/The%20Race.jpg)
The purpose of this Basic Bible Study is to identify some "A-C-T-I-O-N-S" that need to be considered if we are to see Christianity produce positive lasting changes in our lives. Biblical Christianity is not a set of rules and regulations nor is it even a religion. It is rather an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe who with love sent His Son to be our Savior. Nevertheless, a STARTING, then GROWING, then SERVING relationship with the Lord is a lifelong process requiring that we be willing to take certain "A-C-T-I-O-N-S" along the way to nurture that relationship.
These "A-C-T-I-O-N-S" are not in the form of our works for that would infringe on God's Grace, leaving us with some of the credit for the result. Instead, they are in the form of decisions that we should make in order to allow God's Plan for our lives conform us to the image of His Son.
This study is divided into the following three sections:
(1) STARTING IN CHRIST
(2) GROWING IN CHRIST
(3) SERVING IN CHRIST
Each section is subdivided into specific "A-C-T-I-O-N-S", where the word itself is used as an acronym for seven sequential "actions" that address all three sections.
I) STARTING IN CHRIST
It is very easy to become associated with "Christianity" these days. According to the world's idea of Christianity, membership or even less formal affiliations with a church will qualify one as a "Christian".
However, the Bible provides a view on the matter that is not focused on organizational considerations at all; "membership" in God's Church requires two specific "actions" that regard one's relationship with God rather than with an organization.
(A)CCEPT
GOD'S GIFT
READ (ISAIAH 53)
READ (JOHN 14.7)
READ (JOHN 8.21-24)
POINTS TO CONSIDER:
IT IS IN OUR NATURE TO TRY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS IN OUR OWN STRENGTH, BUT THE PROBLEM OF ETERNAL LIFE IS BEYOND OUR ABILITY TO SOLVE.
WE MUST REALIZE THAT ONLY GOD CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF ETERNAL LIFE, AND THAT HE HAS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED THAT TASK BY CREATING A PLAN FOR OUR SALVATION.
THIS PLAN CANNOT DEPEND ON OUR "GOODNESS", FOR ACCESS TO A PERFECT HEAVEN REQUIRES "PERFECT GOODNESS".
THEREFORE HIS PLAN CAN BE FULFILLED ONLY BY CHRIST'S "PERFECT GOODNESS" .
GOD'S GIFT OF LOVE TO US WHEN WE "ACCEPT" HIS PLAN, IS ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM.
(C)ONFESS
THE LORD JESUS
--AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD
READ (I CORINTHIANS 15.12-19)
THE WORD "CONFESS" IN THE ROMANS TEXT MEANS "TO AGREE WITH" OR "CONSENT TO THE DESIRE OF", SO WE ARE TO AGREE WITH OR GIVE CONSENT TO THE "LORD JESUS".
THE WORD "BELIEVE" IN THE ROMANS TEXT MEANS NOT ONLY INTELLECTUAL ASSENT BUT ALSO PERSONAL WILLINGNESS TO PLACE ONE'S TRUST IN THE GOD THAT ACCOMPLISHED JESUS' RESURRECTION.
THE SALVATION THAT COMES FROM THIS "CONFESSION" AND "BELIEF" IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO SO CALLS UPON THE LORD.
THE I CORINTHIANS TEXT INDICATES THAT BELIEF IN JESUS' RESURRECTION IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
/Question%20man.jpg){kind=small}
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
Since salvation requires that we "confess" with our mouth the "Lord Jesus", and in view of previous Basic Bible Studies on the subject of salvation, which one of the following statements do you think best captures the meaning of this "confession"?
We are to agree that Jesus Christ is to be the Lord of our lives? ___
We are to agree that He is the reigning exalted Lord who has conquered death for those who believe? ___
We are to agree that Jesus Christ is the Lord God? ___
Think about the connection between sin and death, then explain why a resurrection is the necessary consequence of a sinless life?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
If Jesus had not been resurrected, what would that prove concerning the Bible's claim that He is the Savior?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Where do you personally believe Jesus' physical body presently resides?
His physical body is still in the grave _____
He is now the glorified Christ sitting at the right hand of the Father _____
On the basis of your answer and the quality of Jesus' life compared with yours, what is your expectation of a physical resurrection? Why?
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Can you see why "STARTING IN CHRIST" requires the two "actions" just described. Without taking these two "actions", we are "Christians" in name only. We may be members of an earthly church, but our names are still absent from God's Heavenly Church enrollment.
II) GROWING IN CHRIST
It is common for people to genuinely START IN CHRIST but then languish in their spirituality so that they remain "baby" immature Christians. The Apostle Paul uses the term "carnal" Christians to describe such believers (I Corinthians 3.1-4). Another term, "fallen away", is sometimes used to portray an individual who remains a believer but who is living just as the world lives.
Christianity must produce a change in a person's life after he believes and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit if it is to have practical value in this life. In the absence of change, one may only debate theologically whether such persons will end up in Heaven. However, it is certain that their lives will never be used to spiritually motivate others or to demonstrate the power of God.
The following three "actions" are associated with GROWING IN CHRIST to effect positive change in this life.
(T)RUST
GOD'S PROMISES
(AN "ACTION" OF THE HEART)
Trusting God under all circumstances is a matter of the heart and a vital element in spiritual growth. However, learning to trust God develops over time and must be built on what has happened in the past. If one prays to God concerning a matter, but never sees God respond, doubt increases concerning His ability, concern, or faithfulness. In fact it is possible to pray to God in a way that is self-centered, having the wrong goals, so that one does not receive an answer.
Conversely, trust in God increases when one prays in such a way that God responds, then confidence is built that God is really hearing and is ready and willing to act. For this reason, it is important to understand the conditions for prayer that will evoke God's positive response.
READ (JOHN 15.1-8)
THE JAMES TEXT SIMPLY CONFIRMS THE POINT THAT GOD IS NOT OBLIGATED TO ANSWER ALL PRAYERS; HE PLACES CERTAIN CONDITIONS ON THE MOTIVATIONS BEHIND THOSE PRAYERS.
THE PARABLE IN THE JOHN TEXT DESCRIBES THE FATHER AS A "GARDENER" AND THE SON AS A "VINE".
BELIEVERS ARE "BRANCHES" IN THE "VINE", ALREADY CLEAN, THEIR SINS FORGIVEN.
HOWEVER AS "BRANCHES" THERE STILL REMAIN TWO POSSIBILITIES FOR THESE BELIEVERS.
EITHER THEY MUST "ABIDE IN THE SON",
OR THEY WILL WITHER AND BEAR NO SPIRITUAL FRUIT.
IF THEY CHOOSE TO ABIDE" IN THE SON, AND HIS WORDS ABIDE IN THEM, THEY MAY ASK WHAT THEY DESIRE, AND IT SHALL BE DONE FOR THEM.
THE WORD "ABIDE" MEANS TO DWELL, REMAIN, OR LIVE.
THUS "ABIDING" IN THE SON WILL RESULT IN A LIFE OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT AND GOD'S FULFILLED PROMISES, E.G.
GOD DESIRES TO GIVE ETERNAL LIFE (JOHN 5.24)
GOD DESIRES TO GIVE BELIEVERS THE ASSURANCE OF THEIR SALVATION (ROMANS 8.16)
GOD DESIRES TO DELIVER BELIEVERS FROM THE RULE OF SIN (ROMANS 6.14)
GOD DESIRES THAT BELIEVERS EXPERIENCE SPIRITUAL GROWTH (PHILIPPIANS 1.6)
GOD DESIRES TO PROTECT BELIEVERS DURING TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS (I CORINTHIANS 10.13)
GOD DESIRES TO GIVE BELIEVERS PEACE OF MIND (PHILIPPIANS 4.6-7)
ETC.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
If a person were "abiding in the Son", which one of the following statements do you think would best describe their life?
The person would be fulfilling all of their duties as a Christian? ___
The person would be doing nothing of themselves, but would be receiving all spiritual nourishment and direction from the Son? ___
The person would be setting worthy spiritual objectives for their life pleasing to the Son and taking actions to see them fulfilled? ___
If the Son's "words abide in a person", which one of the following statements do you think would best describe that condition?
The person would have committed to memory large portions of the Bible? ___
The person would be actively engaged in Bible study individually and in groups? ___
The person would be seeking to have what they understand of the Son's words become a part of their life? ___
(I)NVEST
IN GOD'S WORD
(AN "ACTION" OF THE MIND)
If we are to be GROWING IN CHRIST, we must be developing the right "mindset" as well as the right "heartset". The human mind is capable of memorizing, analyzing, evaluating, comparing, and concluding. If the Bible is really the Word of God, it will prove itself beyond question when subjected to these God-given capabilities of the human mind. However, we can never know whether or not it can stand such scrutiny if we never put forth the effort to understand it.
The Bible is a big book and difficult to understand. We often take lesser paths of resistance toward that goal, e.g.
It is easy to depend on "experts", accepting their views of the Bible or their interpretations for certain texts. Unfortunately, have you observed that the "experts" themselves often disagree on vital subjects in the Bible? Moreover, the Bible gives no assurance that an "expert" will stand in your defense when you are held accountable before the Judge of all creation in that Day.
Sometimes we use the Bible almost as one might use the daily astrology guide in the newspaper, letting it fall open to a place that "providence" has given us for our daily words of encouragement without even understanding the context of the text or its relevance to us.
If Bible study is to be a meaningful and rewarding exercise of the mind, it must be approached in the right way.
READ (PSALM 119)
READ (I CORINTHIANS 2.9-16)
THE TIMOTHY TEXT DECLARES THE SCRIPTURE TO BE FULLY "GOD-BREATHED" AND THEREFORE PROFITABLE FOR "DOCTRINE', "REPROOF", "CORRECTION", AND "INSTRUCTION" IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
"DOCTRINE" CONCERNS THE TEACHING OF THOSE THINGS NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND GOD AND HIS PURPOSES FOR HIS CREATION.
"REPROOF" CONCERNS BOTH THE CONVICTION OF THOSE WHO STAND ACCUSED AND THE BASIS IN TRUTH FOR THAT CONVICTION.
"CORRECTION' CONCERNS THE WAY TO SET RIGHT THINGS THAT ARE WRONG.
"INSTRUCTION" CONCERNS THE WHOLE OF TRAINING TO INCREASE IN VIRTUE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
THE TIMOTHY TEXT INDICATES FURTHER THAT THE SCRIPTURE IS COMPLETE AND ALTOGETHER SUFFICIENT WITH RESPECT TO GOD'S REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFE, E.G.
IT PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT GOD'S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE PLAN FOR MANKIND.
IT PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT THE NATURE AND THINKING OF GOD.
IT PROVIDES A MEANS WHEREBY WE MAY BETTER UNDERSTAND OURSELVES.
IT PROVIDES A MEANS WHEREBY WE MAY GROW TO HAVE A BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
IT PROVIDES A MEANS WHEREBY WE MAY BETTER UNDERSTAND OTHER PEOPLE AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM.
ETC.
THE PSALMS TEXT GIVES THE VALUE OF GOD'S WORD FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE.
HOWEVER, THE CORINTHIANS TEXT EXPLAINS THAT THE THINGS OF GOD CAN NEVER BE UNDERSTOOD SIMPLY WITH A PERSON'S INTELLECT ALONE; THE WORD OF GOD IS A SPIRITUAL DOCUMENT, REQUIRING GOD'S "ILLUMINATION" FOR UNDERSTANDING.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
How would you define the difference between "reading" the Bible and "investing" in it?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
If you wanted to "invest" in the Bible, check the items below that must apply.
You must possess the in-dwelling Holy Spirit? ___
You must find a spiritual person who can help you understand it? ___
You must pray for understanding as you study it? ___
You must take time to systematically study all texts that might be related to the one under primary investigation? ___
You must purchase a good Bible commentary? ___
You must desire to apply the text personally when you understand it? ___
You must be patient in understanding the Bible? ___
You must immediately enroll in some formal courses in the Bible? ___
You must be willing to study the total context and historical setting in which the text appears? ___
(O)BEY
GOD
(AN "ACTION" OF THE BODY)
As we learn to trust God by praying according to His will, and as we direct our minds toward the things of God by investing in His Word, there still remains a final "action" if we are to be GROWING IN CHRIST. We need to couple that increasing trust and increasing knowledge with a decision to obey Him in those areas He has revealed to us. Trust is of the heart and knowledge is of the mind, but the outside world will never see the invisible results of those inner "actions" until there are observable changes in what we actually do.
God may be answering our prayers in powerful ways; we may be attaining profound insight into the deeper things of His Word; but if those things fail to change us outwardly, we are still not being conformed to the image of the Son. He translated His communication with and knowledge of God into "actions" that dramatically influenced the world around Him in a positive way.
The Son possessed an attitude of obedience toward the Father that made His life a living testimony of the truth He spoke. We must aspire to the same if we are to grow in His likeness. It is here where Christianity becomes practical for the world to see; it is here where "the rubber meets the road".
READ (ROMANS 12.1-2)
READ (PHILIPPIANS 3.12-16)
THE CORINTHIANS TEXT SAYS THAT GOD EXPECTS OBEDIENCE AS A NATURAL RESULT OF WHAT HE HAS ACCOMPLISHED. WHEN GOD TAKES THE MIRACULOUS STEPS REQUIRED TO GIVE US ETERNAL LIFE, HOW DARE WE CONTINUE TO DO OUR OWN THING. WE NO LONGER OWN OURSELVES; AN INCREDIBLE PRICE HAS BEEN PAID FOR OUR SALVATION AND WE ARE NOW OBLIGATED TO EXALT GOD IN BODY AS WELL AS SPIRIT. GOD DOES NOT LIKE TO LIVE IN A TRASHED UP "HOUSE"; HE REQUIRES A CLEAN "HOUSE" FOR HIS SERVICE.
THE ROMANS TEXT MAKES CLEAR THAT THIS STEP OF "SANCTIFICATION" IS STILL A CHOICE, FOR PAUL BEGS THESE ROMANS,
TO "PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE".
TO NOT BE "CONFORMED" TO THIS WORLD, BUT RATHER BE "TRANSFORMED" BY THE RENEWING OF THEIR MINDS, SO THAT WHAT THEY DO WILL BE THE RESULT OF HOW THEY THINK.
THE PHILIPPIANS TEXT TAKES PAUL AS AN EXAMPLE OF OBEDIENCE TO GOD. HIS PAST WAS A TRAGIC EXAMPLE OF WHAT RELIGION CAN DO TO A PERSON; THAT ZEAL HAD CAUSED HIM TO HATE GOD'S PEOPLE AND TO PERSECUTE THEM EVEN TO THE POINT OF DEATH. HOWEVER, AT THIS WRITING PAUL HAD FORGOTTEN THOSE PAST SINS AND WAS PRESSING TOWARD THAT UPWARD CALL. HE WAS STRUGGLING IN HIS WILL TO BRING HIS TOTAL SELF INTO CONFORMITY WITH THE WILL OF GOD, STILL READY TO MAKE CONTINUAL ADJUSTMENTS IN HOW HE THOUGHT AS GOD REVEALED THEM.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
How would you explain to a person the meaning of "present your bodies a living sacrifice"?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Give some practical examples of ways that people become "conformed" to this world?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
If a person's mind is to be "transformed", who must do the transforming? The person ___ God ___
How would you compare the Philippians text with the general psychological approach of going into one's past to find understanding, then justification, for one's present attitudes and behavior? With which approach do you agree? Why?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
According to the Philippians text, what is the first step a person should take to determine whether they are thinking right about something?
They should immediately go to a counselor for advice? ___
They should get a consensus from their Christian friends? ___
They should go directly to God? ___
III) SERVING IN CHRIST
It is not until we have STARTED IN CHRIST and are GROWING IN CHRIST that we are ready to start SERVING IN CHRIST.
If we have not STARTED IN CHRIST, we are devoid of spiritual life; we are not even on speaking terms with God but still in a state of rebellion against Him. It is preposterous to think that such a one could serve Christ, for that person's life could be nothing more than a mockery of his message, and would be quickly discerned by others.
Unfortunately it seems to be accepted as axiomatic that once a person has STARTED IN CHRIST, he is an immediate candidate to start SERVING IN CHRIST. The highway of Christian life is littered with the "bodies" of those who have become Christians then have soon after "fallen away". It is taken for granted that God would never fail to put a person with excelling natural talent into immediate service for Him. However, we should come to realize that God is not nearly as impressed as the world with such "talents". After all, is He not the one who created that person with those genetic talents in the first place? He is far more interested in seeing that person get his spiritual act together before he tries to become a testimony in behalf of God.
That testimony demands that we be GROWING IN CHRIST before we presume to start SERVING IN CHRIST. It is not necessary that we have arrived at the final goal before starting to serve for no one has, but it is necessary that we have experienced the three "actions" discussed above in an ongoing way, otherwise--- where is our testimony and certainty that what we say will actually work?
(N)OW
THE TIME TO SERVE-
-IF YOU HAVE STARTED AND ARE GROWING
In contrast with that just said concerning premature service, SERVING IN CHRIST should be an "action" of urgency once we begin to be grounded spiritually in the things of God.
READ (I CORINTHIANS 9.24-27)
THE II CORINTHIANS TEXT IS OFTEN USED TO INSTILL A SENSE OF URGENCY FOR ONE TO ACCEPT GOD'S SALVATION, BUT THE FIRST VERSE MAKES IT EVIDENT THAT IT PERTAINS TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED GOD'S GRACE THROUGH FAITH.
THE I CORINTHIANS TEXT PORTRAYS CHRISTIANITY AS A RACE, NOT A CLUB OR A SUNDAY RESPITE FROM THE REAL WORLD. PAUL WAS RUNNING THAT RACE BUT NOT WITHOUT PRIOR TRAINING. HE HAD DISCIPLINED HIMSELF IN THE ATTITUDE OF OBEDIENCE, AND WAS USING THE RESULT TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO JOIN IN PURSUIT OF THE GRAND PRIZE.
(S)EEK
GOD'S GUIDANCE--
--FOR YOUR LIFE OF SERVICE
The same God who did all the work necessary for a person to START IN CHRIST and does all the work necessary for that person to GROW IN CHRIST, is also ready to do all the "work" necessary for that person to SERVE IN CHRIST.
We must distinguish between our work and God's "work". Our work concerns things we do in the service of Christ. God's "work" concerns things He must do to make the results of our work effective in the business of the Kingdom. The fact that God must do all the "work" to bring about His desired objectives does not mean that we should do nothing. God does not want us to sit in a state of complacent meditation waiting to hear a voice from Heaven to move us to action. Rather we are to plan, think, interact with others, work out strategies, look at alternatives, and take steps toward some specific end. However, it is not these activities that constitute the "work" of God; these are only our external activities to be prompted by how we think and the way we decide to do these things.
Therefore SERVING IN CHRIST requires that He be the Commander In Chief of the operation. If God's "work" is to be done, we must seek God's "thinking" about the chore, and we must be seeking His specific "decision process"at each step along the way so that our thinking and decisions are in agreement with His.
How do you carry out your boss' objectives? If He is a benevolent "Boss" who is all wise and all powerful, you would do well to make sure that you take no actions that might run contrary to His specific ideas on the subject. Accordingly, you would continually seek His counsel on even the most minute items. Fortunately, the God of all creation is up to the task of handling such trivia while He runs the rest of the universe.
READ (ROMANS 12.3-8)
THE JOHN TEXTS EXPLAIN THAT GOD DOES NOT EXPECT US TO HANDLE THE AFFAIRS OF LIFE ON OUR OWN, BUT STANDS AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND ADVICE ALONG THE WAY.
SINCE GOD'S ADVICE IS IMPECCABLE, IT IS CERTAINLY TO BE PREFERRED OVER OUR OWN IDEAS OR THOSE OF OTHER PEOPLE.
THE ROMANS TEXT INDICATES THAT WHEN GOD GIVES A TASK TO DO IN HIS SERVICE, HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE SPIRITUAL "GIFTS" REQUIRED TO ACCOMPLISH THAT TASK.
THE DESIRE FOR SERVICE IS PARAMOUNT, NOT THE GIFT. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS UNNECESSARY TO PLEAD FOR OR TRY TO LEARN A GIFT, FOR HE ALREADY KNOWS OUR CAPABILITIES AND WHAT MUST BE ADDED TO THEM IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH HIS "WORK".
IV) PERSONAL CONCLUSIONS
There is no claim that the seven "A-C-T-I-O-N-S" just enumerated are the only ones beneficial in the race to Heaven. However they are ones that will move us in the right direction, and will give us a sense that we are on the right track. In this respect,
Are you presently on the right track toward Heaven? Yes ___ No ___ Not sure ___
If your answer is No or Not sure, are you now willing to START IN CHRIST? Yes ___ No ___
If you have already STARTED IN CHRIST, how are you doing in the business of GROWING IN CHRIST?
Terrible?________________________________________Great?
How do you rate yourself in each of the three subordinate areas?
Trusting God's promises?
Terrible?________________________Great?
Investing in the Word of God?
Terrible?________________________Great?
Continually committing to an attitude of Obedience?
Terrible?________________________Great?
Recall your situation when you first STARTED IN CHRIST. Go back to the above three subordinate areas, comparing your initial situation with your present situation? If you have remained the same or regressed in one or more of those areas, are you now ready to recommit to growth in those areas? Yes ___ No ___
If you have STARTED IN CHRIST and are GROWING IN CHRIST (Albeit not at the pace desired---"join the club"), are you now SERVING IN CHRIST? Yes ___ No ___
If your answer to the above question is No, are you ready to walk through the very next door that God opens for you, no matter where or what it is? Yes ___ No ___ (If your answer is no to this question, you may have to wait a long time before God calls you to serve Him).
Questions and/or Comments
/Christ%20(III).jpg)