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HOME GROUP BIBLE STUDY SERIES
Purpose
This Bible Study series was created to assist those meeting in homes to come to a clearer understanding of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God so together they might grow as obedient disciples into the stature of the fullness of Jesus Christ.
The group leader is encouraged to facilitate the participation of all in attendance by having group members read, discuss, consider, and review together the key concepts of each particular lesson.
Portions of the lesson that are italicized are excerpts from the writing of Robert B. Thompson, which can be found in the Library of Writings.
LESSON #1 Carrying Our Cross
Objectives
At the end of this lesson the participants will be able to:
1. Identify two aspects of carrying the cross.
2. Describe how the disciple responds to the demands of the cross.
3. List three things God teaches us through suffering.
Read Together
Luke 14:26,27
Discuss Together
What does it mean to carry our cross?
Consider Together
The cross has two arms, we might say. One arm is that of deferred desire. There are relationships, or circumstances, or things which we desire intensely. But to grasp them we have to break God’s laws. This is one type of cross.
The other arm is our having to remain in a situation we detest. We cannot escape the situation without breaking God’s laws. This is another type of cross.
Sometimes these two, the deferral of desire and the imprisoning circumstances, are combined.
Review Together
What are the "two arms" of the cross?
Discuss Together
How does an undisciplined person typically respond to difficult and frustrating circumstances?
Consider Together
The true disciple does not waver. He continues in his situation until God changes it. He understands he is living on a cursed earth and that there is no way to make the world a happy place. He understands also that God is requiring that his desires be deferred in order to perfect him in patience and obedience. His cross is the means of his salvation from worldliness, lust, and particularly self-will.
Review Together
How does the true disciple respond to his personal cross?
Read Together
Deuteronomy 8:1,2
Discuss Together
Why did God permit the children of Israel to experience forty years of wandering in the desert?
Consider Together
The Lord places us in difficult circumstances so we will learn three things: obedience to His commandments, patience with frustrating situations, and total dependence upon God to meet all our needs.
Review Together
What good can come to our personality by remaining faithful to God amidst severe testing of our faith?
Lesson Summary
There is a difference in being a cross-carrying disciple of Jesus Christ and merely attending church services as part of a religious observance. Our personal cross may mean deferred gratification or enduring hardness for long periods of time. The true disciple carries his or her personal cross faithfully for as long as God requires and does not seek a way of escape. Over time God can build up within us three things as a result of faithfully and obediently carrying our cross.
Recommended Future Reading
For additional information on this topic click on the underlined hyperlinks and open the following titles:
Learning Obedience Through Suffering
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