WELCOME

You have heard me teach things that have been conrmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy
people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2
Our culture for all its freedom to worship God has not produced very many people who truly follow God. And what is missing is
not people willing to atend church, but rather trustworthy people who are willing to pass on to others what it means to be a
disciple.
In deciding to lead this group you have put yourself on the front lines of the batle to correct this trend. Nothing is more instrumen-
tal in developing commited followers of Christ than equipping people to understand and apply the Word of God.
It is our prayer that God would use you in a mighty way as you lead your group. That through this study God would used your lead-
ership to point people to Jesus, and devote the whole of their lives to following him.
WHATS AT STAKE
Not everyone who calls out to me, Lord! Lord! will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my
Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in
your name and performed many miracles in your name. But I will reply, I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break Gods
laws. Mathew 7:21-23 (NLT)
The Word of God should always cause us to take pause and evaluate our lives. And these words of Jesus should send a shiver
down the spine of every church atender.
I never knew you.
With this statement Jesus says that he will cast many out of his presence on the day judgement. And what is surprising is that many
whom Jesus will cast away would consider themselves religious. People involved in God-sponsored projects and activities, people
who know about Jesus but have never actually come to know him.
In this passage Jesus has an expectation that those who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven will do more than just believe in him,
they will follow him. And that this following afer him would be so personal Jesus would say on the great day of judgement I know
this man! or I know this woman!
There is more to being a Christian than atending a church service, involvement in ministry, or cultivating good morals. Jesus would
tell that us the heart of Christianity focuses on a single desire: knowing him. This desire to know Christ personally is at the heart of
what the bible calls discipleship.
To be a disciple is to live a life which is summed up well for us in 2 Peter 3:18.
...you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.2 Peter 3:18 (NLT)
As you lead your group, this desire to know Christ with the whole of our lives, must always remain the focus. And for those in your
group who long to know Jesus, he would extend a simple invitation: Follow me.
THE JESUS MODEL
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, Come, follow me. John 1:43 (NLT)
Read this verse carefully. Think about the people in your group. Substitute their home town for Galilee, and their names for Philip.
Christ is oering the very invitation to them he oered to Philip! He wants us to follow him. Jesus is calling us all to discipleship.
FOLLOW ME
STUDY INTRODUCTION
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This study is designed to help answer Jesus call: Come, follow me. However, it is important to remember that discipleship is not
a study to be completed. Discipleship is a way a life. It is the result of wholly surrendering our lives to Jesus, following him every
moment of every day.
Over the next 14 weeks this is an important perspective to keep in mind. The goal of discipleship is not gaining more information,
the goal is life transformation.
Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across the valley from the Temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately
and asked him, Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fullled?
Mark 13:3-4 (NLT)
Many times Jesus would teach in a public seting, and then pull away with his disciples and have a private discussion. These discus-
sions would involve the disciples and Jesus asking questions of each other. It was through these discussions that the disciples ofen
gained insights missed by the crowd.
This was the Jesus model of discipleship. A small group, gathering together around the Word of God, asking and answering questions.
It is the model we use for this discipleship study. A small group, studying the Bible together, asking and answering questions. If you
have never done this before get ready for a life changing experience. There is nothing more powerful, than siting down with others
and studying the scriptures other people.
HOW TO USE THIS MATERIAL
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is
a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court ocial of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians,
who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was
reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, Go over and join this chariot. So Philip ran to him and heard him reading
Isaiah the prophet and asked, Do you understand what you are reading? And he said, How can I, unless someone guides me?
And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8:26-31 (ESV)
For many not being able to read and understand the Bible is their primary obstacle to discipleship. And it is not for lack of desire
that they fail, but for lack of help. Their frustration with understanding the Word of God is same as the Ethiopian eunuchs How
can I, unless someone guides me?
It is good to think of these studies in terms of the scene we nd painted in Acts chapter 8. A gathering of people who desire to
know Christ. And they have invited you to sit down and help guide the Scriptures. To accomplish this we have found that there are
some important practices to cultivate and avoid as your lead your group.
Facilitating vs Teaching: For many what they know of God is atending a church service and being taught the Bible. While atending
a weekend service is an important aspect of spiritual growth, it cannot alone lead to true discipleship. To be a disciple means that we
must learn to read the Word of God for ourselves, not become dependent on another to read and learn the Word of God for us.
To get the most out of this material you must avoid the temptation to become the teacher while the other members of your
group become the learners. Rather your role will be that of a guide. One who facilitates discussion of the Bible within your group.
This is why each lesson has been stripped down to two basic components: Scriptures to read and questions to ask.
On each lesson there is a sidebar of Scripture with additional questions. This sidebar has been designed to help draw more insight
out of the main passage you will be studying. How you use this sidebar is ofen driven by the direction of your groupss conversation.
Our hope is that each study would be led by the Holy Spirit. And that he would direct you encourage conversation within the group.
Support Material: In this Leaders Guide we have provided you with two resources for each lesson. First, each lesson will start with
a short devotional. This devotional is meant to stir up your heart concerning the lesson your group will study. Included with this
devotional is a suggested prayer for you to ask Gods leading as your groups meets together.
Second, each lesson comes with a Lesson Insight page. This page provides you with some Biblical and historical context of the
passage that you will be studying. These insights are provided to help as you facilitate discussion, they are not meant to be used as
teaching points for the study.
Right vs Wrong Answers: For some in your group, being asked directly What do you think this verse means? may be a new and
intimidating experience. It is important then, to develop a culture within your group where giving honest answers is welcomed.
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Your aim as the facilitator of your group is not to get someone to give the right answer, but to encourage them to give an honest
answer. Sometimes knowing that they dont know can be one of the most powerful insights that a group member can come to.
Less is More: For Philip discipleship took place at an intimate level: one-on-one. One of the things a leader will ght against is the
thought that more people in your group means that it is more successful. However if you are trying to cultivate a seting of group
participation where questions are asked and answered then smaller is beter.
We have found that an ideal size for a group is anywhere from 3 to 8 people. In this group size real relationships can be formed as
you guide your group through the study of Gods Word.
Time Management: Ofen, discussion based Bible studies can become frustrating if they wander o topic and spend to much time
chasing down rabbit trails. It is a good goal to set an hour time limit for your Bible study. This gives you some accountability as the
leader to keep the discussion on track. And it helps ensure that in 14 weeks you will have given your group a solid foundation for
following Christ.
Preparation: The best thing you can do as a leader is to spend time prior to the study reading the passages of scripture you will
be studying. This will help you lead the discussion and know when to reference the the scriptures in the side bar of the lesson. It is
also a good idea to remind your group each week to do the assigned reading prior to the following weeks study.
Translations: The Bible is primarily writen in two languages Hebrew (The Old Testament) and Greek (The New Testament). Be-
cause of the nature of these two languages there is no perfect translation of the Bible into english. It is for this reason that you will
nd many dierent translations of the Bible. Some of them will focus on word for word translation (The English Standard Version)
while others will focus on thought for thought translation (The New Living Translation). Others still, atempt to thread the needle
between these two approaches (The New International Version).
One of the exciting things that can happen in your study is hearing the same Bible verses in dierent translations. Ofen hearing
dierent translations can broaden your understanding of a verse, or spark meaningful discussion about what a verse truly means.
Most importantly it is good to remember as a leader that you are not trying to direct those in your group to nd a perfect transla-
tion, but to discovering the God behind the pages of scripture.
Expectations: As you go through these studies our hope is 3 things would be accomplished. First, your group would come to un-
derstand what a disciple is and why discipleship is so important. Second, they would become anchored in the Bible, understanding
the big story of God. And third, through the study of scripture they would begin to more fully live their lives for God, encouraging
others to do the same.
We have found that it is good at the beginning of your study to let group members know that others will want to take the same
journey that they are taking. Thus we like to challenge members up front to be praying about starting a group of their own once
they have completed this study with you.
HOW TO START A GROUP
As Jesus was geting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, No, go home
to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been. So the man started o to visit
the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he
told them. Mark 5:18-20 (NLT)
In this story Jesus had just healed a demoniac. Afer this great miracle the man asked Jesus if he could now leave his home and fol-
low him. But Jesus instructed the man to instead go home to the people he already knew and talk to them about Jesus.
This is a great model for starting a discipleship group. If you already have relationships with others who desire to know Jesus go to
them and ask if they would like to start a group with you. This can be a spouse, coworker, friend, or fellow student. God wants us
to grow where we have been planted, and so it is good to look around and ask who has God already placed in my life to start this
study with?
As you do this see if the people you invite have a friend, family member or coworker that they would like to invite. We have found
that the best groups form organically. Building of the relationships that God has already established in our lives.
Once you have found a group of 3-8 people who would like to meet with you, pick a time and a place to meet. Ofen the more in-
formal the place the beter. Try a coee shop, your living room or a friends house. Then meet at the same time each week. Meeting
at a consistent time and location will help ensure that your group stays together over the next 14 weeks.
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DISCIPLESHIP FOUNDATIONS
WEEK 1
What is a disciple? Mathew 16
WEEK 2
The disciple and church: Acts 2
WEEK 3
Discipleship and the Bible: Psalm 119
UNDERSTANDING THE OLD TESTAMENT
WEEK 4
Creation & the fall: Genesis 1-3
WEEK 5
Gods covenant with Abraham: Genesis 12 & 15
WEEK 6
The exodus & passover: Exodus 3, 11-12
WEEK 7
Gods covenant with Moses & the law: Exodus 19-20
WEEK 8
Sacrice & the temple: Leviticus 16 & 1 Kings 9
WEEK 9
The kingdom of God: 2 Samuel 7 & Ezekiel 37
WEEK 10
The exile & restoration: 2 Kings 17, Ezekiel 36 & Jeremiah 31
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW TESTAMENT
WEEK 11
Jesus the messiah: Mathew 1
WEEK 12
The great commission & the Holy Spirit: Mathew 26 & John 16
WEEK 13
The early church & global good news: Acts 2 & 15
WEEK 14
The end of the story: Revelation 21-22
FOLLOW ME
STUDY OVERVIEW
DEVOTIONAL
Discipleship can be veiwed as a process, with three phases: Come and see, come and follow, come and die. Through this process
Jesus will ask us to continually give our lives away until Christ alone is our life.
Come and see
Jesus looked around and saw them following. What do you want? he asked them. They replied, Rabbi (which means Teacher),
where are you staying? Come and see, he said. John 1:38-39
Jesus never demands, he always invites. This is how discipleship begins. Jesus inviting those who are curious to take a closer look.
Many who take this closer look will have their lives forever changed.
Come and follow
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothersSimon, also called Peter, and Andrew
throwing a net into the water, for they shed for a living. Jesus called out to them, Come, follow me, and I will show you how to sh
for people! And they lef their nets at once and followed him. Mathew 4:18-20
Discipleship is always about relationship not a list of things to do. And so Jesus calls us to follow him. To do this we must be willing
to walk away from the familiar life we have known, and by faith follow Christ into the unknown.
Come and die
Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selsh ways, take up your cross,
and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
Mathew 16:24-25
Ultimately discipleship means that we must become less and less, while Christ must become more and more. But Jesus invitation
to give our lives away is not the end, rather it is the beginning! A life wholly given over to our Saviour Jesus.
PRAYER
Father, give me great discernment as I lead this group. Use this study to challenge myself, and those I lead, to fully commit our lives
to you. For those who may not know your Son, would this study be an opportunity for them to come and see who Jesus truly is. For
those of us who do know your Son would you use this study to deepen our commitment. Help us to follow Christ by faith and give
our lives aways for His sake, and the sake of His gospel. Amen.
WEEK 1
WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?
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WHERE DISCIPLESHIP STARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 16:13-20
Jesus begins the conversation with his disciples by asking a general question about what others seem to believe about him, but
then makes it very personal when He asks each of his disciples what they believe. This is the same question we must personally
answer if we choose to be a follower of Jesus, otherwise known as a disciple.
If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 (NIV)
When Peter answered that Jesus is the Messiah or Christ, he was stating his belief that Jesus is the fulllment of all the Old Testa-
ment prophesy of a Savior to come. The Jewish people, of whom all the disciples were, were well-versed in Old Testament scrip-
tures and knew that it spoke of a Messiah (meaning anointed one) to come that would establish an everlasting kingdom (Jer. 23:5-6).
Peter, as well as the other disciples, believed Jesus to be that king.
Jesus begins to talk about the church afer Peter makes his statement of belief. It is this belief in Jesus that is to be the rock, or
foundation, of the church. And when the church makes this its foundation, there will be eternal ramications. What is done in
Jesus name will be carried into heaven and aspects of heaven will be seen here on earth. Its exciting to think that we, as a com-
munity of believers, might be able to give the world around us, a glimpse of heaven by following Jesus!
This section of scripture ends with Jesus ordering his disciples not to tell anyone about who they now know Jesus to be. This
sounds like an odd command to Christians today, who understand their responsibility, later given by Jesus, to spread the gospel
and make disciples of others. The disciples are not given Jesus reasoning for such a command, which leaves us only to speculate
the rationale. It may be that Jesus was not ready for the truth about him to be widely known because it would hasten the timeline
of his death. Or, He may have been emphasizing the need for people to come to their own personal convictions about who He is.
Whatever the exact reason may be, we can conclude that there is, at times, uncertainly in following Jesus. We must trust in what
He says even when we dont fully understand why.
THE CHALLENGE OF DISCIPLESHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 16:21-23
In a short amount of time Peter goes from being praised for his faith, to being told that what he is saying sounds satanic! It cer-
tainly would have been upseting for Peter to hear that someone he had grown close to was going to have to suer and die. But he
also had a more selsh reason for being upset with Jesus words. The consensus belief of the Jewish people was that the Messiah
would build and rule an earthly, Jewish kingdom here on earth.
At the time, the Roman Empire ruled the land, and although not all Jewish people believed Jesus to be the Messiah, most would
have welcomed the idea of being able to rule their own nation again, as they did in Old Testament times. Peter and the other
disciples looked forward to Jesus overthrowing the Roman government and establishing his own Jewish empire (Act 1:6). They also
looked forward to being given positions of authority in this new kingdom, which is why they ofen argued among themselves, who
would be the greatest.
Mark 9:33-35 Afer they arrived at Capernaum and setled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, What were you discussing out on
the road? But they didnt answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the
twelve disciples over to him, and said, Whoever wants to be rst must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.
Jesus points out to Peter that he is being motivated by his concern, or desires, and not by Gods. This will always be one of our
biggest temptations when following Jesus; to be more concerned with what we want rather than what God wants. We must con-
stantly guard ourselves by examining our motives when we come to God. For example, when we pray, is it to discover Gods will, or
to will him to do whatever we think best? When we read His word, do we study it for the sake of knowing Him more and pursuing
WEEK 1
LESSON INSIGHTS
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Him in relationship, or do we look for it to reinforce our preconceived thoughts about what God is like or should do. We must
always remember that Gods purpose is to transform us into His image, not be persuaded to become more like ours.
And the Lordwho is the Spiritmakes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 16:24-28
Jesus says to his disciples that whoever wants to follow Him must deny themselves and take up their cross. To deny ourselves is to
batle our own selshness. It is to view God and his will as being more important than anything else in our lives. Jesus had made
this point to his disciples several chapters earlier in Mathew.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy
of me. Mathew 10:37 (ESV)
Jesus speaks of the closest relationships we may have and declares that our relationship with Him must be more important than
even these.
When Jesus speaks to his disciples about taking up a cross, they would have immediately recognized the imagery. During that time,
crucixion was the worst form of punishment inicted by the Roman Empire and was normally reserved for the worst of criminals.
The Prisoners were made to carry the cross that they would be hanged on, to the place of execution (Jn. 19:17). The cross was a
symbol of torture and death, and so Jesus is literally telling his disciples that their commitment to him must be so strong that they
would even be willing to suer and die for his sake.
To this you were called, because Christ suered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)
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WHERE DISCIPLESHIP STARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 16:13-20
What is the key question we must answer in order to become a disciple?
How would you answer this question? How did Peter answer this question, and what do
you think his answer means?
What connection does Jesus draw between Peters answer and the church, and why?
What does Verse 20 teach us about the uncertainty of following Jesus?
THE CHALLENGE OF DISCIPLESHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 16:21-23
Afer Peters declaration, what does Jesus say must happen to Him?
Why would Jesus say that He must go to Jerusalem and suer and that He must be
killed?
Why does Peter struggle with what Jesus says?
THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 16:24-28
In Verse 24 what does Jesus say is required to follow him?
What do you think He means by these three things?
In Verse 25, what is the warning and promise atached to following Christ?
A RIGHT ANSWER DEMANDS A
RIGHT RESPONSE
Mathew 7:21-23
What do you think the dierence is
between knowing about Jesus and
actually knowing Him?
AS JESUS FOLLOWED THE
FATHER, WE MUST
FOLLOW HIM
Mathew 26:36-46
What was Jesus struggling with in
the Garden of Gethsemane? What
was the conclusion He came to as a
result of this struggle?
THE COST OF THE CALL
Mathew 10:34-39
What is it that you value most in
life? Would you be willing to give
away this person, pursuit or
pleasure in order to follow Christ?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians
12:12-27. Consider what role the
church plays in the discipleship
process.
PART 1: WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?
MATTHEW 16:13-28
DEVOTIONAL
In Acts 2:42 the word translated fellowship is the Greek word koinonia.
The strength of this words meaning is probably seen best by the way the word was used in New Testament times. Siamese twins
born in the ancient world were said to have koinonia in blood, for if one died the other would die too. In the same way, our fellow-
ship with one another is to be of this quality: what happens to one will happen to the other. Perhaps the best way to understand
the word koinonia is the phrase: shared life.
From this perspective it is interesting that koinonia is ofen translated: Contribution, Participation, Sharing; Romans 15:26 contribu-
tion (koinonia) for the poor, 2 Corinthians 8:4 participation (koinonia) in the support of the saints, 2 Corinthians 9:13 contribu-
tion (koinonia) to them and to all Hebrews 13:16 do not neglect doing good and sharing (koinonia). As you think about having
fellowship with others, do you think in terms of contributing, participating, and sharing in their life?
How does this shape your understanding of biblical fellowship? Why do you think Bible study, prayer and communion are important
to genuine koinonia? In what ways can you help cultivate true fellowship in your group?
PRAYER
Father would you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, bring about true fellowship in this group. Help us to share life with one another
to such an extent that what happens to one happens to all. Your word teaches that all believers share life together in the Body of
Christ, the church. Help this truth to be reected in this group. Would we become one in Jesus name. Amen.
WEEK 2
THE DISCIPLE & CHURCH
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WHERE THE CHURCH STARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 2:36-40
Afer the disciples receive the Holy Spirit during the festival of Pentecost, Peter is emboldened to share the message of Jesus with
the crowd that had gathered. What is unique about his sermon is that over half of it is simply quoting Old Testament scripture!
This is a great lesson for us: the only thing that is truly powerful enough to transform our lives is God and his word. The crowd that
responded, was being convicted by scripture.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,
and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
When the people asked Peter what they should do as a result of their conviction, Peter responded with three things: Repent, be
baptized and receive the Holy Spirit. Today, if someone asked us this same question, we may respond a litle dierently, but the
principles found in Peters answer should remain the same.
To repent, literally means to turn away from something and begin traveling in the opposite direction. People at the time were famil-
iar with the word (Lk 3:3, Lk 13:5) and understood it to mean a radical change in a persons life direction. If someone desires to be a
follower of Jesus it means that they must recognize that their life has been oriented around selsh and sinful pursuits and choose
to redirect their life towards Gods will.
Baptism is an outward expression of a persons repentant heart, by publicly declaring a faith in Jesus as savior and a desire to
follow Him. Salvation is not a result of the act itself, but instead, a result of the symbolism found in the act; that Jesus died for
our sins, was buried in a grave, and then conquered death by raising to new life (Rom 6:3-4). For the rst century church, baptism
was also a persons initiation into the church by identifying themselves to a new spiritual family. This was ofen times a dangerous
choice to make because of the persecution that the early church faced.
Peter also mentions the Holy Spirit because it is vital to the life of a disciple. Once we repent, by giving our life to Christ, it is
Gods spirit within us that reveals his will (1 Cor. 2:10-11) and begins to transform us into his likeness (2 Cor. 3:18).
THE DEFINING ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 2:41-42
The early church shared an extreme bond of fellowship. It was not in the form of church barbecues or small talk before and afer
a worship service. Their fellowship was a deep commitment to the church family that motivated them to share life with each other
and meet one anothers needs. This fellowship seemed to be, not only a result of time spent with one another, but also because of
what they purposed to do when together: study Gods word, celebrate communion and pray.
People in the rst church didnt have the luxury of studying Jesus life and teachings by reading New Testament scripture, like we
do today. For this reason, the apostles teaching was essential to the spiritual growth of the group. Because they had been with
Jesus and heard his words, as well as witnessed the things that he did, they could pass on to the other believers many of the things
that we now read in our bibles today. During many of their gatherings, they would likely recite Old Testament scripture and allow
the Apostles to explain how Jesus became the fulllment of it.
The early Christians ofen ate meals together as well as took communion. In fact, communion was many times, a part of the meal,
just as Jesus made it a part of the Passover meal when He instituted the practice (Mt. 26:26-28). The bread represents Jesus body
that He sacriced and the wine, the blood He shed for the forgiveness of sins. By taking communion as a family of believers, we
are reminded that Jesus sacrice is the foundation that our faith rests upon.
WEEK 2
LESSON INSIGHTS
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Prayer is a means for Christians to have intimate communication with God. This not only means petitioning, but also responding.
As the early church would study Gods word, be reminded of his sacrice through communion, it only made sense for them to then
respond to God through prayer.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
THE IMPACT OF THE CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 2:43-47
Living a Christian life is never supposed to be lived in isolation, but instead, in the context of community. It is in the church commu-
nity that a disciple should be encouraged to follow Christ (Heb. 10:24-25), be held accountable (Gal. 6:1), have his/her needs taken
care of (1 Jn. 3:17) and have the opportunity to show love to others (Jn. 13:34). The church is an essential part of the disciples life.
Although the rst church was lled with dierent personalities, background and social statuses, there was such a unity among them
that they all prioritized following God and loving one another, as their highest goal (Jn. 17:20-23). This led them to do some extreme
things, like selling their possessions, for the good of their spiritual family. This way of seless living would have been as radically dif-
ferent in their culture as it is for us, in ours. There would have been something so intriguing about the rst group of believers that
it caused others to be atracted to them, adding to the number of people that were being saved.
12
WHERE THE CHURCH STARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 2:36-40
Why do you think Peters preaching deeply convicted the rst converts?
What was their question for Peter? If you were Peter would you have answered the
same way?
In Verse 38, what are the three things Peter says must happen to be a part of the
church?
THE DEFINING ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 2:41-42
The fellowship of the rst church centered on three things: The word of God,
communion and prayer. This raises three important questions:
Why is the bible so important to the disciple?
Why is communion so important to the disciple?
Why is prayer so important to the disciple?
THE IMPACT OF THE CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 2:43-47
How does this description of the early church dier from much of what we see today?
What do you think would have lead them to live this way?
As the church lived this way, what aect do you think it had on the surrounding world?
THE KINGDOM IS NEAR
Mathew 3:1-2, 11-12
What is similar in John the Baptists
and Peters messages? What is the
key dierence? What does this tell
us about the nature of the church?
LIFE IS ALL ABOUT JESUS
Colossians 1:15-20
How does this passage shape your
understanding of who Christ truly
is? In light of this, shouldnt every-
thing in church focus upon Him?
THE IMPACT OF LOVE
John 13:34-35
What is it, more than anything else,
that will help the world around us
and make us known as disciples of
Christ?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Psalm 119. Consider what
role the word of God plays in the
discipleship process.
PART 2: THE DISCIPLE & CHURCH
ACTS 2:36-47
DEVOTIONAL
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (ESV)
If you can, set aside all of your Biblical training and look at this verse with fresh eyes. What word jumps out as being unusual, or
perhaps out of place? For most the word is Word. Rather than trying to gure out all of the theological implications of the Word
lets take a more straightforward approach.
What is the purpose of a word? Yes, to communicate. Ofen when studying scripture we can lose the forest for the trees. If we
didnt know any beter we would come to the conclusion that John 1:1 is telling us that the nature of God is to speak, to communi-
cate his thoughts to us. And we would be right.
God desires to be known, the whole Bible supports this idea. And the truth is not that God spoke, but that he speaks. Jesus is
the word. As you study the Bible remember the God who wrote it desires to be known personally. The aim of his word is always
relationship.
PRAYER
Father would you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, bring about true fellowship in this group. Help us to share life with one another
to such an extent that what happens to one happens to all. Your word teaches that all believers share life together in the Body of
Christ, the church. Help this truth to be reected in this group. Would we become one in Jesus name. Amen.
WEEK 3
THE DISCIPLE & THE BIBLE
14
THE IMPORTANCE OF GODS WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ PSALM 119:1-9
It is important to consider what the Bible means when it says that we will be blessed by following God. We may ofen hope that
this might translate into God granting all of our wishes, sort of like a magic genie. But with any amount of time following Christ, or
reading the Bible, we begin to understand that this sentiment is not accurate (Jms. 1:12). Instead, following Gods word blesses us
with such things as, joy (Prov. 10:28), strength (Isa. 40:29), provision (Phi. 4:19), and peace.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome
the world.
John 16:33
It is important that when we study Gods word, we are motivated by our heart for him. If we are not careful, we can easily be mo-
tivated by other things. At times, we may be driven by guilt, or we may be searching for points to win an argument. Maybe were
hoping to nd a theme for a sermon or Bible study. However, God spoke and recorded his words for us for one reason: that we
may know and pursue a relationship with Him. For this reason, in his word, He describes himself to us, He tells of how he has re-
stored relationship with us afer the fall, and how we are able to be more like him by following his instructions. We study the Bible
with the right motivation when our hearts desire is to grow closer to Him.
When we dont follow Gods word we live foolishly by chasing the wrong priorities in life. We may nd ourselves desiring created
things rather than the creator Himself (Ex. 20:3), which will eventually lead to our shame when Jesus returns (Jn. 6:40). Like a boss
returning to tell us that we did a job completely wrong, how embarrassing would it be to hear that we completely misunderstood
the purpose of our life?
THE PERSONAL NATURE OF GODS WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ PSALM 119:10-12
When we forget that the heart of the Bible is to allow us to grow in relationship with God, we easily stray from His commands. We
also see this principle play out in a parent-child relationship. If a child doesnt understand that the parent has given them a rule to
follow because they love them and want to care for them, the child has less of a desire to follow the rule. God, as a heavenly father
(1 Jn. 3:1), gives us commands to follow as a result of his love for us, not because of his authority over us.
Gods word is not meant to simply be read or heard, but instead, we should cherish it. We should reect on them ofen, so that our
character may be molded to become more like his. The idea of storing Gods word in our heart means that it should always be in
our thoughts, allowing us to recall it and reect on it (Deut. 6:6-9).
Gods word may be dicult to understand at times (1 Pet. 3:16), for we obviously do not have the same wisdom as God. However,
we are not lef to understand it on our own. God has given us his Spirit to teach us (Jn. 14:26). Therefore, we should never read the
Bible by simply relying on our own understanding, but through prayer, we should constantly ask the Spirit to reveal the meaning of
scripture to us.
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given
us by God.
1 Corinthians 2:12 (ESV)
THE WAY TO APPROACH GODS WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ PSALM 119:13-16
It is important that we study all of Gods word because when we only read portions of it, we miss out on dierent aspects of Gods
character. It might be appealing to be selective with scripture, only reading the parts that we are most comfortable with. However,
WEEK 3
LESSON INSIGHTS
15
whenever we fall into this trap, the study of Gods word becomes a selsh pursuit. Our motivation to read scripture becomes only
to nd how we may benet from Gods word, rather than to know Him more completely. The more understanding we have of God,
the more like him we are able to become (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
To love God and desire to follow him requires us to obey his word (Jn. 14:15). We must never neglect, or forget it as the Psalmist
says. Whenever we abandon the study of scripture we stop growing closer in relationship to God.
If you are a believer and have never spent much time reading Gods word on your own, pray that God would develop a hunger for
his word within you!
Babies who have just been born want milk very much. In the same way, you should want Gods word. That is like good milk. It will
make you grow up so that you will then be fully saved. You should want Gods word if you have already tasted and know that the
Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:2-3 (WE)
16
THE IMPORTANCE OF GODS WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ PSALM 119:1-9
In Verse 1, what does God promise to those who follow His word? What do you think this
promise looks like in our lives?
In Verse 2, what role does the heart play in reading Gods word?
In Verses 3-9, why does the psalmist say that obedience to Gods word is so important?
THE PERSONAL NATURE OF GODS WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ PSALM 119:10-12
What does Verse 10 tell us about the purpose of reading Gods word?
What does Verse 11 mean when it says, I have hidden your word in my heart? (Some
Bibles may translate this verse dierently.)
Read Verse 12. How do you think God teaches us about His word?
THE WAY TO APPROACH GODS WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ PSALM 119:13-16
We tend to read only the parts of the Bible with which we are most comfortable. Why
does the psalmist stress the idea of all in Verse 13?
In verse 14, why do you think Gods word is described as being so valuable?
Verse 15 uses two words to describe our approach to Gods word. How are these two
words dierent from simply reading?
Why does the psalmist promise not to forget or neglect Gods word in Verse 16?
JESUS REVELATION
Revelation 1:1-3
Even though they were writen in
very dierent time periods, what
similarities do you see between
Revelation 1:3 and Psalm 119: 1-3?
GODS WORD SHOULD ALWAYS
LEAD US PERSONALLY TO GOD
HIMSELF
I Corinthians 2:9-14
Do you think it is possible to
understand the Bible apart from
the Holy Spirits leading?
APPROACHING GODS WORD
WITH RESPECT
2 Timothy 3:15-17
What do these verse teach us
about the importance of Gods
word in our lives?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Genesis 1-3. Consider how
God begins His story and what
went wrong.
PART 3: DISCIPLESHIP & THE BIBLE
PSALM 119
DEVOTIONAL
Our origin determines our destiny. This is why so many in this world are so lost and confused. Until we get a handle on how the big
story of God began, it is impossible to make sense of our lives today.
It is for this reason that Genesis 1-3 is so important. It answers answers all of the big questions of life. How did we get here? CRE-
ATION. What has gone wrong with the world? THE FALL. Can this world be xed? REDEMPTION. And most importantly Genesis
centers all of these questions and answers on the most important character in the bible, God: Our Father in heaven, His Son Jesus
Christ, and The Holy Spirit.
As you read through Genesis 1-3 think through how these chapters dene the world you live in today, and the world you will live in,
in the life to come. As members in your group begin to open up about the challenges they face and their hopes for the future, look
to the beginning of Gods story to help shape these discussions.
PRAYER
Father you are the eternal God. Before anything else was, you were. Use todays study to remind the group of your big story of re-
demption. Help this group come to know you as their creator and redeemer. For those struggling with their sin, reveal to them that
the answer is always Jesus and his cross. A promise rst made known to us in Genesis. Amen.
WEEK 4
CREATION & THE FALL
18
IN THE BEGINNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 1:1
The entire Bible is Gods story of his redemptive plan to restore relationship with mankind. He is the main character of the story.
We also have the opportunity to be a part of his story, as he has invited us into it (Jn. 1:12). However, we must always remember
that the plot develops the way it does because of his purposes, not ours (Eph. 1:11).
The Bible is ofen referred to as an instruction manual for life, which is true in the sense that God and his word are able to guide
us through all of lifes circumstances (Prov. 3:5-6). But if that is all we see it as, we may get in the habit of only searching scripture
when we have a problem to solve or need help with a situation we face. When we study the Bible for this reason, we begin to treat
ourselves as the main character because we come to Gods word with our own purposes in mind. In essence, we begin to look for
what we want the Bible to say rather than just let God speak to us through his words.
God is rst revealed to us as Creator, which by default, makes us his creation. This Creator-creation relationship is good to remem-
ber because it always places us in a position to honor Him. As a creation, we will always nd our purpose for being in our Creator.
IT WAS GOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 1:26-31
There is one God that is represented by three persons: God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14). Christians refer to this phe-
nomenon as the trinity. Its a dicult concept to wrap our minds around, and one that we will explore a litle later in the study, but
we see the three persons present in the creation account. In verse one, God created. In verse two, the Spirit of God hovered over
the waters. In John 1:1-14, which is a poetic retelling of the creation story, we learn that Jesus was involved in creation as well.
God created human beings to be like him. We know that we are not exactly like him because we are his creation, not to mention
the fact, that we obviously do not have his wisdom or understanding. But there is something within us that resembles him. It may
be our conscience, or our ability to logically reason. It may be because we have been given dominion over land and animals. What-
ever the image of God within us may be, it seems that we are meant to be a reection of him in his creation.
When God made creation He created it the way he purposed. When He declares that it was good, we can assume that it was per-
fect! A couple chapters later, his creation becomes corrupted by sin and everything that follows in the Bible will be Gods plan to
restore the perfection of his creation (Acts 3:21); a world without sin, where nothing might be able to get in the way of relationship
between us and our creator.
THE SERPENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 3:1-5
Satan is a liar (Jn. 8:44), but he is strategic about his deceit. With Eve, he brings into question what Gods word really says. He
then twists the meaning of Gods word in order to appeal to her pride. Satan uses these same tactics when tempting Jesus in the
wilderness in Mathew 4. The dierence was that Jesus knew Gods words and understood the meaning behind them. This under-
scores the importance of studying the Bible and seeking to understand Gods heart towards his commands.
SIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 3:6-19
When Adam and Eve chose sin over Gods commands, they atempted to remove Him from his proper place in their lives. In their
pride, they thought that they could rule themselves, as an equal to God. At its core, this is what sin always is; a rebellion against
Gods proper authority in our lives (Deut. 9:7). It is us choosing to live life on our terms rather than Gods.
WEEK 4
LESSON INSIGHTS
19
Adam and Eves reaction to their sin probably sounds very familiar. They felt shame and tried to cover up what they viewed as
disgraceful. They hid and when they knew they had been found out, they made excuses. They even blamed one another to try to
save themselves. When we sin, our guilt normally drives us to react in a similar fashion. But, God gives us the opportunity to con-
fess just as he gave Adam and Eve, even though he already knows the sin. By admiting our sin we have the opportunity to restore
relationship with God.
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV)
There are many painful consequences listed for Adam and Eves sin. The nal, and worst, is that they will now die.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gif of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (NLT)
Immediately afer sin enters the world and we begin to see its devastating eects, God puts a plan into motion that will eventually
wipe clean the stain that sin has made on his creation. It is summarized in verse feen. We will always war with Satan in this world,
but there will come a time when an ospring from woman (Jesus) will conquer Satan once and for all (crushing his head), even
though Satan will inict some pain upon Him (striking his heal).
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Romans 16:20 (ESV)
20
IN THE BEGINNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 1:1
Who is the focus of Verse 1? Why do you think this is so important to remember when
reading the rest of the Bible?
How is God rst revealed to us? What does this show us about our relationship to Him?
IT WAS GOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 1:26-31
Why does God refer to himself in the plural in Verse 26?
What do you think Verse 27 means when it says we are created in Gods image?
What does Verse 31 tell us about Gods original design for our lives?
THE SERPENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 3:1-5
Who is the serpent that Verse 1 talks about?
In verses 1-5, how does the serpent go about tempting Eve? Does he still work the same
way in our lives?
SIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 3:6-19
Why were Adam and Eves actions so oensive to God? What is sin?
In Verses 7-12, how to Adam and Eve respond to sin?
In Verses 14-19, what are some of the consequences of sin?
What do you think Verse 15 is about?
IN THE BEGINNING: JESUS
John 1:1-5
How does John describe the cre-
ation account?
TO BE LIKE GOD
1 John 3:2-3
What does John say will happen
to us when Christ returns? How
might this be a restoration of what
Genesis 1:31 described as good.
OUR ENEMY
1 Peter 5:8-9
What do these verses say about
our enemy and how we are to ght
against him? What are some of the
common ways we make ourselves
vulnerable to the enemys atacks?
ADAM AND CHRIST
Romans 5:12-15
What was the eect of Adams sin
upon the world? What was the ef-
fect of Christs death?
SATAN CRUSHED
Romans 16:20
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Genesis 12-15. We will look at
Gods covenant with Abraham.
PART 4: CREATION & THE FALL
GENESIS 1-3
DEVOTIONAL
And without faith it is impossible to please God
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
This is one of the most strongly worded passages in the bible concerning faith. And yet dening faith can be a challenge. In John
chapter 3 Jesus says: ...as Moses lifed up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifed up, so
that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. John 3:14
Now on its surface this statement is a bit puzzling, what with the whole snake on a stick thing. But Jesus is referring to a passage
in Numbers 21 where Gods people were tired of manna, Gods bread from heaven, they wanted meat. God responded by sending
ery serpents into the camp. And those who were bit started to die. But God, out of compassion, said to Moses in verse 8: Make a
replica of a poisonous snake and atach it to a pole. All who are biten will live if they simply look at it! Numbers 21:8
Look and you will be saved! Jesus using this as an example says believe and you will be saved. Here, Christ shows us that looking
and believing are one and the same. As A.W. Tozer writes faith is the gaze of the soul upon Christ. Where you look your feet will
follow. What you believe will shape your life.
Perhaps then, the best denition of faith would be: To live your life, never taking your eyes of Jesus.
This is why the bible calls us in Hebrews 12 ...[Look] to Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith... Hebrews 12:2
PRAYER
Father in todays study would we all come to a greater understanding that everything in life is about your Son. As we discover the
gospel in the story of Abraham help us to x our eyes on Jesus. For any in this group whos faith is being tested, help them to see
that faith is not something they need to muster up. Rather would they come to see that faith is a choice they will make, a choice to
focus the gaze of their sould upon our Savior. Amen.
WEEK 5
GODS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM
22
ALL THE NATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 12:1-3
Abraham and his family lived in a pagan city and practiced idol worship (Jos 24:2). He likely did not have a faith in God before God
began speaking to him, so it is unlikely that God chose Abraham because of his merit. This illustrates Gods love for us, even when
we dont deserve it.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 5:8
In these rst few verses of chapter twelve, God not only initiates a relationship, but he also initiates what will become a plan to
restore His creation, which was corrupted by sin at the fall. His plan is set into motion by creating a people for Himself, which will
soon become the nation of Israel.
As a result of Gods plan, Abrahams name will become famous because of his privilege to be the father of this nation, by which all
people will eventually be blessed through salvation. From the New Testament, we know that Jesus will eventually come through
Abrahams bloodline (Mat. 1:1) and that as a result of His sacrice for our sins, we are able to be part of Abrahams family because of
our faith in Jesus (Rom 4:13).
A COVENANT OF FAITH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 15:5-17
Abraham was considered to be in right standing with God, or righteous, because he believed what God had said. This is faith (Heb
11:1). Our own righteousness also depends on our faith that Gods word is true. If we refuse to believe what His word says, that it is
only through Jesus sacrice for our sins that we gain righteousness, we continue to be in wrong standing with God.
Therefore, since we have been made right in Gods sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord
has done for us.
Romans 5:1
The sacrice involved in the covenant with Abraham gives us a foreshadowing of what is to come: the sacricial system God will
later establish to deal with sin, and the eventual sacrice of Jesus to cover all sin. Because the penalty for sin is death (Rom 6:23), a
life must always be sacriced to pay the price of sin.
In Abrahams culture, covenant agreements were ofen conrmed by spliting an animal in two and having both parties involved
walk towards one another and meet in the middle of the two halves. This symbolized that it was each of their responsibilities to
uphold the covenant between them. If they did not keep their word, the belief was that they would suer the same fate as the
sacriced animal.
In Abrahams case, it appears that God would not let him have any responsibility in keeping the covenant. In fact, God saw it t
to put Abraham to sleep in order to assure that he wouldnt mess things up! As the presence of God passed between the halves,
represented by smoke and re (Ex 19:18), God made himself fully responsible for the salvation work that would come (Heb 6:13-18).
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ABRAHAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GALATIANS 3:6-9
We normally only think of the gospel as something found in the New Testament. But in Galatians, Paul says it is spoken of way back
in the time of Abraham. This is important for us to understand because it clues us into the fact that the gospel has been Gods plan
for sin ever since the fall (Gen 3:15).
WEEK 5
LESSON INSIGHTS
23
Because the whole Bible points us to the redemptive plan of the gospel, it is important as Christians that we be able to explain
what exactly the good news is! The Gospel is the message that we are all separated from God because of our sin and will die as
a result of it (this is actually the bad news). Yet, because of Gods love for us, he sent his Son, Jesus, to die in our place, so that a
relationship and eternal life with Him may be restored (the good news).
if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
1 Peter 3:15
The gospel was preached in advance to Abraham because through his covenant people will be drawn back into relationship with
God, all other people will receive the blessing of salvation through his family, and it will be Gods work, rather than mans, that will
fulll the covenant promise.
24
ALL THE NATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 12:1-3
In Verse 1, whose idea is it for Abram to leave? Why might this be important?
What is the great nation referred to in Verse 2? What do you think God means when He
says that He will make Abrams name great/famous?
In Verse 3, how will all the world be blessed through Abram and his family? What do you
think this promise has to do with Jesus?
A COVENANT OF FAITH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GENESIS 15:5-17
Verse 6 uses two key words: righteousness and faith/believe. What do these words
mean, and why are they so important?
Why do you think God uses sacrice to establish His covenant with Abraham?
Verse 12 says that Abraham was asleep during this moment. What do you think this says
about whose responsibility it was to make this promise come to pass?
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ABRAHAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ GALATIANS 3:6-9
Verse 8 speaks of the gospel/Good News. In your own words, what is the gospel?
If the Gospel is the good news, what is the bad news?
In what way was Gods covenant with Abraham the gospel preached in advance?
FATHER ABRAHAM
Romans 4:13
What does this verse say about
Gods promise in Genesis 12?
SONS OF ABRAHAM
Mathew 3:7-9
What does this passage teach
about what God truly desires of His
children?
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
JESUS
John 3:16-17
In these verses, what reminds you
of Gods covenant with Abraham?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Exodus 3, 11-12. We will look
at the exodus, and Gods covenant
with Moses.
PART 5: GODS COVENANT WITH
ABRAHAM GENESIS 12, 15
FROM THE GARDEN TO ABRAHAM: Paradise was lost because of Adam and Eves sin. Humanity became so depraved, God de-
stroyed all life with a great ood, except for Noah and his family, who God spared through a covenant of grace. But mans rebellion
continued at Babel. However, God did not forsake humanity; His plan was always to redeem. And so, rather than killing them, He
scatered them. And from these scatered people, He called out one to make a special covenant. A man named Abram.
DEVOTIONAL
In Exodus 3:14 God tells Moses that he is I AM. All that God is, is present to us now. This is important. Because for many God is
an opportunity missed in the past, or an event yet to come in the future.
Many of us can look at our current struggles, and tie them to our past. To this very day we bear the weight of a relationship we
should have never been in, a parent who neglected us, or a wonderful season of life we can never go back to. And if we are not
careful we wind up living our lives looking backwards, but never looking to God.
But God does not exist in the past, and those who choose to live there will never nd Him.
Just as dangerous is to live our lives in an imaginary future. We dream up plans and strategies, that if they come true, will nally al-
low us to live the abundant life. And so our weeks are consumed with work to make a beter life, but we neglect the family at home.
We dream of a day when we could devote our resources to ministry, but focus on lling our bank accounts till that day comes. We
imagine a time when we could fully open our lives to God, yet never nd the time to open our Bibles.
We spend our lives chasing fantasy, rather than engaging in reality. And our enemy is all for a Christianity that is so caught up in the
future, that it makes no actual dierence today.
God is not I was or I will be. He is I AM. God is for you at this very moment! In one of his most beautiful Psalms, David marvels
at this truth:
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts
even when Im far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to
say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too
wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!
Psalm 139:1-7
PRAYER
Father You are the great I AM. You are beyond time, beyond space, beyond limits. As we study today in Exodus help us to realize
how innite you truly our. May we come to marvel, that though you are so vast you want to know us personally. And you have made
a way to do this through the death of your Son, Jesus Christ. For any in this group who are struggling with their past or anxious
about their future, help to see that you are for them here and now. Amen.
WEEK 6
THE EXODUS & PASSOVER
26
THE CALLING OF MOSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 3:1-14
The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for 400 years by the time God spoke to Moses from within the burning bush. Afer the
covenant that God had made Abraham, the Israelites must have been wondering if God had forgoten them in the midst of their
seemingly hopeless situation. God revealed himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in order to connect Himself
to the covenant He had made with His people (Ex. 2:24).
In the Old Testament, God would remind His people of His holiness by only allowing them to approach Him on His terms (Ex. 19:12).
When Moses was in the presence of Gods holiness his initial response was fear and hiding his face. When we begin to understand
how holy God is, we become woefully aware of how sinful we are (Isa. 6:5). Our response would likely be similar.
Normally, when someone asks, Who am I to do something, they might anticipate others encouraging and assuring them that they
are able. Moses may have been a bit disappointed if he had hoped for God to arm him. Instead, God drew the atention to Him-
self. Just as He had done with Abraham, God indicated that His plans would come to fruition because of His ability.
When Moses asks God, Who are you? God again responds in a peculiar way. By dening Himself with, what would seem to be an
incomplete statement, God is declaring that there is nothing that He can be compared to (Isa. 40:18). There is nothing in creation
that would do justice in describing the power, character and holiness of the Creator.
THE DEATH OF THE FIRST BORN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 11
It is dicult to imagine such a horric event. We tend to think of Pharaoh as the bad guy of the story and deserving of punishment.
But it is hard for us to accept that the other unsuspecting Egyptian families would have received the same punishment. Who
knows if some of those families may have been sympathetic to the Israelites, or open to following God rather than their king (who
was thought of as deity)? When we think of the devastation to every family in the land, we begin to sympathize and consider what
God did as unfair. This story teaches us a couple of atributes about God that will always leave us baed when considering how
they coexist in perfect unity. On the one hand, God is a holy God and cannot tolerate sin (Psa. 5:4), and His judgment towards sin
is always just (Psa. 96:13). On the other hand, He is a compassionate and merciful God (Psa. 86:15).
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of thy throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before thee. Psalm 89:14 (RSV)
We tend to think of the Israelites as the good guys in the story, but because of their own sin, they were just as deserving of Gods
righteous judgment as the Egyptians (Ez. 9:15). God was showing mercy to His people and proving Himself faithful to His promises
(Deut. 7:9).
THE FIRST PASSOVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 12:1-13
Gods people were saved from the plague as a result of the sacrice and blood of the lamb. Everyone was sinful in the land and ev-
eryone deserved to die, but the lamb acted as a substitute for the rst-born males in the family of those who chose to believe God.
Its important to understand that the Israelites were not saved because they were beter people. They escaped Gods judgment
because they trusted in the sacrice God had provided and followed his crazy plan of painting blood on the doorposts! The blood
not only proved that there was a sacrice, but it is also symbolic of life. There is nothing that is more essential to life than blood.
WEEK 6
LESSON INSIGHTS
27
At the rst Passover, we get a glimpse of the plan of God to eventually save all His people from judgment. Just as the lamb was
sacriced as a substitute for the people, Jesus was sacriced in order to pay the penalty for our sin. We dont deserve to be shown
such mercy, but God has allowed us forgiveness by trusting in His sacrice.
Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacriced. 1 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid
was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (NLT)
28
THE CALLING OF MOSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 3:1-14
What stands out to you about Verses 5-6? Why would God announce Himself as the
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
In Verse 11, Moses asks, Who am I...? How do you think Moses feels about Gods re-
sponse in Verse 12?
In Verse 13, Moses asks, Who are you? How does God answer in Verse 14? What do you
think God means by this statement.
THE DEATH OF THE FIRST BORN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 11
What would your family look like without the rst born males?
Describe what you think it would have been like in Egypt when the death of the rst
born occurred. What does it say about God that He would do something like this?
Who in Egypt deserved to die that night?
THE FIRST PASSOVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 12:1-13
What do Verses 12-13 say will cause Gods people to be saved? What in this
passage reminds you of Jesus.
Why was blood necessary for Gods people to be saved?
Do you think it was a dicult or uncomfortable decision for the Israelites to spread
blood around the front of their houses?
What do you think the feeling was among those whose families were passed over?
BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM
John 8:56-59
How could Jesus have been before
Abraham? What did Jesus say that
was so inammatory that the Jews
in this passage would want to kill
Him?
John 18:4-6
What do you think you would do in
the presence of I AM?
WHO DESERVES TO DIE
Ezekiel 18:4
What does this verse teach us
about sin?
THE LAMB OF GOD
John 1:29
How does Johns description
remind us of the Passover
sacrice?
A LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER
Isaiah 53:4-7
Who does God say is guilty of sin?
What does God say is the only
thing that can take away our sin?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Exodus 19-20. We will look
at Gods covenant with Moses and
The Law.
PART 6: THE EXODUS & PASSOVER
EXODUS 3, 11-12
FROM ABRAHAM TO MOSES: The Book of Genesis continues the story of Abraham and his descendants Isaac, Jacob, and Jo-
seph, who ee to Egypt because of a great famine. Afer a generation in Egypt, the Israelites are forced into slavery. Their bondage
is severe, and freedom seems beyond hope. If they are to be saved, God must do something spectacular. He will use a man named
Moses to keep His promise.
DEVOTIONAL
Rules ofen become twisted when we forget the heart behind them. So it is with the law of God. The 10 Commandments are a
beautiful revelation of the heart of God, and his desire for our life. Take time and ponder the heart of God that lies behind each of
the 10 Commandments.
1) You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me: God demands, and is worthy of, our exclusive worship. As Hudson Taylor said Jesus
is either Lord of all or not Lord at all.
2) You Shall Not Make For Yourself A Graven Image: The rst commandment focuses on the object of our worship, the second
the manner of our worship. And here the heart is everything. It does no good to worship a false God that you have conjured in your
heart while ignoring the true God who has made you.
3) You Shall Not Take the Name of the Lord Your God in Vain: To take the name of the Lord in vain is to have our words not match
our actions. This is hypocrisy. Jesus desires our worship to be whole. Our words and our deeds to be as one.
4) Remember the Sabbath Day, to Keep It Holy: The Sabbath reminds us that all of life is about God. It is his day not ours. He
instructs us to observe this day and remember who our life is from and for.
5) Honor Your Father and Your Mother: On earth our parents represent Gods authority in our lives. Our atitude and actions
toward them are ofen a reection of our honor and respect toward God.
6) You Shall Not Kill: This command reaches far beyond murder when Jesus equates murder to anger in Mathew 5:22. Gods plan
for our life is that we love our neighbor and their is nothing in love that coerces, manipulates or gets its way by force.
7) You Shall Not Commit Adultery: Ofen in the Old Testament God would equate idolatry with adultery. The application of this
command is far wider than the marriage bed. God desires purity in all areas of life: Heart, language and conduct.
8) You shall Not Steal: To truly understand this commandment we must understand that God owns everything. Thus stealing is
whenever we withhold anything which belongs to God: Worship, aection, time, talent, creativity, desires, our very lives.
9) You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor: This commandment forbids not only perjury but also but also slan-
der, scandal, idle talk, lies, and deliberate exaggerations or distortions of the truth. God cannot lie and neither should his children.
10) You Shall Not Covet: This is perhaps the most revealing of all the commandments. For it deals with an atitude of the heart.
And whereas a person can do the previous 9 for the wrong reasons, one cannot fake a pure heart. And so in this commandment
God illustrates that his true desire is to make us new creations.
PRAYER
Father as we study your Word help us to always see your heart behind it. For the Bible is not empty
words, but rather your heart revealed to us on the pages of Scripture. For any in this group who view
Christianity as a list of rules to follow, help them to understand that you desire to transform our
heart...our actions will follow. Amen.
WEEK 7
COVENANT WITH MOSES & THE LAW
30
THE GOD OF THE COVENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 19:1-4
Before God gave His people the law, He reminded them of who He is and what He I like. First, He referred to the amazing things
He did in Egypt. The Israelites certainly would have remembered the devastating plagues He caused on Egypt and realized His
immense power. Second, He invoked images of a rescue, which would have reminded them of their freedom and the new life He
granted them by making a way through the Red Sea. He then stated his purpose for doing those things as bringing them to Himself.
This was an expression of His love and His desire for relationship with His people (1 Jn. 4:10).
The law was never meant to be rules to follow void of a relationship with God. By giving the commandments, God was revealing
Himself to His people so that they might see His heart and have a greater understanding of what is important to Him.
THE TERMS OF THE COVENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 19:5
God wants His people to fully obey Him because it proves that we have put all our trust in Him. Trust is the foundation of any
loving relationship. Just as the Israelites were reminded why they could trust God, we can trust Him because He is a powerful
God that wants to rescue us from a life enslaved to sin, to a new life of freedom. He does this because He loves us and desires a
relationship with us.
If you love me, you will obey me. John 14:15 (WE)
Israels relationship with God was highly valued by Him (Deut. 7:6). When we read about the covenant with Abraham, we saw the
care and blessing that God desired to be to the nation He would build. He told Abraham that they would be His people, which is
why he would also call them His possession. He treasures His people so much that there is nothing that will keep Him from fulll-
ing His promises or providing for them, as a loving father would care for His family.
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Psalm 86:15 (ESV)
THE RESULT OF THE COVENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 19:5-6
The covenant that God will make with Moses is a continuation of the covenant that God made with Abraham. One of the prom-
ises that He made to Abraham was that all other nations would eventually be blessed through Israel. One way by which blessing
will come through them, will be the birth of the Messiah, whose lineage can be traced back to Abraham (Mt. 1:1). But the nation of
Israel was also meant to be a blessing before Christ as well. They were expected to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
A priest was someone who served as a mediator between God and people. They had the responsibility of teaching Gods words
to others. Israels priests reminded them of Gods commands, and the whole nation was then charged to share the knowledge and
word of God with other nations (Psa. 96).
God also wanted His people to be holy because of their devotion to following Him. This devotion would have led them to live
very dierently than all the other nations surrounding them. The word holy literally means to be set-apart. Israel was meant to be
distinct from the rest of the world so that others would be drawn to it (Lev 20:26).
In the New Testament, we are told that if we are Christians, we have become part of the same priesthood and holy nation, so that
we may show others the goodness of God
(1 Pet. 2:9-10).
WEEK 7
LESSON INSIGHTS
31
THE GIVING OF THE LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 20:1-21
The law taught Israel how to maintain a relationship with a holy God. Because sin cannot be in the presence of holiness, Israel
had to learn what was expected of them in order to be Gods people. Of course, the Israelites didnt live up to these expectations
throughout the rest of the Old Testament, but God will later develop a sacricial system to save them from their sins. The law was
never a way for Gods people to earn a salvation. In fact, it was assumed that they would fail at keeping the law because of their
sinful nature (Rom. 8:3). It did, however, determine the level of blessing that they would receive from God (Deut. 28).
The rst ve commandments are about our relationship with God. The last ve are about our relationship with people. When
Jesus is asked about the most important commandment, he sums them up by answering, to rst love God and to also love your
neighbor (Mt. 22:36-40).
32
THE GOD OF THE COVENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 19:1-4
What does God remind the people of in Verse 4 before He enters into covenant with
them? Why would God establish a relationship prior to establishing the law?
THE TERMS OF THE COVENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 19:5
In Verse 5, God requires something of His people; what is it? Why do you think this is
such a critical issue for God?
What do think it meant for Israel to be Gods treasured possession?
THE RESULT OF THE COVENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 19:5-6
Verses 5-6 list three things that God will do for those who respond to this covenant.
What are they, and why do you think they are important?
THE GIVING OF THE LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EXODUS 20:1-21
Gods laws give us an insight into Gods character. Afer reading this passage, what are
some of the things that seem really important to God?
What do the rst ve commandments teach us about our relationship with God? What
do the last ve commandments teach us about our relationship with others?
THE PROMISE AND THE
PERSON
John 1:14
What does this verse teach us
about the connection between the
person and the promises of God?
OBEDIENCE AND LOVE
John 14:23-24
How do you think obedience and
love go together? Do you think it is
one or the other?
What do you think is the dierence
between obeying out of duty and
obeying out of love?
A NEW IDENTITY
1 Peter 2:9-12
Using the language of Exodus 19,
Peter describes our identity in
Christ. How does Peter say that
Jesus has redened who we are?
THE LAW FULFILLED
Mathew 5:17-20
What do you think that Jesus
means when He says that He
fullled the law? How could our
righteousness surpass that of the
Pharisees who had studied the law
all of their lives?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Leviticus 16, Exodus 40,
1 Kings 8-9:9. We will look at
sacrice and the Temple.
PART 7: GODS COVENANT WITH MOSES &
THE LAW EXODUS 19-20
FROM THE EXODUS TO THE LAW: Afer the Exodus, the Israelites are forced to confront the question: Who is the God who
saved us, and what is His plan for our lives? God answers these questions at Mount Sinai. He denes his people, his relationship
to them, and how this relationship will work. He does this through The Law, which gives great insight into Gods character and His
intentions for His people.
DEVOTIONAL
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
The word John uses for forgive means to send away. This word, pictures the Old Testament ritual performed on the Day of
Atonement. Where the high priest would confess the sins of the people over the head of the scape goat, and then send the animal
away into the wilderness. The scape goat would be sent away, taking the sins of the nation with it. It is a beautiful picture of Christ,
and it is worth pondering where this sins have been sent away to.
1) THEY HAVE BEEN SENT AWAY TO THE PLACE OF NO REMEMBERANCE: You have cast all my sins behind Your back.
Isaiah 38:17 (NASB) Out of sight, out of mind. This is the image Isaiah gives us of the Fathers forgiveness. He has put our sins
behind his back, he sees them no more. And what God does not see, he does not remember. Jeremiah 31:34 (NLT) ...I will forgive
their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.
2) THEY HAVE BEEN SENT AWAY TO THE PLACE OF NO RECOVERY: You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:19 (ESV) Buried in the oceans depths. This is the image Micah gives us of the Fathers forgiveness. Of the coast of
England there is a place so deep that dissolved sewage is released there. The sewage is swallowed up by the deep, and can never
resurface. Similarly, God casts our sin into uter darkness, where it can never recover.
3) THEY HAVE BEEN SENT AWAY TO THE PLACE OF NO RETURN: As distant as the east is from the west, that is how far he
has removed our sins from us. Psalm 103:12 (ESV) The east shall never touch the west. This is the image the psalmist gives us of
the Fathers forgiveness. When God forgives he places an innite distance between us and our sins. They have been removed so
far from us, that they can never again return.
PRAYER
Father the depth of your forgiveness is hard for us to comprehend. By sending your Son you not only paid the price for our sins,
you have carried them away from us, as far as the east is from the west. For those in this group who are still trying to earn your
forgiveness, or are still struggling with the guilt of their sins, would you please give them a greater understanding of the cross. Help
us all to see how great your love for us is. For you gave us everything, you gave us your Son. Amen.
WEEK 8
SACRIFICE & THE TEMPLE
34
THE DAY OF ATONEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ LEVITICUS 16:1-10, 20-22
Aarons two sons were struck dead because they did not take Gods words seriously (Lev. 10:1). This was sin and sin is always
deadly serious. The story of their deaths is a powerful reminder for us today, that we are to serve God; He doesnt serve us. Aaron
was warned not to make the same mistake when entering into Gods presence.
Within the temple was a room called the Holy of Holies. It was divided from the rest of the tabernacle by a large curtain and repre-
sented the place where Gods spirit dwelt among His people (Ex. 25:8). The High Priest, who was Aaron at this time, was the only
one allowed in this room and he could only enter one time a year, on the Day of Atonement (Heb. 9:7). As he prepared to make the
required sacrices for the people of Israel, he had to enter and proceed exactly as God had instructed, or he would die.
Before entering into Gods presence, the High Priest had to wash himself and wear sacred garments. This was for the purpose of
making himself symbolically clean. Since God is holy, it was necessary for the priest to be pure and holy before Him.
God always desires relationship with his creation. This is evident by His implementation of the sacricial system. When Gods law
proved impossible for people to keep because of their sinful nature (Rom. 7:5), God yet again made a way for our sin to be dealt
with, in order to restore a relationship between sinful men and a Holy God. Since the penalty for sin is death, God allowed an ani-
mal to die in the place of His people. This allowance reects Gods heart; that nothing would stand in the way of us being at one
with our God.
For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood
that makes atonement for ones life. Leviticus 17:11 (NIV)
By a death sacrice, Gods people were reminded of the seriousness of sin. The blood reminded them of Gods mercy and the new
life He had given them. For humans, nothing is more symbolic of life than blood; without it, there is no life. As the rst goat was
sacriced for the sins of the people, God chose to honor the life represented by the blood rather than allow death, which should
have resulted from His broken law.
The scapegoat was also a very important step in the process of atonement. Whereas the sacriced goat symbolized the penalty
paid on our behalf, the scapegoat symbolized how God would forgive. The sins of the people were transferred to the live goat, it
was then released into the wildness so that the sin would be completely removed from the people and never return. The second
goat reminds us that when God forgives, He does so permanently. He never allows our past sin to aect the way He feels about us.
I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake. And I will not remember your sins.
Isaiah 43:25 (NASB)
These two goats of the old sacricial system foreshadow Gods ultimate plan of redemption by the sacrice of His son. Jesus was a
perfect, and therefore, nal sacrice for our sins (Heb. 9:28). Through His death on the cross and the shedding of His blood, we are
forgiven and have new life. If we choose to accept Jesus sacrice for our sins, God sees us as forgiven and without fault.
Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his
own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:22 (NLT)
WEEK 8
LESSON INSIGHTS
35
SOLOMONS TEMPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 1 KINGS 9:1-9
The Old Testament sacrices were always tied to the temple because God would not allow a sacrice to be made anywhere else
(Lev. 1:3). The temple was the place where Gods presence symbolically dwelt. This is why God says that He will put His name on
it and His eyes and heart will always be there. It was a constant reminder that Gods presence was in the midst of His people and
that He was ruler of them. While the Israelites wandered through the desert, the temple was called a tabernacle and was able to
be moved wherever they traveled. Later, it was built as a permanent structure and called the temple.
God insisted that Solomon be faithful by following Him with integrity of heart, as his father David did. David wasnt always perfect
in his obedience to God, but because of his hearts desire to follow Him, he was willing to repent from sin and realign his life to God
(Psa. 51).
God warned His people that they would be cut o from His presence if they turned away from Him. They would no longer be able
to enjoy the blessing of the land that God had given them and He would remove Himself and His temple from there midst. This
warning will later come to pass when the nation of Israel is captured by foreign nations, removed from their land, and the temple
destroyed.
Afer Jesus death on the cross, Mathew tells us that the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was
torn in half. This now allows everyone to have access to the presence of God, rather than only the High Priest. In fact, no longer
does Gods spirit reside in the temple, but it now lives within each one of us.
What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will
live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:16 (NIV)
36
THE DAY OF ATONEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ LEVITICUS 16:1-10, 20-22
In Verse 2, what was the penalty for intrusion into the Most Holy Place? Why do you
think the Lord warned people not to go behind the temple curtain on their own terms?
In Verse 4, why do you think God would have the person sacricing wash themselves?
In Verse 6 the word atonement is used. This word means at-one-ment with God. What
does it say about God that He so desires to be at one with those who have sinned?
For what purpose does Verse 9 say one goat will be sacriced? Why do you think that
God demands a blood sacrice?
What does Leviticus say will happen to the scape-goat? How do you think it would
have felt for the priest to lay his hands upon, confess sins over, and drive away this
animal?
What about the scape-goat reminds you of Jesus sacrice upon the cross?
SOLOMONS TEMPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 1 KINGS 9:1-9
In Verse 3, what does God promise to do for His temple?
In Verses 4-5, what does God expect from Solomon in return for His promise?
In Verses, 6-9, what does God warn His people against? What will the consequences be
if the people fail to listen to Gods warnings?
In Mathew 27:45-51, the veil in temple is torn in two. Why do you think this event is so
signicant? What do you think this says about Jesus death and our access to God?
NO CONDEMNATION
Romans 8:1-5
Why does this passage say that we
could stand before God without
fear of being condemned?
A COVENANT SEALED WITH
BLOOD
Hebrews 9:16-22
What does Hebrews say about the
purpose of the blood?
CARRIED AWAY
Psalm 103:11-12
What does this psalm teach us
about the nature of Gods
forgiveness?
SACRIFICE AND THE TEMPLE
Leviticus 17:1-5
Why must the temple/tabernacle
be the location where sacrice is
preformed?
A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1 Corinthians 3:16
How could we be called the temple
of God? How can we, unlike the
priest, experience Gods presence
without death?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read 2 Samuel 7-8 and Ezekiel
37:24-28. We will look at the King-
dom of God
PART 8: SACRIFICE & THE TEMPLE
LEVITICUS 16 & 1 KINGS 9
FROM THE LAW TO THE TEMPLE: God had given His law for the purpose of relationship, but this had proved impossible
because of sin. Gods answer: sacrice. Through Old Testament sacrices, God would foreshadow His ultimate plan of atonement
in Christ. Through the temple and sacrice, God gave a glimpse that His presence would once again be with His people on Earth.
DEVOTIONAL
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new
kernelsa plentiful harvest of new lives. John 12:24, NLT
Welcome to the Kingdom of God. A Kingdom Donald Kraybill described as the upside down kingdom.
Its the only kingdom on earth where in order to win, you must lose; in order to be rst, you must be last; in order to be a leader,
you must become a servant; in order to be the greatest, you must become the least; in order to live, you must die.
Think about this shocking fact: Christianity is the only faith whose claim to fame is the death of its God. The Kingdom of God is so
unlike the kingdoms of this world. And yet, that is what makes it so powerful. Ponder the nature of Christs Kingdom as you read
this quote from Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France:
Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I myself have founded great empires; but upon what did these creations of our genius de-
pend? Upon force. Jesus alone founded His empire upon love.
PRAYER
Father so ofen we live for our own kingdom rather than building yours. We live for our own dreams and ambitions rather that giv-
ing our lives to the Kingdom your Son died to establish. For those in this group who live for their own plans open their eyes to the
true nature of your Kingdom. Help us all to understand the heart that drives our King. Turn our lives upside down so that we be be
your faithful citizens. Let us love as you loved, may your Kigdom reign forever and ever. Amen.
WEEK 9
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
38
GIVE US A KING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 1 SAMUEL 8:1-14
Israel preferred an earthly king because they wanted to be like all the other nations. But God had always told His people to remain
unique because He is unique (Lev. 20:26). As Israel worshipped God in the land, they were to be an example of the blessing of
serving the one true God of the universe.
We are so ofen tempted to trust ourselves rather than put our full faith in God as ruler of our lives (Prov. 14:12). The Israelites may
have assumed that a human king would be easier to follow or give them a more comfortable life, but God makes clear that the hu-
man king will always make the people serve his own selsh purposes.
Saul was Israels rst king. He looked like royalty: tall, handsome and strong (1 Sam. 9:2). And although Israel beneted from his
reign at times, God ultimately took away his throne because he did not place himself under Gods authority (1 Sam. 15:23).
GODS COVENANT WITH KING DAVID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 2 SAMUEL 7:8-21
Afer Saul, God anointed David as king. God promised David that the throne of the kingdom would remain in the family forever.
As God had done with Abraham and Moses, He initiated His plan involving them and made His promise dependent upon what He
will do. God also said that He will make Davids name great. He said this to Abraham as well, for the purpose of allowing them to
model a true faith in God. In this way, they were to be a blessing to all those who would come afer them (2 Chron. 17:31).
Before making the covenant with David, God reminded him of his humble beginnings and that it was God who appointed him to his
position of authority. He also may have referred to Davids role as shepherd because God wanted His people led and cared for,
just as a shepherd cares for His sheep.
David was described as a man afer Gods own heart and this is likely why God chose to establish His covenant with him (Acts
13:22). The heart to follow God was exactly what Saul was lacking. Saul was only concerned with the appearance of following God.
Each of Gods promises to David were partially fullled in the short term and will be completely fullled later on. Gods people
received a home where they were no longer disturbed soon afer Davids death. David led the nation of Israel into many batles,
which resulted in the conquering of land that God had promised His people long ago (Ex. 6:4). Afer Davids son Solomon became
king, Israel enjoyed many years of peace and prosperity (1 Chron. 22:9). But Gods people will eventually receive a heavenly home
where they will enjoy peace forever (Heb. 11:16).
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more
pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)
God also promised David that the throne of the kingdom would always remain in his family and never be stripped away as God had
done with Saul. God kept his promise and each king thereafer was a descendant of David, beginning with his son Solomon. Jesus
is the nal king who will rule His people for all eternity and His lineage too, can be traced back to King David (Acts 13:22).
On his robe at his thigh was writen this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:16 (NLT)
David is told that his ospring will build a house for the Lord, which was the temple that his son built afer David had died. The
temple was always the place that God met with His people. However, the concept of the temple will eventually be realized in
heaven when there will be no need for a physical place to meet with God. His presence will always be near and available to us.
And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. Revelation 21:22 (ESV)
WEEK 9
LESSON INSIGHTS
39
THE COMING KINGDOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EZEKIEL 37:24-28
The Old Testament prophets ofen spoke of the kingdom of Israel being once again restored to Davids rule (Amos 9:11). This was a
foreshadowing of the kingdom to come under Jesus lordship. Before Jesus, David was the undisputed, most honorable king. How-
ever, he was far from perfect. He commited adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband killed to cover up his sin. Jesus
will nally be the perfect king that will obey God completely. His reign will endure forever and He will care for His people as their
shepherd.
Despite good intentions, we will never be able to create the kind of kingdom for ourselves that Ezekiel describes. We may make
progress towards more virtuous living through humanitarian eorts or politics, but our sin will always corrupt such eorts. In Gods
coming kingdom, we will experience His peace and presence forever.
40
GIVE US A KING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 1 SAMUEL 8:1-14
Why do you think the people desired a human king, rather than God as king?
What did God say the consequences would be if people chose a human king?
GODS COVENANT WITH KING DAVID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 2 SAMUEL 7:8-21
What do you think this covenant has to do with the covenants that God made with Abra-
ham and Moses?
In Verse 8, what does God remind David of concerning his kingship? Why do you think
this is important?
In Verses 10-17, how does God say His covenant will ultimately be fullled?
THE COMING KINGDOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EZEKIEL 37:24-28
How does Ezekiel describe the coming kingdom?
Why would we never see the kingdom Ezekiel describes apart from God?
TREASON IN EDEN
Genesis 3:1-5
What did Satan promise Eve if she
ate the forbidden fruit?
When we try to rule as king of our
own lives, what tends to happen?
THE HEART OF A KING
1 Samuel 13:13-14
Why does God place such a large
emphasis on the heart when
selecting His king? Why was Sauls
disobedience such a big issue to
God?
THY KINGDOM COME
Luke 1:26-33
How does Gabriel describe the
child Mary is going to have?
How did Mary respond to the news
of the Kings arrival?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read 2 Kings 17, Ezekiel 36 &
Jeremiah 31. We will look at Israels
exile and Gods promise of
restoration.
PART 9: THE KINGDOM OF GOD
2 SAMUEL 7 & EZEKIEL 37
FROM THE TEMPLE TO THE KINGDOM: God faithfully delivers Israel to the promised land. Then, afer the success of Joshua
and the failures of Judges, Samuel leads the people to worship God as King. This reminds us of Eden, God the sovereign King ruling
over His creation. But Israel did not want God as King, they wanted a man. So God gave them David, a good but awed king. God
made a covenant with David, promising that a perfect king would come through his lineage.
DEVOTIONAL
The greatest love story ever told is found in Luke 15. It is the story of a son that tells his fatherI wish you were dead. And then
publicly shames his father by running o with the family inheritance and squandering it on prostitutes and wild living.
But the father in this story, rather than forsake his son, forgives his son and receives him back in a shower of kisses. Perhaps no
other story in all the bible reveals the heart of the Father beter than the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.
This is always Gods heart for his children. No mater how far they stray, or how wicked their rebellion his desire is always to nd
and save that which has been lost. As we study the exile and restoration of Gods people think about the unfailing love of God. A
love revealed in the words of the prophet Hosea:
Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?
How can I let you go?
How can I destroy you like Admah
or demolish you like Zeboiim?
My heart is torn within me,
and my compassion overows.
No, I will not unleash my erce anger.
I will not completely destroy Israel,
for I am God and not a mere mortal.
I am the Holy One living among you,
and I will not come to destroy.
Hosea 11:8-9 (NLT)
PRAYER
........
WEEK 10
THE EXILE & RESTORATION
42
THE REASON FOR THE EXILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 2 KINGS 17:1-23
1 and 2 Kings (plus 1 and 2 Chronicles) tells of the mainly disappointing reign of kings that came afer King David. The nation of
Israel eventually split into two separate kingdoms because of poor leadership (1 Kings 12). The northern kingdom was made up of
ten tribes and called Israel. The southern kingdom, called Judah, was made up of two tribes (1 Kings 11:29-35). But both Israelite
nations suered the same fate. Both had so deviated from following God that He exiled them from the Promised Land and allowed
the people to be captured by foreign nations.
As Israel worshiped the idols of other nations, God repeatedly warned His people to stop worshiping other gods and begin follow-
ing Him once again. Although God is just and always makes good on His promised judgment, He is also patient with His people (2
Pet. 3:9). This becomes apparent when we read of Israels constant disobedience and Gods repeated warnings for a duration of
fourteen generations, before God nally took drastic action (Mt. 1:17).
Despite their many warnings, Israel continued to reject God. As the bible records their response, we see the aects of sin from a
large perspective vantage point. Gods people had become so corrupted that the nation had goten beyond hope of saving them-
selves. They needed God to rescue them from their sin, just as we are in need of a savior to free us from the penalty of our sin.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnersof whom I am the
worst. 1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)
GODS HEART CONCERNING THE EXILE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EZEKIEL 36:16-27
While Gods people were living in exile among other nations, God had great concern for how other people may view Him. He
did not want His name, or character, to be misrepresented. For this reason, God would continue to work out his redemptive plan
through His people, even though they did not deserve it. Gods concern for His reputation, once again reminds us of Gods cov-
enant with Abraham. One of the purposes of God forming a people for Himself was to bless all other nations of the world through
them. This took place in the Old Testament when foreigners were allowed to assimilate themselves into the nation of Israel (Num.
15:15). In the New Testament, we will see this blessing of inclusion expand even more. Gentiles, or non-Jewish people, who come
to faith in Christ, will be part of Gods people as well.
And this is Gods plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by Gods children.
Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:6 (NLT)
In describing how God will redeem the nation of Israel, we get a glimpse of the eventual redemption to come through Jesus. As
they were to be cleansed with water, we are reminded of baptism. Baptism symbolizes that our life is cleansed and forgiven of sin
because of our faith in Jesus; that He paid the penalty for our sin by dying in our place, on the cross. As they were to receive a
new heart with a new spirit, we are reminded of the Holy Spirit that we receive upon puting our faith in Christ. This Spirit creates
a new creation out of us, helping us to become more like him (2 Cor. 5:17).
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and
you shall receive the gif of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
The fact that God would need to give us a new heart in order to follow Him also illustrates how incapable we are of living up to
Gods standards, when we rely only on our own willpower. As Christians, the solution to following God beter is not to just try
harder to be a beter person. The remedy to our sinful nature is to be made new! To illustrate this concept, when speaking to
one of the religious leaders named Nicodemus, Jesus uses the analogy of being reborn in John 3.
WEEK 10
LESSON INSIGHTS
43
THE NEW COVENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ JEREMIAH 31:31-34
The old covenant, which was the ability to be righteous through complete obedience to the law, proved to be impossible for Gods
people. Although they tried to pursue perfection at times, they always fell short of Gods perfect standards (Rom. 9:31). However,
the old covenant was still benecial for two very important reasons. First, it allowed Gods people to know Him and His heart for
the rst time, just as we get to know God today by reading and hearing His word. Second, the law confronted people with their in-
ability to be holy by their own eorts (Rom. 7:7). If perfection of an imperfect people was the requirement to be with a perfect and
holy God, there would need to be another way to atain righteousness. In essence, the old covenant allows us to understand our
need for a new covenant and our need for a savior.
The new covenant, which allows us to be righteous through faith in Jesus, assists us in following God by giving us His spirit. Gods
spirit within us, transforms our desires and develops a heart to pursue God more and more (Gal. 5:17-18).
The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He
sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sins control over us by giving
his Son as a sacrice for our sins.He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satised for us, who no longer
follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4 (NLT)
The old covenant was rst, literally writen on stone tablets by God and given to Moses (Deut. 9:10). But God declares that the
new covenant is writen on peoples minds and hearts. This is again, made possible by the Holy Spirit. Whereas in the Old Testa-
ment, people had to be taught the commandments by Moses, the Spirit is able and willing to reveal the heart of God to anybody
who seeks him. Under the new covenant everyone has equal access to God, which is radically dierent than Old Testament times.
During the time of Moses, it was only himself and the High Priest who was allowed access to the presence of God. The people
therefore, were completely dependent on them for their salvation.
Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
Ephesians 2:18 (NLT)
44
THE REASON FOR THE EXILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 2 KINGS 17:1-23
In Verses, 7-12, what does God say are the reasons for Israels exile? Do you see any of
these same atitudes/actions in our culture today?
In Verse 13, how does God respond to Israels sin?
In Verses, 14-15, how does Israel respond to Gods warnings? Why would a nation reject a
covenant made by a gracious God?
GODS HEART CONCERNING THE EXILE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ EZEKIEL 36:16-27
In verses 20-21, what really seems to be bothering God and why?
In Verses 22-23, what concern is motivating God?
How do Verses 25-27 say that God will redeem His people from sin and rebellion? What
are unique or signicant about these things?
THE NEW COVENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ JEREMIAH 31:31-34
In Verses 31-32, why did God have to make a new covenant? What was wrong with the
old covenant?
In Verse 33, what do you think it means that God will put the law on peoples minds and
write it upon their hearts? How does this new law dier from the old?
What are the promises that God oers to us in Verse 34? What connection does He
make between knowing Him and the forgiveness of sin?
A GOD OF ANGER AND
COMPASSION
Hosea 11:8-11
What does this passage teach us
about the heart of God
toward the sinner?
What does this passage teach us
about the purpose of the exile?
A NEW CREATION
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
What do you think this passage has
to do with what we read in
Ezekiel 36:16-27?
What do you think the Bible means
when it says that in Christ we have
become new creations?
CHRIST IS THE NEW COVENANT
2 Corinthians 3:4-6
What does Paul say are the major
dierences between the old and
new covenants?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Mathew 1. We will look at
Jesus the Messiah
PART 10: THE EXILE & RESTORATION
2 KINGS 17, EZEKIEL 36 & JEREMIAH 31
FROM THE KINGDOM TO THE EXILE: Because of their disobedience, Israel would be conquered, torn from their homeland, and
abandoned by their God. Israels sin divided the kingdom. But both kingdoms were exiled for rejecting the warnings of the proph-
ets. Israel was deserving of the punishment, but God, out of love, decided to preserve His people. God would do this by fullling all
previous covenants through a new covenant. This covenant would recreate his people, changing them from the inside out.
DEVOTIONAL
In Revelation we see a picture of King Jesus vastly dierent from that which we see in the Gospels:
Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and
wages a righteous war. His eyes were like ames of re, and on his head were many crowns. A name was writen on him that no one
understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in
the nest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will
rule them with an iron rod. He will release the erce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice owing from a winepress. On his robe at
his thigh was writen this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
Revelation 19:11-16
Jesus is coming again. And his second coming will be just as unexpected as his rst. But it will be much dierent.
He came the rst time as a Baby in weakness, in meekness, and in obscurity.
He will come the second time in power and glory to assert His will over all the earth.
Very few bowed before Him at His rst coming.
When He comes again all knees shall bow at His feet in humble worship.
He came the rst time to suer for the sins of the world. He was mistreated, humiliated, and rejected.
He will return as Judge to pass judgment on all those who rejected Him.
He came the rst time in great humility as a servant.
He will return as the Commander in Chief of a very large army.
He came the rst time to wear the crown of thorns.
He is coming the second time to wear the crown of power and glory.
Remember that Jesus the Messiah, is Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
PRAYER
........
WEEK 11
JESUS THE MESSIAH
46
WHO IS JESUS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 1:1-2, 16-17
Afer being exiled, God promised His people that He would return them to their home (Jer. 29:10-11). The books of Nehemiah and
Ezra describe the slow trickle of Jewish people back to the Promised Land in order to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, which
had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This is where the Old Testament ends, and about 400 years pass before the New Testa-
ment begins. In that time, the Israelites returned to the land, but they no longer ruled their own kingdom as they had expected.
Instead, they became ruled by the Roman Empire. This created the confusing emotional climate that Jesus was born into. The
Jewish people were biter towards their rulers and some had lost hope that God would make good on His promise of restoring the
kingdom. Others had great hope that the Messiah would come soon and overthrow the Roman government.
Mathew opens his gospel by stating that Jesus is the Messiah, or Christ, and connects Him to the promises of Abraham and David
by way of a genealogy. In essence, Mathew declares that Jesus is not just a prophet, teacher and miracle worker, but that He is
the fulllment of all the Old Testament scripture and prophecy concerning the coming Messiah!
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulll them.
Mathew 5:17
The Old Testament makes two major promises. First, that God would make a new covenant to restore the relationship He rst
established with His people through Abraham. Second, that He would create His everlasting kingdom, to be ruled by a king in the
line of David. Jesus claims to fulll both the promise of the King (Mt. 27:11) and the new covenant (Lk. 22:20).
A MAN, AND YET MORE THAN A MAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 1:18-20
Jesus mother was Mary, but His father is said to be the Holy Spirit. One of the roles that the Spirit plays in Gods redemptive plan
is in the creation of things. Right before the rst chapter of Genesis tells the creation story, verse 2 sets the scene, saying that the
Spirit of God was hovering over the deep waters of the Earth. The Spirit also created the Savior of the world in Marys womb. It
gave birth to the church in Acts 2. And in John 3, Jesus says that we become spiritually reborn by the work of the Holy Spirit.
This means that Jesus was both fully human and fully God at the same time. This is a dicult concept to wrap our minds around,
but scripture makes this clear. We see obvious signs of His divinity by way of miracles, the forgiveness of sins (Mk. 2:5), and even
raising the dead (Jn. 11:43). But the gospel writers were also sure to highlight His human side as well. Like us, He grew tired (Jn.
4:6), got hungry (Mt. 4:2), wept (Jn. 11:35) and felt pain (Mt. 27:46).
Seeing his humanness allows us to identify with Him. In fact, it is comforting to know that Jesus sympathizes with our struggles and
temptations because He has personally experienced them Himself (Heb. 4:15). This allows Him to be a real, but perfect model for
us to follow.
By His deity, we see how much He cares for us and what lengths He will go to restore the relationship with us that had been de-
stroyed by sin. God wanted us to have life with Him so much that He came himself to save us from death.
What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position a litle lower than the angels; and because he suered death for us, he is now
crowned with glory and honor. Yes, by Gods grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone.
Hebrews 2:9
WEEK 11
LESSON INSIGHTS
47
WHATS IN A NAME? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 1:21-25
We know Him as Jesus, but He was actually called by many names in the bible, in order to describe what He will do (Is. 9:6). Jesus
is the Greek form of the Hebrew name, Joshua. It was a very common name at the time, but Jesus was the only one to truly fulll
its meaning. The name means the Lord saves. Jesus saves people from their sin because He was willing to sacrice Himself on
the cross to pay our punishment. Since the penalty for sin is death, Jesus died in our place so that we can live. All the animal sacri-
ces people made for their sins in the Old Testament were pointing towards the nal sacrice that was made by Jesus (Heb. 10:1).
He was also called Emmanuel, which means God with us. This is another description of Jesus purpose. When God made himself
man, he was not only with us in a physical sense, but it was also for the purpose of always being with us relationally. By a faith in
Jesus, and the sacrice He made on our behalf, mans relationship with God, which was destroyed by sin, can now be restored and
last for eternity (1 Pet. 3:18).
48
WHO IS JESUS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 1:1-2, 16-17
Who does Mathew say Jesus is in Verse 1?
Why is the declaration that Jesus is the Messiah or Christ so important?
What is the importance of Jesus being the Son of David?
What is the importance of Jesus being the Son of Abraham?
A MAN, AND YET MORE THAN A MAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 1:18-20
Who was Jesus mother? What do you think life was like for her?
Who was Jesus father. How is this possible?
Why is it important that Jesus is fully man? Describe some ways the gospels illustrate
how Jesus showed His humanity.
Why is it important that Jesus is fully God? Describe some ways the gospels illustrate
how Jesus showed His divinity.
WHATS IN A NAME? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 1:21-25
Why was Marys child to be named Jesus? How would he fulll the name given to him?
Why is the name Emmanuel so important when applied to Jesus?
How do the names Jesus and Emmanuel work together?
EVERYTHING IN THE BIBLE
POINTS TO JESUS
John 5:39
What does Jesus say the point of
reading Scripture is?
A TROUBLING START
Luke 1:29-30
Why do you think Mary and the
angel see the coming of Jesus so
dierently?
THE WORD MADE FLESH
John 1:14
How was the Word involved in the
birth of the Messiah?
THE NAMES OF CHRIST
Isaiah 9:6-7
What in these names remind you of
the major Old Testament promises
we have studied?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Mathew 28:16-20, John 14-16
& Acts 1. We will look at the Great
Commission and the Holy Spirit.
PART 11: JESUS THE MESSIAH
MATTHEW 1
FROM THE RESTORATION TO CHRIST: As the New Testament opens, the Israelites are back in the land, but it is not the same.
The promised King and the new covenant appear beyond hope. The Gospels begins with John the Baptist, who, in eect, does
what the whole of the New Testament does: point the way to Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished both
major promises of the Old Testament. He conquered death as our King, and established the new covenant through his sacrice.
49
DEVOTIONAL
In his book Forgoten God, Francis Chan writes these words:
Churchgoers all across the nation say the Holy Spirit has entered them. They claim that God has given them a supernatural ability
to follow Christ, put their sin to death, and serve the church. Christians talk about being born again say that they were dead but
now have come to life. We have become hardened to those words, but they are powerful words that have signicant meaning. Yet
when those outside the church see no dierence in our lives, they begin to question our integrity, out sanity, or even worse, our
God. And can you blame them?
When we read the incredible events of the book of Acts they can only be atributed to one thing: The power of the Holy Spirit.
How should the Holy Spirit impact the life of the believer? What is the role of the holy Spirit in your life? As you prepare for todays
study ponder these words of the Apostle Paul.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:14
PRAYER
........
WEEK 12
GREAT COMMISSION & HOLY SPIRIT
50
THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 28:16-20
By worshipping Jesus, the disciples were acknowledging Him as God. They had no doubt of His power and authority. However, it
seems that some doubted that it was actually Jesus standing before them, and not an apparition. This also happened afer the res-
urrection in John 21:4. Jesus may have looked a litle dierently, possibly even appearing in a heavenly body (2 Cor. 5:1). But even
though they had some doubt, Jesus still commissioned them to make other disciples. It wasnt necessary to have all their ques-
tions about God answered before they started sharing Him with others. In fact, on the other two occasions that Jesus sent out the
disciples to tell people about himself, it was apparent that they had a lot of misunderstandings about him. They werent ready or
qualied to be ambassadors of the gospel message, but Jesus didnt mind because it would be by His authority that the spread of
the good news would be accomplished (Mt. 10).
Jesus told His disciples to do three things to make other disciples. First, He said go. Many times, we get into to the habit of just
leting people come to us if interested in knowing about Jesus, but this was not His instruction. We truly follow Jesus command
when we become intentional about sharing Jesus with others wherever we may go.
Baptism is also central to the commission. This act is an initiation for people into the church body, by publically declaring them-
selves to be a disciple and a member of the church. There should be no such thing as a secret Christian. The act of baptism is
also symbolic of the hope that we nd in Jesus death and resurrection. Just as Jesus died and was buried, so too, we are buried
underwater. However, Jesus conquered death three days later and raised from the grave, so we are too, raised up from the water,
symbolizing the new life we have through our faith in Jesus (Rom. 6:4).
Teaching others what Jesus commanded is also an important part of the Great Commission. We ofen hope that others might be
discipled by inviting them to church, so that they may learn about Jesus from a pastor teaching in the pulpit. But ultimately, Jesus
strategy was that every disciple would teach people about Him (Col. 3:16). This doesnt mean that all Christians will have the gif of
teaching and preaching, but it does mean that each Christian should be able to communicate what they know about Jesus and the
bible to others who want to learn.
THE MISSION BEGINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 1:1-11
The Great Commission could never be accomplished without the help of the Holy Spirit. This is why Jesus told His disciples to
wait until they had received it. Anything done for God in our own power will ultimately prove to be fruitless (Jn. 15:5) because our
own eorts will never be enough to transform a persons heart. The Holy Spirit is the only one capable of such transformation (1
Cor. 2:10-14).
Despite the blessing of being included in Gods plan of redemption, through the making of disciples here on earth, the disciples still
focused on the wrong thing concerning the kingdom. Instead of being solely focused on Jesus mission, they were still hoping that
the kingdom Jesus talked about would be as they had imagined it; a Jewish kingdom on earth. They also were likely still concerned
with their own prestige or rank in the coming kingdom, as they had been on other occasions (Lk. 9:46, 22:24).
But the kingdom that Jesus spoke of would not be conned to a particular location. It will reach to the ends of the earth. Jesus
told the disciples that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, which is where they were currently located. Their witness would
then spread to Judea, which was the outlaying region. Samaria was the next territory over, just outside of Judea. What Jesus was
describing was the spread of something, until it had reached everywhere. Of course, we know that the rst disciples were never
able to travel to all nations and people, but as they made disciples, and then those disciples made other disciples, the gospel mes-
sage travels to all places. In the book of Acts, in just a short time, we see the spread of the gospel to most of the known world at
that time, through Jesus simple strategy disciples multiplying themselves.
WEEK 12
LESSON INSIGHTS
51
THE POWER OF THE MISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ JOHN 16:5-16
Jesus says that we are actually beter o with the Spirit, than with Him remaining physically on earth. This is a prety startling
statement for those of us who have thought that following Jesus would be so much easier if we just had him in front of us, to talk
to. But Jesus presence here on earth was limited to only the people that could physically get to Him. And even then, it was ofen
dicult for even his closest disciples to understand the things that He was telling them. With every believer now having access to
the Holy Spirit, Gods presence is with us wherever we may go. We also no longer have to rely on our own understanding to com-
prehend spiritual things. The Holy Spirit deciphers Gods word for us, allowing us to understand Gods heart and purposes.
For who knows a persons thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts
of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might
understand the things freely given us by God.
1 Corinthians 2:11-12 (ESV)
The work of the Holy Spirit is not just for the benet of each believer, but also for the benet of the whole world. It will convict
people of their sin. This is important because we must acknowledge our sinful nature in order to understand our need for a savior
(Eph. 2:3). The Spirit will also convict the world concerning righteousness. The bad news is that we can never atain right standing
with God because of our sin. But by the Spirit, we come to understand the good news, which is that Jesus died for our sins and
through faith in Him, we are considered righteous by God (Rom. 3:22). The Spirit convicts us of judgment by showing us that the
ways of this world will be condemned and destroyed (2 Pet. 3:10). This understanding should drive us to live for the things of God
rather than for the things of this world.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
1 John 2:15 (NIV)
The Spirit of God provides us with the power for the Great Commission, as well as the power to live a godly life. He leads and
guides us with Gods truth, revealing to us the meaning of scripture and things to come. And this is all done in us for the purpose of
bringing glory to God!
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Mathew 5:16 (NKJV)
52
THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ MATTHEW 28:16-20
What do Verses 16-17 say the disciples response was to Jesus when they saw Him? What
do you think this response had to do with their commissioning? Does it surprise you that
God would entrust His mission to those who still doubted?
In Verses 18-20, what three things are involved in making Disciples? Describe the impor-
tance of each of these three things.
What is the signicance of Jesus speaking of His authority, and always being with us?
THE MISSION BEGINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 1:1-11
In Verses 4-5, Jesus asks the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. Why was it so important
that they wait?
What are the disciples focusing on in Verses 6-7? What is wrong about their focus?
What does Verse 8 say about the scope of our mission? What does this look like today?
Why is Verse 11 so signicant to remember as we go about our mission?
THE POWER OF THE MISSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ JOHN 16:5-16
In Verse 7, why does Jesus say that it is actually beter for us that He leaves? Do you
sometimes doubt the truth of this?
What does Verse 8 say that the Spirit will do? Why are these things so important?
What do Verses 13-15 say the Spirit will focus on in our lives? What do you think is the
ultimate purpose of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
A PERSONAL MISSION
1 Peter 3:15-16
How would you explain to someone
the hope that lies within you?
A VISION OF THE COMPLETED
MISSION
Revelation 7:9-12
How should this vision of the com-
pleted mission shape our thinking
about the mission today?

THE FOCUS OF THE MISSION
Mark 9:33-35
What atitude should dene our
approach to this mission? Why is it
that this atitude is so ofen missing
in the church?
THE INSIDE OUT MISSION
Romans 8:9-11
Why is it so important that the
Spirit works in us, before we at-
tempt to do work around us?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Acts 2-15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-
27. We will look at the early church
and good news for all nations.
PART 12: GREAT COMMISSION & THE HOLY
SPIRIT MATTHEW 28, JOHN 16, ACTS 1
FROM CHRISTS MISSION TO OURS: Jesus will return, but until that day, He has given us a mission to accomplish. This mission
is to spread Christs rule on Earth through the making of disciples. This is a global mission that involves telling others about Christ,
baptism, and Gods Word. Ultimately, this is an impossible mission in which the only chance for success is the authority of Jesus
and the power of the Holy Spirit.
DEVOTIONAL
God is a person not a law. This is hugely important. Because rules cannot change a the human heart only faith in the personal God
can do this. Any time we shif the focus away from faith in Christ and toward human eort we have traded the gospel for legalism.
This is always a loosing trade, for if our Christian walk started with the work of Christ, how could it ever continue without it?
This is the very point the Apostle Paul makes in the book of Galatians:
Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christs death was made as clear to you as if you
had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law
of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you
be? Afer starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human eort?
Galatians 3:1-3 (NLT)
As we look at the early conicts in the rst church, take note of how the decisive issue is always the gospel.
PRAYER
........
WEEK 13
EARLY CHURCH & GLOBAL GOSPEL
54
THE IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27
All believers become a member of the body of Christ as a result of the Holy Spirit. The one Spirit, present in all of us, allows us
to live in love and harmony with one another because of our common devotion to His work. In John 17, Jesus prays that we would
experience the same unity found between Him and the Father, as a result of His Spirit being in us.
I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience
such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
John 17:22-23
The New Testament church was a diverse group, lled with dierent ethnicities, cultural statuses and nancial levels. It may seem
semi-normal in our culture to rub shoulders with people of such varying positions, but in the days of the early church, it was un-
heard of! The fact that they treated each other as equals and shared their belongings equally (Acts 4:32) would have been viewed
as crazy and counter-cultural. But a body should celebrate the diversity among its parts. Without diering parts; personalities,
skills and gifings, the church body will not be able to function properly.
Nor does the church body operate as it should if some parts of the body are highly valued and others are not. We may sometimes
prefer to think that the role we play in the church is more important than the role of another person, but this is a misunderstanding
of the purpose of the church body. Its purpose is always to bring glory to God, never to ourselves.
THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE EARLY CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 2:41-47
The believers in the early church were very generous as a result of their concern for one another. They were willing to put the wel-
fare of others above their own interests. This was one of the ways in which they practically followed Jesus charge to deny them-
selves (Mt. 16:24). They took care of one another because of their common bond in the Spirit and no longer thought of possessions
as their own (Acts 4:32). By treating one another with such generosity, they were following the new command that Jesus had given
them in John 13.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all
people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
The word holy, means to be set apart. God had always called His people to be set apart from the rest of the world for His pur-
poses (1 Pet. 1:15). And through the seless atitude of the early believers, the people outside the church would have viewed it as
being noticeably dierent from the rest of culture.
Do not conform to the patern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what Gods will ishis good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
It must have taken a lot of courage to live as the early believers lived. They were following Jesus instructions to the best of their
ability with complete disregard for the persecution they may face. Paul, who was an early persecutor of the Christians, says in 2
Timothy 3:12, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. It is an inevitable reality for us today if
we genuinely desire to follow Christ. Afer Paul became a Christian himself in Acts 9, he expressed the same atitude that we see
reected in the early believers, in Philippians 3.
WEEK 13
LESSON INSIGHTS
55
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the innite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have dis-
carded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.
Philippians 3:8-9 (NLT)
The church grew because the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. It was something that God was
doing, just as he had done all throughout the Old Testament. God involves people in His work, but it is only God who has the
power to accomplish what He wishes. The believers were involved in what God was doing because they were following His Great
Commission. They were going out from the church to share the good news about Jesus to anyone they met. Each Christian was
responsible for the evangelism and multiplication of the church by sharing the gospel with others.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the
hope that you have.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
THE SCOPE OF THE EARLY CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 15:1-11
Although the early church sets a great example for believers today, it was also far from perfect. They were regular people, with
human struggles and divisions among themselves. One of the earliest arguments they dealt with was the requirements of salvation.
Some of the Jewish teachers insisted that the Law still had to be followed, even afer a person accepted Jesus as their savior. In
essence, they believed that Christianity remained a segment of Judaism, therefore a person must have the physical sign of being a
converted Jew, which was circumcision.
However, the church ultimately decided that it is only by faith in Jesus sacrice on the cross, for the penalty of our sins, which
restores the relationship between sinful people and a holy God (Rom. 3:28). Through the saving work of Jesus, non-Jewish people,
or Gentiles, now have equal access to God. In fact, God had already shown this to be the case in Acts 10 when a Gentile house-
hold accepted the good news, were saved and received the Holy Spirit as a result of the gospel message that Peter shared with
them. Although God began his plan of redemption in the Old Testament through the Jewish nation of Israel, and Jesus was Jewish
himself, His plan was always to redeem all nations (John 11:51-52).
He says, You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my
salvation to the ends of the earth.
Isaiah 49:6 (NLT)
56
THE IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27
In Verse 13, how are we told that we are brought into the body of Christ?
What does this passage teach us about the importance of Diversity in the body?
What does this passage teach us about the importance of Unity in the body?
What does this passage teach us about the danger of Selshness in the body?
THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE EARLY CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 2:41-47
What is the importance of Generosity in the church?
What is the importance of Holiness in the church?
What is the importance of Courage in the church?
What is the importance of Multiplication in the church?
THE SCOPE OF THE EARLY CHURCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ ACTS 15:1-11
In Verses 1-2, what did the early church argue about? Why do you think this issue was so
divisive in the early church?
In Verse 3, what did Paul and Barnabas share that changed the debate?
In Verse 5, some tried to add to the Gospel. What did they propose? How do we see this
same approach in the modern church?
In Verses 9-11, what did the early church decide about who could be saved? How did the
early church say salvation was accomplished?
FELLOWSHIP IN THE GOSPEL
Philippians 1:5
What does this verse teach us
about the true nature of Christian
fellowship?
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
John 13:34-35
What does Jesus say will prove
that we are His disciples? Can this
be done in isolation?
THE DANGER OF FAVORITISM
James 2:1-12
Why are we so prone to show
favoritism in our faith?
FOR NEXT TIME
Read Revelation 21-22. We will look
at The End of the Story.
PART 13: THE EARLY CHURCH & GLOBAL
GOOD NEWS ACTS 2 & 15, I CORINTHIANS 12
FROM OUR MISSION TO THE CHURCH: Isolation is not an option for those following Christ. Christians are not individuals, they
are members of the body of Christ. We cannot follow Christ apart from the church. This is why it is important to understand the
churchs identity and role so that it can accomplish Gods plan of redemption. Though Jesus is personal, His purpose is global. The
global scope of Christs plan in seen in Gods heart for both the Jew and Gentile. Jesus came for all nations and all people.
DEVOTIONAL
In Revelation chapters 21 and 22 we see Gods big story ending using the same imagery with wich it began: A garden paradise. And
so heaven will be Eden reborn whereif it looks good, then eat. If it looks fun, then play. Leap, sprint, sing, dance, laugh, paint, drink
and feast. Every desire will be pure, every thought will be holy. Christ, has reclaimed Eden for Gods children.
This is the very image we nd in Johns Gospel. When two men, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, take the crucied body of
Jesus and prepare it for burial. In John chapter 19 we are given this account:
Taking Jesus body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial cus-
toms. At the place where Jesus was crucied, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been
laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19:40-42 (NIV)
At the resurrection, Jesus walked out of a tomb and into a garden. So too, will we. The curse has been reversed. Sin caused man
to go from garden to grave, but Christ leads man from grave to garden. To Eden reborn: A paradise, where every thirst will be
quenched, need satised, and longing lled.
PRAYER
........
WEEK 14
THE END OF THE STORY
58
A NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ REVELATION 21:1-2
At the beginning of the story, God created the heavens and the earth and declared His creation to be very good. But when Adam
and Eve rebelled against God, they allowed sin into the world, which causes death. Since then, God has been orchestrating His re-
deeming plan to restore everything that sin has corrupted. We all instinctively know that something has gone wrong with the world.
The bible says that even creation itself groans for things to be made right (Rom. 8:22). Eventually, God will make the earth new, as
He had always intended it to be. It will be a place absent of death and pain and full of joy.
Heaven will also be made new, in the sense that it will descend to earth and no longer be separated from it. Just as God was with
people and walked among them in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:8), He will do so again when His creation is restored (Lev. 26:12). We
will then enjoy perfect fellowship with God.
Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth
and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever;
they will wear out like old clothing.
You will change them like a garment
and discard them. But you are always the same;
you will live forever.
Psalm 102:25-27 (NLT)
A NEW CITY AND NATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ REVELATION 21:3-5, 22-27
There is much to look forward to when we consider what heaven will be like. Something that will be noticeably missing from heav-
en will be the temple. In the Old Testament, Gods people were only able to meet with God at the temple because it was where
His presence dwelt (Ex. 29:42-43). However, as a result of receiving Jesus as our savior, we no longer have to go to the temple to
meet with God because His Spirit dwells in each one of His disciples. When Jesus died for our sins on the cross, the four-inch
thick temple curtain, was miraculously torn in two (Mk. 15:38), symbolizing the access we now have to God, made available to all
who come through relationship in Jesus. In heaven, there will still be no need for a temple because God will physically live with us,
just as He intended it to be when He originally created us (Gen. 3:8).
Another interesting detail we nd in the description of the new heavenly city, is the representation of all the nations. This is
signicant on one hand because Jesus told His disciples that, by His power, the gospel would be spread to the ends of the earth
(Acts 1:8). We get to be a part of sharing that good news with all corners of the earth and when we get to heaven we will see Jesus
mission nally completed.
The fact that God will still recognize people of dierent nations also illustrates how much God appreciates the uniqueness of each
person and even each culture. Although God purposes to transform us into His likeness, he never seeks to change the special
characteristics that He created each person with. In fact, the gathering of people in heaven may be very similar to what we see in
the early church, but on a much larger scale. Just as the believers were all very dierent, they also were all of like mind because of
their common pursuit of God (Acts 4:32).
And they sang a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
Revelation 5:9 (NIV)
WEEK 14
LESSON INSIGHTS
59
A NEW RIVER & TREE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ REVELATION 22:1-2
Water means life to a human being and we are constantly reminded of our need for it when we experience thirst. In heaven, we
will not experience a thirst or longing of any kind because abundant life will always be ours to enjoy. The water of life will always
ow from Gods throne and be available to us. The river of the water of life pictured in Revelation, very well may have been what
Jesus had in mind as He was speaking to the Samaritan women at the well in John 4. Jesus told her that if she understood who He
really was, she wouldnt just ask him for regular water, but instead the living water that only He can give.
whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain
of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 4:13-14 (NKJV)
The tree of life was present in the Garden of Eden before sin had entered the world (Gen. 2:9). However, once Adam and Eve
commited the rst sin God no longer allowed them access to the tree because by eating of it, it would preserve them forever in
their sinful state (Gen. 3:24). When we once again are granted access to the tree in heaven, it will provide us with unending health
and nourishment. And unlike the rst garden of creation, the nal garden described in Revelation will not contain the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil because sin will no longer be able to corrupt anything of Gods (Rev. 22:3).
A NEW THRONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ REVELATION 22:3-5
When Jesus came to earth the rst time He came as a savior and served us. But when He returns a second time, He will return as
a conquering king to reclaim what is rightfully His (Rev. 19). His throne will be seen in the new earth and everyone will view Him as
king. This has always been the reality in heaven, but it will nally be realized on the new earth as well.
God will always be our focus. We will serve Him. But it wont be the kind of service performed out of duty. We will serve Him
because it will be a joy to do so because of our worship of Him. And in our service, we will reign with the king forever!
In heaven, we will also come face to face with God, which has never been done since the fall of man. Once people became sinful,
they could no longer be in the presence of a Holy God. In Exodus 33:18, Moses asked God that His glory would not only go with
His people wherever they may go, but that God would physically show himself to Moses. God responded in verse twenty by say-
ing, you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live. When we are in paradise with God, there will be no more sin to
separate us from Him, and we will once again, enjoy life side-by-side with Him.
Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
Mathew 25:34 (NIV)
60
A NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ REVELATION 21:1-2
Why do Heaven and Earth need to be made new?
Why does God make Earth new rather than just taking us away to Heaven?
A NEW CITY AND NATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ REVELATION 21:3-5, 22-27
What part of Verses 3-5 do you most look forward too and why? What in these verses
remind you of the Old Testament covenants?
In Verse 22, why do you think there is no temple in the new Jerusalem?
Why is it important that there are still nations in Heaven? What does this say about
Gods heart for diversity and culture?
A NEW RIVER & TREE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ REVELATION 22:1-2
What does the water in Verse 1 symbolise? What do you think this water may have to do
with Jesus?
Where in the Bible did we rst see the Tree of Life? How does that story help us to
understand Verse 2?
A NEW THRONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ REVELATION 22:3-5
Who will be the focus of Heaven, and what will be doing there?
Why is there a throne in Heaven?
What do you think it means in Verse 4 when we are told that we will see Gods face?
REFINERS FIRE
2 Peter 3:11-13
Why does Peter use the imagery of
re to describe the making of the
new Heaven and Earth?
BABYLON VS. JERUSALEM
Genesis 11:1-4
What is the dierence between the
united Earth we see at Babel, and
the united Earth we see in the New
Jerusalem?
A STRANGE NEW WORLD
Isaiah 11:6-9
EDEN REBORN
1 Corinthians 15:42-44
Why is it so important that God
gives us new bodies. What does
this say about the nature of
heaven?
THE LORDS PRAYER
Mathew 6:9-13 (NKJV)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done
on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and
the glory forever. Amen.
PART 14: THE END OF THE STORY
REVELATION 21-22
ALL THINGS MADE NEW: Gods story concludes with the Lord reversing everything sin has done to corrupt the world. God does
this through Jesus. Jesus came the rst time to secure our salvation, and He will come again to bring it to fruition. Through Jesus
we have the wonderful promise that one day all that is wrong will be made right. When Jesus returns to the world will see him for
who He truly is: The eternal King who will reign on Earth as he does in Heaven.
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WELCOME
You have heard me teach things that have been conrmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy
people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2
Our culture for all its freedom to worship God has not produced very many people who truly follow God. And what is missing is
not people willing to atend church, but rather trustworthy people who are willing to pass on to others what it means to be a
disciple.
FOLLOW ME
WHATS NEXT
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