Pastor's Bible Study

Giving and acts of generosity allow us to look like Jesus because when we give financially we do some of the very things Jesus did: give, love, sacrifice, and serve. In this lesson we look at 8 principles for giving financially. In end, Jesus only asks us to give what He is already willing to give us. Take a listen to this lesson and be encouraged to steward well and look like Jesus.  

Jesus didn’t say “if you fast” but “when you fast.” Implied in Christ’s teaching is that we would fast and should fast. It's not a matter of if but when.  Charles Stanley said, "Fasting is the abstinence of anything that hinders our communion with God. In particular, fasting is the abstinence of food for the purpose of seeking God in prayer." It is this spiritual discipline that goes hand in hand with prayer. Fasting is the other hand with which we let go of the world.  Fasting helps us to sharpen our focus and fervency in prayer.

When we serve with a smile, God smiles. Serving is expected and results in growth, glory, gratefulness, and godlness.

Praying is one thing. Being disciplined in our praying, that is another. We can grow in our consistency and fervor in our praying over time just like we can physically grow in our strength and stamina over time, if we are disciplined. This lesson looks to answer questions like: Why pray? How do we develop discipline? And, what is our motivation?

The bible is a fruit bearing tree from which we eat when we listen to it, read it, and study it. We increase our harvest from God's Word when we memorize it, meditate upon it, and apply it to our lives.

The Christian life isn’t just about knowing a certain set of doctrines. It is more than knowing. It is believing. But it is more than believing. The Christian life is also about doing. It is doing what we believe. But to truly do what we believe is going to require some discipline, disciplines, habits, spiritual activities to be engaged in. If we never engage in spiritual activity, then we’re just spinning our wheels, going through the motions, but having no substance to our form. 

This lesson focuses on the broadest and most basic, foundational, and important of all the disciplines - bible intake. Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Where do we get these words that come from God's mouth? His Word. We must be committed to taking the bible into our hearts and minds. When we do, God does something in us that we cannot do on our own; He transforms us.

Self-control is the last quality of the Fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul, but there can be no doubt about its importance to Christian living. Can we truly be in a place of pleasing God if we're not living in a way that we exercise self-control? We are to live controlled lives; lives in balance and in the boundaries of God's Word, will, and desire.

Self-control in the physical realm may happen by our determination and will power, but strength and victory in the spiritual realm come only by yielding to the Holy Spirit. Surrender + Sacrifice produce self-control through the Spirit's power.

The world may view meekness as weakness in a person's make-up, but in reality, meekness is not weakness. It is strength under control. It is a quality we very much need on display in God's people. We especially need it as we increase in power and authority. It is meekness that keeps us from being abusive or overbearing with our authority.

Faith is the intrinsic link in the Christian experience. Faith is not optional. It is a must. Without it we can’t be saved; we can’t serve; we can’t please God; we have no joy.

The basis of our faith, as it relates to our Christian experience, embraces two objects: 1) Faith in the faithfulness of God, and 2) Faith in the faithful sayings of God (i.e. His Word).

God is faithful to us in all things. He is faithful to save. His is faithful to be present. He is faithful to fulfill His promises. He is faithful. Because God is totally faithful to us, we should be faithful to Him. 

In 2 Tim. 3:1-4 Paul gives us the key to cherishing good. He contrasts those who love themselves, their money and pleasure with those who are lovers of God (philotheos). It is this love for God that keeps everything in proper perspective. 

Loving what is good is the outflow of loving God.

Since God is clearly the source of good, how can a man begin to become good like God is? 

1) DISCOVER what God says we should do.

2) DETERMINE that good will be a priority in your life.

3) DECIDE to do what the Word of God says.

4) DEPEND upon the Lord, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, to make this a reality and response in your life.