Lord

Jesus ... My Lord?
Jesus is called "Lord" approximately 600 times in the New Testament, but what does that mean? More importantly, what does it mean to you?
Table of Contents
Leaders Notes appear after each study guide in the lessons. 1. Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:8-11) 2. Therefore, Work Out Your Salvation (Philippians 2:12-13) 3. Lord of My Attitude (Philippians 2:5-16) 4. Lord of My Time & Priorities (Philippians 3:8-11) 5. Lord of My Heart and Mouth (Romans 10:8-10) 6. Lord of My Opinions (Galatians 3:26-28; 2 Corinthians 5:16a) 7. Lord of My Relationships (Ephesians 5:21) 8. Lord of My Work (Colossians 3:23-24) 9. Lord of My Body (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) 10. Lord of My Tribulations (Romans 5:3-4) 11. Lord of My Walk (Ephesians 4:1-5:21)
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2001 DiAnna Paulk | http://www.path-light.com | dianna@path-light.com
12. Pressing On Toward the Goal (Philippians 3:12-14)
How This Study Came About

God has granted me the privilege of teaching a group of young adults who are committed to Him and to obedience to His Word. As we neared the end of a study, I began to pray for the Spirit's guidance for our next study. Through a series of events, I was led to a devotional I had prepared on "Jesus...My Lord?" several years ago. As I considered using the devotional to fill in until we could decide what to study I was impressed with how much more time needed to be dedicated to this topic. Saying Jesus is Lord is one thing - living with Him as Lord of your life takes a lifetime. The more I thought and prayed about this topic, the more I felt led to expand it into an in-depth study. One Saturday I began to work on this study. The ideas and scriptures came so quickly I was afraid I would lose them. I began to jot down key words so that I could come back later and look up the references. Within a period of 6 hours the study guide was complete. I was able to edit it and print it out on Sunday. I was utterly amazed and extremely excited -- it had been a long time since I had felt such a leading by the Holy Spirit in preparing a study. I enjoyed thumbing through the study because I knew it was not form me -- I had been guided by the Holy Spirit in each of its parts. Each week I looked forward to the next lesson, eagerly awaiting what God would reveal to us through the study of His word. Of course there were -- and still are -- mistakes. Only God is perfect. But His grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. I welcome any corrections and suggestions you may have concerning the study. My prayer is that all who participate in and lead others in this study will receive the blessings which I have receive by writing it down. In Him, DiAnna Paulk Copyright 2001 DiAnna Paulk. Permission is granted for this material to be reproduced for personal or group study. No part of this study may be reproduced for sale or inclusion in any product for sale. Please email me to let me know how you are using this study: dianna@pathlight.com. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from from the New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Art work: "The Savior" by Greg Olsen. Used by permission. http://www.gregolsengallery.com.
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Jesus Is Lord
Philippians 2:8-11
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Questions to Consider:
1. What is the name which is above every name? (Many Jewish boys were named Jesus what name, according to our theme verse, is distinctive?)
2.
According to Philippians 2:8-11, why is Jesus called Lord? (You may wish to refer to the greater context of this passage.)
3.
According to these verses, what does it mean to call Jesus Lord?

4.
Matthew 28:18 Acts 2:33-36 Ephesians 1:18-23 Hebrews 1:4
According to Philippians 2:8-11, for what purpose was Jesus exalted?
5.
Paul quotes from the prophet Isaiah in this verse. Read Isaiah 45:23-24. See also how Paul uses it in Romans 14:11-12. Why do you think this quote was so meaningful to Paul?
6.
According to our theme verse, how will submission to Jesus Lordship one day be expressed?
7.
How do you express submission to Jesus Lordship in your life now? Be specific.
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Jesus Is Lord
Leaders Notes
The overall goal of the lesson is to come to a clear understanding of the meaning and implications of Jesus Lordship. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers.
Philippians 2:8-11
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1. What is the name which is above every name? (Many Jewish boys were named Jesus what name, according to our theme verse, is distinctive?) [To understand the concept of Lord.] The name which is above every name refers to the name Lord (kuriosStrongs Greek #2962) in v. 11. The NT name Lord most closely identifies with the OT name dny (Strongs Hebrew #136) which is a special form of the Hebrew word master and stresses a claim on mans service. See Malachi 1:6. Establish a clear connection between Jesus Lordship and the resulting rightful claim on mans service.
2. According to Philippians 2:8-11, why is Jesus called Lord? (You may wish to refer to the greater context of this passage.) [To establish that Jesus is rightfully Lord.] Refer to the context, specifically verses 3-7 to clarify why Jesus is called Lord. The mention of staurou ("cross") connoted probably the cruelest form of capital punishment. ... In Rome it was a punishment reserved for slaves and foreigners (EBC). The Lord was crucified as a slave!
3. According to these verses, what does it mean to call Jesus Lord? [To examine the scope of Jesus Lordship.] Refer to the context of the verses to make the point that Jesus is Lord whether or not He is now acknowledged as such.
Matthew 28:18 acknowledges that all authority on heaven & earth has been given to Him Acts 2:33-36 acknowledges that God made Him Lord, therefore He is Lord. He is even Lord over His enemies.
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Ephesians 1:18-23 He is not just above all else, He is far above all things Hebrews 1:4 He is far above the angels; His Name is more excellent
4. According to Philippians 2:8-11, for what purpose was Jesus exalted? [To consider the purpose of Jesus exaltation.] That He should be recognized, or acknowledged, as the Lord He is to the glory of God the Father. The purpose of Christ's exaltation is that all beings might bow in acknowledgment of the name that belongs to Jesus (v. 10), and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (v. 11). Because of what the name of Jesus represents, a time is coming when every knee shall bow before him in recognition of his sovereignty (EBC). Will they gladly bow and gladly confess Jesus is Lord? If youve read Revelation the answer appears to be no. There will be many who under the sheer weight of the obvious will, under compulsion, acknowledge His sovereignty. They will be forced to concede His power and rule, but they will do so with much shame (Herrick). This is confirmed by the context of Isaiah 45:23-24 discussed in the next question. 5. Paul quotes from the prophet Isaiah in this verse. Read Isaiah 45:23-24. How does this passage add to your understanding of Jesus as Lord? See also how Paul uses it in Romans 14:11-12. [To connect Jesus Lordship with mans accountability.] The context of the quotation from Isaiah is taken up with the uniqueness of YHWH in contrast to lifeless idols. In the Isaiah passage YHWH, and YHWH alone, is unique and the only One who creates, redeems and sustains. Thus the passage is a powerful statement about the supremacy of YHWH. It is precisely this supremacy which is conferred on Jesus in Philippians 2:1011 (Herrick). Note the conclusion of the Romans passage: So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. This provides a good transition to the next question. 6. According to our theme verse, how will submission to Jesus Lordship one day be expressed? [To comprehend the meaning of submission to Jesus Lordship.] The image of bowing invokes attitudes in the ancient Near East of paying homage to ones god(s) in recognition of its inherent authority (Herrick). (Homagerespect, reverence, service, duty, honor, worship.) Discuss the application to Christianity.
7. How do you express submission to Jesus Lordship in your life now? Be specific. [To think about Jesus Lordship in terms of our own lives.] If Christ Himself, though He was divine, did not seek selfishly anything that He might credit to His own account, but instead obeyed the Father faithfully His entire life, so ought we to do the same. If we have been seeking our own interests, we need to repent and seek the interests of others (Herrick).
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This series of lessons will attempt to help us on this journey from selfishness to selflessness so that we may pay homage to Jesus Christ as our Lord not just with words, but with our lives. Are you ready to begin this journey together?
WORKS CITED (EBC) Gaebelein, Frank E. general editor. The Expositors Bible Commentary: New Testament. [CD-ROM] The Zondervan NIV Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corp. 1989-1997. Herrick, Greg. Lesson 8: Exhortation to Unity The Example of Christ. Philippians: The Unconquerable Gospel. 1995-2001. Biblical Studies Foundation. http://www.bible.org/studies/nt/books/phi/gh/phil-08.htm.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Word definitions are taken from Websters Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, Massachusetts: G. & C. Merriam Company. 1969.
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Therefore, Work Out Your Salvation

Philippians 2:12-13
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed ... work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Salvation in Three Tenses:

Justification: I have been saved from the penalty of sin. Read Romans 5:9, 18-19 Glorification: I will be saved from the presence of sin. Read Romans 8:16-17; Philippians 3:20-21. Sanctification: I am being saved from the power of sin. Read Romans 6.
I have been saved. I am being saved. I will be saved.
1. After reading Romans 6, how would you define sanctification? (See also 2 Timothy 2:21.)
2.
Read John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2 and 2 Timothy 2:21.
How does each Member of the Trinity contribute to our sanctification?
What responsibilities must we assume for our sanctification?
3.
What would be the difference in working for your salvation and working out your salvation?
4.
How do you understand with fear and trembling in this context? See also James 4:8-10.
5.
What is the connection between working out your salvation and acknowledging Jesus as Lord?
6.
Based on your present understanding of sanctification, what steps could you take this week to begin to obey the command of Philippians 2:12? What encouragement do you receive from verse 13?
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Therefore, Work Out Your Salvation

Leaders Notes
The overall goals of the lesson are (1) to understand that the Biblical concept of Salvation has many aspects, including a present one in which we have obligations; and (2) to see how our commitment to sanctification is connected to our confession of Jesus as Lord. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers. Philippians 2:12-13 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed ... work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Salvation in Three Tenses: Discuss Salvation in Three Tenses so that participants understand that the Biblical concept of Salvation has many aspects, including a present one. Justification: I have been saved from the penalty of sin. Read Romans 5:9, 18-19. a forensic term meaning acquit, declare righteous, the opposite of condemn. God forgives believing sinners on the basis of Christs obedience and death (NBD 646-648). This is salvation in the past tense because Jesus accomplished it when He died on the cross for our sins. Glorification: I will be saved from the presence of sin. Read Romans 8:16-17; Philippians 3:2021. The process of salvation which began with our justification will culminate in our future glorification with Christ. This will not occur until our death or rapture. Sanctification: I am being saved from the power of sin. Read Romans 6.Justification must be followed by the experiential aspect of sanctification, by which the new life in Christ is consciously appropriated and demonstrated (EBC). It is the life-long process of translating the Word of God into action in our everyday lives. Questions to Consider: 1. After reading Romans 6, how would you define sanctification? (See also 2 Timothy 2:21.) [To define sanctification.] Both sacred and holy are synonyms for sanctification. Biblically, it conveys the idea of position or relationship more than possession of certain moral and spiritual qualities (Girdlestone 195). From 2 Tim. 2:21 we can see that it indicates to be set apart (position) and useful (relationship). 2. Read John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2 and 2 Timothy 2:21. [To establish our responsibility in the process of sanctification.] How does each Member of the Trinity contribute to our sanctification? The Father is the Source of our sanctification; the Son is the Agent (the blood is the means); the Spirit is the Operator but He works through the Word of truth and the prayer of faith, and through the fellowship of believers (Ephesians 5:26). What responsibilities must we assume for our sanctification?
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It is a paradox of grace that while the believer cannot accomplish his own sanctification, he must still participate in it. The believer must study the Word, pray and fellowship with believers. 3. What would be the difference in working for your salvation and working out your salvation? [To distinguish between working for and working out ones salvation.] Working for ones salvation indicates that we can do something to earn it when, in fact, we cannot. It is the free gift of God. Working out our salvation indicates that we are making the free gift of God operational in our lives. It means living out the faith we have in Christ a life-long process, as can be seen by the present tense of the imperative. It is something we keep on doing (Deffinbaugh). 4. How do you understand with fear and trembling in this context? See also James 4:8-10. [To clarify the meaning of fear and trembling.] This refers to a holy fear that trembles at the thought of sin and its effects in our lives (EBC). Bob Deffinbaugh suggests that it is best understand as with humility because of the context: Humility is the basis for sacrificial service and unity. 5. What is the connection between working out your salvation and acknowledging Jesus as Lord? [To make the connection between our sanctification and Jesus Lordship.] This paragraphs starts off with a conjunction so then which clearly indicates that there is an inference to be drawn from the previous material in 2:6-11. the connection is that Paul wants the Philippians to obey the Lord in the same way as Jesus obeyed the Father. He obeyed completely and without reservation and so should they. We too must obey Him implicitly (Herrick). 6. Based on your present understanding of sanctification, what steps could you take this week to begin to obey the command of Philippians 2:12? [To think about sanctification in personal terms.] If the Holy Spirit works through our faithful obedience to the Word of truth, the prayer of faith, and the fellowship of believers, then this is where we must begin. What encouragement do you receive from verse 13? In verse 13, Paul describes the enablement to carry out the exhortation as being furnished by God himself, who produces in believers both the desire to live righteously and the effective energy to do so. God does not demand of us what we cannot do. Furthermore, the provision from God takes into account our every need. It is not always enough to "will" something, for good intentions are not always carried out. Paul sees believers as having their wills energized by God and then also having the power to work supplied by him (EBC)
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By way of summary, then, verse 12 talks about obedience to God and verse 13 talks about the grace of God in our hearts. The tension that exists between these ideas should not be minimized lest we fall off one side or the other. We cannot say, It all depends on me! This makes Christianity a list of dos and donts. This negates v. 13. Yet, on the other hand, we cannot sit around waiting for God to do something, all the while disobeying the explicit teaching of Scripture. This is to deny the imperative in verse 12 (Herrick).
WORKS CITED Deffinbaugh, Bob. Lesson 8: Fleshing Out Your Faith. To Live Is Christ: A Study of the Book of Philippians. 2000 Biblical Studies Foundation. http://www.bible.org/docs/nt/books/phi/deffin/phil-08.htm. (NBD) Douglas, J. D. ed. New Bible Dictionary. 2nd Edition. Wheaton: Tyndale House. 1982. Girdlestone, Robert Baker. Synonyms of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. 1983. Herrick, Greg. Lesson 9: Exhortation To Unity A Final Word Concerning Obeience. 1995-2001. Biblical Studies Foundation. http://www.bible.org/studies/nt/books/phi/gh/phil09.htm.
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Lord of My Attitude
Philippians 2:5-7
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
1. In verse 5 the Greek text could be literally rendered "Keep thinking this among you, which [attitude] was also in Christ Jesus." Read the context of verse 5 to determine what it is that we should keep thinking among ourselves.
Attitude: a mental position, feeling or emotion towards a fact or state.
2.
Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, chose the word "humility" to describe the attitude of Jesus Christ. Refer to Philippians 2:3-4 and write a definition of "humility."
3.
What do these Scriptures reveal about following Christs example? How does each relate to the attitude of Christ?
Matthew 11:29 Matthew 16:24 John 13:5, 15 Romans 15:1-6 Hebrews 12:2-3 1 Peter 2:21-25
4.
Colossians 3:12-17 expresses the Christ-like attitude of humility in positive terms. What manifestations of humility and love are specifically mentioned?
5.
Why would one want to have the attitude of Jesus Christ, humility? What purpose would it serve?
6.
Think of specific situations that occur frequently at home or at work. How could you display the attitude of Christ Jesus in those situations?
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Lord of My Attitude
Leaders Notes
The overall goals of this lesson are (1) to identify the attitude of Christ as humility; (2) to define humility; and (3) determine how we can appropriate the attitude of Christ in our daily walk. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers.
Philippians 2:5-7
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
1. In verse 5 the Greek text could be literally rendered "Keep thinking this among you, which [attitude] was also in Christ Jesus." Read the context of verse 5 to determine what it is that we should keep thinking among ourselves. [To establish that the context deals with humility.] Specifically the context consists of verses 3 and 4 where Paul admonishes the believers to Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (NIV). 2. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, chose the word "humility" to describe the attitude of Jesus Christ. Refer to Philippians 2:3-4 and write a definition of "humility." [To define humility.] In Phil. 2:4 Paul asks for the humility which takes the form of unselfishness, i.e. concern for the welfare of others. Christs own self-giving provides the model as God in Christ takes us seriously and acts on our behalf. Only by a similar refraining for self-assertion can members of the church maintain its unity. Paul offers a personal example in Acts 20:19 (TDNT 1156). 3. What do these Scriptures reveal about following Christs example? How does each relate to the attitude of Christ? [To examine Christs example of humility.] The main point of these scriptures is that our Lord does not ask us to do something that He did not demonstrate for us. It is His Spirit within us that enables us to maintain an attitude of humility in trying circumstances.

Matthew 11:29 Jesus characterizes Himself as gentle & humble in heart. Matthew 16:24 Jesus demands that His disciples deny themselves which, in essence, is humility. John 13:5, 15 Jesus demonstrated humble and voluntary service for His disciples and encouraged them to follow His example. Romans 15:1-6 Endurance and encouragement are ultimately God's gift, though they are mediated through the Scriptures. They tend, however, to be individually appropriated, some realizing them to a greater degree than others. So Paul prays for
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a spirit of unity (like-mindedness) that will minimize individual differences as all fix their attention on Christ as the pattern for their own lives (EBC). Hebrews 12:2-3 When we grow weary of exercising humility, we must remember Jesus example; He does not ask us to put up with any situation which our Lord has not already endured! 1 Peter 2:21-25 Our Lord left us an example to follow in how to demonstrate humility, even if suffering unjustly.
4. Colossians 3:12-17 expresses the Christ-like attitude of humility in positive terms. What manifestations of humility and love are specifically mentioned? [To examine the characteristics of humility.] This passage in Colossians expresses the Christ-like attitude of humility in positive terms. The verb, clothe, is expressed in the Greek aorist imperative which speaks of an action to be undertaken with a sense of urgency (EBC). They are all manifestations of love which is mentioned in verse 14. The Expositors Bible Commentary defines the characteristics as follows: "Compassion" betokens pity and tenderness expressed toward the suffering and miserable. "Kindness" combines the ideas of goodness, kindliness, and graciousness; sweetness of disposition. In Romans 11:22 it is contrasted with "severity," and in Galatians 5:22 it is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. "Humility" which originally meant servility, came to denote a humble disposition; the thinking lowly of ourselves because we are so. "Gentleness" the opposite of arrogance and self-assertiveness, is the special mark of the man who has a delicate consideration for the rights and feelings of others; willingness to make concessions. Patience denotes the self-restraint that enables one to bear injury and insult without resorting to hasty retaliation. Christians who are truly patient will manifest this attitude by (1) a willingness to bear with those whose faults or unpleasant traits are an irritant to them and (2) a willingness to forgive those they have grievances against. "Bear with" suggests the thought of putting up with things we dislike in others. "Forgive," a word used in 2:13 of God's action toward us, has the sense of forgiving freely. 5. Why would one want to have the attitude of Jesus Christ (humility)? What purpose would it serve? [To reinforce the connection between Jesus Lordship and our responsibility.] If we confess Jesus as our Lord, then we must obey His commands. He commanded His disciples to follow His example. His example was one of humility. There is a story of a Sir Leonard Wood who once visited the King of France and the king was so pleased with him that he invited Sir Wood to dine with him the next day. Sir Leonard went to the palace the next day and the King, upon meeting him in the hall, said, Why, Sir Leonard, I was not expecting you. How is it that you are here? Did not your majesty ask me to dine with you, asked Sir Leonard. The king responded, Yes, but you did not answer my invitation. To which Sir Leonard replied, A kings invitation is not to be answered, but to be obeyed. Jesus invitation to us is to learn from Him to be gentle and humble in heart. It is an invitation to be obeyed.
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6. Think of specific situations that occur frequently at home or at work. How could you display the attitude of Christ Jesus in those situations? [To apply what has been learned to specific situations in our lives.} Encourage participants to mentally rehearse what a humble attitude would look like in familiar situations at work, home, school, etc. Think of responses that would be characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Encourage the participants to read one verse of May the Mind of Christ My Savior each morning during the coming week. Commit to pray for each other as we try to appropriate the attitude of our Lord in our daily lives.
WORKS CITED (EBC) Gaebelein, Frank E. general editor. The Expositors Bible Commentary: New Testament. [CD-ROM] The Zondervan NIV Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corp. 1989-1997. (TDNT) Kittel, Gerhard and Gerhard Friedrich, ed. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: Abridged in One Volume. Translated and abridged by Geoffrey W. Bromiley. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 1985. The story of the King of France and Sir Leonard Wood was heard on Decision Today. http://www.decisiontoday.org. November 2, 2001.
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Lord of My Time & Priorities

Philippians 3:8-11
More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
1. List the top three priorities in your life. (Be truthful!!)
2.
If someone who didnt know you was given a balance sheet showing how you spend your time, what would they think was your first priority in life?
3.
If someone who didnt know you found your bank statement, what would they think was your first priority in life?
4.
Read Philippians 3:4b-7. What are the things Paul specifically mentions that he has counted as loss for the sake of Christ? Name some modern-day equivalents to Pauls list. How would these be related to a persons time and priorities?
5.
In verse 8, Paul doesnt say I count these thing, but I count all things to be loss. What does this wording emphasize?
6.
What would you say is the surpassing value of knowing Christ? See Colossians 2:2-3.
7.
What would you say Paul meant when he referred to knowing Christ Jesus my Lord?
8.
Paul was a tent-maker by trade (Acts 18:3). Read Acts 20:33-35; 1 Corinthians 9:3-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. How do you think Paul balanced working and preaching with knowing Christ as his first priority?
9.
After this lesson, what should be your top three priorities in life?
10. What steps can you take to make your actual priorities agree with your ideal priorities?
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Lord of My Time & Priorities

Leaders Notes
The overall goal of this lesson is to understand the implications of confessing Jesus as Lord, specifically in the areas of time and priorities. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers.
Philippians 3:8-11
More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
[The first three questions are designed to encourage the participants to see if what they say are their priorities can be verified by the way they spend their time and resources. I recommend that you give the participants the option to not share their responses to these questions, but do give them time to consider their answers.] 1. List the top three priorities in your life. (Be truthful!!) 2. If someone who didnt know you were given a balance sheet showing how you spend your time, what would they think was your first priority in life? 3. If someone who didnt know you found your bank statement, what would they think was your first priority in life? 4. Read Philippians 3:4b-7. What are the things Paul specifically mentions that he has counted as loss for the sake of Christ? Name some modern-day equivalents to Pauls list. How would these be related to a persons time and priorities? [To understand that good things which take the place of Christ become liabilities in our sanctification.] Paul lists seven facts about his life. The first 4 he mentions are the advantages he gained by his birth to orthodox Jewish parents. Modern-day equivalents may include such advantages as being born to or raised by white middle-class or upper-middle class parents, being born to or raised by Christian parents, being raised in the church, access to educational opportunities, etc. The last 3 items Paul mentions were earned by hard work (Herrick). The Pharisees were the most orthodox of the Jewish parties. This party contained the most zealous supporters and interpreters of OT law, and Paul had studied under Gamaliel, its most celebrated teacher (Acts 22:3; cf. 5:34) (EBC). Modern-day equivalents would include taking advantage of educational opportunities and choices, scholastic and athletic recognition, denominational affiliations, promotions at work, etc.
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All the things Paul mentions seem like good things he spent his time, energy, and resources to do religious things and to do them exceptionally well. But his conclusion is that he now counts those things as loss. These were misguided priorities. The same principle applies outside of Judaism. Being wealthy is a privilege, an asset. .... But if I trust in the uncertainty of riches (1 Timothy 6:17) or if my riches are more important to me than God (as with the rich young rulersee Luke 19:18-30), then my wealth has become a liability, so far as salvation is concerned. The same thing can be said of position and power, or intelligence, or education. Whatever we trust in other than Christ, whatever becomes a substitute for faith in Christ, is a liability (Deffinbaugh). Whatever consumes most of our time, energy and resources other than Christ is a liability. Whatever good we may have done or whatever prowess we possess, it must all be brought under the Lordship of Christ (Herrick). 5. In verse 8, Paul doesnt say I count these thing, but I count all things to be loss. What does this wording emphasize? [To realize that anything that rivals our allegiance to Jesus Lordship is a liability. ] By using panta ("all things") rather than tauta ("these things," v. 7), Paul's thought broadens from his Jewish advantages just mentioned to include everything that might conceivably be a rival to his total trust in Christ (EBC). 6. What point is Paul making when he speaks of the surpassing value of knowing Christ? [To emphasize the need for Christ as our first priority.] The point is that for Paul knowing Christ was of more value than anything else in his heritage and more precious to him than anything else in his present experience. It was more valuable because it is saving, personal, and transforming. It is the personal knowing of Christ that is so exciting to Paul and ought to be to the Philippians and to us today as well. None of this can be said of following a religion with all its dos and donts (Herrick).
7. What would you say Paul meant when he referred to knowing Christ Jesus my Lord? [To understand what it means to know Christ.] For Paul, the knowledge of Christ Jesus as his Lord meant the intimate communion with Christ that began at his conversion and had been his experience all the years since then. It was not limited to the past (as v. 10 shows), but was a growing relationship in which there was blessed enjoyment in the present and the challenge and excitement of increasing comprehension of Christ in personal fellowship (EBC). 8. Paul was a tent-maker by trade (Acts 18:3). Read Acts 20:33-35; 1 Corinthians 9:3-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. How do you think Paul balanced working and preaching with knowing Christ as his first priority? [To observe Pauls example of a balanced life with Christ as his first priority.] I believe that Paul was able to balance working, preaching and knowing Christ as his first priority because
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he did not view his life in the schizophrenic mindset so prevalent today. We see our lives as compartmentalized: this much for Christ, this much for work, this much for family. Paul saw his life in terms of his relationship with Christ. Paul would state his priorities (not necessarily in this order) as Christ, Christ in my preaching, Christ in my working, Christ in my family, etc. He would see that acknowledging Christ as his Lord did not set Christ apart from his life. Rather, it set Christ above all the events and responsibilities that occurred in his life. By knowing this, Paul was able to appropriate Christs yoke as easy and light. Pauls life was an eventful one, but not a stressful one. He did not feel pulled in all directions because his only Lord was Christ. 9. After this lesson, what should be your top three priorities in life? [To list our priorities in terms that reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ.] Encourage participants to list their priorities in terms that include Christ, i.e. Christ in my marriage, Christ in my work, etc. 10. What steps can you take to make your actual priorities agree with your ideal priorities? [To enumerate practical steps to take to make Christ our first priority.] Answers will vary, but encourage thought and prayer to find practical answers to this question. What a marvelous text this is. It reminds us of the revolutionary change salvation brings about in our life. It takes us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light; it transforms us from being dead in our transgressions and sins to being alive in Christ. And, in our text, it absolutely revolutionizes our value system. In fact, salvation reverses our values. The danger is that over time, the world seeks to squeeze us into its own mold (Romans 12:2). Pauls words should cause us to reflect on our own values, to see whether ours match his. If not, our values are wrong and inconsistent with the gospel (Deffinbaugh).
WORKS CITED
Deffinbaugh, Bob. Lesson 10: Pauls Perspective on Loss and Gain. To Live Is Christ: A Study of the Book of Philippians. 2000 Biblical Studies Foundation. http://www.bible.org/docs/nt/books/phi/deffin/phil-10.htm#TopOfPage. (EBC) Gaebelein, Frank E. general editor. The Expositors Bible Commentary: New Testament. [CD-ROM] The Zondervan NIV Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corp. 1989-1997. Herrick, Greg. Lesson 11: True Righteousness (Part I). Philippians: The Unconquerable Gospel. 1995-2001. Biblical Studies Foundation. http://www.bible.org/docs/nt/books/phi/gh/phil-11.htm#TopOfPage
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Lord of My Heart and Mouth

Romans 10:8-10
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
1. Romans 10:8-10 shows a clear connection between what is believed in the heart and what is confessed with the mouth. Other scriptures confirm this connection. Read the following verses to learn what insights they give to the connection between the heart and mouth: Matthew 15:18-19 Luke 6:45 James 1:26 James 3:2, 5-12 Read the following verses in Proverbs. What types of speech are specifically forbidden in Scripture? Consider what heart problem might be at the root of these speech problems. a. Proverbs 4:24 b. Proverbs 6:1-5 c. Proverbs 19:5 d. Proverbs 20:3 e. Proverbs 20:19 f. Proverbs 20:20 g. Proverbs 24:9b h. Proverbs 25:9-10 i. Proverbs 26:28 j. Proverbs 27:2 Read Ephesians 4:29, 5:19-20 and Colossians 4:6. What should characterize the speech of the person whose Lord is Jesus Christ?
2.
3.
4.
What is your greatest speech problem? (Ex. gossip, criticism, cursing, sarcasm, etc.) Why do you think this is a problem in your life?
5.
Read Proverbs 4:23. What advice is given? How would observing this advice help a person with his/her speech problems? How can one put this wise advice into daily practice? (See the context of the verse for clues!)
6.
What is the source of the most input into your heart? (Ex. television, radio, internet surfing, reading, etc.) How does this affect your speech? (See Proverbs 23:7.)
7.
Can you honestly say that you spend as much time each week ingesting Gods Word and fellowshipping with Him as you do in the one activity you named in Question 5? (Yes, this very much relates to last weeks topic!)
8.
What do you need to do this week to allow Jesus to be Lord of your heart and mouth?
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Lord of My Heart and Mouth

Leaders Notes
The overall goal of this lesson is to understand the implications of confessing Jesus as Lord, specifically in the area of our speech. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers.
Romans 10:8-10
If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
The word heart in the theme verse is Strongs Greek #2588, kardia, denoting the center of all physical and spiritual life. It might also indicate the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, and endeavors of life (Strongs Lexicon). It is a prominent concept and one of the most commonly used words of the Bible (Keathley). In this lesson, we are particularly interested in the connection between the condition of the heart and the speech that proceeds from the mouth because of that condition. 1. Romans 10:8-10 shows a clear connection between what is believed in the heart and what is confessed with the mouth. Other scriptures confirm this connection. Read the following verses to learn what insights they give to the connection between the heart and mouth: [To establish the connection between a persons heart and their speech.] Matthew 15:18-19 What a person speaks is determined by the condition of his heart. Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander all come from the heart of man. Luke 6:45 Whatever a person speaks is the overflow of his heart. A good person speaks good things out of a good heart; an evil person speaks evil things out of an evil heart. James 1:26 Religion is worthless if a person doesnt keep a tight rein on his speech. James 3:2, 5-12 Man cannot tame his own tongue. Only the Holy Spirit can tame the tongue. 2. Read the following verses. What types of speech are specifically forbidden in Scripture? Consider what heart problems might be at the root of these speech problems. [To examine speech that is specifically forbidden in Scripture and see how they reflect the condition of the heart.]
a. Proverbs 4:24 lying and deception in order to protect ourselves, keep our sin hidden, low self-esteem, envy, jealousy, etc. b. Proverbs 6:1-5 making commitments in haste wanting to please people, to avoid confrontation 20
c. Proverbs 19:5 lying and giving false testimony envy, jealousy, anger d. Proverbs 20:3 quarrelling and strife repressed anger, pride, envy, jealousy, selfishness, etc. e. Proverbs 20:19 gossiping envy & jealousy f. Proverbs 20:20 cursing parents rebelliousness g. Proverbs 24:9b scoffing (To scoff is to show contempt by ridiculing, belittling, showing open dislike & disrespect for someone by acts or language.) pride, cowardliness h. Proverbs 25:9-10 breaches of confidence untrustworthiness, desire to elevate self i. Proverbs 26:28 flattering (The Hebrew word has the concept of being smooth & slippery.) desire to manipulate, selfishness j. Proverbs 27:2 boasting idolatry (self on the throne), self-righteousness (Phariseeism)
Discuss how these heart attitudes stand completely opposed to Jesus attitude of humility. 3. Read Ephesians 4:29, 5:19-20 and Colossians 4:6. What should characterize the speech of the person whose Lord is Jesus Christ? [To examine those things that should characterize the speech of a person who claims that Jesus is their Lord.] The speech of the person whose Lord is Jesus Christ should be helpful for building others up according to their need and beneficial to those who hear it. Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs and thanksgiving revealing the song in our heart for Jesus should characterize it. Our conversation should be full of grace and appropriate to the person with whom we are speaking. 4. What is your greatest speech problem? (Ex. gossip, criticism, cursing, sarcasm, etc.) Why do you think this is a problem in your life? [To examine our speech patterns in light of Gods standard.] Answers will vary. Some may not want to confess to the group, but do encourage them to consider the answer. 5. Read Proverbs 4:23. What advice is given? How would observing this advice help a person with his/her speech problems? How can one put this wise advice into daily practice? (See the context of the verse for clues!) [To acknowledge the necessity of guarding the heart and enumerate ways to accomplish that.] Proverbs 4:23 advises us to guard our hearts for it is the wellspring of life. The phrase, with all diligence, means above, or more than all because the heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects life and character (JF&B). This means that the heart is the starting point of the activities of life; it determines the course of life (EBC). The father-writer of Proverbs advises his son to listen carefully to his words, to put away perversity and corrupt talk, to keep his eyes fixed on the path ahead of him. A life of integrity requires attention to heart, speech, eyes, and conduct (JF&B). The writer of Hebrews urges Christians to do much the same thing when he advises them to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that easily besets and fix their eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of their faith.
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6. What is the source of the most input into your heart? (Ex. television, radio, Internet surfing, reading, etc.) How does this affect your speech? [To acknowledge the connection between what fills the heart and what proceeds from it.] There is an interesting judgment against Israel recorded in Isaiah 2:6. Isaiah declares that God has forsaken them because they have been replenished from the east. East in the Bible is always the direction away from God. The Israelites had replenished or filled themselves with the things that were not of God. They were no longer hungry for God and His holiness. If the heart represents the center of all our physical and spiritual life, then we must be careful about what replenishes or fills our heart, for out of the heart proceeds speech as well as evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders (Matthew 15:19). 7. Can you honestly say that you spend as much time each week ingesting Gods Word and fellowshipping with Him as you do in the one activity you named in Question 5? (Yes, this very much relates to last weeks topic!) [To consider if we spend a sufficient amount of time allowing God to fill our hearts.] We do not naturally think and look at life like God does. We are inherently ignorant of His mind and His ways. We desperately need the wisdom and direction of the Lord to know His ways and to know our own heart and its wicked ways (Keathley). 8. What do you need to do this week to allow Jesus to be Lord of your heart and mouth? [To make a commitment to allow Jesus to be Lord of our heart and mouth.] J. Hampton Keathley suggests a little open heart surgery: Since the heart is so important to what we think, say, and do, we each need to regularly do open heart surgery with the scalpel of the Word under the guiding hand of the great physician, the Lord Jesus. We accomplish this through the teaching, guiding, convicting, ministry of the Holy Spirit. Like a sharp two-edged sword, the Word divides the inner man asunder to reveal the true condition and needs of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).
WORKS CITED EBC) Gaebelein, Frank E. general editor. The Expositors Bible Commentary: New Testament. [CD-ROM] The Zondervan NIV Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corp. 1989-1997. (JF&B) Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. 1871. http://www.blueletterbible,org. Keathley, J. Hampton, III. Guarding the Heart. http://www.bible.org/studies/splife/misc/heart.htm.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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Word definitions are taken from Websters Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, Massachusetts: G. & C. Merriam Company. 1969.
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Lord of My Opinions
Galatians 3:26-28
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:16a
Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh.
Opinion: a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter
1. In the culture in which you live, what would be the equivalent of: Jew & Greek slave & free male & female Opinions often lead to prejudice. A prejudice is a preconceived judgment or opinion; an opinion or leaning adverse to anything before sufficient knowledge. According to Romans 15:7, what knowledge do we have that removes any just ground for any prejudice we might hold?
2.
3.
Linked closely to the concept of prejudice is the possibility of injury, damage, and hostility. How would this damage the unity that Christ Jesus desires in the church? How would this affect the spread of the Gospel for which Jesus died?
4.
A conviction is a strong persuasion or belief. How would a conviction differ from a prejudice? Give examples using some hot topics from todays culture.
5.
Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. What principles do you discern for maintaining fellowship with those of differing opinions?
6.
Read Galatians 2:11-14. Why did Paul confront Peter rather than allow Peter to do his own thing in this situation? What can you learn from this encounter?
7.
Has the Holy Spirit revealed to you any opinions or prejudices that are in conflict with the Lordship of Christ Jesus?
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Lord of My Opinions
Leaders Notes
The overall goals of this lesson are (1) to understand the differences between opinions, prejudices and convictions; (2) to conclude that prejudices have no place in the life of the person whose Lord is Jesus Christ, and (3) to discuss the proper Christian response to those of other opinions. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers.
Galatians 3:26-28
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:16a
Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh. In this passage, Paul confirms that one of the consequences of Jesus Lordship in his life is that he ceased to make superficial personal judgments based on external appearances. It was now his custom to view men, not primarily in terms of nationality but in terms of spiritual status as Christian and unbeliever (EBC).
1. In the culture in which you live, what would be the equivalent of: [To make the theme scripture relevant to our time and culture.] Jew & Greek This speaks to divisions because of race. It does not mean that there are not distinctions between the races, but that the distinctions should not matter when they are joined in the common confession of Christ as Savior and Lord. In Pauls day there was a deep division between the Jews and the Greeks. This barrier was broken down in Christ. The same principle must be applied today to all divisions because of race: black & white, Caucasian & oriental, etc. slave & free this would address divisions because of social status. On this pattern the ideal church should be composed of members from all spectra of society: wealthy and poor, educated and uneducated, straight and long-hair, management and labor, and so on (EBC). male & female Again, this does not deny the reality of the differences between men and women. It does affirm that divisions should not be made because of sex. I do not believe that this applies to sexual preference, i.e. homosexual & heterosexual. Homosexuality is a choice. Believers are told to not associate with those who hare practicing sinful choice. 2. Opinions often lead to prejudice. A prejudice is a preconceived judgment or opinion; an opinion or leaning adverse to anything before sufficient knowledge. According to Romans 15:7, what knowledge do we have that removes any just ground for any prejudice we might hold? [To confess that we have no justification for our prejudices.] Christ has accepted us. When we were His enemies, [God] forgave us everything in Jesus. We continually cause Him trouble with our sins, much more trouble than any person could cause us, and He still continues to bear with us. He loves us and responds to the sorrow that we cause
Opinion: a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter
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Him with love and bestows good gifts upon us lavishly. That is why there is nothing that provokes the wrath of God against us more than when we fight against others instead of being kind to them, and covering up their mistakes and He does with ours (Schlink 137). In this verse Paul brings in the example of Christ once more and states that bringing praise to God is the grand objective (EBC) 3. Linked closely to the concept of prejudice is the possibility of injury, damage, and hostility. How would this damage the unity that Christ Jesus desires in the church? How would it affect the spread of the Gospel for which Jesus died? [To appreciate the harmful effects of prejudices to the unity of the church and the spread of the Gospel.] Answers will vary. Be sure to discuss how prejudice is contradictory to the attitude of humility discussed in Lesson 3. 4. A conviction is a strong persuasion or belief. How would a conviction differ from a prejudice? Give examples using some hot topics from todays culture. [To understand the difference between prejudices and convictions.] Unlike a prejudice, which is formed before there is sufficient knowledge, our convictions should be based upon the Word of God. One example has already been given in this lesson concerning homosexuality. Believers are opposed to the practice of homosexuality because Gods word condemns it as a sinful choice it is not just the way someone was born. Other examples would include abortion, immorality, etc. 5. Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. What principles do you discern for maintaining fellowship with those of differing opinions? [To discern three principles for maintaining fellowship with believers of differing opinions.] In this passage, Paul is addressing a specific problem that concerned the eating of meat sacrificed to idols. His conclusion is that it is essentially a matter of opinion, but one which, nonetheless, may result in harm to the fellowship. He lays down three principles: First, though the Christian has the right to do all things, such as eating sacrificial meat, it may not be beneficial to themselves. Second, such practices of liberty may not in fact build up a fellow Christian. Third, in summary Paul teaches that Christians are not merely to seek their own good but to promote the good of their fellow Christians. The glory of God must be the Christian's objective in everything. But Paul says that doing all for the glory of God means thinking of the good of others, both Christians and non-Christians (EBC). These same three principles can be applied to our fellowship with those who have orthodox belief in the essentials of the Christian faith, but differing opinions on the nonessentials. An example relevant to our day might include the celebration of Halloween, Christmas, the method of baptism, etc. 6. Read Galatians 2:11-14. Why did Paul confront Peter rather than allow Peter to do his own thing in this situation? What can you learn from this encounter? [To observe that, while opinions should be tolerated, behavior that is opposed to the clear teaching of Scripture must not be allowed.] At Antioch Peter discovered a community of Jewish and Gentile Christians living together and, in particular, eating together in apparent disregard of Jewish dietary customs. ... Peter ... joined with other Jews in eating with his Gentile brothers. According to Paul, Peter did this for some time,
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because the imperfect tense of the verb implies that he ate with the Gentiles not once, on a single occasion, but on a regular basis, habitually. ... After a time, some influential Jews arrived in Antioch from Jerusalem. ...These persons brought such pressure to bear on Peter that though he was unconvinced by their views, he nevertheless gradually detached himself from the Gentile fellowship and began to eat with Jews only. Moreover, his conduct drew others away with him so that when Paul returned ... he found a church divided and the Gentiles under an unwarranted pressure either to accept the division or to conform to the legalistic standards of Judaism as the means of avoiding it. What did Paul do? Since the schism was public, Paul confronted Peter publicly, charging him with inconsistency and stating once again that the works of the law have no place in God's plan of salvation through the death of Christ. ... Conduct such as Peter's is not inconsequential, neither in his day nor now. So one is not surprised to read that other Jews, including Barnabas, were led away by his dissimulation. ... It is obvious that any Christian must give heed to his actions and the greater the position or responsibility, the more important those actions become (EBC). 7. Has the Holy Spirit revealed to you any opinions or prejudices that are in conflict with the Lordship of Christ Jesus? [To make a commitment to allow Jesus to be the Lord of our opinions and to purpose to renounce any prejudices that God reveals.] Answers will vary. To close, read 1 Peter 3:8-9.
WORKS CITED (EBC) Gaebelein, Frank E. general editor. The Expositors Bible Commentary: New Testament. [CD-ROM] The Zondervan NIV Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corp. 1989-1997. Schlink, Basilea. You Will Never Be The Same. Minneapolis: Dimension Books. 1972.
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Lord of My Relationships
Ephesians 5:21
Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
1. Read Ephesians 5:22-6:9. See also Colossians 3:18-4:1. Discuss the impact of Jesus Lordship on each of the relationships addressed in this passage.
2.
Which of the relationships mentioned in Ephesians 5:22-6:4 applies to you at this time in your life?
3.
What principle concerning relationships is presented in 2 Corinthians 6:14? Give specific examples of relationships to which this principle would apply. Are you currently in such a relationship? If so, what do you need to do?
4.
According to Colossians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, and 2 Timothy 2:24-26 what should characterize our relationship with unbelievers? Why?
5.
According to John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7-11 what should characterize our relationship with believers? Why?
6.
What guidelines are given in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 that govern our relationships to believers who are not living godly lives?
7.
In which of your current relationships do you need to set aside your agenda and let Jesus be Lord?
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Lord of My Relationships
Leaders Notes
The overall goal of this lesson is to understand the implications of confessing Jesus as Lord, specifically as it impacts our relationships with other people. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers.
Ephesians 5:21
Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
1. Read Ephesians 5:22-6:9. See also Colossians 3:18-4:1. Discuss the impact of Jesus Lordship on each of the relationships addressed in this passage. [To understand that part of our duty in serving Christ is to serve as His representative in whatever role we may be asked to fill in our society.] Please refer to Walk Worthy http://www.path-light.com/Ephesians05b.htm for a complete discussion of this text.. Ephesians 5:22-6:9The gospel placed these relationships on a revolutionary
new footing, since all are subjected to the lordship of Christ (EBC).
Colossians 3:18-4:1 First, this series of exhortations grows out of the command in 3:17 to do it all in the name of the lord Jesus. ...Second, Paul emphasizes the duties expected of persons in each role he discusses. He does not discuss the rights of a wife of child or slave under the law. This is not surprising in view of other letters in which Paul urges Christians to voluntarily surrender rights in favor of duties.The duty to serve as Christs representative by being the very best in whatever role we may be asked to fill Third, in his description of how to live in society in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col. 3:17), Paul emphasizes the fact that duties are reciprocal. Every role in society has a complementary role. Employees have employers. Wives have husbands. Children have parents. Slaves have masters. While the person in the (socially) subordinate role has a duty to the person in the (socially) superior role, the person in the superior role also owes a duty to the person in the subordinate role. This principle is more important than we might suspect, for it means that ultimately social roles are irrelevant. That is, for Christians, a social role is neither superior nor inferior. All a social role does is define how the Christian is to serve others.In Christianity, the role does not make any individual superior or inferior, for each of us is a slave called by God to serve others. In Christianity all the role does is define the duty we owe others, and define how we serve them. Each is called to live within his or her role as a representative of Jesus Christ, so that whatever he says or does reflects the presence of Jesus within. To this end we need to focus not on the prerogatives of our social roles, but on their duties. (Richards)
2. Which of the relationships mentioned in Ephesians 5:22-6:4 applies to you at this time in your life? [To enumerate the unique opportunities that our role(s) present for doing good to others in the Name of Jesus Christ.] Allow time for the participants to discuss or reflect on the following question as it relates to the relationships they list: How, given that I am a wife, a husband, a child, an employer, etc., can I now serve others? What unique opportunities does my role... give me for doing good? (Lawrence)
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3. What principle concerning relationships is presented in 2 Corinthians 6:14? Give specific examples of relationships to which this principle would apply. Are you currently in such a relationship? If so, what do you need to do? [To define the boundaries which Gods Word places on our relationships with unbelievers.] Clearly this is not an injunction against all association with unbelievers (cf. 1 Cor 5:9, 10, 10:27). Paul actually encouraged the Christian partner in a mixed marriage to maintain the relationship as long as possible (1 Cor 7:12-16). Rather, this is a prohibition against forming close attachments with non-Christians.Paul is content to state a general principle that needs specific application under the Spirit's guidance. In expanded form the principle might be expressed thus: "Do not form any relationship, whether temporary or permanent, with unbelievers that would lead to a compromise of Christian standards or jeopardize consistency of Christian witness. And why such separation? Because the unbeliever does not share the Christian's standards, sympathies, or goals." ...Five rhetorical questions follow (vv. 14b-16a), each of which presupposes a negative answer. They serve to stress the incompatibility of Christianity and heathenism, the incongruity of intimate relationships or fellowship between believers and unbelievers (EBC). 4. According to Colossians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, and 2 Timothy 2:24-26 what should characterize our relationship with unbelievers? Why? [To understand the importance of imitating our Master to unbelievers so that they will have a favorable impression of the Gospel.] Colossians 4:5To "be wise in the way you act toward outsiders" is to show practical Christian wisdom in dealing with secular society. Paul's words imply that believers are to be cautious and tactful so as to avoid needlessly antagonizing or alienating their pagan neighbors. In a positive sense, they also imply that believers should conduct themselves so that the way they live will attract, impress, and convict non-Christians and give the pagan community a favorable impression of the gospel (EBC). 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Paul told [the Thessalonians] that, whatever happened, they must commend Christianity to the outsider by the diligence and the beauty of their lives. ...When we Christians show that our Christianity makes us better workmen, truer friends, kinder men and women, then we are really preaching. The outside world may never come into church to hear a sermon but it sees us every day outside church; and it is our lives which must be the sermons to win men for Christ (Barclay). 2 Timothy 2:24-26 "The servant of the Lord must imitate his master in not striving contentiously, though uncompromising in earnestly contending for the faith (JF&B). 5. According to John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7-11 what should characterize our relationship with believers? Why? [To understand that love should characterize our relationship with believers because God loves them.] John 13:34-35 "New" (kainen) implies freshness, or the opposite of "outworn" rather than simply "recent" or "different." [Jesus] had loved [His disciples] without reservation and without limit and expected them to do the same (EBC).
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1 John 4:7-11 If God loves us, we are bound to love each other, because it is our destiny to reproduce the life of God in humanity and the life of eternity in time (Barclay). Participants should understand that the love of the New Testament was not a love of feeling or emotion. Rather, it was a decision of the will to seek the best for another person and to seek to do only good for that person. That kind of love was exemplified for us in the life of Jesus Christ. It is available to us through the gift of His Spirit (the fruit of the Spirit is love).
6. What guidelines are given in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 that govern our relationships to believers who are not living godly lives? [To clarify the Christians responsibility in relationships with believers who are not living godly lives.] Every brother who remains idle is to be denied the privilege of associating with his fellow Christians. "Idle" translates a word meaning "disorderly" (cf. 1Thess 5:14). The disorder defined by the remainder of the paragraph is loafing, being remiss in daily work and conduct. This is contrary to the "teaching" ("tradition") that Paul had given them earlier (cf. 1Thess 4:11, 12; 5:14). No excuse could justify such misconduct. Paul therefore advocates the drastic discipline of keeping away from the "idle" (EBC). 7. In which of your current relationships do you need to set aside your own agenda and let Jesus be Lord? [To make a commitment to honor Jesus as Lord in our relationships.] Answers will vary. Some group members may not feel comfortable sharing with the group, but do allow time for reflection.
WORKS CITED Barclay, William. Daily Study Bible - New Testament Copyright 1975, Published by Westminster John Knox Press. [CD-ROM] Bible Explorer Version 2.0.1. 1995-96 Epiphany Software. Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. 1871. http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/comm_read/1007600503.html Richards, Lawrence O. The Victor Bible Background Commentary, NT. Wheaton: Victor Books/SP Publications. 1994. [CD-ROM] Quick Verse Library. Parsons Technology.
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Lord of My Work
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Questions to Consider
1. What is your current work (employment situation)? Are you able to consistently perform your duties as if the Lord were your employer? Why or why not?
2.
Read the verses which precede and follow the theme scripture for this lesson (Colossians 3:22 and 25). What insights do these verses add about appropriate behavior in our work situations?
3.
How would these principles apply to someone who worked in a capacity for which they were not monetarily compensated, i.e., a stay-at-home mom, volunteers?
4.
Read Ephesians 4:28. What does this passage have to do with letting Jesus be the Lord of your work?
5.
Read Pauls advice to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15. Timothy was a preacher. How would this advice apply to Christians in secular jobs? (Perhaps verse 16 is applicable to work situations, too!)
6.
Read Acts 20:33-35, 1 Corinthians 9:3-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. Why did Paul work so hard at a secular job even though he had every right to receive full support from the churches to whom he ministered?
7.
According to the following verses, what are some of the temptations in the world of work? Ecclesiastes 5:10 Matthew 6:19-34 Luke 12:15-34 1 Timothy 6:10 James 5:3 The Christian life is a balanced life. Allowing Jesus to be Lord of our work means that we will not become workaholics we will not forsake relationships and ministry in order to earn promotions, power, and money. According to 2 Thessalonians 3:11-13, what is also a sign of one who is allowing Jesus to be Lord of his/her work?
8.
9.
What is the Biblical reason for work? Does this agree or conflict with your reason for working?
10. What do you need to do to place Jesus as Lord of your work?
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Lord of My Work
Leaders Notes
The overall goal of this lesson is to understand the implications of confessing Jesus as Lord, specifically as it impacts our work. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
1. What is your current work (employment situation)? Are you able to consistently perform your duties as if the Lord were your employer? Why or why not? [To focus on individual work situations and how consistently we perform our responsibilities in these situations as unto the Lord.] We all could probably improve in our attitudes towards our work situations. It is fairly common to struggle in this area since it consumes so much of our time. The only place where we face more opportunities for conflicts is the family. Since the creation, God has given us work to do. If we could regard our work as an act of worship or service to God, such an attitude would take some of the drudgery and boredom out of it. We could work without complaining or resentment if we would treat our job problems as the cost of discipleship (LAB). 2. Read the verses which precede and follow the theme scripture for this lesson (Colossians 3:22 and 25). What insights do these verses add about appropriate behavior in our work situations? [To verbalize that Christians should view their work as an opportunity to serve the Lord.] The entire passage about the duty of slaves may seem completely irrelevant to our day. It contains, however, this enduring principle: Christians, whatever their work, are, like slaves in Paul's day, to see it as a service rendered to the Lord. This is what motivates them to give honest, faithful, ungrudging work in return for the pay they receive. Moreover, it imparts a sense of dignity in work, regardless of how unimportant it may seem (EBC). 3. How would these principles apply to someone who worked in a capacity for which they were not monetarily compensated, i.e., a stay-at-home mom, volunteers? [To examine the application of work principles to those who are not monetarily compensated for their work.] Slaves were not monetarily compensated for their work, so the same principle applies: do everything as if we were working for (volunteering for) the Lord. This should give a new dignity to work that is not compensated monetarily. It
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should also inspire these workers to see the importance of their faithfulness in such a position. 4. Read Ephesians 4:28. What does this passage have to do with letting Jesus be the Lord of your work? [To understand that, when Jesus is Lord of our work, we will aim to work so that we can give to others.] The interesting thing about this saying is the reason Paul gives for being an honest workman. He does not say: "Become an honest workman so that you may support yourself." He says: "Become an honest workman so that you may have something to give away to those who are poorer than yourself." Here is a new idea and a new ideal--that of working in order to give away. the Christian ideal is that we work, not to amass things, but to be able, if need be, to give them away (Barclay). 5. Read Pauls advice to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15. Timothy was a preacher. How would this advice apply to Christians in secular jobs? (Perhaps verse 16 is applicable to work situations, too!) [To consider the implications of our conversation at work as well as our actions.] The aim of all Christian discussion and of all Christian action is to bring a man nearer to his fellows and to God (Barclay). This advice applies to all Christians, not merely preachers. 6. Read Acts 20:33-35, 1 Corinthians 9:3-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. Why did Paul work so hard at a secular job even though he had every right to receive full support from the churches to whom he ministered? [To examine Pauls example of working.] Paul was concerned with the example that he set for other believers. Even though he had a right to receive support form them, he set those rights aside to give them an example of how the Lordship of Jesus Christ affects a persons work ethic and goals. 7. According to the following verses, what are some of the temptations in the world of work? [To discuss some of the temptations in the world of work to put something besides Jesus as our Master.] Ecclesiastes 5:10 to love the reward of money. If we do so, we will find we never have enough. Matthew 6:19-34 the desire for money and the things it can buy can become our master instead of Jesus; our possessions come to possess us. Luke 12:15-34 greed is to desire something that we dont or cant have. Jesus challenges us to think beyond the material to the eternal. 1 Timothy 6:10 Money in and of itself is neither good nor bad; but the love of money leads to other problems. James 5:3 Many people come to the end of their lives and find that they have accumulated worldly riches at the expense of true riches. 8. The Christian life is a balanced life. Allowing Jesus to be Lord of our work means that we will not become workaholics we will not forsake relationships and ministry in order to earn promotions, power, and money. According to 2 Thessalonians 3:11-13, what is also a sign of one who is allowing Jesus to be Lord of his/her work?
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[To enumerate characteristics of a person who works as unto the Lord.] Stated positively, the Christians whose Lord is Jesus will be observed as working quietly, minding his or her own business, working productively, and never growing weary in doing good. Paul disliked the busybody intensely. There may be greater sins than gossip but there is none which does more damage in the Church. A man who is doing his own work with his whole strength will have enough to do without being maliciously interested in the affairs of others (Barclay). If you often find your nose in other people's business, you may be underemployed (LAB). 9. What is the Biblical reason for work? Does this agree or conflict with your reason for working? [To summarize the Biblical reasons for working and compare these with personal reasons for working.] The Biblical reasons for working are primarily two: (1) to make enough money to support yourself and your family so that you will not need to be dependent upon anyone else; and (2) to make enough to share with those who are in need for legitimate reasons (i.e. health, etc.) and to assist financially in the spread of the Gospel. Participants may be reluctant to share how much this agrees or conflicts with their own reasons for working, but time should be given for reflection. 10. What do you need to do to place Jesus as Lord of your work? [To make a personal commitment to serve Jesus as Lord in our work.] Encourage participants to think about this lesson during the week as they perform their duties at work. Commit to pray for each other during the week.
WORKS CITED Barclay, William. Daily Study Bible - New Testament Copyright 1975, Published by Westminster John Knox Press. [CD-ROM] Bible Explorer Version 2.0.1. 1995-96 Epiphany Software. (EBC) Gaebelein, Frank E. general editor. The Expositors Bible Commentary: New Testament. [CD-ROM] The Zondervan NIV Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corp. 1989-1997. (LAB) New Testament Life Application Notes and Bible Helps copyright owned by assignment by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. [CD-ROM] Bible Explorer Version 2.0.1. 1995-96 Epiphany Software.
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Lord of My Body
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
For this is the will of God, that each of you know how to possess his own body in sanctification and honor.
1. Read the context of 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4. What specific activity was being addressed? What behaviors would this include? a b According to verse 7 why does God require such a high standard of sexual purity? According to verse 8, what is the correct response to the popular notion that times have changed?
2.
What other reasons for sexual purity are given in the following verses: Colossians 3:1-7
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Ephesians 5:3-6
3.
Is this information coming too late for you? What would Jesus say to you if you have already committed a sexual sin? (See John 8:11 and Luke 7:36-50.)
4.
Sexual purity is not the only sign of the Lordship of Jesus over our bodies. What lesson did Paul learn about the Lordship of Jesus over his body in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10?
5.
Physical fitness is certainly a popular topic in our culture. What does Paul reveal about physical fitness in 1 Timothy 4:8? What does it have to do with letting Jesus be Lord of our bodies?
6.
Youth is worshipped in our culture. Yet if we live long enough, we will all grow old. Read 2 Corinthians 4:16 to find out why we should not be depressed about the aging process.
7.
Read 1 Peter 3:3-4. This is just one of several scriptures that advises women about their dress. Why do you think the external adornment of a womans body is discussed so often in scriptures? How does that relate to allowing Jesus to be Lord of your body?
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8.
What other topics concerning our stewardship of the earthly vessels have we not yet discussed?
9.
Who is the Lord (lord?) of your body? How do you know?
Lord of My Body
Leaders Notes
The overall goal of this lesson is to understand the implications of confessing Jesus as Lord, specifically as it impacts our body. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
For this is the will of God, that each of you know how to possess his own body in sanctification and honor.
1. Read the context of 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4. What specific activity was being addressed? What behaviors would this include? [To identify the high standard of sexual purity to which the Christian is called.] Paul is addressing sexual behavior, specifically, sexual immorality or fornication. The word requires broad definition here as including all types of sexual sins between male and female (EBC). a According to verse 7 why does God require such a high standard of sexual purity? Because God has called us to a lifestyle of holiness. They now belong to a community with values different from those of "the heathen" (v. 5) among whom they formerly lived (EBC). b According to verse 8, what is the correct response to the popular notion that times have changed? These are not mans standards of the times, these are Gods standards. Therefore rejection of them means rejecting not man, but God, who gives [us] his Holy Spirit, who is inseparable from the kind of holy living demanded in this paragraph. (The Greek word order places special emphasis on holy) (EBC). 2. What other reasons for sexual purity are given in the following verses: [To enumerate Biblical reasons for sexual purity.] Colossians 3:1-7 In principle the Colossians had, in becoming Christians, died with Christ (cf. 2:20; 3:3). Now they are charged to make this death to the old life real in everyday practice. Paul is calling ... for the slaying of the evil passions, desires, and practices that root themselves in our bodies, make use of them, and attack us through them. His catalog of sins is a grim one, and all of the sins, with the possible exception of the last, have to do with sexual vice. Sexual immorality translates porneia, the most general Greek word for illicit sexual intercourse. Originally it denoted the practice of consorting with prostitutes; eventually it came to
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mean habitual immorality. Impurity (akatharsia), though sometimes used of physical impurity (Matt 23:27), here has a moral connotation. Including uncleanness in thought, word, and act, it has a wider reference than sexual immorality (porneia). The word for lust (pathos) [in] the NT ... always has a bad sense, it means uncontrolled desire. The phrase following (epithymian kaken, "evil desires") is similar but perhaps more general in meaning (EBC). 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Here Paul says that the one who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body--that is, by weakening and perverting the very life process, as well as human character. In contrast, other sins are outside the body" (EBC). Ephesians 5:3-6 The apostle warns his readers about the serious consequences of immorality. They must surely be aware that there is no room in the kingdom of God for those who blatantly continue in sensual sin. The three categories of v. 3 are singled out again, with the rider that the acquisitive make an idol of their possessions. No one of this sort has any place reserved in the eschatological kingdom. ...There were those then as there are now who would protest that Christian standards are too demanding and that people must be allowed to live as they like. In the name of a spurious freedom, an attempt is made to bring converts into bondage to sin once again. The Ephesians are not to be fooled by such futile arguments. They are promoted by the arch-deceiver himself (EBC).
3. Is this information coming too late for you? What would Jesus say to you if you have already committed a sexual sin? (See John 8:11 and Luke 7:36-50.) [To accept Jesus forgiveness for past sexual sins.] John 8:11 is in the context of the woman caught in the act of adultery. Jesus never disputed her guilt. Neither did He claim her innocence. Instead He refrained from condemning her and encourager her to sin no more. (NIV: leave your life of sin.) Luke 7:36-50 concerns a woman who had led a sinful life who came to anoint Jesus feet with perfume. Jesus can declare that her sins (which he does not hesitate to say were many) have been forgiven (v. 47). He can affirm this (v. 48) because her act of love shows her realization of forgiveness. Her love is not the basis of forgiveness; her faith is (v. 50). As in the event itself, the forgiveness was unearned; and it is this fact that elicits her love (EBC). 4. Sexual purity is not the only sign of the Lordship of Jesus over our bodies. What lesson did Paul learn about the Lordship of Jesus over his body in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10? [To understand that the Lordship of Jesus over our bodies also includes His Lordship over our physical pain.] The word (skolops, 4647) can mean thorn but more likely it means stake. Sometimes criminals were impaled upon a sharp stake. It was a stake like that that Paul felt was twisting in his body (a) The very word "stake" indicates an almost savage pain. (b) The whole picture before us is one of physical suffering. (c) Whatever the thorn was, it was intermittent, for, although it sometimes prostrated Paul, it never kept him wholly from his work (Barclay). Paul learned that the Lordship of Jesus over our bodies includes His Lordship over our suffering; His sovereign choice to answer No when we ask Him to heal us. His Lordship means allowing His strength to shine through our weakness and pain. 5. Physical fitness is certainly a popular topic in our culture. What does Paul reveal about physical fitness in 1 Timothy 4:8? What does it have to do with letting Jesus be Lord of our bodies?
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[To clarify the proper balance between physical and spiritual training.] Literally, the passage says that bodily gymnastics are beneficial (ophelimos, useful, profitable) for a little. This certainly does not mean that physical exercise is of no value. But spiritual exercise is far more important, for it has value for eternity--holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (EBC). There are people who spend a large part of their days in the gym perfecting their physical bodies. Physical training should not be neglected, but should not take priority over time spent in the spiritual disciplines. The Christian life is a balanced life. Participants might want to consider if they spend as much time in spiritual training as they do in physical training. 6. Youth is worshipped in our culture. Yet if we live long enough, we will all grow old. Read 2 Corinthians 4:16 to find out why we should not be depressed about the aging process. [To recognize that spiritual growth is more important than physical aging.] From the physical point of view life may be a slow but inevitable slipping down the slope that leads to death. But from the spiritual point of view life is a climbing up the hill that leads to the presence of God. No man need fear the years, for they bring him nearer, not to death, but to God (Barclay). 7. Read 1 Peter 3:3-4. This is just one of several scriptures that advises women about their dress. Why do you think the external adornment of a womans body is discussed so often in scriptures? How does that relate to allowing Jesus to be Lord of your body? [To clarify the proper perspective for dress.] The attention to bodily adornment is not a new phenomenon. Women in Bible times had makeup and perfumes and dyed clothing which they considered fashionable. This scripture does not forbid the wearing of jewelry, etc. It does stress the importance of inward beauty of character as more important than outward adornment. When the Christian woman or man gets dressed each day the question should not be, Does this glorify (show off; draw attention to) my body? but Does this glorify God? 8. What other topics concerning our stewardship of the earthly vessels have we not yet discussed? [To identify other topics concerning the good stewardship of the bodies that God has given us for our earthly journey.] As good stewards of our earthly vessels we will not choose to harm them through bad health practices such as improper diet, smoking, drinking, etc. 9. Who is the Lord (lord?) of your body? How do you know? What, if anything, do you need to change so that your practices concerning your body reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ? [To examine current attitudes toward our bodies in the light of Jesus Lordship.] Participants may feel uncomfortable sharing their answers to this question in class, but do allow time for reflection. Closing Thoughts: As humans, we are earthen vesselsplain old clay pots (2 Cor. 4:7). We may drape our human frame with fancy clothes, surround it with glittering possessions, transport it in rolling splendor, or rest it on a seat of power. But in the end, we are still just human beings. Certainly we have dignity and value in Gods sight, but as believers we hold something of incomparably greater valuethe treasure of Christs grace and light! A child picks a fragrant bouquet of wildflowers for her mother and places them in an old mayonnaise jar for a vase. What does the mother pay attention to? What delights her heart? The flowers or the mayonnaise jar?
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Our value as vessels lies in the incomparable beauty and splendor of what we hold, not in our shape or color (Word in Life Study Bible).
WORKS CITED Barclay, William. Daily Study Bible - New Testament Copyright 1975, Published by Westminster John Knox Press. [CD-ROM] Bible Explorer Version 2.0.1. 1995-96 Epiphany Software. (EBC) Gaebelein, Frank E. general editor. The Expositors Bible Commentary: New Testament. [CDROM] The Zondervan NIV Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corp. 1989-1997. Word in Life Study Bible [computer file].electronic ed.Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1996.(Logos Library System)
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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Lord of My Tribulations
Romans 5:3-5
We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
1. What are some examples of tribulations that you have faced or that you have seen others experience?
Tribulation: distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; a trying experience
2.
How is exulting in tribulations different from enduring tribulations? (To exult is to rejoice; to be extremely joyful.)
3.
How is exulting in tribulations different from enjoying tribulations?
4.
What is the danger in living without tribulations? See Deuteronomy 8:11-9:6.
5.
What truth about tribulation did Jesus reveal to His followers in John 16:33? What does that mean to us in practical terms?
6.
Read Romans 8:28-39 carefully. What truths about tribulations are revealed in these verses? How do they relate to allowing Jesus to be Lord of our tribulations?
7.
Read Mark 9:17-24. What is a good prayer to pray when we are having difficulty believing that we can exult in our tribulations?
8.
Read 2 Timothy 2:3-13. What promise can we claim when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances?
9. Are you experiencing any tribulations right now which need to be turned over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
Featuring "Emmanuel" by Danny Hahlbohm. Copyright Danny Hahlbohm. All rights reserved. Used with permission. See more inspired art by Danny at http://www.inspired-art.com.
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Lord of My Tribulations
Leaders Notes
The overall goal of this lesson is to understand the implications of confessing Jesus as Lord, specifically as it relates to our tribulations.. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answers.
Romans 5:3-5
We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Tribulation: distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; a trying experience
It is important to note that the context of this verse is the blessings available to those who have been saved through Jesus Christ.
1. What are some examples of tribulations that you have faced or that you have seen others experience? [To understand the meaning of tribulation.] Answers will vary. Some may mention difficult apartment managers or bosses, stressful work situations, care of elderly parents, long-term unemployment, etc. 2. How is exulting in tribulations different from enduring tribulations? (To exult is to rejoice; to be extremely joyful.) [To distinguish between exulting in tribulations and enduring them.] To endure means to bear up under. I get this picture of having to carry around this huge weight on my shoulders as I go about my daily work. To exult brings to mind the picture of rising above the tribulation. Hannah Whitall Smith uses the picture of a bird flying above the fog and smoke in the sunshine to explain that the soul that trusts perfectly in Jesus has wings which carry it up into a spiritual plane of life: [The soul on wings] overcomes the world through faith. To overcome means to come over, not to be crushed under; and the soul on wings flies over the world and the things of it. These lose their power to hold or bind the spirit that can come over them on the wings of Surrender and Trust. Birds overcome the lower law of gravitation by the higher law of flight; and the soul on wings overcomes the lower law of sin and misery and bondage by the higher law of spiritual flying The soul that has mounted into this upper region of the life in Christ cannot fail to conquer and triumph (157). When we endure trials, we still find ourselves spiritually among them. When we exult in them, we rise above them and overcome them through Jesus Christ. 3. How is exulting in tribulations different from enjoying tribulations? [To distinguish between exulting in tribulations and enjoying them.] We do not need to think we should seek out tribulations or expect to enjoy them when they come. When we
42
enjoy something we are speaking in emotional terms. To exult in tribulations is a spiritual term. 4. What is the danger in living without tribulations? See Deuteronomy 8:11-9:6. [To identify the tendency toward self-sufficiency.] Our human nature is to become complacent and self-sufficient when everything is going well for us. We often dont maintain our relationship with God through Jesus Christ unless we are experiencing trials and tribulations. 5. What truth about tribulation did Jesus reveal to His followers in John 16:33? What does that mean to us in practical terms? [To verbalize the reality of trials and tribulations as long as we are on this earth. To acknowledge that through Jesus we can overcome them because He has overcome the world.] Jesus never told His disciples that they would be immune from trials and tribulations. He warned them that in this world which is alienated from God they definitely would come. Yet through Him, they could rise above the troubles of the world because He had overcome them through His death. This confirms what we discussed in the first questions. By trust in and surrender to Jesus, the troubles of life do not need to crush us. We can, through His strength, overcome them. 6. Read Romans 8:28-39 carefully. What truths about tribulations are revealed in these verses? How do they relate to allowing Jesus to be Lord of our tribulations? [To discover Gods perspective on the tribulations we experience in this life. To relate tribulations to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.] Some of the truths about tribulations that are revealed in these verses include: Gods sovereignty is able to make our tribulations here turn out for our good; to conform us to the image of Christ.. Since God is for us, the temporary sufferings and stresses of this life are put into an eternal perspective. God has already given us the greatest gift of all: His Son. Why should we not expect that He will also give us what we need to rise above the stresses and tribulations of life? We are assured the ultimate victory over tribulations through Jesus Christ. 7. Read Mark 9:17-24. What is a good prayer to pray when we are having difficulty believing that we can exult in our tribulations?
[To confess that our belief is often mixed with unbelief.] Jesus immediately fixed on the father's if clause. The question was not whether Jesus had the power to heal the boy but whether the father had faith to believe Jesus could Jesus' statement, which is really a promise, elicited faith from the father. I do believe, he exclaimed; but he recognized that his faith was far from perfect. It was still mixed with unbelief. So in a beautiful display of honesty, he asked Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief. Calvin (2:325) comments: He declares that he believes and yet acknowledges himself to have unbelief. These two statements may appear to contradict each other but there is none of us that does not experience both of them in himself (EBC).
8. Read 2 Timothy 2:3-13. What promise can we claim when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances?
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[To understand that when we feel faithless, God remains faithful.] Interpreters differ on their exposition of this passage, especially the phrase if we are faithless, He will remain faithful. I prefer the view that this means that when we are overwhelmed by grief and circumstances and feel faith-less that God remains faithful to us because we are His dearly loved children. An example from my own life came when my father was very ill. Even when I felt overwhelmed by grief and unable even to pray, I could feel Gods sustaining power because He is faithful. 9. Are you experiencing any tribulations right now which need to be turned over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
[To turn our tribulations over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.] If group members feel comfortable sharing current tribulations it could open up an opportunity to pray for each other in a very meaningful way.
WORKS CITED (EBC) Gaebelein, Frank E. general editor. The Expositors Bible Commentary: New Testament. [CD-ROM] The Zondervan NIV Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corp. 1989-1997. Smith, Hannah Whitall. The Christians Secret of a Happy Life. Waco: Word Books. 1985.
Featuring "Emmanuel" by Danny Hahlbohm. Copyright Danny Hahlbohm. All rights reserved. Used with permission. See more inspired art by Danny at http://www.inspired-art.com.
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Lord of My Walk
Ephesians 4:1-5:21
This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind ...that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved Walk: daily life; children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us habitual actions Therefore, be careful how you walk.
and reactions
1. When the Bible refers to our walk it means our daily life our habitual actions and reactions. Read all of Ephesians 4:1-5:21. How does this passage of Scripture relate to life with Jesus as Lord of your walk?
2.
According to these Scriptures, what should characterize the walk of a believer? Romans 6:4

3.
2 Corinthians 5:7 Galatians 5:16 Ephesians 4:1 Ephesians 5:2 Ephesians 5:15 Colossians 2:6 1 John 1:7
How closely does your walk compare with the characteristics you listed?
4.
What steps do you need to take to bring your daily life in line with the Biblical standard?
45
Lord of My Walk
Leaders Notes
The overall goal of this lesson is to review and reaffirm what has been learned about the implications of acknowledging that Jesus is Lord. The purpose for each question is stated in the brackets preceding the answer.
Ephesians 4:1-5:21
This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind ...that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us Therefore, be careful how you walk.
1. When the Bible refers to our walk it means our daily life our habitual actions and reactions. Read all of Ephesians 4:1-5:21. How does this passage of Scripture relate to life with Jesus as Lord of your walk? [To acknowledge that confessing Jesus as Lord will mean that our habitual actions and reactions will be different from those who do not confess Jesus as Lord.] In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul was urging them to make sure that their daily life and conduct matched their verbal proclamation of Jesus as Lord. There must be a balance between profession and practice (EBC). Lead the participants in discussing how we have seen this more clearly as we have studied the implications of Jesus Lordship over the past few weeks. 2. According to these Scriptures, what should characterize the walk of a believer? [To enumerate some of the characteristics of the walk of a believer who acknowledges Jesus as Lord.] Consider the context of the verses for the full meaning. Romans 6:4a newness of life that is dead to sin 2 Corinthians 5:7characterized by faith (confidence in Christ) Galatians 5:16a Spirit-led life that does not seek to gratify sinful desires Ephesians 4:1a life worthy of our calling; humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, striving for unity with other believers Ephesians 5:2selfless love Ephesians 5:15careful, wise, making the most of opportunities to present the Gospel Colossians 2:6a life hid in Christ; strengthened by Him; thankful 1 John 1:7in the light with Christ, in His truth 3. How closely does your walk compare with the characteristics you listed? [To compare our walk with the characteristics listed in question #2.] Emphasize that learning to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is a lifelong process. This will be the topic of our last lesson. Hopefully, some of the participants will be able to share how
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they have grown and changed over the last few weeks. While we will never arrive we should be able to discern progress towards the goal. 4. What steps do you need to take to bring your daily life in line with the Biblical standard? [To determine to continue to live with Jesus as Lord.] Encourage the participants to establish or continue the life-long spiritual disciplines of Bible reading and study, prayer, and fellowship with believers to help them bring their life in line with the Biblical standard.
WORKS CITED
(EBC) Gaebelein, Frank E. general editor. The Expositors Bible Commentary: New Testament. [CDROM] The Zondervan NIV Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corp. 1989-1997.
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Jesus ... My Lord?

12. Pressing On Toward the Goal (Philippians 3:12-14)

How This Study Came About

According to these verses, what does it mean to call Jesus Lord?

Matthew 28:18 Acts 2:33-36 Ephesians 1:18-23 Hebrews 1:4

According to Philippians 2:8-11, for what purpose was Jesus exalted?

Therefore, Work Out Your Salvation

Salvation in Three Tenses:

I have been saved. I am being saved. I will be saved.

How does each Member of the Trinity contribute to our sanctification?

What responsibilities must we assume for our sanctification?

Therefore, Work Out Your Salvation

Attitude: a mental position, feeling or emotion towards a fact or state.

Lord of My Time & Priorities

Lord of My Time & Priorities

Lord of My Heart and Mouth

Lord of My Heart and Mouth

10. What do you need to do to place Jesus as Lord of your work?

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Ephesians 5:3-6

Who is the Lord (lord?) of your body? How do you know?

Tribulation: distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; a trying experience

How is exulting in tribulations different from enjoying tribulations?

What is the danger in living without tribulations? See Deuteronomy 8:11-9:6.

Tribulation: distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; a trying experience

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