In this lesson and the following two lessons we will study the fifth gospel point: growth. After we believe and are baptized, our entire life will continue to grown in the Lord.
Filling in blanks:
1.Since branch are parts of a _______, they will continue to grow (John 15:5).
2.In the same way, we are in Jesus so we _______ more like Jesus, having his special traits.
3.Through baptism we receive the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives us strength to make us grow (Colossians 1:11, Philippians 4:13).
4.Each time we mention a point about growth, you don’t need to describe in detail every growth aspect of being in Christ. Usually share only one or two points each time, because most new believers at first are gowing in only onen or two areas.
5. This curriculum does not study Christian growth in detail. Study it more deeply in the “Discipling of new believers” curriculum.
The Seven Aspects of Growing in Christ
1.Church Life. (Hebrews 10:25).
When we go to church, we are getting closer to God and Christ, and we receive strength and guidance for our subsequent lives. In the picture, see the hot coals burning in the fireplace. [The picture of the fireplace can be seen in the Chinese version.]
We do many important things at church. According to the scripture verses below, next to the verse write what action we do in church.
1) Galatians 3:27. ____________________
2)Acts 2:46. ____________________
3)Acts 3:19. ____________________
4)Acts 16:32. ____________________
5)Psalm 100:2.____________________
6)Acts 12:12.____________________
7)Colossians 3:17.____________________
8)Psalm 75:1.____________________
9)Psalm 95:1.____________________
10)Psalm 46:1a and 10b; 147 1:a and 20b; 148:1a and 14b; 149:1a and 9b; 150:1a and 6b. ____________________
2.Individual reading of scripture (Galatians 3:16a)
Use the following words to fill in the blanks: Gospel of Mark, Scripture Verse, Not required.
1) If those who hear the gospel had not previously heard about Christ, it is wise to have them read _________. Compared to other gospels it is easier to understand, it is not necessary to suddenly read hard to understand or deep theology.
2) a new believe is ________ to open the Bible at random, looking at any particular verse and assuming that God is telling him personally something to do. That probably would result in thinking that he must act like the person he sees in scripture, like killing himself, doing sexual sin, telling people to rise from the dead, etc.
3) a new believe should not randomly select any __________ and not read the context of the previous and following verses. If so, he will probably have an incorrect understanding of the verse.
3.Prayer
Use the words below to fill in the blanks pray repentance and ask for forgiveness; request; thank.
Individual people in Christ’s name praying these things in prayer (First Timothy 5:16).
Teach people or include these things in prayer:
1.___________________ Psalm 51:5-2).That is us in general include prayer we cross in Christ, and then commit sin, we deserve to be forgiven (1 John 1:8-10).
2.To praise (Psalm 150:1-6), we praise God, because He is someone to love, does not know, does not have all powerful, that nothing God is not be able to do.
3.__________ Ephesians 5:20. We thank God giving us not material things, or spiritual things.
4.People receive you (second timothy 3:1).
5__________ asking for ones own needs. (first Peter 1:7).
4.Selecting relatives and friends
Use the following words to fill in the banks: spouse, business.
1) A new believer must select which friends can help him to walk the path of Christianity, including spouse, ______ associates, or good friends (2 Cor 6:14). He shouldn’t associate with non-Christians who would tempt him to do wrong, until he has enough faith to share the gospel with them (2 Cor 6:17a). That of course doesn’t mean he shouldn’t spend time with his non-Christians friends.
5.The life-style of loving others as yourself.
Use the following terms to fill in the blanks: love, change, “things one shouldn’t do.”
Christians are to love one another (Romans 13:8). We should never forget that it is because of God’s _______ poured into us, making us able to love one another (Romans 5:5). You shouldn’t give new believers a long list of rules, such as don’t gamble, don’t gossip, don’t engage in sexual sin, etc. God will ________ him step by step, and so, he will not want to do wrong things and will want to show love to others.
6.Share the gospel (Matthew 4:19)
Use the following words to fill in the blanks: Church, Jesus Christ.
Like fishermen in their boats, we Christians through inviting people to ______ activities , distributing Bibles, sharing __________,want ever more people to know Jesus Christ.
7.Trusting in God (Romans 8:28)
Use these words to fill in the blanks: God, benefit, Christian.
Becoming a __________ does not imply that everything will go smoothly, that there not not be any difficulties, but when a Christian encounters difficulties he will have a different attitude, because he knows the true ______ is always his strength and guide, and moreover makes allthings work together for good to give people ________. No matter what situation he is in, he will have peace in his difficulties.
Conclusion
Use the following words to fill in the blanks: God, death, sinner, joy.
- Our spiritual growth is not in order to compensate God’s love for us. Jesus suffered and died on the cross because he wanted us to be able to be with us eternally in heaven, and not want receive something back from us. He indeed did not say: “I am giving my life for you, so what will you do for me?” ‘ Therefore, he willingly and joyfully suffered and experienced ____ for us on the cross. He iknew that through his death and resurrection we would be saved. (Hebrews 12:22). Jesus said: “when one _______ repents, before God’s angels God is joyful about that person” (Luke 15:10). In _____’s eyes, the death of a believer is precious, because that peron is able to be with God eternally (Psalm 116:15). The Holy Spirit helps us to grow in Christ, so we receive the benefit.
2.Even though we cannot compensate Jesus for all he has done for us, but we grow in in Christ as a response to God’s love, it is his love that encourages us not live for self, but to live for Christ. (2 Cor 5:14-15). Just like the branch on a grape vine, we live in Christ, so we naturally grow in him (John 15:5).
3.Being close to Jesus, growing in him we experience love and joy.
1).In our close relationship with Jesus, we live in his love (John 15:11). Psalm 16:11b also talks about how we experience fulness of joy by being close to God.
Home work:
1.Complete filling in all of these lesson’s blanks.
2. Self-assessment:
1).At least confirm the aspects in which you need to grow in Christ.
2).From the midst of the lesson above, read over the Bible verses associated with aspects of growth.
3).pray about the concrete areas you need to change.
4). Write down concrete actions in which the Holy Spirit leads you to change step by step.
5). You do not need to hand in this homework. But if you are interested, the teacher will be glad to discuss with you.