of God
2. Only know by the pilgrim - losses that we choose. We give up something that wasn't ours to begin with

Spiritual surrender is not resignation
Not choosing to care longer
Not an attempt to get beyond the suffering

It is surrender with desire

1. The Blessing of Giving - Acts 20:33-35
   1. Paul did not desire anyone else's money or possessions.
   2. He worked hard and sacrificed to help the weak.
   3. He knew that giving brought more joy than receiving.
2. Living for Eternal Possessions - Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 10:32-34
   1. When our treasure is in heaven not on earth, our hearts will be in heaven also.
   2. As disciples, we will look foolish to the world because our hearts and our treasures (money) are in heaven not on earth.
3. All Things For Our Enjoyment - 1 Timothy 6:17-18
   1. It is very easy for us who have wealth to put our hope and trust in money/things rather than God.
   2. As disciples we are commanded to be generous and willing to share.
   3. When we follow God"s plan we can feel great about enjoying the blessings God has given us.

1. Which do I desire more, to give or to receive?
2. How can I put all my treasure in heaven so that all my heart will be there also?
3. How am I being generous and willing to share on a daily basis?
4. Am I enjoying God's blessings or do I feel guilty about the things I have?

1. Introduction
   "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"
   As Christians, we often fail to have a plan for our finances. Prior to doing this study, you may have even thought it unspiritual to spend time focusing on your finances. Hopefully, by now you have developed convictions as to God's plan for your finances. In this study, we will look at the need for us to establish a budget for our spending. A budget is a reasonable written plan for your giving, spending, and saving based on your income. It is a tool to help you to be a good steward of that which God has entrusted to you.
2. The Need for a Budget
   1. God expects you to know the condition of your flocks and herds (money, possessions, debts) Proverbs 27:23
   2. We must have a plan and commit it to God. Proverbs 16:3, 3:9
   3. Jesus teaches us to know the cost of something before we begin. It is foolish not to budget. Luke 14:28-30
3. Guidelines
   1. Plan first to give to God.
   2. Plan to live sacrificially, not beyond your means.
   3. Plan to have something to share, to be able to be generous with others.
   4. Plan to save for occasional or emergency expenses (e.g. special contributions, auto repairs, medical expenses, family trips).
   5. Plan to eliminate debt - Romans 13:8

1. Do I have a written budget that I use to plan my giving, spending, and saving?
2. Do I compare my actual spending to my budget?
3. Have I adopted a standard of living that enables me to stay out of debt and have enough to be generous with others?

1. Why Get Out of Debt?
   1. It hinders us from being able to give generously. When we are paying 18%+ interest on top of the principal, it is difficult to have anything left to share with others.
   2. It is wasteful. The exorbitant interest we pay on our credit cards is totally wasted.
   3. The balance is probably there because you were not following God's plan for your finances.
2. How to Get Out
   1. You must be radical (Matthew 5:29-30)
      1. Cut up all your credit cards (if you have outstanding balances that you have not been able to pay off for 3 months or more).
      2. Call your credit card companies and cancel the accounts.
      3. Work out your budget with the goal of removing your debt. Do not buy anything that is not necessary. Cut all unnecessary expenditures out of your budget (e.g. cable TV, newspaper).
      4. Get input (Proverbs 15:22)
      5. Commit your plan to the Lord (Psalms 127:1-2)
   2. Finish the job (Luke 14:28-30)
      1. Let godly sorrow lead you to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10-11). You must take responsibility for your debt.

1. Am I in sinful/foolish debt? If so, why?
2. Am I willing to apply the principles set forth to get out of debt?
3. What will be the hardest thing for me to change to get out of debt?
4. Who do I know that will be able to help me with my plan?

• Because you contacted them out of blue
• Both of you want to see all the changes that have happened since you last saw them

• Easter - What do you think happened to Jesus' body?
• Thanksgiving - what we are thankful for
• Independence Day - what kinds of freedom mean the most to them
• Conversations about what holidays their family likes to keep

• A helpless old man
• Cosmic killjoy
• Disinterested deity
• Harsh ogre

• Some daring act of evangelism - although He did this almost daily
• Being baptized  - although it is commanded and can never be omitted

• v4 - new life
• v7 - freed from sin
• v11 - dead to sin but alive in Christ

• "Too young"
• "Not good speakers"
• "Claimed weakness"
• "Claimed faithlessness"

• Peter: Do I know enough?
• John: Will I be loved?

• Sin is the fundamentally “un-God-ward” orientation of our “flesh” or “sinful nature” and finds expression in many different ways. Emphasize “and the like.”
  
• What is the common element in all these things? Self-centeredness.
  
• Be as specific as necessary to explain and share from your own life about the sins listed. How do you see yourself in these verses? What sins have been characteristic of your own sinful nature? (If needed, look at additional Scriptures which catalog sins.)

• We are sinful and in need of forgiveness not only as a result of those sins we have committed, but for failing to do the good that we know to do.

• How does sin enslave?
  
• Note that sin is a power that must be defeated as well as specific acts that must be repented of.
  
• Who alone can set us free from sin? (John 8:31-36)

• What are the eternal consequences of sin?
  
• Why be urgent to learn about receiving the gift of God that comes through Jesus Christ?
  
• Review these verses as honestly as you can to get in touch with the bad news about your own sinfulness. In the next couple of studies, we will look at the good news of God’s solution to our bondage to sin. (Note: In some instances it is important to have the person articulate how he or she was saved or forgiven of sin before examining the Bible’s teaching about salvation.)

1. Initiate in questions

• Seek advise - finances, dating, school, home, family
  
• Proverbs 12:15 - many advisors make a victory sure!
• Reasons we don’t:
  
  • Pride
  • Independence
  • Sin

2. Initiate in openness – confession – Proverbs 28:13

• Sin, temptations, feelings, attitudes
• Disciples should never have to guess about what’s going on.
  
• Share fears, desires, dreams, embarrassments,joys, sorrows…

• 1 Peter 3:15-16 - Be prepared
• Matthew 7:6 - Be discerning
• Proverbs 15:1 - Not harsh
• Proverbs 17:27, 29:20 - Not hasty

• Don’t argue doctrine
• Share about how Christ has changed your life
• Solicit responses and LISTEN

• The Apostle Paul tell Timothy that godliness through spiritual training by holding to his teachings has great value for this life and the next
• v10 - We must put our hope in God not self
  
• Question: What does the Bible say that we should set an example in? What area do you need to change the most?
• v16 - Your life and Bible must be equal (doctrine = beliefs)
• Not just know the Bible but live it out
• Do you have any questions so far? Do you understand so far?
• Question: Is this something you want to really go after every day?
• Briefly share about when you first started studying to be a disciple - the challenge, hope and desire

• Question: How do you think the Word is living and active today?
• The Bible judges the everything:
  • thoughts
  • attitudes
  • insecurities
  • criticalness
  • impurities
• Nothing is hidden from God sight. Do you realize that?

• Question: The disciples that were scattered began teaching the Greeks what? Good news about Jesus
• Question: What did Barnabas encourage people to do? Know an hold to Jesus' words
• Barnabas found Saul then brought him to Antioch so they could teach the Word of God (review)
• Question: In Antioch, the disciples of Jesus were called what for the 1st time? Why?
• A disciple of Jesus is WHAT they were. Christian is what the world labeled them
• Christian = Disciple = Saved

• Question: What did Jesus proclaim in Galilee? What was the good news? Kingdom of God was near; your life can change)
• Question: What is the first thing Jesus instructed these fishermen to do? Follow him. What does that mean?
• Question: What will Jesus make us into? What does that mean? Is this something you are willing to do?
• Share what purpose your purpose was before becoming a disciple
• Question: What would you say your life has been focused/purpose so far?

Definition of Sin
Romans 3:21-25

• The Law and the Prophets (Old Testament) testify about the righteousness from God (Jesus)
• Questions
  • What has sinned?
  • Who is separated from God then?
  • Where does our redemption come from?

Sins of Omission
James 4:13-17

• Involves inward things that people don't nessarily see
  • Bitterness
  • Hatred
  • Procrastination
  • Looking down on others
  • Unwillingness to help/serve
• Question: What sins of ommission would you say have been or are currently in your life?

Sin of Commission
Galatians 5:16-25

• Go through the list and define each sin to paint a clear picture
• Person leading the study share their own sin (5-6 minutes), then 1 or 2 others for 2-3 minutes
• After the person studying shares then suggest meeting again to talk about things further

• Judas had already decided in his heart and actions to betray Jesus. Then he watched for an opportunity to carry out sin.
• Share: A person's heart can be so hard that they no longer fear God - Psalms 36:1-3
• In spite of knowing that Judas was lying and plotting to have him killed, Jesus still loved him.
• The disciples had no clue who it was.
• Jesus' heart and actions never expressed any anger/resentment toward Judas

• Peter accepted the words of Jesus until it came time to apply them to his life.
• Share: Peter's prideful refusal to accept Jesus will for his life lead other down the wrong path

• Jesus felt alone because of the selfishness of his friends (choosing to sleep instead of praying for him)
• Share: Jesus prayed so intensely that his capillaries burst and mixed with his blood (I have a medical account for you)
• Question: Jesus could have stopped this but he didn't. Why do you think he was willing to sweat blood for you  (He loves you)
• Afterwards Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss (they arrested him and his words came true; the disciples all scattered)

• They spit in Jesus' face and beat him with their fist. Have you ever been spit on?
• Jesus looked straight at Peter after the 3rd denial and the rooster crowed - He was that close to Peter - Luke 22:61
• How do you think this made Jesus feel? Why do you think Jesus continued to go to the cross? (He loves you)

• Pilate could have released Jesus but he was more concerned with pleasing people than pleasing God
• Think of all the people that shouted "crucify him". People who he healed, fed, etc. How do you think Jesus felt?
• They released a murderer instead of Jesus (many said they believed he was the son of God but still this)
• Share: Pilate tried to escape responsibility by washing his hands but denying the truth does not remove the sin
• They beat Jesus again, to the point he did not look human - Isaiah 52:14
• Question: Why do you think Jesus was still willing to go through this for you? (Because he loves you). He is not even at the cross yet.

• Jesus was beaten so badly that he couldn't even carry his own cross
• v46 Jesus hung on the cross for hours (slow tortuous death) but yet he screams out loudly 
• Share: Jesus had never been separated God (since the beginning of time they were united)
• Share: Once Jesus took on YOUR sin, he was separated from God (Wall of Sin  = Isaiah 59:1-2)

• Jesus suffered for you and me because he loves us that much (willing to take our pain)
• Not only did Jesus bear the physical pain but the emotional and spiritual pain as well.
• This pain and separation from God was more than he could take (lead to his overwhelming death)
• Question: How do you feel about the fact that Jesus went through all this for you? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
• Question: Did you know that Jesus loved you this much? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
• Question: How do you feel about your sin now that you know what Jesus went through?

• Worldly Sorrow = feel bad because you did wrong and/or got caught doing something
• Godly Sorrow = repentance, earnestness, eagerness to clear yourself, longing, concern, indignation, alarm, ready to see justice done
• Share: God wants you to respond by repenting of your sin and showing love to him because he loved you first - 1 John 4:19

• Question: Who has all authority? Jesus is the head (focus) of everything we want to do
• Question What is another name for the body of Christ? The head controls the body. Who is the head of the church? Jesus
• Use illustration to help for understanding
  

• Question: How would you define a foreigner or an alien person? Before becoming a disciple that's is what you
• Now through Jesus we are able to have peace (relationship) with God. To become family.
• As a disciple you become part of the family (household) not a part of the organization
• Question: What is the foundation of God's household? v20 - The Bible
• Share: Everyone in a household has responsibilities as we have responsibilities to the church family

• Our heart should be to give "cheerfully" out of gratitude for all that God's done for you
• Weekly contribution is an opportunity to express our gratitude to God weekly.
• Share: You wouldn't want someone to love you because they "have to" instead because they "want to".
• God doesn't make you give he wants you to give "cheerfully"
• Question: How do you feel about giving contribution weekly?
• Share: Once a year we have a special contribution to help in special areas (explain what special is about)

• Each disciple is different (racially, socially, economically, culturally, etc) and God wants it that way.
• Each disciple is different but each person is important. What gift do you see yourself adding to the body?
• v18 - God arranges the body parts the way he wants them to be (our relationships are orchestrated by God)
• God has the person that He wants you to (marry, roommate, etc) already in mind for you (trust him)

• Acts 5:42 - Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news
• Acts 8:4 - Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
  

• The principle involved here is called life-transference.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 - We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well

• We must love each other the way Jesus loves us (unconditionally).
• How did Jesus love his disciples unconditionally (Peter, Judas, John, etc…)?

• Love each other deeply from the heart (not surface love)
• Share our insecurities (to not let Satan get a foot hold)

• I read that when a caterpillar exists in its lowly state it can get as close as it wants to other caterpillars.
• They climb all over each other and share grounds selflessly.
• But as soon as the caterpillar spreads its wings and takes flight, it can never again get close as it once did to other creatures.
• The beauty of its wings is the very thing that prevents it from getting close.
• When we puff ourselves up with pride, we cannot get close to people around us.
• We beat our wings against theirs and we both are destroyed.

• It takes humility to have truly great relationships
  
• When we are selfish we refuse to share what we have with others (time, possessions, self)
  
• If we fail to share ourselves, then on one will really know us.
  
• It is impossible to be really close to people and be selfish
  

• Pride blinds us to who we really are
• We get a false image of ourselves and cling to that image instead of the truth
• Underneath our arrogance and pride are feelings of self-loathing and extreme neediness
• In order to overcome we puff ourselves up, we act as if we have it together
• Unfortunately we only fool & hurt ourselves because others can see through it.
• This shell of pride can also keep others away as we duck our heads back in (turtle)
• As long as we stay in our shell we are prisoners of our own pride, destine to live a lonely life

Summary

Humankind corrupted the earth with evil. God decided to destroy them. He told Noah to build an ark to be saved from the flood.

Observations

Genesis 6:5 - every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time
At this point, in a relatively small amount of time, man no longer called out for God. It was just Genesis chapter 4 when men just began to call out for God and at this time

Genesis 6:13 - God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people"
God shared his plans with Noah even though they were very troubling. A deep relationship is where you share you plans and dreams (not in this case). God trusted Noah. Noah trusted God even more (as he should). That mutual trust helped save mankind and allow us to live today.

Genesis 6:22 - Noah did everything just as God commanded him
After being 500 years old or so, Noah still did everything God commanded him to do. We can not imagine the pressure and persecution Noah must have gone through to build a boat in the middle of the dessert. Still he did not waiver. His complete faith was with God and trusted every word God spoke to him. We have trouble with just a small amount of faith that required to live our lives.

Personal Application

Increase my faith, Lord! I see Noah's faith to build an ark and I struggle to have faith today.The struggles I face today are not even a speck compared to Noah's troubles.  Noah had great faith because he trusted God and what he said. That is what I need to do.

• Proverbs 4:10-15 - We must make daily decisions to turn away from evil
• Proverbs 4:23-27 - Our hearts either keep us healthy or harm us spiritually; life or death

• Hebrews 3:12-14 - Sin hardens (diseases) our heart and turns us from God
• Mark 4:14-20 - Sin and worldliness can choke us from breathing normal

• Proverbs 7:6-27 - Be careful to stay away from tempting situations you could have avoided
• 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 - Don’t spend time with the wrong people or in the wrong places
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Break off any serious union with those who don’t share your convictions
• 2 Timothy 2:22-23 - Run away if you need to; it is not weak to realize you are weak

1. What does it mean to be a royal priesthood?
2. What message should you be sharing?
3. Are you really declaring God's praises or just giving out an invitation?

1. How can you tell if you're living for yourself or living for Jesus?
2. What does it mean to be Christ's ambassador?
3. Would Jesus be pleased with the way you present him?
4. What does it mean to APPEAL to and IMPLORE people?
5. What attitude should you have toward the lost?

1. Why was Paul distressed?
2. What are some sights around your city that should distress you?
3. Where did Paul share his faith?
4. Why did Paul begin his message by commending the Athenians for being very religious?
5. What does this teach you about preaching Paul's message?

1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?

1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?

1. What did Jesus share with his disciples?
2. Are you this kind of a friend to other Christians?
3. Do they really know all about your life?

1. What does it mean to speak freely?
2. Are you opening your heart to others?
3. What are some feelings you aren't expressing to anyone?

1. Why did Elijah feel so overwhelmed?
2. What are some things that have made you feel like giving up?
3. How did the Lord encourage him physically, spiritually and emotionally?
4. What do you normally do when you start feeling "down"?
5. How can you apply the 3 lessons from above the next time you are tempted to give in to discouragement?

1. How do you think Elijah felt to be given a friend and disciple like Elisha?
2. Why did God wait until Elijah was "in action" again before sending him to Elisha?

1. What was different about the way Jesus taught?
2. Are you teaching others with authority?

1. How late do you think Jesus worked that night?
2. Do you think he felt tired?
3. Why did he work so hard?
4. Are you willing to push yourself for others to know Jesus - even when it is very challenging?

1. Note how early Jesus got up the next day? Why did he?
2. How much do you feel the need to pray like Jesus?

1. What kinds of people did Jesus make friends with? Why?
2. How do you treat sinners and pagans? 3. Are you making new friends to share the gospel with?

1. How do we "hold out the word of life" to others?
2. What kind of example do we need to show those around us?
3. What have you complained or argued about lately? How can you change?

1. How can you be a slave to everyone? (Give examples)
2. What are some ways you need to adapt to people in your life to help them be saved?

1. Why should we be "weeping" as we go out to make disciples?
2. What is the promise for those who do?

1. What is Christ's "strategy" for evangelizing the world?
2. Describe a reliable disciple. Are you reliable in terms of keeping appointments, keeping time, following instructions?
3. How are you to follow the example of a soldier, an athlete and a farmer? Be specific.
4. Would Timothy or Paul have chosen you to teach others? Why?

1. How is the Christian life like running a race?
2. What happens if an athlete does not train or "beat" his body?
3. What happens if you do not train and discipline yourself as a disciple?

1. Do you have a heart like this?
2. What is your life producing?

1. What do you need to do to keep growing as a Christian?
2. Define goodness, perseverance, brotherly kindness.
3. What happens if you stop growing?
4. What does verse 10 mean?

1. If a brother or sister came to visit you, what kind of report would they give about your Life?
2. How do you feel about your life in Christ up until today?
3. Are you growing?
4. In what areas do you need help?

• Compassion causes us to act. Mark 1:40 - 42
• Compassion compels us to invest emotionally. John 11: 33 - 35
• Compassion inspires hope. Mark 5:25 - 34

• Do we have compassion on all people? - Psalms 145:9
• Do we restore people with compassion? - Zechariah 10:16
• Do we show compassion to the weak? - Isaiah 42:3 & 4
• Do we stifle compassion in our ministries? - Amos 1:11
• Do you see the spiritual suffering of people?