Discipleship

---

Discipleship A disciple loves and follows Jesus and invests in others to do the same.

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Discipleship: What is Discipleship? 1 Choosing to Disciple 2-5 Who to Disciple When to Disciple What should our time look like? Fall Meetings 6-9 Sample Questions for your First Meeting 25 Great Ongoing Questions for Disciples Scripture Memory Resources on Discipleship 10 How to Study the Bible Together 11-20 Methods What to Study 21-26 A Study in Mark A Study in Philippians

Discipleship :: Led by Jackson Crum Disciple - A disciple loves and follows Jesus and invests in others to do the same.

Choosing to disciple 1. Pray for two people who are Faithful, Available, and Teachable 2. Invite them to join you on this discipleship journey. Paint a specific vision for your time together. 3. Plan your future meetings. 4. Begin with the end in mind :: it’s all about multiplying our lives! Who to Disciple: What should we look for in people that we want to pour our lives into? Initially, Jesus’ disciples did not believe that he was the Messiah. They followed because they believed he was a man of God. From the Gospels we can say that the 12 disciples exhibited three characteristics: Faithful to God - people who are on an honest journey towards God. Available to God and to others - people who want to give time to journey closer toward God. Many in our culture say they want a spiritual dimension to their life, but few are willing to appropriate the time it will take. Teachable spirit - we need to spend time with people who want to learn, who have a humility that says “I can learn from you even if you are younger than me, we have different backgrounds and our lives may be very different from each other.” Look for people with a teachable spirit. As you pray about who to disciple, consider these qualifications, and ideally, identify a person already in your life where your schedules overlap such that making time together would be easier. Follow Jesus’ prayer as he did in choosing the twelve (Luke 6:12-13).

2

When to Disciple

What should our discipleship time together look like?

Some are planners, others like to go with the moment. The dates and details below will be a welcome friend of planners, others might find it too restrictive. The goal is to engage in biblical discipleship – so let the schedule provide your framework.

There are three components to a growing discipleship relationship.

Confirm the two people you will disciple by September 16. Contact your Campus Pastor, Kevin Howells, or Lisa Bishop for referrals. Schedule your first discipleship meeting by October 1. Meet at least two times per month. You should have at least six meetings by January 1 and 15 meetings by May 31. Discipleship Training Dates: Moving forward, we’ll gather by campus to hear the next step on our discipleship journeys. These are meetings for you as the discipler; not for your disciple. Mark your calendar for these events: Near North - Thursdays, Nov 8, Jan 10, Mar 7, June 6 Lincoln Park - Mondays: Nov 5, Jan 7, Mar 4, June 6 (Thursday) Roger’s Park - Mondays: Nov 5, Jan 7, Mar 4, June 6 (Thursday) Forest Glen - Thursdays, Nov 8, Jan 10, Mar 7, June 6 Near South - Saturdays, Nov 10, Jan 12, Mar 9, June 6 (Thursday)

3

FIRST -- RELATIONSHIP BUILDING 1 Thes 2:8 reminds us that “we share our own lives” together. Five keys to building that relationship: 1. Learn to ask good questions. Good questions change the direction. Go deeper. A list of sample questions is found in the Appendix. 2. Learn to listen. Your meeting agenda is important, but it’s more important to listen to what your disciple is saying. What is going on in their past, present, and future? 3. Spend relational time together. Attend their events, invite them to your events and into your life, go to church together, spend time hanging out. 4. Be an encourager. Encourage them as you see God working in their life. 5. Demonstrate vulnerability. If you’re vulnerable and open about what’s going on in your life, they’ll feel comfortable to mirror that. Be real and honest about what’s going on in your life. SECOND -- THE WORD OF GOD Romans 12:2 challenges us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” And that comes through the transforming power of the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Model and challenge your disciple to daily get into God’s Word and apply it in their life.

4

(What should our discipleship time together look like? Cont’d)

Fall Meetings :: Themes to cover

THIRD -- Do life and ministry together. Invite your disciple with you as you serve in ministry. Remember, there is often more caught than taught.

Listed below are the “big picture” areas for you to cover with your disciple. October’s content is provided in this training and handbook. And there are suggested verses to memorize to launch you into November. Content for the other areas (Gospel growth, pursuing holiness, and pursuing Jesus in the holidays) will be covered at our next Discipleship Training.

As a general reminder of your time together: 1. Focus on their specific needs and goals at this time in their life. 2. Pass along your convictions. 3. Cover content that is foundational to their Christian walk. It’s easy to get side-tracked for too long on personal issues or topics that are not central to the Christian life. Keep your time together focused, yet flexible.

October Get to know each other {see Sample Questions on next page} Why disciple? (1 Thess. 2:8, 1 Timothy 4:16, Phil 4:9) Personal study in the Bible November Scripture memory Encouraging Gospel growth (what the Gospel is and how it transform us) December Pursuing holiness Pursuing Jesus in the holidays

5

6

Sample questions for your October meeting:

Personal life and Family History: • Tell me about yourself. Where did you grow up, what was your home life like growing up? • Describe your relationships now with your family members? • If you had a free hour, what would you do? Free weekend? • What are some ambitions you have? • How long have you been in Chicago? What drew you to Park? Spiritual Journey: • What’s been your spiritual story up to this point? When did Jesus become more than just a name to you? • In what areas do you see God working in your life?  Where do you see Him refining you? • How is your time in God’s Word, prayer, and quiet reflection? What is He teaching you? • In what areas would you say you wrestle most in your relationship with Christ?  What is an area of growth in your faith that would make a big difference? • Have you served as a volunteer for a Christian ministry before?  Describe what that is/was like? Expectations in discipleship: • What would you desire most from a discipling relationship? What are your hopes for something like this? • Six months from now, what would you like to say is true of your relationship with Christ? • Are you committed to meeting twice per month for the next 9-12 months?

20 on-going questions for disciples: 1. Have you noticed a pattern of God’s movement in your life? 2. Describe your prayer life and experience. 3. Who are the people who’ve had the greatest positive impact on you? 4. Are there any areas of your life that you want to hide from God? 5. In what areas of your life would you like to have greater peace? 6. What are you passionate about? 7. What do you fear about the future? 8. Picture the first time you will stand before God. What do you want him to say about your life? 9. What would you really like to do and be? 10. What energizes you and gets you excited? 11. What drains you of energy? 12. When do you feel good about yourself and life in general? 13. What are you doing when you feel God is working through you? 14. What necessary disciplines do you have (mental, emotional, spiritual, physical)? 15. What necessary disciplines do you lack (mental, emotional, spiritual, physical)? 16. What is your genuine, sustained passion? 17. Are you presently facing a difficulty? How is this difficulty and the way you are handling it shaping your life? 18. What makes you feel secure? 19. Describe your personal relationship with Christ. 20. What specific progress have you made in the past year? Questions adapted from: Imitating Jesus: Love, Friendship, Disciple-Making, by Lewie Clark with Tim Grissom Park is thankful and would like to acknowledge the following sources for the content above: One-to-One Bible Reading, by David Helm Imitating Jesus: Love, Friendship, Disciple-Making, by Lewie Clark with Tim Grissom

7

Centerfield Resources. http://www.centerfieldproductions.com/tools/

8

November Meeting: Scripture Memory 2 Corinthians 5:17  17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Galatians 2:20  20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Romans 12:1-2 12  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. John 14:21  21  Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 2 Timothy 3:16 16  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

9

Resources on Discipleship: John 15:7  7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Philippians 4:6-7  6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 10:24-25  24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Matthew 4:19  19 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Romans 1:16  16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Joshua 1:8  8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Books:

Daws: A Man Who Trusted God, by Betty L Skinner One to One Bible Reading, by David Helm Trellis and The Vine, by Master Plan of Evangelism, Robert Coleman Imitating Jesus: Love, Friendship, Disciple-Making, by Lewie Clark with Tim Grissom Training of the Twelve, by Alexander Balmain Bruce Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren How People Change, by Timothy S Lane and Paul David Tripp Desiring God, by John Piper Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence, by Ruth Haley Barton Lord, I Just Want to Be Happy, by Leslie Vernick Because He Loves Me, by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick Brokeness, Surrender, Holiness, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss Meeting Jesus:  Women of Faith from the New Testament, by Jenna Kavonic Practical Theology for Women, by Wendy Horger Alsup

Online Resources: The Mission, by JR Vassar, www.acts29network.org/sermon/themission--vassar Matt Chandler, www.thevillagechurch.net/resources/sermons Tim Keller http://sermons2.redeemer.com Navigators.com multiplymovement.com timothykeller.com/study/gospel_in_life breakpoint.org thegospelcoalition.org theresurgence.com To view all of these resources and download a digital version of this entire booklet, scan the QR code to the right or visit parkcommunitychurch.org/discipleshipresources

10

How to Study the Bible Together

The Proper Provisions In order to have an effective quiet time, you need the right tools. Here are a few suggestions: • A Readable Bible - Invest in one with plenty of room to jot notes in the margins.

The Proper Period You must find the right time. Your quiet time should last at least half an hour. But some time is better than no time, so if you can’t start at 30 minutes, begin with 10. It should be your very best time. Don’t give the Lord your leftovers. And don’t try to find time - make time - and make it a priority. The key here is quality rather than quantity. You want to be able to spend unhurried time with God – time when you are able to be focused on Him and free from distractions. The Proper Preparation A quiet time is fellowship with a holy God. There are a few things you can do to be prepared for this time. First, be physically alert. Find a time when the cobwebs are out of your mind and you can think clearly. Second, be mentally aware. Be focused, and know He’s there. While sometimes you may connect with God on an emotional level, don’t always expect that. Realize that while feelings may come and go, God’s Word is always true and perfectly consistent. The Proper Place Location is crucial. Find a place where you can focus. Jesus said enter into your closet and pray (see Matthew 6:6). That simply means find a place of isolation where you can shut the door on the world and open the windows to the things of God. Jesus sought out places where he could be alone, and so should you (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). 11

• A Journal – Write down the date and the section you’ve read that day if you’re not using a bookmark. Expect God to give you something and write it down. You can use the same journal for your quiet times, taking notes in church, jotting down ideas during small group, writing prayers, etc. The Proper Procedure Get still and quiet. The Bible says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Focus your mind on Him. Calm down, relax, and recognize His presence. Take a deep breath and focus your thoughts on the Lord. Get into the Word of God. Again, read the Bible for quality and not quantity. It’s good to have a goal to read the Bible through in a year, or a similar goal; but that’s not the purpose of your quiet time. Also, devotional books are wonderful, but this is not the place for them. This is the time when you simply read the Bible with an open heart and mind. Meditate and record. One of the greatest challenges of a quiet time is to make it meaningful, rather than a merely passive reading experience. The next section will list some helpful recommendations on how to execute this central part of your quiet time. Pray. When you pray, pour out your soul. Be natural and honest with God. Tell Him how you feel. If your location permits it, pray out loud. It keeps your mind on track and enables you to stay focused.

12

(The Proper Procedure Cont’d)

Getting Started

Respond with Obedience. As James 1:22 teaches, do not merely listen to the Word, but do what it says. Let us never forget the crucial mistake of the Pharisees, which is that they knew God’s Word inside and out, but failed to obey it. Knowing God’s Word is only helpful in as much as it allows us to know God, and to live in obedience to Him.

Here are some practical tips: • Consult your calendar or schedule. Right here, right now, in this meeting, determine an actual time when you will have your quiet time. If you’re not sure, get input from others in your small group or from friends and accountability partners.

Begin to share out of your quiet time. God made us to be in community with others. Make it a natural part of your conversation with others in your community to share what God is teaching you through your quiet time.

• Set a small goal first (For example: I will meet with God four days this week at 7:30am and read through the book of Philippians one chapter at a time). Share the time and days you’ve set with someone who will hold you accountable.

Methods for Journaling and Meditation In order to make your quiet time truly effective, that is, to allow it to actually penetrate your heart and result in a changed lifestyle, your interaction with God’s Word must be meaningful. Admittedly, this is a challenge. Much like any other skill, it takes work, practice, and discipline. With that in mind, here are two very helpful methods that have worked for many people over the years as they have tried to engage with the Bible in a meaningful way. If these methods don’t work for you, that is okay. But remember, find a method that does work.

• If you want to have your quiet time in the morning, which is a great way to go, remember that the real battle is probably not so much waking up on time, as it is going to bed on time. Get off of Facebook, turn off the TV, and go to bed! When: Where: How Long: Scripture Passage:

We are greatful for the input into these materials. Contributing writers/editors: Jake Aldrich, Erik Dunkin, and Adrian Rogers http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/how-to-have-a-meaningful-quiettime-1338122.html.

13

14

Swedish Method*

The COMA Method*

This simple way of reading the Bible was apparently popularized by Ada Lum, a staff worker with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. She named it after the Swedish student group where she first saw it used. It goes like this:

The COMA method is a superb tool for one-to-one Bible reading, both because of its flexibility and because it helps people to integrate their personal Bible reading with the bigger picture of the Bible. The COMA method can still be used by people who are not used to looking at a Bible text in any depth.

1. Read the passage aloud. 2. Each person then reads back over the passage on their own, and looks for three things: A light bulb: anything that shines out in the passage and draws attention; it can be something that particularly strikes the reader. A question mark: anything that is hard to understand, something that the reader would like to be able to ask the author about. An arrow: anything that applies personally to the reader’s life. 3. Each person should write down at least one thing and no more than three under each category. If you are preparing for your one-toone meeting in advance, then this constitutes the preparation. Each person should come to the meeting with at least one light bulb, one question mark, and on arrow from the passage.

COMA stands for: Context Observation Meaning Application This is really a summary of how we read anything. Even when we pick up a newspaper article, we notice what sort of thing we are reading and how it fits with other things around it (context); we read the words and sentences and paragraphs, taking note of the main events, people and content (observation); we integrate what we’ve observed in our heads and form a conclusion about what the author is trying to say (meaning); and we reflect on whether the author’s message has any relevance for our lives (application).

4. You each share your light bulb/s, and discuss. 5. You each share your question mark/s, and then do your best to work out answers together from the passage (although it doesn’t matter if you can’t find an answer). 6. You each share your arrow/s, and discuss. 7. You pray together about what you have learned.

* One to One Bible Reading, a simple guide for every Christian: David Helm Copyright: Holy Trinity Church (Chicago) 2011

15

* One to One Bible Reading, a simple guide for every Christian: David Helm Copyright: Holy Trinity Church (Chicago) 2011

16

ABC’s The first method, and the one is that is outlined below through the Book of Philippians, is known as the ABC method. This one works well for reading one chapter per day anywhere in the New Testament. Begin by prayerfully reading the chapter, and then write the following: Analysis – A brief summary of what happens in the passage, or the context of the passage (1-2 sentences). Best Verse – As you are reading, be sensitive to particular verses, phrases, or ideas that stand out to you. After you’ve read the chapter, choose a “best verse” and write it down word for word.

Example ABC from Colossians Chapter 4: A – Paul addresses Masters, and then moves into a final encouragement and some farewell notes. He mentions many specific names of people he wants the Colossians to greet for him. B – Col 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Challenge – Here is where you make it personal. Write about the reason you think that particular verse was meaningful to you. What does this verse teach you about God? Does it comfort you? Or does it confront you? As you are impacted by the truth of the verse, consider how you might apply it to your life. Perhaps you could make a specific challenge for yourself in the coming days. While a specific application will not come every day, constant vague applications may leave all that you’re learning in your head and not let it actually play out in your life. Strive to be challenged, to make it personal, and to have your life reflect what you’re learning (4-6 sentences).

C – God, I know that I totally missed an opportunity yesterday. Help me to make the most of every opportunity as I interact with my colleagues. I confess that I am not sure how to relate to them, as we seem to have little in common. I know that yesterday’s department party would have been a fun way to get to know them better and connect outside of work. And yet, I decided not to go because of fear. Give me boldness, God. Cause the way that I live and work to be attractive to them and to make them want to know why I live differently. And when the chance to connect outside of work comes again, please give me the confidence to go and be open about who I am and why I believe in you. Thank you for forgiving me for my failures, and loving me even when I disobey you.

Difficult – Write down the portion of Scripture that is difficult to understand. Later pursue understanding from a trusted commentary, podcast, or trusted spiritual leader.

D – What does the “salt” metaphor mean? Is the Luke mentioned in v. 14 the same Luke that wrote the book of Luke and Acts? Or someone different?

17

18

Mark 3 3  Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2 And they watched Jesus,[a] to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” 4 And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6  The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. 7  Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. 9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, 10 for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. 11  And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known. 13  And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14  And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15  and have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17  James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot,[b] 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. 20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21  And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” 23  And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. 28  “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” 31  And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers[c] are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35  For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

19

A________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ B________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ C________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ D________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

20

What to study :: Two options For a study of Mark: Have your disciple go through chapter by chapter. Then, in your meeting time, cover the specific passages listed below. Meeting 1 :: Mark 1:1-15 Relational/Skill: Get to know each other {see QUESTIONS in the Appendix}; Why disciple? (1 Thess. 2:8, 1 Timothy 4:16, Phil 4:9) • How does Mark show us that Jesus is worthy of attention? • What ‘witnesses’ does Mark call upon to introduce Jesus, and why? • What is the message of Jesus, and how does it draw your attention to him? • According to the passage, what has Jesus come to do? • What is your own reaction to Jesus after reading this passage? Meeting 2 :: Mark 2:1-12 Relational/Skill: Personal study in the Bible • What do you think is the most surprising thing Jesus does in this encounter? • If someone in a crowd of people said to you, “Your sins are forgiven”, what would you and everyone else think of that person? • How does Jesus demonstrate his claim to be able to forgive sins? • What difference do you think his authority should have in your own life?

21

Meeting 3 :: Mark 3:7-35 Relational/Skill: Scripture memory • How do people react to Jesus today? • What responses to Jesus do you see in this passage? • Why was Jesus’ authoritative teaching a threat to the teachers of the law? • Jesus says, “He first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house” (v. 27). What is the point of this statement? • What house is Jesus claiming to be overthrowing, and what could this mean for you? • According to this passage, how do you become a part of Jesus’ family? Meeting 4 :: Mark 8:22-38 Relational/Skill: Encouraging Gospel growth (what the Gospel is and how it transforms us) • What event takes place just before Peter’s confession? Why do you think these two stories are placed next to each other? • How would you describe the healing of the blind man? • How good is a partial understanding of Jesus? • According to Jesus, why does a follower of Christ have to “deny himself” and “lose his life”?

22

Meeting 5 :: Mark 10:17-45 Relational/Skill: Pursuit of holiness • Looking at verses 17-22, what would Jesus say is the basic character of people in the world? • Based upon this passage, do you think you can earn your salvation by being a good person? • In verses 32-34, Jesus says that he is going to die. According to verse 45, what is the purpose of his death? • Read Isaiah 53:5, 10-12. How do these verses help us understand what a ransom is? • What would Jesus tell you to do if you desired to enter into a relationship with God? Meeting 6 :: Mark 14:53-15:15 Relational/Skill: Pursuing Jesus in the holidays • What we read of great tragedies in history, we tend to think that we would have acted differently if we had been there. Can you see yourself in this passage? What would you be doing? • How are some of the characters in this passage similar to each other? How are they different? • What evidence is Mark presenting in his attempt to prove that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? • How does Jesus’ silence actually communicate his identity? (See Isaiah 53:7-9) • How has this passage affected your view of Jesus?

Meeting 7 :: Mark 15:16-39 • How many times does the phrase “King of the Jews” appear in chapter 15 (including verses 1-15)? What is ironic about this? What is Mark trying to say about the events at the cross? • Read Psalm 22. How does this help you understand the words of Jesus from the cross in verse 34? • How does Psalm 22 end? What is Jesus ultimately claiming for himself? • Why do you think the events at the cross were necessary? • What final description of Jesus’ identity does Mark provide? Where have you seen this title before? • What do the events at the cross teach us about what it means to follow Jesus? Meeting 8 :: Mark 15:42-16:8 • Of what fact does Mark want his readers to be sure in verses 42-47? • What does Mark say happened to Jesus’ body? • What is surprising about these accounts of Jesus’ resurrection? • Why is it significant that Jesus rose from the dead? • What questions do you still have? Are you ready to follow Jesus?

Recommended Resource: King’s Cross by Timothy Keller

23

24

For a study in Philippians Have your disciple go through the book of Philippians with this recommended chapter/verse breakdown. Then during your meeting time, take a section from last week’s previous reading and discuss it. Meeting 1 :: Philippians 1.1-11 • Put the fellowship of the Gospel at the center of your relationships and prayer life. • What is true community? • How and what to pray? Meeting 2 :: Philippians 1:12-18 • Put the advance of the Gospel at the center of your aspirations (vocation/calling). • What are your aspirations? • How do I live out the centrality of the Gospel? Meeting 3 :: Philippians 1:27-2:18 • Five perspectives on the Cross: God’s perspective, Christ’s perspective, Satan’s perspective, sin’s perspective, our perspective. Meeting 4 :: Philippians 1:27-30 • We are called to suffer for Him. The call to suffer has been granted to us - a gracious gift from God. • Not only have we enjoyed the privilege of coming to faith, but we are to enjoy the privilege of suffering for Him.

25

Meeting 5 :: Philippians 2:12-18 • Working out our salvation. • God’s sovereignty and our responsibility. Meeting 6 :: Philippians 2:22-30 • Emulate yhose interested in the well-being of others and who have proved themselves in hardship. Meeting 7 :: Philippians 3:1-16 • Emulate those whose boast is in Jesus and are continuing to grow spiritually • Not emulating those who are stagnating. Meeting 8 :: Philippians 4:1-23 • • • • • • •

Resolve to pursue like-mindedness with true believers. To always rejoice in the Lord. To be known for gentleness. To be anxious for nothing. To think holy thoughts. To learn the secret of contentment. To grow in courtesy.

Recommended Resource: Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians by D.A. Carson

26

Notes

27

Notes

28

© 2012 Park Community Church. All Rights Reserved. 1001 N Crosby St, Chicago, IL 60610 This resource is also available online at parkcommunitychurch.org/discipleshipresources