Contextualizing the Scriptural Message for Nepal
By Jay Wegter
The Doctrine of God
Emphasize the transcendence of God and the identity and role of Christ as Logos (Jn 1; Col 1; Heb 1). Open up the topic of Christ’s supremacy—that He is Creator, Redeemer, and Judge. And, that He is Prophet, Priest, and King. Explain how these truths are inseparably joined to Christ’s absolute sufficiency as Savior, Source Person, and Lord of all. Explain how God reveals Himself in Christ (Jn 1:18). Explain God’s sovereignty and rule over all things, His providential control of history, and man’s utter dependence upon God.
Cosmology
Bring clarity to the truth of the oneness of God and describe His relation to His creation (Ps 19; Acts 17). Explain why the Eastern religious mindset has a default response toward nature worship, Spiritism, fatalism, and Gnosticism. See the chart of the Colossian errors and the refutation of them by a biblical Christology. Explain what the significance is of us being ‘embodied creatures’? How does the human body serve as our primary spiritual resource? (See Romans and 1 and 2 Corinthians).
The Doctrine of Man and Sin
How is sin defined bibically? Is sin outward only? Why is all sin against God Himself? How do the deeds done in the body affect the eternal soul? (See 1Cor 6; 2 Cor 5; Eph 4; 5, etc.).What does sin have to do with us being created in the moral image of God? Why are Hindu’s so reluctant to admit that they are sinners? How is the human spirit corrupted by sin? Explain how Scripture reveals sin, not only in outward acts but also in the heart, thoughts, motives and intentions. What is an ‘idol of the heart’? (See Ez 14). What is a ruling lust? What does it mean to be enticed by indwelling sin? (See James 1).
The Law of God
Explain the purpose of the law; describe the three divisions of the law (moral, ceremonial, and civil). How did Christ fulfill the ceremonial law? (See Hebrews). Teach about the law as the revelation of God’s righteousness, and the law as a covenant. Describe the curse which came with the law, and unfold the NT believer’s relation to the moral law. Explain the present evangelical use of the law, and the law as the shape of the believer’s holiness. Explain how all men are under obligation to fulfill the moral law of God and that sin is a failure to conform to God’s law. Make it clear that God has an absolute claim upon His creatures. Explain that history is linear and that history is not cyclical. There is no possibility of living another life so that a person comes back again for another attempt (Heb 9:27).
The Gospel
Why did Paul determine to know nothing among the Corinthians but Christ and Him crucified? Explain what it means that God is glorifying His grace. Why does God bless us for His Name’s sake? Explain the new covenant, and its features in contrast to the old covenant. Describe the relationship between these doctrines: propitiation, justification, and reconciliation. Describe the nature of the atonement. What does it mean to be subject to the righteousness of God (Rom 10)? Define the doctrines associated with the doctrines of grace: calling, election, regeneration, union with Christ, justification, propitiation, redemption, adoption, sonship, sealing, etc.
Grace Living
Explain why our natural religious tendencies are contrary to the gospel—the gospel is counter-intuitive—it is the polar opposite of our religious instincts. So many Christians are living their Christian lives in an attempt to placate, mollify, appease, and obligate God in order to get their needs met. Why is this approach contrary to Grace? Explain how the grace of God in the gospel provides the proper setting and perspective from which we obey, serve, and enjoy God. What difference would it make to our Christian life if we understood that the atoning work of Christ was a real, legal guilt exchange, a guilt transfer? Why does moralistic preaching fail to produce transformation? Explain the ‘freeness’ of the gospel—how does Christ bear the iniquity and reproach of His people? Explain how salvation is the gift of a relationship with God. What does it mean to be ‘accepted in the Beloved’?
The Christian Life
Explain how it is possible to live one’s ‘mundane’ life to the glory of Almighty God. Explain why much of our suffering and affliction is not a punishment for our sin. Explain how God redeems suffering. How is God speaking today? Are the Scriptures sufficient, or do we need new prophetic words for today? Does the charismatic movement represent an accurate doctrine of the Holy Spirit? What are the ministries of the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Christ? Why are the spiritual disciplines of prayer, study and meditation on the Word, fellowship, evangelism—actually a form of worshipping God? Why do real lovers of God love His Word?
Sanctification
How are why are believers to put sin to death? What is the relationship between justification and sanctification, and what is the difference between them? What is ‘cross-centered’ living (what is co-crucifixion)? Why and what does the cross have to do with the believer’s sanctification? Why are outward forms of religion not acceptable to God in themselves? Why, and what does it mean that sanctification is ‘grace-driven’? What does the Apostle Paul mean when he speaks of the believer as a ‘new creation’ and as a ‘new man’? What do these designations (new creation, new man) have to do with godliness? What is the difference between biblical sanctification and mere ‘self-improvement’?
A Strategy for effective Teaching
Read the passage and introduce the truth/doctrine. Explain its meaning and relevance. Illustrate the biblical truth with a story. Explain how it is to be utilized with a second story. Ask if you are doing this. Read the passage again. Explain with the gospel means to their situation in this matter of the particular obedience God requires of them. Cycle back and forth between these teaching elements. Create break out groups to work through the truths you are teaching. Reassemble the group to discuss their findings.