ADG 5: Understanding God’s Purpose and His Plan

Look Back

Let’s share our experiences we have had this week sharing the Four Laws or some practical application of walking in the Spirit.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, we should be able to:

Explain Christ’s purpose (Great Commission) and His plan (spiritual multiplication).
Define success in witnessing
Give a personal assurance of salvation after he receives Christ.

Look Up

Bible Study

Suppose that you are a research scientist who discovered the cure for cancer and you’ve told everyone about it. As a result, the lives of millions would be spared. You would probably be called “The Great Hero of Mankind,” a very responsible individual concerned for the welfare of others.

Suppose, however, you told no one of your Discovery. How would you describe a person who discovered the cure and did not tell anyone about it?

Observation / Interpretation (What does it say and mean?)

1. Christ’s own purpose and His purpose for us – John 17:1-4

a. How would you describe Jesus’ main concern in v.1?

b. In verse 4, what did Jesus do to glorify the Father in His life?

c. What was the work that Jesus came to do? (Luke 19:10)

d. Before Jesus left this earth, what work did He entrust to us? (Matthew 23:18-20 - This passage is commonly called the Great Commission )

e. Who is Jesus talking to in giving this command?

f. What do you think would happen if this command was given only for Jesus' disciples in the first century?

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.
John 17:1-4

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Luke 19:10

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20

2. God’s plan for fulfilling the Great Commission – Read 2 Timothy 2:2

a. What was Timothy commanded to do in this passage?

This then is Jesus’ plan for fulfilling the Great Commission. It is called Spiritual Multiplication. Spiritual Multiplication can be defined as:

“Winning someone to Christ, and teaching him to win and disciple others in such a way that they can also win and disciple others.”

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

2 Timothy 2:2

You see that the first part is Paul – Paul discipled Timothy.

b. Now who was Timothy encouraged to work with?

c. What were these people expected to do?

Application (What does it mean to me?)

1. What are we expected to do in order to fulfill the Great Commission?

Right now, let’s consider the Holy Spirit’s responsibility as He seeks and saves the lost through us.

2. What does Jesus promise concerning the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)?

A witness is someone who testifies about something he has seen or experienced personally. He is called upon to speak the truth. The Holy Spirit enables us to be witnesses for Christ.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8

8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
John 16:8-10, 13

3. Who is responsible for convicting the world of sin? (John 16:8-10, 13)

Earlier we looked at Matthew 28: 18-20 and we saw our responsibility to teach others, but it is the Holy Spirit’s responsibility to convict men of their need for Christ. Even before we go out to share, God is preparing men.

Therefore, remember as we go out to share Christ, our definition of success in witnessing is:

“Success in witnessing is simply sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the result to God.”

Look Forward

Assignments and Reminders

1. Make a list of people you want to share Christ with.

2. Complete Lesson 5 of Ten Basic Steps to Christian Maturity Introduction.

Click here to begin ADG 6: Successful Witnessing.

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