Adult Bible Study Guide

Jan Feb Mar 2014

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Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide An Appeal This PowerPoint Show is freely shared to all who may find it beneficial. While intended primarily for personal use, some find it useful for teaching the lesson in church. There are those, however, who add illustrations, change background, change fonts, etc. While their intention may be good, this is not right. Slide #1 says designed by claro ruiz vicente. For honest Christians, it is not necessary for anothers creation to be copyrighted in order to be respected. PLEASE USE AS IS.

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Dan Solis, Principal Contributor

Discipleship Contents
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Disciples and Scripture Discipling Through Metaphor Discipleship and Prayer Discipling Children Discipling the Sick Discipling the Ordinary Jesus and the Social Outcasts With the Rich and Famous Discipling the Powerful Discipling the Nations Discipling Spiritual Leaders Harvest and the Harvesters The Cost of Discipleship

Discipleship Our Goal

We will look at discipleship as the process by which we become followers of Jesus and, as such, better soul-winners.

Discipleship Lesson 9, February 29

Discipling the

Powerful

Discipling the Powerful Key Text

Acts 6:7 NRSV

The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Initial Words The Ministry of Healing 213

It is by no casual, accidental touch that wealthy, world-loving, worldworshiping souls can be drawn to Christ. These persons are often the most difficult of access. Personal effort must be put forth for them by men and women imbued with the missionary spirit, those who will not fail or be discouraged.

Discipling the Powerful Quick Look

1. Respecting Secular Authority (Luke 20:25) 2. Respecting Religious Authority (Matthew 12:1-16) 3. Witnessing to Authorities (Acts 6:7)

Discipling the Powerful 1. Respecting Secular Authority

Luke 20:25 NKJV

And He said to them, Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesars and to God the things that are Gods.

1. Respecting Secular Authority Recognizing Human Government

People have struggled to understand the role and function of government and how citizens should relate to it. What gives rulers the right to rule? What is the best form of government? Should people always obey their governments? If not, why not?

1. Respecting Secular Authority Recognizing Human Government

Oppression and brutality characterized the Roman Empire during Christs time. Puppet governments permitted by Rome were probably worse than Rome itself. Yet, Jesus never advocated any kind of rebellion against this government, or even the withholding of taxes from it.

1. Respecting Secular Authority Recognizing Human Government

The people of God will recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment and will teach obedience to it as a sacred duty within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, the word of God must be recognized as above all human legislation.Testimonies for the Church 6:402.

1. Respecting Secular Authority The Centurion

How amazing that this man of power and influence (and a Roman, as well!) could show such deep faith when many who had so many more spiritual advantages spurned Jesus. Anyone can enjoy the centurions experience. This story should encourage those evangelizing among people in powerful positions.

Discipling the Powerful 2. Respecting Religious Authority

Matthew 12:11-14 NKJV

What man among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will notlift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Then the Phariseesplotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.

2. Respecting Religious Authority Have You Not Read?

Some of the most powerful and influential people with whom Jesus dealt were the religious leaders, many of whom were openly hostile to Him. Jesus always sought to be redemptive even of those powerful and influential people who would eventually condemn Him to death.

2. Respecting Religious Authority Have You Not Read?

Jesus referred to the Scriptures and even sacred history, appealing to what should have been common ground between them. He sought to bring the leaders to a deeper meaning of the law that they claimed to cherish and uphold so fervently and devoutly.

2. Respecting Religious Authority Have You Not Read?

Jesus then appealed to their most basic notions of decency and kindness, something that these men all should have related to. Finally, the miracles themselves should have spoken loudly to these influential leaders about the extraordinary Man among them.

Discipling the Powerful 3. Witnessing to Authorities

Acts 6:7 NLT

So Gods message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

3. Witnessing to Authorities Judgment Day

While Christ witnessed to make disciples, sometimes the outcome was vastly different from what He Himself would have wished. Stubbornly, they refused His entreaties, callously bypassing their final invitation to salvation.

3. Witnessing to Authorities Judgment Day

Christs followers should recognize that measurable success may not always attend their efforts. The genuine disciple is faithful until death, not faithful until disappointed. Calling listeners to a decision separates wheat from chaff. The wheat is celebrated. The chaff is mourned. The harvest continues.

3. Witnessing to Authorities Early Explosion

Seedtime precedes harvest. Christ had faithfully proclaimed the gospel. Missionaries had witnessed throughout Judea. Early converts no doubt helped to carry the message. When Christ personally conquered death, confirming His message, thousands of fence-sitters leaped into the kingdom.

Discipling the Powerful Final Words

The explosive potential of Jesus movement remained hidden during His earthly ministry. Following His resurrection, however, the kingdom erupted, evidenced by massive conversions, even among those in influential positions. The faithful planting was finally yielding its abundant harvest.