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Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 GLORY - ONE DEGREE Passed the Test, Missed the Lab - Part 8 11/24/24 Series Scripture: James 2:14-26 ESV REVIEW: Week 1 - We must know God as God is, removing anything that isn’t of Him. Faith is change/growth that necessitates action. Week 2 - Faith can only be lived out with the Holy Spirit. We must recognize and get to know the Holy Spirit and live life with the Spirit. Week 3 - Understanding how to hear and listen to the Holy Spirit is essential. Field Goal example. Week 4 - Audience of one. Simplify life by living only to please God. Its not your job to keep everyone happy, in fact pleasing God leads to being a godly spouse, co-worker, parent, and believer. Week 5 - Learning how to handle moments of success (with humility) and moments that feel like failure (trusting in God’s results not ours) Week 6 - Perseverance- A long obedience in the same direction. Keep it simple, please one, obey one, one day at a time. A life of faith/action day after day leads to change and growth. Week 7 - Take this way of living and a life with the Holy Spirit and teach it to another believer. Pass it forward, help others grow as well. Today’s Scripture: And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV English - Greek Truth Transform - μεταμορφόω (metamorphoó) transform; to change into another image Same Image - κατοπτρίζω (katoptrizó) to reflect; to behold in a mirror One Degree of Glory to Another Change happens in incrementally “from one degree of glory to another” Change happens by looking to model Jesus Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV Change happens as we live a life of faith through perseverance Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:1–5 ESV Change leads genuine “metamorphosis” And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 ESV Discussion Questions How has God challenged your thinking or convicted your heart through this series on faith requiring action? What impacted you most? Where do you see yourself struggling most to apply what is necessary to live a life where faith and action are synonymous? How has your understanding of the Holy Spirit grown or increased these past few weeks? Where in life are you hearing the Spirit speak to you? How have you been doing at living for an audience of ONE? What need to continue to change to make that more a reality? How have you seen your life growing from one degree of glory to another? Take a look at yourself now and who you were months ago, a year ago - what change do you see?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 DISCIPLESHIP – TEACHING EACH OTHER BIBLICAL TRUTHS Passed The Test – Missed The Lab – Part 7 11/17/2024 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you… Matthew 28:19-20 ESV 1. The Foundation of Discipleship: Understanding the Truth All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV Before we can help others understand and apply God’s Word, we must first take the time to understand it ourselves. 2. The Role of Personal Application: Living Out the Word But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. James 1:22-24 ESV Applying biblical truth in our own lives, is not only for our own growth and benefit, but it becomes a testimony to others. 3. Teaching Each Other: Coming Alongside One Another Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 ESV Discipleship is about coming alongside each other, sharing wisdom, asking questions, and encouraging one another in the faith. 4. Making Disciples: A Lifestyle, Not a Program “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2 ESV Discipleship is a chain reaction. 5. The Power of Accountability and Encouragement “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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.” Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV Accountability isn’t about judgment; it’s about love and mutual support as we all strive to grow in the likeness of Christ. We don’t have to be perfect, but we are called to walk with others in humility, grace, and love. Let’s take this challenge seriously: to not just be hearers of the Word, but doers, and to teach what we have learned to the ones next to us. Think About It 1. What biblical truth have you learned recently that has made a difference in your own life? How are you applying it? 2. Who in your life could benefit from hearing about how you’ve applied God’s Word in your struggles or victories? 3. How can you be more intentional in discipling someone else? What’s one small step you can take this week to invest in another person’s spiritual growth? 4. Who in your life is holding you accountable and encouraging you in your walk with Christ? How can you deepen those relationships? 5. How do you view the process of discipleship? Is it a burden, a blessing, or a responsibility? How can you shift your mindset to see it as a joy?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 LONG OBEDIENCE Passed the Test, Missed the Lab - Part 6 11/10/24 Series Scripture: What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:14-26 ESV Today’s Scripture: As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 ESV English - Greek Truth Weary - ἐκκακέω (ekkakeó) To lose heart, to become weary, to faint Usage: The verb ἐκκακέω is used in the New Testament to describe a state of losing heart or becoming discouraged, particularly in the context of enduring trials or continuing in good works. It conveys the idea of growing weary to the point of giving up. This term is often used to encourage believers to persevere in their faith and actions despite challenges. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, perseverance was a valued trait, especially in the face of adversity. The early Christian community, often facing persecution and hardship, would have found encouragement in exhortations not to lose heart. The concept of endurance was not only a personal virtue but also a communal necessity for the survival and growth of the early Church. Obey - ὑπακούω (hupakouó) To obey, to listen attentively, to heed; implied readiness to act on given command Long Obedience to ONE and ONE direction Perseverance maintained in the Holy Spirit - Who are you living in? - Who are you living for? If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 ESV Perseverance grows through predetermined obedience Choosing obedience in advance We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 ESV Perseverance is found in continual Good Action Faith in action encourages similar action And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 ESV Thoughts/Application 1. What has the habit of obedience looked like in your life to this point? Think of some examples of where you’ve struggled with perseverance so far in life, what led to difficulty? 2. How has “just trying harder” affected you life? 3. How would you describe “in the Spirit”? What has worked to help you maintain connection to the Holy Spirit? 4. What are some examples of areas where you’ve had to “take thoughts captive” and “make them obedient”? How do see this relating to predetermined choices of obedience in your life? 5. What is your reaction to the idea that continual Good Action (faith) leads to more Good Action (deeper faith)? 6. What do you hear/feel the Holy Spirit leading you to do in response to todays discussion in order to develop more spiritual perseverance in your life? What is keeping you from making those changes now?

FACING FAILURES AND HANDLING SUCCESSES Passed The Test, Missed The Lab – Part 5 11/2/2024 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26 ESV Handling Failures with the Guidance of the Holy Spirit Facing Rejection: The Holy Spirit as Comforter If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. John 15:18-20 ESV The Holy Spirit comforts us in moments of rejection, reminding us of our worth in God’s eyes. Enduring Mockery: The Holy Spirit as Strengthener Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:54-60 ESV • The Spirit strengthens us to endure trials without losing heart, reminding us that our identity is in Christ, not in others’ opinions. Overcoming “Cancellation”: The Holy Spirit as Sustainer We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV When the world “cancels” us, the Holy Spirit sustains us, reminding us that our value and calling are from God. Handling Success with the Holy Spirit’s Wisdom Staying Humble in Success: Joseph’s Example Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favourable answer.”. Genesis 41:16 ESV The Holy Spirit keeps us grounded, reminding us that every success is ultimately God’s work in our lives. Avoiding the Trap of Pride: Paul’s Caution What do you have that you did not receive? 1 Corinthians 4:7 ESV Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can avoid allowing success to become our identity and instead use it to serve and honor God. Living in Contentment with the Help of the Holy Spirit I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 ESV The Holy Spirit teaches us contentment, giving us peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances. Talk About It 1. When I face rejection or disappointment, how often do I turn to the Holy Spirit for comfort and guidance? 2. How has the Holy Spirit strengthened me to endure criticism or moments of feeling “canceled” by others? 3. In times of success, do I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my response, staying humble and giving God the credit? 4. Do I rely on the Holy Spirit to remind me of my identity in Christ rather than in my achievements or failures? 5. How can I invite the Holy Spirit more deeply into my life to help me live with contentment regardless of my circumstances?

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:14-26 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Cor. 3:16–17 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Cor. 6:12–20 Joined - cleave, adhere, to form an intimate connection with, enter into the closest relations with, unite oneself to; fasten together; glue Temple - part of the temple where God resides; to dwell Holy Spirit - Spirit above all others, divine; Holy Spirit YOU ARE A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ONE When others are the audience Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:69–75 When the Holy Spirit is the audience So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18–20 (ESV) IT IS THAT SIMPLE And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” Luke 4:8 (Deut.6:13) (ESV) Worship ONE Obey ONE Serve ONE Follow ONE Love ONE PLEASE ONE So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 2 Cor. 5:6–9 ESV STOP TRYING TO . . . PLEASE EVERYONE/ANYONE . . . IMPRESS EVERYONE/ANYONE . . . _______ EVERYONE/ANYONE LIVE FOR ONE! Application Who other than God do I live for? Who gets my attention, heart, desire, commitment? What would it look like to set everyone else aside and Live for ONE? Is there someone else’s opinion of you that actually matters? Someone else’s plan for you that matters? Why can’t it be as simple as “Love the Lord your God and serve Him only”? When we read James 2 isn’t that what it says is the byproduct of a Live for One mentality “my faith is actually lived out by what I do.” Can you give yourself permission to STOP? To say NO to all the other voices? Can you just live each day to please God and that be enough Life for you?

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Comforter and Guide But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. John 16:13 NIV Teacher and Reminder What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV SIGNS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S GUIDANCE Does It Align with Scripture? Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV Is there confirmation from wise counselors? Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 NIV Does This Result In Spiritual Fruit? But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV Is There Inner Peace? Do not be anxious about anything... And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV HOW TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Develop a Prayer Life. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God... James 1:5 NIV Engage with Scripture. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV Practice Obedience. If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15 NIV Seek Stillness and Reflection: Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 NIV Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to be open to His leading in everyday decisions. Talk About It: 1. What experiences have you had where you felt the Holy Spirit was guiding you? How did you recognize that guidance? 2. How can you incorporate prayer and Scripture reading into your decision-making process? What practical steps can you take? 3. Have you ever received counsel from others that changed your perspective on a decision? How did that influence your choice? 4. In what ways can you cultivate a sense of peace in your heart when faced with tough decisions? 5. How can the fruits of the Spirit serve as a litmus test for the decisions you’re making? Can you think of a recent decision that aligns or doesn’t align with these fruits?