SS Outline 5.24.2026

Week 16: Biblical Theology and Discipleship
Shaping Christian Growth | May 24, 2026
Objective: Students will see how biblical theology forms mature, resilient Christians.

I. Why Bible Knowledge Isn't Enough

• The problem isn't lack of content — it's a failure of story formation.

II. Discipleship as Story Formation

• Identity precedes behavior
• Everyone lives inside some story
• Scripture's storyline — Creation → Fall → Redemption → New Creation — displaces competing narratives

III. Biblical Theology vs. Moralism
MoralismCovenantal Identity
Obey to belongYou belong; therefore obey
Identity = performanceIdentity = union with Christ
Suffering = punishmentSuffering = participation in Christ's pattern
Hope = earnedHope = promised and secured
Key texts: Romans 6:1–4 · Galatians 4:4–7

IV. Group Discussion

• How does seeing suffering as participation in Christ's pattern change what it means?
• What is the difference between obeying from fear and obeying from belonging?
• If the story ends in new creation and Christ's total victory, how does that shape your hope?

V. Synthesis

• Discipleship grounded in union with Christ — not in willpower, but in God's immutable purpose, Christ's intercession, and the Spirit's indwelling.
• 1689 LBCF Ch. 17

VI. Closing

• Because I am in Christ's story, when _______ happens, I can _______.