AIC 7: Developing a Meaningful Relationship with God

Welcome to our Inner Circle! An Inner Circle is a group of three or more people who are exhibiting a continuing desire to grow in their Christian lives and multiply in the lives of others.

The purpose of an Inner Circle:

  1. To train and motivate members in developing a lifetime commitment to evangelism and discipleship.

  2. To help members to live consistently in the power of the Holy Spirit, and to be committed to righteousness a godly lifestyle.

  3. To help members learn to live a life of faith, by taking God at His Word and constantly enlarging their circle of confidence.

Objectives

  1. Define and explain the purpose of an Inner Circle.

  2. Give three reasons for the importance of developing your relationship with God.

  3. Use the observation/ interpretation/ application method in their own Bible study and quiet time.

  4. Write a letter of commitment to God, stating their willingness to develop your relationship with Him.

  5. Use the presentation to the 4SL emphasizing "Do not depend on feelings" and "Now that you have received Christ"


Look Up

Bible Study

When Rene and Agnes were first married, they believed that theirs was the greatest marriage ever. They were so much in love and adored each other in a way they felt would never end.

As the months and years passed, however, Rene began to spend more and more time in his very successful business, and Agnes gave a great deal of her time to the children. Of course, they still felt they loved each other. Rene repaired the house when necessary, paid the bills and bought Agnes expensive gifts on her birthday and holidays. Agnes cooked Rene special dinners from time to time, made sure that the house was clean when he arrived home, and kept up their image in the community projects.

But as time went by, they began to neglect those special efforts to please each other. Each thought, “With my busy schedule, surely he/she will understand.” Although they did not have much time to spend with each other, they felt they were making normal progress as a married couple.

Nevertheless, six years after they were married, they began to have doubts whether they were “right” for each other, and went to see a marriage counselor.


When did Rene and Agnes’ relationship begin to end?

What are some things they should have done to keep their relationship vital and enjoyable?

Consider how this marriage relationship compares with our relationship with God. What do we need to do to be sure that our relationship with God is kept vital and enjoyable?

Observation/ Interpretation

Colossians 3:1-4

  1. Who is the real source of a Christian’s life? (v.4)

  2. In view of our new life in Christ, what should we have as our goal now? (v. 1,2)

  3. What are some ways you can “seek the things above” in your life?

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

John 15:4,5

4. What does Christ compare Himself to in verse 5?

5. What does Christ compare Christians to in verse 5?

6. What is the relationship between Christ and you which John 15:4,5 illustrates?

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

John 15:4-5, NIV

Psalm 16:11

7. What are some things you experience as you spend time with God?

8. What does God promise to reveal to us as we spend time in His presence?

9. What do you think this means?

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

Observation/Interpretation/Application Method

Observation - In this step, you observe in order to find out what the passage says. You may need to read the passage several times, or you may wish to write out the passage, concentrating on “What does the passage say?”

Interpretation - The second step involves the question, “What does this passage mean?” Study the passage in its context (the rest of the chapter or book) to help you understand it.

Application - In this step you ask the question, “How does this passage apply to my life?” You may ask the following questions:

  • Is there a command to obey?

  • Is there a promise to claim?

  • Is there a sin to confess?

  • Is there an attitude to change?

  • Is there an example to follow?

OBSERVATION - Write truths you observe in the passage as well as questions that come to mind.

INTERPRETATION - Write the meaning of the passage, and write the answers to the questions you asked.

APPLICATION - Write some steps you will take to apply this truth to your own life.

Example: Psalm 119:9

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:9

OBSERVATION - The writer explains how to live a pure life. What does it mean to keep one’s way pure?

INTERPRETATION - Reading and obeying the Bible will help me to live a pure life. Pure means clean, having no sin, spotless, blameless.

APPLICATION - I want to live a pure life that i pleasing to God, so i should take take some time everyday to read and study the Bible, starting today in my room at 8:00

Application:

  1. What steps could you take to make your relationship with God more consistent and meaningful this week?

  2. When will you meet God this week? What time? For how long? Where will you have your quiet time?

  3. Prayerfully write a letter of commitment to God, expressing your willingness to develop and deepen your relationship with Him. Take time to write the letter now, during the meeting time.


Look Forward

Training

Giving Assurance of Salvation: Two-by-Two Practice

Ask your partner, “as you prayed, did you receive Christ into your life?” Your partner will answer, “I think so.”

Then ask him, “Because of His promise in Revelation 3:20, where is Christ right now in relation to you?” Your partner will be unsure, so I will say, “Let’s turn back to Revelation 3:20 and I would like for you to read this verse aloud.”

Your partner will read Revelation 3:20 aloud and will say that Christ is in his heart.

Then continue asking the questions on assurance on "Did you receive Christ into your life?", giving your partner time to answer each question.

Next, say, “The Bible promises eternal to all who receive Christ.” Then ask your partner to read 1 John 5:11-13 from the material.

Emphasize the words HAS and Know in these verses. These verses do not say hope for, guess, or wish. But “that you may KNOW that you have eternal life.”

When you come to Hebrews 13:5, look up this verse in the Bible and say to your partner, “I would like for you to read the second part of Hebrews 13:5.”

Then say to your partner, ”After you receive Christ personally, will He ever leave you?” Your partner will reply, “No”.

Then ask him, “Because Christ will never leave you, how many times do you need to invite Him to come into your life?” Your partner will reply, “Once.”

Then emphasize the difference between FACT and FEELINGS in the truck diagram in "Do not depend on feelings".

Then, continue reading through the material.

Assignments and Reminders

  1. Complete Ten Basic Steps to Christian Maturity Step 1 (The Christian Adventure), Lesson 1 and Lesson 2.

  2. Read Transferrable Concept #2 (How to Experience God's Love and Forgiveness).

  3. Buy a quiet time notebook and begin using it in your daily quiet time.