Journey 3-Responsibility

• 1: What is a Disciple?
• 2: Living a Fruitful Life in Christ
• 3: The Responsible and Trustworthy Steward

1 - What is a Disciple?

The simplest definition of a disciple is to be a learner or follower; to be a pupil under a teacher. A disciple chooses to accept instruction given to him by someone and makes the instruction the basis for how he conducts himself.

“So in the time of the disciples, someone who called you a follower of Christ would expect to see your life busy about relationship and reformation. This identity was so clear in Christ’s day that calling someone a follower would be no different from saying to someone, ‘He’s a trucker’ or ‘She’s a doctor.’ It defined the privilege and responsibility of their role as followers. It spoke volumes about who they were and explained why they lived, thought, and acted as they did." Dr. Joseph Stowell, Following Christ

An Eternal And Incomparable Relationship Invitation

Jesus is Calling You

¹⁶ As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” ¹⁸ At once they left their nets and followed him. ¹⁹ When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰ Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Mark 1:16-20 NIV

When the Lord Jesus Christ calls you into relationship with Him and tells you to come and follow Him, that is the time to go and start following Him.

Jesus is the Master of the Relationship

• His relationship with you begins in love.
• He is the One who commands you.
• He is the example of love.
• He is the Master.
• He calls you His friend (if you do what He commands you).
• He makes all things He heard from the Father known to you.
• He chose you.
• He appointed you to go and bear lasting fruit, fruit that remains.

You Are His Friend if You Do What He Commands You

• You are the one who obeys.
• You are His friend if you do what He commands you.

¹⁵ If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.” John 14:15 AMPC

¹² “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. ¹⁷ This I command you, that you love one another." John 15:12-17 NASB95

He Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You

In Hebrews 13:5-6, God promises that this will be a special relationship. How do you feel about God’s promise as you commit yourself to Him?

⁵ Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not,[I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] ⁶ So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13:5-6 AMPC

There Can Be No Competition or Comparison or Equal

The Lord Jesus said your relationship with Him can have no equal with anyone or anything else, not your family, not your friends, not your possessions, not even your own life.

²⁵ Now great crowds were traveling with him. So he turned and said to them, ²⁶ “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. ²⁸ “For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? ²⁹ Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to ridicule him, ³⁰ saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ >³¹ “Or what king, going to war against another king, will not first sit down and decide if he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? >³² If not, while the other is still far off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:25-33 CSB

Often we equate God with how our parents or others have treated us, especially our fathers. God is not like anyone else. He is truly the loving heavenly Father, and He is not like any man. Believing in God is believing He is who He says He is. Separate Him from anyone else and all human experiences. When Jesus said to believe, this is part of that belief. Trust Him.

You Must Count the Cost

Why do you think Jesus does not want any competing influences? (In order to understand the use of the word hate more fully, read Matthew 10:37.)

³⁷ “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;” Matthew 10:37 NIV

How do you respond to the intensity of Jesus’ challenge?

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose. Jim Elliot, The Journals of Jim Elliot

There is always a high cost for truly living. The key is in which price you pay and what the real rewards are.

What might it cost you to be Jesus’ disciple? (Luke 9:57-62)

⁵⁷ As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” ⁵⁸ But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” ⁵⁹ He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” ⁶⁰ But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” ⁶¹ Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” ⁶² But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62 (NLT)

What could it cost you not to be Jesus’ disciple?

Read Romans 12:1-2. How would you explain the meaning of the term living sacrifice?

¹¹ I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. ² Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:1-2 AMPC

Read Luke 9:23-26 below.

²³ Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. ²⁵ For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself? ²⁶ For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and the holy angels. Luke 9:23-26 CSB

• What do you think it means to deny yourself?
• What does it mean to take up your cross daily?
• How can you reclaim your life (your life in Christ)?

“Discipleship… requires a basic shift of orientation as we align ourselves with God’s will through humble renunciation of our own agenda. To deny ourselves in the context of cross-bearing means that the world may kill us for walking outside its path, but we are ready to do so, because God has called us to walk in a different way."" —Darrell Bock, NIV Application Commentary

Are there ways you can better align your life with Jesus? What commitments might Christ be asking you to make?

Grace is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.

What Distinguishes the Life of a Disciple of Christ?

The Testimony and the Life

39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:39-41 NASB95

Abiding In and Living According to the Word in Christ

31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. John 8:31-32 AMPC

Loving One Another

34 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 CSB

The Proof is in the Fruit

⁸ My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. ⁹ Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:8-10 NASB95

You Must Be a Learner To Be Christ’s Disciple

Disciples of Christ Are Teachable All Through Life

Solomon wrote many of the proverbs to those who would be learners. Why is it so important to remain teachable throughout your life?

¹¹ I am teaching you the way of wisdom;
I am guiding you on straight paths.
¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hindered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
¹³ Hold on to instruction; don’t let go.
Guard it, for it is your life. Proverbs 4:11-13 CSB

²⁰ My son, pay attention to my words;
listen closely to my sayings.
²¹ Don’t lose sight of them;
keep them within your heart.
²² For they are life to those who find them,
and health to one’s whole body.
²³ Guard your heart above all else,
for it is the source of life.
²⁴ Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly,
and don’t let your lips talk deviously.
²⁵ Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze straight ahead.
²⁶ Carefully consider the path for your feet,
and all your ways will be established.
²⁷ Don’t turn to the right or to the left;
keep your feet away from evil. Proverbs 4:20-27 CSB

Disciples of Christ Learn and Apply Spiritual Truths

¹³ And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. ¹⁴ But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. ¹⁵ But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. ¹⁶ For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. 1 Corinthians 2:13-16 AMPC

Disciples of Christ Listen and Ask Questions

Jesus was a lifelong learner. In His early years we see Him in the temple, listening and asking questions (Luke 2:46).

⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Luke 2:46 NIV

Disciples of Christ Learn Lessons

During His ministry we see Him urging His disciples to “learn this lesson from the fig tree” (Matthew 24:32).

³² Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. Matthew 24:32 NLT

Disciples of Christ Learn Obedience From Suffering

The writer of Hebrews said of Christ’s life on earth, “Although He was a son, he learned obedience from what He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).

⁸ Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered ⁹ And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him, Hebrews 5:8-9 AMPC

From Whom Can We Learn and Be Taught Spiritual Truths?

From the Word of God

³⁹ You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; ⁴⁰ and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:39-41 NASB95

¹⁷ “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” John 17:17 NASB95

From God the Father

⁴⁵ “As it is written in the Scriptures, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.” John 6:45 NLT

From God the Son

²⁹ “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NKJV

From God the Holy Spirit

¹⁶ “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—¹⁷ The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 AMPC

²⁶ “But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.” John 14:26 AMPC

²⁶ “When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father —the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—he will testify about me.” John 15:26 CSB

¹³ “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. ¹⁵ All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.” John 16:13-15 NASB95

From Our Spiritual Leaders

⁷ Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 CSB

From Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ

¹³ But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 NIV

²⁴ Meanwhile, there was a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, who came to Ephesus. He was a cultured and eloquent man, well versed and mighty in the Scriptures. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and burning with spiritual zeal, he spoke and taught diligently and accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he was acquainted only with the baptism of John. ²⁶ He began to speak freely (fearlessly and boldly) in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him with them and expounded to him the way of God more definitely and accurately. Acts 18:24-26 AMPC

From Fathers and Mothers

¹ Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father,
And give attention that you may gain understanding, Proverbs 4:1 NASB95

²⁶ She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction]. Proverbs 31:26 AMPC

From Other Men

¹⁷ Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 NASB95

From a Willful and Unteachable Person Who Lacks Judgment

Read Proverbs 24:30-34. What can you learn about a willful, unteachable person who lacks judgment?

³⁰ I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense.
³¹ I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down.
³² Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson:
³³ A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 34 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
scarcity will attack you like an armed robber. Proverbs 24:30-34 NLT

Do you enjoy learning? Imagine living the next decade without learning. How do you think that would affect your life?

Why Guidance is Vital

Why is it important for you to have a community who can provide guidance?

¹⁴ Where there is no guidance the people fall,
But in abundance of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 11:14 NASB95

²² Without consultation, plans are frustrated,
But with many counselors they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 NASB95

The Lifetime Race to Obtain The Eternal Prize

Following Jesus is compared to running a race. The race will last your entire life here on this earth.

²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. ²⁶ Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; ²⁷ but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB95

How You Run the Race is Vital

How did Paul say we should run the race?

List other important factors in running a race. How can these principles be applied to the lifelong race of a disciple?

Is the way you are running the race of life today more like a fifty-yard dash or a marathon? Why?

Spiritual Maturity Requires Forgetting and Pressing On

From Philippians 3:12-15, what attitude characterizes a mature follower of Jesus?

¹² Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. ¹³ I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. ¹⁵ So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also. Philippians 3:12-15 AMPC

What attitudes do you think would characterize an immature believer?

What did Paul teach about diligence in Colossians 3:17?

¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 CSB

What are some areas in which you should be exercising greater discipline? How can you do this?

In addition to discipline and diligence, what other heart attitude characterizes a disciple of Jesus?

² For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.
³ But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 NASB95

What would it look like for you to be sincerely and purely devoted to Christ at this point in your life with Him?

A Soldier, an Athlete, and a Farmer

Read 2 Timothy 2:3-7, where Paul compared the believer to three types of people.

³ Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
⁴ Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
⁵ And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
⁶ And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.
⁷ Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Timothy 2:3-7 NLT

What are these three types of people? A soldier, an athlete, and a farmer.

Pick one of these types of people and further describe how such a lifestyle might represent a focused, diligent disciple of Jesus.

Read Hebrews 6:11-12 below. How do diligence and discipline relate to being Christ’s disciple? (You may want to use a dictionary to help you understand the full meaning of these words.)

¹¹ We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. ¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:11-12 (NIV84)

Proper Heart Attitude is Required

Why is the attitude of your heart so important as Christ’s disciple?

²³ Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

²³ Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

How to Complete a Course of Action

There are four steps in completing a course of action: desire, decision, determination, and discipline.

For example, consider a person who desires to meet with God before going to work.

• He realizes that in order to have enough time to meet with God he must get up early, so he decides to get up at 6:30 a.m.
• The next day he oversleeps because his desire and his decision by themselves could not get him out of bed. He then determines to use an alarm clock to help him get up.
• But the real test comes when the alarm goes off. Discipline must then come into focus. He must shut off the alarm clock and choose not to go back to bed.

Good habits can be developed as a result of consistent discipline. Consistency requires trust in the strength God gives. It involves heart, thought, and effort on a daily basis.

A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1-2 gives additional insights into this race.

¹ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV

What can hinder a believer from finishing the race? How should you run? Where should your eyes be fixed as you run? In what ways does Jesus’ life motivate you to run?

A Life-Long Workout

¹² So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; ¹³ for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13 NASB95

2 - Living a Fruitful Life in Christ

Many people measure the fruitfulness of their lives by the quantity of their activities instead of the quality of their character. Who and what you are is more important than what you do. The Bible emphasizes being and character as you grow to be more like Christ. Becoming more like Christ does not happen by accident.

Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit

The True Vine and Branches

In John 15:1-5, the Lord Jesus describes the relationship that we must have with Him in order to bear the spiritual fruit that God wants us to bear. He uses the metaphor of the vine and branches.

• Who is the true vine and who are the branches?
• Why do the branches need the vine?
• What do you think remaining (dwelling) in Christ means?

¹ “I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. ² Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit. ³ You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you]. ⁴ Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. ⁵ I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5 AMPC

The Fruit of the Spirit

God wants to cultivate and produce the nine fruits of the Spirit in your life in Christ. Because Jesus is the True Vine, True Fruit is produced when we are connected to Him. To the believer, Jesus is like a grapevine giving life to its branches so its branches will bear fruit. Whereas, the Holy Spirit works in, through, and with a believer who has the life of Christ flowing into them.

The fruit of the Spirit is what happens when the life of Christ is lived out in a believer. As you read about the fruits of the Spirit, refer to 1 Corinthians 13 and observe the intertwining of love with the nine fruits of the Spirit. Love is the foundation and essence and beginning and end of all things in Christ.

²² But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, ²³ Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. Galatians 5:22-23 AMPC

The Fruit of the Spirit in a Believer’s Mind

Love is the foundation. God is the source of love. God is love and loves the world. The example of what it means to love like God is what Jesus gave us.
1 John 4:8 :: John 3:16

Joy is a deep and abiding inner rejoicing in those who abide in Christ. The Lord promises His joy to those who abide in Him. His joy does not depend on circumstances; it rests in God’s sovereignty.
John 15:11 :: Romans 8:28

Peace is an inner repose and quietness even in the face of adversity. The peace of God passes all understanding.
John 14:27 :: Philippians 4:7

The Fruit of the Spirit in a Believer’s Relationship With Others

Patience is forbearing in the face of provocation. Patience does not think about retaliation, even when wrongfully treated. Patience is bearing with one another.
2 Corinthians 6:6 :: Colossians 3:12

Kindness is benevolence in action. Think of the kindness God has demonstrated toward mankind. Because God is kind toward sinners—including us—we ought also to be kind towards sinners too.
Romans 2:4 :: Ephesians 2:7

Goodness is an uprightness before God and is demonstrated when we do good to others, even when they don’t deserve it. This is what God has demonstrated with each one of us.

The Fruit of the Spirit in a Believer’s Conduct

Faithfulness is manifested in a person’s trustworthiness or reliability. Think of the faithful servant in Luke 16:10-12.

Gentleness is shown in a person’s submissiveness or yielding to God’s Word and is shown in its consideration of others when discipline is needed.
Galatians 6:1 :: 2 Timothy 2:25 :: 1 Corinthians 4:21 :: Ephesians 4:2 :: Colossians 3:12 :: 1 Peter 3:16

Self-Control is self-mastery, especially when dealing with fleshly impulses. Self-control is impossible to attain without the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 24:25 :: 2 Peter 1:6 :: Galatians 5:16

Growing in Character

The Character Qualities of a Blessed Person

God desires to develop godly character qualities in our lives as a result of our relationship with Christ. Character growth involves thoughts, speech, actions, and emotions.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus identified eight basic character qualities for living a full, blessed life. Jesus used the Sermon on the Mount to show us how a believer in right relationship with God ought to conduct their lives. Notice these 8 character qualities are all internal and they can only come when a believer places their complete trust in God.

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
¹¹ Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
¹² Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:3-12 NKJV

As the Holy Spirit continues to develop His fruit in your character throughout your lifetime, how will this affect your emotional world? How will it affect your relationships?

The Blessed Person…	Meaning	The Promise of Jesus
is poor in spirit (verse 3).	Being poor in spirit means consciously depending on God and not yourself; in other words, recognizing that you are poor inwardly because you have no ability in yourself to please God.	The kingdom of God.
mourns (verse 4).	Recognizing your needs and presenting those needs to God, because God is the One who is able to assist you with any need you have.	They shall be comforted.
is meek (verse 5).	Humble and gentle and knowledge and appreciation for your proper place and position.	They shall inherit the earth.
hungers and thirsts for righteousness (verse 6).	Having a spiritual appetite and a continual desire for personal righteousness.	They shall be filled.
is merciful (verse 7).	Extending mercy to others, which demonstrates that God’s mercy has been extended to you.	They shall obtain mercy.
is pure in heart (verse 8).	Striving to be inwardly clean from sin through faith in God’s provisions and continually acknowledging your sinful condition.	They shall see God.
is a peacemaker** (verse 9).	Showing others how to have peace with God and how to God’s instruments of peace in the world.	They shall be called children of God.
is persecuted because of righteousness (verses 10-11).	Having and maintaining God’s righteousness even though it brings persecution.	Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

A Character Contrast

Contrast the two types of people in Jeremiah 17:5-8 below.

⁵ This is what the LORD says:
“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. ⁶ He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. ⁷ “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. ⁸ He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:5-8 NIV

The Character of a Person Who Trusts in Man

Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on the flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD (verse 5).

He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives (verse 6).

The Character of a Person Who Trusts in God

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit (verse 8).

Consider realistically who and what you usually trust in. What is one area where you need to trust yourself or others less so you can trust God more?

Revealers of Your True Character

Scripture identifies several important areas of life that reveal your true character.

Your Thinking

⁵ For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. ⁶ Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. ⁷ [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot. ⁸ So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him. Romans 8:5-8 AMPC

² Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. ³ For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3 NASB95

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB95
Romans 12:2 :: Romans 12:16 :: Ephesians 4:17-24

Your Speech

²⁹ Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. Ephesians 4:29 AMPC

⁸ But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips! Colossians 3:8 AMPC

⁶ Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]. Colossians 4:6 AMPC
1 Corinthians 1:5 :: 2 Corinthians 1:18 :: 1 Timothy 4:12 :: James 3:2 :: 1 John 3:18

Your Conduct

¹⁵ And saying, The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled (completed), and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent (have a change of mind which issues in regret for past sins and in change of conduct for the better) and believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to) the good news (the Gospel). Mark 1:15 AMPC

¹³ Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy. Romans 13:13 AMPC

¹⁷ Only, let each one [seek to conduct himself and regulate his affairs so as to] lead the life which the Lord has allotted and imparted to him and to which God has invited and summoned him. This is my order in all the churches. 1 Corinthians 7:17 AMPC

¹² Conduct yourselves properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock]. 1 Peter 2:12 AMPC
Galatians 1:10 :: Galatians 2:6 :: Galatians 5:25 :: Galatians 6:4 :: Philippians 1:27

In Romans chapter 7, the apostle Paul describes the conflict in the life of believers between our regenerated mind and new nature in Christ and our unregenerated mind and sin nature and capacities.

Your Attitude Towards Others

³¹ Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. ³² And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32 CSB

⁵ Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] Philippians 2:5 AMPC

Your Heart Treasury

The condition of our hearts influences our lives.

¹⁸ But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what makes a man unclean and defiles [him]. ¹⁹ For out of the heart come evil thoughts (reasonings and disputings and designs) such as murder, adultery, sexual vice, theft, false witnessing, slander, and irreverent speech. ²⁰ These are what make a man unclean and defile [him]; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him unclean or defile [him]. Matthew 15:18-20 AMPC

³⁵ The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things. Matthew 12:35 AMPC

⁴⁵ A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 NLT

Your Choosing to Live According to the Former Life or the New Life in Christ

What will happen to your life and mind as you grow in character?

¹ I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. ² Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:1-2 AMPC

²² that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, ²³ and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:22-24 NASB95

The Keys to Growing in Character

¹ Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: ² Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. ³ His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, ¹¹ and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:1-11 NIV

As your character matures in these qualities, how will this both honor God and help you?
How have you experienced the power of God changing your character?
Try to identify which one of these qualities the Holy Spirit might currently be focusing on in your life.
With God’s help, what step could you take to become more Christlike in displaying the quality you mentioned?

In what you think:
In what you say:
In how you act:

Growing in Wisdom

The contrast between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom is found in verses 15-17 below.

¹³ Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. ¹⁵ This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). ¹⁶ For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity). ¹⁸ And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]. James 3:13-18 AMPC

God’s Desire For You

¹³ Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ¹⁵ But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV84)

While God is transforming your character to be more like Christ, what are some practical ways mentioned in this passage that you can partner with Him?

The Book of Proverbs

The book of Proverbs gives numerous insights into character growth.

¹ The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
² for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
³ for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young–
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance–
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:1-7 (NIV84)

Growing in the Joy of Holy Living

God’s grace helps us experience joy and grow in character, even in the midst of difficulties and pain. Read Philippians 3:4-14. Paul experienced deep joy in the process of being transformed by grace. Paul’s new attitudes and patterns differed from his former ones (verses 4-14).

In verse 13, Paul left some things behind that he had previously depended on for his holy living. What things (if any) are you depending on that you should leave behind? What things are you hoping in as you look forward? (verse 14)

The contrast between God’s way of doing things and our way is never more acute than in this area of human change and transformation. We focus on specific actions; God focuses on us. We work from the outside in; God works from the inside out. We try; God transforms. —Richard Foster, Devotional Classics

What Deepens Our Joy

Read John 15:11-16; 16:24; 17:13. From these verses, what will deepen our joy?

The Key to Being Filled With Joy

¹¹ You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11 NASB95

God’s presence is the key to being filled with joy.

The Lord’s Promise

What did Jesus promise to those who had given up much to follow Him?

²⁸ Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” ²⁹ So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, ³⁰ who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:28-30 NKJV

What is your response to receiving this promise both now and later in heaven?

3 - The Responsible and Trustworthy Steward

Stewardship involves managing what someone else owns. A steward is like the trustee of a fund or organization: others trust him or her to wisely manage assets on their behalf. Because God bought us with the blood of His Son, all that we are and have—including our lives and possessions—belong to Him. As those who are accountable to God, we must become responsible and trustworthy stewards of the time, physical bodies, money and possessions, gifts, and relationships God has given us.

Stewardship Principles

God is the Source of Everything

An especially important principle to see is that God has been the source of everything from the very beginning (Genesis 1).

1 Corinthians 4:7 makes it clear that everything that we have has been given to us. Nothing originated in and of ourselves apart from God. An attitude of grateful humility is important to cultivate so that we will not exalt ourselves.

God is the Greatest Giver

Genesis 1 is also the beginning of God’s giving and man’s stewardship. After He created man, the first command He gave to man involved stewardship of the very things God had just created!

¹⁵ The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. ¹⁶ And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; ¹⁷ but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” Genesis 2:15-17 NIV

The same principle applies to us today.

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 NASB95

When you start to take hold of seeing and understanding that God provides everything and you are a steward of what belongs to Him, life will become different in many ways!

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17 NASB95

God Has Given You a Sacred Trust

¹ Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. ² In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NASB95

Servants of Christ (that means us) have a responsibility to Christ. The Greek word for servants used in verse 1 (hyperētas) emphasizes subordination and responsibility to a superior. Servants of Christ must also be found trustworthy. Trustworthiness is a requirement, not an option.

Jesus told His disciples, “…freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8b). We have the opportunity to pass on the blessings we receive from the Lord.

As the Lord transforms you, He opens new doors. God works through you to bless others. Sharing with others should be an overflow of spiritual transformation and is aided by personal Bible study. When you share, you will often find that it energizes your own life even more. God not only gives you gifts but also reveals new truths to you so others can benefit too. The Holy Spirit will frequently use your obedience to God and His Word, your increasing maturity, your words, and your actions to significantly influence other followers of Jesus. Your life can become an attractive fragrance to awaken an unbeliever to his need for Jesus Christ.

We Are Accountable to God

Because we are accountable to God, we must learn to become responsible and excellent stewards of the time, physical and spiritual gifts, physical body, wealth, work, and relationships God has given us.

¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 NIV

We Must Be Found Trustworthy by God

What we do with what God has given us determines whether we are faithful or not.

Read Matthew 25:14-30.

What is the basis on which servants are found faithful? The servant’s caring for what the master gave each of them.

How were the faithful servants rewarded for their faithfulness with the master’s talents? The master gave them additional wealth, additional responsibilities, and they shared in the master’s joy.

¹⁰ “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. ¹¹ Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? >¹² And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” Luke 16:10-12 NASB95

Stewardship Requires Obedience

Is your heart’s desire to be a useful instrument in God’s hand? To be a vessel through which His power flows? To bless others and to be blessed? The Bible is full of examples of stewardship working hand in hand with obedience.

Stewardship Areas

Time

Every man, woman, and child has been entrusted with 168 hours each week. Are you investing the time God has given you wisely, or are you spending it foolishly? A good investment can produce a good return. How you use your time indicates what you really value.

There is Only One First

²⁵ Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? ²⁷ And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life? ²⁸ And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? ³² For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. ³³ But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. ³⁴ So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34 AMPC

The Lord Jesus said to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. What do you think is meant by the kingdom of God and the righteousness of God?

Family, Then God’s Church

⁴ He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. ⁵ For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 1 Timothy 3:4-5 NLT

Work

⁷ For you yourselves know how you should imitate us: We were not idle among you; ⁸ we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 CSB

Working to obtain the provisions you and your family need sets an important example for others to learn from and to follow. If you don’t work, you and your family don’t eat. God has not called us to live an idle life and to mind everyone else’s business but our own. Working is also a means of obtaining provisions for others in need.

An Honest Assessment of Your Priorities

Use the table below to number the items in order of priority as they currently exist in your life. Then number them again according to what you think are God’s priorities for your life in Christ.

Existing Priorities		God’s Priorities
	Job (your profession or occupation)
	God (developing your relationship with Him)
	School (your educational development)
	Family (your loving care and instruction of them)
	Ministry (your personal outreach and witness)
	Dating or marriage
	Friends
	Management of property and wealth
	Serving the poor
	Other (personal emphasis—social activities, hobbies, entertainment)

After considering God’s priorities, you may want to make changes in your weekly schedule so that what you do coincides with God’s priorities for your life. Is there any change in your weekly schedule that you believe you should make? You should continually pray over and assess how you invest your time.

¹⁵ Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), ¹⁶ Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. ¹⁹ Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. ²¹ Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Ephesians 5:15-21 AMPC

Here are some considerations for how to make wise use of the time God has given you:

• Prayerful planning: Listen to God. List things to be done in order of priority.
• Obedient selection: Respond to God’s leading by doing the most important tasks first. In faith, commit unfinished ones to the Lord.
• Concentration and diligence: Do the task you select wholeheartedly.

Money and Possessions

Serve God or Serve Money

²⁴ No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in). Matthew 6:24 AMPC

Jesus gave us a clear choice: We can either serve God, or we can serve money.

To counter the temptation to serve money, Jesus called His followers to give money primarily as an act of worship to God and secondarily as a service to people. Our alternative is to give up worship of God in order to serve money.

We cannot serve both God and money.
Why do you think serving money is in opposition to serving God?
Whether a person has lots of money or very little, in what ways can the person serve money? How can a person stop serving money?

⁹ Honor the LORD from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce;
¹⁰ So your barns will be filled with plenty
And your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 NASB95

What Happens When Someone Loves Money

Why is it important to have the proper attitude toward money?

¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10 NASB95

A Few of the Things the Bible Says About Money

Do Not Cheat Others

¹⁰ Diverse weights [one for buying and another for selling] and diverse measures—both of them are exceedingly offensive and abhorrent to the Lord. Proverbs 20:10 AMPC

Do Not Steal

²⁸ Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. Ephesians 4:28 AMPC

The Danger of Borrowing Money and Going Into Debt

⁷ Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (NLT)

⁸ Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 NASB95

⁸ Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one’s fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]. Romans 13:8 AMPC

¹⁵ And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man’s life does not consist in and is not derived from possessing overflowing abundance or that which is over and above his needs. Luke 12:15 AMPC

¹⁵ He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 (CSB)

Earn God’s Trust By the Way You Handle Money

¹⁰ He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest and unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another [whether God or man], who will give you that which is your own [that is, the true riches]? Luke 16:10-12 AMPC

Some of the Biblical Principles of Giving From 2 Corinthians 9

Sparing or Generous Sowing and Reaping

⁶ [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings. 2 Corinthians 9:6 AMPC

Do Not Give Reluctantly or Sorrowfully or Grudgingly

⁷ Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it” ) giver [whose heart is in his giving]. 2 Corinthians 9:7 AMPC

Have you received a gift from someone who gave with a grudging attitude of obligation? How did that make you feel?
How do you think God feels when we give Him nothing or when we give Him little or when we resent what we give Him?

All Grace

⁸ And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]. 2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC

Thanks to God

¹² For the service that the ministering of this fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the saints (God’s people), but it also overflows in many [cries of] thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12 AMPC

God is Glorified

¹³ Because at [your] standing of the test of this ministry, they will glorify God for your loyalty and obedience to the Gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous-hearted liberality to them and to all [the other needy ones]. 2 Corinthians 9:13 AMPC

The Results of God’s Grace

¹⁴ And they yearn for you while they pray for you, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace (His favor and mercy and spiritual blessing which is shown forth) in you. 2 Corinthians 9:14 AMPC

Thanks Be to God

¹⁵ Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]! 2 Corinthians 9:15 AMPC

Plan Your Giving and Work the Plan

Many believers find a regular plan for giving to be both scriptural and practical. Planning ensures against irregular or unwise giving or neglect. In a day when so many demands are made on time and money, planned giving helps you honor the Lord with your possessions. Your plan can include these steps:

1. Remember to whom you are giving (see Deuteronomy 8:17-18). Your gift may benefit others, but it is primarily an act of worshipping God. Therefore, give with joy because you have received all from God.
2. Prayerfully decide what percentage of income you will return to the Lord.
3. Set aside the Lord’s portion first whenever you receive money. Put this aside to be used as He leads; once set aside, it should not be used for other purposes.
4. Prayerfully distribute the Lord’s money as He directs. It is good to do this on a regular basis whenever possible. For example, when a paycheck is received, the Lord’s portion is immediately set aside and given.
5. Make extra gifts and increase your giving as God increases your faith and as He prospers you. As you trust God with your material resources, He will trust you with His spiritual resources. He has committed Himself to this principle (Luke 16:9-12; Philippians 4:17).
6. Give according to what you have; not according to what you don’t have (see 2 Corinthians 8:12-15).

The person who dedicates his money to God is dedicating himself—the fruit of his time, talent, and energy to God. The person who fails to dedicate his money has not fully committed himself to God.

Starting Point for a Giving Plan

Use the space that follows to record your plan for giving.

Giving Plan
Why I plan to give:
My heart attitude in giving:
To whom I plan to give:
The amount I will give:
When I plan to give:

The Offering Easy to Equal But Hard to Exceed

⁴¹ And He sat down opposite the treasury and saw how the crowd was casting money into the treasury. Many rich [people] were throwing in large sums. ⁴² And a widow who was poverty-stricken came and put in two copper mites [the smallest of coins], which together make half of a cent. ⁴³ And He called His disciples [to Him] and said to them, Truly and surely I tell you, this widow, [she who is] poverty-stricken, has put in more than all those contributing to the treasury. ⁴⁴ For they all threw in out of their abundance; but she, out of her deep poverty, has put in everything that she had—[even] all she had on which to live. Mark 12:41-44 AMPC

The rich people gave out of their material wealth at little or no cost to them.
The widow out of her poverty gave everything.
She demonstrated complete trust in God to take care of her because she sacrificially gave everything she had to Him.
She also demonstrated her wholehearted commitment to God.
What is God saying to you personally from her example?

Where Your Treasure Is, There Will Your Heart Be Also

¹⁹ Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. ²⁰ But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; ²¹ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21 AMPC

Treasures on earth are temporary (verse 19). There are dangers, threats, and risks associated with your temporary treasures stored on earth.

Treasures in heaven are eternal (verse 20). There are no dangers, threats, or risks associated with your eternal treasures stored in heaven.
What are some things you regard as treasures on earth?
What are some things you regard as treasures in heaven?
When Jesus says, “Do not store up,” do you think He is against responsible savings?

Summarize the truth of verse 21 in your own words. Make an honest assessment of the focus of your heart based on where your treasures are stored.

How You Live and Walk

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV84)

The Temple of the Holy Spirit

¹⁹ Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 AMPC

Read Romans 12:1 and 2 Corinthians 7:1 below.

¹ I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 AMPC

¹ THEREFORE, SINCE these [great] promises are ours, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates and defiles body and spirit, and bring [our] consecration to completeness in the [reverential] fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 AMPC

In the two verses above, what did Paul urge us to do with our bodies? Why?

² Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers. 3 John 1:2 AMPC

In the verse above, what was John concerned about besides our spiritual well-being?

An Honest Assessment of How You Can Take Better Care of Your Body

From the following list, prayerfully choose an area in which you can improve the care of your body. What kinds of changes will you make?

• Establishing and maintaining healthy eating habits
• Exercising regularly
• Getting sufficient rest
• Avoiding harmful habits Treat your physical body with care because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You will think and feel better when you have proper nourishment, sleep, and exercise.

God’s Manifold Gifts

God has designed and given each one of us our appearance, voice, talents, skills, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and other characteristics and has also given us each at least one spiritual gift. God expects you to participate in the body of Christ by demonstrating Christlike attitudes and by building others up through the use of his God-given resources. 10 As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor]. 1 Peter 4:10 AMPC

An Honest Assessment of Yourself, Your Strengths, and Your Weaknesses

The apostle Peter might have listed three of his strengths as enthusiasm, leadership, and speaking, while one of his weaknesses might have been impulsiveness.

List three of your strengths and one of your weaknesses.
Strength: ________________________
Strength: ________________________
Strength: ________________________
Weakness: ________________________

How to Biblically Assess Yourself and Your Gifts

³ For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. ⁴ For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, ⁵ So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]. ⁶ Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith; ⁷ [He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching; ⁸ He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness. Romans 12:3-8 AMPC

A believer ought to rate his ability with sober judgment, according to the degree of faith apportioned by God.

Each one of us ought to use the gifts God has given us to serve one another.

¹⁰ As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 NASB 1995

Prayerfully ask God to show you how to use what He has given you to serve others.

Relationships

Husbands

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, ²⁶ So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, ²⁷ That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. ²⁸ Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church, 30 Because we are members (parts) of His body. Ephesians 5:25-30 AMPC

Wives

²² Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. ²⁴ Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:22-24 NKJV

Husbands and Wives

³³ However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly]. Ephesians 5:33 AMPC

Fathers

⁴ Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 AMPC

Sons and Daughters

¹ CHILDREN, OBEY your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right. ² Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother—this is the first commandment with a promise—³ That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth. Ephesians 6:1-3 AMPC

Older and Younger Men and Women

¹ DO NOT sharply censure or rebuke an older man, but entreat and plead with him as [you would with] a father. Treat younger men like brothers; ² [Treat] older women like mothers [and] younger women like sisters, in all purity. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 AMPC

Widows

³ [Always] treat with great consideration and give aid to those who are truly widowed (solitary and without support). 1 Timothy 5:3 AMPC

The Younger

⁵ Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)—[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5 AMPC

Elders

¹⁷ Let the elders who perform the duties of their office well be considered doubly worthy of honor [and of adequate financial support], especially those who labor faithfully in preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain, and again, The laborer is worthy of his hire. ¹⁹ Listen to no accusation [presented before a judge] against an elder unless it is confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 1 Timothy 5:17-19 AMPC

¹ I WARN and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): ² Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; ³ Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). ⁴ And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror’s crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:1-4 AMPC

Christ’s Body

¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; ²⁰ always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; ²¹ and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Ephesians 5:18-21 NASB95

Unbelievers

¹⁴ For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. ¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. ¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 NIV

Remember you used to be an unbeliever.

Government

¹ LET EVERY person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. ² Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them]. ³ For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation. ⁴ For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath and escape punishment, but also as a matter of principle and for the sake of conscience. ⁶ For this same reason you pay taxes, for [the civil authorities] are official servants under God, devoting themselves to attending to this very service. ⁷ Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due. Romans 13:1-7 AMPC

Your Neighbor

⁸ Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one’s fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]. ⁹ The commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet (have an evil desire), and any other commandment, are summed up in the single command, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. ¹⁰ Love does no wrong to one’s neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law. Romans 13:8-10 AMPC

General

¹¹ Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, ¹² having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. ¹³ Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. ¹⁵ For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— ¹⁶ as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. ¹⁷ Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:11-17 NKJV

Above All

¹² Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. ¹³ Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. ¹⁴ And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. Colossians 3:12-14 AMPC