I – The Doctrine of Following Jesus

God is Sovereign

I1 – The Everlasting God– 1 Chronicles 29: 10-13

Key Words: Following Jesus, God’s Sovereignty, Kingdom of God, Lordship

1. What qualities of God are expressed in this passage?
2. What does it mean that God is everlasting to everlasting?
3. Why is the article ‘the’ placed before each of the qualities of God listed in verse 11?
4. What kingdom is verse 12 referring to?
5. Is this kingdom limited to Israel, or is there evidence in the text that David is referring to a much larger kingdom?
6. Is this kingdom in effect synonymous with the sovereignty of God?
7. What other ideas in this text support the sovereignty of God?
8. What should be our response to the sovereignty of God?
9. How do some resist the sovereignty or rule of God?
10. Why do some resist the sovereignty or rule of God?
11. What happens when we resist God’s lordship or rule in our lives and world?

I2 – Rule, Authority and Dominion – Ephesians 1: 15-22

Key Words: Following Jesus, Spiritual Authority, Resurrection, Hope, Lordship

1. What concept does Paul pray the Ephesians to grasp in this text?
2. What hope is verse 18 referring to?
3. What is our inheritance?
4. How is this hope and inheritance secured?
5. Why is the resurrection of Christ an important proof of God’s power to secure our hope?
6. What does it mean to sit at the right hand of a ruler?
7. Is there significance to the Son sitting at the right hand of the Father?
8. What is dominion?
9. What rule, authority, power and dominion is Paul referring to?
10. Do you suppose the word ‘all’ in verse 21 refers to earthly powers, heavenly powers, or both?
11. Restate the idea of verse 21 in today’s language.
12. What exactly is under the feet of Christ?
13. What does it mean that he is the head of the church?
14. Who controls the church? Who has ultimate authority in the lives of believers and non-believers alike?
15. To whom are all people accountable?
16. Many people today seem to believe that truth and worldview are relative, whatever works for you; how does this passage counter that belief?

God Desires Relationship

I3 – You will be My People – Genesis 17: 1-8

Key Words: Following Jesus, God’s People, Relationship with God, Covenant, Church, God’s Love

1. What event is being revealed in this passage?
2. What covenant is God referring to (see Genesis 12: 2-3)?
3. No less than seventeen times in the Old Testament God tells the people of Israel, ‘I will be your God and you will be my people.’ Is there evidence of this sentiment in this covenant?
4. What does God desire from Abraham in these verses and the ones in chapter 12?
5. How does God say he will bless Abraham?
6. Is there evidence of this sentiment in the Garden of Eden?
7. Is there evidence of this sentiment regarding the New Testament church (see Hebrews 8; Revelation 21:3)?
8. What does this say about what God desires from people?
9. What does this say about how God desires to bless all people?
10. Does it seem strange to you that a holy and sovereign God desires an authentic relationship with his creation?

I4 – I will be Your God – Hebrews 8

Key Words: Following Jesus, God’s People, Creation, Covenant, Sovereignty, Lordship

1. Which statement in verse 10 could easily be called the macro theme of the Bible or God’s purpose for his creation?
2. This passage is a quote from the Old Testament, how do we know this is speaking of the church in the New Testament?
3. The writer of Hebrews is quoting the covenant with Abraham, what was the nature of that covenant?
4. What point is the writer making regarding the old and new covenants?
5. How does the new covenant through our relationship with Christ surpass the old covenant in expressing ‘I will be your God and you will be my people?’
6. Which of the following ideas do you believe are expressed in the sentiment, ‘I will be your God:’ love, care, providence, security, authority, rule, and blessing?
7. Which of the following ideas do you believe are expressed in the statement, ‘You will be my people:’ love, trust, accountability, dependence, worship, joy, purpose, and mission?

Our Response to God

I5 – To See the Living God – Isaiah 6: 1-8

Key Words: Following Jesus, Lordship, Reverence, Repentance, Joy, Worship, Angels

1. What adjectives would you use to describe Isaiah’s vision?
2. Describe the throne upon which God sits?
3. What did a royal robe signify in ancient times?
4. What might it mean that the train of his robe filled the temple?
5. How would you respond to the angels described in verse 2-4?
6. Describe why such beings would impress you?
7. How powerful are the voices of these angels?
8. What is the effect of these angels and their message on those assembled in the throne room of God?
9. What does it reveal about God that his servants are so wonderful and powerful?
10. What is the effect of this scene on Isaiah? How are the following emotions reflected in Isaiah’s actions: awe, worship, reverence, conviction, repentance, submission, obedience, and joy?
11. Why are these natural responses to the presence of God?
12. Can you imagine meeting God face to face and not experiencing all of these responses?

I6 – The Joy of the Kingdom – Matthew 13: 44– 46

Key Words: Following Jesus, Lordship, Joy, Spiritual Life, Love

1. What is the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 6:10)?
2. How are the following concepts included in the scope of the kingdom: covenant (I will be your God, you will be my people), the gospel (Christ died to rescue us from sin and death), and a personal relationship with God (Jesus as Savior, Lord and Friend)?
3. What is the natural response towards the kingdom when someone completely understands what is being offered?
4. How does understanding the kingdom completely change our worldview? …our values?  …our priorities?  …our will?
5. What motivates people to joyfully lay everything down and give up all for God?
6. What does the word ‘joy’ in verse 44 reveal about the nature of Lordship or giving our all to Christ?

I7 – The Great Commandment – Matthew 22: 34-40

Key Words: Following Jesus, Love, Law, Spirituality, Duty

1. The Pharisees are pressing Jesus regarding the nature of their duty or obligation towards God, how does Jesus turn their question on its head?
2. What is Jesus saying about spirituality when he redefines our relationship to God as one of love rather than duty?
3. Why is duty and law often easier than love?
4. Why is love so risky?
5. What do we hold back from God when our relationship with him is simply a matter of following rules?
6. What do we hold back from God when our relationship with him is one of love?
7. Why does Jesus say elsewhere, “If you love me, you will obey my commands?”
8. Respond to the following statements, ‘The first order in following Christ is to fall deeply in love with him.’ ‘If you don’t love him, you cannot truly follow him?’

Dying to Self; Living for Christ

I8 – Carrying Our Cross – Matthew 16: 24-26

Key Words: Following Jesus, Lordship, Spiritual Life, Self, Self-Denial, Dying to Self

1. This teaching was given prior to Jesus going to the cross (Thus, it has no religious significance at this time), what images then would the followers of Jesus have when he mentions the cross?
2. In what way is this passage a foretaste, a spiritual insight and a primary value of the kingdom?
3. What does it mean to carry our cross?
4. Why is it important to deny ourselves in the Christian life?
5. What happens to us spiritually when we follow or live for self?
6. What happens when we follow or live for Christ? In which master do we find life, love, peace, grace, mercy and blessing?
7. What effect does following or living for self have on our souls?
8. What effect does following Christ have on our souls?
9. Why is denying self to Christ lead to saving and enhancing our lives?

I9 – Dying to Live – John 12: 23-28

Key Words: Following Jesus, Lordship, Self, Self-Denial, Dying to Self, Spiritual Life, Cross

1. What event is Jesus speaking of in verses 23-24?
2. How does this explain Christ’s motivation in going to the cross?
3. Why is Christ willing to lay down his life and die?
4. How does this act result in Christ being glorified?
5. What does this reveal about the values of the kingdom?
6. What does this reveal about the king of the kingdom?
7. In what way are we called to emulate Christ as we follow him?
8. What does Jesus mean by the phrases, “loves his life,’ and ‘hates his life?’
9. How do we know Jesus is speaking of following him?
10. Explain the paradox of Christianity as some have labeled verse 25?
11. Do you agree with the text that dying to self leads to a better, richer and eternal life?

I10 – New Creations – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Key Words: Following Jesus, Lordship, New Creations, Spiritual Life, Self-Denial

1. According to the text, what causes us to be a new creation?
2. What insight does verse 15 give regarding the context of the statement, ‘the old is gone?’
3. What insight does Romans 6 give regarding the meaning of this passage?
4. Why is the old a negative force in our lives?
5. What is the new that has come?
6. Does verse 21 give insight into this idea?
7. What does this teach us about approaching life like the world: according to our old thoughts, attitudes, opinions, patterns, habits, sins, and lifestyles?
8. What does this passage teach us regarding the source and direction of our new thoughts, attitudes, opinions, patterns, habits, sins, and lifestyles?
9. How and why is this passage an encouraging and uplifting idea?
10. In what ways do you long to be new?

I11 – Living Sacrifices – Romans 12: 1-2

Key Words: Following Jesus, Lordship, Spirituality, Self-Denial, Dying to Self, Renewal, Spiritual Life

1. What was the purpose for sacrifices in the Old Testament?
2. What did sacrifices accomplish? What does Paul mean by being a living sacrifice?
3. How does this image represent a huge shift in spiritual understanding and practice from the Old Testament to the New Testament?
4. How does Paul describe the implications of being a living sacrifice in verse 2?
5. What is the pattern of this world? How do people in this world generally view God?  …life? …happiness? …autonomy? …self ?  …rights?
6. How are we as followers of Christ to view such things?
7. How do we shift from one mindset to the other?
8. What are practical ways to renew our minds? What is the result of renewing our minds?

I12- Out with the Old; In with the New – Ephesians: 4: 20-24

Key Words: Following Jesus, Lordship, New Creations, Spirituality, Righteousness, Self-Denial, Discipleship

1. How does Paul describe discipleship in the Ephesian church?
2. Paul is writing to a group of Christians, mostly new Christians; so he is using “your former way of life” in general terms… what does he mean by that?
3. What is our way of life outside of Christ?
4. Who do we live for?
5. Who directs our thoughts?
6. Who determines our attitudes?
7. Who decides on our actions?
8. According to Paul, what is the problem of our old self?
9. What is the solution to the old self?
10. Why are most spiritual battles waged in our thought life?
11. What do attitudes of the mind consist of: feelings, values, desires?
12. How do we “put on” the new self?
13. What are the qualities of the new self?
14. If righteousness is defined as right relationships and holiness as godly character, what is Paul saying about spirituality in Christ?

The Yoke of God

I13 – My Yoke is Easy – Matthew 11: 28-29

Key Words: Following Jesus, Law, Spirituality, Spiritual Life, Peace, Rest, Joy

1. What is a yoke?
2. In a spiritual context, what does a yoke represent?
3. What kind of yoke were the listeners of Jesus under?
4. Describe the religious experience of the people.
5. How do we know that Jesus is speaking of following him in this passage?
6. How do we know that Jesus is speaking of living by his teachings, values and commands?
7. How does Jesus describe the burden of his teachings?
8. Why does Jesus teach that his ways are lighter and easier than the religious requirements of his day?
9. Do people today perceive or even find the Christian life to be difficult?
10. Why the dichotomy for some people?
11. Respond to the following statement: ‘if your Christianity does not bring you rest, peace, joy and love, then there is something wrong with your Christianity?’
12. Why should following Christ result in rest, peace, joy and love?

God Desires We be Like Him

I14 – Transformed – 2 Corinthians 3: 12-18

Key Words: Following Jesus, Transformation, Covenant, Christlikeness

1. Why does verse 12 say we are bold and what hope is Paul referring to?
2. With what Old Testament event does Paul contrast our experience with?
3. Why was the face of Moses glowing?
4. Why did he place a veil over it (see Exodus 34: 33-35)?
5. What is a veil and why can’t the Jews understand the true purpose and fulfillment of the Old Testament?
6. How does Christ remove the veil of the old covenant?
7. In the old covenant Moses saw God and reflected his glory, how does this work in Christ?
8. What happens to us as we see and understand God through Christ?
9. What is our transformation towards?
10. What does it mean to be transformed into his likeness?
11. Why does you suppose the more we see and understand Christ, the more we naturally become like him?

I15 – Conformed to His Likeness– Romans 8: 28-30

Key Words: Following Jesus, Transformation, Christlikeness, Salvation, God’s Will

1. How involved is God in the lives of those who love him?
2. How is verse 28 reflective of the relationship God desires to have with us?
3. According to verse 29, what is God’s will for our lives?
4. What is Jesus like?
5. In what ways can and should we be like him?
6. In what ways will we never be like him?
7. Do you suppose that Paul is also speaking of the resurrection and glorification when saying we will be like him?
8. According to this passage, how does God work out our salvation?
9. How does he secure our salvation?
10. What should be the natural result of our salvation?

God Desires Love and Service

I16 – Living God’s Love– 1 John 4: 7-12

Key Words: Following Jesus, Love, God’s Love, Spirituality, Christlikeness, Service

1. According to John, what is the height of spirituality?
2. Why is loving others the foundation of authentic spirituality?
3. How does this passage support the idea of true spirituality as Christlikeness?
4. How does John say that God proved the depths of his love to us?
5. Why was God’s sacrifice greater than any human sacrifice?
6. Why were we not deserving of this sacrifice?
7. According to verse 10, why is our sinfulness and unworthiness precisely why God sent his Son?
8. Why should anyone who sincerely desires to follow God be willing to love and sacrifice for others?
9. Why does love necessitate sacrifice on our part?
10. How does sacrificial love demonstrate and validate God’s presence in our lives?

I17 – The Supremacy of Love – 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3

Key Words: Following Jesus, Love, Spirituality, Service, Truth, Faith

1. According to this passage, what is the foundational ethic of Christian spirituality?
2. What other spiritual virtues and qualities does Paul list in this passage?
3. How do these stand up to love?
4. Is Paul simply saying that love is superior to speaking for God, knowledge, faith and sacrifice, or is he saying that love is something different?
5. How is love the key that unlocks these other virtues and gives them life and power?
6. How often do these other virtues surpass love in the lives of believers today?
7. How can we keep a right spiritual foundation and ensure that love is at the heart of all we do for God and others?

I18 – Slaves to Righteousness – Romans 6:15-23

Key Words: Following Jesus, Righteousness, Sin, Fruits of Sin, Obedience

1. What two spiritual pursuits does Paul contrast in this passage?
2. According to the text, what are the marks of pursuing sin?
3. What are the results of pursuing sin?
4. How does Paul teach we move from being slaves to sin to being slaves of righteousness?
5. If righteousness means right relationships, how does obedience lead to righteousness?
6. If holiness means godly character, how does righteousness lead to holiness?
7. How many times is the word righteousness used in this passage?
8. What does this say about God’s desire for Christian spirituality?
9. What other Bible teachings emphasize righteousness or right relationships?

I19 –Generosity and Spirituality – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Key Words: Following Jesus, Generosity, Spirituality, Giving

1. What virtue does Paul emphasize in this passage?
2. Why is generosity a crucial mark of authentic spirituality?
3. How is being generous like God?
4. What other virtues are demonstrated and validated by genuine generosity?
5. How does Paul say people should give?
6. What does he teach happens in return when people give?
7. How does verse 8 teach that our supply ultimately comes from God?
8. How involved is God in the process of Christian generosity?
9. List the ways this passage teaches God responds to our generosity?
10. How does verse 11 teach that others will respond to our generosity?
11. What does your current level of generosity reveal about your spirituality?

I20 – The Good Samaritan – Luke 10: 29-37

Key Words: Following Jesus, Love, Service, Spirituality, False Spirituality, Compassion

1. What does this parable teach regarding authentic Christian spirituality?
2. Who is our neighbor?
3. Why did the priest and Levite pass by someone in need?
4. The priest and Levite were assumed to be very religious, what religious perspective enabled them to pass the person in need by?
5. What qualities in the Samaritan compelled him to get involved and help the person in need?
6. How does the Samaritan reflect the virtues, qualities and actions of Christ?
7. How do these qualities reflect the type of spirituality taught by Jesus and the New Testament?
8. What does this passage teach about service, compassion, love and responsibility?

I21 – Gifted for Service – Romans 12: 3-8

Key Words: Following Jesus, Spiritual Gifts, Service, Ministry

1. According to this passage, what are spiritual gifts?
2. Are these gifts earned… explain?
3. How do the gifts work together?
4. Why does God give different people different gifts?
5. What does it say about every Christian’s responsibility to serve if every Christian receives a spiritual gift?
6. Who are we supposed to serve?
7. How are we supposed to serve?
8. Who are the gifts ultimately for?
9. Do you have any ideas regarding what your gifts might be?
10. What implications do your gifts have regarding your ministry in God’s kingdom?

I22 – Making Disciples – Matthew 28: 18-20

Key Words: Following Jesus, Discipleship, Salvation, Christlikeness, Mission, Purpose, Evangelism

1. What is a disciple? Must you be a disciple before you can make a disciple… explain?
2. What does a follower of Jesus look like?
3. What is the best way to help someone else be a disciple or follower of Jesus?
4. Does this involve leading someone to forgiveness or salvation?
5. How loving and compassionate is it to be able to influence someone and not share with them how to experience salvation?
6. Is making disciples then only about leading someone to an initial relationship with God?
7. What else is involved?
8. Who is responsible for making disciples?
9. Could the disciples who received the Great Commission (this passage is called the Great Commission) possibly have personally fulfilled it?
10. What does that indicate about Christ’s intent for Christians today?
11. How loving and compassionate is it to experience the wonderful treasures and blessings of authentic Christian love and spirituality and not pass them on to others?
12. Is the concept of discipleship today consistent with the ideas in this passage… explain?
13. What might it look like for you to naturally make disciples with your family and friends?