Lesson 4: Addendum to the Will of God

We begin our lesson with a Reflection: Discuss your thoughts on the Handout - "Evidence of Surrender" (Brokenness)

Meditate:
In 1 Corinthians 11:27-31, Paul tells us to examine ourselves, to judge ourselves, before we eat and drink of the Lord's Supper. How long do you think it takes to examine yourself in order to be ready to take the Lord's Supper? 30 seconds? 30 minutes?

Our Example: Before Jews partook of the Passover, they had a "Preparation Day". (Luke 22:7-9; Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Exodus 12:15) Does the Lord's Supper represent a "better" covenant than the Passover meal? (Hebrews 7:22) If our promises are better, or covenant is better, or blessings are better, then should we not be more thankful, more prepared and more meditative about our relationship to our Lord than the children of Israel to their covenant?

Application: Should Saturday night be the night we decide to stay out late at the movies? Should our week be filled with over exertion and worldly activities so that we are too tired to worship on Sunday? Is worship really that important on Sunday? Should we listen to Rock & Roll music filled with suggestive lyrics on the way to worship? How long and in what manner should we "prepare" for the Lord's Supper? There is no law on this subject. There is only thoughtful contemplation for the spiritual Christian.

THOUGHTFUL CONTEMPLATION: Psalms 27:14; Psalms 33:20; Psalm 37:7-9; 37:34; Psalm 40:1; Psalm 130:5-6; Isa 25:9; Isa 40:31; Lamentations 3:25; Micah 7:7; Jude 1:21)

The opposite of "waiting on the Lord" is "having ears, but do not hear" and "eyes that do not see". (Psalm 135:17; Isa 42:20; Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2; Mark 8:18; Romans 11:8)

Question: How will you KNOW the Will of the Lord for your life?

Understanding the Will of the Lord: Read Ephesians 4:30-5:17


Question: What does it mean to be "led by the Spirit?"  (Romans 8:14 vs 2 Peter 3:17)

Homework: Read http://www.directionjournal.org/article/?502 (Christian Discipline Handout)
Write in your Journals something about this article that you will be willing to share in class next week.