Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Pursue Path
The Pursue Path
Youth Worker USA endeavors to energize pastors and the spiritually mature to mentor,
disciple, and inspire young Christians to boldly follow Christ by imitating Paul’s example
with Timothy.
Mission
Youth Worker USA is committed to serving the local church, its pastors, and young
Christians seeking to understand their role in the body of Christ. Youth Worker will also
partner with explicitly Christian organizations that provide opportunities for young
Christians to explore and understand the possibilities for lifetime service inside and
outside the church. We will focus on reproductive discipleship through mentoring.
Strategy
Youth Worker USA will provide grants to organizations to create internships that provide
service and growth opportunities for the intern and intentional discipling opportunities
for the leadership.
Principles of Youth Worker USA
1. Pray
2. Be Intentional
3. Keep it Simple
God gives everyone gifts to share with others. Everyone can take
part and serve Jesus in furthering the kingdom. YW will invest in
others with financial aid, with evangelism training, and with en-
couragement to get everyone into the fight.
5
x5
Every day:
5 text contacts (or maybe email)
Weekly:
Plan to average 5 face to face
contacts every week.
So an event is one contact.
Coffee is one contact.
Basketball is one contact.
A Bible study is one contact.
Do your best each week--these are guidelines, not rules! Serve with joy and recognize you might be
the only one who will encourage your students this day. Be intentional. Have a verse on your mind to
share. Listen well. Pray with your student about their concerns. Use your weekly planner and record
all of your 5X5 contacts with any information that would help you better serve your students.
Follow ALL of the church’s guidance regarding events and appropriate meeting protocols. NEVER meet
face to face alone without your mentor’s permission. Youth Worker USA
The following stories can be used with people who are open to learning more about Jesus but have not put their faith in Him yet. You should also ask if some of
their friends or family would also like to be a part of the group as well.
1. Hope for overcoming rejection: The Sinful Woman - Luke 7:36-50 5. Hope through death: (Barabbas Set Free) – Luke 22:66 – 23:25
2. Hope for the guilty: (Pharisee & Tax Collector) - Luke 18:9-17 6. Hope rose from the dead: (Resurrection) – Luke 24:1-20
3. Hope changes everything: (Zacchaeus) - Luke 19:1-10 7. Hope is waiting for you: (Prodigal Son) – Luke 15:11-32
4. Hope Forgives: (Unforgiving Servant) - Matthew 18:21-35
Retell:
● Tell the story from memory
● Practice: pair up and practice telling the
story together
1. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.
2. Man is sinful and separated from God; thus he cannot
know or experience God’s love and plan for him.
3. To whom should I pass along this information?
3. Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin.
Through Him you can know and experience God’s love
and plan for your life.
4. You must decide to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and
Lord of your life; it is then you will know and experience
God’s love and plan for you.
Adapted from The Transferable Concepts by Bill Bright. All rights reserved.
Context Preparing for the Mission
Praise
Those who are looked down on in society had ● Read Transferable Concept #2: How You
Read a scripture to begin laying a foundation for
been responding to Jesus’ teaching. The Can Experience God’s Love and
worship and praise.
religious leaders (Pharisees) and the teachers of Forgiveness and discuss with another group
● Example: Psalm 48:9 “O Lord, we meditate
the religious law didn’t like Jesus associating member.
on your unfailing love as we worship you.”
with these people. So Jesus told a story about a ● Write down the names of those who doesn’t
Let’s pause and tell Jesus how thankful we
lost son to explain God’s heart towards sinners. know the Lord and start praying for them.
are for His love for us.
Read ● Create your Oikos Network List.
Care
● Read or watch Luke 15:11-24 two times as
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
everyone listens.
biblical counsel and encouragement.
Discovery Discussion Going on the Mission
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Identify people from your Oikos Network List
explain one challenge they experienced this
like best) and why? with whom you will tell the story or share the
week.
● What do we learn about God or people? gospel with this week.
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
● Why do you think this story is important? ● Write “I will by when” statements on your
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
● How can we live differently now that we Next Step Goals sheet and share with your
Celebrate Faithfulness
know this story (passage)? group.
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
Read, Tell and Correct
with your goals and I will statements?” ● Read the story again. Have someone tell
the story and ask the group to correct if Praying for the Mission
Motivation and Encouragement
necessary. ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
Summary the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
what God can do through them.
Our heavenly Father is willing to forgive the sins start a movement of disciple-makers.
Example: When we accept Christ our lives are
changed forever. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, of His children. Our sin does not change the fact
anyone who belongs to Christ is a new creation, that God is our Father. But sin does have
the old life has gone and a new life has begun! consequences and it does affect our fellowship
That’s us! We are new creations and as we with God. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess
follow Christ, our lives will continue to change to our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us
our sins and purify us from all wickedness.” Resources used in this lesson can be found at:
be full of purpose and meaning. Let’s encourage
churchmovements.com/sent67/
each other with this truth as we journey together
in this new life.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #2: RELATIONSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP [LUKE 15:11-24]
How to Experience
God’s Love and Forgiveness
There were deep lines on the young face staring out the Like the young man who saw the yellow ribbons, these
window of the train, lines that months of reliving a regretted space destitute believers simply need to understand how to reach out
in time had embedded as he had served his sentence in prison. and possess what is theirs and to discover that the secret for
The green rolling hills and familiar pasturelands sped past until knowing and experiencing forgiveness lies in being filled with
there, in the distance, he recognized the three spires of the granary God’s Spirit.
in his hometown. A lump of terror sprung into his throat and But what do we tell someone whose Christianity is
slithered down into his stomach. He would know soon. They were colorless? What if you were struggling to find the love that
just a few miles from his folk’s place on the outskirts of town. eluded you as a believer? Would it really be possible for another
He stroked the cover of the book lying open in his lap as if to Christian to present profound truths clearly enough for you to
touch some remains of reality. The whole thing felt like a dream. grasp and apply them in your own life? Can one believer teach
The last three years were swaddled in a haze. How could he have another how to experience Christ’s limitless forgiveness for
done it? The shame his crime had brought his mother and father themselves?
was more than anyone should have to bear. How could they ever The answer is yes. Throughout our walk with Christ, we
forgive him? repeatedly find rewarding benefits in practicing this concept.
And all the while the train rolled on, closer to what had once Paul deals with this very topic in 1 Corinthians 2 and 3. He
been home for him….before. He knew when he wrote them that explains why some believers lack joy and the power of the Holy
he had no right, but he had asked them to leave a sign if they Spirit in their lives when he writes about the natural man, the
could find it in their hearts to forgive him. Just a ribbon hanging spiritual man and the carnal man.
from the old oak tree in the backyard where his tire swing had
been all these years was all he needed. He only wanted to see them The Natural Man
once more and then he intended to move on, to spare them any The Natural Man is one who depends on his own resources.
more shame and hurt. He would know in the next few minutes. This person says, “I’ll do it my way.” He is not a Christian and
The palms of his hands were wet with perspiration; his mouth therefore cannot truly grasp the truths of God’s Word. He is
was dry, and as much as he longed to know, he could not make self-sufficient. His interests and ambitions are worldly and
himself look out the window. What would he do if the ribbon was self-centered. Though he may appear to have his act together,
not there? spiritually he is dead. (Death is our only birthright until we
“You all right, son?” The passenger next to him could not help invite Jesus into our lives.)
but notice the young man’s tension. “Something I can do for you?”
“Yes, sir, there is,” he said. “Just past that bend is a big old oak The Spiritual Man
tree and, well, I know it sounds a little strange, but would you tell The Spiritual Man is one who is born again into life
me if you see a yellow ribbon in the tree somewhere? I, I just can’t everlasting. This person realizes, I cannot make it on my own.
bring myself to look.” I admit that I need God. He is indwelt and guided by the
The man nodded, and as the train rounded the bend he Holy Spirit, who makes it possible for him to understand the
began to smile. “Is it there?” the young man asked. “Can you see truths of God’s Word. The spiritual man is alive! He has a vital
the ribbon?” relationship with the Lord. And because he is a channel of the
“You’ll have to look for yourself, son,” the man said. “You Holy Spirit’s power, he is constantly bearing fruit.
wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
The young man slowly raised his head and stared in grateful The Carnal Man
disbelief. The oak tree had blossomed into a bouquet of yellow The main topic of this chapter is the Carnal Man. Though
ribbons flying in the breeze from every branch. And against the he is born again, he has not tapped into the rich inheritance
fence, a man and a woman waved at the passing train carrying of his heavenly Father. Instead, he continues to live like a
the son they loved. condemned man. He often looks as if all is well. He may teach
Sunday School, pastor a church, or give years of his life in some
There are Christians who, like this young man, live fearful remote mission field leading others to Christ. But it is a cover-up.
lives, missing that sparkle, that special dynamic they had The bottom-line reality is that a carnal man is defeated. If
expected from Christianity. They don’t smile—they scowl. They he is honest, he will admit that his Christianity lacks real joy. He
struggle. Burdens overwhelm them. Where is the peace Jesus is constantly frustrated. In desperation, he valiantly tries to live
promised?, they wonder. What they really need is a renewed a life pleasing to God, but instead of drawing on the source of
perspective of the forgiveness that is ours in Christ. power, the Holy Spirit, he relies on his own energy and creativity
These believers are painfully aware that something is for the strength he needs, and he runs into problems.
missing in their lives. Their Christianity reflects a self-inflicted Other things reflect the carnal man’s lifestyle. He may
boredom. These people do not need scolding from well- attempt to hold tightly to God, but simultaneously refuse to
meaning Christian brothers and sisters. They do not need to loosen his grasp on material, earthly things. He finds himself
be convinced that life is empty and unfulfilling. What they do possessed by his possessions. At the same time, he tries to tune-
need is to tap into their spiritual resources (e.g., love, peace and in to spiritual matters. Jesus Himself said it is impossible to serve
forgiveness)—the missing ingredients their salvation can bring two masters. Though the carnal man sincerely tries to please
to everyday lives. This is their rightful inheritance, available to God, he is spinning his spiritual wheels. Romans 8:7 explains
every believer.
why: “The old sinful nature within us is against God. It never increases his belief that the ice will hold his weight. When we
did obey God’s laws, and it never will” (The Living Bible). place our trust in God, the result will always be a stronger faith,
Tremendous freedom comes wrapped up in this truth: It is for the better we know Him, the more we know he deserves our
our faith in God that pleases Him, never our efforts, despite trust.
our courageous attempts or heartfelt sincerity. Our only hope Other things—seemingly unimportant—have a surprising
for victory over this carnal tendency, is trusting Christ to live effect on our faith as it is maturing. I had a memorable
His resurrection life in and through us. His forgiveness becomes demonstration of this one afternoon while playing with my
ours when we become His children. We only need to accept it— small son. It was his turn to operate the controls of his model
a fact the Carnal Man does not comprehend. train set, and for several minutes we enjoyed the wonderful
The Carnal Man may not cling to his own strength simply little engine puffing around make-believe hills and valleys right
by choice. It’s possible that he suffers from a lack of accurate on schedule. Then, for no apparent reason, it stopped. He tried
information, or he may be confused about who God really is the switch again but nothing happened. I took the little engine
and what He can do in a person’s life. off the tracks and checked the connections. I wiggled the plug
Consider the story of a poor immigrant who once bought in the socket. Everything seemed to be as it should be, but the
passage on a ship to the United States. He had only enough train would not go. Then my son spied a felled traffic sign at a
money left over to buy a few crackers and a small block of crossing. Though not very big, it had fallen across the tracks,
cheese which he rationed carefully over the first few days connecting the positive and negative rails and bringing the train
of the voyage. But his hunger grew. He watched the ship’s to a stand still. The little sign had short-circuited the power.
waiters dashing past him, carrying trays of succulent fruits and Sin—even “unimportant” sin—can do the same thing in
vegetables, fat chickens and juicy steaks to the other passengers. the life of a Christian. It can never affect God’s love for us. That
Finally the aromas overpowered his fears, and he stopped a never changes! God loves us with an inexhaustible love. He
waiter. loves us, not just “when” or “if” we deserve His love, but even
“Please,” he begged the surprised man. “I am weak from when we are disobedient. One of my most moving discoveries
hunger. I’ll do anything to earn a meal—clean rooms, swab in my study of the Scriptures was the statement of our Lord in
decks, wash dishes….” His high-priestly prayer to God the Father, as recorded in John
“Did you stow away?,” the waiter asked. The man shook 17:23 (TLB): “…so that the world will know you sent me and
his head. “Then why haven’t you eaten? The price of your ticket will understand that you love them as much as you love me.”
includes your meals. You’ve already paid for them. You only
have to come and eat!” Think of it: God loves you and me as much as He loves the
Lord Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. Incredible! But true!
Do we live like spiritual stowaways when all the benefits Though God hates sin and will chasten or punish His children
of a first-class passage are ours to claim? How sad to condemn when we are disobedient, He never ceases to love us. “Whom
ourselves to cheese-and-cracker Christianity when Jesus invites the Lord loves, He disciplines” (Hebrews 12:6). In fact, He
us to “come and dine” with Him at the table of honor. disciplines us because He loves us, not because He hates us. He
Is it possible that you believe in God and have given Him hates only our sin.
your life, yet you continue to live as though He does not exist? So, if we want His uninterrupted power flowing through
Do you ask Him to guide, then move on as if He does not care our lives, it is our responsibility to confess any known sin. Then
bout your life? Are you ready to make a change and begin to we can experience afresh God’s forgiveness because of Jesus’
draw on the incredible power of the Holy Spirit? He invites you death in our place. Confession is as necessary and natural to the
to come to that turning point right now. normal Christian life as breathing is to our physical existence.
All it takes is faith: trusting God to be just what He claims
to be. Jesus said we would be able to do even greater works than Spiritual Breathing
He did if we believe that He means what He says (John 14:12). In fact, it is breathing—spiritual breathing. We “exhale” by
Whatever we ask in His name, He says He will do (John 14:14). breathing out a confession to God, expelling the sin in our lives.
You do not have to live a defeated, carnal, guilt-ridden life. You We “inhale” as we breathe in the Holy Spirit, appropriating his
have a choice. fullness by faith. Spiritual breathing is a principle enabling us as
Our loving Lord commands us to come away from our believers to live consistent Christian lives. It is the “breath of life.”
carnality and become the fruitful witnesses He calls us to be Consider with me the principles of spiritual “exhaling” as
in John 15:16. The best part is that He Himself has both the they apply to the Christian life. (We will discuss the process of
power and the desire to bring us to experiencing true love and spiritual “inhaling” in the following chapter.) We read in 1 John
forgiveness in Him. 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He [God] is faithful and righteous to
And so, as weak as our faith may be, we begin by placing it forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
in a trustworthy God. That is the first step toward growth. Like The word confess (in the Greek, homologeo) suggests agreement
a muscle, faith must be exercised if it is to become strong and with God concerning our sins. Confession is a threefold process:
useful. 1. Acknowledgment of our sin. We need to be specific about
our sin before God, and agree with Him that what we have
We are like the man moving with great caution across a done is wrong, and grievous in His sight.
frozen lake in winter’s cold. At first, he fears his next step will 2. Acceptance of His forgiveness. We must also agree with God
find him treading the black, freezing waters just below the that Jesus’ death on the cross bought the forgiveness we
surface. But every step that holds his weight confirms and need for all our sins—past, present and future. We must
accept the fact that there is nothing we can add to what He Application
has done for us.
3. Repentance. We must repent, we must change our attitude 1. What did you like best (what caught your attention)?
toward sinning. The Holy Spirit offers us the power we
need, and when we accept His power, our conduct will
change. Our sinful nature is no longer in charge. It is
powerless under the control of the Holy Spirit. We are once
again free to do what God wants us to do.
Adapted from The Transferable Concepts by Bill Bright. All rights reserved.
Praise Preparing for the Mission
Context ● Read Transferable Concept #3: How you
Read a scripture and practice a worship song
When we place our faith in Jesus, God’s Spirit can be filled with the Holy Spirit
● Example: Psalm 66:4 “Everything on earth
begins to live inside of us. He is called the Holy ● Teach the Spiritual Breathing principle
will worship you; they will sing your praises .
Spirit, the Spirit of Truth and our Helper. His ● Exhale – 1 John 1:9 confess our sins,
. . in glorious songs.” Let’s pause and
ministry in our lives is so important that we will agree to change our attitude or actions
praise God with a simple song.
take time to study our relationship with Him. ● Inhale – surrender control of your life to
Care
Read Christ
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
● Read 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3 two times as ● Have them pray to be controlled and
biblical counsel and encouragement.
others listen. empowered by the Holy Spirit: Father, I
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
Discovery Discussion need you. I acknowledge that I have been in
explain one challenge they experienced this
● What caught your attention (or what did you control of my life; and that I have sinned
week.
like best) and why? against you. Thank you for forgiving my sins
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
● What do we learn about God or people? through Christ’s death on the cross. I invite
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
● Why do you think this story is important? you to take control of my life and fill me with
Celebrate Faithfulness
● How can we live differently now that we your Holy Spirit. I pray this is the name of
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
know this story (passage)? Jesus as an expression of my faith. Thank
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
Read, Tell and Correct you for taking control of my life and filling me
with your goals and I will statements?”
● Read the story again. Have someone tell with your Holy Spirit.
Motivation and Encouragement ● Practice drawing the 3 circles and teaching
the story and ask the group to correct if
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or the Spiritual Breathing principle
necessary.
what God can do through them. Going on the Mission
Summary
Though all Christians have the Spirit living in ● Identify 2-3 people who you can tell what
Example: One day a woman went to visit her
them, not all Christians are directed and you have learned about the Holy Spirit or
neighbor. As they were talking she shared the
empowered by the Spirit. When we trust in our with whom you can share the gospel.
gospel with her neighbor and she placed her
own efforts or take control of our lives, the Bible ● Write “I will by when” statements and tell
faith in Christ. But then the woman started
calls us carnal and we don’t experience an them to your small group.
crying. “My husband just died 2 weeks ago. Why
abundant or fruitful life. Read Galatians Praying for the Mission
didn’t you tell me this sooner?” You see, we
5:22-24. We can use 3 circles to help us ● Commit the everyone’s goals to the Lord.
never know when people’s last day will be.
remember the 3 types of people described in 1 Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and use
That’s why we must share the gospel when we
Corinthians (draw the 3 circles). us to start a movement of disciple-makers.
have the chance.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #3: KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT [1 CORINTHIANS 2:14-3:3]
How to Be Filled
With the Spirit
The first streams of morning light filtered through the small resurrection power, His heart, His mind, His love for the lost
windows of the upper room and slipped across Peter’s bearded flowing from within us, who could resist?
face. He opened his eyes and raised up on one elbow. Most of If we cannot see evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit
the others were awake, rolling up their pallets and beginning in our lives, we need to take inventory and ask whether we are
the morning meal preparations for yet another day. How much living as carnal Christians. If we are not, perhaps the reason for
longer, Lord?, He wondered. For many days they had waited the absence of power is a lack of faith, or a lack of knowledge
together in this small room, over 100 of them now, just waiting for about who God and His Holy Spirit are.
the Holy Spirit to come as Jesus had promised….
And then he heard it. Like a strong windstorm in the distance Some years ago a West Texas rancher made a startling
at first, then the roaring sounds of violent, rushing winds right discovery.
in the room. Louder and louder it sounded, and in their midst The story goes that for Homer Yates, the end of the road
flaming tongues of fire resting on each one in the room, filling seemed to have come too soon. As he rested a dusty boot on the
them with the Holy Spirit. running board of his weathered pick-up truck, he looked across
acres of ranch land dotted with clusters of cattle. This valley
To say it changed their lives is an understatement! was his valley. He and his family had called this land home for
Suddenly these men and women of God were declaring the countless years.
gospel of Jesus Christ with new confidence in a way that hearers This familiar scene had once brought peace to his heart. It
understood, even to the point of preaching in languages they had comforted him. But at this particular moment it triggered
had never learned! They discovered an unquenchable power tears. He loved this place. How could he leave it behind? How
flowing from within them because they had been filled with could he be expected to pack up his belongings and walk away
the Source of Power Himself. And, because of it, thousands from the ranch he had poured himself into for so many years?
followed them to a new and life-changing relationship with the And yet, what other choice was there now?
risen Lord. Things were all right until the depression hit. It came in like a
The book of Acts records for us the power of the Holy swarm of devouring locusts and stripped him bare financially. He
Spirit at work in people’s lives. We read the stories and marvel even had to accept government subsidy to keep the beloved ranch
at common people like you and me performing miracles running marginally. It had shamed him to ask for help—but there
and leading hundreds to Christ. Sadly, we shake our heads, seemed to be no other way. And as carefully as he and his wife
disappointed that we could not have lived then so we could had parceled out their eager funds, they never had quite enough.
have been a part of it all. We have all but conceded to the more They had gone without, had sacrificed everything possible, but
“sophisticated” attitude that the Holy Spirit works among us ruin was their reward.
only in subtle ways today. Peter and the others had to perform Now, in the distance he saw another truck coming down
miracles to reach the lost with the gospel. Today, many pass the gravel land carrying a couple of men, strangers to him. They
that idea off saying such “emotional displays” are no longer rumbled to a stop a few yards away, dust settling around them in
necessary. swirls as they closed in on him.
But J.B. Phillips gives us insight on it when he writes in “Are you Yates?,” one of them asked. He nodded. “We’ve been
his introduction to Letters to the Young Church: “The great looking for you,” he said, surprising Yates with a handshake. The
difference between present-day Christians and those of tall one explained they were part of a geological crew sent by a
which we read in these letters (the New Testament epistles), major oil company, and they had reason to believe there might be
is that to us it is primarily a performance; to them it was a oil on his land. Would he give them permission to drill a wildcat
real experience. We are apt to reduce the Christian religion to well on the other side of the ridge?
a code, or, at best, a rule of heart and life. To these men, it is What could he lose? He signed the lease that afternoon. A
quite plainly the invasion of their lives by a new quality of life little below eleven hundred feet they struck an oil reserve that was
altogether. They do not hesitate to describe this as Christ living pumping 80,000 barrels a day before Yates knew what hit him.
in them. Several of the wells that followed yielded twice that amount. And
And if Christ still lives in His followers as He promised, Yates and his family owned it all!
should our lives be any less powerful than those of the disciples? Overnight, the humble rancher, scraping by on government
For any Christian, life should be a great adventure. We have relief, had become a multi-millionaire. He had lived in poverty
purpose, and we have the source of power needed to perform on the very land that made him rich. The oil reserves had been
the tasks that fall to us. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, the there all along—all his since the day he signed the deed. But he
works that I do shall he do also’ and greater works than these possessed it only after he understood what riches were there, and
shall he do; because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in that they were his for the taking.
My name, that will I do” (John 14:12,13).
But we are not expected to do these wonderful things in Misconceptions
our own power. It is Christ Himself living within us who gives How often we as Christians do the same thing, living like
us the power through the Holy Spirit to do great works. All spiritual paupers when in truth, we are children of the King!
our wisdom and eloquence, logic, personality and good looks Jesus described the Christian life as an exciting, abundant
can never persuade someone to follow Christ, but with Jesus’ adventure, and for centuries many believers around the world
have found it to be true.
Another problem we have is that we fear God will somehow The Holy Spirit
take advantage of us if we give ourselves wholly to Him. We see But if we are to surrender our lives to Him, we must begin
in 1 John 4:18, “We need have no fear of someone who loves us with an understanding of the nature and person of the Holy
perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he Spirit. You will notice I have not referred to Him as “it.” The
might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do Holy Spirit is as much a person as God Himself. He is not some
to us, and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really ethereal influence or fleecy white spiritual concept. He is God.
loves us” (The Living Bible). We can trust God with our lives He possesses all the attributes that are ascribed to God the
once we begin to accept His love. Father. As the third person of the trinity, the Holy Spirit is co-
Imagine with me for a moment that you are the parent of equal with God the Father and God the Son. There is only one
a small boy whom you love keenly. One warm summer day God, but He manifests Himself in three persons.
he stands at your knees and struggles to tell you something of Defining the Trinity is a human impossibility. A seminary
great importance to him. “I love you,” he finally says, patting professor of mine used to say, “The person who denies the
your hand, and from now on I’m going to do everything you trinity will lose his soul. The person who tries to understand the
tell me to.” You get down on one knee beside him, take his little trinity will lose his mind.” Finite man cannot fully comprehend
shoulders in your hands and begin to shake him violently. You the infinity God.
can see his eyes fill with terror as you shout, “I’ve just been It was the Holy Spirit who inspired men to write the
waiting for this! Now I’m going to make things miserable for Scriptures. As we read the Bible, He is the one who reveals its
you. No more fun, no more toys, only hateful, horrible chores truth to us and helps us understand how to apply it to our lives.
for as long as you live!” He makes our prayers heard by God, and it is He who reaps the
What a strange response from a loving parent. We would harvest of our faithful witness. His sole purpose is to exalt and
expect to see tenderness and compassion shown toward the child, glorify Christ (John 16:1-15).
not a tirade like this. And yet, so often we fear the same kind of The evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of
painful, punitive response from God if we should dare surrender believers is all around us. He has come to us, the Comforter that
ourselves to Him. A human parent would open their arms to their Jesus promised as He prepared to leave this earth. “It is to your
little one, welcoming them into an even deeper place of love. They advantage that I go away,” Jesus said, “For if I do not go away, the
would hope to merit such love from their child. Helper [Holy Spirit} shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send
Why then do we expect anything less from God who loves Him to you…. But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will
us beyond human love? Is it that we do not understand His love guide you into all the truth… and He will disclose to you what is
for us? Matthew 7:11 describes God as a father demonstrative to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall
of his love for his children: “If you then being evil, know how disclose it to you” (John 16:7,13,14). Through new birth the
to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Holy Spirit enables us to know Christ, and to share the Good
Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” News with others.
Like Jesus who wept over Jerusalem, God looks at us and First John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the light as He Himself
says, “How often I would have gathered you into My arms, but is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the
you would not let Me.” If we are to be effective Christians we blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” When we are
must begin—by faith—to trust the God of our salvation. From filled with the Spirit, we are under His control; not as a robot
the time we accept His forgiveness to the time He walks with us but as one led and empowered by the heart of God Himself. He
through death, everything He gives us we receive by faith. walks this earth in our bodies, living His resurrection life in and
through us.
Jesus said to the multitudes, “If any man is thirsty, let him
Spiritual Breathing come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture
In “How to Experience God’s Love and Forgiveness,” said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living
we discussed the principle of “spiritual breathing,” defining water’”(John 7: 37,38). John adds, “But this He spoke of the
“exhaling” as the confession of sin and the acknowledgement Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive” (John
of His love and forgiveness in our lives. Now we come to 7:39). We can live the victorious, power-filled lives that Jesus
“inhaling.” offers if we open our hearts to the indwelling presence of the
Spiritual breathing would be as incomplete without the Holy Spirit. The choice is ours.
process of “inhaling” as would physical breathing. When
obstructed breathing prevents oxygen from getting to the lungs, The Holy Spirit Is In You
brains and vital organs, the human body dies. Proper spiritual But a question arises: How? How do we trust the Spirit to
breathing is of the same dramatic importance. To “inhale” direct us? What do we do, what do we say, so that He’ll take
spiritually is to draw deeply of the freshness of the Holy Spirit, control within us or so that we’ll gain access to this marvelous
appropriating by faith His fullness, giving Him free reign in our power that is ours?
lives to control and empower us as He sees fit. Suppose you have a bank account of several thousand
As we practice spiritual breathing, it becomes a natural dollars, and you need to cash a check. Would you walk into the
habit. The constant, rhythmical “exhaling” (confession) and bank, drop to your knees before a teller, and begin begging and
“inhaling” (appropriation of new power in our lives) creates a pleading for the money you need? You smile because you know
fresh, incomparable, daily approach to life. the surprised teller would probably lean over the counter and
remind you, “You don’t have to beg me. It’s already your money.
Just write out what you want, and I’ll cash your check.”
The Holy Spirit is ours the day we accept Christ’s forgive- Is this the desire of your heart? If you would like, pray this
ness for sins. Like salvation, the filling of the Holy Spirit is an act prayer:
of faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” the “Dear Father, I acknowledge that I have been the one in
Bible says, “and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as control of my life, and as a result, I have disobeyed Your
a result of works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). command to be controlled with the Spirit. Thank you for
We need not beg or barter with God for His favor. Fasting, forgiving me, and now, Father, I invite Christ to take His
weeping, prostrating ourselves before Him will never cause Him rightful place on the throne of my life. In faith I ask You
to fill us with His Spirit. We cannot earn God’s fullness. It is only to fill me with Your Holy Spirit as You promised in Your
ours through faith and it has been ours since the moment we Word. Thank You for keeping Your promises and for the
became Christians. Colossians 2:6 reminds us, “As you therefore indwelling of the Holy Spirit in my life right now.”
have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.”
If you prayed this prayer or expressed your heart similarly
to God in your own words, you are now filled with the Holy
Appropriate the Power of the Holy Spirit Spirit. You do not have to “feel” like it; simply believe it as a
The Holy Spirit is ours. What we must learn to do now is fact—in faith. You can begin this very moment to draw upon
appropriate His power. There are several factors that will help the vast, inexhaustible resources of the Holy Spirit. He will
prepare our hearts as we seek to have lives filled with the Holy enable you to live a holy life, to share the claims of Christ with
Spirit. seeking hearts in a new way.
We must be hungry for the Spirit and desire His indwelling. Thank God for the fullness of His Spirit as you begin each
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after day, and continue to invite Him to control your life, moment
righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). by moment. The Spirit-filled life is a life of supernatural power,
We must be willing to surrender our lives to Christ. In of abiding in Christ, and of bearing spiritual fruit. It is trusting
Romans 12:1,2 Paul writes, “I plead with you to give your bodies God, not self, to live the Christian life.
to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy—the kind he can
accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this Application
too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this
world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness 1. What did you like best (what caught your attention)?
in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own
experience how his ways will really satisfy you” (TLB).
Confess every sin. We need to let the Holy Spirit bring to
mind everything that needs to be dealt with, then confess it all
to God. We are promised in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins
to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us
from every wrong. (And it is perfectly proper for God to do this
for us because Christ died to wash away our sins)” (TLB).
With hearts opened and prepared for the filling of the
Spirit, we are instructed in Ephesians 5:18 to “Be not drunk
with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit.” It
is a command! Not to be filled, controlled and empowered is
disobedience. Scripture also tells us that there is available to us a 2. Why?
“confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything
according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He
hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests
which we have asked from Him” (I John 5:14,15).
There is but one indwelling, one rebirth, and one baptism of
the Holy Spirit—all of which occur at the moment of salvation.
There are many fillings made clear in Ephesians 5:18. In the
original text, the meaning is more explicit than most English
translations. This command means to be constantly and
continually filled, controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit
as a way of life!
Technically, we do not even need to pray for the filling of
the Holy Spirit as no Scripture tells us to do this. We are filled
by faith. However, since the object of our faith is God and 3. To whom should I pass along this information?
His Word, we can pray as an expression of our faith in God’s
command and in His promise. We are not filled because we
pray but because we trust in God who responds to our faith.
Adapted from The Transferable Concepts by Bill Bright. All rights reserved.
symbolizes our bold identification with the death
and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:4-5).
Praise
Read a scripture to begin laying a foundation for
Context
worship and praise. A follower of Jesus named Philip had been
● Example: Psalm 29:2 “Give honor to the sharing the gospel with people in an area of Preparing for the Mission
Lord and worship Him in the glory of His Israel called Samaria. The Lord interrupted his ● Teach them the Gospel on a Napkin.
holiness.” Let’s pause and give honor to the ministry and told him to go south along the road ● Practice starting a conversation, sharing the
Lord by praising Him. leading toward Egypt. When he arrived, he gospel or beginning the follow up process.
found an African leader who was traveling back ● Remind them what to do when someone
Care
to his home country. This story tells us what says YES to the gospel.
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
happened. ● Introduce the concept of Oikos Network
biblical counsel and encouragement.
Mapping - watch the video
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
explain one challenge they experienced this
Read
week. ● Read or watch Acts 8:34-40 two times as Going on the Mission
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you others listen. ● Create your own Oikos Network List by
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. Discovery Discussion writing down the names of those to whom
Celebrate Faithfulness ● What caught your attention (or what did you you want to share the gospel
like best) and why? ● Write “I will by when” statements on your
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
● What do we learn about God or people? Next Step Goal sheet and tell them to your
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
● Why do you think this story is important? group.
with your goals and I will statements?”
● How can we live differently now that we
Motivation and Encouragement
know this story (passage)?
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
Read, Tell and Correct Praying for the Mission
what God can do through them.
● Read the story again. Have someone tell ● Commit the everyone’s goals to the Lord.
Example: The Lord not only loves us, He has a
the story and ask the group to correct if Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and use
vision for our lives. What is that vision? It is to
necessary. us to start a movement of disciple-makers.
be like Christ. Romans 8:29 says that His plan
is that we all conform to the image of Christ, to Summary
experience and reflect the Father like Christ did. Read Matthew 3:13-17. Jesus himself was
And the great news is that this work of baptized and modeled it to His followers. Ever
Christlikeness is God’s work. Philippians 1:6 since the time of Christ, everyone who begins to
promises that He who began this good work in follow Him has made this commitment. Our
you, will be faithful to complete it! Be willingness to be baptized shows others that
encouraged that God will work in your life to there has been a real change in our lives. It
become like Christ.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #4: BOLDLY IDENTIFY WITH JESUS [ACTS 8:34-40]
Gospel on a Napkin
{
2.
BODY MIND
SOUL EMOTION
We (mankind) chose to
SPIRIT WILL
go our own way.
1. 9. Jn 14:6
GOD IS LOVE
3. SIN FAITH
Rm 3:23 13.
Eph 2:8-9
12. 13.
GOD IS JUST 5. Rm 6:23 6.
1. “Here are a few things that show us what the Bible says about knowing God In the upper left corner, write “God is
personally.” love” with an arrow going across the page
“God created mankind to know Him and have life abundantly in relationship
with Him. He loves us. (Quote John 1:3, 10:10) He wants a relationship
with us.”
2. “When he created us, he gave us body, soul and spirit.” “Our soul is our Draw circles and words as you explain
mind, will and emotions. Our spirit is where we find our meaning by being in the middle of the page above the line
connected to God. Here we find our sense of purpose. We are meant to be you’ve drawn.
whole by living in relationship with Him. Why are most people not experi-
encing an abundant life?” { Listen}
3. “As human beings, our soul set our minds on things independent from God
(point to word: “mind”), and we longed for things (point to word: “emo-
tions”) that God warned mankind against. We choose to go our own inde-
pendent way and fellowship with God was broken” (point to word: “will”).
Quote Romans 3:23.
4. “Ephesians 2:1-3 says we have died spiritually. We are separated from the Color-in fully the circle called “spirit”
life God intended us to have – a thriving life, one of abundance, connected with black ink – indicating man is dead
to Him.” spiritually.
5. “He is just and must correct what is unjust, what is wrong. There is a penalty Draw a line down from the “God is love”
for sin.” Quote Romans 6:23. line and write the word “sin” on it. Now,
draw a stick figure of a man on a new line
with an arrow across the page – a lower
parallel line. On the left, next to the low-
er line, write “God is Just and Holy”.
6. “We try to recover the abundant life, knowing something is missing, by
living a good life, taking adventures, being religious, philosophy, etc. But we
cannot reach God or the abundant life because we have sinned.”
7. “We need help. New life must be given to us (because we are dead spiritu- Draw new circles for body, soul, spirit
ally).” and say (pointing to spirit):
8. Quote these verses: Romans 5:8 and 1Peter 2:24. As you draw a dark circle Write “Romans 5:8” and “1 Peter 2:24”
say: “Jesus died for our sins, taking our penalty on himself.” on the napkin between the two parallel
lines. and draw a cross that intersects
with both the top and bottom parallel
lines (God is love and God is just and
holy.) Draw a dark circle (representing
sin and its penalty) on the center of the
cross.
9. Quote John 14:6 and point to the inner circle (spirit), saying, “The life we
need only Jesus can give us. Jesus is the WAY (to God), the TRUTH (He’s
trustworthy) and the LIFE (exactly what we need to overcome our spiri-
tual death). He rose from the dead showing his payment for our sin was
enough.”
10. Quote John 1:12.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #5: GROWING THROUGH GOD’S WORD [LUKE 24:36-49]
Praise
Context Preparing for the Mission
Read a scripture and practice a worship song
Even though Jesus was busy in ministry, he
● Example: Read Psalm 100:2 “Worship the
spent a lot of time talking to the Father. As his ● Read Transferable Concept #9: How to
Lord with gladness. Come before Him,
followers watched him, they too wanted to learn Pray and discuss with another group
singing with joy.” Let’s learn a song we can
how to talk to the Father. Today we will learn member.
use to worship the Lord.
what he told them. ● Practice praying using the 4 points of the
Care
Read summary.
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
● Read or watch Luke 11:1-13 two times as ● Practice sharing any previous lesson
biblical counsel and encouragement.
everyone listens.
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
Discovery Discussion Going on the Mission
explain one challenge they experienced this
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Identify 2-4 people from your Oikos Network
week.
like best) and why? List with whom you will tell the story or share
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
● What do we learn about God or people? the gospel this week.
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
● Why do you think this story is important? ● Write “I will by when” statements on your
Celebrate Faithfulness
● How can we live differently now that we Next Step Goals sheet and tell them to your
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
know this story (passage)? small group.
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
with your goals and I will statements?”
Read, Tell and Correct
● Read the story again. Have someone tell
Motivation and Encouragement
the story and ask the group to correct if Praying for the Mission
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
necessary. ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord.
what God can do through them.
Summary Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and
Prayer is simply talking to our heavenly Father. use us to start a movement of
Example: As Jesus went through all the towns
We can use these 4 points to summarize what disciple-makers.
and villages, he saw the needs of the people
and had compassion on them. He said to his Jesus taught:
disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the Praise Him and keep Him the center;
workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, Request what you need from Him;
therefore, to send out workers into his harvest Acknowledge your sins;
field." God wants all people to know him and his Yield your life to His will and to His
love. He wants to use us and He will also raise Kingdom.
up more workers from the harvest we will reap. We can be confident that He hears us and that
Let’s keep asking God to send more workers to His heart is to give us good things.
lead people to know Him.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #6: TALKING WITH GOD [LUKE 11:1-13]
How to Pray
“Mommy,” the child asked, “what’s prayer?” pray to the Father in the name of the Son through the ministry
Mom answered, “It’s two people who love each other talking of the Holy Spirit. Prayer ushers us into the presence of the
together — one of them is God, and the other is you.” King of kings and Lord of lords, and we bow in reverence and
awe. But He is our Father and delights in our communication.
Prayer is simply communicating with the Father, who loves Because of this, we can come before Him confident and relaxed,
us unconditionally. The well-known “hot line” that connects with joyful hearts and filled with expectancy. God loves us more
Washington, D.C., with the Kremlin offers the President instant, than any human being ever could.
direct communication with the Soviet Union in the event of a
national emergency. If we liken it to the communication lines Why Do We Pray?
between the believer and God, the sad truth is that our spiritual
“hot line” to God’s heart sits idle much of the time. We seem 1. Our prayers bring glory to God. Although our Lord delights
to forget the line exists, until an emergency or crisis arises to in our praise and requests, the purpose of prayer is to
remind us that we are not sufficient unto ourselves. glorify Him. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in My name,
that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son”
Who Can Pray? (John 14:13).
Instinctively, man knows he should pray, and he does, 2. We communicate with God through prayer. Some think
even if only to gods of sticks and stone. Whenever we are faced of prayer as a convenient “escape hatch” from trouble, a
with tragedy, heartache, sorrow or danger, we acknowledge the direct route to getting their way, and a means to manipulate
need within us to turn to someone greater than ourselves and God into meeting their needs. To use prayer this way is
more powerful than our circumstances. But peril lies in praying like filling a shiny new Cadillac with balloons. Prayer
ignorantly. When men have prayed to gods of blood, fire and is meant to be so much more. Prayer is a holy line of
war, they have emerged sadistic, ruthless and militaristic. Man communication, instituted and commanded by God
assimilates the moral character of the object he worships. That for the exclusive use of His precious children. The New
applies to the Christian as well. Testament is filled with directives about prayer and its
Scripture points out, “There is one God, and one mediator role in the Christian walk. “Pray without ceasing,” Paul
… between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy said (1 Thessalonians 5:17); “Keep watching and praying”
2:5). Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no (Matthew 26:41); “Pray with the spirit (1 Corinthians
one comes to the Father, but through me” (John 14:6). Sound 14:15). Prayer is important to God and vital to us. We
exclusive? That is exactly what Jesus intended — to show us that cannot grow without it.
the way to God is very narrow, and our focus needs to be on
Him and no one else. He must be our only object of worship, 3. Prayer is fellowship between God and His children. God
for “with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of waits eagerly for us to come to Him in prayer. Longing for
the Lord, [we] are being transformed into the same image” fellowship, He created man. His love for us was so perfect,
(2 Corinthians 3:18). We worship the one, true, holy and loving so unquenchable, that in spite of our self-centeredness, He
God, and focusing on Him makes us more like Him every day. gave His only Son to pay the price for sin and open a way
Prayer requires a clean heart. Imagine that we have been for us to come into His presence. Incredible as it seems,
invited to tea with the Queen of England. What a flurry of God wants our fellowship! Proverbs tells us that “the
preparation would take place! For days we would shop for prayer of the upright is His delight” (Proverbs 15:8). In our
just the right outfit for the occasion. We would appear before egotistical thoughts, prayer has become something for us.
Her Majesty, prepared head to toe with a proper haircut and a Something we do to meet our needs. But we are being told
speech ready to prevent embarrassing blunders. here that prayer meets the need in God, and that we must
God asks only that we bring a clean and open heart into spend time with Him, because our prayers are gifts we offer
His presence. The beloved psalmist said, “If I regard wickedness to please and delight the Lord we love.
in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18). Our holy
God cannot commune with sin; it is the eternal separator. If we 4. Christ set an example of prayer for us. When Jesus was here
would have God hear our prayers, we must confess any sin in among us prayer was a priority for Him. Even in days filled
our lives and enter His chambers dressed in robes of purity. from morning to nighttime with an impossible, pressured
We dare to approach His throne with our petitions and schedule, Jesus found time for prayer. He was dependent
praise only on the authority of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. upon that fellowship with His Father. He escaped into
He is our only mediator. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus prayer and restored His wounded spirit. How much more
said no less than six times, “If you ask Me anything in My name, should we be aware of our own need for prayer?
I will do it” (see John 14:13-16).
5. Prayer brings results. Praying does change things. Jesus
To Whom Do We Pray? prayed for Lazarus, who had died, and God,restored a
beloved friend to life (John 11:43). Elijah prayed that God
Every member of the Trinity is involved in our prayers. We would forbid it to rain, and for three and a half years no
rain fell in the land. When he prayed again that God would to honor and exalt Him in our hearts and minds. Our prayers
let it rain, the sky became black with heavy clouds that should be an expression of complete trust in Him, a confidence
spilled out on the parched ground (James 4:17-18). There is that He hears us. Prayer is much more than words. It is the
undeniable power in the prayer of the believer. expression of our hearts open before God.
Reading psalms of praise aloud, and similar portions
6. Prayer is spiritual nurture for the growing soul. Talking to of Scripture, can greatly enrich our prayer time. Time spent
God and listening for His response is part of His design to praising God for His goodness will warm the coldest heart.
nurture us as we mature in Him. Just as a small child needs Confession. For the Christian who seeks fellowship with
nourishment and love to grow strong physically, we need God, prayer needs to begin with confession on the basis of
regular food for our souls if we want to mature spiritually. Psalm 66:18: “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will
Now and then, a day may slip by when we forget to feed not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 reminds us, “Your iniquities have made
on God’s Word or communicate with the Father, and a separation between you and your God, and your sins have
there may be no apparent ill effects. But if we continue to hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.” Confessing
deprive ourselves of steady nourishment, we will quickly our sin prepares the heart for thanksgiving and supplication.
begin to show the signs of spiritual malnutrition. In times If our discipline of prayer begins with worshipful adoration
of stress, we’ll discover that we have lost the strength to live of God, any sin in our lives will be revealed by the Holy Spirit.
victorious, fruitful lives. For as we see God in His holiness and love, we become aware
of our own sin and unworthiness. Someone dressed in white
When Should We Pray? who enters a dark coal mine will not know how smudged and
dirty he has become until he stands once again in the light. It is
We are told to pray without ceasing, to talk to God about the same with sin. Until we expose ourselves to the “light of the
everything, to shoot “arrow prayers” in His direction as we world” (Jesus), we cannot see the dark places in our lives.
go through the day. We ask for wisdom in difficult places. We We always can be totally transparent with God, for He
thank Him for blessings as they occur. We pray for the salvation knows us intimately. We have no secrets before Him. The hairs
of loved ones, and the healing of the sick. We pray for wisdom of our head are numbered, and He knows our thoughts before
for our leaders, for our pastors and politicians. And all of this is we think them. We cannot hide behind a façade, or fool God.
done as life unfolds round us, on the freeway, in the kitchen with So we can come in complete freedom and honesty and tell Him
children hanging on our knees, walking through the office. exactly how we feel. If you do not feel spiritual, tell Him. If your
But there is also a need for time alone in a set-apart place heart is cold, confess it. If you have been disobedient, confess
where we can kneel undisturbed before an open Bible and talk it and receive His forgiveness and cleansing; be restored to
peacefully with God as we read His Word. We hear God’s voice fellowship once again.
through His Word and through the impressions that come as we True confession is honest, and it involves the following:
open our hearts to meditate in His presence. • Acknowledging that our sin is wrong and therefore, is
As you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to make your grievous to God.
reading meaningful and uplifting. Pause often to thank God for • Accepting God’s forgiveness for our sins – past, present and
His loving provisions, to confess the weaknesses in your life as future;
you see them reflected in Scripture, to ask for the boldness and • Repenting, aligning our attitude with God about our sin.
faith the apostles had, and to thank Him for fresh insights into When we change our attitude, the Holy Spirit then helps us
His plan for your life. Invite God to speak to you, then wait to to change our actions accordingly.
hear His voice.
Group prayer in the company of other Christians is another We can be confident in our confession because 1 John 1:9
vital part of an active prayer life. Yet, few gatherings are more promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to
dull, unattractive and boring than the average prayer meeting. forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
It is a lack of individual preparation that creates the emptiness Beware of unhealthy extremes of confession that lead to
we feel at times like these. When we spend time with God in unnecessary introspection. Accept God’s forgiveness once and
private, preparing for our time together, we come already filled for all for your sin, then concentrate on His love and acceptance
with His presence, expecting Him to do great things as we meet of you as His child.
together with Him. Without preparation, we can only parrot Thanksgiving. There is no better way to demonstrate our
prayers we have patterned after someone else, and there is no faith than to say, “Thank You, God.” The writer of Hebrews
heart in what we say. makes it clear that without faith it is impossible to please the
How exciting it becomes to talk to God as though He were Father (Hebrews 11:6). We are commanded to give thanks for
actually present — as indeed, He is. Prayers are heartfelt and all things because “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
spontaneous, directed by the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:18). To fail to give thanks is to disobey God.
If we are filled with God’s Holy Spirit and recognize that He
What Is Included in Prayer? controls all things, we can thank Him not only for the blessings
of each day, but also for the problems and adversities. When
The basic elements of prayer can be remembered easily by we meditate on the goodness of God, the salvation He has
using the word “ACTS” as a reminder: adoration, confession, freely given, eternal life in Christ, the chance to serve, health,
thanksgiving and supplication. food, shelter, a free country ... we are obeying God’s command.
Adoration. To adore God is to worship and praise Him, And praise has a remarkable effect on us. It is invigorating and
edifying. It focuses our attention on what we have instead of on to explain, “You ask and do not receive because you ask with
what we want, and we can see proof that God is at work in us. wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures”
But praise involves thanking God for adversity as well. (James 4: 2-3). The Lord Jesus speaks with the authority of God
Make a list of every problem, disappointment and heartache when he says, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it”
in your life, then begin at the top and thank God for each (John 14:14).
entry. We are commanded to give thanks in adversity as a Jesus promised, “All things you ask, in prayer, believing,
demonstration of faith. Expressing our faith pleases God and you shall receive (Matthew 21:22). Believing God is the heart
allows Him to make Himself strong on our behalf. A critical, of answered prayer. God does not ask that we have great faith,
unbelieving spirit, on the other hand, displeases Him, hinders but simply that we believe in a great and trustworthy God. Jesus
His efforts to bless and enrich our lives, and keeps Him from said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this
using us for His glory. mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and
Supplication. Paul encourages us, “Be anxious for nothing, nothing shall be impossible to you” (Matthew 17:20).
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, But faith is not something we can manufacture on our own;
let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). To it comes from God (Ephesians 2:8,9). The Holy Spirit produces
many Christian, prayer is like window shopping — they spend a faith in us as we continue to walk in obedience. Faith is like a
great deal of time looking, but they never make a choice to buy. muscle—if we don’t use it, we lose it.
We must know our hearts; we must know what we need, and Receive, by faith, the answers to your requests. If we are
ask God in specific terms, expecting Him to answer. abiding in Christ and are controlled by the Holy Spirit, and if
Supplication includes intercession for others and petition we are praying according to the Word and will of God, we can
for our own needs. expect God to answer our prayers. So be prepared to see some
We should pray daily for our spouses, our children and action. Imagine that you are receiving the answers you are
our parents. We should pray for our neighbors and friends, our seeking and begin to thank God for answered prayer!
pastor and missionaries, and for other Christians to whom God
has given special responsibility. Pray for those in authority. Even Greater Things
Pray especially for the salvation of souls, for a daily
opportunity to introduce others to Christ and to the ministry of As we bow in prayer, we are tapping a source of power
the Holy Spirit, and for the fulfillment of the Great Commission that can change the course of history. God’s might, power,
in our generation. Begin with your campus or your community. love, wisdom and grace are available to us if we believe Him
Pray for and seek to find one or more Christian friends with and claim His provision. Prayer is the greatest privilege of the
whom you can establish prayer partnerships. Christian experience, because it allows us to be in the very
Christians often do not realize the importance of presence of God. When we take the promises of God seriously,
intercession. The apostle Paul continually prayed for his claiming all we have been promised, there is no limit to what
converts (Ephesian 1:15-16), and he also asked them to pray for God can do.
him (Ephesians 6:19). Every Christian should pray for others If you would like to unleash the full power of prayer in your
and should encourage other Christians to pray for him. life, join me in this prayer:
We must pray for ourselves also that our inner man may Father, You said “I have not because I ask not.” So, right
be renewed and quickened, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We now I am claiming Your promises, because I want to live
need to tell God about our problems and ask Him for wisdom in mighty victory as You have promised that I can, for
and guidance. We should ask expectantly for strength to resist Your glory. I pray in Your all-powerful name. Amen.
temptation, and for the comfort we need when sorrowing.
There is nothing too small or too great to bring before the Lord Application
in prayer. What is important to us is important to Him.
1. What did you like best (what caught your attention)?
Can We Pray with Confidence?
Adapted from The Transferable Concepts by Bill Bright. All rights reserved.
Context
Praise
The night before Jesus was crucified, he had Preparing for the Mission
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
dinner with his 12 closest disciples. He told them ● Read Transferable Concept #4: How to
● Example: Read Psalm 16:7-11 and teach a
He was going away but that He was going to Walk in the Spirit and discuss with another
new song
send the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to be with group member.
Care
them forever. He teaches them that through the ● Review the principles of Spiritual Breathing
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
presence of the Holy Spirit living in them, He from lesson 4, “Keeping in Step with the
biblical counsel and encouragement.
himself will be with them. This story uses the Spirit”.
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
image of a vine and its branches to describe ● Practice any skill or topic from previous
explain one challenge they experienced this
what our relationship with Jesus should be like. lessons as needed
week.
Read
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
Read or watch John 15:1-11 two times as Going on the Mission
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
others listen. ● Identify 5 people from your Network List with
Celebrate Faithfulness
Discovery Discussion whom you will tell the story or share the
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
● What caught your attention (or what did you gospel with this week.
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
like best) and why? ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
with your goals and I will statements?”
● What do we learn about God or people? with your small group.
Motivation and Encouragement
● Why do you think this story is important?
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
● How can we live differently now that we Praying for the Mission
what God can do through them.
know this story (passage)? ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
Read, Tell and Correct the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
Example: John 16 teaches us that the Holy Spirit
● Read the story again. Have someone tell start a movement of disciple-makers.
is actively at work in the hearts of those around
the story and ask the group to correct if
us. He is showing them their sin. He is creating
necessary.
a desire to be right with God. He is creating a
longing to avoid the fear of death, which is
Summary
Without Jesus, we cannot do anything. We can Resources for this lesson can be found at:
eternal judgment. He is tearing down the
only have a fruitful life when we depend on and churchmovements.com/sent67/
objections of their minds and hearts. Our job is
to fish for those people through witnessing, remain in Him. This happens as we submit in
finding those whose hearts are ready. Let’s obedience to His ways, allowing his life to flow in
encourage each other by reminding each other and through us so that we can bear fruit for the
that the Spirit is already working before we even glory of God. In other words, we need to let the
go. Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, direct and
empower our lives by faith.
Adapted from The Transferable Concepts by Bill Bright. All rights reserved.
by asking people the same Amazing Question
and by meeting their needs in practical ways.
Context
Praise
A couple of weeks before Jesus’ death, He and
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
His followers were in a town called Jericho. As Preparing for the Mission
● Example: Psalm 33:1-5 and 1-2 songs
they left to travel the 24 km up the mountain to ● Practice telling the story and using the
Care
Jerusalem, a blind man calls out to Jesus trying Amazing Question. Include practice on
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
to get his attention. transitioning a conversation to the story.
biblical counsel and encouragement.
Read ● Optional: tell the story by using the JESUS
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
● Read or watch Luke 18:35-43 two times as video clip
explain one challenge they experienced this
others listen. ● Update your Network List with names of
week.
Discovery Discussion additional people if needed.
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. ● What caught your attention (or what did you
like best) and why?
Celebrate Faithfulness
● What do we learn about God or people? Going on the Mission
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
● Why do you think this story is important? ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
● How can we live differently now that we List with whom you can pray and care for
with your goals and I will statements?”
know this story (passage)? using the Amazing Question.
Motivation and Encouragement
Read, Tell and Correct ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
● Read the story again. Have someone tell the with your small group.
what God can do through them.
story and ask the group to correct if
necessary.
The first words of Jesus in Mark were telling
Summary Praying for the Mission
people to “repent.” This means to change our
Jesus has great compassion for people! He ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
whole way of thinking because God’s ways are
asked the blind man an amazing question, the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
so different from ours. One area is how we view
“What do you want me to do for you?” Then He start a movement of disciple-makers.
ourselves. We need a new understanding of life
with God and what He can do in our lives. The met the man’s needs. In John 14:12-13 Jesus
said, “Whoever believes in me will also do the Resources for this lesson can be found at:
next words of Jesus were "Follow Me, and I will
works that I do; and greater works than these churchmovements.com/sent67/
make you fishers of men." Every disciple of
Jesus is called to live out this twin call to follow will he do, because I am going to the Father.
Him and fish for men. Our sacrificial commitment Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do that
to Jesus transforms daily life and all our the Father may be glorified in the Son.” As
relationships. Let’s encourage each other to followers of Jesus, we take the initiative to show
continually repent, follow and fish! compassion for people in the power of the Spirit
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #8: AMAZING QUESTION AND CARE [LUKE 18:35-43]
Context Preparing for the Mission
Praise
Jesus challenged four men to follow Him and ● Study the following Persons of Peace and
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
learn to fish for men. As Jesus was training his discuss with another group member: Luke
● Example: Read Romans 11:33-36 and sing
followers to fish for men, he modeled six 19:1-10, Mark 5:14-20, John 4:1-42, Acts
1-2 songs.
different situations to them. The last situation 16:13-15
Care
was to an unlikely government official who would ● Review using the Amazing Question and
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
join the four men and become one of Jesus’ caring for others
biblical counsel and encouragement.
closest followers. ● Practice any skill or topic from previous
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
Read lessons as needed
explain one challenge they experienced this
● Read or watch Luke 5:27-32 two times as
week.
everyone listens.
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
Discovery Discussion Going on the Mission
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
Celebrate Faithfulness
like best) and why? List with whom you will take the initiative to
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
● What do we learn about God or people? minister to this week. Use what you learned
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
● Why do you think this story is important? this week with at least 3.
with your goals and I will statements?”
● How can we live differently now that we ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
Motivation and Encouragement
know this story (passage)? with your small group.
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
Read, Tell and Correct
what God can do through them.
● Read the story again. Have someone tell
the story and ask the group to correct if Praying for the Mission
Example: God changes lives and uses them for
necessary. ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
His glory. One example is the story of a middle
Summary the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
eastern man named Adam. He was trained to
Read Luke 10:1-11. Jesus sent out his start a movement of disciple-makers.
be a martyr for his religion. But all of that
changed one night when he dramatically met followers to do the same things he had been
doing: praying for people, caring for their needs Resources for this lesson can be found at:
Christ. He was so excited about his new
and sharing about the Kingdom. This can be churchmovements.com/sent67/
relationship to Christ, he began to witness to all
of those he knew. Despite being persecuted, he summarized as Prayer, Care, Share. He
continues to share the gospel and train others. multiplied himself by training and sending out
Encourage them by reading 1 Corinthians new workers. The Person of Peace is a
1:24-31. God-prepared person who will receive you and
your message. Through their relationships, they
open new networks of people to the gospel.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #9: GOD PREPARED PEOPLE [LUKE 5:27-32]
are a powerful witness of the benefits of knowing
the Lord.
Context
Praise
Paul had been arrested because he was falsely
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
accused by the Jewish leaders of breaking a Preparing for the Mission
● Example: Read Psalm 66:1-4 and sing
temple law. During his defense before the ● Give a modern example by telling your own
songs.
Governor, Paul shared the story of how he came story and highlighting the 3 parts
Care
to know Christ. ● Practice sharing their story with a partner
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
● Have them choose 1 word that describes the
biblical counsel and encouragement.
Read 3 parts of their story
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
● Read or watch Acts 22:1-21 two times as ● Have them expand it by writing down 2-3
explain one challenge they experienced this
everyone listens. sentences for each of the 3 parts
week.
● Let them practice telling their story with a
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
Discovery Discussion partner. After 3 minutes, have them give
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
● What caught your attention (or what did you feedback and then switch.
Celebrate Faithfulness
like best) and why? ● If time allows, have them switch partners
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
● What do we learn about God or people? and repeat the same process
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
● Why do you think this story is important?
with your goals and I will statements?”
● How can we live differently now that we
Motivation and Encouragement Going on the Mission
know this story (passage)?
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
what God can do through them.
Retell and Correct List with whom you will take the initiative to
● Read the story again. Have someone tell minister to this week. Use what you learned
Example: In John 3:8, the Spirit of God is
the story and ask the group to correct if this week with at least 3.
described as a wind. We cannot control Him or
necessary. ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
make Him move; He blows where He wills. We
with your small group.
cannot create movements, only the Spirit of God
can. But we can position ourselves so that when Summary
He does move, we are ready to move with Him. Paul’s story (testimony) can be summarized in 3
Praying for the Mission
The simple skills you’ve been learning help do parts:
● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
just that. The good news is this: the Spirit of God ● his life before meeting Christ,
the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
is at work everywhere! Let’s keep preparing ● how he met Christ, and
start a movement of disciple-makers.
ourselves and praying for the Spirit to move. ● his life after meeting Christ.
This pattern is still an effective way to tell others
Resources for this lesson can be found at:
what Jesus has done in our lives. Our stories
churchmovements.com/sent67/
Context
Praise
After Jesus was raised from the dead, He
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
continued teaching His disciples about God’s Preparing for the Mission
● Example: Read Psalm 95:1-7.
Kingdom. During His last meeting with them, He ● Read Transferable Concept #5: How you
Care
reinforced the mission they were being called to can be a fruitful witness and discuss with
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
and about the help that would be provided to another group member.
biblical counsel and encouragement.
them. ● Remind them: Success in witnessing is
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
simply taking the initiative to share Christ in
explain one challenge they experienced this
Read the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the
week.
● Read or watch Acts 1:1-8 two times as results to God.
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
everyone listens. ● Review the Spiritual Breathing principle and
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
give personal opportunity to Exhale and
Celebrate Faithfulness
Discovery Discussion Inhale
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
● What caught your attention (or what did you ● Give time for praying to be controlled and
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
like best) and why? empowered by the Holy Spirit
with your goals and I will statements?”
● What do we learn about God or people?
Motivation and Encouragement
● Why do you think this story is important?
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or Going on the Mission
● How can we live differently now that we
what God can do through them.
know this story (passage)? ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
Example: In the book of Acts, we see how
List with whom you will take the initiative to
believers trained others to be trainers of others.
Retell and Correct minister to this week. Use what you learned
One of the first followers of Jesus was a man
● Read the story again. Have someone tell this week with at least 3.
named Barnabas. He found a new believer
the story and ask the group to correct if ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
named Paul and helped him. Paul found a
necessary. with your small group.
young believer named Timothy and took
Timothy with him to share the gospel in many Summary
places. Later, Paul wrote to Timothy that he To follow Jesus means that we will obey His
command to be His witnesses. But we can only Praying for the Mission
should train faithful men in the churches to find
do what is needed with the help of the power of ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
other younger Christians to train. Read 2
the Holy Spirit in our lives. Only as He the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
Timothy 2:2. Jesus to Barnabas to Paul to
empowers us, can we be effective witnesses. start a movement of disciple-makers.
Timothy to faithful men to other younger
Christians. All Christians are called to train God’s desire is that we witness to
everyone--those like us and those not like us; Resources for this lesson can be found at:
trainers who can train trainers to train others. In
churchmovements.com/sent67/
this way the gospel spreads rapidly!
Adapted from The Transferable Concepts by Bill Bright. All rights reserved.
Context Preparing for the Mission
Praise
Read Acts 10:1-8. Peter was directed by the ● Practice setting up a missional event in the
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
Spirit to go to a seaside town called Caesarea home of a Person of Peace.
● Example: Read Psalm 9:1-2.
where a Roman military leader named Cornelius ● Discuss how they will ask the Person of
Care
lived. He was a God-prepared Person of Peace. Peace to host the event.
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
Peter obeyed and traveled to Caesarea to tell ● Discuss how to use short films and
biblical counsel and encouragement.
Cornelius about Jesus. Let’s see what happens. JESUS Film clips to have spiritual
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
discussions using the standard 2
explain one challenge they experienced this
Read questions.
week.
● Read or watch Acts 10:24-35 two times as ● Discuss how to offer an opportunity to
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
everyone listens. pray.
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
Discovery Discussion ● Discuss how to follow up with those who
Celebrate Faithfulness
put their faith in Christ.
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus ● What caught your attention (or what did you
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God like best) and why?
with your goals and I will statements?” ● What do we learn about God or people?
● Why do you think this story is important? Going on the Mission
Motivation and Encouragement
● How can we live differently now that we ● Identify at least one Person of Peace that
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
know this story (passage)? you could ask to host an event.
what God can do through them.
Retell and Correct ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
List with whom you will take the initiative to
Example: Since everyone is called to follow ● Read the story again. Have someone tell
minister to this week. Use what you learned
Jesus and fish for men, we should realize there the story and ask the group to correct if
this week with at least 3.
are only two kinds of people in the world-- lost necessary.
● Write “I will by when” statements and share
and saved. Lost people need to follow Jesus. Summary
with your small group.
Saved people need to learn to fish for the lost. Persons of Peace are people of relationship. We
When you see the world as two types of people, can share the gospel with individual people, but
then your daily interactions get much simpler. If we need to also look for opportunities to follow
Praying for the Mission
you meet a lost person, witness to them. If you open doors to share with the friends and family
● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
meet a saved person, offer to train them. It can’t of Persons of Peace. Other examples of the
the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
get much easier than that! gospel spreading through relationships are Lydia
start a movement of disciple-makers.
and her household (Acts 16:14-15), the
Philippian jailer and his household (Acts
Resources for this lesson can be found at:
16:30-33) and Matthew the tax collector and his
churchmovements.com/sent67/
friends (Matthew 9:9-10).
Context
Praise
During a Jewish feast called Pentecost, Jews from all
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
over the world were in Jerusalem. God sent the Holy Preparing for the Mission
● Example: Read Psalm 100.
Spirit on 120 of His followers who had gathered ● Practice drawing the church health circle as
together. Through the Spirit’s power, the 120 an easy way to remember all the
Care followers began speaking in the languages of the characteristics of church. Include:
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer, visitors from all over the world. Peter began preaching
● worship, fellowship, studying God’s
biblical counsel and encouragement. to a crowd about the death and resurrection of Jesus,
word, prayer, Lord’s Supper, baptism,
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and proving He was the Messiah. As a result, 3,000
ministry, witness, giving and caring
explain one challenge they experienced this people believed and were baptized. But what came
leaders.
week. next after they believed?
● Discuss the following:
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you Read
“Does this group want to make that
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. ● Read or watch Acts 2:41-47 two times as
same commitment to one another? To
everyone listens. be the Lord’s church in this place?”
Celebrate Faithfulness Discovery Discussion
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus ● What caught your attention (or what did you
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God like best) and why? Going on the Mission
with your goals and I will statements?” ● What do we learn about God or people? ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
● Why do you think this story is important? List with whom you will take the initiative to
Motivation and Encouragement ● How can we live differently now that we minister to this week.
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or know this story (passage)? ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
what God can do through them. Retell and Correct with your small group.
● Read the story again. Have someone tell
Example: Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Isn’t it the story and ask the group to correct if
amazing? We were dead in our sins, but God necessary. Praying for the Mission
has made us alive. He did all of this so that you Summary ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
could accomplish the good works He has Read Matthew 16:18. The Holy Spirit led the the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
prepared for you. Our lives are full of purpose early believers to meet together regularly for start a movement of disciple-makers.
and meaning! Let’s encourage each by worship, prayer, fellowship, study of God’s word,
reminding ourselves of these truths. loving one another and reaching out to those Resources for this lesson can be found at:
who did not yet know Christ. In every location of churchmovements.com/sent67/
the book of Acts, people became followers of
Christ and they made this same commitment to
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #13: COMMITTING TO ONE ANOTHER [ACTS 2:41-47]
Context Preparing for the Mission
Praise
God gave the Jews a special celebration called ● Practice the Lord’s supper. Use what local
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
the Passover to remember how He delivered church leaders have given or use the
● Example: Matthew 10:28-30.
them from slavery in Egypt. The night before suggested practice below.
● (optional) Use a Statement of Faith about
Jesus died on the cross, He celebrated the ● Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.
Jesus, like Philippians 2:11b; 1 Timothy
Passover with His disciples and explained how ● Pause and give them time to confess
2:4-6a
the Passover pointed to Him. their sins and talk to the Lord.
Care
Read ● Give the bread, tell them this represents
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer,
● Read or watch Luke 22:14-20 two times as His body that was broken for us. Eat it
biblical counsel and encouragement.
everyone listens. together.
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and
Discovery Discussion ● Give the drink. Tell them this represents
explain one challenge they experienced this
● What caught your attention (or what did you His blood that was shed for us. Drink it
week.
like best) and why? together.
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you
● What do we learn about God or people? ● Pray and thank the Lord for what He has
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.
● Why do you think this story is important? done for us.
● How can we live differently now that we
Celebrate Faithfulness Going on the Mission
know this story (passage)?
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus
Retell and Correct ● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God
● Read the story again. Have someone tell List with whom you will take the initiative to
with your goals and I will statements?”
the story and ask the group to correct if minister to this week.
necessary. ● Write “I will by when” statements and share
Motivation and Encouragement with your small group.
Summary
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
Jesus modeled to His followers a way to
what God can do through them.
remember His sacrificial death on the cross.
[Take a piece of bread] The bread represents Praying for the Mission
Example: Read Hebrews 10:19-25. The Lord did
His body that was broken for us. [Show them ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
not call us to be alone. He called us to be
wine or juice] The drink represents His blood the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
together. We face many challenges and we
that was shed for us and opened a new way to start a movement of disciple-makers.
need encouragement and accountability to obey
relate to God. He also commanded them to keep
the Lord. Following Jesus is best done in
practicing it. Resources for this lesson can be found at:
community. We need each other so let’s not
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-30, we see that as Paul churchmovements.com/sent67/
quit meeting together!
started new churches, he taught all new
believers how to obey Jesus’ command.
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #14: REMEMBERING JESUS SACRIFICE [LUKE 22:14-20]
Context Preparing for the Mission
Praise
The early church was committed to one another. ● Discuss how giving will be handled.
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
They were meeting together regularly and many new ● Identify needs where your giving can be
● Example: Hebrews 4:14-16.
people were coming to Christ. After a time of used.
● (optional) Use a Statement of Faith about persecution, they prayed for boldness and the Lord ● Remember Jesus’ sacrifice through
Jesus, like Philippians 2:11b; 1 Timothy helped them speak the gospel boldly. This story about communion if appropriate.
2:4-6a the believers in Jerusalem shows their commitment to
● Practice any skill or topic from previous
Care one another.
lessons to help prepare to minister to others.
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer, Read
biblical counsel and encouragement. ● Read or watch Acts 4:32-37 two times as
Going on the Mission
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and everyone listens.
● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
explain one challenge they experienced this Discovery Discussion
List with whom you will take the initiative to
week. ● What caught your attention (or what did you like
minister to this week.
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you best) and why?
● Write “I will by when” statements and share
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. ● What do we learn about God or people?
with your small group.
Celebrate Faithfulness ● Why do you think this story is important?
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus ● How can we live differently now that we know this
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God story (passage)?
Retell and Correct Praying for the Mission
with your goals and I will statements?”
● Read the story again. Have someone tell the ● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
story and ask the group to correct if necessary. the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
Motivation and Encouragement
Summary start a movement of disciple-makers.
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or
what God can do through them. Even from the beginning of the church, the believers
cared for one another’s needs by giving. We learn Resources for this lesson can be found at:
Example: One day Jesus sent out His followers
from this story that we should give willingly, not under churchmovements.com/sent67/
to minister to people in the surrounding villages.
compulsion. This is clearly stated in 2 Corinthians 9:7.
When they returned they were so excited about
Read Acts 11:27-29. The early church also gave to
all that God had done through them, “Lord, even
believers in other churches. This shows us that our
the demons obey us when we use your name!” giving can be used for needs outside of our own
After Jesus celebrated with them, He gave them church. Read Luke 8:1-3. This story shows us that
this perspective: “But don’t rejoice because evil giving is also used for taking the gospel to other
spirits obey you; rejoice because your names places and spread God’s message. In 1 Corinthians
are registered in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) 16:2, Paul encourages people to practice giving each
Jesus reminds us that our joy is not found in week to be used for these purposes.
results but that we know Him!
PURSUE - SENT 6:7 FBS #15: GIVING WITH PURPOSE [ACTS 4:32-37]
Context Preparing for the Mission
Praise
Large crowds were beginning to follow Jesus. They ● Practice any skill or topic from previous
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.
heard of the miraculous healings and the feedings lessons to help prepare to minister to others.
● Example: Hebrews 13:14-15.
of the multitudes. They were attracted to Him ● Practice giving, as agreed upon.
● (optional) Use a Statement of Faith about because of the benefits they hoped to receive from ● Remember Jesus’ sacrifice through
Jesus, like Philippians 2:11b; 1 Timothy Him. But Jesus knew their hearts. He knew they communion, if appropriate.
2:4-6a really were not willing to follow Him unconditionally.
Care He wanted them to recognize that to follow Him
Going on the Mission
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer, meant to surrender everything to Him.
● Identify 5 people from your Oikos Network
biblical counsel and encouragement. Read
List with whom you will take the initiative to
● Ask each person to tell one highlight and ● Read or watch Luke 14:25-33 two times as
minister to this week.
explain one challenge they experienced this everyone listens.
● Write “I will by when” statements and share
week. Discovery Discussion
with your small group.
● Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you ● What caught your attention (or what did you
this week?” Pray for each other’s needs. like best) and why?
Celebrate Faithfulness ● What do we learn about God or people?
Praying for the Mission
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus ● Why do you think this story is important?
● Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask
● Ask, “What happened as you trusted God ● How can we live differently now that we
the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to
with your goals and I will statements?” know this story (passage)?
start a movement of disciple-makers.
Retell and Correct
Motivation and Encouragement ● Read the story again. Have someone tell the
Resources for this lesson can be found at:
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or story and ask the group to correct if necessary.
churchmovements.com/sent67/
what God can do through them. Summary
Example: God’s heart is for all the lost. Yet, so When we follow Christ, the benefits are eternal and
many places around us do not have followers of beyond compare: forgiveness of sins, salvation,
Jesus to be a light for the community and show and security in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
God’s love to the people there. As followers of But being a disciple of Jesus will not make you
Jesus, we are called by God to align our hearts exempt from pain and trials. Because we live in an
to His heart for ALL the lost. We need to pursue evil world, following Christ will also bring you
a big vision that will reach all lost communities persecution and challenges. Anyone who desires
around us. We are trusting God to use us to to live a godly life in Jesus will be persecuted by
others. But let’s be encouraged by Peter, one of
bring “a church for every village and community
Jesus’ closest friends, read 1 Peter 4:12-16 and
and the gospel for every person!”
19.