Page 18 - First Steps 2023

3. Reviewing the commitment:
At the start of this discipleship process it’s good to see where we are.
Share together the following:
• When did you first receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
• What’s your level of confidence that you’ve been forgiven, and that
you have hope for eternal life? Why?

• Jesus says he’s the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one
comes to God except through him. What’s your take on that?
A friendship with Jesus has to be a decision on your part—and Jesus
isn’t like any other friend you have. It’s important you know who he is,
who you are, and who he is to you. Listed are additional Bible passages
for you to read based on your responses to those questions. Read
Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, and Romans 10:9-11.

4. Understand what Jesus has done for you:
Here’s the thing about a friendship with Jesus: It’s not a friendship

between equals.
Jesus is God—he’s been around since the beginning and he’ll be here
eternally. He’s the Creator, the Author of the Faith, the Holy One and you…
well, you’re not.
If you’re to be saved from your sin, it’s because of Jesus, not because
of your good works. It’s important to understand that.
Your salvation is a gift.
The Bible says this:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not
from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one
can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

God’s grace is unmerited favor. You can’t earn grace, negotiate for it,
or buy it. You don’t deserve it. It’s a gift—and your only decision is whether
to accept or reject it.
You accepted it when you became a friend of Jesus. His death on the
cross has saved you, and has empowered your faith in him.

17