LAP 1: The Big Picture
Assignment 1.1: What are God’s primary goals throughout all of history? Base your written answer on the following Scriptures (Hint: look for a common theme in these passages): Matthew 6:9-14, I Corinthians 15:22-28, Revelation 11:15-18.
Summary Answer: God’s primary goal in history is to glorify Himself through the advance of His kingdom so that His will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
Assignment 1.2: From a big picture perspective, how is God accomplishing His goals in history? Base your written answer on the following scriptures: Psalm 8:4-6/Hebrews 2:5-9, Psalm 72:1-14, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 1:15-23, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:12-23.
Summary Answer: God is advancing His kingdom by bringing all things under subjection to His Son, to whom is given all power and authority on earth, so that every thought is taken captive to the obedience of Christ.
Assignment 1.3: How do God’s primary institutions carry out this methodology? Provide a written answer related to each of the following four institutions, based on the scriptures provided. (Note: some of these passages are mentioned once but apply to more than one institution.)
- Individual: Genesis 1:26-28, Deuteronomy 6:1-6, Matthew 28:18-20
Summary Answer: By working as an ambassador of Christ, taking dominion, and fulfilling the great commission to disciple the nations by teaching them to observe everything Christ has commanded.
- Family: Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Psalm 78:1-8, Ephesians 5:22-6:4, Matthew 28:18-20
Summary Answer: By taking dominion and fulfilling the great commission through generational discipleship and faithfulness in the family.
- Church: Matthew 16:15-19, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:11-13, 2 Timothy 2:1-2, Titus 2
Summary Answer: By building up the body of Christ through the preaching of God’s Word, discipleship, and the mutual edification of believers.
- Civil Magistrate: Romans 13:1-5, 1 Peter 2:13-14, Matthew 28:18-20
Summary Answer: By praising those who do well and the punishing those who do evil.
LAP 2: My Life in God’s Big Plan
Assignment 2.1: Read Matthew 6:31-34. Based on verse 33, what should be the highest priority for your life?
Summary Answer: To seek God’s kingdom and righteousness.
Assignment 2.2: Write a brief Vision Statement that answers the question, “What does God want out of my life?” Start your Vision Statement with “By God’s grace, my vision is to…” As you compose your Vision Statement, keep in mind Erik Weir’s 5 points for evaluating and defining true success from Chapter 6: Defining and Achieving Success.
Summary Answer: This vision statement should define the desired results of seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first. It should help the student determine whether or not they have been seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first.
Assignment 2.3: How am I to take dominion? Genesis 1:26-28, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
Assignment 2.4: How am I to be a Provider? 1 Timothy 5:8
Assignment 2.5: How am I to be a Spiritual Leader? 1 Timothy 2:8
Assignment 2.6: How and I to be a Protector? Nehemiah 4:14
Assignment 2.7: How am I to be a Shepherd? 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, Ephesians 6:4, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Titus 1:7-9.
Summary Answer for Assignments 2.3-2.7: Based on the content in session 4, students should explain how they are to live out each the five roles outlined in these passages.
Assignment 2.8: Write a brief Mission Statement that answers the question ‘How does God want me to accomplish His vision for my life?’ Please base your answer on the five roles Kevin Swanson outlined for young men in Session 4. Start your Mission Statement with “By God’s grace, my mission is to…”
Summary Answer: This mission statement should read something like, “My mission is to seek God’s kingdom by taking dominion, providing, protecting, leading spiritually and shepherding in my family, church, and community, through…”