developing the disciplines of a sincere faith
DEVELOPING THE DISCIPLINES OF A SINCERE FAITH
Viewer Guides with Answers. Authentic Bible Study. Published by LifeWay Press®. © 2013 James MacDonald. Item 005470535. Made in the USA. Permission is granted to reproduce this item.
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 1. Hypocrite: one who pretends to be what he is not, assuming a position of piety when in reality you are destitute of genuine faith, acting the part of being close to God when in reality your heart is very far from Him
Seven Habits of Highly Hypocritical People 1. Making salvation as complicated as possible 2. Getting what I need from people even if it hurts them To be indifferent to the impact our conduct has makes us a hypocrite. 3. Squirming my way out of any promise I don’t want to keep If you give your word , keep it. If you make a promise , keep it. 4. M aking a big deal of little things and ignoring things of critical importance J ustice: doing what’s right . Mercy: going a little easier on people. Faithfulness: keep going . 5. Exhibiting laziness in all matters of the heart L aziness in matters of the heart: not willing to expend the energy in the things that matter most. reed: I can’t get enough . Self-indulgence: I have no restraint G in the consumption of what I have. We are who we are when no one can see us. That is the true
you .
6. Looking good to others, no matter what the cost 7. Pretending to be better than others, no matter what the evidence lifetime of unrepented hypocrisy reveals that a person has never truly been A born again .
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AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 2. The Discipline of Personal Bible Study 1. Pick it up. The Bible is beyond any other book. God’s Word transforms you. God’s Word gives you wisdom . God’s Word brings you joy . Precepts: divine principles , rulings, prescriptions, pronouncements, charges God’s Word dispels the darkness . God’s commands are clear . The commands of the Lord are so crystal clear that they bring light to the darkness in every human heart. Fear of the Lord: the attitude of heart that seeks to be in a right relationship with the fear source God’s Word adds stability . God’s Word promises justice . Rules: rulings, judgments , verdicts, pronouncements, consequences, decisive actions 2. Size it up. God’s Word is a fire .
God’s Word is a sword .
God’s Word is a hammer .
God’s Word is a seed .
God’s Word is milk .
God’s Word is meat .
God’s Word is a light .
God’s Word is a mirror .
3. Eat it up. Read it. Question it. Is there an example for me to follow? Is there a sin for me to confess? Is there a truth for me to understand? Is there a comfort for me to embrace? Plan it. Pray it. Share it.
34 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 3. The Discipline of Personal Prayer 1. Is my prayer real ? Public-performance prayers are a sure sign of insincerity . The secret to prayer is prayer in secret . 2. Is my prayer simple ? Prayer isn’t to inform God. The purpose of praying is to express faith toward God. 3. Is my prayer worshipful ? The Lord’s Prayer is a model prayer. When you begin your prayer, begin with worship . 4. Is my prayer submissive ? There is no answered prayer where there’s not submission to God. I surrender my wants and my sense of timing . 5. Is my prayer practical ? Prayer List Income in every household Physical health Emotional health Spiritual health 6. Is my prayer repentant ? “God, I want You to forgive me the way I forgive others .” 7. Is my prayer expectant ?
62 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 4. Fasting: abstaining from food for measured periods of time in order to heighten my hunger for the things of God
The Discipline of Fasting 1. We have little hunger for God. Compare your hunger for God with your hunger for food. 2. We only have so much hunger . The attempt to satisfy self apart from doing the will of God is inevitably not just a frustrating and empty thing but even a very discouraging thing. 3. Our enslavement to food hinders our hunger for God. There has to be a humble recognition that food is filling a place in my heart , is giving a strength, is giving a comfort, is giving a relief that God wants to give. 4. Fasting breaks our enslavement to food. Anything that I have to have is enslavement for me. Fasting reveals the things that control us. 5. Fasting can ignite our hunger for God. Kinds of Fasts Normal fast. Partial fast. Absolute fast. Corporate fast. When to Fast When you are caught in a sinful pattern When you have a heavy burden When you are oppressed by the Enemy When you want to give to someone else When you need encouragement When you need an answer to prayer When you need to examine yourself When you need direction When you need to be spiritually restored When you need to be revived 88 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 5. Top 10 Things the Bible Says About Fellowship 10. Fellowship means our common life together . Koinonia: a relationship between individuals that involves active participation in a common interest and thereby in each other 9. Fellowship was a high priority in the early church. 8. Fellowship is for believers only . Our closest relationships, our life-giving relationships, should be with people who know and love Jesus Christ like we do. 7. Fellowship centers on our common relationship to Christ . Moving a Relationship to a Spiritual Level Don’t rush . Go first . Be specific . 6. Fellowship involves sharing what I have . 5. Fellowship is about partnership in ministry . 4. Fellowship requires commitment . Things That Break Down Commitment 1. Entitlement 2. Superiority 3. Agenda 4. Aloofness 5. Injury 3. Fellowship hurts sometimes . I experience the fellowship of Jesus’ suffering when I take a pain that I do not deserve . 2. Fellowship requires honesty . 1. Fellowship produces unity .
114 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 6. The Discipline of Service 1. We must not expect God to serve us before we have served Him . What Are You Expecting from God? 1. Protection for your children 2. Financial provision 3. Healing 4. Wisdom 5. Salvation 2. We must not expect any immediate return for our service. Don’t serve for something you get back . Reasons People Quit Serving I didn’t feel appreciated . I didn’t get the results I wanted. I didn’t get the feeling I wanted. Ministry is hard work . 3. We must see service as our obligation to Jesus Christ. We are commanded to serve. 4. We must serve faithfully . Faithful: constant in the performance of duty We Must Serve Faithfully Even when my schedule is full Even when I want to quit Even when my heart is breaking Even when I serve in silence 5. We must serve humbly , mutually , immediately .
140 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 7. Worship is the most powerful, joy - producing , hope sustaining , life - altering thing we do. When worship is directed to an unworthy person or an unworthy object, we call it idolatry .
The Discipline of worship Worship is powerful . To fail at worship is the greatest human failure of which we are capable because it robs us of what we were created by God to experience. Worship: to fall or prostrate yourself before someone on the ground Worship is the conscious , direct, specific adoration of someone or something greater than ourselves. Worship is joy - producing . Worship is life - altering . Worship is hope - sustaining . In order to see the Lord fill what is empty in me, quench what is thirsty in me, satisfy what is hungry in my soul, I have to be exposed for who I really am. Growing in Worship Avoid debate . Worship isn’t a mountain issue; it’s a motive issue. Worship isn’t a where thing; it’s a how thing. Worship isn’t a place; it’s a pattern . Start with salvation . You can’t worship a God you don’t know . We should never get tired of our story . God will not let go of you . Enter in fully . Worship in Spirit and Truth 1. Vertical 2. Simple 3. Emotive 4. Physical Focus on Jesus Christ .
166 AUTHENTIC
Viewer Guides with Answers. Authentic Bible Study. Published by LifeWay Press®. © 2013 James MacDonald. Item 005470535. Made in the USA. Permission is granted to reproduce this item.
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 1. Hypocrite: one who pretends to be what he is not, assuming a position of piety when in reality you are destitute of genuine faith, acting the part of being close to God when in reality your heart is very far from Him
Seven Habits of Highly Hypocritical People 1. Making salvation as complicated as possible 2. Getting what I need from people even if it hurts them To be indifferent to the impact our conduct has makes us a hypocrite. 3. Squirming my way out of any promise I don’t want to keep If you give your word , keep it. If you make a promise , keep it. 4. M aking a big deal of little things and ignoring things of critical importance J ustice: doing what’s right . Mercy: going a little easier on people. Faithfulness: keep going . 5. Exhibiting laziness in all matters of the heart L aziness in matters of the heart: not willing to expend the energy in the things that matter most. reed: I can’t get enough . Self-indulgence: I have no restraint G in the consumption of what I have. We are who we are when no one can see us. That is the true
you .
6. Looking good to others, no matter what the cost 7. Pretending to be better than others, no matter what the evidence lifetime of unrepented hypocrisy reveals that a person has never truly been A born again .
8
AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 2. The Discipline of Personal Bible Study 1. Pick it up. The Bible is beyond any other book. God’s Word transforms you. God’s Word gives you wisdom . God’s Word brings you joy . Precepts: divine principles , rulings, prescriptions, pronouncements, charges God’s Word dispels the darkness . God’s commands are clear . The commands of the Lord are so crystal clear that they bring light to the darkness in every human heart. Fear of the Lord: the attitude of heart that seeks to be in a right relationship with the fear source God’s Word adds stability . God’s Word promises justice . Rules: rulings, judgments , verdicts, pronouncements, consequences, decisive actions 2. Size it up. God’s Word is a fire .
God’s Word is a sword .
God’s Word is a hammer .
God’s Word is a seed .
God’s Word is milk .
God’s Word is meat .
God’s Word is a light .
God’s Word is a mirror .
3. Eat it up. Read it. Question it. Is there an example for me to follow? Is there a sin for me to confess? Is there a truth for me to understand? Is there a comfort for me to embrace? Plan it. Pray it. Share it.
34 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 3. The Discipline of Personal Prayer 1. Is my prayer real ? Public-performance prayers are a sure sign of insincerity . The secret to prayer is prayer in secret . 2. Is my prayer simple ? Prayer isn’t to inform God. The purpose of praying is to express faith toward God. 3. Is my prayer worshipful ? The Lord’s Prayer is a model prayer. When you begin your prayer, begin with worship . 4. Is my prayer submissive ? There is no answered prayer where there’s not submission to God. I surrender my wants and my sense of timing . 5. Is my prayer practical ? Prayer List Income in every household Physical health Emotional health Spiritual health 6. Is my prayer repentant ? “God, I want You to forgive me the way I forgive others .” 7. Is my prayer expectant ?
62 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 4. Fasting: abstaining from food for measured periods of time in order to heighten my hunger for the things of God
The Discipline of Fasting 1. We have little hunger for God. Compare your hunger for God with your hunger for food. 2. We only have so much hunger . The attempt to satisfy self apart from doing the will of God is inevitably not just a frustrating and empty thing but even a very discouraging thing. 3. Our enslavement to food hinders our hunger for God. There has to be a humble recognition that food is filling a place in my heart , is giving a strength, is giving a comfort, is giving a relief that God wants to give. 4. Fasting breaks our enslavement to food. Anything that I have to have is enslavement for me. Fasting reveals the things that control us. 5. Fasting can ignite our hunger for God. Kinds of Fasts Normal fast. Partial fast. Absolute fast. Corporate fast. When to Fast When you are caught in a sinful pattern When you have a heavy burden When you are oppressed by the Enemy When you want to give to someone else When you need encouragement When you need an answer to prayer When you need to examine yourself When you need direction When you need to be spiritually restored When you need to be revived 88 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 5. Top 10 Things the Bible Says About Fellowship 10. Fellowship means our common life together . Koinonia: a relationship between individuals that involves active participation in a common interest and thereby in each other 9. Fellowship was a high priority in the early church. 8. Fellowship is for believers only . Our closest relationships, our life-giving relationships, should be with people who know and love Jesus Christ like we do. 7. Fellowship centers on our common relationship to Christ . Moving a Relationship to a Spiritual Level Don’t rush . Go first . Be specific . 6. Fellowship involves sharing what I have . 5. Fellowship is about partnership in ministry . 4. Fellowship requires commitment . Things That Break Down Commitment 1. Entitlement 2. Superiority 3. Agenda 4. Aloofness 5. Injury 3. Fellowship hurts sometimes . I experience the fellowship of Jesus’ suffering when I take a pain that I do not deserve . 2. Fellowship requires honesty . 1. Fellowship produces unity .
114 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 6. The Discipline of Service 1. We must not expect God to serve us before we have served Him . What Are You Expecting from God? 1. Protection for your children 2. Financial provision 3. Healing 4. Wisdom 5. Salvation 2. We must not expect any immediate return for our service. Don’t serve for something you get back . Reasons People Quit Serving I didn’t feel appreciated . I didn’t get the results I wanted. I didn’t get the feeling I wanted. Ministry is hard work . 3. We must see service as our obligation to Jesus Christ. We are commanded to serve. 4. We must serve faithfully . Faithful: constant in the performance of duty We Must Serve Faithfully Even when my schedule is full Even when I want to quit Even when my heart is breaking Even when I serve in silence 5. We must serve humbly , mutually , immediately .
140 AUTHENTIC
watch Complete the viewer guide below as you watch dvd session 7. Worship is the most powerful, joy - producing , hope sustaining , life - altering thing we do. When worship is directed to an unworthy person or an unworthy object, we call it idolatry .
The Discipline of worship Worship is powerful . To fail at worship is the greatest human failure of which we are capable because it robs us of what we were created by God to experience. Worship: to fall or prostrate yourself before someone on the ground Worship is the conscious , direct, specific adoration of someone or something greater than ourselves. Worship is joy - producing . Worship is life - altering . Worship is hope - sustaining . In order to see the Lord fill what is empty in me, quench what is thirsty in me, satisfy what is hungry in my soul, I have to be exposed for who I really am. Growing in Worship Avoid debate . Worship isn’t a mountain issue; it’s a motive issue. Worship isn’t a where thing; it’s a how thing. Worship isn’t a place; it’s a pattern . Start with salvation . You can’t worship a God you don’t know . We should never get tired of our story . God will not let go of you . Enter in fully . Worship in Spirit and Truth 1. Vertical 2. Simple 3. Emotive 4. Physical Focus on Jesus Christ .
166 AUTHENTIC
