Exploring your life in Christ

Exploring your life in Christ

Paul Gotthardt

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are

taken from the New American Standard Version.
Copyright © 1998 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2012 by Life Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 Life
is about
Relationship.

About this book:

The Pursuit shows how the three key relationships of Christ’s life
impact your growth as a disciple. Jesus lived in right relationship with
the Father, with the Church, and with the world. All three relationships
stayed in proper tension. Over the next four weeks, you will see how
Christianity operates in each of these three relationships.

You will learn to pursue Christ while developing a deep love for
God. Loving God will keep you focused on your relationship with
the Father. As you pursue Christ, He will stress the importance of
uniting with believers. You will see the ways Christ leads His disciples
to be in right relationship with the Church. Finally, pursuing Christ
will challenge you to serve the world and entrust the Gospel. Both
activities encourage you to engage the world in ways that honor God.
Over time you will see the world through the lens of relationship.

The Pursuit is divided into four weeks with six devotions per week.
If you get behind on a day or so, that’s okay. The free days will allow
you time to get caught up. If you need to take more than thirty
days to complete the guide, that is fine too! This is a guide to help,
not a law to obey. Enjoy the time with God. Focus on Him. Take
some notes and watch the way He transitions personal devotion
into relational growth.

May God bless you as you pursue Him!

Week 1: Love God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Day 1: If You Can Only Do One Thing…

Day 2: Keeping Love Simple
Day 3: He’s Waiting for You
Day 4: Is God Lovable?
Day 5: If You Really Love Me…
Day 6: Why Can’t I Worship God at Home?

Week 2: Unite with Believers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Day 1: A Place for Encouragement

Day 2: The Human Element
Day 3: A Challenge to Selfish Living
Day 4: Lessons from the Weight Room
Day 5: Community is a Lifestyle Choice
Day 6: Serving Each Other

Week 3: Serve the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Day 1: That They May See Your Good Works

Day 2: When a Plan Comes Together
Day 3: Becoming Like Those We Follow
Day 4: Taking Aim Against Pride
Day 5: I’ve Never Felt More Fulfilled
Day 6: Building a Platform for Sharing Christ

Week 4: Entrust the Gospel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Day 1: What Does it Mean to Entrust Anything?

Day 2: Entrusting the Gospel
Day 3: The Rails of Relationship
Day 4: A Simple Way of Entrusting the Gospel
Day 5: The Greater Progress of the Gospel
Day 6: What Will You Do with the Dash?
 week 1
Love God.
T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 1: If You Can Only Do One Thing…

Vacation was two weeks away and Steve was making final plans. Wanting
to include his six-year-old son in the process, Steve asked, “Is there anything
you would like to do when we get to the beach?” Within a matter of seconds,
the boy listed so many ideas that it was almost overwhelming. Knowing the
budget, Steve rephrased his question. “If you could only do one thing at the
beach, what would it be?” After taking several minutes to think, the boy smiled
and said, “It really doesn’t matter what we do as long as we do it together.”

The journey of the Christian should resemble this story. At first glance, there
are so many good things to explore and do as Christians. We can pray, study
Scriptures, go to church, give to good causes, serve others, share our faith,
and more. Christianity does not lack good activities. But at the heart of Chris-
tianity is a call to be with Christ.

When Jesus called the original disciples, Mark records, “And He appointed
twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to
preach” (Mark 3:14). They were called to be with Him, and then He would
send them out into service. The emphasis is on the relationship. If you can
only do one thing in the Christian life—spend time with Christ.

As you focus on loving God, remember that where you go, what you do, and
how you do it are always secondary to Who you’re with.

✦ List several practical ways that you can be with Jesus every day.

• ________________________________

• ________________________________

• ________________________________

✦ What are several barriers that get in the way of being with Christ every day?

• ________________________________

• ________________________________

• ________________________________

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I understand that my

first priority in life is to be with you. You have shown me several ways to fulfill
this desire and several barriers that stand in the way. Give me the courage to
change what needs to be changed in order to be with you on a daily basis. In
Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: John 15:1–5; 17:3, Luke 10:38–42,

Deuteronomy 6:4–5, Psalm 1; 27:4–6

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 2 : Keeping Love Simple

I recently heard of a man who proposed to his girlfriend by having “Marry Me”
written in the clouds. Unfortunately, the pilot reversed the second “m” and
wrote, “Marry We.” Not as romantic as he had hoped, but she got the point!

Do you ever feel the need to prove your love to God in some huge way?
Loving God is not about the big things we do or the size of the gifts we give.
Loving God is about being with Him and obeying His promptings.

Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My
Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him”
(John 14:23).

According to Jesus, our love for God is marked by simple obedience that
flows out of relationship. The first response of many Christians is to say, “I will
obey God to prove I love Him.” This premise is based on performance-driven
religion and self-reliance. Jesus is saying, “Love me and you will obey.”

We do not obey so that we can love Jesus; we love Jesus and the result is
obedience.

✦ Read 1 John 4:19. What is the basis of our love for God?

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1 John 4:19 helps us realize that we are not initiating love—we are only
responding to His love for us. God loves you!

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While God invites each of us into greater levels of intimacy, He has created us
to pursue Him in unique ways. Sit quietly with the Lord, and ask Him, “How do
you want me to pursue You today?” Record what God says and do it!

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. Would you mercifully
remove the parts of me that get in the way of loving you? I pray for your grace
through the process and the courage to release what is required. In Jesus’
name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Luke 10:38–42, Mark 12:41–44, 1 John 2:3–6

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 3 : “He’s Waiting for You”

“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and
went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” —Mark 1:35

There is a less than famous painting of Jesus sitting alone at an old table in a
rustic room. The table has two chairs, and Jesus is occupying one. On top of
the table is an oil lamp, an open Bible, and a journal. In the background, there
is a small open window with a view of the sun rising over a hill. The picture
looks calm and peaceful, and then you read the words under it, “He’s waiting
for you.”

When I first saw the picture, it had a profound impact on my time with God.
All I could think of is the number of times that I left Jesus sitting alone at the
table. My excuses were endless. I was too busy, too tired, too preoccupied
with life! But no matter how many excuses I gave, the painting silenced every
one of them. I was left with this image of Christ sitting patiently and silently,
waiting for me to spend time with Him.

Spending time with God can seem daunting. What do you do? Where do you
start? What do you say? What if you miss a day? The key to spending time with
God is to emphasize the relationship. You are there to know Him. The ultimate
goal in life is to know God; the daily goal in life is to spend time with God.

Based on the habits of Jesus in Mark 1:35, we can see that Christ made inti-
macy a priority. Our challenge is to follow in His footsteps.

✦ How does Mark 1:35 challenge you to develop greater consistency in your
time with God?

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✦ The passage speaks of Jesus meeting the Father at a specific time, in a spe-
cific place, and for a specific reason. Do you have a specific plan or pattern
for meeting with God? If not, spend some time working on a specific plan
for your life.

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I know that the only way
to know you is to spend time with you. I pray that during our times together,
I keep the relationship as the focus. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Lamentations 3:21–25, Psalm 33:18–22; 46:1–11,

2 Chronicles 16:9, Hebrews 10:19–22, Revelation 3:20

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 4 : Is God Lovable?

What does it take to fall in love with someone? Chances are, everyone will
answer that question a little differently. Maybe a better question would be,
“Are some character qualities more lovable than others?” That’s the real is-
sue! I doubt anyone would describe Mr. or Mrs. Right as arrogant, demoral-
izing, lacking integrity, and generally pessimistic. At the end of the day, we
are attracted to qualities we admire or desire.

With that being said, what makes God lovable? If the purpose of life is to
pursue a love relationship with Jesus Christ, it presupposes that God is
lovable. Therefore, what are the character qualities that make God lovable?

For a quick description of God’s character, take a few moments and read
Psalm 103. In twenty-two verses, we find that God is…

• Forgiving (v.3,9,12) • Satisfying (v.5) • Merciful (v.10)

• Restorative (v.3) • Righteous (v.6,17) • Considerate (v.14)
• Redemptive (v.4) • Revelatory (v.7) • Eternal/Everlasting (v.17)
• Loving (v.4, 8, 11, 17) • Gracious (v.8) • Sovereign (v.19)
• Compassionate (v.4, 8, 13) • Slow to anger (v.8) • Praise Worthy (v.20–22)

Our love for God will never grow beyond our knowledge of God. Therefore,
we should strive to study in a way that our knowledge of God remains firmly
rooted in His revealed character.

✦ Take a few moments and list other character qualities of God that you find
admirable or desirable.

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Devotional Hint: As you read Scripture from day to day, ask God to reveal His
character to you through Scripture. The more we know of God’s character,
the more natural it is to love Him.

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. Would you help me to
see your character revealed in my life today so I can know you in a greater
way? In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Exodus 15:1–18, Deuteronomy 7:7–9,

Psalm 113; 145

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 5 : If You Really Love Me…

Have you ever been guilted into doing something with the words, “If you
really loved me, you would ________ ”? Maybe a couple of examples will jog
your memory! “If you really loved me, you would take out the trash. If you
really loved me, you would buy me this watch. If you really loved me, you
would do what I want to do.” Unfortunately, love can become a manipulative
bargaining tool.

With that idea in mind, how are we to interpret the statement of Jesus in
John 14:15? Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
It’s almost like Jesus is saying, “If you really love me, you would do what I say.”

Yet based on the character of Christ, we know that He does not manipulate
us. So where does that leave us as we try to understand this passage?

It leaves us with a spiritual litmus test for our relationship with Christ. If we
are experiencing problems in our walk with God (e.g. lack of passion, stunt-
ed growth, sinful patterns, etc.), it is a love issue. Most Christians have been
taught that the more we obey God, the more we will love God. Jesus is teach-
ing just the opposite.

According to Christ, the more we love God, the more we will obey God. When
relational breakdowns occur, Jesus is saying, “Focus on love. Look at love.
Return to loving Me. Your problems are not a lack of motivation, a lack of self-
control, or a lack of knowing spiritual truth. Your problems stem from a lack
of love.” Love is the starting line—not obedience. When we love God, we will
keep His commandments.

Our love will always result in obedience, but our obedience will not always
result in love.

✦ What are three problems in your spiritual life that seem to be reoccurring?

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The way we address the problems is not to focus on the problem. The way to
address the problem is to focus on loving God.

✦ Based on the example of Jesus, how do we grow in our love relationship

with God? (Hint: Mark 1:35; John 14–15)

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. Thank you for helping
me see a clear path to godliness. I know that focusing on my problems will
lead to defeat and focusing on you will lead to victory. Teach me how to love
you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages For Additional Study: Deuteronomy 6:1–25; 30:6, Joshua 22:5,

1 John 4:16–21, Romans 8:12–17

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 6 : Why Can’t I Worship God at Home?

You know the routine. It’s as predictable as taxes and just about as enjoyable.
It’s called Sunday morning mayhem. The alarm goes off and you feel like you
got run over by a truck. The kids are cranky, there’s no hot water, it’s your
week in the nursery, and the dog left a deposit in your good shoes. Every-
thing is going in the wrong direction. About that time, two questions comes
to mind: “Why are Sundays so hard, and why can’t I worship God at home?”

Let’s be honest! We’ve all wrestled with those types of questions at some
point in our spiritual journey. How does the Bible address this concern?

In Acts 2:42–47, Luke writes these words:

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teach-

ing and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs
were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had be-
lieved were together and had all things in common; and they be-
gan selling their property and possessions and were sharing them
with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one
mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they
were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was
adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

I’ve underlined a number of words to show a general pattern for Christians.

The words that are underlined are plural or group-oriented in some way. The
point is simple! There is no Christianity apart from community. Why can’t I
worship God at home? The answer is that God has designed the Christian life
to be fully expressed and enjoyed in the fellowship of believers.

The first-century church studied together, hung out together, ate together,
prayed together, experienced life together, pulled their resources together,
received communion together, and most importantly, worshipped together.
Christianity is a team sport!

One of the greatest ways that we express our love for God is in the context of
corporate worship. With one voice, we praise Him! With one heart, we pursue
Him. With one mind, we desire to know Him. As a part of the church of Jesus
Christ, much of our growth in Christ and passion for Christ will be determined
by our connectedness to His Body.

Determine today to make corporate worship a regular part of your week!

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✦ Why do you think it was important for the first-century church to meet
regularly in “the temple” and from “house to house”?

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I understand that part of
my growth in you is found in connection with other believers. Thank you for
the privilege of joining in corporate worship. Please help me to pursue you
with others. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages For Additional Study: Hebrews 10:23–25, Colossians 3:12–16

Notes:

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 week 2
Unite with
Believers.
T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 1: A Place for Encouragement

Don’t you love being around encouraging people? They compliment your
shoes, your hair, your talents and strengths, and anything else they might
notice. They have a knack for saying the right thing at the right time in the
right way, and it leaves you uplifted and filled with hope. In some ways, en-
couragement is verbal balm to hurting people.

In recent weeks, I’ve noticed an interesting trend while reading through the
New Testament. The apostles spent much of their ministry strengthening the
believers and encouraging them in their walk with God. Encouragement and
strength go hand in hand. Note the examples given:

• “When they had read it [a letter delivered by Judas and Silas]

they rejoiced because of its encouragement” (Acts 15:31).
• “Judas and Silas…encouraged and strengthened the brethren
with a lengthy message” (Acts 15:32).
• “…and when they saw the brethren, they encouraged them and
departed” (Acts 16:40).
• “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another,
just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
• “And also Jesus who is called Justus…proved to be an encour-
agement to me” (Colossians 4:11).
• “Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to
continue in the faith, and saying, ‘Through many tribulations
we must enter the kingdom of God’ ” (Acts 14:22).
• “Encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be
hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13 NIV).

I’ve always been taught that the purpose of small groups was deeper learn-
ing. That might be a part of it. But what if uniting with believers has less to do
with information and more to do with encouragement and strength? We all
know more of the Bible than we practice, but no one has more encourage-
ment than they need!

Are you walking through discouraging times? If so, ask yourself a second
question, “Am I placing myself in areas where people can speak encourage-
ment and strength into my life?”

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✦ If you’re not currently attending a small group, what’s holding you back?

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Have you taken any of these issues to God in prayer? If not, share your con-
cerns with God.

✦ What does Hebrews 10:23–25 teach us about gathering together?

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I understand that en-
couragement and strength are found in fellowship with other believers. Re-
veal yourself to me and through me as I meet with others. In Jesus’ name I
pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Acts 11:19–24; Colossians 3:15;

1 Thessalonians 5:11–14

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 2 : The Human Element

There’s a lot of talk about spiritual growth among Christians. We know that
growth is important, and we know that lack of growth is draining. But are we
being told the whole story?

If you take a trip to your local Christian bookstore, your eyes are dazzled with
thousands of books intended to develop you in the faith. You can read books
on the power of prayer. You can study various methods for the devotional
life. You can become an expert on spiritual gifts. But with each book you
read, there is a subtle and consistent message you receive: “Growth is just
a book away!”

Or is it?

In your experience, how many self-taught disciples have you encountered?

While books will be a part of personal growth, they are not intended to be
the “independent study method” of the Christian life. Books can unlock truths
and broaden our understanding, but they cannot take the place of human
interaction. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens
another.” By God’s design, a major part of our growth comes through relational
encounters with other believers.

Imagine how differently the Bible would read if books (not believers) were
God’s chosen instrument for spiritual growth? A couple of revisions might be:

• “As books sharpen minds, so one book sharpens those who read it.”
(The New Proverbs 27:17)
• “And all those who had believed were staying at home reading. They
had little in common (because they rarely met together), but they
enjoyed swapping books and notes and they were sharing outlines
with all, as anyone might have need.” (The New Acts 2:44–45)
• 
“Two books are better than one because they have more
information.” (The New Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Books are great, but they cannot replace the human element in spiritual growth.

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✦ We know that uniting with believers is important for encouragement

and strength. Today, we can see that uniting with believers is a key to
spiritual growth. Who are you regularly meeting with for the purpose of
spiritual growth?

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✦ If part of our spiritual growth comes through meeting with others, that would
also mean that part of someone else’s spiritual growth will come from meeting
with you. List two areas where God has taught you something that could be
valuable to others (e.g. prayer, trust, patience, caring for others, etc.).

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I recognize that part of
my growth comes through uniting with others. Would you please help me to
connect with a group that fits my schedule and my place in life? Thank you
for caring about each part of my development. I love you. In Jesus’ name I
pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Romans 12:1–13; Ephesians 4:1–16;

1 Thessalonians 3:11–13

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 3 : A Challenge to Selfish Living

“Give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in

your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.” —Philippians 2:3–4 (NCV)

The story is not all about you. As hard as that might be to admit, it’s true! Most
of us are tempted to think that life is just one big story, and we have central
roles to play. Everything that happens is seen as a challenge to us, a stepping-
stone for us, or a lesson about us. We may never verbalize our beliefs in this
way, but our statements give us away.

• “God, the account fell through. Why do you keep letting these
things happen to me?”
• “God, there’s not enough money. What you are trying to teach
me in this situation?”
• “God, I’m needing to work late again. Why am I always singled
out for overtime?”

What if the ultimate purpose of our life’s events has nothing to do with us
at all? What if the account fell through because it wasn’t good for someone
else? What if God removed some of your resources to answer someone else’s
prayers? What if your ability to work late allowed God to heal someone else’s
marital problems? While there is a huge story unfolding around us, every event
is not about us.

There is a point in every believer’s life where they must answer the question,
“Will I live my life for self or will I give my life for others?” Jesus taught that
those who tried to save their life will lose it, but those who lose their life will
find it (Matthew 16:25).

One of the blessings of uniting with believers is that it forces us to take interest
in others. By nature, there are very few people who are genuinely concerned
for the needs of others. Due to the fall of humanity, our natural default setting is
hopelessly set on “self”. Part of the journey towards Christ-likeness is “denying
self” and serving others (Matthew 16:24–27). When believers meet together in
biblical community, both areas are addressed.

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✦ Why is it difficult to acknowledge that the story is not about us?

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✦ How would small groups look different if we came to the meeting for the
purpose of helping, serving, encouraging, and strengthening each other?

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I confess my desire to be

at the center of the story and I need you to change me from the inside out. As
best as I know how, I submit to you and ask that you live through me for the
purpose of blessing others. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Philippians 2:1–11; Galatians 6:1–2;

Colossians 3:12–17

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 4 : Lessons from the Weight Room

In sixth grade I was introduced to the wonders of the weight room. It was a
fascinating world of strength and bravado. I found out quickly that “gym life”
is a subculture unto itself. The people are different. They think differently, act
differently, and wear things foreign to most of us. There are gloves with no
fingers, shirts with no sleeves, and shorts that leave nothing to the imagination.
The only thing that was not in short supply was pride!

Inevitably, the smallest guy in the room would grunt the loudest, talk the
most, and lift the least! If you watched for about five minutes, it was not hard
to discern those who had experience and those who wanted you to think
they had experience.

Those with experience wore normal clothes, paced themselves throughout

the workout, and called for a spot when they attempted heavier weight.
Those without experience wore all the gear, maxed their ability on every lift,
and viewed a spotter as a sign of weakness. I cannot tell you how many
times I’ve had to lift the barbell off the chest of a dude wearing cool gloves, a
sleeveless shirt, and tight pants. (Not a pretty picture!)

Believe it or not, there are a couple of spiritual truths we can bring out of the gym.

• Truth 1: Experience will manifest itself in wise decisions.

• Truth 2: Experience is not afraid to ask for help.

Solomon said, “Two are better than one because they have a good return
for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.
But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).

Mature believers, who have experience walking with God, will consistently
make wise decisions. They intentionally position themselves among pockets
of believers because “two are better than one”. They don’t feel the need to
prove themselves at every turn, and therefore, they will take advantage of the
opportunities available to them (e.g. worship services, small groups, daily time
with God, positions of service, accountability groups, etc.). While a mature
believer might know a lot of the information presented in these venues, they
also recognize their need for accountability and community. They know that
when they fall, it is good to have “another to lift him up”.

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Younger or less mature believers mistake gear for godliness. They have all
the right tools; they just don’t know how to use what they have. They turn
down the opportunities for regular growth because they have convinced
themselves that they don’t have the time or the need is not urgent. When
they do come together with other believers, they find themselves posturing
for spirituality and battling the need to prove themselves in every situation.
Inevitably, they overextend their resources and pride keeps them from asking
for help. When they fall, they have positioned themselves in isolation.

The Christian life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon! No one makes it alone, and
consistent wise decisions will do more than occasional bursts of spirituality.

Read Titus 2:3–6, Romans 12:10 and Hebrews 11:1–12:2.

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I understand that part
of the way I know you is to watch the lives of those who have known you
longer. I commit to positioning my life in the context of mature believers. In
Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 5 : Community is a Lifestyle Choice

Over the past four days, we have seen that uniting with believers is important
for providing encouragement and strength, establishing an environment for
personal growth, challenging selfish living, and making wise decisions in the
safety of community. Today, we see how uniting with believers becomes a
lifestyle choice that brings joy to those who choose it.

In Acts 2:42–47, Luke writes:

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching

and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone
kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking
place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were
together and had all things in common; and they began selling their
property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone
might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the
temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking
their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising
God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to
their number day by day those who were being saved.”

What an incredible group of believers! We hear a lot about lifestyle choices.

From Sunday school to public health commercials, we are urged to make
wise decisions. The purpose is to help people see that the lifestyle choices we
make will determine the lives we live.

When I speak of lifestyle choices, I’m referring to decisions that alter the
general flow and course of your life. For example, a decision to do drugs,
incur debt, or go to college will change the general flow and course of your
life. A decision to follow Christ, become an avid golfer, or start a business will
also change the general flow and course of your life. Lifestyle choices can be
good or bad decisions. And while all lifestyle decisions will not have the same
impact, they will change the way you live from day to day.

Doing life together is a lifestyle choice. When believers choose to unite

together on a level deeper than casual church attendance and the occasional
Bible study, it will change the general flow and course of their life. The first-
century church learned together, fellowshipped together, ate together, and
prayed together. They experienced God regularly in the context of community,
and they were witnesses to God’s unbelievable power. They had many things
in common, and they took care of each other by giving and sharing. Their
hearts were bent toward praise, and they saw people added to their numbers

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daily. What an incredible picture! BUT…at the end of the day, the choices they
made to be in community determined the lives they lived overall.
You will never be forced to experience community on that level. But hopefully,
the thought of genuine community will encourage you to choose it.

✦ Do you have any fears about genuine community? Write them out below:

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I thank you for providing
a place where I can belong. Thank you for the family of God. Help me to move
past any fears I might have about community, and help me to desire deeper
relations8hips with other believers. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Acts 4:32–35; 1 Corinthians 12:4–27;

Ephesians 4:1–6

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 6 : Serving Each Other

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? When we think of a dis-

ciple, we usually think of a student (someone who learns from a teacher).
While there is definitely a component of learning involved, a disciple is more
than just a student. A disciple of Christ is someone who does what Jesus does
in order to be like Christ.

Take that idea and move it into the arena of disciple-making. As a church,
our goal is to make disciples. Therefore, any conversation on disciple-making
must also include a discussion on living as Christ lived. In Matthew 20:26–28,
Jesus shared an important truth on how He lived:

“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be

first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done:
He came to serve, not be served.” (MSG)

Jesus came to serve others! As Christians, it is easy to focus on Jesus’ teach-

ing, miracles, or divine qualities. But if we are to understand the way Jesus
lived from day to day, we must see His life of service.

What does that mean to us? It means that serving others must become a
major part of our lives. One of the first areas in which we learn how to serve
is in the context of the local church. We learn by serving each other. It is for
this purpose that the Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to each believer. First
Corinthians 12:7 tells us, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of
helping the entire church.” Pay close attention to the word “each”. We all have
a spiritual gift, and God desires that each of us employ that gift for the pur-
pose of serving others.

As we unite together with other believers, we are made aware of needs within
the body. As the needs become known, it gives each of us the chance to use
our spiritual gifts in the way God intended. As we serve, we model the life of
Christ. Finally, as we model the life of Christ, we truly are His disciples.

✦ Do you know your spiritual gift(s)? If so, write them out. If not, are you will-
ing to find out?

__________________________________________________________________

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 week 2: Unite with believers | D ay 6

When you unite with other believers—do you come to serve or be served?

✦ Do you believe that you are serving the Body of Christ to your fullest poten-
tial? How else can you serve?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

If you can serve in a greater way, would you be willing to share your heart
with a pastor?

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. Thank you for giving me
a spiritual gift to use in serving others. I pray that you will use me to my full-
est potential. Give me courage to share my gifts with others. In Jesus’ name
I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Romans 12:4–9; 1 Peter 4:10–11; 1 Corinthians 12

Notes:

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 week 3
Serve the
World.
T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 1: That They May See Your Good Works

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16

Shortly after my conversion to Christ, I met a beast of a man named Bob.

Bob was 6 feet 3 inches tall, and he weighed 270 pounds. He was perfectly
built for his job. Bob was the chaplain at the detention center in Savannah,
Georgia. Each week Bob would lead Bible studies, have prayer, and minister
to murderers, thieves, rapists, and criminals of every kind.

There was one man who attended the meetings regularly, but he was
unwilling to place faith in Christ. He would show up, watch from a distance,
and then leave to do his own thing.

After a couple of months, the same man raised his hand in a Bible study and
confessed that he had placed faith in Christ as Savior. Everyone was surprised!
Racked with curiosity, Bob asked, “Why did you become a Christian?” This
inmate replied, “I became a Christian because I saw you sweep your own
office.” As you might imagine, the inmate’s answer only raised more questions.

He explained that people of authority always take advantage of those under

them. He was worried that if he were to surrender to the authority of Christ,
then Jesus might do the same. His fears were calmed when he noticed Bob
sweeping his own office. He noticed that a number of inmates offered to
clean Bob’s office, but instead of taking advantage of their willingness, Bob
graciously declined.

The inmate connected the dots in this way. If Bob, as a follower of Christ,
would not take advantage of those under him, there was a good chance that
Jesus would be the same. An act as simple as sweeping the floor was used by
God to convince a man of God’s gracious character.

Jesus said that we are to live in such a way that people “may see your good
works, and glorify your Father.” We are not to engage in good works to draw
attention to ourselves; our activities are intended to bring glory to God the
Father. The principle found in this passage should encourage Christians to
be mindful of our actions. The way we live is often more powerful than what
we say.

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✦ Serving others should flow from a heart of love. Are there adjustments that you
can make that might open more doors for serving others?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

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✦ In your current context, how can your light shine brighter for Christ?

__________________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________

How we treat others will either compel people towards Christ or repel people
from Christ.

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you, and I want others to know
you too. Please help me to be mindful of how my actions are perceived by
those around me. May my life reflect your glory! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Matthew 5:13–16; Acts 4:32–35;

1 Thessalonians 2:1–12; Titus 3:14

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 2 : When a Plan Comes Together

“It is God Himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from
Christ Jesus; and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives
in helping others.” —Ephesians 2:10 (LB)

For those of you who are 80’s fanatics, this devotional is specifically designed
for you! Do you remember the incredible TV programs that marked the
1980’s? There was Knight Rider, The Dukes of Hazard, Air Wolf, Magnum
P.I., Remington Steele, Simon and Simon, Chips, T.J. Hooker, and others. I’m
tearing up just thinking about them! Good times, good times!

Anyway, one of the programs that my family watched religiously was the
A-Team. The cast was sensational, the music rocked, and the plot was exactly
the same from week to week. You could predict 80% of next week’s show if
you had seen three other episodes. The theme was always the same.

Someone was in trouble, they hired the A-Team to help, Hannibal had a
plan, Murdock acted crazy, “Faceman” got all the ladies, and B.A. would build
fourteen weapons with three pieces of pipe, a roll of duct tape, and a box of
finishing nails. They would barely make it through the plan. Hannibal would
light up a cigar and say, “I love it when a plan comes together.” What a show!

When I think back over the series, I cannot remember a single time when
Hannibal’s “plan” didn’t work. He was either the smartest guy on TV or the
luckiest. Either way, the show was entertaining.

In Ephesians 2:10, we find that Hannibal is not the only one with a plan.
According to Scripture, God “planned that we should spend [our] lives in
helping others.” From eternity past, God has looked into the future, understood
the problems, and creatively designed a plan to address those problems. God’s
plan is that He lives through His people, and His people spend their lives in
helping others.

As followers of Jesus Christ, our desire should not only be to grow in Bible
knowledge; our desire should also be to join in God’s activity around the
world. Serving the world is not just a good idea; it’s God’s plan! When you
and I serve each other and serve the world, we are living out the very design
of our lives.

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✦ How could you be used by God to serve others? Think of the areas where
you are gifted or have a passion in a particular area.

__________________________________________________________________

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✦ If God created us for service and planned that we devote our lives to serving
others, what happens if we choose not to serve?

__________________________________________________________________

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I see that you have a
plan for my life and that plan is to serve others. Would you help me to see
opportunities for service and give me the courage to serve when the time
comes? I love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Genesis 1:26–31 & 2:4–8; 1 Peter 2:9–12

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 3 : Becoming Like Those We Follow

“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be

first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He
came to serve, not be served.” —Matthew 20:26–28 (MSG)

Have you ever idolized someone? I’m not talking about worshipping a person
or thinking they’re a god. I’m talking about really, really, really wanting to be
like them. Most people can look back over their lives and remember a ball
player, an actor, a musician, or even a popular kid in school that seemed to
have it all. We would have done anything to be like them.

Due to our idolization of others, we find it easy to imitate those we admire.

Marketing giants have capitalized on this phenomenon for years. The quickest
way to sell shoes, sunglasses, watches, or clothes is to have a famous person
wear it in public. While making fashion decisions based on admiring others
seems harmless, our need to imitate doesn’t stop with fashion. Life decisions
such as drinking, sex, attitudes, excessive debt, and even the treatment of
others can often be traced back to imitating the ones we admire.

But imitation is not always a bad thing. In fact, the desire to conform is actually
placed in us by God. It is the desire of God that we conform, not to the ways
of the world, but to the character of God (Romans 12:2).

Here’s the tricky part! It’s not hard to get people to conform. The issue is
helping people see that Christ must be the apple of their eye. When Christ is
the One we admire the most, respect the most, love the most, and treasure
the most, He will be the One we desire to imitate.

Jesus taught His disciples to serve others. As each believer grows in their
relationship with Christ, they will experience a greater desire to serve. As we
pursue God in a love relationship, the Holy Spirit changes our character to
match Christ. Our goal is to love Him, but in the process, we become like the
One we follow.

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 w e e k 3 : S e r v e t h e Wor l d | D ay 3

✦ Have you ever served within the church and found it unfulfilling? Where did
you serve and why did you choose to serve there?

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✦ Based on your answers above, do you think your experience would have
been different if you focused on loving God and allowed your service to
flow from that pursuit?

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✦ Based on how you live from day to day, does it seem that Jesus is the apple
of your eye, or do you find yourself idolizing others? If so, who do you
idolize and why?

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you and be conformed to you.
Help me to respect others, but to conform to you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Luke 22:24–27; Philippians 2:1–11

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 4 : Taking Aim Against Pride

“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble…Humble

yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” —James 4:6b,10

I don’t understand pride. It’s not because I lack the inability to define it; it’s
because I find it difficult to explain its allure. Why is pride so hard to release?

There is no other sin that receives as much rebuke and chastisement as pride.
Yet there is no other sin so prevalent in the lives of believers as pride. Pride
can be traced to original sin, the fall of Lucifer, the division of languages at
Babel, the banishment of Nebuchadnezzar, the rejection of Christ in the first
century, and the root of our refusal to depend on God in all things. At the root
of sin is the issue of pride.

How do we actively address the sin of pride?

The best response to this question is to follow the example of Christ. Jesus
pursued His relationship with the Father, and He positioned Himself as
a servant of others (Romans 15:8). His relationship kept Him dependent
upon the Father, and His position of service kept Him aligned with humility.
Christ remained sinless, even though He was “tempted in all things just as
we” (Hebrews 2:17–18, 4:15; Matthew 4). Christ pursued relationship, and He
positioned Himself on a path of service.

As we deal with pride, our plan should be the same. Begin by pursuing God
in a love relationship. As you pursue Him, ask God to reveal places of service.
By pursuing God and humbly serving others, we proactively confront our
individual struggle with pride.

✦ What are your fears about serving?

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 w e e k 3 : S e r v e t h e Wor l d | D ay 4

✦ Most people have a need for recognition, appreciation, and affirmation.

Many positions of service rarely offer these amenities. How does God
address this concern in Matthew 6:1–4 and Matthew 25:31–40?

__________________________________________________________________

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✦ How have you tried to address the sin of pride in the past? Did it work?

__________________________________________________________________

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The sin that keeps us from serving is pride, and the antidote to pride is humble
service. It is difficult to look down on others when you’ve taken the position
of a servant.

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you and follow the path
you walked. Based on the principles of Scripture, I know that I am to humble
myself. I take this responsibility seriously. I want to begin by confessing my
desire to do it my way. I pray that you confront my pride as I pursue you. Help
me look for positions of service. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Romans 12:3–8; Galatians 6:1–4

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 5 : I’ve Never Felt More Fulfilled

The reaction is common. A believer builds up the courage to serve others.

After they’re finished, they say, “I feel great! In fact, I’ve never felt more fulfilled
in my life.”

The part that Christians overlook is why they feel this way. In short, design
determines fulfillment. Use your sanctified imagination for just a moment,
and please don’t think I’m weird for asking these questions. If a plane could
experience emotions, do you think it would be more fulfilled sitting on the
ground or flying through the clouds? If a race car could express thoughts, do
you think it would be more fulfilled sitting in traffic or racing around a track?
If a boat could talk, do you think it would be more fulfilled sitting in dry dock
or cutting through the waves?

It’s easy for us to look at the design of inanimate objects (e.g. a plane, a
race car, or a boat) and know if it is fulfilling its purpose. Design determines
fulfillment. For some reason, we find it difficult to use the same logic with
people. We focus more on our individual design than on our human design.

We know that painters experience fulfillment when expressing themselves

on canvas. Dancers experience fulfillment when expressing themselves in
movement. Inventors experience fulfillment when tinkering with new ideas.
But in all of these areas, the focus is on individual design. What about our
design as humans? Has God designed people in such a way that we all
experience a common form of fulfillment?

The answer is “Yes”! God created us for a relationship with Himself, and He
commissioned us to serve others.

• “It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new
lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we
should spend these lives in helping others” (Ephesians 2:10 LB).
• “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you
were born, I set you apart for a special work” (Jeremiah 1:5 NCV).
• 
“It is He who saved us and chose us for His special work,
not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan”
(2 Timothy 1:9 LB).

It should never surprise us when people find fulfillment in serving others.

Fulfillment is the by-product of living as we were designed.

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✦ Do you struggle with fulfillment in life? If so, where are some areas that you
can serve?

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✦ If design determines our fulfillment, then living apart from this design will
lead to a lack of fulfillment. Can you identify areas in your life where you are
living apart from God’s design?

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you! I see in the Bible that
you created and designed my life for relationship and service. When I lack
fulfillment, please help me to remember to return to my design. I love you.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 6 : Building a Platform for Sharing Christ

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our
prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and
steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ… For the word of the Lord
has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in
every place.” —1 Thessalonians 1:2–3, 8

Is sharing Christ a privilege or a right? In America, we are quick to tell people

our rights. We have the right to free speech. We have the right to assemble
in worship. We have the right to peacefully gather in protest. Our rights are
protected and vigorously defended. And while I am extremely grateful for the
rights we enjoy, I am afraid that the Church has mistaken rights for privileges.

In a recent poll, Americans were asked to give their first impression when
they hear the word “Christian”. The top three responses were judgmental,
condemning, and hypocritical. Not exactly a raving review! Americans have
picked up on the fact that Christians speak through our rights, not our actions.
We boycott businesses for unbiblical stands. We protest abortion clinics
because of the destruction of life. We march against gay rights. We petition
Congress for dry counties, and we demand that prayer be returned to schools.
But the entire time, the driving force is, “We have the right to speak, we have
the right to protest, and we have the right to share our views.” Legally, we
have the right; practically, we may have lost the privilege.

Sharing Christ is a privilege. We find no accounts in Scripture of Jesus

demanding to be heard. He didn’t need too. Instead, Jesus healed the hurting
and then shared the message. He touched the helpless and then taught about
the Kingdom. Christ’s acts of service opened doors for discussion.

For the Church in Thessalonica, they were known for their “work of faith
and labor of love and steadfastness of hope”. As they ministered to others,
and worked out their faith, and labored in love on behalf of believers and
unbelievers alike, “the Word of the Lord…sounded forth”. God’s Word flourished
as a result of their acts of service.

In the past five days, we have seen that serving the world brings glory to the
Father, is a part of God’s plan, conforms us to the character of Christ, positions
us against pride, and brings fulfillment to our lives. As we finish our study
of serving the world, we also need to see that our service builds a platform
for sharing Christ. As we serve others, God opens opportunities to share the
Good News.

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As you finish this devotional thought, I hope that you don’t misunderstand
my heart. I am not suggesting that the church should lose its rights; I’m only
suggesting that we speak through our service. It is my prayer that the Church
in America will be known for the Christ we love and not the issues we hate.

✦ Do you find yourself demanding to be heard or being asked to speak? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

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✦ List several stories where Jesus followed the pattern of serving then sharing.

__________________________________________________________________

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Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I also want to share your
Gospel with others. Help me to follow the pattern that you lived. In Jesus’
name I pray, amen!”

Notes:

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 week 4
Entrust the
Gospel.
T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 1: What Does it Mean to Entrust Anything?

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that
I commanded you.” ­—Matthew 28:19–20

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses,
entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
—2 Timothy 2:2

This week, we will focus on entrusting the Gospel. Of the four weeks presented
in this devotional guide, entrusting the Gospel is probably the most difficult
concept of the group. For the purpose of clarity, we will take the first couple
of days to set up the overall picture.

In both passages presented above, we see a challenge to pass on to others

what we have learned. Jesus told His followers to make disciples by “teaching
them to observe all that I commanded you”. They were to pass on what they
had learned. The same is true for Timothy. Timothy is challenged to share
with others what Paul had shared with him. There is a simple truth at work
in these two passages: Whatever is passed on continues to influence others;
whatever is kept to ourselves will die when we die.

We all live with the understanding that when we die we take nothing with us.
We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave the world the same
way we came. Therefore, whatever is kept to ourselves (e.g. ideas, knowledge,
possessions, encouragement, etc.) will die when we die. It has no influence
in the future.

Think about influence and consider all the truths that God has taught you.
What has He taught you about the Word? What has He taught you about faith?
What has He taught you about relationship? What has He taught you about
family? What has He taught you about prayer? Does it make sense that God
invests a lifetime of truths in us, and we take all of that knowledge to the grave?

God wants us to pass on to others what He has passed on to us. The first step
of entrusting is to know that God wants our lives to be a conduit of His truths
and grace.

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✦ Write the names of several people who have invested time and truth in your
life. (Think back to pastors, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders,
mentors, or good friends.) Where would you be spiritually if these people
had not entrusted truth into your life?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

✦ Do you know of any relationships in Scripture where a mature believer

entrusted truth and time in another person(s) life? If so, list several examples.

__________________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you, and I want others to
know you too. When I look back over my life, I am reminded of how much
you have taught me. Would you help me understand how I can entrust these
truths to others? In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Matthew 10:1–16; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17–20

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 2 : Entrusting the Gospel

The word “Gospel” means “good news”. When the Bible speaks of the Gospel,
it’s referring to the good news of God. However, the good news of God is
more than an invitation to salvation (or eternal life); it also includes how a
person is to live once they are saved or reconciled with God.

When Jesus started His earthly ministry, the Bible says, “Jesus was going
throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the
Gospel of the Kingdom”. (Matthew 4:23, 9:35, 24:14; Mark 1:14). This text is the
first time the word “Gospel” is mentioned in the New Testament. It specifically
refers to the Gospel of the Kingdom. In fact, the Gospel of the Kingdom is
common terminology in the New Testament (Matthew 9:35; 24:14; Luke
16:16). The good news of God is connected to the good news about the
Kingdom.

Let’s talk about the Kingdom for a moment. The Kingdom is the range of
God’s effective will where what He wants done is done. While God is the
Creator of everything, He has chosen to establish His Kingdom among His
people. Where God’s people go, His Sovereign influence goes with them. As
God lives through His people, His influence and Kingdom expands.

The Kingdom is the focus of Jesus’ teaching and training.

• Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:23, 9:35,

24:14; Mark 1:14).
• The Sermon on the Mount has been referred to as the Constitution
of the Kingdom (Matthew 5–7).
• Jesus shared seven parables in Matthew 13. The focus of every one
was the Kingdom.

Why is all of this “Kingdom talk” important? Answer: Because the Gospel is
more than “Jesus saves”. The Gospel taught by Christ and John the Baptist
was “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” They shared the Gospel of
the Kingdom. The good news is that God is offering a reconciled relationship,
and this new relationship is lived out in the context of God’s Kingdom.

When believers understand the extent of the Gospel, it changes everything. It

changes our focus. It changes our appeal to the lost. It changes our priorities.
It changes how we interact with others. It changes how we pray. It changes
how we view the world. It changes how we spend our money. It changes the
goals we make and even how we pursue those goals. The Kingdom provides
the context of the Christian life.

To entrust the Gospel is entrust the Gospel of the Kingdom.

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✦M
 ake a list of areas where God has entrusted truth in your life (e.g. marriage,
Bible study, prayer, faith, finances, children, etc.). Where can you entrust
what God has shared with you?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. Based on Scripture, it

seems that you also want me to know about the Kingdom. I pray that you open
my eyes to the extent of the Gospel message, and help me to entrust what I’ve
learned with others. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Isaiah 9:1–7; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Matthew 5–7;
Galatians 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Notes:

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T h e Pu r s u i t

Day 3 : The Rails of Relationship

Entrusting the Gospel can seem like a huge task. Our mind usually jumps
to concerns over what we share instead of how we share. The “what” was
defined yesterday! We are to share the good news about the Kingdom. The
“how” is defined today! We are to share the good news about the Kingdom
through our network of relationships.

It’s been said that everything runs on the rails of relationship. Entrusting the
Gospel is a perfect example of this truth in action. While there are times when
we have the opportunity to share the good news with a complete stranger,
the regular pattern of entrusting the Gospel involves our relational networks.
These networks are comprised of friends, family, co-workers, neighbors,
and the people we encounter with regularity. Because of the underlying
relationships, these networks are fertile soil for entrusting the Gospel.

There are several reasons that the Gospel flourishes in relational networks.

First, the nature of the message is relational. Three key

• 
relationships are involved with the Gospel of the Kingdom. There
is our relationship with God, our relationship with the Church,
and our relationship with the world.
Second, sharing the message is time-consuming. While some
• 
subjects can be adequately discussed by sketching ideas on the
back of a napkin, the Kingdom is not one of those subjects. Sharing
the Gospel of the Kingdom takes time. If relationships are in place,
it provides multiple opportunities to continue the discussion.
Third, the result of the message is a transformed life. It is one
• 
thing to tell a complete stranger how God changed your life.
But all they see is the person standing in front of them. For the
people who comprise our relational networks, they have seen
God’s continuing transformation of your life. This life change
provides a platform for sharing.

As we read the New Testament, we see the Gospel of the Kingdom being
entrusted through relationships. God desires the same pattern in our lives.
Look up each passage and fill in the blanks appropriately.

✦ Mark 3:13–19

• Who entrusted the Gospel? _______________________________________

• Who received the Gospel? ________________________________________

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✦ Mark 5:1–20 (Focus on the formerly demon-possessed man; verses 18–20.)

• Who entrusted the Gospel?________________________________________

• Who received the Gospel? ________________________________________

✦ John 1:40–42

• Who entrusted the Gospel? _______________________________________

• Who received the Gospel? ________________________________________

✦ John 4:7–42 (Focus on the woman’s response to Christ’s message;

verses 28–30; 39–43)

• Who entrusted the Gospel? _______________________________________

• Who received the Gospel? ________________________________________

✦ 2 Timothy 2:2

• Who entrusted the Gospel? _______________________________________

• Who received the Gospel? ________________________________________

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. Help me to see the
relational networks around me, and live through me so that the Gospel goes
forth. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Luke 5:27–32; Acts 10; Acts 16:22–33

Notes:

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Day 4 : A Simple Way of Entrusting the Gospel

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech
or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to
know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with
you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my
preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of
the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of
men, but on the power of God.” —1 Corinthians 2:1–5

We now have three primary pieces in place:

The mission is to entrust the Gospel. As the Gospel is entrusted

1. 
to others, disciples are made, and the Great Commission is realized.
2. The message is the Gospel of the Kingdom. If we only share
the redemptive portion of the Gospel, we make decisions for
Christ and not disciples’ of Christ. The Gospel is the good news
about the Kingdom.
3. The mission field is primarily our network of relationships.
While we can entrust the Gospel to strangers, the primary
pattern outlined in the New Testament is to work through
relational networks.

If you’re like me, the next question that comes to mind is, “How do we start?”
The world is huge, the message is extensive, and time is short. How do we
practically take the information we have and live it out?

The answer is as simple as following the example of the Apostle Paul. When
Paul spoke to the people of Corinth, he concentrated his teaching on “Christ
and Him crucified”. In some ways, it could seem like Paul left a lot out of
the Kingdom. What about faith? What about love? What about spiritual gifts?
What about missions and ministry? What about prayer and praise? How could
Paul be so narrow-minded as to only share one message?

The answer to this question is found in the relationship between Christ and
His Kingdom. When we focus on pursuing Christ and knowing Christ, He will
lead us into areas of faith, hope, love, mission, ministry, prayer, praise, etc. We
do not have to become experts in every area of the Christian life in order to
entrust the Gospel. In fact, if we are not careful, we can become intellectually
proficient and spiritually lacking. Rest assured! The specifics of the Kingdom
will become known in the pursuit of the King. Why? Because the Kingdom
bears the heart of the King!

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What does this mean to you and me? It means our job is to pursue Christ and
share what we learn. If you are walking through a period of faith, trust, and
patience, teach others what He is teaching you. If you are pursuing Christ
and learning about stewardship, entrust those teachings to those around
you. If God is teaching you several principles of prayer, share those principles
with friends, family members, or those in your relational network. God is not
asking us to get a Christian degree before we entrust the Gospel; He wants us
to pursue Him, and as we go, share what we’ve learned with others.

✦
Read through 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, and write three or four words that
describe Paul’s state of mind. Does Paul sound like an average guy or a
fearless leader? Can you do what Paul did?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. As I get to know you,
give me the courage to share what I’ve learned with others. In Jesus’ name I
pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: 1 Corinthians 1:17–31; John 17:3; John 15:1–8

Notes:

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Day 5 : The Greater Progress of the Gospel

“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out
for the greater progress of the gospel.” —Philippians 1:12

I hated missionary Sundays when I was a kid. I know that sounds horrible, but
I’m trying to be honest. It wasn’t because I disliked the missionaries or the
ministries they represented; it was because I always felt that God was calling
me to do something similar.

It didn’t matter if the missionary was serving in Africa, India, South America,
or Antarctica, they always spoke of the things they endured for the sake of
the Gospel. One person would speak of living on rice and water for months.
Another person would share how they battled rare diseases and fought the
forces of witchcraft. Another missionary would share how they served the
same people group for years, and saw very little fruit for their labor. In my
mind, the stories had one similarity, suffering!

I’m not big on suffering. In fact, I try to avoid it if at all possible. But there
are times when the progress of the Gospel is amplified through difficult
situations. If we are to become serious about entrusting the Gospel, we need
to answer one question: “How much am I willing to endure for the progress
of the Gospel?”

The answer to this question will be different for everyone. Jesus endured
the cross (Hebrews 12:1–3). Paul endured prison, beatings, and eventually
death (2 Corinthians 11:23–28). These are two extreme examples. Chances
are, most Christians in America will never endure that type of suffering. But it’s
not uncommon to endure the separation of family, loss of income, feelings of
depression, problems of all sizes, the attacks of the enemy, and any number
of minor inconveniences.

My point is simple! The advance of the Gospel will meet with the opposition
of Satan. In Paul’s situation, his circumstances (prison, trials, beatings, etc.)
“turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel”. Had Paul not endured the
trials, the Gospel would not have gone as far as it did.

Even if you and I are never called upon to endure suffering on that scale, the
smaller trials of our lives will provide opportunity for the advancement of the
Gospel. How we conduct ourselves with problems will often determine the
extent to which the Gospel will spread. Remember, in every situation you
face, the world is watching. God has positioned you in an ideal spot for Him
to receive glory!

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✦ When people see the way you handle the pressures and trials of life, does
it help or hurt the influence of God? How can your response honor Christ
and lead others to Him?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

✦ Name a person in your life who went through difficult times, yet maintained
strong courage and faith in Christ. How does his or her example impact
your life?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I understand that you
will allow trials and problems to come my way for the furtherance of the
Gospel. Help me to live in such a way that people are drawn to you by my
example. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Acts 8:1–4; Acts 4:1–31; Luke 21:12–19

Notes:

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Day 6 : What Will You Do with the Dash?

“I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow
partaker of it.” —1 Corinthians 9:23

“There’s secret in every cemetery,” explained a father to his son. Intrigued

by the mysterious nature of the statement, the boy listened closely. “The
secret in the cemetery is in the dash on every tombstone.” The two walked
together a few more steps. “Between the date of birth and the date of death
is the dash of life. Life is essentially the same for everyone. We are born,
we live, and we die. The difference between a person who lived and an
individual who leaves a legacy is what they do with the dash.”

What will you do with the dash? Paul said, “I do all things for the sake of
the gospel.” When Paul looked back over his life, he had ups and downs,
trials and triumphs, pains and promotions. But there is one thing that is
completely lacking from Paul’s memories—regret! “I have fought the good
fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

There is no question that Paul’s life without regrets is connected to doing

“all things for the sake of the gospel”. Paul utilized the “dash” to its fullest
potential. There are only two people in the entire Bible who were able to
say, “I’ve done everything God put me on this earth to do.” The first was
Jesus; the second is Paul (John 19:30; Hebrews 10:11–12; 2 Timothy 4:7).
How will your story end?

We know that Christ commissioned His followers to make disciples of the

nations (Matthew 28:19). In a general sense, we all have the same purpose.
Regardless of our station in life, we are to entrust the Gospel to others.
Christ gave His life so that we might have the Gospel. Paul devoted his life
for the sake of the Gospel. What will you and I do with the life God has
given us?

Give me, Father, a purpose deep,

In joy, or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing You in my daily life;
Only one life and it will soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

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As followers of Christ, we have the privilege of devoting our lives to the

greatest pursuit in the world. We can know God and help others know Him
as well. The biblical process for knowing God and making disciples is very
simple. Love God! Unite with believers! Serve the World! Entrust the Gospel!

✦ In one sentence, describe what you want your legacy to be:

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

✦ How can you make entrusting the Gospel a greater part of your life?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Prayer Suggestion: “Lord Jesus, I want to know you. I pray that you would
live through me so that I might accomplish everything you placed me on
this earth to do. I want my legacy to be marked with knowing you and
helping others enter and grow in their relationship with you. In Jesus’
name I pray, amen!”

Passages for Additional Study: Mark 1:32–39; 1 Corinthians 9:13–27

Notes:

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Christ Life
Resources

After your eyes have been opened to the wonders of relational

living and the Christ-life, there’s no going back to dead religion.
The question becomes, “Where can I go to learn more?”

We’ve included a list of books that have a strong relational emphasis.

Some of these books are out of print, but they can be found in
second-hand bookstores. Key thoughts from several of these
writers are represented within the This is the Gospel Resources.

Some of these books present teachings that are not held by the
writers of this devotional guide. For example, Stanford teaches
that believers have both the sin nature and the new nature
(simultaneously). We disagree based on Scripture. McVey,
Foster, and George give powerful rebuttals in their respective
books. We’ve left these books on the list because they provide
spot-on insights into other relational issues. Stanford is one
of the greatest writers on the process by which God brings
a believer into positional truth. While there will be some
differences, a mature believer will have no trouble discerning
error in light of Scripture.

As you read these books, look for key concepts on relationship.

Take note of phrases like, “Christ in you,” “abiding in Him,”
“relational living,” “being instead of doing,” “knowing God,”
“intimacy with Christ,” “God living through you,” “positional
truth,” or “in Christ truth.” These phrases will guide you into
the riches of relationship.
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Here’s a list of recommended resources:
• Grace Walk by Steve McVey
• The Complete Green Letters by Miles Stanford
• Because We Love Him by Clyde Cranford
• Transformed Into His Image by David Foster
• Grace Amazing by Steve McVey
• Complete in Christ by Bob George
• The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler
• The Rest of the Gospel by Stone and Gregory
• Laws for Liberated Living by Manley Beasley
• Classic Christianity by Bob George
• Calvary Road by Roy Hession
• The Indwelling Life of Christ by W. Ian Thomas
• Truefaced by Thrall, McNicol Lynch
• Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard
• Alive By His Life by Manley Beasley
• The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life by Evan Hopkins
• Born Crucified by L.E. Maxwell
• Grace Rules by Steve McVey
• Falling for God by Gary Moon
• Not I But Christ by Stephen Olford
• Gospel by J.D. Greear
• Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian
• Jesus Changes Everything by Bob George
• To Live is Christ To Die is Gain by Matt Chandler
May God continue t

If you have questions, please contact us at

[email protected]
thisistheGospel.com