Fight the Good Fight of Faith, English Edition

Lesson : The Edification We Seek • 

The Appendices you should study and meditate upon relevant to this lesson are the following: Our Declaration of Dependence: Freedom in Christ (App. 9) Fit to Represent: Multiplying Disciples of the Kingdom of God (App. 20) The Oikos Factor (App. 10)

Appendices

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you (John 13.34).

Key Principle

Read and reflect upon the following cases and concepts, and provide answers and insights into their resolution, based on the texts you studied above. 1. “What spiritual gifts do I have, and how can I use them?” The Bible says that every Christian is given spiritual gifts which allow him or her to edify (build up) others in the Christian community (Rom. 12.3-8; 1 Cor. 12.4-11; Eph. 4.9-15; 1 Pet. 4.10-11). These gifts are to be utilized in a body of believers, as they interact, live together, engage in service, and grow together under a pastor’s care. Why is it always more important to serve with and care for others than to argue and quibble about what our particular gift might be? 2. “Why should I join a church as a member when I feel fine just attending services each week?” In discussing the role of the local church in discipleship and building up (edifying) other Christians, one new believer began to discuss her own experience with church involvement. “I love attending the church I am going to now. I love the worship and the pastor’s preaching, and their services are short and sweet. Frankly, I have not actually thought about joining the church, as a member, I mean. I know others who only attend the Sunday service, and don’t go to small groups, or other events. I like this. Why should I join a church when I feel fine just attending there each week?” Based on what you have learned in this study, what would you say to this sister in the Lord about the necessity of being a deeper part of a church than only its Sunday morning worship service? 3. “Making friends isn’t easy with Christian people.” One of the difficulties many people have faced in attending church is the lack of personal friendships. It is truly surprising how many people are active

Case Studies