FREEDOM IN CHRIST
Essentials of Christianity- Lesson 7
This online lesson in the "Essentials of Christianity" class will provide a study of guidance, which is covered in the 5th session After you have finished this session, click on the "Submit" button at the end of the lesson (Please give short answers.) Submitting the form will email it to Pastor Bill Payne at Washington Cathedral and give you credit for this session.
(You can use the TAB key on your keyboard to move to each section of scriptures and questions.)
Introduction
Much has been written in popular literature about developing self-esteem. The Bible says that our positive self-esteem comes from our position in Christ.
(II Corinthians 5:17) If anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come!
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
To experience a positive self-esteem, we must know truth about God, about ourselves and about our responsibility in maintaining our freedom.
The Truth About God
(John 1:1,14) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God…..The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Question 1. Who is the Word in this text? What does this text tells us about God’s desire in relationship to us?
(John 10:10-11) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you may have life and have it in full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
(John 14:6) Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Question 2. What truths do you learn about God from these texts? Do you find Jesus’ statement difficult to accept and convey to others?
(II Corinthians 3:17-18) The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom…..We are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.
Question 3. What else do we learn about God and His desires for us?
(John 8:44) …he (the devil) is a liar and the father of lies.
(Revelation 12:10) the devil is called “the accuser of our brothers.”
Question 4. Based on the description of the devil, what kinds of thoughts might come from his agents?
(Matthew 28:20) I am with you always, to the end of the age.
(Hebrews 13:5) I will never leave you and I will never forsake you.
Question 5. What opposite thoughts might be planted into your mind from the enemy camp?
(I John 3:1) How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.
(I John 4:8-9) God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”
(John 15:9) As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you
Question 6. Based on these scriptures, what do we need to continually remind ourselves when we rejected?
The Truth About Ourselves
.It is essential to know and to maintain our true identity established in us by Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 2:1-2, 5 You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient…but because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.
(Hebrews 10:17) Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.
Question 7. Describe our life condition before and after trusting in Christ. What can you confidently say about your past, present and future sins?
(Ephesians 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Chris Jesus…..to the saints in Ephesus…
Question 8. What does Paul call the Christians at Ephesus? This term is used at least 60 times in the New Testament. How should this insight affect how we think God sees us? What would be the opposite of the right attitude?
(II Peter 1:3) His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.
Question 9. Why are we able to live life according to God’s plan? What might be typical thoughts from the enemy to convince us otherwise?
The Truth About Our Responsibility for Freedom
Our minds are the main battleground where a war is being fought for control of our thoughts. A passive approach to the Christian life will not cut it. We must take responsibility for our thoughts if we want to live the full life in Christ God has intended for us.
(I Corinthians 2:16) We have the mind of Christ”
(II Corinthians 10:5) We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Question 10. Based on these texts and what you know about the enemy forces resisting us, give examples of what it means to “take captive every thought.”
(Romans 12:2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Question 11. What are some ways to be continually renewing our minds to think according to God’s thoughts?
Prayer Assignment:
During your quiet times with God, make a list of areas where you need to correct your thinking about God, about yourself and about your responsibility to maintain your freedom in Christ.
Provide your name and email to receive proper credit for completing this online lesson.
Name Email (if available)
Eve Phone Day Phone (if can be called)
After you have answered the questions, click on the "Submit" button to send this form to Pastor Bill Payne at Washington Cathedral. By submitting the form you will have completed the requirement for this session of the Essentials of Christianity Class.