Study Guide
1) Describe the character traits of a Christian man or woman who you admire and look up to?
2) If you were to talk to your non-Christian friends and ask them to describe a Christian how do you think they would explain a Christian to you?
3) READ Acts 11:19-26 – This passage is the first instance of the Disciples of Christ Jesus being called Christians. What was it about the disciples in Antioch which led to them being called “Christians” by unbelievers? For Example: a) those who were being persecuted for the name of Jesus, b) preaching the Lord Jesus, c) faithful to the Lord Jesus…etc)
4) READ Romans 2:28-29 – Instead of “Jew” put in the word “Christian”. How could we be deceived just like the Jews when we call ourselves Christian?
5) If circumcision can be a stumbling block for Jews, what could we easily look to for a false sense of hope concerning our salvation? (READ Luke 3:16) Why do we often place more emphasis in baptism of water whether as infants or adults more than through the Holy Spirit?
6) According to Titus 3:5, when we receive Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord what role does the Holy Spirit play in our salvation and what role does the deeds we perform for God play?
7) READ Deuteronomy 30:6 – As we read this passage on the other side of Pentecost, how does the Lord circumcise our heart today and is it possible to love God with all our heart and with all our soul in order that we may live? (Discuss both questions and use any other passages on the Holy Spirit which reveals the abundant grace of God given to us as He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within each believer)
8) Do you have an overwhelming love for the Lord God or do you wrestle with lethargy whereby you go through the motions of being a Christian but the warmth of His love seems to be missing? Write down your answer. If there has been a struggle with lethargy in loving God then bring that to the Father and lay any specific areas before Him where the externals have been more focused on than allowing Christ to do a deep work.
9) Close the time in prayer by asking the Lord to renew your heart with His Spirit and to pour out His love anew in your heart and mind. Allow the Holy Spirit to take you into a very powerful time of praying and confessing when needed. Remember, There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.(Romans 8:1)
