The Christian Life

1.What invitation does Jesus make to those who want to follow Him?

Jesus invites those who are willing to leave everything by faith, even their own lives, to follow Him!

He called the multitude to himself with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it.

Mark 8:34-35

2.Why should people desire a life of obedience to God’s will?

First, in gratitude for what God has done for them. Second, for their own benefit, because obedience to God is a source of life, joy and happiness.

Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

Romans 12:1

It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to my commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, that I will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil. I will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full. Be careful, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn away to serve other gods and worship them;

Deuteronomy 11:13-16

3.Who makes it possible for believers to live a Christian life?

God Himself, since believers cannot live a Christian life in their own strength.

For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13

4.How will believers show the work of God in their lives?

The Holy Spirit who lives in them will produce Christian fruit that everyone can see.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

5.What is Christian love like?

The Bible describes Christian love in the following words:

Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

6.Is there any example of Christian love that we can follow?

Yes. Jesus Himself is the perfect example.

By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, then closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him? My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.

1 John 3:16-18

7.What is the Christian’s position toward the surrounding world?

World means universe, but it can also mean a whole philosophy of life contrary to God’s will — worldliness. The Christian should not love the world, in this sense.

Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.

1 John 2:15-16

8.Which sins does the Bible warn us against?

Lying, stealing, obscene words, dissensions, sexual immorality, drunkenness and many others.

Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, producing with his hands something that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need. Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. […] But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; […] Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

Ephesians 4:25-31; 5:3,18

9.Is it possible for believers to have victory over temptation and live a life pleasing to God?

Yes. Because God always provides a way out of temptations.

No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

10.Is God willing to forgive His children when they sin?

Yes, if they humbly confess their sins and ask for forgiveness.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

11.How can we help one another to live the Christian life?

In congregational worship, encouraging one another, praying for one another’s needs and taking care that we are never a cause of sin for other brothers and sisters.

not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18

But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak.

1 Corinthians 8:9

12.What should our attitude be toward money and possessions?

We should put our trust in God and not in riches, and flee from a materialistic life, keeping watch so that greed and the love of money do not control us. On the other hand, we should share our goods with the needy people around us.

He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.”

Luke 12:15

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. […] Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

1 Timothy 6:10,17-19

But as you abound in everything—in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us—see that you also abound in this grace.

2 Corinthians 8:7

On the first day of every week, let each one of you save as he may prosper, that no collections are made when I come.

1 Corinthians 16:2

Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

13.What is the result of sharing our goods gladly and generously?

Those who give receive blessings, meet the needs of others, and God is praised.

Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6

For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God,

2 Corinthians 9:12

14.Should believers share their faith in Jesus Christ with others?

Yes. They should be prepared to testify to others when it is possible.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear,

1 Peter 3:15

15.Where do believers receive authority to speak to others about Jesus?

From Jesus Himself and from the Holy Spirit.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20

16.What general rules should the Christian follow in the effort to live a Christian life?

The Christian should always be guided by the Holy Spirit and do everything for the glory of God.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16

Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31