Commands of Christ

Pre-session: Prior to Session 1, read the Sermon on the Mount every day for a week. How do these commands free you? How do these commands bring you life?

Prayer Requests/Time in Prayer

• How can we pray for you?  What is good in your life? What is difficult in your life?

Accountability 

• Last week, you read the Sermon on the Mount every day.
  • Was there a command where you have not been obedient? Examples: anger, lust, worry
  • What do you need to confess/repent of?
  • What do you need to start doing to be obedient?

Content Overview / Modeling and Practice

• Share portions of Matthew 5-7 that stood out during the week or share themes of what we read.
• What would be the key verse of the Sermon on the Mount?
• What is God teaching you through this passage?

Action Steps and Prayer

• After this session, we will be looking at different categories of Christ’s commands. Our first category will be Repentance and Feasting on the Word. Repentance is depleting our lives of sin; feasting is filling our lives with God’s thoughts, God’s ways, God’s truth, God’s commands. Next session, we will review all the places Christ commanded both repentance and feasting.

Homework for Next Session

• Keep a journal. Every day, write down this question: “What next, Lord?” Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of sin. Utilize teachings from the Sermon on the Mount or elsewhere in Scripture to reveal where you have allowed sin to take root. Work through repentance, reconciling with others, and getting right with God. Do what makes you uncomfortable. Generally, (not always), if what comes to mind looks uncomfortable, it is probably from the Lord. This is repentance. We will spend a week focusing on repenting.
• Read through as much of the Gospel of Mark as you can. If possible, read it in one sitting, which would take about 20-30 minutes. Or, read portions. If you prefer, you can listen to Mark. As you read, bask in the presence of Jesus. This is feasting! Let the joy of Christ reign in your heart as you read about his life and ministry.

Pre-session: Read the book of Mark. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you repent of the sin he brings to mind. Fill your heart with the words and ministry of Jesus.

Content Overview: Commands and Jesus on Repentance and Feasting
Repentance is about being realigned with God’s will and desires. Repentance:

• Helps us enter Christ’s kingdom– Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2; 4:17); (Matthew 4:17)
• Helps us become fruitful– Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8)
• Helps us hear God– Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, this is my son, my chosen one; listen to Him! (Luke 9:35)
• Helps us overcome spiritual warfare– Go Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and serve Him only’ (Matthew 4:10)
• Repentance is letting go of sin; feasting is being filled with God’s presence, desires, and will. Feasting is:
  • Filling ourselves with God’s written word– Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4)
  • Remembering who Christ is and what he has done for us– This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. (Luke 22:19) If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me [Jesus] and drink. (John 7:37)
  • Obeying Christ– If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15; 15:16)
  • Being with Christ– Abide in me [Jesus] and I [Jesus] in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in me [Jesus]. (John 6:56; 15:4) Just as the Father has loved me [Jesus], I have also loved you; abide in my [Jesus’] love. (John 3:35; 15:9)
  • Believing in Christ– Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. (John 14:11; 10:38; 5:36)
  • Operating in partnership with the Holy Spirit– Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22)

Modeling and Practicing Repentance and Feasting

• Which sin kept coming to mind that you repented of?
• What parts of Mark stood out to you?
• How will you partner with Jesus in prayer, thought, emotion, and action? (Obedience is about union with Christ!)

Homework for Next Session

Read Luke 12 every day for the week leading up to this session. Practice the discipline of asking. Instead of immediately addressing a need yourself, practice taking every need (relational, work problem, material, etc.) to God, asking for his provision. After asking, move forward and look for God to move. Be prepare to share examples of God’s provision.

Prayer Requests/Time in Prayer 

• How can we pray for you?  
• During this time, don’t focus on the prayer needs of others in your life, we want to pray for you. 

Accountability 

• Take turns sharing your experiences with scripture reading using The Gospel Method.
• Where did you win, where were you stuck, and what steps are you taking?
• What do you need to confess/repent of? (Example, your thought life, patience, perseverance in hardships).
• What do you need to start doing in order to be obedient? 
• How can we hold you accountable for these things? 

Content Overview

Send these resources to your disciples before you meet:

Prayer for unbelievers video

Read Luke 10

Model and Practice

Model:

• Use the 5 prayer points shared from the video and pray the following:
  • Pray for labors (Luke 10:2). Name one person you know, who does not know Jesus, pray that God brings believers in their lives
  • Pray for God’s peace and blessing in their lives (Luke 10:4-6).
  • Pray for association/relationship with them (Luke 10:7). Pray that you will build relationships with them.
  • Pray for miracles in their lives (Luke 10:9).
  • Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with them (Luke 10:9b).

Practice:

• Have each disciple take turns to pray:
  • The name of the unbeliever they are praying for.
  • Pray that God will bring believers in their lives.
  • Pray for God’s blessings in their lives.
  • Pray you will build relationships with them.
  • Pray for miracles in their lives.
  • Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with them.

Action steps and Prayer: 

• Each person commits to pray for that one unbeliever.
• Specifically, what can you start doing to begin a relationship with them? For example, invite them to your home, text them and ask how you can be there for them.
• Remind them they will share their experience at the next session.
• Close your time with prayer.

Pre-session: Read Luke 12 every day for the week leading up to this session. Practice the discipline of asking. Instead of immediately addressing a need yourself, practice taking every need (relational, work problem, material, etc.) to God, asking for his provision. After asking, move forward and look for God to move. Be prepare to share examples of God’s provision. 

Content Overview: Commands of Jesus on Faith and Trusting

Trusting is:

• Acknowledging that God knows what he’s doing– You shall not put the LORD your God to the test. (Matthew 4:7)
• Letting go of worry about the future and where our lives are headed- Do not be worried about your life (Matthew 6:25, Luke 12:22-31) Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:25-34) Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear because you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)
• Letting go of worry about provisions– Do not worry then saying, what will we eat? Or what will we drink? (Matthew 6:25-34)
• Letting go of worry about appearance– Do not be worried about what you will put on your body. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (Matthew 6:25); (Luke 12:22-31) Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin. (Matthew 6:28); (Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:28, Matthew 6:31, Matthew 6:34)
• Being free– Look at the birds of the air that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? (Matthew 6:26)
• Seeking after God’s heart– Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness [aim for God’s way of doing and being right] and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33, 19:28)
• Being freed to operate in supernatural power– Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22, Matthew 17:20) Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. (Mark 11:23, Matthew 17:20) All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. (Mark 11:24, Matthew 7:7)
• Trusting that God will protect us in times of tribulation– When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say. (Luke 12:11, Matthew 6:25) Do not let your heart be troubled. (John 14:1, 27) Believe in God. (John 14:1) Believe also in Jesus. (John 14:1) Do not be unbelieving but believing. (John 20:27, Luke 24:40) These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. ((John 14:27; 16:33)

Modeling and Practicing Faith and Trust

• Where and when am I concerned about how I appear, instead of being concerned with how my heart is toward God?
• What are all the kinds of greed? How many kinds can you identify?
• What does it mean to be “rich toward God”?
• In what ways do you worry about life, provisions, or appearance?
• How are you currently serving others in your home and workplace? How are you serving others beyond your home and workplace?
• What does generosity look like in your life?

Homework for Next Session

Next week we will be focusing on radical love. Read and study Luke 23-24 every day this week. Record what stands out to you.

Pre-session: For the week leading up to this session, study Luke 23-24. Analyze the interactions between Jesus and every single person mentioned in these chapters. Make notes of fresh realizations about God’s love.

Content Overview: Commands of Jesus on Love

Radical love is:

• Rejoicing when we are criticized, because it makes us like Christ- Rejoice and be glad; for your reward in heaven is great… (Matthew 5:12) Be perfect [mature] as your heavenly father is perfect [mature]. (Matthew 5:48)
• Relentlessly giving to evil people- Do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. (Matthew 5:39) If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. (Matthew 5:40) Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two [miles]. (Matthew 5:41)
• Giving what we can to anyone who asks us for something– Give to him who asks of you. Do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:42)
• Showing affection to those who hate us– Love your enemies. (Matthew 5:44); (Luke 6:27)
• Praying for those who hate us– Pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44); (Luke 6:27)
• Treating others the way we desire to be treated- In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you… (Matthew 7:12); (Luke 6:31; 22:40)
• Blessing those who hate us– Bless those who curse you. (Luke 6:28); (Matthew 5:44)
• Giving without expecting anything in return- Lend expecting nothing in return. (Luke 6:35) Be merciful just as your father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)
• Being honest with others while also forgiving others– If your brother sins, rebuke him. (Luke 17:3); (Matthew 18:6) If your brother repents, forgive him. (Luke 17:3) If your brother sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, I repent, forgive him. (Luke 17:4); (Matthew 18:21)
• Loving to the point of death- This is my commandment that you love one another, just as I have loved you. (John 15:12); (John 13:34) This I command you, that you love one another. (John 15:17; John 15:12)

Modeling and Practicing Radical Love

• What stood out from Luke 23-24?
• What is the difference between setting boundaries with people, versus living out Christ’s command to “not resist an evil person”? When should we resist evil forces?
• What is an example of a time you intentionally did not retaliate, to show the immeasurable love of Christ? What do you think when God says the words “it is mine to avenge”? Can we trust God to be just? If so, how does this relate to our ability to love a wrongdoer?
• How will you partner with Jesus in prayer, thought, emotion, and action as you live out this command? (Remember, obedience is about union with Christ!)

Homework for Next Session

Next week we will be studying purity. In preparation, memorize Luke 11:34-35 and pay attention to what God teaches you.

Pre-session: Memorize Luke 11:34-35. Reflect on these verses and be prepared to share what God reveals to you.

Content Overview: Commands of Jesus on Purity

Purity involves both the body and the tongue; it means that there is no

deceit, and it denotes wholeness and wellness. Purity is:

• Remaining faithful to the spouse God has given us– You shall not commit adultery. (Matthew 5:27); (Exodus 20:14) A man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become one flesh. (Mark 9:7, 8); (Genesis 2:24) What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. (Mark 10:9)
• Refusing to objectify a person, and instead love them as a person- Everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28); (2 Samuel 11:2-5)
• Going to any extent to love a person, instead of objectifying a person- If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (Matthew 5:29); (Matthew 18:9)
• Going to any extent to uproot sin in our lives– If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell. (Matthew 5:30); (Matthew 18:8)
• Dealing with issues related to our hearts– Listen to me [Jesus] all of you and understand: there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. (Mark 7:14-15)
• Dealing with our anger– Do not murder. (Mark 10:19); (Exodus 20:13)
• Dealing with our desires for more– Do not steal (Mark 10:19); (Exodus 20:15)
• Fulfilling our word– You shall not make false vows. (Matthew 5:33); (Leviticus 19:12) You shall fulfill your vows to the LORD. (Matthew 5:33); (Leviticus 19:12) Make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God. (Matthew 5:34); (James 5:12); (Isaiah 66:1) Make no oath at all by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. (Matthew 5:35); (Isaiah 66:1); (Psalm 48:2) Make no oath at all by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. (Matthew 5:36)
• Operating in simple truthfulness in all that we say– Let your statement be yes, yes or no, no; anything beyond these is of evil. (Matthew 5:37); (1 John 3:12) Do not bear false witness (Mark 10:19); (Exodus 20:16)

Modeling and Practicing Purity

• Recite Luke 11:34-35. What struck you about this passage?
• We want to live completely in the light, as wholly pure individuals. Our struggles happen when we are not living in the light, when we refuse to repent, or when we refuse to be honest with others about our sin. Have each person in the group answer these questions:
  • How is your walk with the Lord? How much of the Bible do you read on a consistent basis? How is your prayer life?
  • How is your thought life? Have you been sexually and emotionally faithful in your heart and mind? Have you committed inappropriate sexual or emotional actions individually or with another person? (i.e., fantasies, masturbation, pornography, being flirtatious, etc.)
  • How is your health? Are you exercising? Eating right? Sleeping enough?
  • How’s your self-esteem? Are you struggling with depression or emotional instability? Has this led you to partake in any unhealthy thoughts or actions toward yourself or others? (i.e., Gossip, sarcasm, anger, pride, emotional outbursts, manipulation, laziness, discontent, fear, etc.)
  • How is your family life? Are there problems in your sex life or marriage? How is your relationship with parents, siblings, children, etc.?
  • How is your handling of money? Are you being generous with your church and with others? Are you living within your means, according to your budget? Are you in debt? Have you made unnecessary purchases? Are you truthful in your taxes? Is everything done within your business or organization completely above reproach, adhering to the spirit of the law?
  • How is work, both inside and outside the home? Are you representing Christ as you interact with others? Are you hardworking, ethical, and truthful in all you do?
  • How has your love for others been? In what ways have you sacrificially served others around you? How do you demonstrate hospitality?
  • Is there any other area you need support or prayer in?
  • Have you lied about any of the above questions?

Homework for Next Session

We will be focusing on secret generosity in our next session. Read Luke 16 every day for a week and record what stands out.

Pre-session: Read Luke 16 every day for a week. Record what stands out to you.

Content Overview: Commands of Jesus on Generosity
Secret generosity is:

• Storing up treasure in heaven– Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1); (Matthew 6:5, Matthew 6:16)
• Quietly taking care of the poor– When you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward in full. (Matthew 6:2); (Matthew 6:5, Matthew 6:16) When you give to the poor, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing. (Matthew 6:3)
• Focusing on eternal gain, not worldly gain– Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19); (Proverbs 23:4) Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20); (Matthew19:21) Make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. (Luke 12:33)
• Sharing what we have with others who do not have– The person who has two tunics is to share with him who has none. (Luke 3:11); (Isaiah 58:7) The person who has food is to share with the person who has none. (Luke 3:11) Do not take money from anyone by force. (Luke 3:14)
• Being content with what God has given us- Be content with your wages. (Luke 3:14)
• Being very careful when we have abundance– Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions. (Luke 12:15)
• Selling things to provide for those who do not have– Sell your possessions and give to charity. (Luke 12:33); (Matthew 19:21)

Modeling and Practicing Secret Generosity

• What struck you about Luke 16?
• How will you practice secret generosity in response to Christ’s teachings?
• How will you partner with Jesus in prayer, thought, emotion, and action as you live out this command? (Remember, obedience is about union with Christ!)

Homework for Next Session

We will be focusing on prayer and union with Christ. For next session, attend a Prayer Night at Fielder and journal what God does in your heart. Additionally, pick a portion of Scripture to pray and journal through every day. Evaluate how praying Scripture transforms the reading of it.

Pre-Session: You attended a Prayer Night at Fielder and journaled what God did in your heart through that time. Additionally, you chose a portion of Scripture to pray and journal through every day. How did prayer transform the reading of Scripture?

Content Overview: Commands of Jesus on Prayer and Union
Praying is talking honestly and listening earnestly to God. Remember that if you are bored while praying, you are probably not being honest with God. Honest prayer is not boring! Praying is:

• Seeking quiet intimacy with God– When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites. [They like to be seen by others.] (Matthew 6:5); (Mark 11:15) When you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:6); (Isaiah 26:20)
• Simply stating what you are thinking, needing, or feeling honestly– When you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. (Matthew 6:7); 1 King 18:26) Ask and it will be given to you. (Matthew 7:7); (Luke 11:9-13) Seek and you will find. (Matthew 7:7) Knock and it will be opened unto you. (Matthew 7:7) Whatever you ask in my name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13); (Matthew 7:7)
• Quietly fasting to seek God– Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do. (Matthew 6:16); (Isaiah 58:5) When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face. (Matthew 6:17); (Ruth 3:3)
• Forgiving others and asking for forgiveness– Whenever you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. (Mark 11:25).
• Asking for things in Jesus’ name- Until now, you have asked for nothing in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. (John 16:24); (John 14:14)

Modeling and Practicing Prayer and Union with Christ

• What stood out to you at Prayer Gathering?
• What stood out to you as you prayed Scripture?
• Which of the above commands will you focus on this week? How, exactly, will live in obedience to this command? How will you partner with Jesus in prayer, thought, emotion, and action as you live out this command? (Remember, obedience is about union with Christ!)

Homework for Next Session

Next time we will focus on humility and reconciliation. At the end of Session 7, participants will receive the Session 8 page ahead of time. Every day for a week, participants will look over the various verses listed. Participants will journal how they address each of the 14 teachings in their life this week.

Pre-Session: At the end of Session 7, participants will receive the Session 8 page ahead of time. Every day for a week, participants will look over the various verses listed pertaining to humility and reconciliation. Participants will journal how they addressed each of the 14 teachings in their life this week.

Content Overview: Commands of Jesus on Humility and Reconciliation
As you can see, there are a lot of commands on humility and reconciliation. We have a ministry of reconciliation, meaning that our life’s purpose is to help others grow closer to God. Humility and Reconciliation are:

• Going to others to ask for forgiveness when we have done or said something wrong- If you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Matthew 5:23-24)
• Humbly winning others over when we have wronged them– Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into [his] prison. (Matthew 5:25); (Proverbs 25:8)
• Refusing to deny our own sin- Do not judge [unjustly or in hypocritical self-righteousness]. For in the way you judge [unjustly or in hypocritical self- righteousness], you will be judged [by God]; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1, Mark 4:24) First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:5)
• Willingly living in a way that honors God, even if it may be different than anyone else- Enter through the narrow gate for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13,14); (Luke 13:24)
• Paying respect to the government, even when it is evil– Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. (Matthew 22:21)
• Submitting fully to God by giving him our lives, because he is perfect– Render to God the things that are God’s. (Matthew 22:21)
• Willingly taking the back seat, or second place- Jesus said to the twelve, if anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all. (Mark 9:35): (Matthew 20:26)
• Honoring our parents– Honor your father and your mother (Mark 10:19, Exodus 20:12).
• Serving others– He who will be great among you, shall be your servant. (Mark 10:43) Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your servant. (Mark 10:44, Matthew 20:26) If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. (John 11:2, 13:14)
• Having mercy on others– Pardon and you will be pardoned. (Luke 6:37) Give and it shall be given unto you. (Luke 6:38)
• Denying our own wants and desires– If anyone wishes to come after me, [Jesus], he must deny himself. (Luke 9:23); (Matthew 10:38 If anyone wishes to come after me, [Jesus], he must take up his cross daily. (Luke 9:23) If anyone wishes to come after me, [Jesus], he must follow me. (Luke 9:23)
• Focusing on our hearts instead of our appearance- Watch out that the light in you is not darkness. (Luke 11:35) Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but some of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. (Luke 11:39); (Matthew 23:25). You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? (Luke 11:40); (Luke 12:20). Give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you. (Luke 11:41); (Luke 12:33; Titus 1:15). Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1); (Matthew 16:6, 11)
• Avoiding seeking after our own honor– When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him. (Luke 14:8); (Proverbs 25:6, 7). And he who invited you both [to the wedding feast] will come and say to you, Give your place to this man, and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. (Luke 14:9); (Luke 3:8) But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, Friend, move up higher; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. (Luke 14:10); (Proverbs 25:6, 7)
• Inviting people in who are not impressive and cannot repay us– But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, for you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. (Luke 14:13, 14); (John 5:29)

Modeling and Practicing Humility and Reconciliation with Christ

• Share how you lived out each of these teachings this week. Which was the hardest to live out? Which was the easiest? Was there one you had never thought of before?

Homework for Next Session

Next session we will be focusing on discernment. Discernment is being able to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, truth and error. We cannot have discernment apart from reading, understanding, and knowing God’s Word. Applied discernment leads to wisdom; therefore, applying God’s Word to situations leads to a wise life.

This week, we are going to practice “listening prayer.” You can do this any time of the day, but it is a great practice to do while in bed, right before falling asleep. Using a pen and journal, quiet your heart and identify a question you have about something in your life. (Be extremely honest!) The question could pertain to a decision at work, a relational dynamic, how to spend time or money, or a personal decision. Once you identify the question, write it down, asking God for his wisdom and guidance. Then, be very still and wait for phrases, verses, passages, stories, and teachings from the Bible to come to mind that pertain to your question. God will speak. Use discernment as you do this practice; write only what comes straight from Scripture. You will be surprised at the answers (passages, verses, etc.) that come to you in response to your questions!

Pre-Session: You spent a week practicing “listening prayer.” What did you learn from this practice? What did God reveal to you?

Content Overview: Commands of Jesus on Discernment
Discernment is the ability to distinguish what is good and right, versus what is wrong and evil. It is also the ability to discern what is good, versus what is best. It can only come from God. Discernment is:

• Knowing how, when, where, and with whom to share God’s truth- Do not give what is holy to dogs. (Matthew 15:26) Do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. (Matthew 7:6)
• Knowing who is seeking after God’s glory, versus who is seeking their own glory– Beware of the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; 24:24) Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod. (Mark 8:15, Matthew 16:6) If anyone says to you, Behold, here is the Christ; or Behold, He is there; do not believe him. (Mark 13:21) Beware that a false Messiah and false prophets will arise and will show signs and wonders in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. (Mark 13:22, Matthew 24:24)
• Being both innocent and shrewd– Behold, I send you out as sheep amid wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16); (Luke 10:13)
• Honoring God above anyone else– Do not call anyone on earth your father; for one is your Father, He who is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9, Matthew 6:9)
• Being mindful not to be led astray– See to it that no one misleads you. (Matthew 24:4)
• Being mindful that our days are numbered– Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. (Matthew 24:42-44) Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour [that your Lord is coming]. (Matthew 25:13) Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38) Therefore, be on the alert for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning. (Mark 13:35; 14:30). What I say to you, I say to all, be on the alert! (Mark 13:37, Matthew 24:42)
• Being soberminded– Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Mark 14:38, Matthew 26:41) When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately. (Luke 21:9) So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; (Luke 21:14; 12:11). For I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. (Luke 21:15; 12:12) Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with the worries and pleasures of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap. (Luke 21:34) But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36, Mark 13:33).
• Being prayerful that you may not enter into temptation. (Luke 22:40, Matthew 26:36-46)
• Worshipping God in both spirit and truth. (John 4:24)
• Knowing how to see the heart behind the appearance- Do not judge according to appearance. (John 7:24) Judge according to righteous judgment. (John 7:24)
• A commitment to live according to God’s ways– Walk [live] while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. (John 12:35) While you have the Light, believe in the Light so that you may become sons of Light. (1 John 1:6)

Modeling and Practicing Discernment

• What questions did you write in your journal? What Scriptures came to you in response to those questions? What did you think of this practice? (Also, be open to the group helping you discern with even greater clarity. Applying God’s truth within the Body of Christ is also a practice we want to flesh out.)
• How will you partner with Jesus in prayer, thought, emotion, and action as you live out this command? (Remember, obedience is about union with Christ!)

Homework for Next Session

Next week is our last session! As we prepare for the last session, pray about a new way God wants you to help people know and love Jesus better. Would this be leading a D-Group, leading a Community Group, evangelism, going on a mission trip, serving in nursery or Sunday school, giving sacrificially, etc.? The options are limitless. Be open to whatever God tells you!

Pre-Session: You identified a new area of ministry, service, or giving. The commands of Jesus are not only personal commands, but they are others-oriented, in service and in ministry. Be prepared to share a new way God is asking you to serve.

Content Overview: Commands of Jesus on Ministry
Christ commands us to minister to others. This curriculum is not complete without a commitment to flesh out our knowledge in love to God and others. Ministry is:

• Patiently working hard to “catch” others who are open to Christ– Follow me [Jesus] and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19) Pray to the Lord of the Harvest so he will send out laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:38).
• Sharing about who Christ is and what he has done– As you go, preach, saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (10:7): (Matthew 3:2)
• Calling on God’s provision for others- Heal the sick. (Matthew 10:8) Cleanse the lepers. (Matthew 10:8) Raise the dead. (Matthew 10:8) Cast out demons (Matthew 10:8) Freely you received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8) Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts. (Matthew 10:9); (Luke 22:35) What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light. (Matthew 10:27); (Luke 12:3) What you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. (Matthew 10:27)
• Living unafraid of the consequences of sharing who Christ is and what he has done– Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul. (Matthew 10:28) Fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) Do not fear because you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31; 12:12) Do not think that Jesus came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34, Luke 12:51-53)
• Denying our own desires and wishes for God’s desires and wishes– Hear and understand. (Matthew 15:10) If anyone wishes to come after me [Jesus], he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24); (Matthew 10:38)
• Serving, protecting, and advocating for the vulnerable– See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10, Luke 1:19) Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to me [Jesus]; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. (Matthew 18:3, 19:14) Permit the children to come to me [Jesus] (Mark 10:14) Do not hinder the children from coming to Jesus, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. (Mark 10:14, Matthew 5:3, Luke 18:16)
• Helping other believers know and love Jesus better- If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. (Matthew 18:15) But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. (Matthew 18:16) If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the Church. (Matthew 18:17) If he refuses to listen even to the Church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:17)
• Loving those around us– You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)
• Helping others know and live the Gospel– Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. (Matthew 28:19); (Matthew 13:52) Baptize disciples in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19) Teach disciples to observe all things that I [Jesus] commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20); (Matthew 18:20) Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19)
• Being quietly content, even when others hate us for what we believe– Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. (Luke 6:22); (John 9:22). Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. (Luke 6:23)
• Working for eternal food– Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal. (John 6:27, John 3:33)
• Doing what Jesus did– If anyone serves Me [Jesus], he must follow Me [Jesus]. (John 12:26)

Modeling and Practicing Ministry

• At Fielder, our phrase is “You are sent.” What does it mean to have the identity of someone who is sent, versus just doing things that indicate you are a sent one? (Identity and action are connected, but there is a difference. We don’t want to simply do the things Jesus did; we want to become a type of person, a person who is truly like Jesus.)
• Reflection: Try to identify the top 3-5 people who have left the most lasting spiritual impact on your life. Write their names down. Share with the group your answers to these questions: What defined their lives? What were things those people did, publicly and personally? What defined them? How did they minister to you? In what ways were they like Jesus to you?
  • Are there practices and patterns in these people that are not present in your life? Can you restructure your life to adapt to the practices and patterns of these people?
• What are some things you learned from your time spent reading, processing, and living out the commands of Jesus?
• Share a new way you will live in ministry to God and others.

Homework

This D-Group is intended to help you become a type of person who does certain things. (A follower of Jesus who lives a life of love to God and others) Continue to walk in this identity, with new practices and new tools to help you know and love Jesus better, and to help others know and love Jesus better.