"We Believe in Jesus" Section Study Guides Thirdmill Thirdmill 316 Live Oaks Boulevard Casselberry, FL 32707 USA WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 1.1 Lesson 1: The Redeemer Section 1: Eternity OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Eternity A. Divinity 1. Explicit Statements 2. Old Testament 3. Divine Attributes B. Trinity 1. Ontological 2. Economic C. Counsel REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. The doctrine of Christ is known as _______. 2. When did the Trinity come into being? 3. Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus is the same, "yesterday and today and _____." 4. Titus 2:13 calls Jesus "our great _____ and Savior, Jesus Christ." 5. What does John 1:1 say about Jesus the Word? 6. Sometimes the New Testament writers equate Jesus with what divine name for God in the Old Testament? 7. What does Hebrews 1:3 state about the Son? 8. Does the term "Trinity" appear in the Bible? 9. How does the Bible express the biblical teaching of the Trinity? 10. What is meant by the "ontological" Trinity? 11. What is meant by the "economic" Trinity? 12. What is the "eternal counsel" or the "eternal decree"? 13. What is the "covenant of redemption"? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Does it concern you to know that the term “Trinity” is not found in the Bible? 2. What are the most important issues regarding the doctrine of the Trinity? Is it necessary to be able to express the doctrine of the Trinity in precise terms, as they did in the creeds? 3. What passage of Scripture indicates most clearly the divinity of Jesus for you? Explain why. 4. Do you think it is helpful to make a distinction between the “economic” Trinity and the “ontological” Trinity? Why or why not? 5. What is the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity for you personally? What if it were not true? How would that change your life? Since it IS true, what difference does it make? 6. What comfort and encouragement do you find in God’s eternal plan of salvation? 7. How can we harmonize the concept of God’s eternal plan with the concept of man’s freedom to make decisions? 8. What do you expect to learn in this course? How would you like for the course to change your life?   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 1.2 Lesson 1: The Redeemer Section 2: Creation OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Creation A. Creation Week B. Fall of Humanity 1. Personal Consequences 2. Universal Consequences 3. Hope for Humanity REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What person or persons of the Trinity were involved in the creation of the universe? 2. What does Colossians 1:16 teach about Christ? 3. Besides the material things, what else did God create? 4. What was God's purpose in creating all things? 5. What are the "personal" consequences of the Fall, according to the lesson? 6. What did Reinhold Niebuhr say about the doctrine of sin? 7. What are the "universal" consequences of the Fall, according to the lesson? 8. How was the hope for redemption expressed shortly after the Fall, according to the Genesis account? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Before studying this lesson, had you given much thought to Jesus as creator? Do you think the tendency is to normally think only of the Father as creator? How does knowing that He created all things influence your thinking about Jesus? 2. In what concrete ways do you observe the personal consequences of the Fall? Give examples. 3. It what concrete ways do you observe the universal consequences of the Fall? Give examples. 4. Why is it important to you to know that God expressed the message of salvation to Adam and Eve immediately after the Fall? How does this affect your view of other religions? Could they contain some truths that come from God's revelation to Adam and Eve? If so, mention an example.   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 1.3 Lesson 1: The Redeemer Section 3: Redemption OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Redemption A. Motive 1. Trinity 2. Creation 3. Believers B. Promises C. Work 1. Inauguration of Kingdom 2. Obedience 3. Resurrection 4. Ascension REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What word best describes God's motive for redeeming His people? 2. Did God need to redeem us? 3. Does God love all people in the same way? 4. What is the "covenant of grace"? 5. In Matthew 12:28, Jesus said that the "_______ has come upon you." 6. What is Jesus' "passive" obedience? 7. What is Jesus' "active" obedience? 8. What does "forensic righteousness" mean? 9. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says that Jesus is our only "_______." QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. How can understanding God’s foreknowledge comfort you when you have difficult experiences? Give a concrete example. 2. What are specific ways your life has been changed since you received Jesus’ redemption? Can you see important changes? Give examples. 3. Do you think that many people think almost exclusively about the individual aspects of their salvation? What are the practical consequences of spiritual individualism? On the other hand, what are the practical consequences of taking into account that God is establishing a kingdom, and not simply saving individuals?   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 1.4 Lesson 1: The Redeemer Section 4: Consummation OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES IV. Consummation A. Jesus’ Return B. Events 1. General Resurrection 2. Last Judgment 3. Renewal of Creation C. Results 1. Glory of God 2. Joy of Redemption Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. List the characteristics of Jesus' return. 2. Who will be resurrected when Jesus returns? 3. Who will be judged when Jesus returns? 4. What will happen to creation when Jesus returns? 5. Who will recognize Jesus' authority when He returns? 6. According to Augustine, what is the greatest reward for God's people? 7. What relation will redeemed humanity have with creation when Christ consummates His eternal kingdom?   QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Does it encourage you to reflect on Jesus' return? Would you like for it to happen while you are still in the world? Explain your answer. 2. How does it make you feel to know that you also will face Christ in the judgment? How do you imagine it? 3. What aspects of the new eternal kingdom are most exciting to you? Why? 4. What is the most important thing you have learned in this whole lesson? 5. Are you personally trusting Jesus as your Redeemer? Are you sure of your salvation? 6. Are you sharing the message with others about Jesus our Redeemer? In what ways? How could you do it better? 7. The Russian author, Dostoyevski, was almost killed by a firing squad along with a group of radicals, but at the last moment, they fired into the air. After that traumatic event, while some died and others went crazy, Dostoyevsky felt he had been born again. As he was boarding the train to go to prison in Siberia, a woman handed him a New Testament with some money hidden in it. He didn't get much use out of the money, but the New Testament changed his life. He kept it near to him the rest of his life. He had nothing else to read in prison, and before he was released, he became a free man spiritually. He wrote the following creed in prison: I believe that there is nothing more beautiful, more profound, more compassionate, more reasonable, more valuable and more perfect than Christ. And not only is there nothing, but I say to myself with a jealous love, that there never could be. [Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995), 140-141, and Ruth Bell Graham, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them (Colorado Springs, Colorado: Focus on the Family, 1991), pp. 119-126.] What can we learn from this story of Dostoyevsky? In this course, we hope you can learn to know Jesus better. What can you do to know Him better?   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 2.1 Lesson 2: The Christ Section 1: Birth and Preparation OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Birth and Preparation A. Incarnation 1. Virgin Birth 2. Heir of David 3. Hypostatic Union B. Baptism 1. Confirmed as Christ 2. Anointed to Office 3. Fulfilled Righteousness C. Temptation 1. Obedience 2. Sympathy 3. Impeccability REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What does "Christ" mean? 2. From what Hebrew word does the term "Christ" come? 3. Did Jesus' human nature end at His death? 4. What are the theological implications of the virgin birth of Jesus? 5. The promises of the Old Testament regarding the Messiah meant that Christ had to be a descendant of __________. 6. What were the three Old Testament offices that Christ fulfilled? 7. What does "hypostatic union" mean? 8. When Jesus became a human being, did He empty Himself of divine attributes? 9. What are the key teachings of the Chalcedon Creed (AD 451) about the person and natures of Christ? 10. Why was Jesus baptized? 11. Why was it necessary for Jesus to be tempted in the wilderness? 12. Why did Jesus have to learn obedience? Explain. 13. Was Jesus able to sin? 14. Was temptation the same for Jesus as it is for us? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Why is it important to understand properly the person and natures of Christ? Do you think a person can be saved if he or she does not believe in the divinity of Christ? Defend you answer biblically. 2. How does it encourage you to know that Jesus was tempted like you are? 3. How does knowing that Jesus was the promised Messiah change the way you read the Old Testament? Mention some key passages of the Old Testament that clearly point to Jesus.   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 2.2 Lesson 2: The Christ Section 2: Public Ministry OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Public Ministry A. Gospel 1. Kingdom 2. Repentance B. Power 1. Confirmed Identity 2. Assured Success C. Affirmations 1. Apostolic Confession 2. Transfiguration REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. How old was Jesus when He began His public ministry? 2. What phrase best summarizes Jesus' preaching? 3. What is repentance? 4. How did Jesus especially show His power in His earthly ministry? 5. In Luke 11:20, Jesus says, "If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then ____________." 6. What did Peter confess, according to Matthew 16:15-17? 7. According to the lesson, what was suggested by the appearance of Moses and Elijah when Jesus was transfigured?   QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Describe your initial experience of repentance and faith, turning from sin toward Jesus. Did you grow up in a Christian home? What brought you to Jesus? 2. How should we include the message of repentance when we share the message of the Gospel with others? How can we do it without giving the impression that we believe we are spiritually superior, or that we are judging them. 3. Are you sharing the message of Christ with others? How could you do it more?   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 2.3 Lesson 2: The Christ Section 3: Passion and Death OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Passion and Death A. Triumphal Entry B. Lord’s Supper 1. Atonement 2. New Covenant C. Crucifixion 1. Imputation 2. Judgment REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What do theologians mean when they speak of the "passion" of Jesus? 2. For what kind of occasion did a king use a donkey in the time of the Old Testament? 3. What Jewish festival was Jesus remembering when He celebrated the Last Supper? 4. According to Luke 22:20, the Last Supper was the inauguration of the "new ________." 5. How did a crucified person usually die? 6. What does the "imputation" of our sins mean, when speaking of what Christ did for us? 7. Why was it necessary for Jesus to die? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What part of Jesus' suffering and death especially touches you emotionally? Why? 2. Have you personally accepted that Jesus took the blame and suffered for your sins? Do you feel totally forgiven, including past, present, and future sins? 3. If someone asked you if you are sure you have eternal life, what would you say? If they asked how you could be sure, how would you answer? 4. What would you say to a person who believes that we are saved, not by faith alone, but by faith and works? How would you explain the biblical teaching? Can you think of an illustration you might use? 5. What exactly did Jesus accomplish when he died and rose again? The possibility of our salvation? Or our salvation fully purchased and guaranteed? Explain your answer.   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 2.4 Lesson 2: The Christ Section 4: Exaltation OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES IV. Exaltation A. Resurrection 1. Plan of Redemption 2. Blessings of Salvation B. Ascension 1. Apostolic Authority 2. Enthronement C. Session 1. Word and Spirit 2. Intercession 3. Rule D. Return 1. Judgment 2. Renewal Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What four events make up the exaltation of Christ? 2. What does Jesus' resurrection ensure us? 3. What will Jesus do with all of creation when He returns? 4. Explain the teaching of the lesson regarding the authoritative office of apostle. Was it passed on from generation to generation? For what were the apostles given authority? 5. After His ascension, what did Jesus do? 6. What does "session" mean in theology? 7. What was one of the first ways Jesus exercised His prophetic authority from heaven? 8. According to the lesson, in what sense does Jesus "never lose a case" for His people? 9. What are the teachings of the lesson regarding the judgment? Is it according to works? In what sense? How can we harmonize the teaching about the judgment with the doctrine of salvation by faith alone? 10. Will believers sit in judgment over the angels? 11. When Jesus returns, will He restore creation exactly the way it was in the Garden of Eden before the Fall? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Why is it important to you personally that Jesus was raised from the dead? How would it change your life if He had remained in the tomb? 2. Why is it important to you personally to know that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, reigning and interceding for you? How does it affect your prayer life? How does it help you confront problems? 3. What difference does it make to you to know that Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit with great power? In what ways do you experience His power in your life? Give examples. 4. How do you feel about the judgment? What do you think it will be like? Does it frighten you? Why or why not? In what way will it be different for Christians? 5. How do you feel about the fact that believers will reign with Christ over creation and that we will judge the angels? Does it change the way you think of eternal life? Does it change the way you think of yourself? 6. What things are especially encouraging to you about the new creation? How do you imagine it? 7. What things were especially important to you in this whole lesson? 8. Read the following excerpt from an interview with the famous rock singer Bono: But I love the idea of the Sacrificial Lamb. I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there's a mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and, let's face it, you're not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That's the point. It should keep us humbled. It's not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven. [Quoted from the web site called "The Poached Egg": http://www.thepoachedegg.net/the-poached-egg/2010/09/bono-interview-grace-over-karma.html (July 30, 2013), which says that it is an excerpt from the book, Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas] What do you think of the quote? Do you think it expresses an understanding of the gospel?   9. Which of the following statements express your personal faith? Check all that apply. ___ I believe I am a sinner, deserving condemnation. ___ I believe that Jesus died for me to pay the penalty I deserve. ___ I believe that Jesus rose again to show His victory over sin, Satan, and death. ___ I believe that by grace, through faith in Jesus, I have eternal life. ___ I'm not sure.   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 3.1 Lesson 3: The Prophet Section 1: Old Testament Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Old Testament Background A. Qualifications 1. Called by God 2. Given God’s Word 3. Loyal to God 4. Authenticated by Fulfillment B. Function 1. Authority 2. Task 3. Methods C. Expectations 1. Historical Development 2. Specific Prophecies REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. How does the lesson define a "prophet"? 2. What were the four qualifications of a true prophet? 3. Explain how the Holy Spirit inspired a prophet. Did He circumvent the prophet's personality? Explain. 4. Did a prophet's message always have to agree with God's existing revelation? 5. Was a prophet's message always fulfilled quickly? 6. Explain the teaching of the lesson regarding the way some prophecies were meant to depend on how people responded to the message. 7. Explain how the example of Jonah helps illustrate how some prophecies were meant to depend on how people responded to the message. 8. What was a "suzerain" in the ancient Near East? What was a "vassal"? 9. What elements were often included in a covenant in the ancient Near East? 10. What methods were used by the prophets to accomplish their task? Which was the most common? 11. Describe the special focus of the prophets' message and task during each period of Old Testament history: pre-monarchy, monarchy, exile, post-exile (restoration). QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What can we learn from the prophetic office in the Scriptures? Does the same office or a similar office exist today? In what ways would such a ministry be different? 2. How would you respond to a person who says he is a prophet? 3. How can you be a faithful ambassador for God in your current areas of influence? Give examples. 4. What ministries are you currently engaged in and how are they promoting God’s covenant and encouraging others to worship him? Is there anything else you could do? 5. Do you agree with the idea that some prophecies depended on how people would respond to the message? Would this idea affect your view of the inspiration of the Bible? Explain your answer.   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 3.2 Lesson 3: The Prophet Section 2: Fulfillment in Jesus OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Fulfillment in Jesus A. Qualifications 1. Called by God 2. Given God’s Word 3. Loyal to God 4. Authenticated by Fulfillment B. Function 1. Authority 2. Task 3. Method C. Expectations 1. Herald of the Lord 2. Prophet like Moses 3. Restoration of Prophecy REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What was the action that most clearly identified Jesus as a prophet? 2. What did John mean by calling Jesus the "Word"? 3. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17 that He did not come to abolish the law or prophets, but to "________" them. 4. Were all of Jesus' prophecies fulfilled in His lifetime? 5. After reading the prophecy of Isaiah 61 about the coming one who would be anointed by the Spirit of God to proclaim the Good News, what did Jesus say? 6. What prophetic methods did Jesus use? Which was His primary method? 7. Who performed more miracles than any other prophet in the history of God's people? 8. Who was the "herald of the Lord" in the time of the New Testament? 9. In what ways did Jesus multiply the number of true prophets? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Do you think that our churches and our preachers should have a "prophetic voice" for the world today? If so, in what sense? How should they do it? How can they be instruments of Jesus in this task? 2. How does knowing that Jesus has been the greatest prophet of all time help you in your present circumstances? How can you let Him be a prophet for you? 3. What sense of encouragement and hope can we have due to the fulfillment of Jesus' prophetic messages? Does it confirm your confidence in the inspiration of the Scriptures?   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 3.3 Lesson 3: The Prophet Section 3: Modern Application OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Modern Application A. Extent of Revelation B. Content of Revelation 1. Interpret Scripture 2. Submit to Scripture Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. When did Jesus begin His prophetic ministry? How did He continue it after His ascension? 2. The lesson teaches that the whole ______ is Christ's prophetic word to His Church. 3. Write the answer to question 43 of the Westminster Larger Catechism. 4. According to the lesson, the best way to interpret Scripture is according to the structure of the _________. 5. Jesus preached frequently, "_______, for the kingdom of heaven is near." 6. Luther said that God willed the entire life of believers to be one of _________. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Had you previously given much attention to the covenants in Scripture before taking this course? How does the covenant concept help you understand the Scriptures? How does it affect your trust in God’s promises? 2. Do you regularly practice repentance? Is it hard for you to admit your sins? 3. What is the most significant thing you learned from this whole lesson? 4. Are you submitting your life to Jesus as your Prophet? Are you using His Word primarily to make decisions and to form convictions? Or do you let yourself be unduly influenced sometimes by other sources? Explain. 5. Sartre, Nausea We can get a sense of what life would be like without Christ through the writings of authors such as Jean Paul Sartre. In his novel, Nausea, he describes Antoine Roquentin's struggle for identity. He stares at himself in the mirror until he can no longer recognize himself. He sees only "insipid flesh blossoming and palpitating." His eyes look like fish scales, and his wrinkled face looks like an "embossed map." As he listens to jazz music, he makes the following comment: For the moment, the jazz is playing; there is no melody, only notes, a myriad of tiny jolts. They know no rest, an inflexible order gives birth to them and destroys them without even giving them time to recuperate and exist for themselves. They race, they press forward, they strike me a sharp blow in passing and are obliterated. I would like to hold them back, but I know if I succeeded in stopping one it would remain between my fingers only as a raffish languishing sound. I must accept their death; I must even will it. I know few impressions stronger or more harsh. [Jean Paul Sartre, Nausea (New York: New Directions, 1964), pp. 17 and 21] What can we learn from this novel about life without Christ? How would you explain to someone like Sartre the difference it makes to have a Christian view of life?   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 4.1 Lesson 4: The Priest Section 1: Old Testament Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Old Testament Background A. Qualifications 1. Appointed by God 2. Loyal to God B. Function 1. Leadership 2. Ceremonies 3. Intercession C. Expectations 1. Historical Development a. Creation b. Fall c. Exodus d. Monarchy 2. Specific Prophecies REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. How does the lesson define a priest? 2. When did the role of priests begin? 3. What was special about the office of Melchizedek? 4. What are the qualifications of a priest? 5. What happened to Nadab and Abihu when they offered unholy offering, disregarding the laws regarding priests? 6. How did the priests of the Old Testament provide leadership? 7. What was the most well-known ceremonial feature of priestly service? 8. Explain the teaching of the lesson about how Old Testament sacrifices were made effective. 9. What does "expiation" mean? 10. What does "propitiation" mean? 11. What were the three functions of an Old Testament priest? 12. Describe the distinct role of priests during each period of history: at creation, after the Fall, after the exodus, and during the monarchy. 13. Who were to be the official priests during the time of Moses? 14. How many high priests were there at the time of Moses? 15. Mention the specific prophecies of the Old Testament about a special future priest. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Do you see yourself in a "priestly" role in any way? How? If not, how could you develop this kind of ministry? 2. Have you accepted personally the expiation of your sins by Christ? If so, ho has this changed the view of your purpose in life? 3. Did this lesson help you understand the meaning of the sacrifices of the Old Testament? How did the person making a sacrifice obtain forgiveness?   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 4.2 Lesson 4: The Priest Section 2: Fulfillment in Jesus OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Fulfillment in Jesus A. Qualifications 1. Appointed by God 2. Loyal to God B. Functions 1. Leadership 2. Ceremonies 3. Intercession C. Expectations 1. Great High Priest 2. Priest as King 3. Kingdom of Priests REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Be familiar with Hebrews 4:14. 2. Since Jesus was not from the family of Aaron, and since He never practiced ceremonies in the temple, how did He qualify as a priest? 3. What was the greatest ceremonial aspect of Jesus' priestly ministry? 4. Why was Jesus' sacrifice on the cross necessary to make sacrifices that had been offered previously effective? 5. How did Old Testament believers receive forgiveness? 6. Are any sacrifices necessary after Christ's sacrifice on the cross? 7. What does it mean that Jesus is interceding for us now? 8. Which epistle of the New Testament especially highlights the fact that Jesus is the Great High Priest who fulfills the expectations of the prophecies of the Old Testament? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Did you learn anything new about Jesus in this lesson? How do you plan to respond? 2. How do you imagine the Lord when you are praying? Do you think of Jesus interceding for you? How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for you affect your prayers? 3. When you read passages about priests in the Old Testament, do you tend to think of Jesus? Do you think the people of Israel in those times thought about the Messiah to come when sacrifices were being made?  WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 4.3 Lesson 4: The Priest Section 3: Modern Application OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Modern Application A. Sacrifice 1. Trust 2. Service 3. Worship B. Reconciliation 1. Peace 2. Unity 3. Mission C. Intercession 1. Appeal 2. Advocate Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Be familiar with the answer to question 25 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. 2. Be familiar with Hebrews 10:19-22. 3. According to the lesson, does a true believer ever doubt his salvation? 4. In what ways can we serve Christ in light of His sacrifice? 5. Be familiar with Romans 12:1. 6. Be familiar with Hebrews 4:14-16. 7. Why should we pray if God already knows our needs and if Jesus is already interceding for us? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What teachings from this lesson made a special impact on you? Why? 2. Have you ever doubted your salvation? How can you deal with that kind of doubt? 3. Did this lesson help you see the importance and need for prayer? How do you plan to change? 4. Wayne Grudem says, Prayer is not made so that God can find out what we need, because Jesus tells us, 'Your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matt. 6:8). God wants us to pray because prayer expresses our trust in God and is a means whereby our trust in him can increase. In fact, perhaps the primary emphasis of the Bible's teaching on prayer is that we are to pray with faith, which means trust or dependence on God. [Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrine (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999), p. 158.] What do you think about this comment? Do you agree? Explain. 5. Grudem goes on to say, The prayers of his people clearly affect how God acts... If we were really convinced that prayer often changes the way God acts, and that God does bring about remarkable changes in the world in response to prayer (as Scripture repeatedly teaches that he does), then we would pray much more than we do. If we pray little, it is probably because we do not really believe that prayer accomplished much at all. [Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrine, p. 159] What do you think of this comment? Do you agree? Explain. 6. How would you rate your own prayer life? ___ I believe in prayer, but I don't pray much. ___ I honestly don't know why I should pray, since God predestines everything. ___ I understand the importance of prayer, and pray regularly. ___ Other. (Explain)   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 5.1 Lesson 5: The King Section 1: Old Testament Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Old Testament Background A. Qualifications 1. Law of Moses 2. Covenant with David B. Function 1. Justice 2. Mercy 3. Faithfulness C. Expectations 1. Historical Development 2. Specific Prophecies REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What offices did Adam fulfill? Explain. 2. When were guidelines first given for kings among God's people? 3. What were some of the requirements for kings, according to Deuteronomy 17:14-19? 4. Why were kings forbidden to acquire many wives? 5. God always intended that Israel would have a king from the tribe of _______. 6. Describe the functions of Old Testament kings. 7. What were the three most important characteristics of the Law that the king was to guarantee? 8. How is mercy shown in the fourth Commandment? 9. What is the "cultural mandate"? 10. What circumstances showed the need for a king during the days of the judges? 11. What is the teaching of the lesson regarding Israel's desire to have a king? Was it proper? Explain. 12. Name the first kings of Israel in their proper order. 13. The kingdom of Israel was divided in the days of ______. 14. What expectations were established in the Old Testament for future kings? 15. The future eternal king was to be from the family of ________. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Do you tend to trust your own human strategies to resolve problems? Give an example. 2. Are you more likely to employ justice or mercy when dealing with others’ wrongs against you? Is one more important than the other? Explain your answer.   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 5.2 Lesson 5: The King Section 2: Fulfillment in Jesus OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Fulfillment in Jesus A. Qualifications 1. Chosen by God 2. Israelite 3. Depend on God 4. Covenant Fidelity 5. Son of David B. Function 1. Justice 2. Mercy 3. Faithfulness C. Expectations 1. Davidic Dynasty 2. Freedom and Victory 3. Everlasting Kingdom 4. Worldwide Kingdom REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. How did Jesus meet the qualifications for kingship? 2. When Pilate asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews, how did Jesus respond? 3. One of the facts that confirm that Jesus was the expected eternal king, the Messiah, was that he was a descendant of _______. 4. What important kingly characteristic of Jesus is manifest in Matthew 5:17-18? 5. How does Jesus fulfill the functions of the office of king? 6. According to Philippians 2, what was Jesus' supreme act of obedience? 7. How did Jesus show mercy among the Gentiles? 8. According to Matthew 9.1-7, how did Jesus show mercy to the paralytic? 9. According to the lesson, when we disobey God, we are showing that we are not __________. 10. Explain the meaning of the names "Jesus" and "Immanuel." 11. What stage of the development of the kingdom are we experiencing now? 12. The kingdom of God is now primarily ______, but when Jesus returns it will also be _______. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What can we learn from Jesus’ demonstrations of justice, mercy, and faithfulness during his earthly ministry, and how should we apply these lessons to our lives today? 2. What are some things you are looking forward to when Jesus consummates his kingdom at his return?   WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE 5.3 Lesson 5: The King Section 3: Modern Application OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Modern Application A. Builds His Kingdom 1. Goal 2. Manifestation 3. Methods B. Governs His People 1. Rules 2. Defends C. Conquers His Enemies Conclusion REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What are the three aspects of the kingly ministry of Jesus, according to the Westminster Shorter Catechism? 2. The goal of Jesus' kingdom building is to ________________. 3. How are the "kingdom" and the "church" related? 4. According to the Great Commission, in what ways does the church participate in building Jesus' kingdom? 5. How does Jesus build His kingdom? 6. In what ways does Jesus' kingly rule provide us with temporal good in the present world, according to the lesson? 7. The lesson teaches that Christ's judgment will destroy every form of evil and will result in the purged and perfect ______. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. When you think of Jesus, how do you imagine him? Do you imagine Him on the cross? Do you imagine him resurrected? Do you imagine him at the right hand of the Father's throne? Do you imagine him on a throne? Do you imagine him happy or sad? Do you think these images are totally biblical or possibly a little distorted? Is there a need to put more emphasis on any aspect? How has this course helped give you a more biblical picture of Jesus? 2. How has this course affected you in the way you relate to Jesus as your prophet, priest, and king? Are you basing your convictions on the Scriptures? Are you trusting Jesus as your Mediator, or do you tend to trust other ways to get right with God or earn His favor? 3. How would you evaluate your level of submission to Jesus' rule in your life? Do you sometimes allow other factors to dominate your ethical decisions, like what others say, how you feel, or your own desires? How could you improve that area of your life? 4. What can you do to help build the kingdom of Jesus? How can you use your gifts to edify the Church and influence for good in society? In what ways do you think you need to improve? 5. What is the most important thing you have learned in this course? Explain. 6. Optional: In order to help you develop the "orthopathos" aspect of your Christian life, the area of feelings, we offer a video link of a sermon you may want to listen to. It is called "That's My King," based on a selection from a famous sermon by Dr. S. M. Lockridge. We cannot guarantee that this link will always be available, and we are not responsible for the legal rights of the video, nor for the ads that may appear. We simply link to the site where we have found it. "That's My King!" http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/4-that-s-my-king © 2018 by Third Millennium Ministries. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means for profit, except in brief quotations for the purposes of review, comment, or scholarship, without written permission from the publisher, Third Millennium Ministries, Inc., 316 Live Oaks Boulevard, Casselberry, FL 32707 USA.