Lesson 5 in the Personal Bible Study Series
Helpful Hints
Do not skip this lesson! It is unfair to baptize a person without letting him/her know what the Lord expects afterwards.
If the answer to question 2 is “no” or “I’m unsure,” this person is not ready for baptism.
If you are aware of particular sins in this person’s life, question 4 is the place to address it.
It is important that at question 5 the student understands the lifetime commitment he/she is being called to make.
At questions 7 and 8, if the student doesn’t plan to attend the assemblies of the church or if he/she intends to continue worshipping with denominational groups, further study is needed before baptism.
Questions 9-11 give a realistic picture of being a Christian, alleviate possible misconceptions, and test the level of commitment.
Questions 12-13 confirm what should have been learned in previous studies. If the last two questions are answered in the affirmative, make whatever arrangements are necessary and explain to the prospective Christian what now needs to be done.
Lesson 5: Counting the Cost (PDF version)
Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.
COUNTING THE COST OF BEING A CHRISTIAN
1. Luke 14:27-33
Does Jesus want you to consider the cost before you become His disciple?
Why is this important?
2. Matthew 28:18-20
Are you willing to do whatever the Lord requires of you?
REPENTANCE
3. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
Are you sorry for the sins you have committed?
Do you want to do something about those sins?
4. Colossians 3:5-9
Are there any sins in your life that you need to turn away from?
Will you make an effort to do that?
CHRISTIAN LIVING
5. Romans 12:1-2
Do you intend to give your life completely to the Lord?
6. 1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 1:5-11
Is it your desire to continue to grow spiritually?
WORSHIP
7. Hebrews 10:23-25
Does God want you to regularly assemble with other Christians?
Is that what you plan to do?
8. John 4:23-24
Does it matter how you worship?
Do you intend to worship God acceptably and avoid false worship?
WILL IT ALWAYS BE EASY TO FOLLOW CHRIST?
9. 2 Timothy 3:12
Can you expect difficulties and hardships?
10. Matthew 7:13-14
Will many go with you?
11. Matthew 10:37-38
What if someone (including your family) tries to stop you from obeying Jesus?
THE CHURCH
12. Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4
Do you want to be a member of the one church we read about in the Bible?
13. Acts 2:38, 41, 47
What do you now need to do to have your sins forgiven, to be saved, and to be added to Christ’s church?
14. Romans 10:9-10
Are you willing to confess your faith in Jesus to others?
CONCLUSION
A. Do you understand what is involved in being a Christian?
B. Are you ready now to take that obedient step?
Additional Scripture References
- Luke 9:23-26, 62; Matthew 10:32-39
- John 8:31, 51; 14:15, 21, 23, 24; 15:10 1 John 2:3-4
- Psalm 38:18; 40:12; 51:1-4; Matthew 26:69-75
- Mark 7:21-23; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 4:22-31
- Matthew 6:33; Romans 6:11-16
- John 15:1-14; Hebrews 5:12-14
- Acts 20:6; 1 Corinthians 11:18-26; 16:1-2
- Matthew 15:8-9; Colossians 3:16-17
- Acts 14:22; 1 Peter 4:12-16; 5:9
- Matthew 22:1-14; 1 Peter 3:20
- Mark 10:29-31; Acts 5:29
- Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:13-19
- Acts 22:16; Mark 16:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:13
- Matthew 10:32-33; John 12:42-43; 1 Timothy 6:12
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).