Prayer A Path to Spiritual Growth PreClass Assignment

Prayer – A Path to Spiritual Growth Pre-Class Assignment Read Philippians 1: 3 -11

Prayer – A Source of Spiritual Growth

Prayer – A Source of Spiritual Growth By the end of the study each of us will: Ø Pray more frequently and fervently Ø Use Biblical principles and language in our prayers Ø Be more aware of the needs of others for whom we should be praying Ø Be made more like Christ through the effect of our prayers 3

Philippians 1: 3 -8 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1: 3 -8 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1: 3 -8 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1: 3 -8 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1: 3 -8 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1: 9 -11 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1: 9 -11 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1: 9 -11 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Prayer – A Source of Spiritual Growth

Colossians 1: 9 -12 Lessons from the Setting • Pray for those we don’t know well Colossians 2: 1 -2 1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 13

Colossians 1: 9 -12 Lessons from the Setting • Pray for those we don’t know well • Pray constantly (first class goal) Colossians 1: 9 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, 14

Colossians 1: 9 -12 Lessons from the Setting • Pray for those we don’t know well • Pray constantly (first class goal) • Link thanksgiving with our petitions Colossians 1: 11 -12 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you 15

Colossians 1: 9 -12 Lessons from the Prayer • Pray for knowledge Colossians 1: 9 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 16

Colossians 1: 9 -12 Lessons from the Prayer • Pray for knowledge • Pray that others fully please God Colossians 1: 10 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, 17

Colossians 1: 9 -12 Lessons from the Prayer • Pray for knowledge • Pray that others fully please God • Pray for a life that is pleasing to God 1. Bear fruit -1: 10 2. Grow in knowledge – 1: 10 3. Be strengthened in patience and endurance 1: 11 4. Joyfully give thanks – 1: 11 -12 18

Prayer – A Source of Spiritual Growth

Lesson 1 Title Teacher Day Date Russ Sunday February 20, 2011 2 GOALS FOR THE CLASS EARTHLY MOTIVES Russ February 23, 2011 3 BALANCED PRAYERS Ben Wednesd ay Sunday 4 THE FRAMEWORK OF PRAYER PRAYING FOR OTHERS Ben Wednesd ay March 2, 2011 Ben Sunday March 6, 2011 Ben Wednesd ay March 9, 2011 Russ Sunday March 13, 2011 Russ Wednesd ay March 16, 2011 Russ Sunday March 20, 2011 Russ Sunday March 27, 2011 Ben Wednesd ay March 30, 2011 12 A PASSION FOR PEOPLE A CHALLENGING PRAYER EXCUSES FOR NOT PRAYING FOR EXCELLENCE PRAYING FOR OPPORTUNITIES PRAYING TO THE SOVEREIGN GOD PRAYING FOR POWER Ben Sunday April 3, 2011 13 REVIEW Ben Wednesd ay April 6, 2011 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 February 27, 2011 20

Prayer – A Source of Spiritual Growth By the end of the study each of us will: Ø Pray more frequently and fervently Ø Use Biblical principles and language in our prayers Ø Be more aware of the needs of others for whom we should be praying Ø Be made more like Christ through the effect of our prayers 21

Prayer – A Path to Spiritual Growth Pre-Class Question What do you know about these individuals? Hint – see Colossians 4 Epaphras Onesimus Mark Demas Archippus Apphia Tychicus Aristarchus Justus Nympha Philemon

Ephesians 4: 13 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, Romans 8: 29 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Earthly Prayers • Desire for recognition 24

Individuals Named in Colossians Epaphras – started church (1: 7), w/Paul (4: 12) Tychicus – coming to them (4: 7), Acts 20: 4 Onesimus – a slave from Colossae (Philemon) Aristarchus – prisoner w/Paul (4: 10), Acts 20, 27 Mark – may come to them (4: 10) Acts 12, 15 Justus – 4: 11 Demas – greetings (4: 14), later forsakes II Tim 4: 10 Nympha – Laodicean church in her house? (4: 15) Archippus – member in Colossae (4: 17, Philemon 1: 2) Also Philemon and Apphia (Philemon 1: 2) 25

Colossians 1: 9 -12 Lessons from the Setting • Pray for those we don’t know well • Pray constantly (first goal) • Link thanksgiving to our petitions 26

Prayers in I and II Thessalonians 1: 11 -12 II Thessalonians 2: 13 II Thessalonians 2: 16 -17 I Thessalonians 3: 9 -13 II Thessalonians 3: 1 -2 I Thessalonians 5: 23 II Thessalonians 3: 5 II Thessalonians 1: 3 II Thessalonians 3: 16 I Thessalonians 1: 2 -5 27

Matthew 23: 14 14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers.

Earthly Prayers • Desire for recognition • Self-righteousness 29

Earthly Prayers • Desire for recognition • Self-righteousness • Vain Repetition 30

Luke 18: 13 -14 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. "

Matthew 6: 7 7 "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Earthly Prayers • Desire for recognition • Self-righteousness • Vain Repetition • Materialism 33

James 4: 2 -3 You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Prayer – A Source of Spiritual Growth

The Church in Antioch 11: 19 -20 Founded: Jews and Gentiles 11: 23 -24 Barnabas comes 11: 23 -26 Barnabas and Paul work for one yr 11: 26 Disciples called Christians 13: 1 Many prophets and teachers 13: 2 Barnabas and Paul sent off 36

Prayer – A Path to Spiritual Growth Pre-Class Question What do you hope to accomplish when you pray? List several things.

What do you hope to accomplish when you pray? Closeness with God Forgiveness for sins A sense of cleansing Protection for our loved ones Relief from anxiety Express our gratitude and love Honor God Praise God Resolution of a problem Health of a loved one Salvation for someone Wisdom and knowledge Gain opportunities Relief from anger Relief from fear For God to hear me Word would be spread Faithful would be strengthened

What do you hope to accomplish when you pray? - Something will happen Closeness with God Forgiveness for sins A sense of cleansing Protection for our loved ones Relief from anxiety Express our gratitude and love Honor God Praise God Resolution of a problem Health of a loved one Salvation for someone Wisdom and knowledge Gain opportunities Relief from anger Relief from fear For God to hear me Word would be spread Faithful would be strengthened

What do you hope to accomplish when you pray? - Prayer does something Closeness with God Forgiveness for sins A sense of cleansing Protection for our loved ones Relief from anxiety Express our gratitude and love Honor God Praise God Resolution of a problem Health of a loved one Salvation for someone Wisdom and knowledge Gain opportunities Relief from anger Relief from fear For God to hear me Word would be spread Faithful would be strengthened

What do you hope to accomplish when you pray? - To be changed Closeness with God Forgiveness for sins A sense of cleansing Protection for our loved ones Relief from anxiety Express our gratitude and love Honor God Praise God Resolution of a problem Health of a loved one Salvation for someone Wisdom and knowledge Gain opportunities Relief from anger Relief from fear For God to hear me That the word would be spread That the faithful would be strengthened

Prayer – A Source of Spiritual Growth

Lesson 6 Objectives At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to: Describe the setting and audience for this sermon. Ø List at least three OT references made in the sermon. Ø Explain how the sermon is suited for Jews & Gentiles. Ø 43

Sermons in Acts Pre-Class Exercise Review and answer the three objectives of Lesson 5 listed below. 1. Describe the circumstances and preparation God made to bring Peter to Cornelius’ house. 2. Explain the significance of the Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius and his household. 3. List at least four of our themes found in the sermon.

Sermons in Acts - Lessons List # Title Text 1. Introduction 2. Peter on Pentecost 2: 14 -40 3. Peter at Solomon’s Porch 3: 11 -26 4. Stephen’s Defense 7: 1 -53 5. Peter at Cornelius’ house 10: 34 -43 6. Paul at Antioch of Pisidia 13: 16 -42 7. Paul at Lystra & Athens 14: 14 -17; 17: 22 -31 8. Paul at Miletus 20: 17 -35 9. Paul before Agrippa & Festus 26: 1 -29 45

The Church in Antioch 11: 19 -20 Founded: Jews and Gentiles 11: 23 -24 Barnabas comes 11: 23 -26 Barnabas and Paul work for one yr 11: 26 Disciples called Christians 13: 1 Many prophets and teachers 13: 2 Barnabas and Paul sent off 46

Outline of Paul’s Sermon (Acts 13: 16 -41) 13: 16 -22 – History of Israel (Jacob to David) 13: 23 -25 – The Coming of Jesus, the Savior 13: 26 -31 – Jews Fulfilled Prophecies of Jesus (Condemnation, Death, Burial) 13: 32 -37 – Resurrection Prophecies Fulfilled 13: 38 -41 – Remission of Sins, Apart from Law 47

After Stephen’s Death: The Word Spreads Amid Persecution (Acts 1: 8) 8: 1 Church scattered to Judea, Samaria 8: 3 Persecution 8: 4 -25 Philip in Samaria 8: 26 -40 Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch 9: 1 -30 Paul’s conversion and initial work 9: 31 Momentary peace 9: 32 -43 Healings by Peter 48

Outline of Peter’s Sermon (Acts 10: 34 -47) 10: 34, 35 God’s Impartiality 10: 36 -38 The Word of Jesus’ Ministry 10: 39 -41 Witnessed Death & Resurrection 10: 42, 43 Message of Judgment & Forgiveness 10: 47 Instructions for Obedience 49

Baptism of the Holy Spirit Acts 1: 5 – “You will be…baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” Acts 2: 33 – … “has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” Acts 11: 15, 16 – “…the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ’ ” Acts 10: 44 – “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message” Acts 15: 7 - "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them…” 50

Sermons in Acts Pre-Class Exercise Write the five main points of the Outline of Acts Find one reference in each of Chapters 2 -5 where the Jews are accused of killing the Christ

Lesson 4 Objectives At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to: Ø Ø Ø Describe the occasion that led to the sermon. List the charges made against Stephen. List the Old Testament leaders that Stephen mentions. List the underlying theme of the sermon. List 4 of the common themes found in this sermon. 52

Early Days: Popularity and Opposition 4: 17, 21 Warned them, threatened them 4: 27 -29 Apostles’ prayer 5: 11 Ananias and Sapphira – fear upon all 5: 12 -16 Healings 5: 17 -25 Arrest and Freedom 5: 29 -32 Peter’s Testimony 5: 33 Reaction – murderous rage 5: 40 Beating 53

The Charges Against Stephen (Acts 6) Blasphemy Against Moses & God (v 11) Ø Blasphemy Against the Holy Place & Law (v 13) Ø Said, “Jesus will: Ø l l Destroy this Place, and Change the Customs Moses Delivered” (v 14) Charges: Moses (the Law) This Place (Land & Temple) 54

Outline of Stephen’s Defense 7: 2 -8 Call & Promise to Abraham 7: 9 -16 Joseph Brings Israelites to Egypt 7: 17 -36 Moses Delivers Israelites from Egypt 7: 37 -43 The Israelites Rebel Against Moses 7: 44 -50 The House of God 7: 51 -53 Israel’s Consistent Rejection of God Charges: Moses (the Law) This Place (Land & Temple) 55

Lesson 1 Objectives At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to: Ø Name the author and recipient of Acts Ø List the preachers we will be studying Ø List a 5 -point outline of Acts Ø List at least five themes we expect to find in the sermons in Acts 56

Jesus’ Parting Instructions Luke 24: 25 -27 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory? ” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24: 44 -47 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me. ” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, “Thus is it written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. ” Acts 1: 3 … to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 57

The Great Commission The Message Preached The Result/ Response “The Gospel” (Mk 16: 15) Believe & Baptized, or Not Believe (Mk 16: 16) Repentance & Remission of Sins (Luke 24: 47) Make Disciples, Baptized (Matt 28: 19) The Continued Work Teaching to Observe All Things… (Mt 28: 20) 58

Messages not Found Ø Ø Ø An Appeal of Worldly Comfort or Success A Mission of Universal Benevolence A Call for Social Justice An Acceptance of All Religions Predictions of a Future Kingdom 59

Lesson 5 Objectives At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to: Ø Describe the circumstances and preparation God made to bring Peter to Cornelius’ house. Ø Explain the significance of the Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius and his household. Ø List at least four of our themes found in the sermon. 60

Ephesians 4: 22, 24 put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4 - 5 Putting Off Lying Anger Stealing Corrupt talk Bitterness, wrath, malice Sexual immorality Filthiness, crude jokes Foolishness Drunkenness Putting On Truth Labor – honest work Speech that builds up Kindness, forgiveness Thanksgiving Understand the Lord’s will Spirit, singing to the Lord

Stealing – Ephesians 4: 28 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

I John 5: 18 -19 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. Christians