How wise would you think an athlete is who is competing in the Paris Olympics right now, but doesn’t know the rules of their sport? Would you congratulate that athlete on their innovation? Their “free” thinking? Their courage? Or would you shake your head in bewilderment? Coincidentally, many people in and outside of church buildings are doing exactly that with their very lives – not investigating what God actually says “saves” someone. “The Requirements of Salvation” is an essential building block in Christianity. Do yourself a favor and find out what God has revealed on this topic.
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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES (also as PDF download above)
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WARM UP
When was a time where you thought “the rules” didn’t apply to you? Why did you feel that way?
READ
Matthew 18:3-4; Luke 9:23; John 6:29, 8:24, 12:46, 14:23-24, 17:3; Acts 3:19; Romans 1:17, 3:22, 5:17, 10:13, I Corinthians 1:2, 6:11, 16:22; Philippians 3:9; Colossians 2:12; II Thessalonians 2:13; James 1:12; I John 4:7-8, 5:1 [see appendix below for more study]
TAKEAWAY
What should we do to be saved?
1. Repent, 2. Believe, 3. Trust, 4. Faith, 5. Call, 6. Receive
What should we believe?
1. Jesus as fulfillment of prophecy, 2. Jesus’ uniqueness, 3. Jesus’ identity
How do I know I am saved?
1. Love, 2. Obedience, 3. Experience, 4. Reliance
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. How well do you think the average Christians knows “the requirements of salvation?” How can you tell?
2. If love for God and others is a sign we are saved, how do you think the Church is doing these days? Why?
APPLICATION
A sign of being saved is reliance. How do you exercise this sign?
FOR MENTORING
In looking at the signs of being saved, which one spoke to your heart during this message? Why?
Appendix
Requirements for salvation (NLT):
Repentance: Matthew 18:3; Luke 9:23; Acts 2:38-39, 3:19, 20:21, 26:18, 20
Belief: John 1:12, 3:14-16, 18, 36, 6:28-29, 40, 47, 8:24, 11:25-26, 20:31; Acts 10:43, 13:38-39, 16:31; Romans 3:25, 26, 10:4; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:8; II Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 4:3; I John 5:1
Trust: John 12:36, 46; Romans 9:30-32; Colossians 2:12; II Timothy 3:15
Faith: Acts 15:9, 20:21; Romans 1:17, 3:22, 28, 30, 4:5, 5:1, 9:30; Philippians 3:9; II Timothy 1:1
Receiving (accepting): John 1:12; Romans 5:17
Calling out: Romans 10:13; I Corinthians 1:2, 6:11
Loving God: I Corinthians 16:22; James 1:12
Loving your church family: John 13:34-35, 15:12-14; I John 4:7-8
Obeying the gospel: I Peter 1:22, 4:17
Knowing God: John 17:3
Dependence (reliance, humility): Matthew 18:3-4; Philippians 3:3
