KVC Bible Study Series
CONTENTS
SEEKING GOD
Purpose
-To show how much we need God. To show how much God wants us.
-To give practical advice and support about how to effectively (Biblically) seek God.
Matthew 7:7-8
-What does this passage promise?
-What does that mean for you?
-If finding God is guaranteed, then this is a worthwhile pursuit!
Matthew 7:13-14
-This verse seems to contradict 7:7-8. How can it be that: “everyone who seeks finds,” but, “only a few find it?”
-So, there is a certain way to seek God that guarantees we’ll find him. How should we search after God to be sure we’ll find him?
-There are only two roads. If you had to choose which road you are on right now, what would you honestly choose? Why?
Matthew 6:33
-According to this verse how are we to seek? What priority is God in our lives? What would a person’s life look like who seeks God first?
-Have you been seeking God first? If not, what have you put before God? What keeps you from making God your top priority?
-What does it mean to seek his kingdom? His righteousness? How could you start seeking his kingdom and his righteousness first?
Luke 13:22-28
-What is something in your life that you have made every effort at?
-What would it look like for you to make every effort in seeking God?
Acts 8:26-39
-In what ways do you see this Eunuch making every effort? How do you see God fulfilling the promise of Matthew 7:7-8?
Key Questions:
-God will stop at nothing to love you and be in a relationship with you. Will you seek him first?
-What changes will you need to make in your life to have God as your first priority?
THE WORD OF GOD
Purpose
-To show how much we need God. To show how much God wants us.
-To give practical advice and support about how to effectively (Biblically) seek God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
-What does it mean that “all scripture is God-breathed”? Do you believe that the Bible is God’s perfect, inspired word? (2 Peter 1:20)
-How could you use the Bible for “teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness”?
-How will devotion to God’s Word make you ready for anything?
Hebrews 4:12-13
-What does it mean that the word is living and active? How has it been alive and active in your life?
-How is God’s word like a sharp sword?
-Everything will be laid bare before God and we will be judged by his word. What does that say about the importance of reading the Bible?
-If you met God today, would you be confident that you would pass the test according to his word?
1 Timothy 4:16
-What is the difference between life and doctrine? Is one more important than the other?
-Can you think of an example of someone with a good life but wrong doctrine? Is that a saving faith?
-Also think of someone with the right doctrine who doesn’t live it out. Will they save themselves and their hearers?
-Why does keeping life and doctrine in check require perseverance and a close watch?
-Do you know if your life is in line with God’s word? What about your doctrine?
Acts 17:10-11
-Here the Bible describes “noble character.” What was it about the Berea's that stood shows noble character towards God?
-Do you have the same attitudes and actions as the Bereans?
Key Questions:
-God will stop at nothing to love you and be in a relationship with you. Will you seek him first?
-What changes will you need to make in your life to have God as your first priority?
-Will you make God’s Word the standard for your life? What changes will you need to make?
-What will be challenging about having the Bible as your only standard? What will be
awesome?
-Ask your Bible study partner to get you started on a daily Bible study and prayer plan so you can be a Berean! (Acts 17:11) Getting to know Jesus in the gospel of Mark or John is a great place to start!
DISCIPLESHIP
Some questions before you begin:
-What sticks out to you from the last study?
-Have you had any challenges since making the Bible your standard?
-What have you read since the last study? Did you take notes? What did you learn? How were your prayers?
-Do you have any questions before we begin?
Purpose
-To illustrate the Bible’s standard for followers of Jesus. To commit to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20
-According to this passage, what is God’s will for all of mankind? How would you define a
“disciple”? How does that relate to the term “Christian”?
Acts 11:25-26
-The context of this verse is describing the first predominantly Gentile (non-Jewish) churches.
-This is about 10 years into the history of the church. This church in Antioch is the first time that the disciples were called Christians. What does that say about the relationship between these two words?
-This is significant because the word “Christian” is only used three times in the Bible (Acts 11:26, 26:28, I Peter 4:16). The word “disciple” is used 270+ times. So, to have a clear picture of what being a Christian means we must understand what being a disciple of Jesus means.
Three Characteristics Of A Disciple
1. Matthew 22:36-37 - Love For God
-Jesus shows that the most important thing is our love for God. How do we see Jesus setting an example of loving God?
-How has your relationship with God been? Have you been loving Him with all your heart, soul and mind? What can you do to do so?
2. Mark 1:14-16 - Fisher of Men
-What did it mean for them to follow Jesus? What does it mean for you?
-Jesus wants to make his disciples into “fishers of men,” how will that change your life?
-These men were given a whole new mission in life, what have you been living for?
-Notice their eagerness and excitement, how do you feel about becoming a fisher of men? How will you begin?
3. John 13:34-35 - Love For One Another
-This is the only new command Jesus gives in the New Testament and the command to love one another is in the Old Testament. So what is new about this command?
-What are some ways that you see Jesus loving his disciples? How can you follow his
example?
-Is this command teaching us how to love everyone? Or is it about the relationships between disciples?
The Cost of Discipleship
Luke 9:23-26
-The context of this verse is right after Peter’s confession of belief in Jesus Christ. Jesus goes on to teach what life as a believer will entail:
-What do the words “if anyone” or “whoever” tell us about who Jesus is talking to?
-What does it mean to deny self? Have you lived a lifestyle of self denial? What will it look like?
-What does it mean to take up your cross daily? What was the cross in Jesus’ day? Has this been your daily lifestyle? What will you do differently?
-Have you completely given your life to Jesus, not only in words and thoughts, but in action and lifestyle? How will this cost affect your life? (Luke 9:57-62)
Luke 14:25-33
-What strikes you about this “if anyone” passage? What does it mean to “hate” your family,
friends, and even yourself? (Luke 16:13)
-Is this how you have loved God or are there “close seconds” in your life? What things in your life are difficult to prioritize behind God?
-What does the first parable tell you about the seriousness of building a relationship with God?
-Have you ever sat down and counted the cost?
-What is the meaning of the second parable? Who are the big and little kings? What is the final cost of being a disciple?
-Have you surrendered everything to God? Will he accept anything less than 100%? What will your life look like when you give him your all?
Key Questions:
-Have you been living as a disciple of Jesus? Will you be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
-What changes will you need to make to live by Christ’s clear call? Who in your life needs to hear about discipleship?
Conversion
Sin – The Cross and Repentance – Baptism and Resurrection
SIN
Some questions before you begin:
-What do you remember from the last study?
-What has been the biggest change in your life?
-What is the most challenging part of being a disciple? Do you have any questions from our studies or your own reading?
Purpose
-To understand how sin affects our lives and our salvation. To be open about sin and start on the road to repentance.
Luke 7:36-50
-What would you say was the difference in how Simon and this woman interacted with Jesus?
-What point was Jesus making in telling Simon the debt story?
-Jesus said, “he who has been forgiven little, loves little.” How does our understanding of sin affect our appreciation for God’s grace?
Romans 3:23, 6:23
-What do you think it means to “sin”?
-Is anyone without sin? What consequences does a life of sin lead to in these passages?
Isaiah 59:1-2
-What does this passage tell us about the affect of sin? When we talk about salvation, what is it that we need saved from?
-Imagine that your sin is a wall. When you sin you build up a wall of separation from God. The moment our sin is removed we are instantly and completely united with God (saved!).
-Has your sin been removed or is there a wall between you and
-God? Where do you currently stand? Do you know what the Bible says about how sin is removed and we are saved?
Mark 7:20-23
-Where does sin come from? Whose fault is it when we sin?
-There are many lists of sins like this in the scriptures. Let’s look at a more complete list and talk about how each sin causes us to fall short and build a wall between God and ourselves:
Galatians 5:19-21 (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
-God has given us a conscience so that we don’t need a PhD to know when we’re sinning.
-Look up the definitions of any sin you don’t know.
James 4:17
-How does this differ from the other lists?
Ephesians 5:2-13
-Is even a “hint” of sin OK?
-What “empty words” would people try to deceive you with? What does this passage say we should do with sin?
-On another sheet of paper, write a list of the sin that you have been involved in. Next time you meet up with your study partner you will have a chance to talk openly and “expose” the darkness so we can be “children of the light.”
Key Questions:
-How does looking at the big picture of your sinfulness make you feel?
-“Those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Are you ready to leave sin behind and live a righteous life?
-The next study will look at God’s answer to sin and the response we should have. Spend special time praying to God about your life up to this point.
The Cross and Grace
Some questions before you begin:
-What have you been reading in your Bible?
-Have you had any memorable prayer times?
-Has anything been particularly difficult?
Purpose
-To personalize Christ’s redemptive work on the cross.
-To understand our need for repentance.
Romans 3:21-27, 4:22-25, 5:6-11
-Salvation is by the grace of God. It was purchased through Jesus’ death.
-What is a sacrifice of atonement? Do you know how it was offered? Read Leviticus 4:32
-How does that change your understanding of Jesus as your sacrifice of atonement?
Read the account of Jesus death in Mark 14:32-15:29 with the perspective of your hand on Jesus’ head and the guilt of your sin transferred to him.
-How did that change your experience of reading the account of Jesus’ death?
I Peter 2:22-25
-In the next study we will look more closely at this topic but in this passage how does God want us to respond to what Jesus did for us on the cross?
Repentance
Our Response To The Cross: Repentance
Acts 2:36-41
-Do you know why Acts 2 is a significant chapter in the Bible?
-Acts 2 is significant because it marks the first time salvation is preached in Jesus’ name after his death, burial and resurrection. The Spirit has come earlier in Acts 2 ushering in the New Covenant. Peter uses the “keys to the kingdom” to teach how to enter the New Covenant.
-2:36 sums up what we need to believe. What does it mean to have Jesus as Lord and Messiah?
-2:37 tells us that the people were “cut to the heart.” What do you think this means? What was their attitude toward the gospel?
-2:38 answers the question, “what shall we do?”
-If belief were enough Peter may have just told them to continue believing. Instead, what two things does he tell them to do?
-When a believer repents and gets baptized what two promises do they receive?
-This study will focus on repentance...what does repentance mean to you?
-Repentance is translated in the New Testament from the Greek word Metanoia which means to change (meta) your mindset (noia) and therefore your actions.
Luke 3:3, 7-14
-What does it mean to “bear good fruit in keeping with repentance (metanoia)”?
-What does the fruit of your life say about your repentance?
Luke 13:1-5
-Do you remember what the wages of sin are? So it makes sense that if we do not repent we will perish.
-Think about your sin, in what ways do you need to change your mindset to see things like Jesus?
Acts 26:19-21
-Paul preached the unpopular message of repentance everywhere he went. It remains unpopular today because it requires a sober look and true life change.
-Is it possible to tell if someone has repented? How?
-Have you ever had a significant change in your behavior – a time when many said, “What has come over you? You are different!”?
2 Corinthians 7:10-11
-An earlier letter to the church in Corinth caused them to repent.
-Here Paul elaborates on the nature of their repentance and ours. What is the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow?
-Worldly sorrow leads to death (there is no repentance and sin leads to death). Godly sorrow leads to real change (repentance) and leads to salvation. Repentance is part of becoming saved because we are being saved from sin.
-Look at each of the characteristics that Godly sorrow produces, how could they aid you in repenting?
-Are you eager to do the will of God? Do you have the heart of the Corinthians?
Matthew 5:29-30
-Here Jesus uses grand exaggeration to show the radical spirit that followers of Jesus must adopt toward sin.
-Our world teaches us that sin is okay in moderation but Jesus teaches that we must hate sin and deal with it drastically. Do you share God’s attitude toward sin?
-Do you think you have repented in accordance with what the Bible teaches? When? If not, do you want to? What will your life look like? (Discipleship)
2 Peter 3:8-9
-Thank God for his patience! Do you know many people who have repented in a way that matches the Bible’s standard?
-How do you think you could help other people learn about repentance?
Key Questions:
-Because God sent Jesus to die for you, will you die to your sin and repent for him?
-What will your new life look like after you cut out the sin and add in discipleship?
Baptism and Resurrection
Some questions before you begin:
-How has your repentance (life change) been going? What has been difficult?
-Have you been living like a disciple? (Studying the word and praying regularly, sharing your faith and meeting with the body?)
Acts 2:36-41
-Last study looked at the repentance part of Peter's instructions. This study looks at baptism.
-What is baptism mean to you? Other people?
-Baptism means "to immerse"
-When a believer repents and gets baptized what two promises do they receive?
-When a believer repents and gets baptized what two promises do they receive?
-Remember, sin is the only thing separating us from God, so what does it mean when we receive forgiveness of sin at baptism?
-The Holy Spirit is called a seal of salvation (Ephesians 1:13). What then is the significance of receiving the Holy Spirit at baptism?
2:39 introduces covenant language with the word “promise”. How are people today specifically included in this new covenant of salvation?
2:40 makes it clear that Peter’s intention with this message is salvation for all who hear and obey.
2:41 shows us one more promise that we receive when we believe, repent and get baptized. We are added to the church!
Romans 6:1-5
-According to this passage, what are we doing at baptism? What is the effect of baptism in this passage?
Colossians 2:11-13
-We often hear that we are, “saved by faith.” How does this passage tie faith and baptism together?
Acts 22:1-16
-This is Paul (who wrote Romans) becoming a Christian. He hated Christianity and was on his way to persecute Christians!
In review, there are Five Parts of Salvation in the New Testament:
1. Hear the Message of Jesus
2. Believe the Message (Faith)
3. Repent
4. Confess, “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9)
5. Baptism
-Where in this story do you see Paul experiencing all five of these steps?
-At what point are his sins forgiven? (Hint: Check 22:16!) What does this show us about the significance of baptism?
Other Passages About Baptism
-Ephesians 4:4-6
-1 Peter 3:18-21
-Acts 19:1-5
-Acts 8:26-40
The decision to be baptized can be difficult. Have an open and honest discussion with your Bible study partner if you have questions. This is a great opportunity to be sure that you have “fulfilled all righteousness.”
1 Corinthians 15:17
-Imagine: What if Christ did not actually die but only passed out? That would mean he did not really rise from the dead to new life. There would be no salvation.
-What happens when we try to receive new life but we haven’t truly died to our old lives? Can there be salvation?
-Conversion means that we who believe have fully died to sin (repentance), have been buried with him (baptism), and have raised to a whole new life by the power of the cross and resurrection. If any of those pieces are missing in your life, now is the time to make things right!
Key Questions:
-Have you been saved the same way that the Bible teaches salvation? If not, finish repenting so you can get baptized as soon as possible.
-Start talking with your study partner about when you will get baptized or added to the church membership.
Commitment
The Church – Counting the Cost
The Church
Some questions before you begin:
-Do you have any questions about anything we have studied or anything you have read?
-How is your discipleship going? Have you talked to anyone about what you’ve been learning?
-What do you remember about the studies so far?
Colossians 1:15-20
-This is a list of some of the awesome qualities of the risen Christ. Among other things, he is the head of the church.
-What does a head do for the body? Can a body survive without a head?
-The church is an organism not an organization or a building. The church of Christ has Jesus as its only head. This means that Jesus makes all the decisions. Tradition, intellect and cultural ideas can never take the place of Jesus’ word.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
-What can you learn about the Biblical church from this passage? In what ways do you need the church?
-In what ways does the church need you?
-Are you committed to being a vibrant member of Christ’s body? What will your life look like as a member of the church?
Hebrews 10:23-25
-How will the church help you to “hold unswervingly”?
-What does it mean to spur one another on? How important is it to consider others? How can you practice this?
-How important is it to meet together regularly?
-Do you know what all the meetings of the body are? Are you committed to being there?
Hebrews 3:12-14
-Whose responsibility is it to keep each other from falling away?
-How do we stay strong as Christians? How could you live out the call to daily encouragement?
-Real relationships keep our hearts from being hard. As disciples in the church we have many opportunities to confess sin, get advice, give encouragement and help others. We accomplish this through midweek small groups.
-Do you understand what discipleship groups are all about? Who have you built relationships with in the church? Who would you like to get to know?
-Why are real relationships important for staying faithful?
Acts 2:42-47
-This is the 1st century church in action. Our church strives to live up to these characteristics.
-They were devoted, completely committed, to God’s word, fellowship, communion (do you understand communion?), and prayer. There was a sense of awe and excitement. They generously shared with one another to meet all kinds of needs. (For information on tithing see Malachi 3:6-12) The body grew spiritually and numerically. How do you feel about living this out in our church?
Meeting You Where You Are:
-Marriage and parenting should be greatly strengthened by the church. Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Pet 3:1-7 and Ephesians 6:1-4 are just a few scriptures that form a Biblical foundation for Christian marriage and parenting.
-Singles are also strengthened by the standard of God’s word. 2 Corinthians 6:14- 18, Ephesians 5:1-7 and 1 Timothy 4:12 form the basis for the pure life that God expects and provide a Biblical foundation for a great marriage.
-Talk about how being a part of the church will change you and help you based on your current life situation. How will being a part of the church affect big decisions in the future?
Key Questions:
-Will you be committed to Christ through his church?
Ephesians 2:19-22 describes the church as people being built together for God’s glory. How will your membership in God’s church glorify God?
Counting The Cost
-This final study is more than just a review of what you have learned. This should be a challenging discussion about your new life as a Christ follower. It may benefit you and your Bible study partner to invite another experienced Christian to join you.
Luke 9:57-62
-This passage challenges our “arms wide open” view of Jesus. How many of these people actually became followers of Jesus? What kinds of things kept them from dropping everything and living for God?
-Is there anything holding you back from completely giving your life to become a follower of Jesus Christ?
-What are some things that you have given up or changed as you’ve studied the Bible and built relationships at church?
Deuteronomy 20:1-9
-This powerful passage illustrates the protocol for the Israelite army before going to war. Like many of the great battle scenes in movies, the army was given a rousing speech by their leader. Unlike the movies of our day, this speech almost seems de-motivational, as the army would have been inevitably thinned out before the battle even began. We can see a great truth about God in this: Whether it’s an ancient battlefield, a first century house church or modern discipleship, God desires that his people be completely devoted to him.
-The result of this speech can be applied to the church today. When one of those soldiers looked to their left or their right they knew that their neighbor was just as committed to God as they were. The discussion you have right now should serve the same purpose.
Review and Discuss
-Sin, Repentance, Discipleship and Fellowship
-Anticipated obstacles or challenges
-Implications of this decision for your life (big picture) -Dating/Marriage/Parenting
-Contributing to the needs of the church
-Anything else that has come up regularly in discussion
Key Questions:
-Do you really think you can live as a follower of Christ for the rest of your life?
-What will be the most challenging part of your life as a disciple? What are you the most excited about?
-Who do you think you will be able to impact?
-Do you have any questions about anything you’ve studied or experienced?
-End this Bible study by having some special prayer time together. Confirm plans for baptism/membership or discuss more studies.
What’s Next?
-Finishing this Bible study series and becoming a follower of Christ is only the very beginning of your growth as a Christian. Talk to your Bible study partner or small group leader about our next series of studies that are designed to help new Christians grow and have impact right away.
Kanawha Valley Church
1565 Smith Road, Charleston, WV 25314
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