Blueprint Week 1 – 5/29

Blueprint for Life – Week #1

5/29/2008

1. What are the things that concern God?

A. Affirmations

1. Salvation – 1 Timothy 2:4

2. Self-Sacrifice – Romans 12:1-2

3. Spirit Filling – Ephesians 5:18

4. Submission – 1 Peter 2:13-15

5. Suffering – 1 Peter 3:17

6. Satisfaction – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

7. Sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

8. Discipleship – Matthew 28:18-20

9. Prayer – Mark 1:35

10. Knowledge of His will – Colossians 1:9

B. Prohibitions

1. Friendship with the world – James 4:4

2. Pride – James 4:6

Bible Study and Group Discussion Questions (Blueprint for Life)

1. Read Ephesians 2:10 and answer the following questions. How would you define

“good works”? Give examples from your own life.

“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; 13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Philippians 2:12-13

Although the believer is responsible to work (v. 12), the Lord actually produces the good works and spiritual fruit in the lives of believers (1 Corinthians 12:6). This is accomplished because He works through us by His indwelling Spirit to will and to work. God energizes both the believer’s desires and his actions. The Gr. Word for “will” indicates that He is not focusing on mere desires or whimsical emotions but on the studied intent to fulfill a planned purpose. God’s power makes His church willing to live godly lives.

“so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:17

Equipped for every good work – enabled to meet all the demands of godly ministry and righteous living. The Word not only accomplishes this in the life of the man of God but in all who follow him.

2. Read Ephesians 5:15-17 and answer the following questions.

How can a person understand what the Lord’s will is?

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Ephesians 5:15-17

5:15 – To live morally is to live wisely. Biblically, an “unwise man” is not so named because of intellectual limits, but because of unbelief and the consequent abominable deeds (Psalm 14:1; Romans 1:22). He lives apart from God and against God’s law (Proverbs 1:7, 22; 14:9), and can’t comprehend the truth (1 Corinthians 2:14) or his true condition (Romans 1:21, 22). Certainly believers are to avoid behaving like fools.

5:16 – The Gr. Word for “time” denotes a fixed, measured, allocated season. We are to make the most of our time on this evil earth in fulfilling God’s purposes, lining up every opportunity for useful worship and service. Be aware of the brevity of life.

5:17 – Knowing and understanding God’s will through His Word is spiritual wisdom. For example, God’s will revealed to us is that people should be:

1. Saved – 1 Timothy 2:3,4

2. Spirit-filled – v. 18

3. Sanctified – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

4. Submissive – 1 Peter 2:13-15

5. Suffering – 1 Peter 2:20

6. Thankful – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

What does it mean to “make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil?”

3. Read Matthew 28:18-20.

What does this verse say about what God is up to in this world?

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

God has “sent” us to go and make disciples. By teaching them, implies our work doesn’t end at the moment of conversion. Rather, we are to teach them to “observe” all that He commanded. Teaching others to live out their belief system and go and reproduce Christ in others.

4. What does it mean to “know your calling”?

5. Does the biblical concept of “calling” change your definition of success? Explain.

6. According to Tony Evans’ message, what are some of the benefits of knowing your

personal calling in life?

1. It addresses your fulfillment issues (John 10:10)

a. Success is not what you have done compared to what others have done

b. Success is what you have done compared with what you are supposed to do.

2. It will answer the issue of direction in life (1 Corinthians 9:26)

a. A fifty year old man still trying to find out who he is

3. It answers the question about stability (2 Corinthians 4)

a. Circumstances will no longer control your decisions

b. Romans 8:35-39

4. It answers the question of significance

a. Too many of us feel insignificant

b. Psalm 139:13

5. It answers the question of provision

a. God always provides for what He calls

b. God is not obligated to provide outside of His call (warranty)

c. Romans 8:26-28

6. It answers the issue of time

a. Ecclesiastes 3:1,11

b. Ephesians 5:15-16

Time is given for you to achieve your purpose

7. What is the risk of going through life and never knowing your calling?

8. At this point in life how would you describe your calling