Lesson 5:

The Comfort Zone of

a New Disciple

Recap5 activities that the new disciples engaged in the early church are listed in the Bible.

Acts 2:41-42, 45 - Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Parable of Sower (Matt. 13)When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. But he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

He also that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

But he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit

1. No longer a Slave to Sin

A. Romans 6:11-14 - Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin.

B. Ephesians 4:28 - Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

C. Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

2. Submit to the Mastery of God

A. Romans 6:22 - But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

B. Psalms 118:24 - This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

C. Philippians 2:5-7 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.

1. No longer a Slave to Sin

3. Do Good to all Men

A. Matthew 5:13-14, 16 - Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

B. Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

C. James 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

1. No longer a Slave to Sin

2. Submit to the Mastery of God

4. Focus on the Spiritual

A. Romans 8:6 - For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

B. Colossians 3:1 - If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

C. Revelation 22:20 - He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

1. No longer a Slave to Sin

2. Submit to the Mastery of God

3. Do Good to all Men

5. Reach out to Share Your Faith

1. No longer a Slave to Sin

2. Submit to the Mastery of God

3. Do Good to all Men

4. Focus on the Spiritual

A.John 1:40-41 - One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

B. Acts 18:26 - And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

C. Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the things that make you feel uncomfortable as a Christian?

2. How can we help a new disciple feel comfortable in his new environment?

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