First Principles · Pilot Edition · Study 11 of 11
A self-guided Bible study. Read the passages for yourself, then write down your own answers, questions and conclusions.
Day 1
• Luke 14:28-33 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• Acts 2:36-41 - Read NIV on YouVersion
1. Why does Jesus use the examples of a builder and a king?
2. What does He want someone to consider before following Him?
3. In Acts 2, what decision do people make?
4. What appears to lead up to it?
What would I need to understand before making a serious commitment to Jesus?
Day 2
• Matthew 4:4 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• Mark 1:35 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• 2 Timothy 2:15 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Read NIV on YouVersion
1. What place does God's word have?
2. What place does prayer have?
3. How did Jesus Himself make time for prayer?
4. What habits might help someone develop a continuing relationship with God?
Day 3
• Luke 19:10 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• 2 Corinthians 5:10-21 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• Matthew 28:18-20 - Read NIV on YouVersion
1. What does Jesus say His mission is?
2. What mission does Paul describe?
3. What mission does Jesus give His followers?
4. How might following Jesus affect someone's purpose in life?
Day 4
• Hebrews 3:12-13 - Read NIV on YouVersion
1. What danger does the passage identify?
2. What are Christians supposed to do for one another?
3. Why might this require openness and trust?
4. What kind of encouragement actually helps someone follow God?
Day 5
• Acts 2:42-47 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• Hebrews 10:23-25 - Read NIV on YouVersion
1. What do the first Christians regularly do together?
2. Why do they meet?
3. What does Hebrews say Christians should contribute when they gather?
4. What might committed participation in a church community involve?
Day 6
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• Ephesians 2:8-10 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• Romans 12:4-8 - Read NIV on YouVersion
1. What principles about close relationships do you see?
2. Is salvation described as something earned through good works?
3. What place do good works have afterwards?
4. Why are people given different abilities?
How could following Jesus affect my relationships, priorities and use of my abilities?
Day 7
• Acts 2:45 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• Luke 11:42 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• Malachi 3:10 - Read NIV on YouVersion
• 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Read NIV on YouVersion
1. What different attitudes towards possessions and giving appear?
2. What dangers does Jesus identify in Luke 11:42?
3. What principles can you see about supporting God's work and caring for others?
4. What is the difference between generous faith and merely following a financial rule?
Study 11
You have now worked through the full First Principles series. Before anyone tells you what conclusion you should reach, go back through your own notes.
What have I discovered about God?
What have I discovered about Jesus?
What have I discovered about myself?
What do I think the Bible says someone should do in response to Jesus?
Which conclusions am I confident about?
Which questions are still unresolved?
What would I like to investigate next?
Based on what I have read for myself, what do I believe my next step should be?
It is okay if the answer is: 'I don't know yet.' If so, write down exactly what you still need to understand.
If you are test-running this material, it may help to note which days felt clear, which questions felt leading or confusing, which readings felt too long, and what you wished the study had asked.
This pilot edition was developed from the study sequence and Scripture selections in the supplied Sydney Church of Christ study series (Guard the Gospel), with the discussion material rewritten as self-guided, open-ended questions.