Session 11 - Rock solid

Ice-breaker

You will probably have discovered by now that being a Christian is not always easy!

What aspects of the Christian life have you found to be most challenging?

Ups and downs

In Foundations we have focused on the beginning of the Christian journey. There is still a long way to go! There will be highs and lows, times when we make great strides, and times when we lose our way.

Jesus knew what it was like to be faced with temptation - remember his forty days in the wilderness. And in the Garden of Gethsemane, he had to struggle with the cost of doing his Father's will, as described in Luke 22:39-46. When we experience such things, we are not unique - it is part of being human. The important factor is how we respond.

The difficulties we face can be summarised as: 'the world, the flesh and the devil'.

The world

The world we live in was created by God but then spoilt by human beings. We can study the way God wants us to live, but we also need to be aware of the value systems of the culture in which we live.

What are some of the conflicts and tensions that we will face as Christians today face living in a our largely non-Christian culture?

Read Matthew 5:13-16. As Christians, what helps to make us distinctive from those around us?

For a challenge to live Jesus' kind of lifestyle, look at Matthew 6:25-34.

The flesh

This is how the Bible refers to our human nature when we live for ourselves rather than God. Our natural inclination is to ignore and disobey God. It is impossible for us not to sin. See if you recognise in yourself any of the consequences of 'the sinful nature' in Galatians 5:19-21.

Think of the sort of person you would like to be.

Now be honest and think about yourself on a bad day. Take heart from the fact that even Paul knew what it was like to continually fall short continually of the standard that God sets us. Read Romans 7:15-25.

What you would most like to change about yourself? Remember that the Holy Spirit's help's help is available to help achieve this!

The devil

Our attempts to live the Christian life can be hampered by pressures in the world, our own personal failings and by spiritual opposition. The latter is what we call the devil, or Satan. His power can be seen at work right from the beginning of creation (see Genesis 3:1-5), and it comes into clearer focus during the life and ministry of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13). From that point on, the New Testament writers have a great deal to say about recognising and resisting the influence of Satan.

What sort of impact can Satan have in our lives and in the affairs of the world?

The good news is that, as far as Christians are concerned, Satan is a defeated enemy. Read Romans 8:38-39. Jesus' death on the cross means that we can no longer be separated from God.

Standing firm

It is inevitable that distractions and temptations will come our way. But help will always be at hand. Read

1 Corinthians 10:13 for an interesting and helpful perspective on this.

We do not have to be victims. External influences can be resisted and inner strength will grow as we learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. We have been given the freedom to choose between God's way or our own. Explore the meaning of James 4:7-8. What can we learn from this?

And what about when we fail? Look up 1 John 1:8-10 to see what we need to do if we slip up.

Looking ahead to the next life

One day our journey through this life will be over. What do you imagine happens to us after we die?

Read through 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. What does this tell us about what happens to ChristChristians's followers after they die?

Note the eager anticipation that Jesus will return! This is called the Second Coming. He will restore things to how they should be, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth (see Revelation 21:1-5).

At some stage after death, everyone will have to give an account to God for the things they have done in this life (2 Corinthians 5:10). But because Jesus has paid the price for our sins, we need not be afraid and can be confident that we will spend eternity in God's presence.

Eternal life begins when you become a Christian, but it is also something that we look forward to in the future. We are not told all the details about what this will be like, but are given enough information to know that the best is yet to come. How do you react to this promise?

The end of Foundations

This is the penultimate session. Now is the time to look at what options are available to help you continue your journey with God. Have you found a church where you feel at home? Are you ready to commit yourself to the next step that you need to take, be it baptism, membership, joining a small group or finding an area of service?

The notes in Appendix 2 may be helpful.

Your choice

Read Ephesians 6:10-18. Picture yourself being equipped item by item for everything that lies ahead.

Now Think prayerfully about what you are going to do after you have completed this Foundations course.

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