Digging Deeper Small Group’s

LESSON #1 DEVELOPING STRONG FAITH

INTRODUCTION:  The Bible tells us “The Just Shall Live By Faith.” We will discuss how faith comes, the importance of faith, how to obtain strong faith and more.  Now that you have God’s nature in you, you will discover that faith pleases Him.  Faith in God’s Word is a way of life.

I. HOW FAITH COMES Faith comes by Hearing (Romans 10:170 The importance of Faith (Hebrews 11:6) Cannot please God without it. God rewards the diligent.

Faith is Now (Hebrews 11:1) Faith has substance – gives substance to hope. Amplified Bible says: “Faith is the Title Deed” (Mark 11:24). Believe you receive it now! Faith is being persuaded (Romans 4:20,21) Faith has a voice – the same way you received your salvation, receive all the promises God has for you. (Romans 10:9, 10) Faith calls things which be not as though they were. (Romans 4:17) The Importance of Meditation Ponder, converse with oneself out loud on the Word (Joshua 1:8) Mary pondered all that was told her and when the time came for the water to be changed into wine at Cana, she said to the servants “whatsoever He saith Unto You, Do It.” Make the Word Final Authority in Your Life Let God be true, but every man a liar. (Romans 3:4) God is not a man, that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19)

2. GROWING FAITH Everyone is Given the Measure of Faith (Romans 12:3)

Everybody starts at the same place – you determine if your faith is to grow or not! Fatih is Progressive Continual hearing and feeding. (Romans 10:17) Faith can grow exceedingly (2 Thessalonians 1:3) Faith works by love. (Galatians 5:6 ) Motive to our faith. Faith needs to be exercised. (James 2:26) Be a doer not a hearer only.

3. HOW TO OBTAIN STRONG FAITH How to Write Your Own Ticket with God (Mark 5:25-34) Four Steps: Say it Do It Receive It Tell It We are to ask according to the Word which is the Will of God for our lives. (1 John 5:14, 15) Reality of God’s Word.  (Hosea 4:6;  2 Peter 1:14 ) The importance of knowledge Reality or Redemption (Colossians 1:12-14) Partakers of the inheritance. No longer under Satan’s control. Redemption through the Blood of Jesus. 

Reality of New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) See yourself as God sees you. If in Christ New Creation Old is passed away Made new

4. PRINCIPLES GOVERNING STRONG FAITH Reality of Righteousness (Romans 5:17) Righteousness is a Gift. It’s not something you do. It is what you are. Reality of the Indwelling Spirit (John 3:6) Born again – born of the Spirit Spirit dwells in you. Be fully conscious of the fact that the Holy Spirit lives and resides within you.  (2 Corinthians 6:16). We are the temple of the Living God. Authority in Jesus’ Name Jesus the Name above all names. (Ephesians 1:21) Devils subject unto us through the Name of Jesus.  (Luke 10:17-19) All authority is vested in Jesus. He gave us the right to u se His Name. We exercise His authority upon the earth.

LESSON #2

FAITH & PATIENCE

INTRODUCTION:  This week we will learn what patience is and the part it plays as you stand on God’s Word.  We can say that patience is the “BRIDGE” between your faith and the manifestation of what you are believing God for. 1. THE FORCE OF PATIENCE What Patience is:  (Definition) Persistence and Perserverance. Quality of not surrendering to circumstances. Quality that does not succumb under trial. Perserverance (Webster’s)

To persist in anything undertaken. To maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty or obstacles. The Nature of Patience Patience is Consistent (James 1:3-4; Hebrews 6) Faith is Patience combined. Inherit the promises. The Work of Patience Patience at times of tests and trials.  (James 1:1-8) Trying of faith works patience. Let patience have full play. Ask in faith not wavering. Be not double minded.

Five Principles that Guarantee Success (Psalm 37:1-15) Fret not yourself.  (John 14:27 (AMP); Philippians 4:6 (AMP) Delight Self in the Lord; Enjoy yourself in the Lord. (Ephesians 3:20 (AMP) Commit way to the Lord. (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:6-10) Rest in the Lord. Laugh at the enemy. (Psalm 2:4; Ephesians 2:6)

This will bring success every time!

2. THE CHOICE IS YOURS

We have a choice. (Proverbs 6:2; Proverbs 18:21) Seven Important Facts for the Believer The Reality of Your Redemption. (Hebrews 9:11-14; Ephesians 1:3-9) The Reality of the New Birth. (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; 1 Peter 1:4) The Reality of Your Righteousness in Christ (Romans 3:21-22; 1 Peter 3:12) The Reality of Being God Indwelt (2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 John 4:4) The Reality of Authority in Jesus’ Name (Philippians 2:9-11) The Integrity of God’s Word (Jeremiah 1:12; Isaiah 55:11) The God Kind of Faith Inside of You (Romans 10:17; Romans 12:3)

When established in these, you are immovable!

3. DETERMINING GOD’S WILL Doubt the Enemy of Faith The man without a way. (John 14:16; Philippians 4:19) The Man with a Different Opinion It is a lack of faith corrected. (Romans 10:17; 2 Peter 1:2-4)

The Will of God Jesus is the Will of God in action. (John 5:30; John 14:10; Hebrews 10:9) The Word is God’s Will (1 John 5:14-15) If you ask anything according to His will, He hears us. If He hears us, we will receive. (1 Peter 3:12; Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 1:12) How to Receive from God Patience – A Spiritual Force (James 1:1-4) Let Patience have perfect work. Entire and lacking nothing.

Faith and Works Cooperate. (James 1:21-22; Mark 2:1-12) Saw their faith. Then saw their action. Possessing our Inheritance God has given us all things. (Numbers 13:30) Delivered to us Go Up and possess it. (Ephesians 1:3; 11-14; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:20 (AMP)

4. GODLY WISDOM

Godly Wisdom Has Three Facets Wisdom (Colossians 2:3) Comprehensive insight into ways of God. Insight into the true nature of things. Knowledge (2 Peter 1:2) Clear and certain perception. Exact or full knowing. Understanding (Ephesians 1:8) Insight, discretion, or prudence. Knowing what action to take. The three always work together (Proverbs 2:6; Proverbs 2:10-12) How Wisdom Comes Wisdom comes by the Word. (Proverbs 4:4-8) The Word Produces Wisdom Wisdom is the main element Promote the Word (Wisdom of God)  (Proverbs 4:20-23) The Evidence of Faith Faith is Now. (Hebrews 11:1; Mark 11:23-24) Faith is God’s way of doing things. (Romans 4:17) LESSON 3 THE LOVE WALK

INTRODUCTION:  In this lesson we will cover the Love of God.  The walk of love and also an example of how Jesus walked in love.  The Love of God shed abroad in our hearts should be the motivation behind everything we do.  If we walk in this love, it will turn the key to victorious living. 1. THE LOVE OF GOD He sees the need.  (John 3:16, 17) Saw the need of the world, and supplied this need.  Isaiah 55:6-9 He loves the Unlovely His love doesn’t ask “What can you do for me?”, but ask “What can I do for you?

Why does God love? Because He is love.  Does He have any choice?  NO! 1 John 4:7-12 Love is what God is made out of! 1 Corinthians 12:31 & 13:13 God is motivated by this love – because He is love.  Jesus walked in this love as a. man – because He allowed this love to overtake Him and control Him. 

2. THE WALK OF LOVE The love walk is a way of life.  It is not something that can be developed overnight. It is not a walk that can be achieved by man influenced by the flesh.  It is a walk governed by the Holy Spirit and the recreated human spirit in control. The Word of God has provided not only the requirements of the love walk, but a way to get to it. Steps (Building Blocks) to the Love Walk. (2 Peter 1:1-11) Faith – This is the first step not the goal! Virtue – Christian energy to be exhibited in the exercise of faith.

Knowledge – Simply the inner quality of understanding – In this case, God and His Word. Temperance – Self-control:  often used for the virtue of ne who masters his desires and passions. Patience – literally, “to remain under.”  One writer defines patience as “that virtue which qualifies us to bear all conditions and events.” Godliness – “worship rightly directed”.  Worship is to be understood as reverence where reverence is due, whether to God or to man. Respectful and respectable. Brotherly Kindness – “To have affection for a brother.” Charity – “That divine love which God is as to His nature, which is produced in the heart of a yielded believer by the Holy Spirit, and which impels him to deny himself for the benefit of the one loved.” All of these steps intermingle, build, encourage and compliment one another.

3. THE LOVE OF GOD IS SHED ABROAD IN THE HEARTS OF EVERY BELIEVER (Romans 5:5)

Jesus realized people weren’t His enemy, flesh and blood aren’t our enemy. (Matthew 14:1-14) John the Baptist was the closest to Jesus spiritually and also was His cousin. John had called Jesus, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, and baptized Him in water. Jesus bragged about John, preached about him, and loved him. When Jesus heard how he died, he went to be alone. People heard He was alone and went to Him. Jesus could have said: “Can’t a guy be alone just once?” At first it doesn’t look as if He retaliated – He could have punched out Herod and Herodias and the people would have backed Him up. Jesus realized flesh and blood weren’t His enemy. Jesus was being baited by Satan to move in the flesh. Jesus hit Satan where it hurt the most – He was moved with compassion toward them and He healed their sick. He retaliated in the Spirit. We are in a Spiritual Warfare.  The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Love is a Person (1 John 4:7,8)

We are to Dwell in God (1 John 4:16)

We are to be as God is in this world (1 John 4:17)

There is no Fear in Love (1 John 4:18)

We are to Love God Supremely (1 John 5:2, 3)

Finally (James 2:8)

LESSON 4 FAITH, FOOLISHNESS OR PRESUMPTION

INTRODUCTION: This week we will discuss Faith, Foolishness or Presumption.  The Bible tells us that God wants us to walk by Faith and not by sight or by the five senses.  We need to know the context of the Word to stay out of operating in foolishness or presumption in our every day walk with the Lord. 1. THE FOUNDATION Faith – A Way of Life Habakkuk 2:4 The Just shall live by faith. Faith is a way of living. Further scriptural evidence Romans 1:17 Galatians 3:11 Hebrews 10:38 Hebrews 11:6 You cannot please God without Faith. You must believe and act on God’s Word. Foolishness and Presumption Foolishness (Webster’s Dictionary) Exhibiting folly, deficient in understanding

Without discretion or judgement Unwise, stupid, ill-advised, irrational 2 Kings 5:20-27 Gehazi thought to fool the prophet Leprosy of Naaman came upon him. 

Presumption (Webster’s Dictionary) To suppose to be true without examination To take for granted. Acts 19:13-17 Thought they could use Jesus’ name It didn’t work for them

Stepping Stones in the Faith Walk Progressive Revelation You build upon the knowledge you have. Isaiah 28:10 Colossians 1:9 (AMP) Ephesians 1:17-18 (AMP)

Faith Versus Fear Fear is the Opposite of faith. Job 3:25 Fear is perverted faith. It is believing the negative Proverbs 10:24 Proverbs 29:25 Fear will immobilize you!

2. FINANCES The Context  (Romans 13:1-8) To render all due to whom it is due. He is talking about giving what is due. It doesn’t mean you cannot use credit. If borrowing is a sin, why did God say to lend? (Luke 6:34-35) 2 Corinthians 9:8 (AMP)

God’s Desire Use your faith to rise above circumstances Philippians 4:11 (context means independent) 2 Corinthians 9:8 Start where you are and grow. Isaiah 28:10 Develop your faith on small payments.

Finances in the Home What about tithing? Malachi 3:10-11 God said to prove Him. He will rebuke the devourer. Proverbs 3:9-10 Hebrews 7:8 – Jesus receives our tithes.

Practical Applications God expects you to pay your bills. (Matthew 22:21) Don’t write checks when you have no money to cover them.

Giving The Principle Luke 6:38 Give first then given unto you. Men are the avenue.

3. IN EVERY DAY LIFE Family Obligations

The man’s responsibility is to provide leadership and provision (Ephesians 5:23, 25-31)

The women’s responsibility is to take care of the man. (Ephesians 5:22-24, 33)

Family obligations come before your ministry. Casting out Calories Gluttony is a sin. You cannot cast calories out of food. Proverbs 23:2, 21 What you eat is what you see. How to Receive a Mate Stand on the Word (Proverbs 18:22) Pray in Faith (Mark 11:24) Praise God for the answer. You should let God bring your mate. Faith or Embarrassment Is your stand based upon: The Word? What others have said? What others might think? You must believe before you act. Do not act to impress others. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.

LESSON 5 THE NAME OF JESUS

INTRODUCTION:  God has given us everything we need to live victoriously here on earth.  He has given us the Word, the Holy Ghost and the Name of Jesus.  Today we will look at the importance and the power the name of Jesus carries. 1. THE RIGHT TO USE JESUS’ NAME Power of Attorney Act of fully representing another. Delegated authority. Being fully identified with another. The Name Given to Believers Matthew 28:18-19 Mark 16:17-18 Our total identification with Him. Colossians 2:12 Philippians 1:21 How Jesus Obtained His Name He inherited it.  (Hebrews 1:4) Bestowed upon Him. (Philippians 2:9-11) By conquest. (Colossians 2:15) The Inheritance Started at Birth Isaiah 7:14  God with us. Isaiah 9:6 Matthew 1:21-23 People Don’t Know Their Inheritance Hosea 4:6 Isaiah 5:13 Need to Understand What Has Been Given to Us 1 John 4:4 Romans 8:37 Hebrews 13:5-6 The Name – Possession of the Church Illustrated by Peter and John. Acts 3:3-6 Healing manifested by use of the Name. The Name does not work for sinners. Acts 19:13-20 Acts 2:21 2. HOW TO USE THE NAME We still must exercise Faith (Hebrews 11:6) Mark 11:22-24 Matthew 21:21-22 Matthew 9:29 Unlimited Access to Heaven Hebrews 4:16 Psalm 84:11 John 16:23-26 Used in Line with the Word Isaiah 55:11 All power in the Name (Not fasting or long prayers) We do not pray to Jesus (John 16:23) Demanding Our Rights Isiaah 43:26 John 14:13-14 Acts 3:6 Acts 3:12-13, 16 John 15:16 3. THE NAME OF JESUS IN OUR DAILY LIVES There is Salvation in the Name Acts 2:21 Acts 4:12

There is Healing in the Name Mark 16:18 Acts 3:6

Devils are Subject Unto the Name Luke 10:17 Mark 16:17 James 2:19 The Name Used in Prayer John 14:12-15 The Name in Praise and Worship Hebrews 13:15 The Name of Jesus is Above Every Name Philippians 2:9 Ephesians 1:21

LESSON 6 NEW CREATION REALTIES

INTRODUCTION:  This week we are going to cover four areas of New Creation Realities.  They are, Reality of Righteousness, Identification, “In Him,” and the Present Day Ministry of Jesus.  This is Reality and we need not only be familiar with it, but know the Reality that the New Creation brings to you and I.

1. WHAT RIGHTEOUSNESS MEANS The Righteousness of God Righteousness – (Vine) The quality of being right or just. Right standing before God.

The Right to Stand in the Presence Without guilt. Without fear. Righteousness is a State of Being 1 Corinthians 1:30 Romans 3:21-24

Comes by Faith ( Romans 5:1) Comes at time of salvation. It is Given as a Gift. Romans 5:15-21 Romans 3:21-22 It is not earned or deserved. Fruits of Righteousness Fruit is born by Abiding in the Vine. John 15:1-3 John 15:8, 16 Galatians 5:22-23 Love, Joy, Peace. Longsuffering, Goodness and Faithfulness. Meekness and Temperance. Fruit is cultivated and grows.

2.. VITAL ASPECTS OF IDENTIFICATION

The Law of Identification Our complete union with Christ. We are one with Christ. 1 John 4:17 Philippians 1:21 The Vital Points of Identification Crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20) Died with Him (Romans 6:8, 2 Timothy 2:11) Buried with Him (Colossians 2:15) Made Alive with Him (Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:5) Raised with Him (Ephesians 2:6) Suffered with Him (1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 4:1-2)

3. “IN HIM” REALITIES

Our Identification We are one with Christ There are over 140 scriptures In Him , with Him In whom, through whom, etc. Bold Confessions Find what the Word says about you. Some examples – 1 John 3:1-2; Romans 8:14, 16-17) What you confess becomes reality to you. Never rise above level of your confession. Scriptures to Build into your Spirit In Him Acts 17:28 2 Corinthians 5:21 In Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ephesians 2:10 In Whom Colossians 1:13-14 Ephesians 1:7 1 Peter 2:24 Confession builds the reality of this in your heart.

4. PRESENT DAY MINISTRY OF JEESUS Jesus’ Ministry did not End at the Ascension 1 John 14:1-3 John 14:26 John 16:13-15 The Holy Spirit reveals things of Jesus to us. We are an extension of Jesus’ Ministry. Jesus our High Priest and Mediator Hebrew 9:11-12 High Priest of good things to come. Offered His blood for our propitiation.

Jesus our Advocate 1 John 1:9-10 1 John 2:1-2 He restores lost sense of righteousness. He is our advocate. 1 John 1:7

Jesus our Intercessor Hebrews 4:14-16 Isaiah 53:12 Romans 8:34 Hebrews 7:25 Jesus is at the right hand of God. He makes intercession for us.

Jesus our Shepherd and Surety The Shepherd Psalm 23:1 John 10:14 1 Peter 5:4 Colossians 1:18 Hebrews 7:18-28 Jesus lives forever. He is the surety of the New Covenant LESSON 7 CONFESSION

INTRODUCTION:  This week we will take a look at the importance of words. Words produce an image.  The words that you have been speaking are evident about you.  Do you wat things around you to change?  If so, change the words you have been speaking and line them up with the Word. 1. THE IMPORTANCE OF WORDS God’s System is Based upon Words God said and it was. (Genesis 1:3, 6-7, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24) He spoke the worlds into being (Hebrews 11:3) All things upheld by His Word. Without Word nothing is upheld. (Hebrews 1:3) How God Used Confession God always spoke it into existence. (Genesis 17:1-8) God speaks what He will do. One year later the Word was fulfilled. Abraham Father of many nations. When said name – constant confession.

Abraham was beginning of Hebrews (Genesis 21:1) What God said always came to pass. (Numbers 23:19) God is not a man that He should lie.

2. YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR DESTINY The way you were born-again was by confessing. (Romans 10:8-10) When you made Jesus Lord and Saviour of your life, you changed your destiny from Hell bound to Heave bound.

The same way you received salvation, you can receive. Your: Healing Prosperity Deliverance Anything according to God’s Word Begin to say what the Word says about you. God’s Word is Spirit and Life. James 1:22-24 Let your tongue be tamed to speak the Word. (James 3:1-11) Life and death are in the power of the tongue. You need to speak life into your situations. Guard your Heart Proverbs 4:20-24 Out of the abundance of your heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34) Proverbs 23:7 Call those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:16, 17 God called Abraham the Father of many nations and He did not have any children. We are to imitate God. (Ephesians 5:1) Followers – imitators Trouble is – God’s people are confessing what is going on – it will continue on course. Proverbs 6:2; Job 3:25; Job 6:24, 25 God did not say call these things which be as though they were not.

3. THE WORD IS THE TARGET Satan is after the Word.  (Mark 4:13-20) He doesn’t want the Word to take root in your heart. Let the Word become first place in your life. The results (Romans 4:18-21) The Word will produce. Have the God kind of faith. (Mark 11:22-24) Right now you are a result of the words that you have sown. If you don’t like what is happening around you, change it. Create with your mouth the world God wants you to have.

4. BRINGING THIS TO WHERE WE LIVE People will say this is all well and good but: I came from the other side of the tracks. I was an abused child. I’m not of the right color. I’m not of the right nationality. Jabez – meaning sorrowful 1 Chronicles 4:9, 10 God granted him that which he requested. Josiah 2 Corinthians 34:1-3 Josiah’s father was Manasseh. His brother was Amon. Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. Rahab – a harlot Hebrews 11:31 Received the spies with peace. THEY ALL CHANGED THEIR DESTINY! LESSON 8

DISCIPLESHIP

INTRODUCTION:  In this lesson we will establish what a disciple of Jesus Christ is.  We will establish the seriousness of this commitment and begin to look at the extent to which it will affect our lies. FOUNDATIONAL SCRIPURES: 1 John 4:16-17 Describe our God and tells. Us we are to be like Him in this world. John 13:34-35 Tells us that ti is the demonstration of this love that will reveal us to the world as His disciples. John 13:3-5 Tells us that it is only the one who knows who he is in relationship with his heavenly Father that can truly be a servant of the brethren. 1. IDENTIFYING A DISCIPLE

From following definitions, we will pinpoint some important ideals to be considered and applied to the life of the believer. By Definition (Webster’s) Disciple (n) (Latin – discipulus – a learner)

A pupil, follower or adherent of any teacher or school of religion, learning, art, etc. Synonyms – learner, scholar, pupil, follower, adherent.  Learn – to gain knowledge, to acquire information concerning, to acquire skill in, to fix in mind; to memorize.  Adhere – to hold to, be attached or remain fixed to either by personal union or conformity of faith, principle, or opinion.  To be consistent: to hold together, as the parts of a system. Disciple – a taught or trained one.

What do these definitions tell us? To be a disciple of Jesus means much more than just “liking” or considering His stand. 

To be His disciple would mean to become like Him in every way.

During Jesus’ time: Rabbis accepted disciples from men ceremonially clean and righteous according to the law.

Disciples had to be intelligent enough to study the Torah and become a Rabbi.

2. SOME OF JESUS’ EXPECTATIONS Disciple is not above his teacher.  (Matthew 10:24-25) If you consider yourself above your teacher, you will not submit and learn.

Although in verse 25 the reference is made to “Beelzebub” the intent of the statement remains the same. Disciple represents his master with actions that correspond to the master. (Matthew 10:40-42) He expects us to depend on Him.  (Matthew 11:28-30) Preparation for Discipleship Jesus’ preparation As a child He grew in the things of God (Luke 2:40-52) His public ministry began when He was 30.

Original twelve spent 3 ½ years with Him.

Paul spent 3 years in the desert being taught by God (Galatians 1:11-24) This in addition to what he had already learned as a Pharisee.

Pharisee Legal party among the Jew More popular and influential Their zeal for the law caused them to defy it and their attitudes became external, formal and mechanical. Stressed formal correctness not righteousness

3. MARKS OF A DISCIPLE These outward manifestations are a result of an inward change. One who puts all aside to follow Jesus. (Matthew 16:24-25; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-26)

One who receives the call. (Luke 9:1-6; Mark 6:7-13)

One who is a doer of the Word. (James 1:22-25; Matthew 7:24-27)

One who continues in the Word. (John 8:31-32) 4. FINDING YOUR PLACE IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

Don’t’ just be a pew sitter Ecclesiastes 9:10 There is no unemployment in God’s Kingdom Use Your Talents God gave them to you in the first place.

You may be talented in: Ushering Greeting Children’s Ministry Praying Etc. Be a Blessing in the local Church Get involved Be a blessing to others Just don’t sit on your blessed assurance