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Session 1: The Call to Salvation

The Manays

Theme: You are called to be a disciple of Jesus.

Overview:

In this session, we will explore the foundational aspects of salvation and how it leads to a life of discipleship. We are saved by grace through faith, adopted into God’s family, and called to follow Jesus. This session will focus on what it means to embrace salvation as a gift and respond to the call of discipleship.

Key Scriptures:

  1. Ephesians 2:8-9:
    “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
  2. Romans 8:15-17:
    “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
  3. Matthew 4:19:
    “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Lesson Content:

1. Justification: Saved by Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation is not something we can earn; it is a free gift from God. In Ephesians 2:8-9, we learn that we are saved by grace through faith, and this is not by our works but by the mercy of God. Justification means that we are made right with God, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Reflect on your own salvation journey. How did you first come to understand the grace of God? What does it mean to you that salvation is a gift and not something earned?

Key Takeaway: Salvation is a work of grace. We are justified by God through faith, not by our efforts.

2. Adoption: Becoming God’s Child (Romans 8:15-17)

Once we are saved, we are not just forgiven, we are adopted into God’s family. Romans 8:15-17 tells us that we are no longer slaves to sin and fear, but children of God. This means that we have a new identity as sons and daughters of God, with all the privileges that come with being part of His family.

Adoption is a powerful image of how God brings us into relationship with Him. It is not just about being saved from sin, but being brought into a loving, eternal family where we can call God “Abba, Father.”

Reflection: What does it mean for you to be a child of God? How does this change how you see yourself and your relationship with God?

Key Takeaway: As believers, we are adopted into God’s family. We have the privilege of calling Him “Father,” and we are heirs of His kingdom.

3. The Call to Discipleship (Matthew 4:19)

When Jesus called His first disciples, He said, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19). This is the essence of the call to discipleship: it is an invitation to follow Jesus and participate in His mission.

Discipleship is not just about believing in Jesus but about following Him and learning from Him. It involves growth, obedience, and transformation. Jesus calls us to a journey of growth where we not only become more like Him but also help others do the same.

Reflection: What does it mean for you to follow Jesus in your everyday life? How are you growing as a disciple, and how are you helping others grow?

Key Takeaway: Discipleship is about following Jesus and growing in relationship with Him. It is both a personal journey and a call to help others follow Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

Spiritual Discipline: Scripture Meditation

A key discipline for every disciple is Scripture Meditation. This involves taking time to reflect deeply on God’s Word and allowing it to shape your heart and mind. This week, meditate on Ephesians 2:8-9. Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on the truth that you are saved by grace. Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers as you meditate on this passage.

Application:
– Set aside 10 minutes each day to read and meditate on Ephesians 2:8-9.

Wrap-Up and Preview of Next Session:

In this session, we explored the foundational truths of salvation, justification, adoption, and the call to discipleship. As we continue in this journey, remember that salvation is not just about being saved from something, but being saved for something—following Jesus and helping others do the same.

Next Session: In Session 2, we will dive into The Call to Sanctification, focusing on how discipleship is a journey of growing in holiness and becoming more like Jesus.

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