growing deep in the disciplines of living - nairobi chapel

Disciplines of living

GrowinG Deep in the Disciplines

of livinG

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Introduction:

When we become Christians, we have to develop our faith over time; otherwise we will remain what the apostle Paul calls mere infants, babies and spiritually dull. In his address to the church as recorded in the book of Hebrews 5:12 (NLT), he states to his audience “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead you need someone to teach you again the basics things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.” Paul’s concern was that these Jewish believers were still immature because they had not applied the basics to their faith.

To help us achieve this desired growth in the faith are spiritual disciplines that help us become stronger as Christians. We could therefore view spiritual disciplines as good habits that allow us to remain open to God and develop spiritually. Growth in godliness in order to express Christ’s character in day to day life is largely dependent on a deliberate cultivation of the spiritual disciplines found in the Bible. These disciplines are therefore the means to spiritual growth. Spiritual disciplines are important because they exercise our spirit, mind and emotions so that we become closer to God. They help us see His will for our lives more clearly so that we can live the life he desires for us.

Through this study you will take a closer look at what God is like and also learn about how he wants you to respond to aspects of his character that are part of the disciplines you

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should develop. You will also discover that Jesus himself practiced the spiritual disciplines, his disciples followed in his example and even the early church devoted themselves in the spiritual disciplines.

It is therefore expected that every believer in this generation and the generations to come, will practice these disciplines faithfully if he/she desires to grow spiritually. This study will take you through a ten weeks experience as an individual and as an egroup and our prayer is that by the end of this period, you will have made it part of your lifestyle to practice the spiritual disciplines.

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How to use the study guide

Each study has six parts: Introduction, beginning point, definition, book, ask yourself and scripture memory . It also has a five day plan of how you should do the study for five days in a week.

Introduction: This is a brief explanation of what will be handled in the weekly study and it also sets the pace for the rest of the study.

Beginning point: Each study begins with a few reflection questions about the weekly study. The questions include: What you have heard about the topic of discussion, your personal understanding of the same and what you think the Bible says about the specific discipline of study; also whether you think it is important in the life of a Christian and a trivia question on the topic of discussion. You are expected to give honest reflection of these questions before launching into the study.

Definition: A brief definition is given for every discipline handled, to help give the right perspective before launching into the study.

Book: This is the main Bible study section characterized with brief

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explanations, printed out Bible verses using the New Living Translation version for ease of reference and discussion questions to help you discover facts about the study. This section also helps you to attach meaning to your discoveries and also develop application convictions.

Ask yourself: The purpose of this section of the study is to help you see basic ways you can apply the truths learnt in the study in your life as a Christian.

Scripture Memory: Each study has a memory verse that helps you remember the details of the study in a few memorable sentences.

Contents• INTRODUCTION ��3• HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE ��5

Week One• HOLINESS ��9

Week Two• FAITH ��25

Week Three• PRAYER ��47

Week Four• WISDOM ��73

Week Five• SERVING ��91

Week Six• FASTING ��111

Week Seven• STUDY ��127

Week Eight• GUIDANCE ��153

Week Nine• FELLOWSHIP ��171

Week Ten• WITNESSING ��193

• Bibliography ��217

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WEEK 1: holiness

DAY ONEEvery culture differentiates the sacred from the secular and has terminology to make that distinction; this simply means that what may be acceptable in one culture as holy may be an abomination to another. For instance when God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt and led them to the Promised Land Canaan; Canaan already had such terms, but the problem was that what was holy to the Canaanites was abominable to Jehovah. And God clearly warned the people of Israel by saying “…do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life” (Leviticus 18:3 NLT). To God all the practices that were acceptable to the Canaanites were an abomination (Deuteronomy 23:17-18).

This difference in understanding should make us think deeply especially when thinking about the theme of holiness that may mean different things to different cultures, denominations and even individuals. The apostle Paul when addressing the church at Corinth stated, “Because we have these promises dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness

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GrowinG Deep in the Disciplines of livinG

because we fear God” (2Corinthians 7:1 NLT). With the clear exhortation about holiness in the scripture, the sad realization according to the words of one unknown scholar is “holiness is not a popular word, even in many Christian circles; one reason may be the misconceptions people have about the meaning of the word.” But our deepest concern this week as we take the study on this subject should be what does the word of God say about Holiness?

BEGINNING POINT:What have you heard: Take a moment and reflect on this term “Holiness”, what have you heard about it?

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What is your personal understanding of holiness?

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WEEK ONE: HOliNEss

What do you think the Bible says about holiness?

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Is it important in the life of a Christian?

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Trivia!!! How many times does the term holy appear in the Bible?

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Key to note as you go through the study is that, your understanding of God’s holiness must not be determined by your language and concepts. God alone is holy in himself, all holiness finds its origin in him and he must determine the content of the word that uniquely describes him.

Definition of the term: Holy has the root meaning separated or set apart in the original Hebrew. The holiness of God means, first of all that he is separate from all other beings. He is infinitely above them. He alone is God. Second, he is separate from any flaw or limitation in His purity. He is the absolute standard of morality and He always acts in a way that is entirely consistent with that standard. Third, God’s holiness means that He responds actively against all unrighteousness and in judgment, separates himself from all that opposes His will or contradicts His nature.

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WEEK ONE: HOliNEss

DAY TWOExodus 3:5 (NLT) “Do not come any closer, the LORD warned. Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.”

This text gives us the understanding that the ground on which Moses stands is holy because Jehovah is there. Holiness is inseparably related to his presence. Such holiness comes only by association with the presence of Jehovah and is an imparted holiness. This means, where He is, His presence sanctifies, where His presence is welcomed His holiness is imparted. How do you see the same truth expressed in the following texts?

Leviticus 19:1-2 (NLT) “The LORD also said to Moses, give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the LORD your God am holy.”

Leviticus 20:7 (NLT) “So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God.”

Leviticus 20:26 (NLT) “You must be holy because I, the LORD am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.”

Leviticus 21:6 (NLT) “They must be set apart as holy to their God and must never bring shame on the name of God. They must be holy, for they are the ones who present the special gifts to the LORD, gifts of food for their God.”

Leviticus 21:8 (NLT) “You must treat them as holy because they offer up food to your God. You must consider them holy because I the LORD am holy and I make you holy.”

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As a Christian you are associated with God who is holy; this is because once you believe in Christ you become a child of God and he becomes your Father. The Bible puts it clearly that you have been reborn not with a physical birth but a birth that

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WEEK ONE: HOliNEss

comes from God (John 1:12-13).

This confirms his presence in your life; therefore you must be holy just as God who is your Father is holy. How can you set yourself apart to be holy just as he is holy considering the words of Paul that we read in the introduction “let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit?”

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What does the statement God said in Leviticus 20:26 (NLT) mean to you in relation to the call to be holy “…I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.”

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Leviticus 21:6 (NLT) states “They must be set apart as holy to their God and must never bring shame on the name of God…” How can lack of holiness amongst Christians bring shame to the name of God?

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WEEK ONE: HOliNEss

DAY THREE

God’s holiness speaks of his transcendence, majesty, moral and ethical perfection and sovereign love. When confronted by God’s holiness, man is smitten by a consciousness of his humanity and of his sin. How do you see the people in the following passages respond when they get into the realization of God’s holiness?

Exodus 20:18-19 (NLT) “When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn and when they saw the flashes of lightning and smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. And they said to Moses, you speak to us and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us or we will die!”

Isaiah 6:5-7 (NLT) “Then I said, it’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the king, the LORD of heaven’s armies. Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said see, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed and your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 5:8 (NLT) “When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, Oh Lord, please leave me-I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.”

Revelation 1:17 (NLT) “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, don’t be afraid! I am the first and the last.”

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WEEK ONE: HOliNEss

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What should be your response with the realization of God’s holiness and what hope do you draw from the texts above with regard to how God responded to Isaiah?

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In relation to the texts read above, how can you explain this statement “For man this divine holiness is both attractive and repelling” Answer this with your context in mind?

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DAY FOURIt is His holiness that in love necessitated the cross; it is His holiness that likewise necessitates the ultimate separation of the holy and the unholy. Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus suffered without the city, rejected by sinful man, so that unholy men could be made holy and could live in an eternal fellowship with a holy God (Hebrews 13:12). This makes the word in Hebrews 12:14 (NLT) - “work at living in peace with everyone and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”- Which affirms the necessity of holiness for ultimate salvation comprehensible and establishes the prayer of Paul in 1Thessalonians 5:23 (NLT) “now may the God of peace make you holy in every way and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.”

With this in mind, read the passage below and explain what Gods will is for every Christian and how you can attain holiness from the action points given in the text?

1Thessalonians 4:3-7 (NLT) “God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor-not in lustful passion like the pagan who do not know God and his ways. Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins as we have solemnly warned you before. God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.”

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WEEK ONE: HOliNEss

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What provision has God given to all believers to attain his will for all to live holy lives as stated in the passage below?

Colossians 1:22 (NLT) “Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”

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God expects that each one of us will maintain the standard set, read the text below as state how you will continue living as expected?

Revelation 22:11 (NLT) “…let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.”

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The word Holy is used in two ways with regard to Christians. First it describes our position before God, our settled relationship with Him. We become holy in this way the moment we become Christians because our sins are forgiven and we are adopted into the family of God. Hence the New Testament frequently refers to Christians as the saints. However, our position should not be confused with our condition. As far as our character is concerned, there is need for increasing holiness, a progressive renewal in the image of Christ. These two dimensions of holiness are linked because an appreciation of our position acts as a powerful incentive to change our condition.

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WEEK ONE: HOliNEss

DAY FIVE ASK YOURSELF: How should an awareness of God’s holiness affect the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?

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How should an awareness of God’s holiness affect your attitude towards sin?

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What will your response be to God’s will for every Christian? Reflect on what you will do to ensure that you live in holiness as God expects from you?

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MEMORY TEXT:

1Peter 1:16 (NLT) “For the scriptures say, you must be holy because I am holy.”

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WEEK 2: fAith

DAY ONE It is common in modern English usage to take faith in God to mean something more than belief in God, faith meaning a personal trust and commitment. Although faith involves belief, by far the most important characteristic of faith in the biblical sense is reliance or trust; and the Bible usually speaks of faith in relation to people’s trust in or dependence on God and his works. In the New Testament, faith occupies a quite central and controlling position as expressing the proper and characteristic relationship of man to God. Faith is that voluntary assent that man gives to the revelation of God and the self-committal or trust of the entire man to the control of such truth. The Hebrew word that could be related to faith “aman” means to be firm, steadfast and trustworthy. The concept is that of holding firm in a time of testing because of confidence in God’s reward. In this sense God is the faithful and unchanging one, loyal to His promises and covenant. In return man must be obedient, steadfast and trustfully relying on God’s promises. The New Testament word translated faith means a firm belief, persuasion or conviction based on hearing. The New Testament concept of faith includes, the intellectual assent to revealed truth, acting upon its requirements and confidence in the Person of the revelation. This means that

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faith is an act both of understanding and the will.

BEGINNING POINT:What have you heard? Take a moment and reflect on this term “Faith”, what have you heard about it?

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What is your personal understanding of faith?

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What does the Bible say about it?

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WEEK TWO: FAITH

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Is it important in the life of a Christian?

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Trivia!!! How many times does the term faith appear in the Bible?

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Definition of the term:

Faith is that belief which a soul has in the infinite wisdom, power and goodness of God. Being quickened by the Spirit, he is able to believe, claim and experience the promises of God. It is “…the assurance that the thing God has said in His word is true and that God will act according to what he has said in His word…faith is not a matter of impression, nor of probabilities nor of appearances” (George Muller).

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WEEK TWO: FAITH

DAY TWOIn relation to the New Testament concept of faith explained in the introduction above, how is the Intellectual element of apprehension and conviction of the truth about faith explained in the text below?

Romans 10:11 (NLT) “As the scriptures tell us, anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

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How is the aspect of faith that requires acting upon the truth explained in the text below?

Hebrews 11:7 (NLT) “It was by faith that Noah built a large

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boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.”

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How should every believer who reads the passages below live his/her life as a Christian based on the two aspects of faith: intellectual assent and acting upon the truth?

James 2:17 (NLT) “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”

Romans 14:1-4 (NLT) “Accept other believers who are weak in faith and don’t argue with them about what they think is right

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WEEK TWO: FAITH

or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servant? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.”

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WEEK TWO: FAITH

DAY THREE Read the texts below and explain what you observe in the way the different people expressed their faith in God in the different life situations they faced and indicate how their example would be helpful to you as a Christian? Identify the two aspects of faith in the life of Abraham: intellectual assent to revealed truth and acting upon the truth?

Romans 4:18-20 (NLT) “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping-believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, that’s how many descendants you will have. And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead-and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger and in this he brought glory to God.”

Hebrews 11:4-6 (NLT) “It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying-he disappeared because God took him for before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

Hebrews 11:8-10 (NLT) “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing

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where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith-for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.”

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WEEK TWO: FAITH

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From the texts above, Abraham was convinced intellectually about the truth God revealed to him about being the father of many nations and the Promised Land. This must have been the basis of his conviction to follow God’s leading and believe in his promises. This was not blind faith, but faith based on deep understanding of the God who has revealed the truth to him about what the future holds for him. Has the revealed truth as explained in the scriptures helped you to develop convictions of faith about who God is and what he can do?

Give a faith conviction that you have based on one of the promises recorded in scripture for your life?

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WEEK TWO: FAITH

DAY FOURThe Christian life begins with faith as we put our trust in Christ and His works on the cross. But important to note is the fact that, faith in itself does not save, it is simply the means by which the sinner accepts the salvation that God offers. That initial act of faith is only the beginning. However, being a Christian means committing ourselves to a totally new view of the world: God is there, although we cannot see Him, He is the ultimate reality. This is the life of faith as expressed in Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” This confidence and assurance is the intellectual assent that every believer must have concerning God and his promises.

Noting the importance of this confidence and assurance, Jesus gave considerable attention in developing faith in his disciples, because they needed to be convinced about who God is in order to confidently preach the Gospel and stand for its truth even after Christ ascended to heaven. He taught them about its importance and also exposed them to experiences that demanded faith. This shows us that Jesus employed both theory and practical lessons to instill this truth in his followers; the same applies to you, you need both theory and practical lessons in order to be fully convinced about God. And being a firm teacher, on several occasions Jesus strongly rebuked the disciples for lack of faith. But above all he transmitted his own unshakable confidence in God to them.

Read the texts below and explain why it is important to have faith as a Christian and what the disciples learnt about faith

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from their ministry experience with Jesus Christ as recorded in scripture? In your explanation point out the theory and practical lessons

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

Mark 4:35-40 (NLT) “As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, let’s cross to the other side of the lake. So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowd behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown? When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, silence! Be still! Suddenly the wind stopped and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?

Mark 6:7-9 (NLT) “And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick-no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.”

Mark 9:17-19 (NLT) “One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t

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do it. Jesus said to them, you faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

Mark 11:12-14; 20-24 (NLT) “The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, may no one ever eat your fruit again! And the disciples heard him say it…The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, look Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died! Then Jesus said to the disciples, have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, may you be lifted up and thrown into the sea and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

Mark 16:9-14 (NLT) “After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning; the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went to the disciples who were grieving and weeping and told them what had happened. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her. Afterwards he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country. They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them. Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead.”

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From the experiences of the disciples’ recorded in the texts above; does the presence of fear mean the absence of faith?

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WEEK TWO: FAITH

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What challenge do you think the disciples faced in implementing the instructions given in the text you read above in Mark 6:7-9?

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So basic is faith to Christianity, that the New Testament uses the name believer as another name for the Christian. Likewise it uses “the faith” as another name for Christianity. Christians

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are also made aware that they are not only saved by faith, but they should live by faith. This means they continue to rely on the promise and power of the unseen God rather than on what they see and experience in the visible world.

Read the text below and explain how you can live by faith as a Christian?

2Corinthians 5:6-7 (NLT) “So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing.”

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DAY FIVE

ASK YOURSELF:What life application lessons can you draw from the experiences of the disciples as learnt in the texts above?

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Why is it that without faith it is impossible to please God?

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How can Abraham’s life as studied in the texts above serve as an example to you as you learn to trust God?

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What can you do to deepen your faith in God?

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In what way can you step out in faith, depending on God to work in a situation that appears unpromising?

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Faith does not focus on itself. Its function is to link us with the powerful and faithful God. If we are worrying whether or not we have the right quantity or quality of faith, we have missed the point. The greatness or smallness of our faith is not crucial, but our willingness to trust a great God is.

MEMORY TEXT: Mark 11:22 “Then Jesus said to the disciples, have faith in God.”

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Week ThreepRAYer

DAY ONE Isn’t it interesting that out of all the disciples only one of them asked Jesus to teach them to pray? It sometimes seems the church is in a similar situation today regarding prayer. We talk about prayer, we study prayer, we say our prayers, but how many of us actually seek earnestly for God to teach us to pray. Prayer is the central avenue for communicating with God and God also uses it to transform us; this means that if we are unwilling to change we will abandon prayer. Real prayer is life creating and life changing. In prayer we do a number of things: Worshipping him, praising him, thanking him, confessing to him and making requests of him. This study will guide you in learning different aspects of prayer through the scriptures with the aim of helping you to grow in the discipline of prayer.

BEGINNING POINT:What have you heard? Take a moment and reflect on this term “prayer”, what have you heard about it?

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What is your personal understanding of prayer?

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What does the Bible say about prayer?

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WEEK THREE: PRAYER

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Is prayer important in the life of a Christian?

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Trivia!!! Who made this prayer in the Bible “I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.”

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Definition of the term: Prayer is that activity of believers whereby they communicate with God; it catapults (hurl or launch) us on the frontier of the spiritual life. Of all the spiritual disciplines prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual (never ending or changing) communion with the Father. It also brings us into the deepest and highest work of the human spirit (Richard Foster).

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DAY TWOWhy should believers pray? There could be three possible answers to this question:

1. Because they know that God is the source of all good,

2. Because God is the controller of all events,

3. He is also the possessor of supreme power.

Read through the prayer of Nehemiah as recorded in the scriptures and identify the three reasons stated above as to why believers should pray?

Nehemiah 1:4-11 (NLT) “When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. Please remember what you told your servant Moses: If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored. The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. O LORD, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it

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into his heart to be kind to me.

Nehemiah 9:6 (NLT) “You alone are the LORD. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all and the angels of heaven worship you.”

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With the acknowledgement of these three reasons stated above, by praying we acknowledge that: We have no power to bring about the things that we are praying for, but God has.

We actually acknowledge that we are inferior but he is superior, (Romans 9:20; 11:33-34). We also acknowledge that we have no right to try to force God to do what we want; by prayer we also admit our own helplessness and complete dependence on God. We also in effect invite God to work his solution to the matter concerning which we are praying for.

How can we see this explained in the Bible passage below?

Mark 9:17-24 (NLT) “One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it. Jesus said to them, you faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me. So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. How long has this been happening? Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us if you can. What do you mean, if I can? Jesus asked. Anything is possible

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if a person believes. The father instantly cried out, I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

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DAY THREEOnly when believers recognize their helplessness can they really pray in the right spirit; for then they acknowledge that God can do what they cannot. Their helplessness causes them to trust in God, which means in other words that they exercise faith. Faith is a basic requirement of all true prayer by far the most important characteristic of faith in the Biblical sense is reliance or trust; and the Bible usually speaks of faith in relation to people’s trust in or dependence on God and his works.

Read the passages below and explain what you learn about faith and prayer?

Mathew 8:5-13 (NLT) “When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, Lord my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain. But the officer said, Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, go and they go, or come and they come. And if I say to my slaves, do this, they do it. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this that many Gentiles will come from all over the world-from east and west- and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven. But many Israelites-those for whom the kingdom was prepared-will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, go back home. Because you believed, it

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has happened. And the young servant was healed that same hour.

Mark 11:24 (NLT) “I tell you, you can pray for anything and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

Mathew 21:21-22 (NLT) “Then Jesus told them, I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, may you be lifted up and thrown into the sea and it will happen. You can pray for anything and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

James 1:6-8 (NLT) “But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world and they are unstable in everything they do.”

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The important thing to note is that you don’t need large amounts of faith to turn in your helplessness to God, also, faith has no merit in itself as if God needs people’s faith to help him do things. God has complete power in himself; faith is simply the means by which believers come to God and ask him to exercise that power.

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DAY FOURFaith is therefore part of the very nature of prayer, but we need to understand that people cannot use prayer to get their own way. Those who try to use prayer in such a way are not really praying at all. They are arrogantly commanding God instead of humbly depending on him; they want their will to be done instead of God’s will. This means that there is a difference between directing God in prayer and directing our prayers to God

Read the following passage and state your observations in relation to the explanation given in the paragraph above

James 4:3 (NLT) “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong-you want only what will give you pleasure.”

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Another important lesson is that long and impressive prayers will not persuade God; neither will an outward show of zeal and earnestness. How is this explained in the following passages?

Mathew 6:5-8 (NLT) “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”

Mark 12:38-40 (NLT) “Jesus also taught: Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”

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If you expect your prayers to be answered, you must pray in the name of Jesus, not in your own names. This means that you, must pray for what Jesus wants, not what you want. God promises to answer the prayers of his people, but only if they offer those prayers out of pure motives, according to his will and with a genuine desire to glorify God.

Read the following passages and state your observation and the assurance you get in relation to answers to prayer?

Mathew 6:10 (NLT) “May your kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Mathew 18:19 (NLT) “I also tell you this: if two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, My Father in heaven will do it for you.”

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John 14:13 (NLT) “You can ask for anything in my name and I will do it so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”

1John 5:14-15 (NLT) “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”

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Answers to prayer also depend on the wisdom and power of God; what God looks for in prayer is a humble and broken spirit that trusts entirely in him. How is this explained in the following passages?

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Psalm 51:17 (NLT) “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Luke 18:10-14 (NLT) “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: I thank you God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week and I give you a tenth of my income. But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner. I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

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Answers to prayer therefore do not depend on your will-power, zeal or emotions. But while we can pray with assurance, there is no guarantee that God will immediately give the things we are praying for. In fact he may not give them at all.

We also need to understand that we have no right of our own to come into God’s presence with our requests, but we only come into God’s presence because Christ has made entrance into God’s presence possible and because God in his grace accepts us. We come to God humbly and reverently but also confidently.

Read the following passages and explain what you observe concerning approaching God’s presence in prayer?

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

Hebrews 10:19-22 (NLT) “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way

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through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him for our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean and our bodies have been washed with pure water.”

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Some of the hindrances to prayer as recorded in the scriptures include disobedience, unconfessed sin and an unforgiving spirit. Read the following passages and state how this is explained?

Psalm 66:18-19 (NLT) “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the LORD would not have listened.”

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Isaiah 1:15-17 (NLT) “When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of the orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.”

Mark 11:25 (NLT) “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.”

1Peter 3:12 (NLT) “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

1John 3:21-22 (NLT) “Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.”

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You ask and do not receive; because you ask wrongly to spend it on your passions is what the Bible says according to James 4:3. But what does it mean to ask “rightly”? It means, transformed passions; it is beginning to think God’s thoughts after him, to desire the things he desires, to love the things he loves, to will the things he wills. Progressively we are taught to see things from his point of view.

“All who have walked with God have viewed prayer as the main business of their lives” (Acts 6:4, Psalm 63:1). Martin Luther declared “I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.” John Wesley said “God does nothing except in answer to prayer” he dedicated two hours daily in prayer. This means that prayer should not be just a little habit tacked into the periphery of our lives. Prayer should be our lives.

Read the following passages and state what you learn on how we should pray.

1Corinthians 14:15 (NLT) “Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit and I will also sing in words I understand.”

Romans 8:26-27, 34 (NLT) “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. For example, we don’t know what God wants

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us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

Jude 20 (NLT) “But you dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:14 (NLT) “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women and the brother of Jesus.”

Acts 2:42 (NLT) “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to fellowship and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper) and to prayer.”

Mark 1:35 (NLT) “Before day break the next morning, Jesus got up and went to an isolated place to pray.”

Daniel 6:10 (NLT) “But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.”

1Thessalonians 1:2 (NLT) “We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.”

1Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) “Never stop praying.”

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DAY FIVEASK YOURSELF:

How will you develop the discipline of prayer in your life and ensure that you pray in accordance to what you have learnt from the scriptures today?

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If you consider prayer to be of first importance, how should this show itself in your life?

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How can you apply greater discipline so that your prayer life will be strengthened?

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MEMORY TEXT: 1Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) “Never stop praying.”

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Week FourwisDoM

DAY ONE In many occasions people wonder what to do when faced with a decision; this leads some to act on impulse while others don’t act at all preferring to let circumstances dictate. But one of God’s desires for mankind is that people learn and develop practical wisdom so that they might live intelligently and honestly. “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise” (Ephesians 5:15 NLT). In this way their lives will be useful, bringing pleasure to God and benefits to themselves and others. The Bible indicates that wisdom is available for all God’s people, and in this week’s study you will learn how to become wise and how to apply wisdom in daily life.

BEGINNING POINT:What have you heard? Take a moment and reflect on this term “Wisdom”, what have you heard about it?

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What is your personal understanding of wisdom?

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What does the Bible say about wisdom?

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Is wisdom important in the life of a Christian?

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Trivia!!! Name two people in the Bible who were referred to as wise?

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Definition of the term: Wisdom is moral clear sightedness-the ability to know what is right and then to do it.

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DAY TWO There are mines for silver, gold, iron, copper, sapphire etc. And man searches for these things in the darkest and farthest places far from where people dwell. This search takes time, effort and resources because it is done in places far from where anyone lives. Birds and animals don’t know the path, the hidden path that leads to this minerals but man finds it and brings hidden things to light. But the big question for us is do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?

Read the passage below, identify the energy and effort invested in finding minerals and compare this to the question asked in verse twelve of the text. What does this tell you about man’s search for wisdom?

Job 28:1-12 (NLT) “People know where to mine silver and how to refine gold. They know where to dig iron from the earth and how to smelt copper from rock. They know how to shine light in darkness and explore the farthest regions of the earth as they search in the dark for ore. They sink a mine shaft into the earth far from where anyone lives. They descend on ropes, swinging back and forth. Food is grown on the earth above, but down below, the earth is melted as by fire. Here the rocks contain precious lapis lazuli and the dust contains gold. These are treasures no bird of prey can see, no falcon’s eye observe. No wild animal has walked upon these treasures; no lion has ever set his paw there. People know how to tear apart flinty rocks and overturn the roots of mountains. They cut tunnels in the rocks and uncover precious stones. They dam up the trickling streams and bring to light the hidden treasures. But do people know where to find wisdom?

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Where can they find understanding?”

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From the text read above, trust me if wisdom was a precious stone hidden in one of the secret places in the earth and

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man understood its value he would have found it. Read the following passages and give some of the reasons why man has not found wisdom?

Job 28:13-15 (NLT) “No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living. It is not here, says the ocean. Nor is it here says the sea. It cannot be bought with gold. It cannot be purchased with silver.”

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Even though man has not known where to find wisdom, its value still stands; it is very precious and valuable. Read the

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text below and explain the value of wisdom?

Job 28:16-19 (NLT) “it’s worth more than all the gold of Ophir, greater than precious onyx or lapis lazuli. Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above rubies. Precious peridot from Ethiopia cannot be exchanged for it. It’s worth more than the purest gold.”

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But where can wisdom be found? Read the following passage and state where to find wisdom.

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Job 28:20-28 (NLT) “But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it. Destruction and death say, we’ve heard only rumors of where wisdom can be found. God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found, for he looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens. He decided how hard the winds should blow and how much rain should fall. He made the laws for the rain and laid out a path for the lightning. Then he saw wisdom and evaluated it. He set it in place and examined it thoroughly. And this is what he says to all humanity; the fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”

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DAY THREEThe wisdom that the Bible encourages is concerned with the practical affairs of everyday living rather than with philosophical theories. People live in a real world and have to deal with real people. The basis of that wisdom however is not human cleverness but obedient reverence for God. God is the source of true wisdom and he gives it to those who seek it. What further insight do you get from the following passages about the source of wisdom?

Proverbs 1:7 (NLT) “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Proverbs 2:6 (NLT) “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

James 1:5 (NLT) “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

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God is the source of all wisdom, what do you learn from the passages below about the greatness of God’s wisdom?

Daniel 2:20 (NLT) “He said, praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.”

Romans 16:27 (NLT) “All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen

Romans 11:33 (NLT) “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!”

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DAY FOUR Without reverence, wisdom may be selfish and worldly, characterized by ungodly attitudes such as jealousy and deceit. Godly wisdom, by contrast is characterized by humility, uprightness and a concern for others. Read the following passages and contrast what will be evident in the life of a Christians who has Godly wisdom and one who does not have?

James 3:13 (NLT) “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.”

Proverbs 8:12-16 (NLT) “I wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. Because of me kings reign and rulers make just decrees. Rulers lead with my help and nobles make righteous judgments.”

Proverbs 10:8 (NLT) “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their face.”

Proverbs 11:2 (NLT) “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Isaiah 5:21 (NLT) “What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.”

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This godly wisdom is available to all who are prepared to leave the folly of their self-centered ways and accept it from God. How do you see this explained in the following texts?

Proverbs 1:20-23 (NLT) “Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate. How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.”

Proverbs 8:1-6 (NLT) “Listen as wisdom calls out! Hear as

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understanding raises her voice! On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right,”

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The Bible confirms that “…the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6 NLT). The primary way in which God reveals his wisdom to us is through the Bible; read the following passage about how God gave Solomon wisdom and find out what prompted God’s gift to him?

1Kings 3:5-12 (NLT) “That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and God said, what do you want? Ask and I will give it to you! Solomon replied, you showed faithful love to your servant my father David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued your faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne. Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours? The LORD was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies-I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!

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DAY FIVE ASK YOURSELF:It is clear from the study that God’s wisdom is greater than our understanding; reflect over your life and ask whether there are situations in which you have been tempted to think that you know better than God?

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What do you think is the purpose of wisdom in the life of a Christian?

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Is there a current situation in which you need wisdom?

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MEMORY TEXT: James 3:13 (NLT) “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.”

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Week FiveservinG

DAY ONE Jesus taught that true greatness is the willingness to give humble and sacrificial service and throughout his life he demonstrated this. This means that Christians are servants of God, no wander the apostle Paul told the Corinthian church to look at Apollo’s and him as mere servants of Christ (1Corinthians 4:1). A few important things to note about Christian service include: (1) Service to God is a privilege and Christ himself is an example of the type of servant a Christian should be. (2) This service can take many forms like giving practical aid to the poor, through preaching and evangelizing, through praying, ushering at church etc. (3) Service does not have to be in a religious setting, because every act of kindness is service to God. (4) Lastly, to serve Christ means to serve others and those who do this receive a reward from God.

BEGINNING POINT:What have you heard? Take a moment and reflect on this term “Serving”, what have you heard about it?

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What is your personal understanding of serving?

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What does the Bible say about serving?

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Is serving important in the life of a Christian?

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Trivia!!! Name five people in the Bible who referred to themselves as servants of God?

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Definition of the term: Christian service is the use of our Spiritual gifts, professional and personal skills and any other gifts including material possessions in the work of God and in daily life to serve one another (1Peter 4:10).

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DAY TWO Christ lived out servant hood before his disciples even though he knew that God had given him authority over everything including those who followed him. Instead of exercising his authority by lording it over others, he became a servant and he also called his disciples to the way of service. What example has Christ set for Christians about serving as indicated in the texts below and what do you learn from it?

John 13:2-15 (NLT) “It was time for supper and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, Lord are you going to wash my feet? Jesus replied, you don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will. No Peter protested, you will never ever wash my feet! Jesus replied, unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me. Simon Peter exclaimed, then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet! Jesus replied, a person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you. For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, not all of you are clean. After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, do you understand what I was doing? You call me teacher and Lord and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have

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done to you.”

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Reflect on the discussion between Peter’s and Christ in the text above; how was Peter’s response in the text influenced

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by his cultural background and how do you see this same attitude in our times. How does it hinder people from service?

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What do you think it means in today’s world to wash one

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another’s feet?

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For believers to embrace the example of Christ stated in the texts above, there has to be a change of attitude and renewal of mind in their perception of who is supposed to serve. What difference in attitude is Christ proclaiming in the text below and what impact do you think it will have in the church or society if well practiced?

Luke 22:24-27 (NLT) “Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, in this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called friends of the people. But among you

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it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

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Read the passages below and state how these verses affect your willingness to obey Jesus’ command to serve others?

Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT) “Work willingly at whatever you do as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”

Mathew 25:34-44 (NLT) “Then the King will say to those on his right, come you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me. Then these righteous ones will reply, Lord when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will say, I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me! Then the king will turn to those on the left and say, away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison and you didn’t visit me.”

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DAY THREE Service for God can take many forms; it may consist of giving practical aid to those who are poor, feeding the hungry or assisting those in need. Read the following passages and point out the different ways people were involved in service and what you learn from their examples?

Romans 15:25-27 (NLT) “But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believer in Jerusalem. They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.”

2Timothy 1:16-18 (NLT) “May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.”

Hebrews 6:10 (NLT) “For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”

Acts 6:2-4 (NLT) “So the twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, we apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit

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and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

Ephesians 3:7 (NLT) “By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.”

2Corinthians 1:11 (NLT) “And you are helping us by praying for us. Then people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.”

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DAY FOUR Is there any form of service that you have ever been involved in that made you feel like you deserve extra credit for serving God? Read the text below and explain what you understand from it about serving God and the attitude you should have when you obey the command to serve?

Luke 17:7-10 (NLT) “When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, come in and eat with me? No he says, prepare my meal, put on your apron and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later. And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, we are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.”

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DAY FIVE ASK YOURSELF:The Bible in John 13:17 (NLT) states that “Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” These were Jesus concluding words after he had set an example of service and asked the disciples to do the same. His words in this text simply mean that there is a special blessing for all who follow in his way of service.

Are you willing to follow Christ’s example of serving; whom can you serve today and how?

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What is your spiritual gift and how can you use it in God’s service in the church for the benefit of the body of Christ?

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Have you ever found it hard to serve people who are beneath you in terms of status at work, social class, age etc? If yes, how can you overcome this attitude in order to fully follow in Jesus example; he was the master but he served his followers, he literally played the role of a slave. This means he took a role that was way below that of his followers.

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MEMORY TEXT: 1Peter 4:10 (NLT) “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

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Week SixfAstinG

DAY ONEFasting is basically going without food or drink for a period of time, usually for some religious purpose. Examples of fasting in the Bible show that it accompanied prayer and this is what distinguishes it from a hunger strike. The purpose of fasting is to separate a person as much as possible from the common affairs of everyday life. This would therefore enable him without distraction to concentrate on the important issues he/she is praying about. But it is sad that many believers in this generation have disregarded the subject of fasting despite the fact that it is mentioned so frequently in the scripture and has been practiced so ardently by Christians over the centuries. But God still approves of true fasting whether individual or collective when it is combined with genuine prayer; and when done correctly, fasting has both physical and spiritual benefits. God also condemns insincere fasting for instance those who make a show of their fasting in order to impress others. Through this week’s study we will look at all aspect of fasting as recorded in the scriptures with the aim of drawing lessons and the motivation to engage in this discipline that has been greatly neglected by many in the body of Christ.

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BEGINNING POINT:What have you heard? Take a moment and reflect on this term “Fasting”, what have you heard about it?

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What is your personal understanding of fasting?

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What does the Bible say about fasting?

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Is fasting important in the life of a Christian?

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Trivia!!! Give five instances in the Bible that people fasted?

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Definition of the term: Fasting is setting aside a period of time to go without food or drink for spiritual purposes. Going without food may take different forms depending on a person’s preference, health or conviction. One can go without food and drink for a number of days or one can also pick a number of hours in a day to go without food and drink this is simply skipping a few meals in a day. But someone can also go without food and only take drinks for a number of days or a number of hours in a day.

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DAY TWOThere are many examples of people who took time to fast and pray in the Bible including our Lord Jesus Christ. This tells us that fasting is not a reserve for certain people. Read the following passages and point out the person or people engaged in prayer and fasting, their different callings, positions and careers, how long the fast lasted, how they opted to fast and the reason why they engaged in the fast?

Mathew 4: 1-2 (NLT) “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.”

Luke 2:36-37 (NLT) “Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple, but stayed there day and night, worshipping God with fasting and prayer.”

Acts 13:2-3 (NLT) “One day as these men were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them. So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.”

1Samuel 31:8-13 (NLT) “The next day, when the philistines went out to strip the dead, they found the bodies of Saul and his three sons on Mount Gilboa. So they cut off Saul’s head and stripped off his armor. They proclaimed the good news of Saul’s

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death in their pagan temple and to the people throughout the land of Philistia. They placed his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths and they fastened his body to the wall of the city of Beth-shan. But when the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all their mighty warriors travelled through the night to Beth-shan and took the bodies of Saul and his sons down from the wall. They brought them to Jabesh, where they burned the bodies. Then they took their bones and buried them beneath the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they fasted for seven days.”

1Kings 21:27-29 (NLT) “But when Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothing, dressed in burlap and fasted. He even slept in burlap and went about in deep mourning. Then another message from the LORD came to Elijah: Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has done this, I will not do what I promised during his lifetime. It will happen to his sons; I will destroy his dynasty.”

Nehemiah 1:2-4 (NLT) “Hanani, one of my brothers came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. They said to me, things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace, the wall of Jerusalem has been torn down and the gates have been destroyed by fire. When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted and prayed to the God of heaven.”

Ezra 8:21-23 (NLT) “And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children and our goods as we traveled. For I was ashamed to ask

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the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him. So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us and he heard our prayer.”

2Chronicles 20:1-4 (NLT) “After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, a vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar. Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the LORD’s help.”

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From the lessons and observations drawn from the texts above, it is evident that people fasted to express sorrow, repentance, sincerity in prayer, to ask for protection and victory over the enemy etc. They also fasted for personal and national issues that they were deeply concerned about. Are there similar things happening in your life or the society that you live in that should move you together with other believers to fast and pray to God? Give examples

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DAY THREEThe examples we have read about in the texts above remind us that God has called us to exercise true prayer and fasting. In the Book of Joel 2:12, God told the people to turn to him while there was still time. “…turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping and mourning.” In this instance, God was calling the people to genuine repentance; God extends the same call to each one of us today to engage in genuine prayer and fasting for whatever reason at hand so long as it is in line with his will. Read the passages below and explain what true fasting entails?

Mathew 6:16-18 (NLT) “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

Isaiah 58:5-7 (NLT) “You humble yourself by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them and do not hide from relatives who need your help.”

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What kind of fasting does God not approve as recorded in the following passage?

Isaiah 58:3-5 (NLT) “We have fasted before you! They say. Why

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aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it! I will tell you why! I respond. It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling this kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.”

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Relate the lessons in the texts above to your context; in what ways have people practiced insincere fasts?

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DAY FOURBefore practicing the discipline of fasting, it is important to have basic information on the practical aspects of fasting. This will help you to gradually progress in the discipline.

• Begin with partial fasting: This means setting aside a few hours in a day to go without meals. This is light fasting that prepares your body before engaging in long and intense fasting sessions. This could be missing two meals of your choice in a day for a period of time; but as you go through the fasting take drinks to keep you going. Break the fast with light meals like fresh fruits etc.

• After successfully going through the light fasting, progress to a normal fast: this would mean going without food but only taking water. The period could be for twelve hours or twenty four hours.

• With this preparation, progress to even longer fasting periods through seeking God’s guidance and being careful not to engage in anything that will be harmful to your health. Long fasting periods could include, three days of normal fasting, seven days etc. During this periods ensure that you take enough rest.

• Devote the times you could be eating to prayer and meditation.

• Ensure that your fasting is private but only make it known to people who should know like your spouse or parents, so that they don’t start wondering why you are not eating.

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• Read a lot on the different changes that take place to your body especially when you purpose to engage in longer periods of fasting. These lessons will help you to be cautious to engage in what is healthy to your body.

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DAY FIVE ASK YOURSELF:How will you begin the progressive process to grow in the discipline of fasting? Write specific goals for the next six months that are time bound and will help you begin slowly and see you embrace this discipline as part of your Christian walk. Indicate when you will engage in the partial or light fasting, when you will engage in the normal fasting sessions and when you will engage in the absolute fasting sessions (Long sessions without food and drink-at most three days with water only)

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What lesson about fasting has stood out this week and why? What has it moved you to do?

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You must have observed how other religions practice their fasting sessions; reflect on how Christian fasting differs from the fasting practiced by other religions and from a hunger strike?

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MEMORY TEXT: Nehemiah 1:4 (NLT) “When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted and prayed to the God of heaven.”

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Week SevenstUDY

DAY ONE One of the most common scriptures amongst believers is Romans 12:2 (NLT) “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” The main lesson in this text is to be transformed people through renewed minds. This simply means that this transformation must be firmly planted in the minds of the people. But for our thought system to be changed we must be reeducated and redirected and this will only happen when we take time to study the word of God through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Therefore this week we will focus our attention on the discipline of study, which is simply applying the mind to what will transform it, the word of God; this is one of the central ways God uses to teach and transform us. This week’s study is also geared to help you understand that the scriptures originated with God and although written by ordinary people, they carry the absolute authority of God. It is not merely human ideas about God, it is not a human book but it is the word of God revealed through the Holy Spirit to certain believers who wrote down his message for his people.

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This word is therefore our standard as believers for testing everything else that claims to be true. And although it was written many years ago, it is still living; it is life changing as it works in believers lives therefore you should allow it to shape your life too, because it is a real source of transforming power.

BEGINNING POINT:What have you heard? Take a moment and reflect on this phrase “Studying the word of God”, what have you heard about it?

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Have you invested time in the past to study the word of God?

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What does the Bible say about studying the word?

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Is studying the word important in the life of a Christian?

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Trivia!!! Who is claimed to have authored most of the Books of the Bible and why? Give a list of the books he/she wrote.

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Definition of the term: Studying is analytical reading of the word; it involves repetition, concentration, comprehension of the text and reflection. While studying one must understanding what the author is saying, interpret the text, which is simply giving meaning to the text and lastly evaluate the text.

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DAY TWOAs you focus your attention to the discipline of studying the word of God; you will only value the Bible and take time to study it, if you are convinced that it is truly the word of God. But why should you believe the Bible to be the absolutely true, trustworthy, authoritative, sufficient word of God? One of the answers to this question is; because it says so as indicated in 2Timothy 3:16 and many other texts in the Bible. The authority of scripture means that all the words in scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God. Read the texts below and point out what you learn from them about the authority and relevance of scripture. Reflect on how it is referred to or called in the texts, how it came about and its purpose.

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

2Timothy 3:16 (NLT) “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

2Peter 1:20-21 (NLT) “Above all you must realize that no prophecy in scripture ever came from the prophets own understanding or from human initiatives. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit and they spoke from God.”

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Because of the authority of the scriptures and its relevance, you are expected to respond to the word of God in a certain way. Read the passages below, which give examples of how people responded to the word of God. State what you learn from their response and how you will respond to the word of God?

1Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT) “Therefore we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God-which of course it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.”

Exodus 24:3-4 (NLT) “Then Moses went down to the people

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and repeated all the instructions and regulations the LORD had given him. All the people answered with one voice, we will do everything the LORD has commanded. Then Moses carefully wrote down all the LORD’S instructions. Early the next morning Moses got up and built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He also set up twelve pillars, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.”

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DAY THREE Many people still wonder how reliable the Bible we have today really is, but apart from the Bible’s own claims on its reliability, history has proven it to be so. This is because hundreds of events prophesied in the Bible later took place exactly as the Bible said they would and this has been verified by archeologists and historians. Because this is God’s word, his people throughout the centuries have taken great care to preserve the integrity and accuracy of the original manuscripts to produce the Bible we have today. Read the texts below and explain what makes the Bible reliable as the word of God?

Numbers 23:19 (NLT) “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”

Joshua 21:45 (NLT) “Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.”

Psalm 12:6 (NLT) “The LORD’S promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.”

Psalm 19:7-9 (NLT) “The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true each one is fair.”

Psalm 89:34 (NLT) “No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said.”

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Mathew 24:35 (NLT) “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.”

2Peter 1:15-21 (NLT) “So I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone. For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our LORD Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes. When he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, this is my dearly loved son, who brings me great joy. We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place-until the day dawns and Christ the morning star shines in your heart. Above all you must realize that no prophecy in scripture ever came from the prophets own understanding, or from human initiative. No those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit and they spoke from God.”

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When the apostle Luke wrote the gospel, he was concerned that eye witness accounts should be preserved accurately and the foundations of the Christian faith be transmitted without error to the generations to come. Having not been an eye witness himself, he must have made careful use of the firsthand accounts that were written about Jesus ministry and that is why Luke 1:1-4 states that he wrote after having carefully investigated. The apostle John on the other hand was one of Jesus original disciples and by the time he wrote 1John 1:1-4 Christianity had been around for more than a generation. As an eye witness to Jesus ministry he was qualified to teach the truth; his readers had not seen Jesus but they could trust that what John wrote was accurate. Just like these readers, we have not personally, seen, heard or touched Jesus, but we have the New Testament record of eye witnesses and we can trust they have written the truth about him. What further lessons about the reliability of scripture do you get from the texts below?

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Luke 1:1-4 (NLT) “Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.”

1John 1:1-4 (NLT) “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, who we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.”

Hebrews 2:3 (NLT) “So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the LORD Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak?”

Mathew 5:18 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.”

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DAY FOUR Apart from assuring us of its authority and reliability, the Bible offers us timeless and true principles concerning every important issue and situation we face in real life, it is not irrelevant as some people claim. It is alive and powerful and very useful for living in this world. As the children of Israel journeyed to the Promised Land, it was important for them to be prepared on how to live through the commands given. Since the commands are useful, they were to be passed on to the next generations faithfully. Jesus also said that we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Father and not by material things. The question for us would then be, how can we intake the word of God and allow it to be a lamp and a light for our path, how can we allow it to give us direction, how can we allow it to judge the thoughts and attitudes of our heart and to prepare us for every good work. Read the passages below and explain how you can allow God’s word to accomplish its purpose in your life?

Deuteronomy 31:11-13 (NLT) “You must read this book of instruction to all the people of Israel when they assemble before the LORD your God at the place he chooses. Call them all together-men, women, children and foreigners living in your towns-so they may hear this book of instruction and learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully obey all the terms of these instructions. Do this so that your children who have not known these instructions will hear them and will learn to fear the LORD your God. Do this as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.”

Deuteronomy 32:46-47 (NLT) “He added, take to heart all

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the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words-they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”

Psalm 119:105 (NLT) “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Mathew 4:4 (NLT) “But Jesus told him, no the scripture say, people do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”


Psalm 119:59-60 (NLT) “I pondered the direction of my life and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry without delay, to obey your commands.”

2Timothy 3:17 (NLT) “God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

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Believers throughout the history of the church have had awareness that as they read the Bible, God speaks to them through it. That is why Hebrews 4:12 points out that the word of God is alive and powerful, this may mean to us that the same Spirit who inspired the writers enlightens believers as they read and they receive the words of the Bible as Gods final authority. This is clearly pointed out in 1John 2:27 that says “But you have received the Holy Spirit and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know and what he teaches is true-it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.” Therefore God’s word is beneficial to your life, allow it to revive you, make you wise, bring joy to your heart, give you insight, warn you and reward you. Read the passages below and state the benefits of God’s word in your life?

Psalm 19:7-11 (NLT) “The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are

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clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable that gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.”


Romans 15:4 (NLT) “Such things were written in the scriptures long ago to teach us. And the scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”

John 17:17 (NLT) “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word which is truth.”

Psalm 119:97-104 (NLT) “Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. How sweet your word tastes to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.”

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This far in the study, you have been assured about the authority, reliability, relevance and benefits of the scriptures. The main aim of this study is to help you develop the discipline of studying God’s word in order to continue growing in the faith. The texts below will give you the experiences of people who spend time with God’s word and how they loved it. Ezra for example as a religious leader was effective because he was a well versed student of the law who was determined to obey it, and like him and Joshua we should be determined both to study and obey God’s word and teach it to others. Our love for God’s word should be evident in how we give priority to studying it and also using any other avenue to internalize it. In instances where we intake the word through hearing it preached, we should take time like the Bereans to evaluate what we have heard through searching the scriptures to verify the message. Read the texts below and state what challenge you get from the examples stated about spending time to study the word and how you will implement the discipline of studying in your life?

Ezra 7:10 (NLT) “This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.”

Nehemiah 8:1-3 (NLT) “In October, when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the water gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the

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LORD had given for Israel to obey. So on October 8 Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly which included the men and women and all the children old enough to understand. He faced the square just inside the water gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.”

Joshua 8:34-35 (NLT) “Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of instruction. Every word of every command that Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly of Israel, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among them.”

Psalm 119:127-133 (NLT) “Truly, I love your commands more than gold even the finest gold. Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way. Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them. The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. I pant with expectation, longing for your commands. Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.”

Acts 17:11 (NLT) “And the people of Berea were more open minded than those in Thessalonica and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.”

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The text in Colossians 3:16 as recorded in the Bible, exhorts us to be richly filled with the message of Christ, this means we should have a good grasp of the content of the scriptures. In the context of the early Christians it’s only the Old Testament that was available, and the stories and teachings about Christ were memorized and passed on from person to person. But we are privileged to have both the New and the Old Testament in print and can carry the Bible with us everywhere we go, but how are we going to be richly filled with its content? There are five ways in which we can intake the message of Christ. Being attentive to hear the gospel preached, taking time to read the word by ourselves, going beyond normal reading to studying the word in depth, hiding it in our hearts through scripture memory and thinking through the word, which is mediation. Putting the five word intake methods into practice calls for deliberate effort and setting aside time to spend with God’s

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word. Without this practice you will be a shallow Christians with limited knowledge of your faith. Read the texts below that give you insight on the five word intake methods and clearly state how you will specifically embrace the discipline of studying the word in your life?

Colossians 3:16 (NLT) “Let the message about Christ in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

Romans 10:17 (NLT) “So faith comes from hearing, that is hearing the Good News about Christ.”

Revelations 1:3 (NLT) “God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.”

Psalm 119:15 (NLT) “I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.”

Psalm 119:11 (NLT) “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:48 (NLT) “I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees.”

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DAY FIVEASK YOURSELF:

Have you been convinced through this study on the authority, reliability and relevance of the scriptures? Give reasons for your answer

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What time will you set aside for studying the word? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Where will you be taking time to study the word? Ensure that it is a quiet place without disruption. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Remember that studying involves: Repetition, concentration and comprehension of the text. This must be followed with application of the text to your context and specifically to your personal life.

MEMORY TEXT: Psalm 119:15 (NLT) “I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.”

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Week EightGUiDAnce

DAY ONEThis week’s study handles one of the most essential topic in the Christian walk; assurance of God’s guidance. But before launching deep into the study, reflect on the following questions: What questions do you have about the future? Do you think God is able to lead you perfectly as you face the future? Do you think you will follow perfectly his will?

I once had a discussion with a friend on the above three questions and after pointing out the questions he had about his future, I asked him the second and third questions listed above and instead of answering my questions he asked me; do I have a choice. His point was, he had no other choice but to trust the God who controls the present and the future to lead him into the future.

Life involves the constant making of decisions, both major and minor and believers naturally want to make decisions that are in accordance with God’s will. But even with this desire and intent, our minds often wonder whether God will lead us and help us make the difficult decisions that we face. As you take this week’s study on guidance, you will understand that God promises to lead you as you rely on him completely. He

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can guide you perfectly for he knows all your needs and what lies ahead in the future.

BEGINNING POINT: What have you heard? Take a moment and reflect on this phrase “God’s guidance”, what have you heard about it?

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What is your personal understanding of God’s guidance?

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What does the Bible say about God’s guidance?

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Is God’s guidance important in the life of a Christian?

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Share your story: Do you have a clear experience of how God guided you in the past?

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Definition of the term: Richard Foster in his book Celebration of Discipline defines guidance as “…the glorious life of hearing God’s voice and obeying his word. The goal is not specific instruction about this or that matter, but conformity to the image of Christ. Therefore specific guidance in particular matters is a happy by-product of this goal.”

As part of his definition he indicates that the will of God is therefore discovered as we become acquainted with God, learn his ways and become his friend. And as the friendship grows, as the conformity grows, we will know instinctively what actions would please him, what decisions would be in accord with his way. Our inward fellowship gives an inward knowledge of the ways of God (Richard Foster, 2008, pg. 233).

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DAY TWO Most Christians believe that God is their guide and they therefore pray for his guidance. But they can only be assured of his guidance only on certain conditions: They must trust him fully, accept his authority in every part of their lives and make every effort to live righteously.

Read the texts below and state how God is described and what he is ready to do for us? What are you encouraged to do in times of making decisions and what are you also warned not to do?

Psalm 48:14 (NLT) “For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever and he will guide us until we die.”

Psalm 31:3 (NLT) “You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.”

Proverbs 3:5-7 (NLT) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”

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Trusting God in every decision making does not mean that you omit careful thinking or belittle your God given ability to reason. Trusting him is acknowledging that he is a better judge of what you want simply because he knows what is best for you. It is also important not to be wise in your own eyes but to seek counsel from other mature Christians, because one of the ways that God guides us is through wise counsel from others. Read the texts below and explain why you should not ignore advice from others when making decisions?

Proverbs 26:12 (NLT) “There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise.”

Proverbs 12:15 (NLT) “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.”

Proverbs 11:14 (NLT) “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”

Proverbs 25:12 (NLT) “To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.”

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DAY THREEWhether God leads you through a clear voice or through the advice of other mature believers, through circumstances or a vision, you should note that God’s leading does not contradict his word. He will not lead you in ways that are contrary to His known will. This points out how important it is for you to know what the Bible says in every situation because the Spirit that inspired the scriptures will lead you in ways consistent with the scripture. This knowledge of the scriptures is important because many of life’s decisions may be plainer than people think. Often what is required is not some special direction from God, but simply obedience to plain instructions that God has already given. This therefore means that people must know what is in the bible if they are to obey it. Read the following passages that clearly speak about some basic areas of decision making in life including marriage, taking up leadership position in church, your sexuality etc. And state what clear guidance the Bible gives?

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NLT) “But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife.”

1Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NLT) “God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor-not in lustful passions like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.”

1Timothy 3:1-6 (NLT) “This is a trustworthy saying: if someone

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aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position. So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud and the devil would cause him to fall.”

Ephesians 4:25 (NLT) “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all part of the same body.”

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As believers grow in their understanding of scripture, their thinking gradually changes. They learn to think Christianly, even about issues where the Bible gives no direct instructions. Because their minds are transformed by the Holy Spirit through the word of God and this helps them to know Gods will and do what pleases him (Romans 12:2, transformed simply means: reeducated and redirected Christians).

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DAY FOURAt times God guides through circumstances, we believe this because the scriptures indicate that “…God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). But circumstances in themselves are not always a clear guidance. We need to note that circumstances are not God’s guidance for a certain action if that action is itself contrary to what the Bible clearly teaches. Read the following text and explain why the circumstance was not God’s guidance? What do you think enabled David to make the right choice despite the circumstance at hand and the advice given by Abishai?

1Samuel 26:7-9 (NLT) “So David and Abishai went right into Saul’s camp and found him asleep, with his spear stuck in the ground beside his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying asleep around him. God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time! Abishai whispered to David. Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won’t need to strike twice! No! David said. Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the LORD’s anointed one?”

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This lesson from the life of David clearly puts it that Christians should do what is right regardless of circumstances, rather than allow their circumstances determine what they do. This can be achieved if they live under the guidance of God’s wisdom and the scriptures encourage us to ask for this wisdom by stating “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you…” (James 1:5 NLT).

One big lesson on this topic of Guidance is the fact that God does not want Christians to be uncertain or timid in the way they live. He wants them to think, pray, discuss and decide and then act confidently upon their decisions. Read the texts below and state what you learn from the example of the apostles on how they made decisions in the two instances?

Acts 6:2-3 (NLT) “So the twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, we apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.”

Acts 13:2-3 (NLT) “One day as these men were worshipping the

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Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them. So after fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.”

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What can you rely on God to do for you in the quest to make the right decisions for your life as indicated in the texts below?

Psalm 32:8 (NLT) “The LORD says, I will guide you along the

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best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Isaiah 42:16 (NLT) “I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.”

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The bible says in Proverbs 26:12 “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” This simply means you cannot rely on your own wisdom to make decisions based on the understanding that you don’t know everything, and the importance to seek counsel from other people and also seek God for wisdom and guidance. Many times in life you will find

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yourself at a crossroad, with many options to take but will you take time to “…ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your soul…” (Jeremiah 6:16).

Important points to note when making decisions include:1. Don’t lean on your own understanding, seek and trust

in God (Proverbs 3:5), don’t be wise in your own eyes (Proverbs 26:12).

2. Seek help from the right advisers, for with many advisers victory is sure (Proverbs 11:14))

3. Listening to rebuke i.e. be ready to be shown your mistake by a wise person (Proverbs 25:12).

4. Embrace patience to allow time for persuasion (Proverbs 25:15), solutions at times take long

5. Don’t rely on the unfaithful in times of trouble they can cause much pain, seek people who are faithful (Proverbs 25:19)

6. Have self-control, it helps respond to a problem objectively (Proverbs 25:28)

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DAY FIVE

ASK YOURSELF:From the scriptures and the lessons learnt in this study, what is your conviction about God’s guidance?

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Remember the three questions at the beginning of the study; do you think you can rely on God to guide you on the questions that you have about your future? Explain your answer

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MEMORY TEXT: Psalm 32:8 (NLT) “The LORD says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

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Week Ninefellowship

DAY ONE Fellowship is a significant concept in the New Testament and it expresses shared participation in Christ and the bond that Christ creates between believers. True fellowship is demonstrated in concern for and practical commitment to one another. Fellowship in its basic Biblical meaning is concerned mainly not with people enjoying each other’s company, but with people participating together in something. It is communion, simply meaning having a share in something. Take the example of believers sharing together at the Lords table (Holy Communion) which is an act of fellowship with Christ in remembrance of his sacrifice.

Fellowship in some instances may only involve the believer and God, because the believer can have fellowship with God, regardless of whether his fellow believers join him or not. But the fellowship we are being called to as indicated in Hebrews 10:24-25 means that believers together have fellowship with God; this is Christian fellowship. This means that Christ is the center of this fellowship, simply because he is the reason why the believers assemble together. But this fellowship will only be possible if believers love each other as taught in 1John

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4:11-12, this will show that God lives in them; it is only love that will bring believers to complete unity in Christ. Through love they can also engage in other Christ centered activities in the fellowship, they will be concerned about each other’s spiritual welfare and restore those who have fallen, they will give each other godly counsel and they will also pray for each other as brothers and sisters. This week’s study is geared to help you embrace fellowship as a basic discipline in your Christian walk.

BEGINNING POINT:What have you heard? Take a moment and reflect on this term “Fellowship”, what have you heard about it?

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Have you invested time in the past for fellowship?

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What does the Bible say about fellowship?

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Is fellowship important in the life of a Christian?

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Trivia!!! How many times does the apostle Paul use the word fellowship

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(koinonia) in his letters?

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Definition of the term: In the New Testament the Greek word translated fellowship is koinonia. It is variously translated: fellowship, sharing, partnership and contribution. Fellowship is an association based upon sharing something in common. For instance believers have fellowship with one another on the basis of their common fellowship with God.

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DAY TWO The call for fellowship among believers begins with individual fellowship with God and the assurance of God’s presence with you always. But the relationship between human beings and God was disrupted by sin but also restored through Jesus Christ, which provides the only proper basis for true human fellowship. God has called us into fellowship with his son (1Corinthians 1:9). Through this we are drawn into relationship with God and participate in a unique fellowship won for us by the blood of Christ (1Corinthians 10:16). God’s desire for fellowship with humanity is made known through his calling of a people to be his own and to reflect his holiness and love and the assurance that his presence will be with them. Read the following passages and explain what you learn about God’s call for fellowship with him and the assurance he gives?

Leviticus 26:12 (NLT) “I will walk among you; I will be your God and you will be my people.”

Exodus 33:14 (NLT) “The LORD replied, I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest-everything will be fine for you.”

Haggai 1:13 (NLT) “Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, gave the people this message from the LORD; I am with you, says the LORD.”

Exodus 25:8 (NLT) “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.”

Exodus 29:45-46 (NLT) “Then I will live among the people of

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Israel and be their God and they will know that I am the LORD their God. I am the one who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the LORD their God.”

1Kings 6:12-13 (NLT) “Concerning this Temple you are building, if you keep all my decrees and regulations and obey all my command, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father, David. I will live among the Israelites and will never abandon my people Israel.”

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This fellowship that God desires we have with him, by assuring us of his constant presence in our midst is made possible through Christ. Read the following passages and explain how Christ made fellowship with God possible?

Ephesians 2:18 (NLT) “Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.”

Romans 5:10 (NLT) “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son.”

2Corinthians 5:18-19 (NLT) “And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.”

Colossians 1:20-22 (NLT) “And through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”

Hebrews 10:19-22 (NLT) “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way

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through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean and our bodies have been washed with pure water.”

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DAY THREEWith the lessons from the texts above concerning fellowship with God and how Christ has made it possible; it is also important to note that fellowship with God is inseparable from fellowship with one another. Read the following passages and explain how this statement is true “fellowship with God is inseparable from fellowship with one another?”

1John 1:3 (NLT) “We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”

Mathew 18:20 (NLT) “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

John 17:21 (NLT) “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one-as you are in me, Father and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

2Corinthians 13:11 (NLT) “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”

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The fellowship that believers share as a result of their common union with God through Jesus Christ is expressed in life together. It is evident in worship together, in a love for one another which reflects God’s own love and in practical commitment to one another which is demonstrated in concern for the weak and readiness to share with the poor and needy. As Christians jointly participate in fellowship, there are a few guidelines that scripture gives that should characterize the fellowship of believers to ensure that it is both Christ centered and beneficial to all the participants. Read the following passages and point out the things that should be evident in every true Christian fellowship?

1John 4:10-12 (NLT) “This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is brought to full expression in us.”

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John 13:34 (NLT) “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”

Acts 2:42 (NLT) “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper) and to prayer.”

Psalm 55:14 (NLT) “What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.”

1Corinthians 14:26 (NLT) “Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.”

Ephesians 5:19 (NLT) “Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves and making music to the Lord in your hearts.”

Colossians 3:16 (NLT) “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fills your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

Acts 1:14 (NLT) “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women and the brothers of Jesus.”

James 5:16 (NLT) “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

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1Cor 10:16-17 (NLT) “When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread showing that we are one body.”

Galatians 6:1-2 (NLT) “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

1Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT) “Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

1Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

Romans 15:2 (NLT) “We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.”

1Corinthians 10:24 (NLT) “Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.”

1Peter 3:8 (NLT) “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude.”

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Romans 12:16 (NLT) “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all.”

James 2:1 (NLT) “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?”

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DAY FOUR Acts 2:42-47 gives us a beautiful picture of participation in the life of the believing community at Jerusalem. It portrays a mutual commitment to God that helps us sense the deeper meaning of fellowship. Read this passage and state the practical lessons that believers should embrace in their fellowship? Also point out why you think fellowship in the early church worked so well and how we can achieve this in our church?

Acts 2:42-47 (NLT) “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper). A deep sense of awe came over them all and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper and shared their meals with great joy and generosity-all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”

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God will bless people united in fellowship; this can be clearly seen in the passage we read above about fellowship in the early church (Acts 2:42-47). They witnessed many miracles, people’s needs were met and God also added to their number

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many who were being saved. Read the following passages and point out the blessings you will enjoy when united with other believers in fellowship?

Mathew 18:19-20 (NLT) “I also tell you this: if two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

2Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

Hebrews 13:16 (NLT) “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”

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DAY FIVE ASK YOURSELF:At the beginning of the study, you learnt that “the call for fellowship among believers begins with individual fellowship with God.” How is your time alone with God?

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You also learnt that Christ has made fellowship with God possible through his death on the cross, and also that “fellowship with God is inseparable from fellowship with one another” What steps will you take to ensure that you are part of fellowship of believers?

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Given an opportunity to join a fellowship group, of what benefit do you think you will be to them in their faith, social life and any other aspect of live that is relevant applicable to the believers?

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Given an opportunity to join a fellowship group, what will be your expectation of the other believers that you fellowship with?

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MEMORY TEXT: Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

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Week TenwitnessinG

DAY ONE A witness is one who may be called to testify to an event at which he or she was present. This is because individuals who have observed something take place are able to give an accurate and full account of what has happened. The theme of giving account is of major importance to evangelism, which rests upon believers explaining the impact of Jesus Christ upon their lives.

We are privileged as Christians to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ in the world. This means we are his witnesses as stated in Luke 24:48 “You are witnesses of all these things.” We are called to always be ready to explain the Christian hope to anyone who asks. When the Apostle Luke wrote the text in Luke 24 that you read above, he was emphasizing the fact that Christ’s message of God’s love and forgiveness should go to the entire world, therefore we should be consciously strategizing on how to accomplish this world wide task. Paul the Apostle actually considered life as worth nothing unless he used it for God’s work despite the threats and challenges he experienced in accomplishing the task assigned to him of spreading the Good News. Are you prepared to tell others

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about Christ, or to give your perspective on your Christian lifestyle so that others can see your hope in Christ? You are called to proclaim this message to all around you who have not yet heard about Christ or received him as Lord and savior. This week’s study will focus on the discipline of witnessing with the aim of guiding you in the discipline of witnessing.

BEGINNING POINT:What have you heard? Take a moment and reflect on this term “witnessing”, what have you heard about it?

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Have you invested time in the past to witness?

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WEEK TEN: WITNESSING

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What does the Bible say about witnessing?

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Is witnessing important in the life of a Christian?

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Trivia!!! Complete this verse by filling in the blank space and indicate where it is found in the Bible.

“And then he told them _________________________ Good News to everyone.”

Definition of the term: Witnessing is the task of declaring what has happened, especially in relation to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Believers are given the responsibility of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world at all times and in all places.

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DAY TWOIn the Old Testament Scriptures, God called his people Israel his witnesses and in the New Testament the apostles acknowledged themselves to be such. Specifically, the apostle Paul had a special appointment as a witness to the Gentiles. The apostle Peter in his letters, appeals to his readers as a witness of the sufferings of Christ and John called Jesus the faithful witness. Read the passages below from both the Old and the New Testament and point out the different people who were called witnesses, who called them to be witnesses, what they were to testify, who would enable them in the task of witnessing and to who they were to witness?

Isaiah 43:10 (NLT) “But you are my witnesses O Israel! Says the LORD. You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God-there never has been and there never will be.”

Isaiah 43:12 (NLT) “First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God, says the LORD.”

Luke 24:47-48 (NLT) “It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations beginning in Jerusalem: There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent. You are witnesses of all these things.”

Acts 1:8 (NLT) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in

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Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2:32 (NLT) “God raised Jesus from the dead and we are all witnesses of this.”

Acts 3:15 (NLT) “You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!”

Acts 22:13-15 (NLT) “He came and stood beside me and said Brother Saul, regain your sight. And that very moment I could see him! Then he told me, the God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard.”

1Peter 5:1 (NLT) “And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I too am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you.”

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DAY THREE Sharing the Good News about God and Jesus Christ with others is a work to which some believers have a special calling, but in which all believers are to take part. In both cases, the important thing is that witnessing is sharing the truth of God. Read the passages below from the Old Testament and explain what truth you can tell others about God? Have you ever shared with others about your experience of the greatness of God?

Psalm 145:10-12 (NLT) “All of your works will thank you, LORD and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about the majesty and glory of your reign.”

1Chronicles 16:7-9 (NLT) “On that day David gave to Asaph and his fellow Levites this song of thanksgiving to the LORD: Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.”

Psalm 71:15 (NLT) “I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.”

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Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he left his disciples with the command to make disciples. This command still stands and believers are commanded to witness and make disciples on the basis of the authority that has been given to Jesus Christ. And their mission is worldwide because Jesus is Lord of the earth and he died for the sins of all the people on the face of the earth. Read the passages below and explain what is expected of all the believers?

Mathew 28:18-19 (NLT) “Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore,

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go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

1Peter 2:9 (NLT) “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

1Peter 3:15 (NLT) “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”

Psalm 107:1-2 (NLT) “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.”

Acts 8:4 (NLT) “But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.”

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When is the last time you shared with someone the Good News about Jesus?

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DAY FOUR The scriptures give us clear examples of people who witnessed to others in order to win them over to Christ. Read the following texts with examples of witnessing to Jesus Christ and explain what you learn from them and how you could start practicing the discipline of witnessing in your Christian life?

John 1:40-42 (NLT) “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon and told him, we have found the Messiah (which means Christ). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, your name is Simon, son of John-but but you will be called Cephas (which means Peter).

Acts 8:29-38 (NLT) “The Holy Spirit said to Philip, go over and walk along beside the carriage. Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, do you understand what you are reading? The man replied, how can I unless someone instructs me? And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him…The eunuch asked Philip, tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else? So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, they came to some water and the eunuch said, look there’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized? He ordered the carriage to stop and they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”

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With the lessons learnt from the examples of witnessing above, an important aspect about witnessing is to know when and where to witness, read the following passages and point out when and where the people indicated witnessed and what life applications you draw from their experiences?

Luke 8:38-39 (NLT) “The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, no go back to your family and tell them everything God has done for you. So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.”

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2Kings 5:1-3 (NLT) “The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army because through him the LORD had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy. At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. One day the girl said to her mistress, I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”

Acts 17:16-17 (NLT) “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God fearing gentiles and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there. He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and stoic philosophers. When he told the about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, what’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up? Others said, he seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.”

Acts 5:41-42 (NLT) “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day in the Temple and from house to house they continued to teach and preach this message: Jesus is the Messiah.”

Acts 16:13 (NLT) “On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.”

Acts 19:8-9 (NLT) “Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some became stubborn, rejecting

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his message and publicly speaking against the way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus.”

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There are many models of witnessing practiced by the body of Christ in the world; these include the four spiritual laws, the roman road model, the bridge illustration etc. But from the examples of people who witnessed in the Bible, there are different methods of witnessing that we can adopt. This may include sharing your personal testimony or engaging in deep debates on the scripture. Read the following passages and explain the different ways people witnessed and single out a method you think would be suitable for your context?

John 4:28-29 (NLT) “The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah? So the people came streaming from the village to see him.”

Acts 22:3-8 (NLT) “Then Paul said, I am a Jew, born in Tarsus a city in Cilicia and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. And I persecuted the followers of the way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains to be punished. As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? Who are you, lord? I asked. And the voice replied, I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.”

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Acts 17:1-3 (NLT) “Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the scriptures to reason with the people. He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, this Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.”

Acts 17:10-12 (NLT) “That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open minded than those in Thessalonica and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.”

Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT) “Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”

1Peter 3:15 (NLT) “Instead you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”

John 20:31 (NLT) “But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”

Luke 1:1-4 (NLT) “Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples.

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Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.”

1Peter 3:1-2 (NLT) “In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.”

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Witnessing is a major aspect of Christian living, the apostle Paul realized this and stated in Romans 1:14-17 (NLT) “For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the scriptures say, it is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Just like him we have this great obligation to those who have not yet heard the Good News. Therefore we must preach with the right motives, with urgency, fearlessly, clearly and cautiously. Read the following texts and explain how these aspects are indicated in the texts.

Philippians 1:15-17 (NLT) “It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.”

2Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God

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is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, come back to God!.”

Ephesians 6:19-20 (NLT) “And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him as I should.”

Colossians 4:4 (NLT) “Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

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DAY FIVE

ASK YOURSELF:At the introduction of this study, you were asked these two questions: Are you prepared to tell others about Christ, or to give your perspective on your Christian lifestyle so that others can see your hope in Christ? What is your answer after going through the study?

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From the examples of people who witnessed in the Bible, you read about how Andrew reached out to his brother Simon Peter and also how Philip was led to the eunuch in the power

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of the Holy Spirit. Is there someone in your family that you should share the gospel with?

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What do you think would hinder you from walking to a stranger to share the gospel with him/her and how do you think you can overcome that challenge?

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MEMORY TEXT: Acts 8:4 (NLT) “But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.”

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Disciplines of LivingBibliography

1. Learning to live series: Disciplines of Living. Navpress, A ministry of the Navigators

2. Richard S. Taylor: Beacon Dictionary of Theology. Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. 1983

3. Frederick C. Grant & H. H. Rowley: Dictionary of the Bible; second edition. Printed in Great Britain by Morrison and Gibb Limited. 1963

4. John D. Davis: Davis Dictionary of the Bible. The varsity company, Nashville Tennessee. 1973

5. J. D. Douglas: New International Bible Dictionary. Zondervan, Grand Rapids Michigan. 1987

6. Don Fleming: Bridge Bible Dictionary. Horizon printers and Publishers. 1990

7. Martin H. Manser: Zondervan Dictionary of Bible themes: Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids Michigan. 1999

8. J. D. Douglas & Merril C. Tenney: Bible Dictionary. Zondervan, Grand Rapids Michigan.1987

9. Lawrence O. Richards: Expository Dictionary of Bible words. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids Michigan. 1985

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