Lighthouse Baptist Church
and Christian Academy

STEP 1: PURIFY MY HEART.

[Your Objective: To commit to the first step in dedicating ourselves to a godly, purposeful life.]

According to 2 Timothy 2:21, if we cleanse or purify ourselves, what does God promise He will do in our lives?

• As Christians, we have already been cleansed from our sins, so what else is required of us?
• What does the object seem to be of these promises? Who will be affected?

In Joshua 3:5, what two things did Joshua tell the people?

• When we are obedient in this, who is actually responsible for the wonderful results of a purified life?

Read 1 John 1:9. What must we do to receive God's promises? What will God do for us?

• What does it mean to confess our sins? How might we accomplish this?
• By confessing our sins, what other benefits can you predict in our lives and relationships?
• What are some old habits that we will have to give up? Who actually does the purifying, once we have changed?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Augustine said, "The confession of bad works is the beginning of good works." Confessing our pride, hurts, worries, bad decisions and actions is critical. We cannot carry our old baggage and live a fruitful life. Once we do this, God's grace is sufficient to use us as we are. How can you begin this journey of purification? List your confessions on paper. You could categorize them according to home, work, relationships, etc. Then pray and write "1 John 1:9" over them.

STEP 2: SANCTIFY MY BODY.

[Your Objective: To encourage proper respect and use of our God-given bodies.]

How does 1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20 describe our body? To whom does it really belong?

• Who lives in us and what effect should that have on our lives?
• To sanctify means to dedicate for special purposes. If we think of our body this way, what new attitude will we have?

In Psalm 119:73, what did the Lord do and what is asked of Him?

• If we acknowledge the Lord's work, how does that make it easier to want to obey Him?

What does 1 Corinthians 9:25 compare Christians to, and how long does our reward last?

• Rather than winning a worthless prize, what does a believer gain?

Worship (Magnification) - Since God made us, lives in us and has bought us at a great price, our primary purpose should be to please God. It would be honoring to God to take care of our body. We should not reject, neglect, or even perfect our physical body, but rather respect and protect it. As we thank and worship God for what He has given us, remember to include the gift of our remarkable bodies. What can you do to resolve to take better care of yourself? Pray and commit to do it.

STEP 3: SIMPLIFY MY LIFE.

[Your Objective: Learn to say NO to even good things so we can say YES to God's plan for our life.]

How does Hebrews 12:1 say we are to prepare for the race?

• Why might we have to say no to even some good things to be ready to do God's work?

DISTRACTIONS

What does Luke 9:62 say about distractions?

• Discuss some distractions of life that could cause people to miss opportunities for Kingdom work.
• How can concentrating on one's past be a distraction to following God's plan?

Who is a person to please in 2 Timothy 2:4?

• What are some ways a person can determine if an activity is more related to this life or to God's Kingdom?

What does Jesus say is required to follow Him in Matthew 16:24?

• How might 1 Corinthians 10:23 help a person discover what to deny and what to follow?

DEBT

What does Matthew 6:24 say about serving two masters?

• How can Proverbs 21:20 help to build a plan for proper use of money?
• What are some resources available in your church or community to help people plan to get out of debt?

MINISTRY - What steps do you need to take to simplify your life to enable you to serve others in ministry? If your church does not have a ministry or program to help people manage their finances according to Biblical guidelines could your group research available programs and make a suggestion to your church to start one?

STEP 4: FORTIFY MY FAITH.

[Your Objective: Grow deeper in faith in order to be able to encourage others to grow also.]

How is a person to live his or her life according to 1 Peter 4:2?

• How could Jude 1:20 help a person build themselves up to live a life doing God's purpose?

What kind of exercise is called for in 1 Timothy 4:7?

• Why do we need spiritual exercise as well as physical exercise?

STUDY THE BIBLE

According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 what does the Bible prepare people to do?

• How does knowing the Bible is inspired by God help strengthen a person's faith as they study it?

READ CHRISTIAN BOOKS

What does Proverbs 19:8 say about wisdom and understanding?

• Discuss some good Christian Books you have read recently.

WRITE OUT YOUR TESTIMONY

Read 1 Peter 3:15, what is each person to be ready to do according to?

• How can preparing and sharing your testimony help others to see how God is working in their lives?

SUPPORT YOUR SMALL GROUP

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tell us to do for each other?

• What are some ways to encourage others in your group and in your community?

Fellowship (Membership) - Each person must study and learn for themselves. Nobody else can prepare your testimony for you. Which of the four habits for fortifying your faith listed above do you need to work on this week? How can you encourage others in your small group or in your community by sharing your experiences as you work to fortify your faith? Who needs to hear your testimony and be invited to join your small group or church services?

STEP 5: APPLY WHAT I ALREADY KNOW.

[Your Objective: Recognize and respond to the potential mission field around your immediate area where the members can be used by God now to help others in need.]

In Titus 3:14, what does it say people should devote themselves to?

• What are some immediate needs that are obvious where help is desired around your city or area?
• How could your small group or church assist to meet those needs together?

What specific actions do Isaiah 1:17 identify that people should do to help others?

• Why are God's people called to care for the needy and who are some of these groups in your community?

According to 1 Timothy 4:16, what will happen to us when we do what is right in life?

• How is it helpful to apply what we already know according to this verse and what areas is it most difficult to persevere?

Evangelism (Mission) - It's been said, "a mission is not about crossing the sea, but it's seeing the cross". Jesus often helped people who lived in the places close to Him. God wants us to do the same using the resources we already have in the areas near our home. We are to learn to do good, work for justice, encourage the oppressed etc. What action step are you be willing to take around your community applying what you already know? Discuss it with someone and pray about it.

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Identify, privately or with the group, the five steps above where you need to concentrate. Make a specific commitment to move forward with each area so that God can completely use you.]

We are as close to God as we choose to be. He wants us to draw closer always. When we choose to purify our hearts, it shows maturity. We can move on and reconcile the past. When we sanctify our body, it brings honor to God. When we simplify our life, it removes some of the good things and makes room for God's great things. When we fortify our faith, we become stronger. We can accomplish our mission when we apply what we already know for immediate needs. Make the commitment to be ready for your life to be used by God.