Learning to Love My Friend(s) 1

We had our first home Bible study at our house tonight with all the elders, deacons, and wives present. I appreciate the presence, interest, and participation of everyone.
Below is the outline of the lesson we studied.

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Opening Lesson
Lesson 1

A. Define opening: “to enter upon: begin; to move from closed position; to make discerning or responsive.”
B. In this class, we want to have an opening of our:
1. Bible. Psalm 119:105,130
2. Mind. Acts 17:11,28
3. Eyes. Matthew 13:15
4. Ears. Matthew 11:15; Revelation 2:7,11,17,29;
Revelation 3:6,13,22; Revelation 13:9
5. Heart. Matthew 13:15

I. LISTEN TO GOD.
A. God is the supreme authority. Ecclesiastes 5:1,2
B. God speaks through His word. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13
C. His thoughts are great! Romans 11:33-36

II. LISTEN TO MYSELF. 2 Timothy 2:7
A. How do we listen to ourselves?
B. Am I weak enough to help others?
1. At this time, do I need to help or do I need to be helped? Some people are not ready to help others. They have so many problems on a particular day, which they have not worked through, that when they supposedly minister, they are actually looking for someone to help them. They unload their problems on others.
2. How can I get strong enough to minister to others?
a. By being weak. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
b. By being weak enough to ask for help. Matthew 7:7,8;
Galatians 6:2
c. By being weak enough to know I am helpless. 1 Kings 3:7-10
d. I won’t always know what to say. Matthew 5:3
e. I won’t always be able to cheer people up. Proverbs 13:12
C. Am I strong enough to help others?
1. Am I aware of the wisdom I have now and have available by learning from myself? Psalm 51:6
2. When I was in a similar situation, how did I feel; what did I need? Galatians 6:1
3. Do I believe (understand) what I sing?
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound!
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
a. Do I believe what the Bible says? Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23;
1 John 1:8
4. Could I ever be in a similar situation in the future?
1 Corinthians 10:12
5. How would I feel; what would I need; how would I want to be treated? Matthew 7:12
D. To treat strangers right, I need the heart of a stranger.
Exodus 23:9
E. I need to learn from my experience.
1. I read what the Bible says. Romans 10:17; Matthew 6:33
2. I observe that what the Bible says corresponds to reality.
Psalm 37:25
3.
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more.

III. LISTEN TO OTHERS.
A. To understand from their understanding, comments, and insights.
Acts 8:30,31
B. To learn from their good examples.
1. Jesus. John 1:14
2. Others. Hebrews 11: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, others.
C. To learn from other’s bad examples.
1. Lot’s wife. Luke 17:32
2. Disobedient Israelites. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
D. To learn from things, places, and events.
1. A fallen fence covered with weeds. Proverbs 24:30-34
2. Matthew 6.
a. Birds. Matthew 6:26
b. Grass. Matthew 6:28-34
3. Matthew 13.
a. A farmer. Matthew 13:3-9,18-23
b. One small seed. Matthew 13:31,32
c. Yeast. Matthew 13:33
d. Hidden treasure. Matthew 13:44
e. A valuable pearl. Matthew 13:45,46
f. Fishing. Matthew 13:47-50

A. What have you learned from this opening lesson?
B. What might you be able to learn, using the principles we have discussed in your family, on your job, driving down the highway, during leisure time, serving others, being a leader?