Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Need for Committed Friends Selected Scriptures 2 Peter 1:12 & 3:1-2. It is important to be reminded of what you already know

The Purpose of the Christian Life A man centered gospel obscures God’s purpose in saving us Salvation is not a fire insurance policy to keep man from going to Hell Salvation is about the glory of God – Ephesians 1:5-6 Romans 3:25, 26 Ephesians 2:7

The Purpose of the Christian Life Ephesians 2 - Salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ Romans 6 – Salvation is from sin to righteousness

The Purpose of the Christian Life Saved to be the People of God – Romans 9:25-26 1 Peter 2:9-10

The Purpose of the Christian Life Saved to be Holy - Ephesians 1:4 Colossians 1:22; 3:12 1 Thessalonians. 4:7 2 Timothy 2:19 Titus 2:11-14 1 Peter 1:15-16 To Be holy is to be set apart to God

The Purpose of the Christian Life Saved to be Conformed to Christ – Roman 8:29 2 Corinthians 3:18 Philippians 3:21 1 John 3:2-3

Reason for Christian Failure God does His part – Philippians. 1:6 – why do professing Christians fail? False professions of faith

Reason for Christian Failure Ignorance: Lack Scriptures, Taught incorrectly, Preoccupied, lazy or entrapped in sin Discouragement, being overwhelmed

Daniel & His Friends Determined to be Faithful - Daniel 1:8, Daniel 3 - Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in the fiery furnace Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lion’s Den

Daniel & His Friends Diligence in Prayer – Daniel 2:14-18 – they prayed for God’s compassion Daniel 6:10 - He prayed “as he had been doing previously.” There is no magic formula for prayer - you just need to pray enough

Daniel & His Friends Dependence on His Word - Daniel 1 – Dietary Laws Daniel 4 – Worship God alone Daniel 6 – Prayer Daniel 9 – Reading Jeremiah

Daniel & His Friends Committed Friends – Daniel 1, 2 & 3 Examples of godly committed friendships occur throughout the Scriptures

The Body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12 1 Corinthians 12-14: a correction of pride in false spirituality God is the source of all spiritual gifts, ministries & powers - no spiritual gift is for self edification

The Body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12 The church, like a physical body, has many parts but is only one body and each part is needed A body with a non-function part is lame, and so is a church missing a gift / ministry

The Body of Christ Ephesians 4:11-16 Each person in the body helps the rest of the body become mature You use your gift / ministry to help others become mature in that area and they do the same for you Spiritual maturity includes walking with the Lord so that your life exhibits Him living through you

Personal Holiness We are to reflect Christ in our lives & fulfill the “one another” commands which result in godly living 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee, run away from - youthful lusts = all the strong desires common to immaturity Beware of thinking you can tolerate them - 1 Corinthians 10:12

Personal Holiness Pursue righteousness, faith, love & peace Righteousness reflects the character of Jesus in your life Faith is the action of belief in trust of God and His promises Love seeks the best interest of others at the sacrifice of yourself. Peace is the result of walking intimately in trust of God

Personal Holiness You must do God’s will God’s way, not your will your way or any other combination. Be careful about who and what you allow to influence you (see Psalm 1) Develop godly friends that will help you to both flee from temptation and pursue godliness

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ