October 2013

Aim: The purpose of this lesson is to help us to see our need for teaching and biblical instruction and to develop a desire to go on with the Lord – beyond a mere confession of faith. A deeper understanding of what we believe and why we believe it will produce a greater maturity and an increased fruitfulness in the life of the believer.

Golden Text Illuminated: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth of love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” Ephesians 4:14 -15 (KJV)

I. What Is Doctrine?

1. A.The word “doctrine” simply means blankor blank.
2. B.A “biblical doctrine” is simply all that the Bible teaches or says about a particular subject.

II. What Is the Basic Purpose of All Doctrinal Study?

Luke, the author of the third gospel, put it this way , “. . .to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us . . .that thou mighest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.“ Luke 1:1-4.

The Purpose of All Doctrinal Study Is Fivefold:

1. A.To equip the believer to do blank.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

1. B.To prepare the believer to war blankwarfare against satan.
2. C.To ground our faith blankon the Word of Truth.

“Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

1. D.To enable the believer to properly blankto the Lord and His people.

“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.”

1. E.To instruct the believer as to how to blankin the House of the Lord.

“These things I write unto thee . . . that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

III. Why Is It Important for Every Believer to Have a Good Biblical Foundation?

Many people today would lead us to believe that it does not matter what you believe as long as you have accepted Christ as your Saviour. The Bible is emphatic about this point that it is important that every believer knows what they believe and why they believe it (I Timothy 6:1-4; Titus 2:7-15; I Timothy 4:6, 13).

“. . . Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

Observation

What did you learn from todays Lesson?

Prayer

Say a prayer concerning what you learnt.

Aim: The purpose of this lesson is to help us to see our need for teaching and biblical instruction and to develop a desire to go on with the Lord – beyond a mere confession of faith. A deeper understanding of what we believe and why we believe it will produce a greater maturity and an increased fruitfulness in the life of the believer.

Golden Text Illuminated: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth of love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” Ephesians 4:14-15 (KJV)

I. There Are Several Reasons Why It Is Important to Know What We Believe:

1. A.Because the last days will be characterized by blank. This is very apparent in our day with the rise of various cults and the infiltration of secular, humanistic philosophies (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 John 7; Matthew 24:10-13, 24).

“ . . . Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

1. B.Because every believer is to blankothers to observe the commandments of the Lord.

“Go ye therefore and teach all nations . . . teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”

1. C.Because all believers should be able to give blankwhen questioned concerning the hope that they have in Christ.

II. Why Study Doctrine?

“ . . . Be ready always to give blankthat asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

1. A.Because what we believe will affect blank (John 14:6; 2 Peter 1:8-11).

“ . . . The Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation . . .”

III. What Are the Requirements for Doctrine?

1. A.Doctrine must be blank (1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3-4)

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.”

1. B.Doctrine must be blank (Titus 2:7, 8).
2. C.Doctrine must be based on blank (2 Timothy 3:14 – 17).

“Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

1. D.Doctrine must be mixed with blank (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

1. E.Doctrine must be blank (Romans 6:17; Luke 11:28).

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

End Notes: God is raising up a body of people in our day who are going to go beyond the last generation in entering into the provisions of the New Covenant. If this is true, we must be a people who have a love for the Word of Truth and a desire to learn the right ways of God. We are living in a time where people like to choose for themselves what they want to hear and are resisting some of the things that are clearly revealed in the Word of God. If we will distinguish ourselves in these days by a love for righteousness and a desire to live by God’s Word, God will do special things through us as He has promised.

Observation

What did you learn from today’s lesson?

Prayer

Say a prayer concerning what you learnt.

Aim: The purpose of this lesson is to help us to recognise that the only true foundation on which to begin to build the Christian life and by which to maintain it is that of repentance from everything that hinders us from becoming all that God desires for us to become.

Golden Text Illuminated: “ . . . The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel.” Mark 1:15 (KJV).

I. What Is the First Word of the Gospel?

The first word of the Gospel isblank the second word of the Gospel is blank (Mark 1:15).

1. A.The message John the Baptist gave to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus was blank (Matthew 3:1-8).
2. B.The first message that Jesus proclaimed as a prerequisite for entering the Kingdom was blank (Matthew 4:17).
3. C.The message that the disciples carried wherever they went was the message of blank (Mark 6:7-13).
4. D.The call that went out on the first sermon after the outpouring of the Spirit was of blank(Acts 2:38-39).
5. E.Paul began his preaching with the message of blank (Acts 20:20-21).

“. . . Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.”

Repentance is the first step in the believer’s life. God commands it. If this foundation is not properly laid, the whole structure will be shaky, unable to stand the tests and trials that come (Luke 6:46-49). The Psalmist declares, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalms 11:3). We must firmly lay this “foundation of repentance from dead works” if we are to be strong (Hebrews 6:1-2).

II. What Does It Mean for a Person to “Repent”?

1. A.The word “repent” means to change one’s mind, thoughts, purpose or views regarding a matter. It refers to a change in blank, which results in a new direction for the whole life.
2. B.Charles Finney defined repentance as an “intellectual and a hearty giving up of all controversy with God upon all and every point. It implies a conviction that God is wholly right, and the sinner is wholly wrong, and a thorough and hearty abandonment of all blank.”

III. Why Is Repentance Necessary for Man?

1. A.Because of the blank, the first man, into sin there is an inborn desire in the mind of man to go his own way and rebel against the right ways of God (Ephesians 2:3; Colossians 1:21).

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

1. B.Because blankhas erred from the right ways of God by virtue of his own decisions in life (Romans 7:18-25).

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

1. C.Because blankman does not have the power to live a life that is pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6).

Observation

What did you learn from today’s lesson?

Prayer

Say a prayer concerning what you learnt.

Aim: The purpose of this lesson is to help us to recognise that the only true foundation on which to begin to build the Christian life and by which to maintain it is that of repentance from everything that hinders us from becoming all that God desires for us to become.

Golden Text Illuminated: “ . . . The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel.” Mark 1:15 (KJV).

I. What Are Some of the Wrong Concepts About Repentance?

There are many concepts that have been confused with true repentance. The tragedy is that if we accept any one of these false concepts it will keep us from experiencing genuine repentance.

Repentance from Dead Works

True repentance is not:

1. A.blank . Conviction of sin will always precede genuine repentance, but not all who are convicted will truly repent (Acts 24:24-25).
2. B.blank .Worldly sorrow is simply being sorry for “getting caught”. But not being sorry for the actual crime committed. Given the same set of circumstances this person would probably repeat the same sin (2 Corinthians 7:10).
3. C.blank. Reformation in this sense is simply trying to “turn over a new leaf” in the strength of the natural man. This will never be successful without a genuine heart change.
4. D.blank. The Pharisees in Christ’s day were very religious but they were hypocrites. It is possible to maintain a form of religion but never experience the genuine power of repentance (2 Timothy 3:5).
5. E.blank or “only believism”. Mental faith is merely the mental acceptance and assent to a set of creeds or doctrines, but without any real change of heart and life (James 2:19-20).

Oswald Chambers writes that repentance, “describes that deep and radical change whereby a sinner turns from idols of self and sin to God, and devotes every movement of the inner and outer man to the captivity of His obedience.

II. What Are the Fruits of Genuine Repentance?

“If genuine repentance has taken place on the inside of man there will be outward signs, or fruits, of this inward work. Although no one can judge the heart of another, there should be external evidence that the heart has been truly changed. John the Baptist did not merely accept the Pharisee’s confession that they desired a baptism unto repentance; he challenged them to also “bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matthew 3:8.

If genuine repentance has taken place, it should be evidenced by the following:

1. A.A Godly sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-11).
2. B.A confession of sin and a plea for mercy (1 John 1:9; Luke 15:21; 18:13-14).
3. C.A turning from, or forsaking, of sinful ways (Proverbs 28:13; Acts 19:17-20).
4. D.A Godly hatred for sin (Ezekiel 36:31-33).
5. E.A turning unto the ways of righteousness (1 Thessalonians 1:9; Colossians 3:1-14).
6. F.Restitution for the wrongs done, wherever possible. (Leviticus 6:1-7; Luke 19:8).

Without these fruits being manifest, there is no genuine Bible repentance.

III. What Are the Results of Genuine Repentance?

1. A.There is great joy in Heaven (Luke 15:7, 10).
2. B.There is a pardon and remission of sins (Isaiah 55:7).
3. C.There is a great refreshing from the Lord (Acts 3:19-21).
4. D.There is a clearing of the conscience (2 Corinthians 7:10-11).

End notes: Repentance is something that is absolutely necessary if we are to be founded on the Rock, Christ Jesus. It begins as a one – time experience when we accept the Lordship of Christ in our life, but it continues to be important in the process of sanctification as the Holy Spirit is faithful to the point out many other areas that are in need of change. Every believer needs to be prepared to respond in repentance as often as there is a need for it. In this way we will progress daily in our Christian walk towards God’s ultimate will for our lives.

Observation

What did you learn from today’s lesson?

Prayer

Say a prayer concerning what you learnt.

Aim: The purpose of this lesson is to help us to see that the Christian life is a life of faith – not a dead faith, but a faith that is alive and active, responding quickly to the Word of the Lord.

Golden Text Illuminated: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrew 11:6 KJV.

I. How Important Is Faith?

1. A.Faith towards God is the second principle of the Doctrine of Christ. (Hebrew 6:1).
2. B.Faith and repentance are inseparably linked together. They are mutually blankupon each other. (Acts 20:21; Mark 1:15).
3. C.Faith is the foundation for the entire Christian life. Nothing can be known or received from God unless man first believes in His existence and, secondly, that God has revealed Himself in His Word, the Bible (Hebrews 11:6).

The just shall live by blank”. Romans 1:17

1. D.Baxter puts it this way: “To profess to turn to God without forsaking sin in repentance ends in hypocrisy. To attempt to forsake sin without turning to God in faith, ends in failure and despair”.

II. What Is Faith?

1. A.The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (NIV).
2. B.The dictionary defines faith as a “trust, firm persuasion, assurance, firm conviction, confidence in another and another’s word.”
3. C.Charles Finney put it this way: Faith is “receiving of Christ for just what He is represented to be in His Gospel and an unqualified surrender of the will, and of the whole being to Him”.
4. D.R. A. Torrey states, “To believe God is to rely upon or have unhesitating assurance of the truth of God’s testimony, even though it is unsupported by any other evidence, and to rely upon or have unfaltering assurance of the fulfilment of His promises, even though everything seen seems against fulfilment.”

III. What Is the Source of True Faith?

1. A.The only source of true biblical faith is blank (Romans 10:4-17).

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

1. B.Abraham serves as an example to us of how to receive and respond to the Word of God (Hebrews 11:8-12; Romans 4:16-22).

The manner in which Abraham manifests Faith is the manner in which we must manifest Faith:

1. 1.He heard the Word.
2. 2.He placed his hope in the future according to that word.
3. 3.He refused to accept natural evidences that contradicted that word.
4. 4.He did not waiver in his commitment to that word.
5. 5.He rejoiced when the fulfilment of the word was realised.

Scriptural Faith is blank, not the mind. It is in the present, not the future. It produces a positive change in the behaviour and experience. It is based solely in God’s Word and accepts the testimony of the senses blankwhen it agrees with the text of God’s Word.

Observation

What did you learn from today’s lesson?

Prayer

Say a prayer concerning what you learnt.