CHRIST AS" A PERSONAL WORKER. TOPICS AND METHODS FOR workers’ BIBLE TRAINING CLASSES, SUGGESTED BY L. Wilbur Messer, General Secretary of the Young Men’s Christian Association OF Chicago. '■ ■ i <1 -V' i'i'l ^[';*; 'f *' '<*;''■■ V ,/■;' - CHRIST AS A PERSONAL WORKER. TOPICS AND METHODS FOR workers’ BIBLE TRAINING CLASSES, SUGGESTED BY L. Wilbur Messer, General Secretary of the VouNG Men’s Christian Association OF Chicago. No. 310. COPYRIGHTED 1891, ^ BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE, YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS. For the list of publications in the “College Series,’ see last pages. INTRODUCTORY NOTE. This series of Bible Topics was used by the Training Classes at the Northfield and Lake Geneva College Students’Conferences in the Summer of 1891. The pamphlet compiled by Messrs. Oberand Mott, entitled Personal Work, How Organized and Ac¬ complished,” which it is expected every member will secure, fully presents the scheme and method of the Workers’ Bible Training Class to be used in connection with the series of lessons as given in this pamphlet. The plan of delegated personal work as outlined on pages 22, 23, should be used in connection with the regular Training Class methods. CHRIST AS A PERSONAL WORKER. LESSON I. IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL WORK. /_How and where is the importance of per¬ sonal work taught in the Scriptures ? X-Under what circumstances has Christ set us an example as a Personal Worker ? State incidents of personal work by the of peY^or«a.\ vooYKNn OfT. «-With what evangelistic agencies is per¬ sonal work an important factor? S. State some of the Scriptural incentives to personal work. G.What is the relation of the Holy Scrip¬ tures to personal work ? 7 - Name some of the qualifications neces¬ sary in successful personal work. S. How may opportunities for such work be secured ? 6 LESSON II. ORGANIZATION OF THE CLASS. L State the object of the Workers’ Bible Training Class. 2 ^ What four distinct features are found in the plan of the class What kind of men should compose the class } ^_What is the three-fold agreement of the members S, Of how many members should the class consist 6 State the nature of the class. 7. Qualifications of the leader. S! Duties of the Secretary. ^ Length of the class session. /^^How is the time of the class session di¬ vided } 11 Note. —In answering these questions, study the pamphlet, “Personal Work, How Organized and Accomplished.” 7 LESSON III. TREATMENT OF AN ACTUAL CASE. First. —Analysis of the case. <5uWhy necessary ? i. Study characteristics and conditions. C Classify objections and difficulties. ^ Note encouragements and discourage¬ ments. Second.— Prayer. ^What result will prayer have on the worker 1 What result will prayer have on the person to be interviewed t Third.— Parallel Scripture case. Why will the study of a similar case in Scripture assist the worker ? Fourth.— The use of the Scripture. (x. Should objections be answered by ar¬ gument or experience ? (j- Why is the use of the Scripture to be encouraged ? t Should many texts be quoted or read to the inquirer.? Why must great care be exercised in the selection of suitable Scripture texts.? 8 Fifih. — Decision. ^ Should this be urged in every case ? ^ State important helps in bringing a person to decision. Sixth. Helps to Growth and Service, What may be recommended for spirit¬ ual development? % 9 LESSON IV. 'a typical moralist. Mark x : 17-27. Place. What Province, and near what cities ? Time. How near the Crucifixion ? ^ Name other events immediately pre¬ ceding and following. Characteristics and Condition of the Inquirer. His age; business; influence; sincerity; earnestness; character; peace of mind; faith in Christ; difficulties. The Saviour’s Method. Did he rebuke or encourage him ? Was his morality praised or rebuked ? In what manner } , Did Christ humiliate the inquirer.? Did his method indicate thoroughness ? What great privilege was offered ? Results. Concerning the inquirer ; concerning the Saviour; concerning the dis¬ ciples. Central Scripture Truth. Class agree on the strongest spiritual truth in the lesson. Key Text. To be located and memorized. lO LESSON V. INTERVIEW WITH AN ANXIOUS FATHER BURDENED FOR AN AFFLICTED AND HOPELESS SON. Mark ix : 14-29. Also locate parallel accounts. Place. Locate and describe the place of inter¬ view. Time. State time in Christ's ministry. Relation to other prominent events. Chat'actevistics and Condition o^ the Pensons Inte7'viewed. \ a. The Father : His condition ; His motives; His request. b. The Son : His condition; His history. The Saviour’s Method. By whom and how was this interview opened .? State the experience of the disciples in this case. Did Christ encourage or rebuke the father ? How was faith tested .? What was the eifect of the Saviour’s presence on the son ? Why did Christ delay His answer ? How was Divine power manifested ? Why was the boy lifted up ? To what may be attributed the unsuc¬ cessful attempts of the disciples ? Results. Concerning the Father; concerning the Son ; concerning the disciples ; ^ and as applied to ourselves. Central Scripture Truth. To be decided by class. Key Text. To be located and memorized. 12 LESSON VI. AN INTERVIEW WITH A CARELESS, INDIFFERENT AND SINFUL PERSON. John iv: 1-30. Place. The city; distance from Jerusalem; Old Testament name. Time. In the Saviour’s ministry. Characteristics and Condition 0/ the Person Interviewed. Nationality; religious belief; charac¬ ter ; congeniality; tact. The Saviour's Method. Was the interview sought ? Significance of the fact that the disci¬ ples were not present. How was the interview naturally open¬ ed ? How was her curiosity and interest awakened ? What brought conviction ? How did the Saviour show patience and tact ? What did He reveal ? What should be the objective point with the worker in every inter¬ view ? Was the interview followed up t 13 Results. Concerning the woman; concerning the Jews ; concerning the Samari¬ tans ; concerning the disciples. Ce7ilral Scripture Truth. To be agreed upon by the class. Key Text. To be located and memorized. % 14 LESSON VIE AX IXQUIRER REBUFFED, THOUGH PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY HELPLESS. Mark X 146-52: I lace. What section of what city ? Time. In the Lord’s ministry. Characieristics and Condition 0/ the Inquirer. Physically; spiritually; socially. Note how he differed from Saul in his attitude toward Christ ? How was his faith demonstrated.? How was the importance of obedience manifested.? Did he sacrifice anything to obey - Christ.? Was he appreciative of the Saviour’s help.? The Saviour's Method. Contrast His attitude to that of the disciples. Why and how did Christ draw out his' desire.? By what means was he brought into the presence of Christ.? What lessons here for Christian workers.? 15 To what was attributed the healing of the supplicant ? How does this apply to spiritual cleans¬ ing? Results. Concerning the inquirer; concerning the disciples ; concerning Christ ; concerning the multitude. Central Scripture Truth. To be determined by the class. Key Text. To be located and memorized. LESSON VIII. AN IMPETUOUS, UNRELIABLE, BUT LOVING DISCIPLE. Last Chapters of the Gospels. Place. Note the different places where Christ talked with Peter. Time. Locate, the time of the interviews. Characteristics arid Condition of the Person Piter vieived. His occupation; natural ability; strong points of his nature; weak points of his nature; his greatest weak¬ ness. In what respects was he like many young men of this age.? The Saviour’s Method. ^Did Peter seek Christ, or did Christ seek Peter to be His disciple.? How did the Saviour warn him against temptation.? When and how did He rebuke him .? How did Christ show that He forgave and trusted him .? ^7 Results, Concerning Peter; concerning the church; concerning the world. Central Scripture Truth. To be agreed upon by the class. Key Text. To be located and memorized. i8 LESSON IX. AN INTELLIGENT AND INFLUENTIAL INQUIRER. John iii: 1-13. Place. What city ? Time. Was it near or during an important Jewish feast ? Time in the Saviour’s ministry. Characteristics and Condition of the Inquirer. Nationality; sect; position; influence; his sincerity. Why was the interview sought in the night ? To what extent was he a believer in Christ ? What did he lack ? Of what class of modern unbelievers was he a type ? The Saviour s Method. Why was the Saviour’s reply in verse three singularly appropriate ? What did Nicodemus expect ? Notice that the Saviour reiterates an important truth. What lesson does this suggest to the Christian worker ? 19 ¥ What important factor in the present¬ ing of the truth is noticed in verse eight? . How and why was Nicodemus re¬ buked ? What followed the deepening of con¬ viction ? Results. Concerning the inquirer; concerning Christ; concerning the disciples. Central Scripture Truth. To be agreed upon by the class. Key Text. To be located and memorized. 2C LESSON X. INTERVIEW WITH AN INFLUENTIAL, PREJU¬ DICED, BUT SINCERE UNBELIEVER. Acts 9: 1-22. Place. Name the city; its importance; dis¬ tance from Jerusalem; character of the population. Time. Relation to the ascension of Christ. Characteristics and Condition of the Person Interviewed. His nationality; motives; influer education; how acquired.? attit towards Christianity and its herents; bodily presence; was troubled in spirit.? The Saviour’s Method. Had He previous to this time b( striving with Saul ? Name the features of this special c£ Note significance of latter clause verse five. How was his obedience tested.? How was his faith tried.? How was his humility shown.? < 4 - I' 21 What important feature in God’s plan of conversion is illustrated by Ananias ? Was Saul given assurance; if so, how ? State two important elements in Chris¬ tian growth which are imme¬ diately provided. Results. Concerning Saul; concerning the disci¬ ples; concerning the world. Central Scriptwe Truth. To be decided by the class. Key Text, To be located and memorized. jr 22 DELEGATED PERSONAL WORK. WHAT IS IT.? A plan whereby the members of Workers' Bible Training Classes are delegated by the leader to interview and follow up young men until satisfactory reports are presented as to results obtained. WHY IMPORTANT ? Because most Christians fail to recognize opportunities for personal work. Because much of the work done is super¬ ficial and unsatisfactory. Because through natural diffidence many young Christians are prevented from be¬ ginning personal work. Because in business and in many other departments of Christian work, it is neces¬ sary to delegate important business to others who shall be responsible for its perform¬ ance. Because young men partially interested in the Association, or introduced by friends, need a thorough and systematic elfort in their behalf. Because we have scriptural illustrations of its necessity, namely: The Saviour was sen/ by the Father to re¬ deem the world. 23 Philip was delegated to deal with the Ethiopian Eunuch. Peter was delegated to preach to Corne¬ lius. Ananias was delegated to minister to Saul } HOW ORGANIZED ? Each member of the class should make his report of personal work accomplished each week, on blanks prepared like the form below. When the secretary of the class calls the roll, each member will read the brief report of personal work as written on the blank. Each case assigned is to be followed up until the class or leader decides that thor¬ ough work has been performed. From these reports a typical case will be chosen for study each week. The leader and secretary should see that each member is doing actual personal work each week. If a member of the class prefers to select his own case, he should be allowed to do so. The leader or secretary should keep a record of such persons as in their judgment might be approached by members of the class. 24 FORM OF PERSONAL WORK BLANK FOR WORKERS’ BIBLE TRAINING CLASS. The following questions refer to some young man selected by, or delegated to, a member of the class. Report on case is to be made each week, and recorded by the secre¬ tary of the class until satisfactory results are realized. Name. Address. Objections and difficulties. Characteristics and condition. Date registered by class... Report on above case. 189.. By, Reports will be called for by the secre¬ tary of the class at each session. 25 (^GLLGGS ^ei^ies. 301. College Association Record Blanks. Prepared by Clarence H. Lee. A full set of blanks for reg¬ ular Committees, and for complete summary by Recording Secretary. Printed on heavy paper and perforated ready for Binder, with specially made Binder for preservation and reference. Price complete, 11.2,5. The Binder will last for years, and purchasers will be supplied with blanks for later years at 75 cents per set. 302. College Association Buildings. Containing pic¬ tures of nine buildings and plans of three, also testimonies regarding the value of such buildings. John R. Mott. Price fifteen cents. 303. How TO secure a College Association Building. John R Mott. Price five cents. 3 ®4. ow CAN the College Association Awaken and MAINTAIN interest IN Bible Study ? John R. Mott. Price five cents. 305. The Fall Campaign, or how to reach New Stu¬ dents. John R. Mott. Price five cents. 06. The claims of the General Secretaryship on Men of education and ability. John R. Mott. Price five cents. 307. Personal Work, how organized and accomplish- ' ED ; Studies for bible training classes. C. K. Ober and John R. Mott. Price five cents. 26 308. The Study of the English Bible in College. Prof. George S. Burroughs, Ph. D. Price five cents. 309. Constitution of the College Association. (Re¬ vised 1891.) Price five cents. 310. Christ as a Personal Worker ; Topics and Meth¬ ods FOR Workers’ Bible Training Classes. Sug¬ gested by L. Wilbur Messer. Price five cents. In quantities one dozen ot mofe^ No, 302 is sold at %\.'2$per dozen; in quantities of fifty or more at $7.50/1??' hundred. In same quantities Nos. 303 to 310 are sold at 50 cents j>er dozen, or $4.00 per hundred. International Com¬ mittee of Young Men's Christian Associations, 40 JSast Street, New York. I j‘‘f\)‘^^^ ii ^ *k. ,(>^ /„^ 1 i* I ^v „ ,WU: v ;•/ :i''-J. .■>r';' yi. y ' ‘ ' ■'■. .i'T ■ .'/-f'''•■. '..'i,: '■„ '<{' .;'. '•' '■- ■"'. .i 'yy •. .1^ V . '';r.i' ',■/•'■'■'> '■';. v /•■ V^"i : ^ ■■■■'■ ' '•' “, ■' !,' -'y y '.:,<\f>' .^. ;■-'-t ;-[f ''‘"r';li ' “?'■ r ''VvW'-^ ‘ ,;■ v;- : ■ ■‘4 s'- 'j'''i'tf‘ ■ r':', '"- -' a4 '4'^ ' ' '’ ■'*^' H,uw,fia(,, ^, ’X y - **'<*<'''V ■4’.'. wV«*.vswA'. ,+4; l,^lrV>,‘/,v'4 ,li,lk, -'f iVf 4^';>'' 4*' • • •' ; i*' "'•^ I > ■ •; 1 ' '. • .T^'r^J ■^V ■■:■ rtf’"iaigf '^‘VV '■,',5' /fff'SMiW 3,>' iv‘-'.'L’;^ki^ ' ■■■ ■-■*.■ Published by The International Committee of ' /p Young Men’s Christian ..vijf Associations, 40 East Twenty-third Street, New York City. 1891. "'V: /A 4 mi ■ ;ip •' I; .. \C , . ., ,., '■ •'<