The Important Path to Christian Victory
Introduction
One of the earliest lessons in Christian discipleship reminds us about how God came to earth in Jesus Christ to seek and meet the deepest needs of man because man has fallen and has problem with sin including the need for man to confess and repent of his sins to God as his source of salvation and the way into heaven (Rm. 3: 23; 10: 9). However, in Scripture, from the beginning, before the fall, God`s plan is to make us like His son Jesus, “Let Us make man in Our image after Our likeness...” Genesis 1: 26.
Here, in our study, we are more concerned about how to grow because after God has given man a new life, growing in the likeness of God is man`s responsibility in collaboration with the Holy Spirit. As you know, the process of becoming like Christ begins through a process after man has conceived the desire to grow and is intentional and committed to follow Christ because Christian growth and maturity doesn`t take place at salvation and the whole idea of growth is not automatic. When Jesus calls His disciples, they didn`t waste any minute, but simply follow Him immediately (Matt. 4: 17 - 25). We`d want to admit that they responded and followed without knowing the implication of their decision. Because once you decide to get serious about becoming like Christ, you`ll be expected to begin to live in new ways and getting rid of the old habits (Ephesians 4: 17 – 35; 2 Corinthians 5: 16 – 21).
Today, there`s a growing pattern of thinking with a perspective that isn`t base on Christ. Often, people think of what their sinful desire deserves. For example, in Romans 1: 18 – 24, some are afraid to commit to Christ neglecting the eternal consequences. As a matter of fact, some Christians show half commitment because of something else they value and end up with frustration and bitterness having nothing to show at the end (John 15: 5 1 timothy 6: 7)
To change to a new life, we must change how we think because one of the greatest battles after the fall is the battle of the mind and things that have influenced us including the cultures from which man grew. No wonder, God put tremendous emphasis in the Bible to teach and remind us that what we put on our minds affects our growth in God`s likeness and also affects how man thinks of himself, the problem of sin, his God`s given purpose, how to live in this world, his future life after death and his relationship with others.
The phrase in Isaiah 45: 19 is a powerful reminder where God has spoken to the descendants of Jacob that they are not to seek serve and follow him in vain. Consider prayerfully therefore that our study would clarify on the fact that being intentional and committed to follow Jesus even when we don`t know the implication is one sincere thing we need to do to get started with God because what shapes the lives of Jesus` disciples was their commitment. It demonstrates and shows that the only reason people miss the purpose of God for their lives is when they fail to make intentional decision to follow and commit to God and to the things of God.
QUESTIONS
1. Ephesians 4: 17 - 24, verse 17 signals something important. What has Paul emphasized that was a special warning. Reading through, explain in what way(s) we are Gentiles by birth. Describe a Gentile by birth in the reality of his new nature and identity.
A. In Ephesians 4: 11 - 20, Paul speaks personally of his ministry in Galatia. Explain his two strong appeals, what they mean and why he urged the Ephesian believers
B. Why do you think the discussion changed abruptly in verse 20. What does, “You did not so learned Christ,” implied?
C. Read Rom. 1: 18 – 23 with Ephe. 4: 17 – 20, why has God become so angry with the Gentiles
2. There were some interpretations that favor the idea that Christians needed thorough instruction in how to live the new life and resist the pressure of their surroundings. With this in mind, explain the statement Christianity was much more than learning truths with the mind using Ephesians 4: 22 – 25.
A. According to Romans 1: 21 – 25, describe what you understand follows failure in divine guidance. What does darkness symbolize in the very context of eternal life
B. Read Rom. 1: 18 – 23 with Ephe. 4: 17 – 20, why has God become so angry with the Gentiles
C. Is there a justifiable righteous anger, cite example(s) from Scripture.
D. Consider Psalm 4: 4 about dealing with anger in Ephesians 4: 26 – 27. Why must you deal with anger and how do you express anger appropriately and rest it to rest.
3. Speaking the truth is the characteristics of the old nature being changed. Why must believers speak the truth from Ephesians 4: 11 – 16. Considering Zachariah 8: 16, why are the words of Paul a compelling reason and strong counsel for the church to notice.
A. How is Mark 11: 29 – 33 similar to Ephesians 4: 17 – 19
B. Regarding honest work in Ephesians 4: 28 – 29, discuss Paul`s use of the words to show the context suggests there are some who lived by dishonest means before becoming Christians
4. Following the warning against grieving the holy Spirit in Ephesians 4: 31 – 32, Paul listed some form of sin. How are these sins usually expressed in human life?
A. According to 2 Corinth. 5: 16 - 21, Paul`s critics judged, evaluate and value people on the basis of outward appearances. What`s Paul`s overwhelming concern and what is Paul trying to emphasize
B. Paul described the attitude of the Pharisees in John 7: 19 – 24. What influenced them the most and the uncertainty that is in their minds.
C. Paul constantly describes in his letter all those who are united in Christ by faith as part of Christ and as New Creation. Discuss the statement old things have passed away, but hanged for a while.
5. The phrase, “God was in Christ reconciling,” in 2 Corinth, 5: 19 points to his incarnation and divine human nature as the channel of reconciliation.
A. What has God done for humanity according to these references: 2 Corinth. 5: 14 -15, 19, 21; Rm. 5: 10 – 11; Eph. 2: 16; Col. 1: 20
B. In whom did God accomplished the reconciliation of man, and why do you think Paul makes forceful appeal of this reconciliation through messengers called Ambassadors
C. Explain the background to reconciliation in Roman 10: 9 – 13, and describe anything you find that`s important and meaningful. In view of this, what does it mean to say the reputation of Christ and his church are in the hands of believers.
