Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But His word was in mine
heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
Jeremiah 20:9
Lessons
PRELUDE TO GREATNESS

BE PREPARED

LESSON 1

JOHN 10: 7-10
Men's Bible Study
Tuesday, November 19
Paul had a yearning for his leaders to grow daily in God and strive to be better always. He also wanted to give them the tools and encouragement to teach their
parishioners valuable lessons in being a Christian. The title of this book is all about preparing for greatness coming into a believer's life. This idea examines greatness on
two different fronts. One, believers are making a path for Jesus Christ to share His love with the world. And the other is by God preparing every person for a personal and
promised greatness in their lives.

1] What is mentioned in the Bible about being prepared, and why?
1 Peter 3:13-16

2] According to the Bible, what was John the Baptist's purpose and ministry?
Malachi 3:1; John 1:6-9

3] In what ways is the church’s purpose similar to John’s ministry?

4] When given a chance to introduce Jesus, what title did he give? How does John describe Jesus Christ’s purpose for the world?
John 1:29-34

5] We often think in generic terms when it comes to a personal relationship with Jesus. However, if given a chance to introduce Jesus Christ, what title would you provide,
and how would you describe His mission on earth?

6] Jesus stated many times in the Bible, his purpose and mission for the world. Read the scriptures below and list some of them.
Luke 5:29-32; John 10:7-18; John 14:1-6

7] The texts from question six were just a few instances of Jesus mentioning His purpose and desires for His people. There is a definite yearning for them to succeed and
thrive. What inspiration came to the prophet Jeremiah when God was speaking to the Israelites going through exile and disobedience?
Jeremiah 29:10-14

8] Even David talked about greatness and how God intercedes for His people. What in the 71st division of Psalm is encouraging for the modern-day church?
Psalm 71:17-24

9] Titus and Philemon aren't just about spiritual growth, but there are practical applications in becoming the person that God wanted. Paul, through personal letters to the
men, gave them some encouraging words for the different situations they were going through. Although both were positions of leadership, these epistles can be a building
block for all people in building a foundation for the "great" life God has in store for them. To achieve greatness, what would you like to see God handle, work, influence, or
take control?

10] What can the Lord do for the church to move in the direction of greatness per God's will and purpose? 

JUST A THOUGHT

Before a Pilot leaves the airport, there are a series of checks and rechecks; they must go through. Every instrument, button, or switch is reviewed to ensure that the proper
systems are correct, which is necessary, so the pilots and air traffic control will know that everything is in good working order. It would be terrible to find out that a simple
glitch in the system exists at thirty thousand feet in the air.

A journey in Spiritual greatness is very similar. Specific ideas, laws, behavior, mindset, goals, and beliefs need to be checked and rechecked to ensure it lines up with God’
s standard. It would be awful to be in a situation where a memory from the Word of God would be remarkable to have but not quite available.  Having a goal in mind or
destination to where you want to be Spiritually, is terrific. It’s great to have a mission and plan your life following that goal. Make sure that while on this Spiritual voyage, do
the small things first. For example, read the Bible daily, just a few verses. Listen to a favorite spiritual song to set the mindset properly. Write at least one thing that God
has done in your life for the past 24 hours. Go to God in prayer for more than wants and forgiveness of sins. There is so much daily that can be completed in minutes to
check and recheck the spiritual journey that you’re currently on. These next few lessons after this aren’t long but deep in practical and spiritual knowledge. Paul wanted to
reach out to individual believers’ either for a request or instruction. Take those spiritual lessons personally and use them as a stepping stone into greatness.