Contents

Lesson I: THE FALL OF MAN AND GOD’S REDEMPTION PLAN

Lesson

2: UNDERSTANDING SALVATION

Lesson

3: DIVING DEEPER INTO UNDERSTANDING SALVATION (John 3:1-13)

Lesson

4: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Lesson

5: YOUR ROLE AS A MEMBER OF BETHEL

Lesson

6: DESIRING SPIRITUAL GROWTH AS A MEMBER OF BETHEL

Lesson

7: THE NEED TO DEVELOP A QUIET TIME (PRAYER LIFE)

Lesson

8: THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

Lesson

9: THE BIBLE---GOD’S HOLY WORD

Lesson

10: UNDERSTANDING THE NEED TO STUDY THE BIBLE, PART I

Lesson

11: ADDITIONAL REASONS WHY A CHRISTIAN MUST STUDY THE BIBLE ...

Lesson

12: LEARNING HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE, Part I

Lesson

13: PRACTICAL METHODS OF STUDYING THE BIBLE

Lesson

14: THE BENEFIT OF KNOWING THE BIBLE

Lesson

15: IMPORTANCE OF FELLOWSHIP AMONG BELIEVERS, Part I

Lesson

16: IMPORTANCE OF FELLOWSHIP AMONG BELIEVERS, Part II

Lesson

17: BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Lesson

18: FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

Lesson

19: HOW TO GROW IN FAITH (II THES.1:3)

Lesson

20: IMPORTANCE OF SHARING YOUR FAITH

Lesson

21: HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH, Part I

Lesson

22: HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH, Part II

Lesson

23: HOW TO PREPARE FOR SHARING YOUR FAITH

Lesson

24: THE HOLY SPIRIT-----Part I

Lesson

25: THE HOLY SPIRIT----Part II

Lesson

26: SPEAKING IN TONGUE

Lesson

27: WATER BAPTISM

Lesson

28: STEWARDSHIP:

Lesson

29: STEWARDSHIP (DIVING DEEPER):

Lesson

30: OBEDIENCE

Lesson

31: THE WILL OF GOD

Lesson I: THE FALL OF MAN AND GOD’S REDEMPTION PLAN

Fact 1 God’s Creation

1. God created Man (Gen. 1:26-27)

2. Man was without sin in the beginning (Gen. 3:22)

3. Man lived with God and had fellowship with God (Gen. 3:8)

4. Man had boldness in the presence of God (Gen. 3:8-9)

Fact 2 Purpose of God’s Creation

1. God made man and placed him on the earth to manage it. This was man’s main duty (Gen. 1:26-

28)

2. God created man for his own glory (Isaiah 43:7, Rev. 4:11)

3. God created man for fellowship; to live in the presence of God (Gen. 3:8, 1 John 1:3)

Fact 3 How sin entered into man

1. Man sinned by disobeying God. In His creation, God gave man the power of choice and they

chose to disobey God by eating the fruit of the Garden of Eden. Through this act of obedience,

mankind (Adam and Eve) lost their spiritual standing with God and the authority to manage their

lives and the affairs on earth. The devil actually took over. Man lost his spiritual heritage to be

like God and rule (Gen. 3:5-6, 22-24).

4 | P a g e 2.

Resultantly, Adam and Eve became self-conscious and aware of themselves.

They lost their spiritual covering and were separated from God. No more fellowship existed

between God and man, creating a big vacuum in the heart of mankind. Since then, man has tried

to fill this emptiness in their heart with many things like seeking fame, working all day and very

hard to achieve things that cannot satisfy the soul. Life lost it meaning. This empty condition

without Christ is called Sin. Sin actually means, “Missing the mark”. Mankind missed the

mark/standard set by God. In this instance the devil offers many alternatives to fill this

emptiness in man’s soul. Many resort to sex, food, alcohol, accumulation of wealth and all

manner of things in an attempt to make them happy. But these do not satisfy. Only Jesus does

bring meaning to life (Gen 3:7).

Fact 4 What happened to man when sin entered into their lives?

1. Mankind became natural (carnal) and spiritually dead (Gen. 15:17, 19-21),

2. Mankind lived by their self-imposed standards trying every means to find meaning to life.

3. Everyone born after Adam and Eve came under eternal curse (Rom. 5:16, 17, 19).

4. Mankind also begun to live by the principles and standards of the world.

5. Because of man’s selfishness, the attitude of man was entirely sinful.

Please note: Natural means to live by your five senses. Living by what you SEE, FEEL, HEAR, TOUCH

AND TASTE. It also involves what you think. Spiritual deadness means to live without God’s covering,

leading and directions. This was the beginning of deep spiritual separation between man and God. By

this, man lived by trial and error, experimenting and searching for God in trees, water, man-made idols

etc.

Fact 5 The spiritual implications of man’s separation from God

Spiritually when man became disobedient to God, the following happened:

1. Man has fallen from God’s glory (Gen. 3:23, Romans 3:23)

2. Man is like a sheep that has gone astray (Isaiah 53:6)

3. No one does anything good—that is pleasing to God (Isaiah 64:6)

4. God has hidden his face from man (Isaiah 64:6-7)

5. Man is doomed for eternal destruction (Rom. 6:23)

6. Man cannot save himself (Acts 4:12)

7. The devil had total control over man (Romans 7:24)

FACT 6 God’s salvation plan

Why did God save Mankind?

1. Because God loves mankind (1 John 4:9-10, John 3:15-17, Romans 5:8)

2. Because mankind was doomed for eternal destructions and couldn’t save himself (Romans 2:12)

3. God wants to reconcile mankind to himself (2 Cor. 5:18-21)

4. God wants his glory to be seen in and through mankind (2 Peter 1:3)

FACT 7 How can man be saved?

Man can only be saved when:

1. He/she acknowledges his helplessness and sinful nature (Ps 119:176, 169)

2. He/she believes that Jesus died to make salvation possible by shedding his blood on the cross

(Eph. 1:7)

3. He/she invites Jesus into his/her heart to be Lord and personal savior (Rom. 10:9-10)

4. This invitation must be done by faith (Eph. 2:8-9)

F CTS 8 Condition for man’s salvation

To be saved also means to be born again and this is by the grace of God and an act of faith on the part of

man. No Human effort is required for man’s salvation. Please remember salvation is by:

1. Grace of God (Eph. 2:8)

2. Faith in Jesus (Acts 26:18)

3. No human effort is needed. No man can work his way to salvation by using or relying on good

works, humanitarian effort, etc. (Eph. 2:7-9)

FACT 9 What happens to you when you are saved?

1. You become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17, Heb. 9:22, Eph. 1:7). You are entirely a new person

spiritually. In the eyes of God your past does not matter anymore. All your sins have been

forgiven (past, present and future). This is because of the blood of Jesus.

2. You have been transferred from the devil’s kingdom into God’s kingdom (Col. 1:13). You are no

longer under the devil’s control. You are free under God authority and as such should not be

afraid of any power of darkness.

3. You have eternal life (John 5:24). This is the life of God in a man. It is the spirit of God in the

new person. It is called Zoe in the Greek.

Lesson 2: UNDERSTANDING SALVATION

II Cor. 5:17 “Therefore if anyone be in Christ, he/she is a new creation͙”

WHAT IS SALVATION? (John 3:1-17, Luke 19:9-10, Luke 1:77-79, Romans 10:9-10, 1 John 5:1, Col. 1:13)

Primarily, salvation means “To be born again”

To receive the life of God in us.

To be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

To be delivered from sin and the consequences thereof (The son of man came to seek and save

that which was lost).

To be delivered from our enemies, slavery, physical pain, suffering and any form of oppression

(spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical, etc.)

Salvation also means to be delivered from eternal death (Mark 16:16, Romans 1:16, Luke 1:77).

To be changed from your old life into a new life.

To be removed from the devils kingdom and positioned into God’s kingdom (Col. 1:13)

To be regenerated by the Grace of God

WHY IS SALVATION NECESSARY?

1. To escape spiritual death. If we want to escape eternal damnation that is, going to hell, we

need to be born again (Hebrew 2:3, Hebrew 9:27, John 3:3)

2. To give mankind a new and purposeful life (2 Cor.5:17, John 10:10)

3. To receive eternal life (Romans 6:23)

FOUNDATIONS OF SALVATION

1. Salvation is basically the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5, Titus 3:3-6)

2. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ. (John 1:12, Romans 10:9-10, John 14:6, 1 John 5:10-12)

3. Salvation is by grace

 Grace is God’s unmerited favor bestow upon us (Titus 3:7)

 It is also something we don’t deserve but was given to us as a result of God’s mercy.

(Ephesians 2:8-9, Roman 3:23).

4. Salvation is a free gift (1 Peter 4:10).

5. Accepting the fact that we are sinful and cannot save ourselves (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6).

Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

6. Salvation is possible when we invite or receive Jesus into your heart (John 3:16, Romans

10:9-10, 1 John 5:11-13, John 1:12).

He that has the son has life therefore without the son one has no life. God makes us his

children immediately after we receive him into our hearts.

To be born again you must believe in Jesus as your Lord and personal savior. You must believe in the

birth, death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You must believe that He died for you and resurrected

to give you life.

Believing in your heart means: To accept and receive in your mind, your emotion, your intellect; your

faith must involve a public commitment.

Lesson 3: DIVING DEEPER INTO UNDERSTANDING SALVATION

(John 3:1-13)

A. MISCONCEPTIONS

What does it actually mean, “Except a man be born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven”?

1. If someone admires, believes, and understands miracles does not mean the person is born

again (Matthew 7:21-22, John 1:1-3, 1 John 5:1).

2. If you are a friend of a Man of God or a believer it doesn’t make you born again (Matt.

25:31-33).

3. Being a member of a great church doesn’t qualify you to be born again.

4. The fact that you support your church (Eg. Being a tither, or serving in ministry doesn’t

make you born again (Luke 3:3, Luke 11:42, Hebrew 10:25, Luke 12:42).

5. All of us are sinners and we must accept that as a fact (John 3:1-5, Isaiah 64:6, Rom. 3:23).

6. The fact that you come from a Christian family doesn’t make you a born again Christian

(Rev. 3:20, Luke 13:3).

7. Praying everyday doesn’t make one born-again (Mat. 23:14, Ps. 37:4, 1 John 3:22).

8. The facts that you attended a Seminary or is a Biblical scholar doesn’t make you born again

(Gal. 1:13-15).

9. If someone is baptized, it doesn’t mean he/she is born again (Mark 16:15, John 3:16).

10. The fact that you are rich does not make you a believer (born again) (Luke 18:18-24) .

B. TRUE MEANING OF NEW NATURE IN CHRIST

1. You have eternal life (the divine nature of God) in your spirit (11 Peter 1:4, 1 John 5:11-12).

2. Your body is now the temple of the living God (1 Cor. 6:19-20, 1 John 5:10).

3. You are no more under the curse of the law and of hell (Gal. 3:13, Col. 1:12-13).

4. Your sins have been forgiven (1John 1:7-9).

5. We are now a child of God (John 1:12, 1 John 3:2, Rom. 8:14-17).

6. We are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).

7. We are a member of God’s family (house hold) (Eph. 2:19).

8. You have the Holy Spirit living in you (Gal. 4:6, Eph. 1:12-13).

9. We are free from bondage (John 8:31-33, Romans 6:18).

10. You are sanctified and justified (1 Cor. 6:11).

FIVE IMORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER AS A CHILD OF GOD

1. Anyone who becomes born again becomes a spiritual baby (1 Peter 2:2).

2. Your body is still the same after being born again. It’s only your spirit that’s born again. For

example, your thinking, dressing, speech and everything associated with you is still the same

3. You need to change our mind through the Word of God in order to grow (Rom. 12:1-2, 1

Cor. 2:16).

4. You need to fellowship to have good examples for a better spiritual growth (Heb. 10:25).

5. You need to belong to a particular spiritual house in order to have a spiritual covering

(Ps. 127:1-3).

Lesson 4: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BE A MEMBER OF A LOCAL CHURCH: BETHEL

Going to church used to be a tradition. Once your parents go to church, you have to go to church as well.

Is it enough reasons to be part of a church? Let’s discuss 12 reasons why being a member of Bethel is

extremely important

1. Constant Spiritual Nourishment and Growth In Every Area Of Your Life---(Psalm 122:1-2, Psalm 84:2-

6, Acts 20:32, Psalm 92:12-15).

Bethel is a church where believers experience God in unique ways. They Fellowship with other believers,

hear the word of God, and are inspired on a regular basis. The Word of God makes us better people by

building our faith, redefining our values and attitudes in every area of our life; spiritually, mentally,

financially and physically. Bethel helps us develop the right attitudes in worshiping God. Bethel also

helps us develop:

 Sound mind - II Timothy 1:7, Isa. 26:3

 Spiritually - 1 Peter 2:2

 Tool for permanent success-- Joshua 1:8

 Medicine for the body-- Proverbs 4:20

2. To Give You A Spiritual Covering (Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:17).

Everyone is protected by his family, society and state. Likewise in the realms of the supernatural, God

has ordained his church to protect his sheep here on earth. This is the principle of divine protection.

When we become a part and committed to a Bethel church, we automatically come under its wings of

spiritual covering. When the devil wants to destroy you he has to go through your spiritual covering first.

Jesus said “smite the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered (Matt 14:27b).

3. To help discover your gifts and talents in ministry (1 Cor. 1:7; 7:7; 12:1, 7, Eph 4:8, Rom 12:6-10).

Everyone has a unique gift and God brings us into certain environments to help bring out our gift. God

would never take your gifts away from you but those gifts can be there undiscovered. Gifts are also

imparted in the church (Romans 1:11, 1 Timothy 4:14). Certain gifts can only be imparted in special

spiritual environments just as certain plants can only do well in certain climates. Additionally, gifts are

stirred up before they can be put to effective use (2 Timothy 1:6). The church (Bethel) is the

environment in which your gifts can be stirred to be used for the glory of God.

4. To have a spiritual family--fellowship (Gal. 6:2, Phil 2:2-5, Hebrews 10:24-25)

Mankind is a gregarious being. He/she longs for the fellowship of others; to love and give out love, to

appreciate and be appreciated. The church environment also gives us the opportunity to help and be

helped by others. Everyone needs support or help some time or the other during various stages of life

and ministry. These include wedding, graduation, bereavement, sickness and other sad times in life.

Also, during times of rejoicing, the church becomes a family with which you can celebrate. We are part

of God’s family and Christ is our head.

5. It Gives Us an Identity (Ephesians 2:11-18, 19, Ephesians 3:14-15)

Everybody belongs somewhere. A soldier belongs to an army, a nurse - hospital, Instrumentalist -band

or choir, footballer - team, Sailor - crew. A Christian belongs to a church. The church identifies you as a

believer; it identifies you as part of God’s spiritual family on earth. Identity is necessary for fulfillment of

your spiritual purpose on earth.

6. It Gives Stability In Life (Ps. 92:12-14, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9)

Plants that are moved every now and then do not grow well. Like buildings, be permanent. If you have

to move now and then, you cannot be stable and grow. Growth only comes to those who have stable

roots in the soil of life. This is because you will be fed with spiritual food from one source throughout

the year. Refuse to be a “spiritual prostitute” and be stable so that you can grow in the house of the

Lord. Decide to be in Bethel permanently and you will grow steadily.

7. To Remain Alive and Relevant (John 15:1-8, James 1:6-7)

If we stay on the tree as branches, we will grow and bear fruits. The only way a branch can stay alive is

for it to be attached to the tree. For a believer, it means being committed to the local church. We can

only be significant - bear fruits if we stay as a branch attached to the tree.

8. To Invest Your Life (Genesis 8:22, Galatians 4:19, Psalm 126:6)

Staying in one place gives you the opportunity to have a place to invest your life, time and resources.

Everybody wants to do something meaningful with his or her life but this only comes after one has

committed him or herself to something for a long time. You will naturally begin to feel committed to

something you have invested your time, energy, money, prayer and fasting to. You should be here long

enough to see the fruits of your labor and the use of your resources- money, time, talents and energy.

Every investment must give returns. You must be here long enough to see your profit in the ministry.

9. To Develop Long Lasting Relationships (Psalm 133:1-, Acts 1:15-21)

Life is about people; the friends you make will either make you or break you. This is because

relationships contribute to destiny. For the most part, where you want to go, someone is or has already

been there. What you wish to learn, someone has already studied it and what you wish you have

someone already has it. Therefore, building relationship with people to know and to get to where they

have gotten is essential to succeed in life. In the church you develop:

Friendship

Spiritual Mentors

Business partners

Marriage partner

Spiritual protégées

10. To Share In The Success Of The Vision (Acts 1:1-2)

If you become stable and stay for a long time, you will see the church realize its dreams, vision, and

missions. You will share and boast (in the Lord) in the accomplishments. You can then be able to tell the

story as someone who was part of the making of the story. This brings about the feeling of fulfillment

and attainment (1 John 1:1-4).

11. It helps you learn how to be obedient to God (Hebrews 10:25, Exodus 20:8)

Being obedient to God is an act that must be learnt. Jesus also learnt obedience. Bethel is a place

where you are taught how to obey God and walking in his plan and purpose for your life in particular

and humanity in general.

Lesson 5: YOUR ROLE AS A MEMBER OF BETHEL

1. BE A FAITHFUL MEMBER (Acts 2:46)

Your first role as a member of Bethel is to be a faithful member who attends church regularly and who

fully participates. To be faithful also means being to be reliable and dependable.

Make a conscious effort to attend all organized church services or activities. This includes week day’s

worship services and meetings, special programs and seminars. You grow when you attend church

faithfully. For example charcoal burn better when they are together. If one is separated itself from the

pack, it soon dies out. Another example is about eating. When you stop eating for a period of time, you

begin to grow weak and eventually die. The same is true that when we stop fellowshipping, we gradually

die spiritually.

Avoid moving from one church to the other. It divides your attention and resources. Ask yourself the

following questions:

 Which church do I belong?

 Who is my pastor?

 Who are my church members?

 Which spiritual authority would I refer to in time of crisis?

 Which spiritual covering do I have over me?

Answer these questions genuinely and stay with your church and invest your time and resources. A

double minded person is unstable in all his/her ways. A believer needs to be careful in these times of

many quack preachers and prophets. Be careful who lays hands on you. You might be hearing different

teachings, picking up different spirits and attitudes that are contrary to your church. It has the potential

of breeding confusion, non- commitment to any church and in the end you may fall away. Every church

has its own culture, ministry practices, songs, ways of worships, standards of discipline and church

management strategies. You may end up being confused. Make a decision to be at one place, support

the growth of Bethel and give yourself to training. Catch the vision and run with it!

2. BE A STABLE MEMBER (1 Cor. 15:58)

Decide to stay in this body of Christ forever. You cannot grow if you are a Christian today but tomorrow

you are claiming to be someone else. Stay in the Lord! Do not backside. A car that moves and breaks

down regularly will not achieve much. A tree that changes soil many times in a year will not grow well.

These are 3 rules in becoming stable:

1. Decide to be a permanent

2. Decide to catch the vision of Bethel and participate in it.

3. Find your place and function appropriately

3. BE A RESPECTFUL MEMBER (Romans 13:1-7, Hebrews 13:17)

God’s greatest passion is order. Therefore He has set authorities to bring and maintain order.

These authorities are the leaders God places over us. God therefore demands that we respect and obey

them because they oversee the ministry and shall give account to God for our lives.

How to show respect to leadership

A. Be loyal to leadership

B. Be submissive: both to older and younger leaders

C. Support and serve them

D. Be truthful to them

E. Honor them

F. Celebrate them

G. Give them gifts

4. BE A GIVING MEMBER (1 Cor. 16:1-2. Malachi 3:10)

God is the giver of all things and He expects you to be faithful with your time, talents and resources.

Therefore as He blesses you, He expects that you will release your wealth for the work of expanding the

Gospel. He expects you to give an offering at meetings - “Most precious seed” for the week. If you give

offering you open the door for God’s blessing into your life (Prov. 3:9-10, Psalm 126:1-6). Additionally,

you are expected to pay your tithe - “most precious fruit regularly”. TITHE is a 1/10 of everything God

blesses you with in the course of each week/month (Mal. 3:8-10).

A. REASONS FOR GIVING IN THE HOUSE

1. To provide resources in God’s House

2. To show love and obedience to God

3. To attract spiritual blessing

4. To advance God’s kingdom on earth

5. To demonstrate unity and commitment in God’s house.

6. To experience abundance of harvest. What you sow is what you reap (II Cor. 9:6-8)

5. BE A COURTEOUS MEMBER (1 Peter 3:7-9)

1. Learn to love people

2. Learn to appreciate our differences: Some are quiet, others are not. Some are loud others are soft

spoken. Some are fast, while others are slow. We are different but belong to the same parent (Jesus).

3. Learn to greet each other warmly

4. Learn to smile with others whether you know them or not

5. Learn to ask and call people by their names

6. Learn to reach out to others---Take peoples’ phone numbers and call them (when appropriate)

6. BE A COMMITTED MEMBER

Do something with your life in the church! Be committed to a small group or a department in the church

and make your talents available for God to use. God calls us generally to do various things in the church.

It is when we are able to carry out these general responsibilities well that God brings the specific call.

Therefore give your best to tasks committed to you. Give yourself to training (Ministry Training and

Seminars) organized by the church. Various training programs are organized by the church for church

workers, leaders, disciples, youth etc. These training programs are to help you be fully equipped as a

Christian worker.

7. BE A MEMBER THAT GIVES GOOD TESTIMONY

Avoid gossiping and reporting things that are not true. It will destroy everything for which the church

Lesson 6: DESIRING SPIRITUAL GROWTH AS A MEMBER OF BETHEL

(Col.2:6-7, Col. 3:1-4, Eph.4:11-15)

WHY GROW SPIRITUALLY? (Galatians 4:1-2)

1. You should grow because you are a spiritual baby (1 Peter.2:2).

As a new believer you are a spiritual baby. As a baby you need to grow.

2. You should grow to avoid degeneration and waste

Everything that has life grows. If you don’t grow, you will stagnate or die spiritually or be

reduced in standard and quality (E.g. A tree or baby).

3. You should grow so God can use you

God will use you as you grow. Growth leads to maturity and produces purposeful living as a

Christian.

4. You should grow so you can understand your Christian faith (Eph. 4:11-16).

Growth helps you in understanding your new status as a Christian.

BENEFITS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

You can live boldly as a Christian (Col 2:6-7)

You will be able to walk with confidence as a Christian in your new found faith. You can

speak the Word and live by the word of God.

You will be established and stable

Growth helps you become rooted in God and your faith in him becomes unmovable and

unshakable. Like a tree, your roots will go deep into the soil and you will be firmly grounded.

Rooted means to have strong convictions, will and determination to follow the Lord and

never backslide by the grace of God. It also means to come to a point where you trust in the

Lord completely.

You can overcome wrong ideas of society and demonic manipulations (Matt 22:29)

This is a means to break away from wrong way of thinking, ideas, beliefs and values of

society. Some of these are political, demonic, economic, religious and social concepts that

are unbiblical (e.g. Alcoholism, libation, sexual perversion, bribery, etc.). This will help you to

break free from traditions of men (E.g. participating in demonic festivals, Polygamy, wild

parties, provocative dressing, sex before marriage, co-habitation, etc.).

To produce the fruits of the spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

You learn the lifestyle that is Christ-like. This is the life-style that pleases God.

You can share in God’s work being done by Bethel (Hebrews 5:12-14)

To grow up and take responsibilities in the church, home and be responsible for yourself and

others. As you grow you will be able to lead, inspire and teach others. Matured people will

teach and lead others whilst babies always want to be fed and visited.

Lesson 7: THE NEED TO DEVELOP A QUIET TIME (PRAYER LIFE)

A. HAVING A GOOD QUIET TIME:

Growing spiritually begins with a good quiet time. This is time spent alone with God in prayer

and the study of God’s word. To have a good quiet time, consider these guidelines:

1) Choose a quiet place daily (ex. in your bed room, library, office, under a tree).

2) Choose an appropriate time. It is best in the mornings or at dawn or anytime when there is

less distraction.

3) Be determined to start and finish your study as planned. Do not procrastinate.

B. THE REAL MEANING OF PRAYER

It’s said that “A prayerful believer is a powerful believer.” A Christian life without prayer is like a

machine without any source of power or fuel to move. Prayer is one of the greatest spiritual

weapons on earth amongst many others like the word of God. Prayer is a means by which we

communicate with God on the basis of His word. Communication means talking to God and God

talking back to us.

Life is full of challenges, problems, satanic attacks and many others. In times of trouble, choose to

pray instead of arguing, worrying, and complaining to many people who may not give you

appropriate answers to your challenge. Prayer holds the key to all life situations. It is a must for

every believer to pray. God has promised to answer the believer’s prayer (Phil. 4:6, Ephesians 6:18).

Psalm 65:2: “For you who answers all our prayers and to you all people will come.”

Jeremiah 33:3: “Call on me and I will answer your prayers.”

Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord though your sins be as scarlet, they

shall be as white as snow; though they be red as crimson they shall be as wool.”

C. HOW TO PRAY

The best model prayer is found in Mathew 6:5-15

1) Start your prayer with worship.

Use the word “Father” a lot when you are praying. Know that God is your father when

praying and that you have a personal relationship with him

2) Praise Him for what He can do in your life and know that His name is Holy.

3) Intercede for the Kingdom of God (Mathew 6:10)

i. Pray that the will of God will be done on earth

ii. Pray for souls to be saved

iii. Pray that many people will respond to the call of God for evangelism

iv. Pray for the sick to be healed

4) Pray for your personal needs (Mathew 6:11-13)

5) Always end your prayer by giving thanks to God

Another way to think about how to pray is to remember the acronyms of prayer or pray.

Acronyms can help when we feel we do not know how to pray. Write your favorites inside the cover

of your Bible so they are handy. Here are some suggestions:

A. What is prayer? PRAYER - Positive, Reassuring, Action, Yielding, Eternal, Results

B. How to remember types of prayer:

ACTS - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication

PRAY - Praise, Repentance, Asking for others and asking for Yourself

PRAY - Praise Repent Ask and Yield

D. EXAMPLES OF THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT

1. Pray for the nation and city in which you live (Jeremiah 29:7)

2. Pray for all men in leadership in the country (1st Timothy 2:1-3); President, Ministers,

elected officers, etc.

3. Pray for all men/women of God

 Pray for utterance and boldness (Ephesians 6:18-19, Colossians 4:3)

 Pray for deliverance (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

 Pray for the continuous supply of the spirit (Philippians 1:19)

 Pray so that they do not sin (Hebrew 13:18)

4. Pray for signs and wonders (Romans 15:19, 17,18, Hebrew 2:3-4, Mark 16:20)

5. Pray for understanding of the scriptures (Luke 24:45, Ephesians 1:18, Psalm 119:18)

6. Pray that God shows you your gifts and talents so that you can use it to serve in the

church.

7. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost baptism

8. Pray for the church and the establishment of God’s will on the earth͘

ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS PRAYER (Mark 11:22-24, Mark 9:23, Matthew

7:7-11, Psalm 65:2, Luke 11:5-13)

Lesson 8: THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER

Someone once said that a Christian is only as strong as his/her prayer life. There is a great deal of truth

in this statement because prayer is simply communicating with God. When you read the Bible, God

speaks to you; when you pray, you speak to God. Your personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ

cannot grow without proper communication.

I. What is the purpose of prayer?

A. It is NOT to move God for you or to change His mind; it is for you to be conformed to His will.

B. A proper prayer life results in a peace of heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

C. It is to draw you closer to God so that He can prove His sufficiency for your every need.

God is active in every detail of your life, and He knows exactly what you need even before you

ask Him (Matthew 6:8).

God allows needs to come into your life so that He can draw you to meet with Him (Psalm

50:15)

The most dangerous time in your life is when every single need is met and you have need of

nothing - including God (Rev. 3:16-17).

God uses your needs to draw you to a place where He can bless you and reveal to you that your

real need is simply the Lord Jesus Christ and His grace. The classic example of this tremendously

important principle is Paul’s thorn in the flesh (II Corinthians 12:7-10).

This is why it is absolutely essential to give thanks for everything, including the needs and

difficult times in life (I Thess. 5:18).

That is also why it is essential to develop a consistent prayer attitude where your first reaction in

a difficult moment is to go to God in prayer (I Thess. 5:17).

II. How do I pray?

A. Romans 8:26-27 makes it clear that we do not always know how to pray or what to pray for. That is

why the Spirit, who lives inside you, intercedes for you in prayer.

B. Here are some basic guidelines:

Pray always - develop a lifestyle of prayer (I Thessalonians 5:17)

Do not repeat the same words over and over (Matthew 6:7)

Talk to the Lord as a friend. He is your friend! (John 15:13-14; Exodus 33:11; Proverbs 18:24)

Realize that you have DIRECT access to God personally. You do not need to go through any man

to talk to God. I Timothy 2:5; Ephesians 2:18

C. There are some things in your life which will hinder your prayers.

1) Un-repented sin - Isaiah 59:1-2; Psalm 66:18

2) Unforgiving spirit - Matthew 6:14-15

3) Bitterness toward your spouse (as well as others) - I Peter 3:7

4) Not asking for the needs and desires of your heart - James 4:2

5) Asking with wrong or selfish motives - James 4:3; Proverbs 21:13

6) Insensitivity to the Word of God - Proverbs 28:9

III. There are four basic types of prayer (I Timothy 2:1)

1) Adoration: Worshiping God for who He is and what He has done, is doing and will continue to

do.

2) Supplication - specific requests. Philippians 4:6 says to “͘͘͘ let your requests be made known unto

God͘” Too many prayers are wasted because they are so general. For example: “God, please give

me a blessing.” Is it possible to be more specific? If so, then be!

3) Intercessions - prayers for oneself and others. This is important to keep your motives pure.

4) Thanksgiving - Psalm 100:4 makes it clear that we enter the presence of God through

thanksgiving and praise.

IV. Keep track of your prayer request.

A. Making a list will help you remember what to pray for.

B. Keeping a list of answered prayers is tremendously important to reinforce our faith in God’s ability to

answer prayers.

V. Common questions.

A. Does God answer all of my prayers?

Yes, but not always the way you may want or at the time you want. As we have learned, God is our

Heavenly Father and all His ways are perfect. There will be times when in His infinite wisdom the best

answer to prayer will be “NO” or “NOT YET.” In those times, simply trust Him.

B. How important is it to pray for others?

1. Paul prayed for others continually (Romans 1:9) and requested prayers as well on many occasions

(Hebrews 13:18; II Thessalonians 3:1).

2. I Samuel 12:23 says “It’s a sin against God not to pray for others”.

3. Be faithful in prayer. The full results of your prayer will never be completely known until you get to

heaven.

Lesson 9: THE BIBLE---GOD’S HOLY WORD

“What is the Significance of the Bible?”

What separates Christianity from any other “religion” in the world is its claim to an absolute written

authoritative Word from God. Having, knowing and living according to the Word of God are essential to

a Christian’s growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The standards by which a Christian is to

govern his/her life in every detail are found in the pages of the Word of God.

I. The Word of God is active in salvation.

A. I Peter 1:23 says a man is born again “BY THE WORD OF GOD͘” The Word of God is the agent which

brings about the new birth.

B. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith͘͘͘” Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith

cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God͘”

C. James 1:21 says that the Word of God is, “͘͘͘able to save your souls͘”

D. Paul says in I Corinthians 15:1-4:

i. Jesus Christ died for our sins,

ii. Was buried, and He

iii. Rose from the dead ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.

E. We must believe what the Bible says about sin, our condition, and God’s plan of salvation in order

to be saved.

II. Since you are saved by the Word of God, it must be the absolute infallible guide to tell you how to

live. To illustrate:

A. Most major purchases (car, appliances, etc.) are accompanied by an owner’s manual which tells

you how to operate it. If you do not go by the book it may not work.

B. The Bible is God’s “owner’s manual” for your life. God will not save you and call you to service

without a clear and exact direction. To know what to do, you must “go by the Book.”

III. What is the purpose of the Word of God for a Christian?

A. The Word of God equips you for service. “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly

furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16-17; Ephesians 6:10-18).

B. The Word of God sustains you. This is illustrated in the Bible as “spiritual food.” (Read Job 23:12

and Jeremiah 15:16). It is a complete and balanced diet.

1. Milk --I Peter 2:2

2. Honey --Psalm 119:103; Proverbs 16:24

3. Apples --Proverbs 7:2; 25:11

4. Bread --Luke 4:4

5. Water --Isaiah 55:10-11; Ephesians 5:26

6. Meat --Hebrews 5:12-14; I Corinthians 3:1-2

7. Vegetables --Psalm 78:24

C. The Word of God keeps you clean so that you can continue to be pleasing to God (Psalm 119:9-11;

John 15:3)

IV. Is the Bible completely reliable?

A. It is more certain than the audible voice of God. This is a very critical point. It must be understood

that all “experiences” are to be judged by an infallible standard of God’s Word (the Bible) which is

greater than any experience. Peter said the Word of God was MORE CERTAIN than the physical

appearance and audible voice of God.

1. Compare II Peter 1:16-21 with Matthew 17:1-9.

2. Read II Timothy 3:16

B. The universe was created by the spoken Word of God (Hebrews 11:3; Psalm 33:6; Genesis 1:3)

V. How do I learn the Bible?

A. The Holy Spirit of God will lead and guide you into all truth. God may use other instruments to aid

in teaching (books, tapes, preachers, etc.), but the truth is ultimately revealed by the Holy Spirit (1

John 14:26 2; 16:13-15).

B. The Bible is learned by comparing Scripture with Scripture, relying on God’s Spirit to teach you and

not your own natural intellect. “͘͘͘the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:͘͘͘”

I Cor. 2:9-16

VI. A brief history of the Bible.

A. A total of 66 books

B. Written by more than 40 authors

C. Written over a time span of about 1600 years

D. Totally accurate in all areas that it covers

E. Not one contradiction

F. Fits together perfectly as if written by one man

G. THE MIDDLE OF THE BIBLE is Psalm 118:8, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in

man͘” The Lord is the center of the Bible.

VII. Read these famous quotations concerning the Bible.

“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, the

happiness of believers and the return of Christ. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its

histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.”

“Read It to be wise, believe It to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food

to support you and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s

compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.”

“Read It slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of

pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be open at judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves

the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with Its holy

contents.”

VIII. Common Questions:

A. Where should I start reading?

As a young Christian, focus on the primary places which dwell with your new relationship with your

Heavenly Father. The Gospel of John, the Epistle of I John, and Psalm 119 are excellent places to start.

Lesson 10: UNDERSTANDING THE NEED TO STUDY THE BIBLE, PART I

The Bible is an incredible book of history and facts that proves that there is a God that created all things.

Most important of all, the Bible is the Word of God. It contains the mind of God and His will for each one

of our lives. That is why the Bible was given to us. Paul the Apostle says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All

Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for

instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good

work.Η Why should we study the Word of God? Let’s mention a few things about the Bible, the Word of

God, from the on-set.

1. First, the Word of God is infallible. There is no error in God's Word. The law of the Lord is perfect

concerning our soul. The testimony of the Lord is not only infallible it is inerrant. Proverbs 30:5-6,

"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words,

Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." The purity of His words does not need anything added to it.

God warns us not to misrepresent His scripture.

2. Second, the Word of God is complete. The Bible does not need any new chapters or verses. It is all

given to us already. Many cults add their own books or commentaries to the Bible. All you need is God's

Word because it is the holy Word of God. It is complete. In Revelation 22:18-19, God gives us a warning,

"For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these

things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the

words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city,

and from the things which are written in this book."

3. Third, the Word of God is totally authoritative. The book of Psalms 119:89 says "Forever, O LORD,

Your word is settled in heaven." The Word of God is the only source for absolute divine authority. This

divine authority is for you and me as servants of Jesus Christ. When some say, "I have a word from the

Lord for you," write it down and as you study God's word see if the Lord speaks to you through His

Scriptures. Only then will you know if the Lord is truly speaking to you.

4. Fourth, God's Word is totally sufficient for all of our needs. We don't need anything else. In 2

Timothy 3:16-17 it reads "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for

reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,

thoroughly equipped for every good work." We Christians can be totally secure in the Lord by studying

the Bible because it is God's plan for our life.

5. Fifth, the Word of God will accomplish what it promises. If God told you something will happen, and

you wait, it will happen. In Isaiah 55:11 it says, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It

shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for

which I sent it." God sent His word to accomplish His perfect will in our lives. If God makes a promise to

you He will fulfill it in His own time. There are so many promises given to us in the Bible. These promises

reassure us and bring comfort to our lives in our times of trial. Be challenged to take time to study the

Word of God. The Lord will show you wonderful things that will change your life.

Let’s examine a few reasons why we should personally study the Word of God and how studying it

impacts our lives:

A. As part of our spiritual duty, we are commanded to study it in order to lead a successful life (Joshua

1:8-9, 11 Tim 2:15).

The word of God is a manual for life. It reveals Gods purpose for creating the world and all humankind.

The more we read it, the more we know God's mind for our lives. It is a source of meaning to man.

B. The Word of God will make you grow spiritually (1Peter 2:2, Act 20:32).

The Human body feeds basically on solid food to grow physically. So also the spirit of man feeds on the

word of God and prayer in order to grow spiritually. As a baby feeds on breast milk to grow, we also

need the Word to grow. Breast milk contains all minerals, vitamins and even water the baby needs to

grow. The Word contains everything a believer needs to be successful in his/her spiritual walk with God.

It nourishes our spirit, soul and even our body.

C. The Word of God will make you understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14).

The life we live is a spiritual one. We are spirits; we have a soul and live in a body. By studying the Word

we come to know and understand God and spiritual things better.

D. The word of God will help you stay away from sin (Psalms 119:9-11, Proverbs 7:1-5).

E. The Word of God will make you wise (2 Timothy 3:15, Proverbs 20:23).

F. The word of God will help your faith to grow (Romans 10:17) “So then faith comes by hearing, and

hearing by the word of God”.

Studying the word of God is not the only requirement to retain or increase our initial faith, but it is the

first essential step. Just as natural babies will die if they are not fed, so as new-born "babes in Christ",

we will not grow or die spiritually if we do not "desire the sincere milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2), which

is our spiritual food. Faith is very important to God, we cannot please him without it (Hebrews 11:6),

and "whatever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). As God obviously wishes us to please him and avoid

sin, he has called Christians everywhere to "live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11;

Hebrews 10:38). Faith is very important to us too, because through faith we can obtain justification

(Romans 3:28; 5:1), freedom from sickness for ourselves (Matthew 9:22; 9:29; Luke 17:19), and our

loved ones (Matthew 8:13; 15:28). Faith is the most important part of our spiritual armor to resist the

devil (Ephesians 6:16; 1 Peter 5:8-9), but above all else, it is through faith that we obtain our salvation

(John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:9). As "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God"

(Romans 10:17), how can any of us survive if we do not feed our spirits with the word of God?

G. It will also direct us in life and correct our bad attitude and conducts (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalms

119:105, Psalms 119:103).

Lesson 11: ADDITIONAL REASONS WHY A CHRISTIAN MUST STUDY THE

BIBLE

Have you ever heard anyone ask, “Why should a Christian study the Bible? Is the church bible study not

enough? Is the Bible the word of God?” Some would love to study the Bible but seem not to have the

time for it. Let’s share additional reasons why a Christian MUST seek to engage in personal Bible study.

It’s important to keep in mind that the Bible is God’s words to mankind. nybody who cares to study it

gets to know more about God, what and how He thinks, and why He thinks the way He does. Also, the

Bible teaches us how God operates and how to plug into His ways to enjoy all of God’s blessings and

escape destruction.

Remember these facts:

A. The Bible is infallible in its totality

B. The Bible is inerrant in its parts

C. The Bible is complete

D. The Bible is authoritative and final

E. The Bible is totally sufficient for your needs

F. The Bible accomplishes what it promises

F. The Bible provides assurance of salvation

Key scriptures to remember: Revelation 22:18-19, John 8:47; 20:31, Psalm 119:89, Psalm 19:7, Isaiah

55:11, Proverbs 30:5-6

If any of the above words are new to you, here are a few definitions you might find helpful:

Inerrancy: The Bible is free from error in all it affirms.

Infallibility: The Bible is unfailing in its purpose.

Sufficiency: The Bible contains all needed information for Christian living.

Authority: The Bible carries the right to prescribe beliefs and actions.

Why should we study the Bible then?

1. Revelation of our position in Christ

The Bible is centered round the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, from Genesis to Revelation. The

scriptures point to the salvation of mankind by Jesus. This was fulfilled in the New Testament. Jesus

redeemed man and restored his relationship back to God, restoring him to his original state before the

fall. Bible study reveals this to us and teaches us how to gain access to this victory and how we can

exercise this triumph only in Christ. That is, it reveals who you are in Christ and what power you have in

Christ Jesus. We are seated with Christ in the place of authority in heavenly places as Ephesians 2:5-6

says.

2. Revelation of our inheritance in Christ

Through studying the Bible, a Christian discovers what belongs to him/her as a believer. Paul said in Acts

20:32 that the word of God is able to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. This

inheritance includes healing, prosperity, long life, peace etc., and ultimately eternal life. When people

are ignorant of what they stand to enjoy as Christians, the devil will always cheat or destroy them, just

like God said in Hosea 4:6 that His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

3. Revelation of our authority over the devil

Bible study reveals our authority over the devil. Though Satan has dominion over the world, he does not

have dominion over the Christians. He only oppresses believers who do not know their authority over

him and how to exercise it. Jesus said in Luke 10:19 that he has given you power to trend on serpents

and scorpions and over ALL the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

4. Spiritual growth

Eating of food is to the body what studying the Bible is to the spirit. Peter encouraged new believers in 1

Peter 2:2 to desire the sincere milk of the word so they can grow. Also in Hebrews 5:12-14, Paul was

rebuking the Hebrews that they ought to have graduated to strong meat from milk. Therefore bible

study enables a baby Christian to grow spiritually to become a matured Christian believer. The word of

God in your heart keeps you away from sin and causes you to live a victorious life in Christ.

5. Direction

You enjoy divine direction and guidance by studying the Bible and doing what it says. The psalmist

described the word of God in Psalm 119:105 as a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path. Bible study

enables you to know what step to take in any situation that will lead you to success and not failure, to

life and not death, to victory and not defeat. It is what makes the difference between a blind doubting

Christian and a seeing believing Christian.

6. Wisdom and understanding

The Bible is a bank of wisdom. Through bible study, wisdom and understanding are imparted unto

Christian believers. The “Psalmist said in Psalm 119:98-99 that God’s words made him wiser than his

enemies and gave him more understanding than his teachers. All the wisdom and understanding you

need are in the bible but it is through studying the bible that they can be delivered to you.

Wisdom begins when we ask God to supply it - Solomon asked wisdom of God - 1 Kings 3:9; James 1:5.

Wisdom is thinking and living as God would have us live. When we put God and His interests first, God

promises to supply all our need. Notice how Solomon asked for wisdom to do the job God had given him

to do, not wisdom to acquire wealth for himself. See Matthew 6:31-33. We are unable to receive

wisdom when our goals are self-centered rather than God-centered.

Wisdom is the ability to appropriate truth, as God defines truth, into everyday living. Wisdom gives us

the ability to see life from God’s perspective and then discern the right action to take. It gives us the

perception needed to understand the intimate knowledge of God and grow yet wiser through that

knowledge. Wisdom causes us to understand the subtleties of human nature and recognize error.

Wisdom enables us to see the delights of God's truths and experience the joys of incorporating them

into our lives. Wisdom begins with a right respect for God, leads to right living, and results in the ability

to discern right from wrong. The blessings and benefits of wisdom exceed any that are derived from

riches or pleasures in this life and produce great joy in the life of believers.

Wisdom and discernment is the ability to recognize truth and issues that are not always obvious. 1 Kings

3:16-28 - Solomon settled this dispute by recognizing human nature and understanding the subtle

motivations that lay under the surface of the apparent problem.

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge to everyday life - God gave Solomon wisdom, but Solomon

had to apply that wisdom in the daily administration of his life. Knowing what is wise is not the same as

acting on it. Solomon remained wise throughout his life, but he did not always act upon what he knew

was wise.

7. Boldness

Many Christians shy away from talking about Jesus because they do not have word of God in them. They

are afraid that if they are asked some questions they would not know the answers. Bible study takes

care of that. Paul admonished Timothy, in 2 Timothy 2:15 that he should study so that he would not be

ashamed but be able to teach the word of truth accurately.

Studying the Bible though requires that you set aside time for it. It is indispensable if you are to enjoy

your Christian walk with Jesus. Furthermore, church bible study cannot take the place of personal study

of the word of God in a Christian’s life, both are needed. ttend to God’s words, let them not depart

from your eyes and keep them in your heart, and they will be life and health to your body. Make

studying the bible a priority in your life today and you will be happy you did tomorrow.

Lesson 12: LEARNING HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE, Part I

It has been established that studying the Bible is very important. The question that many of us wrestle

with is, “How do we study the Bible in order to get the most out of the time we spend studying it. If we

want to be honor, studying the Bible can be confusing, intimidating and not very exciting if you don’t

understand how to study it. Let’s examine 5 simple steps for studying the Bible effectively.

Steps 1 Observation—What does the passage say?

Step 2 Investigation---What is really happening here?

Step 3: Interrogation--Who, What, Where, When?

Step 4: Interpretation—What does the passage mean?

Step 5: Application—What am I going to do about what the passage says and means?

Step 1: Observation

Observation is the first and most important step in how to study the Bible. As you read the Bible text,

you need to look carefully at what is said, and how it is said. Look for:

● Terms, not words: Words can have many meanings, but terms are words used in a specific way in

a specific context. (For instance, the word trunk could apply to a tree, a car, or a storage box.

However, when you read, “That tree has a very large trunk,” you know exactly what the word

means, which makes it a term.)

● Structure: If you look at your Bible, you will see that the text has units called paragraphs

(indented or marked). A paragraph is a complete unit of thought. You can discover the content of

the author’s message by noting and understanding each paragraph unit.

● Emphasis: The amount of space or the number of chapters or verses devoted to a specific topic

will reveal the importance of that topic (for example, note the emphasis of Romans 9 and Psalms

119).

● Repetition: This is another way an author demonstrates that something is important. One

reading of 1 Corinthians 13, where the author uses the word “love” nine times in only 13 verses,

communicates to us that love is the focal point of these 13 verses.

● Relationships between ideas: Pay close attention, for example, to certain relationships that

appear in the text.

2. Investigation: Further Observation

—Cause-and-effect: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will

make you ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21).

—Ifs and thens: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek

My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal

their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

—Questions and answers: “Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty” (Psalms 24:8)

● Comparisons and contrasts: For example, “You have heard that it was said͙but I say to you͙”

(Matthew 5:21).

● Literary form: The Bible is literature, and the three main types of literature in the Bible are

discourse (the epistles), prose (Old Testament history), and poetry (the Psalms). Considering the

type of literature makes a great deal of difference when you read and interpret the Scriptures.

● Atmosphere: The author under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit had a particular reason or

burden for writing each passage, chapter, and book. Be sure you notice the mood or tone or

urgency of the writing.

3͘

fter you have considered these things, you then are ready to ask the “Wh” questions͘

Who? What? Where? When?

 Who are the people in this passage? What is happening in this passage? Where is this story

taking place? When in time (of day, of the year, in history) is it?

 sking these four “Wh” questions can help you notice terms and identify atmosphere. The

answers will also enable you to use your imagination to recreate the scene you’re reading

about.

 s you answer the “Wh” questions and imagine the event, you’ll probably come up with some

questions of your own.

 Asking those additional questions for understanding will help to build a bridge between

observation (the first step) and interpretation (the second step) of the Bible study process.

4. Interpretation

Interpretation is discovering the meaning of a passage, the author’s main thought or idea. nswering

the questions that arise during observation will help you in the process of interpretation. Five clues

(called “the five C’s”) can help you determine the author’s main point(s):

● Context: You can answer 75 percent of your questions about a passage when you read the text.

Reading the text involves looking at the near context (the verse immediately before and after) as

well as the far context (the paragraph or the chapter that precedes and/or follows the passage

you’re studying).

● Cross-references: Let Scripture interpret Scripture. That is, let other passages in the Bible shed

light on the passage you are looking at. At the same time, be careful not to assume that the same

word or phrase in two different passages means the same thing.

● Culture: The Bible was written long ago, so when we interpret it, we need to understand it from

the writers’ cultural context.

● Conclusion: Having answered your questions for understanding by means of context, cross-

reference, and culture, you can make a preliminary statement of the passage’s meaning.

Remember that if your passage consists of more than one paragraph, the author may be

presenting more than one thought or idea.

● Consultation: Reading books known as commentaries, which are written by Bible scholars, can help

you interpret Scripture.

5. Application

Application is why we study the Bible. We want our lives to change; we want to be obedient to God and

to grow more like Jesus Christ. After we have observed a passage and interpreted or understood it to

the best of our ability, we must then apply its truth to our own life.

You’ll want to ask the following questions of every passage of Scripture you study:

● How does the truth revealed here affect my relationship with God?

● How does this truth affect my relationship with others?

● How does this truth affect me?

● How does this truth affect my response to the enemy, Satan?

The application step is not completed by simply answering these questions; the key is putting into

practice what God has taught you in your study. Although at any given moment you cannot be

consciously applying everything you’re learning in Bible study, you can be consciously applying

something. And when you work on applying a truth to your life, God will bless your efforts by, as noted

earlier, conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ.

Lesson 13: PRACTICAL METHODS OF STUDYING THE BIBLE

There are many ways to study the Bible͘ Let’s share two methods.

If you need help getting started, this particular method is great for beginners but can be geared toward

any level of study. As you become more comfortable studying God's Word, you will begin to develop

your own techniques and discover favorite resources that will make your study very personal and

meaningful.

1. Choose a Book of the Bible

With this method, you will study an entire book of the Bible. If you've never done this before, start with

a small book, preferably from the New Testament. The books of James, Titus, 1 Peter, or 1 John are all

good choices for first-timers. Plan to spend 3-4 weeks studying the book you have chosen.

2. Begin with Prayer

Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your studies. Probably one of the most common reasons

Christians don't study the Bible is based on this complaint, "I just don't understand it!" Before you start

each study session or personal study, begin by praying and asking God to open your spiritual

understanding.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,

correcting and training in righteousness." So, as you pray, realize that the words you are studying are

inspired by God. Psalm 119:130 tells us, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding

to the simple." (NIV)

3. Read the Entire Book

Understanding and applying themes. Next, you'll spend some time, perhaps several days, reading

through the entire book. Do this more than once. As you read, look for themes that may be woven into

the chapters. Sometimes you'll detect a general message in the book. For example, in the book of James,

an obvious theme is "persevering through trials." Take notes on the ideas that jump out at you.

Look also for "life application principles." An example of a life application principle in the book of James

is: "Make sure your faith is more than just a statement -- it should result in action." It's a good practice

to try and pull out these themes and applications on your own as you meditate, even before you begin

using other study tools. This gives an opportunity for God's Word to speak to you personally.

4. Zoom In

Seek deeper understanding. This requires slowing down and read the book verse by verse, breaking

down the text, looking for deeper understanding. Hebrews 4:12 begins with, "For the word of God is

living and active..." Are you starting to get excited about Bible study? What a powerful statement!

In this step, we'll see what the text looks like under a microscope, as we begin breaking it down. Using a

Bible dictionary (if you have one), look up the meaning of the word living in the original language. It is

the Greek word 'Zaõ' meaning, "not only living but causing to live, vivifying, quickening." You start to see

a deeper meaning: "God's Word causes life to come about; it quickens."

Because God’s Word is alive, you can study the same passage several times and continue to discover

new, relevant applications throughout your walk of faith.

5. Choose Your Tools

Choose tools to help. For this portion of your study, you will want to consider choosing the right tools to

aid in your learning, such as a commentary, lexicon or Bible dictionary (if they are available). Try to use

online resources too if possible. A Bible study guide or perhaps a study Bible will also help you dig

deeper. There are also many useful online Bible study resources available if you have access to a

computer for your study time.

As you continue to do this type of verse by verse study, there's no limit to the wealth of understanding

and growth that will come from your time spent in God's Word.

6. Be a Doer of the Word

Don't just study God's Word for the sake of studying. Be sure to put the Word into practice in your life.

Jesus said in Luke 11:28, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into

practice." (NLT)

If God speaks to you personally or through life application principles you find in the text, be sure to

apply those nuggets to your day-to-day life.

7. Set Your Own Pace

Once you've finished the first book, choose another one and follow the same steps. You may want to

spend much more time digging into the Old Testament and some of the longer books of the Bible.

Another Method to use is:

1. Read the word daily

a. Read one chapter of the bible a day.

b. Read a Christian literature with a specific topic in mind each day

2. Listen to good Christian tapes

a. Listen to Your pastors/Bishop messages directly, online or tapes.

b. Get recommendations from your pastors/bishops on other preachers whose teaching could

help you grow in your walk with Christ.

c. Listen consistently and share with others what you have learned. This enables you to share

your faith and thus grow deeper in the things of God.

3. Study specific topics of interest in God’s word (Acts.17:11)

This means having an aim of the study and systematically reading to get the facts about it. E.g.

studying the topic Holy Spirit, names of the father etc.

4. Meditate upon the word of God (Joshua.1:8, Ps.1:1-3)

a. Think about what you read

Lesson 14: THE BENEFIT OF KNOWING THE BIBLE

The Bible remains the only source of divine revelation and power that can sustain you as a Christian in

your walk with God. It is a living instruction book that brings blessing and hope to all who read it.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word as “alive and powerful” and 2 Timothy 3:16 says it is “God breathed.”

2 Peter 1:20-21 tells us the Bible was written by men, but God is the author.

Let’s examine few benefits of knowing God’s Word:

Answered prayer (John 15:7, Proverbs 28:9): Jesus said if we continue in a vital relationship with Him

and His Word is in us, whatever we ask will be given to us. If His Word is in us, we must conclude that we

will be praying in His will (1 John 5:14-15). However, if we turn our ear away from hearing His Word, our

prayer is an abomination to God (Proverbs 28:9). Here are a few additional scriptures:

 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call

unto him (Ps. 4:3).

 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those

things that are pleasing in his sight (I John 3:22).

 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto

you (John 15:7).

Victory over sin (Psalms 119:9-11, 1 John 2:14, John 8:31-32, Psalms 37:31). The Word of God

makes us aware of sin and keeps us from sliding down a slippery slope. It doesn’t mean we will

never fail, but we won’t continue to slide down. Like Peter, we will rise up victorious over failure.

After denying Christ, he ministered with power on the day of Pentecost. The Bible will keep you

from sin as sin will keep you from the Bible.

Spirit-Filled living (Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16). There’s no easy way to stay filled with

God’s Spirit. We must read the Word and spend time with Him in prayer. The context of these

passages is nearly identical. One refers to being filled with the Spirit, while the other talks about

the Word of Christ dwelling in us. The secret to being filled and remaining full of the Holy Spirit is

to saturate yourself with His Word.

The Word brings purpose in life. “Sanctify them in your truth, your Word is truth. s you have

sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:17-18). Jesus came into the

world to fulfill a purpose. Likewise, as we study His Word we find purpose in Him. Sanctification is

not only setting us apart from sin, but also setting us apart for His divine purpose. Want to know

God’s purpose for your life? Dive into the Bible until He reveals it to you.

The Word causes spiritual growth (Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 2:2). We cannot grow spiritually apart

from the Word. If we don’t eat we won’t grow and will eventually die. We grow from the Word in

two ways:

 Maturity. Peter said we must desire the milk of the Word to grow, but we can’t thrive on milk

alone. We must also eat solid food to grow to maturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-2, Hebrews 5:12-14).

 Increased faith. All Christians want to have more faith. Even the disciples desired this (Luke

17:5). The best way to increase faith is by spending time in the Word. “Faith comes by hearing,

and hearing by the Word” (Romans 10:17). Our faith will never grow through personal study

alone - we must also hear the Word proclaimed in church (Romans 10:13-17).

The Word produces fruit in our lives (Psalms 1:2-3). The Psalmist gives us a picture of a tree

planted near a river with its roots going deep into the ground drinking water. Every time we

immerse ourselves in the Word of God we are filled with His Spirit (John 15:16). Just like the tree

planted by the river, the result is fruitfulness.

The Word defeats the enemy (Matthew 4:3-11, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Corinthians 10:4-

5). The Bible is the main offensive weapon for every Christian. We have victory over the enemy

through the Word. We are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus said Satan desired to sift

Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31) and he desires the same for us. Jesus used the Word to defeat Satan

and so should we. It equips us and makes us strong for battle (1 John 2:14). Knowing it isn’t

enough. A weapon must be used or it is worthless.

The Word brings success to life (Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:2-3, James 1:25). God told Joshua the Word

must not depart from his mouth and he must do all that is written in it (Joshua 1:8). The principles

in the Bible work. Meditate on them day and night (Psalms 1:2-3). God promised if we put the

Word into practice He will bless us in all things (James 1:25).

The Word makes us competent counselors (Romans 15:14, 2 Timothy 3:16). Biblical counseling is

listening to a person’s problems or struggles and applying God’s Word to them. Concerning the

children of Israel, Moses said, “When they have a dispute, I judge between a man and his neighbor

and make known the statutes of God and His laws” (Exodus 18:16). This is exactly how we are to

counsel. What I think does a person little good, but what God says is of infinite value. It’s the Word

that has the power to change lives.

The spoken Word is powerful (Isaiah 55:10-11). Don’t be afraid to say Bible verses out loud. When

going through difficulties or ministering to someone, speak His Word with authority. It will be

released into the spiritual realm and continue to work until it fulfills God’s purpose. Like rain

watering seed in the ground, it may take a season to come to fruition, but it will come to pass.

10. The Word is a cleansing agent (Ephesians 5:25-27, John 15:3). The Word has a cleansing affect in

our lives. Have you ever done something wrong, confessed it as sin, knew God had forgiven you (1

John 1:9), but still felt guilty? It’s during these times we must allow the Word to cleanse us. It is

both a mirror showing us our sin (James 1:23-24) and a wash basin to cleanse us from impurities.

11. The Word brings comfort and hope (Romans 15:4, Hebrews 6:17-20). Many Christians can testify

to being discouraged and hopeless, and after reading a few verses or hearing a message preached

were filled with hope, comfort and encouragement. During times of despair we usually don’t feel

like reading the Bible, but this is exactly when we need to. Get into the Word and let God

encourage you.

12. The Word gives guidance and direction (Psalms 119:105). “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a

light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105). The Bible shines a light on our path so we know which way

Lesson 15: IMPORTANCE OF FELLOWSHIP AMONG BELIEVERS, Part I

(Ps 122:1-2, Heb. 10:25, Acts 2:42-47, Eccl 4:9)

Once you give your life to Christ, it is necessary to stay in God’s house so you have good spiritual

nourishment. Just as fish cannot survive on dry land, and a goat can’t survive in water, so can the

believer not survive outside God’s house, God’s word and the Holy Spirit. To grow spiritually and

understand the things of God better, you need to stay in God’s house, (i.e. constantly coming to church).

There is an adage which states, “No man is an island.” We need one another to meet a lot of needs in

our lives. In fellowship, we stay committed to one another. We also stay together for a common

purpose; to learn God’s word and worship together. The Greek word for fellowship is koinoni which

means staying together warmly or in a peaceful environment.

REASONS WHY WE MUST FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship is good for pastoral and spiritual covering (Heb. 13:7, 17).

It is the pastor’s responsibility to take care of his sheep. Only good sheep stay with their

shepherd and stay in their enclosure. Coming to church helps the pastor to oversee your life and

help in any way he/she can.

For proper spiritual growth (Heb. 10:25).

During fellowship you are taught the word of God, you learn to pray and you learn a lot of other

spiritual skills like leading a team, learning to lead in meetings, learning to pray and fast.

Fellowship offers encouragement in difficult and discouraging times: (Eccl. 4:9, Heb.10:24-25,

Prov. 27:17). Everyone needs support and encouragement at some point in time. Fellowship

with one another in God’s house offers encouragement in times of need and sharpens you

spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Iron sharpens iron and so does the presence of one

brother/sister lifts up another.

In honor of God’s command (Heb. 10:25)

For inspiring positively committed to the things of God

(Phil

3:17. Hebrews 10:24-25).

People learn more by watching and practicing than what they hear. Coming to church and

seeing others making progress in their Christian life has a way of motivation others to do the

same. It motivates us as believers to engage in good works. You are inspired better when you

fellowship with other believers in church. You learn many things about Christianity. Remember

you are influenced well when you watch and participate and your confidence in the things of

God grows. Like charcoal in a coal pot, it burns better when it is together with other in the same

pot. When it is isolated, it burns for a while and dies out. Staying out of church may cause you to

backslide. Your absence gradually kills the “fire” in you. Doubt begins to filter into your life.

Gradually you fall away out of unbelief. Look at the life of Thomas, one of the disciples of our

Lord Jesus. He was not present when the Lord appeared to the other disciples in the upper room

(church) after his resurrection. Consequently, he doubted and is known as “Doubting Thomas.”

You may gradually find sin appealing and begin to justify your sinful life. With time you will be

spiritually hardened.

HOW TO GROW IN FELLOWSHIP

Attend services regularly ( Ps 122:1-2)

The first principle of growing in church and Christian fellowship is to attend services regularly.

Attend church on Sundays or the designated days set aside for worship and teaching services.

Join a group or cell:

Bethel churches have lots of smaller ministries and cells for fellowship. The church may be large

but through the cells and group system, everyone is connected to one another. In a smaller

group setting, you can focus your energy, gifts and talents. It is a source of support and

commitment to the church.

Make good Christian friends (Prov. 13:20, I Corinthians 15:33).

Choose your friends carefully and wisely. Many people come into the church for funny reasons.

Avoid people with dubious characters and if possible report them to your pastor or leader. If you

keep company with carnally minded and ungodly people, you would end up learning their ways

and you could be badly affected. Bad communication will influence you to behave badly.

Do not walk with an unbeliever (II Corinthians 6:14-18).

One of the most difficult decisions you would have to make is to break relationship with

unbelievers. Light and darkness do not have anything in common. In the same manner, believers

and unbeliever cannot mix. They may be your classmates, work colleagues or even your

business partners. If you keep them as confidants and share your life with them, if you do not

affect them, they would affect you eventually. So be careful. You are in the light so stay with

believers. Moreover, because of your past do not walk with those people you used to be like.

They might influence you to backslide.

Love one another (1 John 4:11-21)

One of the biggest signs of a believer is showing love to your spiritual brothers and sisters. Be

conscious to help those in need, talk to each other well, show respect and learn to keep

confidential information about other.

 Be conscious to help one another (Gal. 6:2, Act 2: 42-47)

 Talk to each other well (Col. 4:6)

 Confess your faults one to another (James 5:16)

This and many other things would keep the church together as one body.

Lesson 16: IMPORTANCE OF FELLOWSHIP AMONG BELIEVERS, Part II

Fellowship is one of the key ingredients for spiritual growth. It breaks down several Greek words used in

key scripture passages that speak of the importance of believers gathering.

Biblical Fellowship Evolves From A Relationship With Christ (1Jo 1:3)

The word for “fellowship” is the Greek word koinōnia. Koinōnia, from koinos, has the basic

meaning of having something in common or being in association. It’s the word that was used

for common enterprises, business partnerships, and marriage relationships.

B. In the NT, in regard to believers, koinōnia is used for having common spiritual associations,

goals, and benevolence.

C. Koinōnia is the common spiritual association with Christ between all believers whose common

goal is to exalt Christ, as well as edify and meet the needs of one another.

D. The most important association the believer has is with Christ. John introduces that very

purpose in 1 John 1:3.

John has been testifying and proclaiming the “Word of Life (Christ)” to his readers.

His purpose was that his readers would have fellowship (koinōnia - common spiritual

association) with John, who also had fellowship (koinōnia) with the Father and the Son.

3. Therefore, John’s ultimate purpose was for his readers to have fellowship (koinōnia) with

the Father and the Son (1 Cor. 1:9).

E. When a sinner places his/her trust in Christ as Savior, he/she possesses an eternal relationship

with the living God. If the believer sins, his/her relationship is secured. However, un-repented

sin hinders our fellowship with God.

F. To have fellowship (koinōnia - common spiritual association) with the Father and the Son

according to 1 John means to:

Have a relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior (1Jo 5:12-13)

Not walk according to sin, i.e. anything contrary to God’s Word (1Jo 1:5-6).

Walk in accordance with the light of God’s Word (1Jo 1:7).

Confess our sins to God regularly (1 John 1:8-10).

G. In addition, the crucial point of biblical fellowship among believers is that Christ is their

preeminent association and all that is said and done revolves around Christ (2Co 6:14). Biblical

fellowship causes spiritual growth because Christ is its subject and source.

II. Biblical Fellowship Edifies the Church (Act 2:42-47)

A. Acts 2:42 outlines the priorities of the early church. Fellowship is one of the priorities to

which the church was continually devoted.

In regard to spiritual growth, fellowship is as important as the Scriptures, prayer etc. That is

exactly why we see a spiritually sound, healthy, and dynamic early church (Act 2:47). Some of

their characteristics were:

Reverence for the power of God (43)

Regard for the needs of the saints (44-45)

Resolution to assemble together (46)

a) Note the word, “continuing” is their continual commitment to assembling together.

b) They assembled together in the temple. The early church had such a commitment

to the Lord, His Word, and the assembly that they met literally every day.

c) They were of one mind (meaning “one passion”) centered on Christ and furthering

His Kingdom.

d) They also had fellowship with one another from house to house. “Breaking bread”

here means regular meals though the Lord’s Table ceremony may have been part

of their meal.

C. There is no question that fellowship is a necessity for a church that is going to be

spiritually sound, healthy, and dynamic.

III. Biblical Fellowship Encourages The Christian (Hebrews 10:24-25; Ecc 4:9-12)

A. One of the reasons why assembling together at church causes spiritual growth is because

believers encourage and stimulate one another.

B. Hebrews 10:24-25 begins with the admonition to keep on thinking (“consider,” katanoeō) of

ways in which to help other Christians grow in Christ.

1. The believer is to stimulate other believers in Christ to grow spiritually. “Stimulate”

(paroxusmos) is a word that in this context means to sharpen or provoke in a good sense.

Believers are to come alongside of other believers and sharpen one another in love and

good deeds.

2. Stimulating love and good deeds takes place in the church by believers sharing the

Scriptures together, discussing spiritual things together, praying for one another, and

meeting one another’s needs.

3. Assembling together primarily took place in the temple or home church. Today it takes

places in the local church. Therefore the writer emphasizes that believers are “not to

forsake” assembling together.

“Forsaking the assembly” may refer to some who were abandoning Christianity (1Jo 2:19).

Or it may have referred to professing Christians who were faltering as evidenced by their

“habit” (custom or habitual practice, or character) of not assembling. Where and how

often a person assembles reveals their fundamental values and priorities.

5. The great purpose for assembling together is encouragement (parakaleō - “one called

alongside;” - to comfort, to encourage, and to exhort). Believers are privileged to take

part in God’s Paraclete ministry (Father - 2Co 1:3-4; Son - Joh 14:16; Holy Spirit - Joh 16:7;

and the believer - 1Th 5:11).

6. Discouragement could very well be the Devil’s number one strategy. For even in nature we

see predators targeting lone prey (1Pet 5:8).

7. The benefits of assembling together could be described in Eccl 4:9-12.

a) Assembling together can render more labor as a group (9).

b) Assembling together can restore fallen Christians (10).

c) Assembling together can rekindle spiritual fervor (11).

d) Assembling together can reinforce victory over temptations (12).

In conclusion, the reason believers should be committed to regularly assembling with one

another is because it is an evidence of their relationship with Christ, it allows them to

strengthen one another, it is a means to having a dynamic church in the community, and it

denies the enemy his number one strategy to cause discouragement.

Lesson 17: BENEFITS OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Habitually neglecting the gathering of God's people is an expensive form of spiritual neglect. We have

examined the importance of Christian Fellowship. Let’s now look at some of the advantages or benefits

of dwelling in fellowship as believers.

When you commit to and embrace Fellowship with God’s people:

1. You demonstrate a sincere love for Jesus (1 John 4:19-20; Romans 12:9-16).

2. You receive the encouragement of harmony (Rom. 15:5).

3. You experience mutual acceptance among radically different people (Rom. 15:7).

4. You benefit from mutual instruction, encouragement and correction (Rom. 15:14).

5. You gain opportunities for joy, mutual comfort, unity, encouragement and peace (2Cor. 13:11;

1Th. 4:18; 1Th. 5:11).

6. You use your new found freedom for the loving service of others (Gal. 5:13).

7. You receive God-given opportunities to develop patience (Eph. 4:1-2).

8. You become aware of God-given opportunities to grow in kindness and forgiving others (Eph.

4:32; Col. 3:13).

9. You receive mutual encouragement and growth that comes from corporate worship before God

(Col 3:16).

10. You demonstrate reverence to Christ (Eph. 5:21).

11. You put yourself on God’s pathway for cultivating spiritual growth (Col. 3:7-10).

12. You gain opportunities to see God’s answers to prayer especially in the lives of others (2 Th.

1:3 cf. 1Th. 3:11-12).

13. You receive confrontation from others, making yourself less vulnerable to the hardening

deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13).

14. You stir up others to love and good works, while being stirred up by others to love and good

works (Heb. 10:24-25).

15. You gain many opportunities to put to death your judgmental spirit (James 4:11, 5:9).

16. You are freed to confess your sins to a brother or sister and benefit by their prayers for you

(James 5:16).

17. You grow in humility (1Pet. 5:5).

Lesson 18: FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

1. WHAT IS FAITH? HOW DO WE GET FAITH?

A. Definitions.

1. Faith is a demonstrated trust in God, a choice followed by corresponding action.

2. Real faith in God (heart faith) is believing and acting on the Word of God, regardless of what

the physical evidence may be.

3. Faith is not something which we have, as much as it is something which we do.

a. Faith is the hand that takes the things we need from God. Illustration: receiving a gift.

b. Believe is an action word, a verb. "To believe" in a Biblical sense means "to take" or "to

grasp." You can believe in Jesus and in salvation without being saved if you have never taken

Him as Savior - you can believe in healing without being healed if you have never received

your healing. Believing is an act of the will.

c. Faith is always based on something. Jesus already provided all that we need through

redemption. Things have to be taken (grasped) in the spirit realm; they don't just fall on you.

4. Regular faith is different from the "gift of faith" or "special faith" (1 Cor.12:9).

B. All believers have faith:

1. We are believers. We have faith or we wouldn't be saved (2 Cor.4:13; Eph.2:8, 9).

a. We are born of God, and we have received His attributes. One of them is faith.

Illustration: we don't have to beg the doctor for hands when we are bor. They are a part of

our body.

2. Without faith it is impossible to please God, so it's important (Heb.11:6).

a. Since God demands we have faith, He must place in our hands the means whereby faith can

be produced.

b. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word (Rom.10:17).

c. The Bible is called "The Word of Faith" (Rom.10:8).

3. Faith is of the heart or the spirit man.

a. Faith is from God & is planted in your spirit when you are born again (Eph.2:8).

b. We all have the measure of faith (Rom.12:3).

c. Faith of the heart is NOT mental agreement (Prov.3:5).

a) Faith can work in your heart with doubt in your head. You can believe something without

understanding it.

b) If you believe something or if it’s just mental agreement, the question is, are you acting on it?

c) Faith is a way of life. "The just shall live by faith" (Rom.1:17; Gal.3:11; Heb.10:38).

4) Miscellaneous observations:

a. We believe in something all the time - whether right or wrong. Many believe that all things are

possible with God (Matt.19:26; Mark 10:27), but they don't want to believe that all things are

possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23). People may think you are a bit odd, but that's all right.

The natural man cannot understand spiritual things (1 Cor.2:14).

C. Faith is based on the Word of God.

1. God's Word is infallible (John 17:17; 2 Tim.3:16; 1 Thes.2:13).

a. His Word is TRUTH; God cannot lie (Num.23:19).

b. You can treat the Word with the same reverence as if Jesus were here in the flesh.

c. If you don't believe the Word, you’re calling God a liar.

2. Faith begins where the will of God is known, and His Word is His will.

a. You cannot get help apart from the Word. God moves in line with His Word.

b. We need to know God's will and His loving and caring nature. Jesus was God manifested in

the flesh; to know about Jesus is to know about the character of God.

c. You need to continually renew your mind as to who you are in Christ. In Him, In whom, etc.

d. It is very importance to READ, STUDY and MEDITATE in the Word of God.

e. Abide in His Word, and receive answered prayer (John 15:7).

f. Obedience is necessary. You have to know the commandments to keep them (1 John 3:22).

3. The promises of the Word are received by faith.

a. We activate the power of God with the switch of faith. Illustration: electricity.

D. Two kinds of faith.

1. Head faith - The disciple called Thomas (John 20:29). This type of faith is based upon natural

truth (senses, feeling and reason, or sense knowledge).

2. Heart faith - Abraham (Rom.4:17-21).

a. Based on God's Word.

b. You know that you're born again though you may not look like it or feel like it. You cannot

explain what salvation looks or feels like, but you believe you have it. Why? The Bible says so

(Rom.10:9-10).

c. Illustration: when you die are you going to heaven? What does it look like? Have you been

there? Where is it? Are you sure you're going there? You cannot give the specifics about

heaven, but you still believe it to be true. This is heart faith.

E. Faith vs. Hope (Hebrews 11:1)

1. Love, hope, and faith are all important and have their places, but you cannot substitute one for

the other. There's a natural human faith and a supernatural faith. An example of natural faith: faith

that a chair will hold you.

Lesson 19: HOW TO GROW IN FAITH (II THES.1:3)

͘ It’s up to us͘

1. Our faith grows as the Word of God becomes more real to us (Rom.10:17).

2. Faith grows through opportunities to use it!

a. There will be some hard places and choices in life. It is not always easy but faith is available.

b. Have patience (Heb.10:35-36; Jas.1:3, 4).

i. Faith and patience working together produce every time (Heb.6:12).

ii. When faith has a tendency to waver, it is patience that comes to faith's aid to make it

stand. It gives endurance to persevere until the answer is manifest.

iii. Without patience, faith many times will fail to stand firm on the Word and will fall short of

the goal.

3. Faith is developed.

a. Faith is a force and must be exercised in order to be developed.

Illustration: developing muscles with physical exercise.

ii.

Start with the easier things first and work up to the harder. Ex. babies learning to walk.

b. Start where you are in your faith walk, not where someone else is.

4. If our faith doesn't seem to be working, we need to start changing.

a. God doesn't change. Jesus doesn't fail. If it is not working, we need to examine ourselves.

b. The answer to your prayer depends more upon you than it does on God.

c. If you do not fail, and there'll never be a prayer or faith failure in your life.

d. Faith works by love (Gal.5:6).

The opposite of faith is fear. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

ii.

Not only are you a faith child of a faith God but a love child of a love God.

iii.

Love, like faith, can grow. They are fruit of the spirit.

iv.

Our faith won't work if we are not walking in love, in thought, word, and deed (1 Cor.13;

Phil.2:3-4).

We must walk in forgiveness (Mark 11:25). Jesus did. Forgiveness is acting like it never

happened. The person who wronged you has to answer to the Lord. Let God deal with

them or the situation. Unforgiveness will block the flow of the Spirit of God in your life.

Clean it out.

B͘ To Grow in Faith, one must, know and “fight against” the enemies of his/her faith

Fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim.6:12). There would not be a fight if there were not enemies.

The devil attacks us in our weakest areas. This lets us know where we need to work the hardest

to develop our faith.

1. Doubt (or unbelief) and fear.

a. Two kinds of unbelief.

One is based on a lack of knowledge. The cure is knowledge.

ii.

One is willful unbelief, being unwilling to allow the Word to govern one's life or not being

able to be persuaded. Example: the children of Israel (Heb.4:11). The cure is obedience.

2. In three places in the Bible we see that Jesus rebuked the disciples for unbelief. If you cannot be

persuaded, you are in unbelief.

a. Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the circumstances

(Matt.14:22-32). See also Matt.17:18 and Mark 4:39, 40.

3. Don't allow the spirit of fear to dominate you. You have to deal with it. You cannot always pray

for the circumstances to change just because you don't want to deal with a fear (2 Tim.1:7).

Illustration: wife afraid to stay alone.

4. How to deal with doubt and unbelief.

a. Recognize it, and analyze it.

b. Don't confess it; never yield to it.

c. Fight it with the Word and prayer.

d. If necessary, consult with a brother or sister in Christ.

5. The "whosoever" in Mark 11:23 is the same "whosoever" in John 3:16. Refuse to doubt. Don't

believe the circumstances more than the promises of God.

B. Lack of knowledge. Faith comes by hearing the Word, not by praying for it.

C. Sense of unworthiness (2 Cor.5:17; Eph.2.10).

1. God didn't make any unworthy new creatures.

2. Believe what the Bible says, and don't look at your own short comings.

3. Renew your mind. You are the righteousness of God in Christ. God sees us, His children, in

Him (2 Cor. 5:21).

4. God has no favorite children (Acts 10:34).

Lesson 20: IMPORTANCE OF SHARING YOUR FAITH

Mark 16:15-16, Ezekiel 3:17 - 21; Daniel 12:3, Matthew 9:36-38, John 4:35-38

Many Christians struggle in sharing their faith with others. For some, it’s because they don’t know the

importance of sharing their faith. For others, it’s because they don’t have the tools or have not been

taught how to share their faith with those who are dying and going to hell. Let us take the time to first

address the importance of sharing one’s faith with a dying world.

There are several reasons why sharing your faith as a Bethelite is extremely important. A few of the

reasons are:

1. We have been commanded to do so.

We have been commanded to preach or share the gospel (the good news that Jesus died for our sins,

rose on the third day and is coming back) to all creation. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach

the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). We have been commanded to “Go”. Also read: Mark 16:15,

2 Timothy 4:5, Jude 1: 21-23

2. Hell exists.

Jesus said, “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to

cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:5). If Hell didn’t exist, we would have a legitimate

excuse for passivity. But we have God’s Word (and reason) to tell us what awaits guilty sinners. How

coldhearted would we be to not warn of its reality!

3. We strive to love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves.

A firefighter rescuing people from a burning building may be fearful and prefer to be home with his

family, but he ignores his fears and denies himself. Like him, our thoughts are not on ourselves but on

the fate of the perishing. “ nd on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with

fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” (Jude 22,23).

4. Obedience is evidence of salvation.

The Bible says that Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him (see Hebrews 5:9). We

are not saved by our obedience; we are obedient because we are saved. Jesus said, “But why do you call

Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Hence, we should share our faith

because we want to be obedient to Christ’s command.

5. To remain in silence is a sin.

As soon as the Holy Spirit was given, the apostles began to preach the gospel. God had granted

everlasting life to dying humanity! They could not stay in the Upper Room because God’s love provoked

them to reach out to the lost. “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James

4:17).

6. Evangelism deepens our walk with God.

Nothing teaches a fisherman how to catch fish like actually fishing itself. Sharing your faith is the same.

It allows for interacting with the lost which results in greater confidence and faith in God. “͙hearing of

your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of

your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ

Jesus” (Philemon 5-6).

7. It causes us to search and learn the Scriptures.

Wanting to know how to answer questions that trouble the heart of mankind will encourage us to find

answers in God’s Word. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need

to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)!

8. It deepens our gratitude for the cross.

As we continually preach the cross, it will deepen our understanding of what God did for us in Christ. We

will find ourselves practicing what we preach, so we will be frequently thinking about the cross. “I

determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

9. It deepens our prayer life.

“Our fears and sense of inadequacy rightfully divide the word of truth will also drive us to our knees—

the safest place for a Christian.”

We reveal our love for the lost by pondering their fate, and as a result we cannot help but cry out to God

for them. “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). Paul

writes, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses,

for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

10. We have been commanded to imitate Paul and the other Disciples of Christ.

Paul showed his love for God and for sinners by his obedience to the Great Commission. “I also pleased

all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Imitate

me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:33—11:1).

11. The harvest of souls is ready and plenteous but the laborers are few.

Jesus was very clear to his disciples that the problem with evangelism was not necessarily that the field

was ripe. On the contrary, he said, “the harvest is plenteous”. Some translations say, “The field is ripe

for the harvest.” Meaning, people are ready to listen and accept the message of the gospel. The

problem is that the laborers; those who are ready to work, are but few. Will you be one of them?

Matthew 9:36 and John 4: 35-38

12. It is the spiritual duty of every believer.

Sharing the good news is a spiritual responsibility of every believer. We are believers because someone

took the time to share with us. Paul notes in 1 Cor. 9 that he feels compels to share the good news and

when he does, he is simply discharging his duty as a Christian. Are you discharging yours? Read 1

Corinth 9:16-23, James 5: 19-20 and Ezekiel 3:16-21.

Lesson 21: HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH, Part I

The Gospel is simple but powerful. Here are some tips to share it effectively.

Maybe you’re afraid to share your faith because you don’t know what to say. Or maybe you’re sharing

the Gospel but nothing is happening; people aren’t committing their lives to Christ. re you doing

something wrong?

You can’t open someone’s heart to the truth of the Gospel—but God can, by His Spirit. The Apostle Paul

wasn’t eloquent, but God used him because he depended on the Holy Spirit to guide him (see 1

Corinthians 2:1-5). God guided many others in the Bible as well—like Moses, who at first asked God to

get someone else to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, or Jonah, who didn’t think the wicked

Ninevites deserved God’s mercy and tried to run the other way.

Remember that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called—and as Christians, we are all

called to share what Christ has done. Some of Christ’s last words on earth were, “Go and make disciples

of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Sharing our faith isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a command. nd God is

with us when we obey Him.

So the question is, “What do you do?

1. Live a godly life: One of the best ways to share your faith is to live a godly life. Non-Christians often

look at Christians as hypocritical because we say one thing but do another. Show those close to you that

you care—spend time with them, help meet their needs and offer to listen when they have problems.

You might not be able to answer all of their questions, but they can’t deny the reality of what Christ has

done in your life. If you find this is hard to do, perhaps God is speaking to you about your own need to

walk more closely with Him every day.

2. Pray for those you interact with. If you can’t think of anyone who isn’t a Christian, pray for God to

place someone in your life who needs Him. Also make a habit of reading the Bible, praying and going to

church. These things shouldn’t be done for attention or for the sake of doing them, but to help you grow

in your own faith. Being passionate about Christ will help others see that there’s something different

about you, and they will want to know what it is. You can also reflect Christ through kind words,

patience, a gentle temperament, choosing to love even difficult people, carefully monitoring what you

watch or listen to, and treating others with respect.

In addition to what have been mentioned above, people need to hear the Gospel—to hear that God

loves them, Christ died for them and that they can have eternal life. Romans 10:13-14 says, “‘Everyone

who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not

believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear

without someone preaching to them?”

There are different methods of evangelism or sharing one’s faith. Let examine three of the popular or

easy to remember methods:

A. The Four steps methods:

1. Tell them about God’s plan—peace and life. God loves you and wants you to experience the peace

and life He offers. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that

whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.

2. Share our problem—separation from God. Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we

are all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

(Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are

sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

3͘ Talk about God’s remedy—the cross. God’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him.

When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible

says, “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for

righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24).

4. Explain how we should respond—Receive Christ. You cross the bridge into God’s family when you

accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the

right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

To receive Christ, a person needs to do 4 things:

• dmit you’re a sinner.

• sk forgiveness and be willing to turn away from your sins.

•Believe that Christ died for you on the cross.

•Receive Christ into your heart and life.

Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Here’s a sample of the “Sinner’ prayer” you can pray to receive Christ:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and

rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your

will. In your name I pray with thanksgiving, amen.”

Lesson 22: HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH, Part II.

For your quick reference, below is the Romans Road to Salvation. It’s basically a selection of Bible verses

from the book of Romans that presents the plan of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

A. The Romans Road:

1. The Problem----Romans 3:23 “ ll have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.” Or, Romans 3:10,

"There is no one righteous, not even one.”

2. The Consequences----Romans 5:12 “Sin entered the world because one man sinned. And death

came because of sin. Everyone sinned, so death came to all people.” lso Romans 6:23 says,

“When people sin, they earn what sin pays—death. But God gives his people a free gift—eternal

life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

3. The Scope----Romans 1:20 “There are things about God that people cannot see—his eternal power

and all the things that make him God. But since the beginning of the world those things have been

easy to understand. They are made clear by what God has made. So people have no excuse for the

bad things they do.”

4. The Solution----Romans 5:8 “God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still

sinners that Christ died for us!”

5. The Response----Romans 10:9-10 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in

your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you

believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

6. The Assurance----Romans 10:13 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

7. The Result---Romans 5:1 “Since we have been acquitted and made right through faith, we are able

to experience true and lasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the

Liberating King.” Romans 8:1, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus are no longer under God’s

judgment.”

B. The One Verse Method:

It is a simple, interactive way to share Christ’s love conversationally and visually. It is based on asking

questions and sharing truth simply. It’s easy to learn because it uses just one verse. One-Verse

Evangelism can be shared in just 10 or 15 minutes, but can have impact for a lifetime.

Here’s a brief look at how it works. Write out Romans 6:23 on a piece of paper or a napkin: “For the

wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NIV). ll you need is

contained in this single passage. Let’s see how:

1. Wages: Circle the word “wages” and ask, “How would you feel if your boss refused to pay you the

wages that were due to you?” The answer, of course, is that he would want justice—in this case, the

wages he had worked for. Deep down, we all know that it is only right that we get what we deserve.

Similarly, we earn “wages” from God for how we have lived our lives.

2. Sin: Draw a circle around “sin,” asking the person what he/she thinks when he hears this word. You

might explain that sin is more an attitude than an action. It can be either actively fighting God or as

simple as excluding Him from our lives. You can ask, “Has God ever seemed far away?” If he says “Yes,”

you can explain that that’s one of the things sin does—it makes God seem far away. Now draw two

opposing cliffs with a gap in between.

3. Death: Circle this word and ask what thoughts come to mind. Explain that death in the Bible always

means some kind of separation—in its most basic sense, separation from life. Because God is the author

of life, a spiritual death simply means separation from Him.

4. BUT: While circling this word, mention that it is important because it means that a sharp contrast in

ideas is coming. What we have just looked at is the bad news; what comes next is the good news.

5. Gift: Draw a circle around this word. sk, “If wages are what a person earns, then what is a gift?”

Remind Jeff that though every gift is free for the person receiving it, someone still has to purchase it.

6. Of God: Circle this and explain that the gift you are talking about is free. It is from God Himself. It’s so

special that no one else can give it. sk, “How do you feel when someone gives you a special gift?”

7) Eternal Life: Circle these two words next, and then ask, “How would you define these words?”

Contrast one side of the cliff, death, with the other side, eternal life. sk, “What is the opposite of

separation from God?”

8. Christ Jesus: Write these words so they create a bridge between the two cliffs. Help your friend to

consider that just as every gift has a unique giver, only Jesus Christ can give the gift of eternal life.

9. Trust: Write this word over the bridge you just drew. Explain that a true friend is a friend you can

trust, and tell the person that Jesus is offering to be a true friend to him/her. All he/she has to do is

admit that they are responsible for their sin—either of fighting against God or excluding Him from their

life. Trusting in Jesus means believing that He has power to forgive us for rejecting God and that He will

wash us clean from all that we have done wrong in life. At this point, you can ask if the person wants to

start a relationship with God that will last forever. If the answer is “Yes,” invite them to pray a short

prayer in their own words, asking Jesus to forgive them and make them new.

Close by reminding the person that this simple illustration shows what God is like: Someone who really

cares about people—especially them. Invite them to read all about it in the Bible-the Gospel of John is a

great place to start.

Lesson 23: HOW TO PREPARE FOR SHARING YOUR FAITH

Sharing your faith with the goal of winning soul should be a lifestyle of every believer. However, if we

want to be honest, not many Christian are engaged in sharing their faith. In fact, we live at a time when

many believers think it is the job of the pastor or evangelist to win souls for Christ and bring them into

the church to be nurtured. This is far from the truth. Soul winning is the responsibility of every believer.

It must be acknowledged as well that for some believers, it has to be time set aside and consecrated

unto the Lord. For them, sharing their faith is not something they do naturally on the bus, at work or

even at home while sharing a meal with a friend or family. If you think you need a special time set aside,

then here are a few things to consider:

Prepared inner man: Reflect on the reason why you are going out. Examine yourself. Thank

God for saving you and making you an instrument.

Spend time to pray: (II Corinth 4:3-4): Pray that as you go out and share your faith, lost souls

will be converted; there will be a change of heart and mind and they will receive the gospel of

salvation. Pray against any satanic operations in their lives and set them free spiritually first.

Pray for God’s leading and wisdom to minister to the soul. dditionally, ask the lord for

confidence and utterance.

Study the Word (The Bible) and have or know the proper scriptures related to the salvation

message (Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 49:2). If necessary, rehearse the scriptures; envision possible

questions and appropriate answers. Know where or how to get answers to unknown

questions. Be ready to admit what you don’t know while being quick to say what you do

know͙..Share your personal testimony about your walk with God. No one can dispute that!

Take along with you another person (if possible). Jesus always sent his disciples out in pair

(two by two). While one is speaking, the other can be silently praying for the spirit of God to

move in the life of the person hearing the Word of God. Additionally, having a second person is

also good safety reason. We live in a fallen world and we sun

Boldly step out and share the gospel: What is most important is not acquisition of knowledge

of Christ but making him known. Boldly preach the gospel of Christ without preaching people

cannot be saved

Lesson 24: THE HOLY SPIRIT-----Part I

I. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

A. He is God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor.3:16-17).

1. The Holy Spirit is the One whom God our Creator used to create the earth (Gen.1:1, 2; Job 33:4).

a. Animals were created by Him (Ps.104:30).

2. The Holy Spirit is the One God the Father used to conceive our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt.1:18).

3. The Holy Spirit was the first of the Godhead seen on the earth (Gen.1:2).

B. He is a person, not just a force for good.

1. The soul consists of your mind, will, intellect, and emotions.

a. The Holy Spirit has a mind (Rom.8:27).

b. The Holy Spirit has a will and intellect (1 Cor.12:9-11).

c. The Holy Spirit has emotions. He can be grieved (Eph.4:30), and He loves (Rom.15:30).

d. He moves (Gen.1:2). He speaks whatsoever He hears (John 16:13). He searches the deep

things of God (1 Cor.2:10).

II. THE GODHEAD (FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST)

They are the same in working but different in person. One God, three persons; not one person in

three manifestations:

A. Their oneness (Deut.6:4): The word "one" is "Achad" (Hebrew), which means collective or

corporate one, as opposed to a solitary one. Example: one grape compared to a cluster of grapes.

1. The Father and Holy Spirit are one (Eph.4:4-6).

2. The Father and Jesus Christ are one (John 10:30).

B. Their differences (Matt.3:16-17, 28:19; John 14:16; 1 Cor.12:4-7).

1. God the Father is the operator. The Lord Jesus is the administrator. The Holy Spirit is the

“Manifestor”.

2. God the Father is the source. The Lord Jesus is the giver of the source. The Holy Spirit is the

power of the source.

3. Two questions that will prove they are in fact different in person.

a. Why is it that in Isaiah 63:8-10 the Father is so protective of the Holy Spirit that He becomes

the people's enemy?.

b. Why is it that Jesus said His blood would cleanse all memory of sin but that blasphemy

against the Holy Spirit would be unforgivable (Matt.12:31)?

C. "Let US make man in OUR image..." (Gen.1:26-27).

1. Shows their plurality.

2. Shows their unity.

III. SYMBOLS, CHARACTERISTICS OF, AND FACTS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

A. Symbols.

1. Oil (Ps.92.10).

2. Fire (Matt.3:11).

3. Wind (Acts 2:2-4).

4. Water (John 7:37, 38).

5. Rain and dew (Hos.6:3).

6. A dove (Matt.3:16).

B. Characteristics of the Holy Spirit.

1. He can be quenched or grieved (Eph.4:30).

2. He can be glorified (1 Pet.4:14).

3. He is gracious (Heb.10:29).

4. He is just (Isa.4:4).

5. He is unselfish and a perfect gentleman (John 16:13-15).

6. He convicts (reproves) and convinces sinners of sin (John 16:18).

7. He is the One who anoints you to tell the world of its sin (Mic.3:8).

8. He is mighty (Isa.11:2).

9. He is the free and willing Spirit (Ps.51:12). You ask Him to help you, and He says, "I will!" Ask

Him to heal you, and He says, "I will"

C. Facts about the Holy Spirit.

1. You cannot come to the Father without the Holy Spirit (Eph.2:18).

2. You cannot truly love without the Holy Spirit (Rom.5:5).

3. You cannot worship God without the Holy Spirit (John 4:23).

4. You cannot pray in the spirit without the Holy Spirit (Jude 20).

5. You cannot obey God without the Holy Spirit (1 Pet.1:22).

6. He wants to know you and to commune with you (Phil.2:1).

7. He is our guarantee and down payment of eternal life (Eph.1:13,14).

8. He teaches you and guides you (John 16:13).

IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE NEW BIRTH AND BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

A. Two separate experiences: one is referred to as a well of water (John 4:13-14), the other as a

river (John 7:38).

B. The early Church and infilling of the Holy Spirit.

1. They were born again before they received the infilling of the Holy Spirit (John 20:22; Acts 1:4-8,

2:4).

2. The infilling of the Spirit comes after the new birth (Acts 8:15-17).

a. Paul's experience (Acts 9:1-6, 9:10-12, 17; 1 Cor.14:18).

b. The Church at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-2).

3. The Biblical evidence of being filled with the Spirit is speaking in tongues. Read Acts 2:4, 33.

a. The Samaritans (Acts 8:18-19).

b. Paul spoke with tongues after being filled with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.14:18).

c. The Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48).

d. The Church at Ephesus (Acts 19:6).

C. WRONG teachings on the baptism of the Holy Spirit (note: the following scripture references are

incorrectly used to substantiate these teachings).

Lesson 25: THE HOLY SPIRIT----Part II

What Are the Functions and Attributes of the Holy Spirit in My Life?

The day you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior the Holy Spirit of God took up

residency inside your body. This third person of the Trinity is perhaps the most misunderstood and

ignored part of a Christian’s relationship with God.

I. Where do I find the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit lives on earth inside your body if you are saved. He came in at the moment of salvation

and took up permanent residency.

A. I Corinthians 6:19-20 is the definitive passage.

B. See also: John 14:17; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 2:22

II. What is the function of the Holy Spirit?

A. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin. John 16:8-9

1. In the unsaved He convicts of sin to bring them to salvation.

2. In the saved He convicts of sin to keep them clean and show them how to live for Jesus Christ.

3. You must understand the difference between conviction & guilt.

a. Conviction is God pointing out something that is wrong so that you can make it right (Isa.

1:18)

b. Guilt is the devil accusing you of being unworthy to receive God’s blessing (Rev. 12:10).

B. The Holy Spirit creates and regenerates

1. The Holy Spirit is active in Creation (Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4)

2. In Jesus Christ, you are a new creature - born again by the Holy Spirit. John 3:3-8

C. The Holy Spirit seals you once you are saved (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30)

D. The Holy Spirit bears witness to you of your salvation (I John. 4:13; Romans 8:16).

E. The Holy Spirit teaches you the Bible (John 14:26; 16:13-15; I Corinthians 2:9-10).

F. The Holy Spirit intercedes in prayer for us (Romans 8:26-27 2; Ephesians 2:18).

G. The Holy Spirit comforts you in time of need (John 14:15-18 2; II Cor. 1:3-4 3; II Tim. 1:7)

H. The Holy Spirit empowers you to serve God (Zechariah 4:6 2; Ephesians 3:16 3; II Cor. 4:7).

III. What are the results of the Holy Spirit being in my life?

A. The Holy Spirit of God produces a set of character qualities as you give your life to Him and walk

in His power. This set of character qualities is called the fruit (singular) because ALL of these are

produced at the same time by a close relationship with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

B. The fruit of the Spirit consists of the following: Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness,

Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance.

IV. THE COMMUNION (FELLOWSHIP) OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Zech.4:6; 2 Cor.13:14)

Lesson 26: SPEAKING IN TONGUE

Act 1:8-14, Acts 2:1-21

Speaking in an unknown tongue or language is a God-given signs that accompanies the baptism of the

Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongue is a supernatural language of the Holy Spirit given to every believer. This

is Holy Spirit inspired utterance whereby the believer speaks in a language he or she has never learnt.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was given to the church when Jesus Christ ascended into heaven.

Praying or speaking in tongues is the initial outward sigh of the Holy Spirit baptism. This is an inspired

utterance whereby the spirit of the believer and the Holy Spirit join in a verbal praise. This is evident

when the believers joined in the upper room to pray, the wind of the spirit begun to blow and settled on

them and they all begun to pray in tongues. The Holy Ghost baptism and speaking in tongues are linked

and this is seen on the day of Pentecost.

After salvation, the believer is empowered to preach the gospel of Christ. Jesus promises the disciples

that He would send the comforter who would give them power to preach in His name. This was realized

during the Holy Spirit baptism accompanied by speaking in tongues.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES

1) It is God given language accompanying the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Act 2:4, 10:45-47, 19:6)

2) It is a spiritual language that is not learnt. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit (Act 2:4, 1 Corinth

14:14-15)

3) It may be an existing human language unknown to the believer (Act 2:6)

4) It may be an angelic language nobody understands (1 Corinth 13:1)

5) Praying in tongues may interpreted in a church setting to encourage the whole church (I Corinth

14:5-6, 13-17)

6) It’s a source of inner spiritual power for every believer (Acts 1:4, 5, 7, 8)

7) Praying in tongue is a basic sign that the person is baptized in the Holy Spirit (Act 2:1-4, Act 10:

45-47)

8) It’s the gift of God to every born again believer (Joel 2:28, Matt. 3:11)

9) It’s the promise of God to the world (Luke 24:49)

REASONS WHY EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD DESIRE TO PRAY IN TONGUES (1 Cor.14:2, 4, 18,

39; Jude 20).

1. It gives you power to live an effective Christian life; a witness of the person of Jesus Christ

(Acts 1:8).

2. We could speak or pray in tongues because it is the believer’s spiritual heritage.

(Acts 1:4, 1 Corinth 12: 4-10)

3. It helps you to pray effectively (1 Cor. 14:1-4, 14, 15, Rom. 8:26)

4. It helps you to pray for a long time (1 Cor. 14:18)

5. The Word of God comes alive (John 16:13).

6. It helps you to pray according to the will of God. (Rom. 8:26-27)

7. Will bring you a greater revelation of Jesus (John 16:14).

8. It helps you to build your spirit man. (Jude. 20)

9. You can speak directly to God who knows your heart and can interpret your pains, hurts and

feelings. (1 Cor. 14:2)

10. Will give you a stronger assurance (Rom.8:16).

11. Praying in tongues refreshes your spirit. ( Isaiah. 28:12)

12. We give thanks in the spirit (1 Cor. 14:16-17)

13. Praying in tongues allows you to sing in the spirit (1 Corinth 14:15)

14. Praying in tongues helps you to pray to God in languages that only he can understand.

(1 Cor. 14:2)

15. Praying in tongues gives the believer boldness ( Acts 4:31)

16. You discover a greater joy of the Holy Spirit (Rom.14:17).

17. You enter into the fullness of the love of God (Rom.5:5).

18. You become effective in your function in the Body of Christ.

WHO PRAYS IN TONGUES

1. You must be a believer or a Christian

2. You must believe that God wants you to be baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-18).

3. You must have a desire to be baptized in the spirit (1 Cor. 14:1).

HOW CAN ONE PRAY IN TONGUES

1. Hands could be laid on you (Acts 8:14-18).

2. Ask God by faith through prayer (Acts 2:1-4, Luke 11:13).

3. Believer it and pray it out in faith when requesting for it.

NB: Praying more in the spirit enables the believer to strengthen his spiritual capacity to serve the Lord

and operate more in the things of the spirit. Desire to pray in tongues more and soon you would be able

to quickly operate in the gifts of the spirit.

Lesson 27: WATER BAPTISM

(Mathew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16)

A. INTRODUCTION

The Greek word for baptism is “baptizo” which means to totally immense or to put into water.

Water baptism is a physical activity with a deep spiritual significance.

(Rom 6:1-4, Colossians 2:10-

14, 1 Corinth 15:3-4).

B. SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM

1. When immersed in water: this means death to your past

2. When totally under the water: this means burial of yourself and everything about your past

3. Coming out of the water: this means resurrection to a new life.

When we are baptized we openly send a clear message to heaven, the church, the world and the devil:

1. Heavens - We declare to heaven of our faith in the death and resurrection of Christ.

2. To the church - We confess that we are part of the church

3. To the world - We openly confess to the world that is full of sin that we are no more part of it

4. To the devil - Open confession to the devil that we are no more part of his kingdom

C. OTHER REASONS FOR BAPTISM

1. It’s a commandment from the Lord. (Mathew 28:19)

2. it’s a promise to the Lord that we would live with a good conscience as a believer (1Peter 3:21)

3. Following the example of Jesus Christ because he was baptized. (Mathew 3:13-17)

4. Baptism is a kind of spiritual circumcision. (Colossians 2:11-12)

5. It is the foundational doctrine of Christianity. This is a standard set for all Christians by the

Apostles.

(Act 2:41, Act 10:47-48)

6. It is an outward sign of your new found faith. (Romans 6:1-6)

D. WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED?

Those who have believed and confessed Jesus as their Lord and personal savior (born again)

(Acts 2:41, Mathew 28:18, Act 8:35-40)

E. HOW IS BAPTISM DONE?

It is done by complete immersion in water. It’s not done for children and it is not done by sprinkling

(John 3:23, Act 8:35-37)

F. HOW TO GET READY FOR BAPTISM

1. Be born again - John 3:16,

2. Pray confessing all your sins - 1 John 1:9

3. Attend the new believer class (if offered by your local church) or the baptism class intended to

prepare you for the baptism program.

4. Expect God to do something new in your life.

5. Invite family and friends to witness your baptism

Lesson 28: STEWARDSHIP:

GIVING TITHES AND OFFERINGS IN THE HOUSE OF GOD

Giving tithes and offerings in the house of God is part of our worship to the Lord. It is part of our

Christian commitment. We are stewards of everything we have. A steward is one who manages or takes

care of things that belong to someone else. We are stewards of God’s blessings and we must be faithful

at managing it (1 Peter 4:9-10; 1 Corinthians 4:2).

Every good gift comes from above and as such we must give it back to God in many ways (James 1:17; 1

Chronicles 29:14).

A. DIFFERENT FORMS OF GIVING IN THE HOUSE OF GOD

Giving is mainly in the form of:

1. Tithes: 1/10^th of your income or anything God blesses you with as profit.

2. Regular Offerings: Anything that that you would give to the Lord freely. It could be gift,

thanksgiving, praise offerings etc.

3. Special Offering: This could be in the form of pledges, special contribution etc. E.g. the

story of Haggai building the temple.

What is tithe?

Tithe is one tenth (1/10) of everything that you have or comes to you as profit, reward, wage,

etc. Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:22; Malachi 3:10,

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the

Lord’s͘ It is holy to the LORD. If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-

fifth to it. And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the

tenth one shall be holy to the LORD.

How did tithing begin?

1. The first tithing record began with the father of faith - Abraham

(Genesis 14:18 - 24; Hebrews 7:1-9)

2. Jacob also gave God tithe. (Genesis 23:23.)

Why do we pay tithes?

(Leviticus 27:30-32, Malachi 3:8-12)

1 The word of God encourages every believer to do so. Tithing is an expression of our faith in

God’s divine providence.

2 Express our love and appreciation to God

3 So that there will be “meat” in his house͘ Bills to be paid; resources for the advancement of

the gospel.

4 Blessings of glory, honor and peace.

5 To support the poor and the needy (Acts 4:32-37, Romans 15:26, Exodus 23:11, Deut. 15:11,

Leviticus 19:20)

6 To support Ministers within the church. (1 Corinth 9:13-14, Galatians 6:6, Philippians 4:15-

19.)

NB: Tithes and offerings cannot buy God’s blessings. Rather, it releases his blessings upon our lives.

We would be blessed in many ways in our entire life when we give unto the Lord’s work.

E. Blessings of Giving

1. Divine increase (Luke 6:38)

2. Supernatural supply of our needs (Philippians 4:19, 2 Corinthians 9:10)

3. Opportunities for breakthroughs in life (1 Corinthians 9:10)

4. Divine multiplication (gaining more of what you have (1 Corinthians 9:6)

5. As you continue to give, God will make sure we always have fresh seeds to sow in our lives (1

Corinthians 9:6-11)

F. Attitudes when giving

1. Give willingly (Exodus 25:2)

2. Give bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6-13)

3. Give generously and continuously (Ecclesiastes 11:1-8)

4. Decide in your heart what you want to give and stay with that because you’ll be blessed.

(2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

5. Give your best not necessarily the biggest (Luke 21:1-4)

6. Give even when you lack (2 Corinthians 8:2)

Lesson 29: STEWARDSHIP (DIVING DEEPER):

WHAT IS GIVING & WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES?

Giving is an extremely important subject in Christianity today largely due to the immensity of work

needing to be done by the local church in accomplishing the Great Commission and edifying believers.

Before you can understand God’s principles in giving, you must understand that it includes far more

than just your money or resources.

I. We must be as willing to give of ourselves as we are to give of our money.

A. God bought you with a price (His blood); you belong to Him (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

B. God commands you to present your body as a living sacrifice, not just your pocketbook. Romans

12:1

C. A willing mind and heart with a life committed to service to God is just as important as financial

giving in receiving the blessing of God (II Corinthians 8:3-5, 12)

D. You must realize that true giving begins with your life yet includes your resources. If God has

control of your life, He will have control of your resources.

II. What should be our motivation for giving?

A. Giving proves the sincerity of your love for Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 8:8)

B. Giving develops an attitude of grace for others works. It takes no special talents or abilities to give

only grace (II Corinthians 8:6-7; 9:8)

C. Giving is an investment in eternal riches and gets your eyes off of earthly riches which will fade

away. Philippians 4:17; Matthew 6:19-21

D. The person who benefits most from your giving is YOU.

III. Where am I to give?

A. Your primary responsibility is to your local church. All giving in the New Testament is done within

the context of the local church (I Corinthians 16:1-3)

B. Obviously, anyone is free to give to causes outside the local church and God may even use and

bless it. However, it is the local church which is central in God’s plan. ny giving outside of it

should never be done at the expense of what God would have you do in your church. This is

equally true of time and service as well as money.

IV. What does my money go for?

A. The support of the leaders of the church (I Corinthians 9:13-14 2. Galatians 6:6 3, I Tim. 5:17-18).

B. Other works of God supported through your church (Philippians 4:15-16)

C. Support of those within the church body who are UNABLE to support themselves and who are

FAITHFUL to church (Acts 6:1; I Timothy 5:9-10,16).

D. To meet general needs as determined by the leadership of your church (II Corin. 8:4 2. Acts 11:27-

30).

V. How much am I supposed to give?

A. Understand that all giving is to be done willingly and cheerfully (II Corinthians 9:7), and giving

benefits the giver as well as the one given to.

B. Biblical terms for giving.

1͘ “Tithe”

a. First seen before the law with Abraham. Genesis 14:20

b. Continued with Jacob. Genesis 28:22

c. Continued with the institution of the law. Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:21

1. Carried on in time of the kings. II Chronicles 3:15

2. Carried on in the time of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 10:38; 12:44

3. Carried on through the prophets. Malachi 3:10

d. The principle continued in a broad discussion by Paul to the Corinthians. In I Corinthians 9:7-9 God

established early in creation that He designates certain things to Himself (Genesis 2:17). With

Abraham it is designated by God as a tenth (tithe) of his earnings. In the law the Lord designated

His part (tithe) to go to the Levites and the temple.

In the New Testament He designates His part (tithe) to go to the local church. It is our responsibility to

give one tenth or tithe of all our income to our local church.

2͘ “Offering” — New Testament principles. II Corinthians 9:7

a. “ s a man purposeth in his heart͘” Give as the Lord gives you the ability to give, the more you get

the more you should WANT to give.

b. “Not grudgingly͘” Not with a heart of regret or thought of oppression

c. “Or of necessity͘” Give as an act of love & obedience not drudgery.

d. “FOR GOD LOVES CHEERFUL GIVER͘” In addition to the tithe you have the opportunity to give

an offering to any area of ministry in the local church that the Lord directs.

C. General principles in giving.

1. Give as God has prospered you. Do not worry about out giving everyone; just give according to the

amount that God has blessed you (I Corinthians 16:2 2, II Corinthians 8:12).

2. Give beyond your power to give. The grace of giving is maximized in your life when you must

sacrifice in order to give (1. II Corinthians 8:3 2. II Samuel 24:24).

3. Remember at all times the law of sowing and reaping as found in II Cor. 9:6 2. Galatians 6:7-9

In addition to the tithe we should exercise these principles in all areas of giving.

VI. Common questions.

A. How can I be sure that I am giving to the right things and that my money (and time) is being used as

God would have it?

1. Build your giving (time, service, and money) around the local church. It is God’s ordained institution.

2. If you have prayerfully sought God’s leadership in choosing Bethel as your local church, then you

ought to trust the leaders of the church to handle this matter properly. If you have good reason to

believe that the church’s resources are not being used scripturally then speak to the individuals with

that responsibility. If the matter is not answered to your satisfaction, then perhaps you should consider

praying about seeking another church (II Corinthians 8:20-21).

Lesson 30: OBEDIENCE

I. INTRODUCTION TO OBEDIENCE

A. What it is, and what it is not.

1. Obedience is the voluntary life style of the believer, observing with the intention to keep and

to do all God has commanded.

a. To retire or withdraw from own desires; to be teachable and pliable (Gal.6:3).

b. Obedience is action with attitude. It comes from the heart.

c. Obedience without submission is slavery.

2. Obedience is not a simple request to the believer - it is a command.

a. It is not a display of rituals, formalities, and offerings (Gal.4:9-10).

b. It is not something we do because of a reward.

c. It is not something you do to avoid a guilty conscience.

3. Obedience is the answer to a good and pure conscience (1 Tim.3:9; 2 Tim.1:3; Heb.13:18; 1

Pet.3:16).

4. The example of Saul (1 Sam.10:8, 13:1-10, 15:3-23).

a. Saul's problem was with ritual, ceremonies, and sacrifices.

b. God desires obedience above sacrifices.

c. God delights in the person who follows instruction as He commands.

d. God requires complete obedience, not partial obedience. In fact, there is no such thing as

partial obedience.

B. The love of obedience, and the results of it. (Ps.119:97-105, 129 -136, 165-174).

1. The love of obedience will cause you to meditate on the Word of God. Thus, you will keep it

(Josh.1:8).

2. It will keep you from sin (Ps.119:9, 101-104).

3. It will give you direction and guidance (Ps.119:105).

4. It will give you great peace (Ps.119:165).

II. OBEDIENCE: THE ONE VIRTUE OF PARADISE (Gen.2:16-17; 3:11)

A. Paradise, Calvary, and heaven all proclaim in one voice: "Obedience is the first and last thing your

God requires of you" (Rom.5:19; Phil.2:8- 9; Heb.5:8-9; Rev.22:14).

B. Old Testament men of obedience.

1. Noah (Gen.6:22, 7:5).

2. Abraham (Gen.22:16-18; Heb.11:7).

3. Moses (Ex.19:5).

C. New Testament men of obedience.

1. The obedience of Christ (John 10:18; Rom.5:19; Heb.10:9).

a. In Christ this obedience was a life principle (John 6:38).

b. In Christ this obedience was a joy (Ps.40:8; John 4:34).

c. In Christ this obedience led to waiting on God's will (Ps.40:6-8).

d. In Christ this obedience was unto death (John 6:38).

e. In Christ this obedience sprang from the deepest humility (Phil.2:5-8).

f. In Christ this obedience was of faith, in entire dependence upon God's strength (John 5:30).

2. Peter (Acts 5:32; 1 Pet.1:2, 14-15, 22).

3. Paul (Rom.1:5, 16:26).

4. What James said about obedience (Jas.1:22).

5. What John said about obedience (1 John 2:3,4, 3:18-22, 5:3).

D. Disobedience will withhold God's blessings from you.

1. Love and forgiveness (Matt.5:44; Mark 11:25; John 13:34).

2. The Word and prayer (Josh.1:8; John 15:7).

3. Witness - tell others the good news of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15).

4. Attending church (Heb.10:25).

5. Thanksgiving and praise - (Phil.4:6).

a. Worry is not thanksgiving and praise (Phil 4:6).

b. Murmuring and complaining isn't thanksgiving and praise (Phil 2:14).

c. Anger is not thanksgiving and praise.

d. Discouragement is not thanksgiving and praise.

6. Faith works by love (Gal.5:6). Love cannot work without obedience. When you love God and you

are in complete obedience to His Word, there is absolutely nothing that can stand in your way

and hinder your faith.

7. The example of Cain and Abel (Gen.4:1-7).

III. LEARNING THE SECRET OF TRUE OBEDIENCE (Heb.5:8,9)

A. Obedience is learned.

B. The school of obedience.

1. The teacher is Christ and His example (John 12:49-50).

2. The textbook is the Bible (Matt.4:4,7, 10; Luke 24:27). Jesus was a man of the Word, but the

Word without the Spirit has no power to work obedience.

Lesson 31: THE WILL OF GOD

How Do I Find God’s Will For My Life?

A famous preacher once said that a successful man/woman is a person who finds out what God wants

them to accomplish with their life and then fulfills it. That is a very profound statement. The true

measure of a person’s success is not their social status, financial next worth, influence and fame. It is

simply doing what God wants them to do.

I. What the will of God is NOT:

A. The will of God is not physical but spiritual. It is never connected with a set of rules, a geographical

location, or a specific ministry.

B. The will of God is not to be confused with the plan of God for your life. God has a specific plan for

your life individually, and only God can give you all the details regarding it because it is HIS plan for you.

II. There are two aspects to the will of God: His permissive will and His directive will.

A. The permissive will of God.

1. It must be clearly understood that God allows things to happen, that He does not approve of in

order to accomplish some larger purpose. Examples are abundant both in and out of Scripture.

a. Paul’s trip to Jerusalem - Acts 21:4-14. God warned him three times not to go, to teach him

obedience and to get him to Rome.

b. Hitler - God certainly did not approve of him murdering 6 million of His chosen people but

allowed it as the beginning of the restoration of the Jews and to return them to their

homeland.

c. I Peter 3:15-18 - God allows suffering in the lives of His children to perfect them although He

would clearly prefer that they not have to suffer.

2. Man has a free will. God will not force anyone to do anything. God offers salvation and lays down

the principles for a godly life.

However, if a man exercises the free will God has given him and rejects it, God permits that man’s

free will to be exercised and man suffers the consequences.

B. The directive will of God.

1. There are certain things God specifically wills.

a. II Peter 3:9 says, “God is not willing that any should perish.” ALL unsaved people are out of

the will of God regardless of what else they may do.

b. I Thessalonians 5:18 - We are to give thanks for everything.

c. I Peter 2:13-15 - We are to submit to every ordinance of man. However, this must be

balanced by the next point.

d. Romans 12:1-2 - We are not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the

renewing of our minds. (Submission to the ordinances of man is to maintain a proper

testimony to win them while at the same time your life is to be transformed to live by a

higher standard to please God.)

e. I Thessalonians 4:3-7 - God desires our sanctification.

f. Ephesians 6:5-8 - Our service is to be from the heart with pure motives as if we were serving

Jesus Christ.

g. Ephesians 5:15-17 - We are to redeem the time. Quit wasting time! Make use of the small

amount God has given you.

2. Summarizing God’s will for your life. The will of God is the same for every person on earth - to be

conformed to the image of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Read Romans 8:28-29, John 17:20-23 and

Ephesians 4:13-15

III . Where can I find the plan of God for my life?

You will never find the will of God or the plan of God outside of the Word of God. You find God’s will and

plan by renewing your mind. (Romans 12:1-2) You renew your mind by letting “͘͘͘this mind be in you,

which is also in Christ Jesus͘”

(Philippians 2:5) You must replace carnal thoughts with God’s thoughts by

immersing yourself in the Word of God (II Corinthians 10:5)

IV. How does God reveal His plan for my life?

1. You must be in conformity to the will of God before He will reveal His plan to you. Your priority

should be to fulfil the general will of God in your daily life and then trust Him to guide you in the

detailed plan.

2. God is definitely more interested in your being the type of person He wants you to be than in

your doing for Him all the “mighty works.” Be what He wants you to be, and He will show you

what to do.

V. Common Questions.

Why doesn’t God reveal His plan for me now?

1. It would overwhelm you before you got started.

2. You may not be equipped to handle it yet.

3. You may not be the type of person God wants you to be yet.

4. God will reveal what you can handle when you can handle it.

Lesson 32: THE LOCAL CHURCH

What is the Purpose of My Involvement in a Local Church?

God has established three major institutions on this earth: the family, civil government, and the local

church. It is the local church which has been commissioned by God to carry out His purposes in reaching

the lost and perfecting the saved.

Therefore, God’s plan for a Christian will always be fulfilled best when connected with the local church.

I. What is the local church?

A. It is NOT a building.

1. We worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

2. Our bodies are the temple of God (I Corinthians 6:19)

B. It is NOT a denominational group of congregations.

C. A local church is a body of men and women who have been saved and called by God to serve in a

specific area. The church is the body of Christ.

1. In I Corinthians 12:27 Paul said to the saved members of the local church in Corinth, “͘͘͘ye are the

body of Christ͘”

2. Paul compares the church to the human body (I Corinthians 12:14-27).

a. Each member has a different function. vs. 14-20

b. No member can function alone. vs. 21

c. Each member’s contribution is important. vs. 22-24

d. A properly functioning body operates as a single unit. vs. 25-27

II. What is the function of the local church? The function of the local church is two-fold.

A. The local church is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47).

1. The local church should be a soul-winning church (Proverbs 11:30; Matthew 4:19; Jude 23).

2. The local church should minister to the needs of people (James 2:15-16; James 1:27).

B. The local church is to edify (build up, teach, strengthen) the saints. Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 2:41-47

1. A place for saved people to worship the Lord (Acts 2:47 b. Luke 24:53)

2. A place for saved people to fellowship with other saved people (Acts 2:42 b. I John 1:7).

3. A place for saved people to be taught from the Word of God (Acts 2:42 b. Ephesians 4:12-15)

4. A place for saved people to observe the two ordinances that were given to the local church: Baptism

and the Lord’s Supper ( cts 2:41-42; Matthew 28:19; I Corinthians 11:23-30).

III. How do I function in the church body?

A. During your Christian life you should grow through three broad general stages.

1. Observe and Learn - Your first priority should be to submit to the teaching of the Word of God to learn

to be the man or woman God wants you to be (Matthew 11:28-30).

2. Participate - In time you will naturally grow to the point where you can begin to serve and take on

some of the basic functions through the already established ministries of your church (Matthew 4:19;

James 1:22-25)

3. Lead - As your growth continues you should reach the point where you can begin to minister to others

in the same way you have been ministered to (II Timothy 2:2).

B. These three stages can be roughly compared to the stages of physical growth: childhood, adolescence

and adulthood (I John 2:12-14)

C. BE PATIENT! This process takes time. Just be sure to remain established in the institution of the local

church.

IV. Common questions.

A. How do I find the particular local church that God wants me to serve through?

1. Pray and ask God to show you which church to associate with. James 1:5

2. Observe the qualities of a particular church and compare them with Biblical requirements of a proper

church.

a. Does the church have its doctrine based on the Word of God? Titus 1:9; 2:1

b. Does the church perform the necessary church functions? (See - II. A and B).

c. Does the church practice Biblical separation from the world? John 15:19; I John 2:15

d. Does the church practice Biblical separation from other “churches” or “outreaches” that are false in

doctrine and practice? II Thessalonians 3:6; I Timothy 6:3-5

B. How often should I go to church? The believer that truly loves the Lord and desires to serve Him will

be at all the church services that he possibly can. The Word of God expects this. Hebrews 10:25; Luke

24:53.

Lesson 33: RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS

What should be Your Relationship with Other Christians?

When you got saved you moved from the devil’s family to God’s family. Spiritually you now have a new

family with many brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

We saw how the church is likened to a body in the previous lesson, and in this lesson we will study the

special relationship which you now have with your spiritual family. This lesson is designed to give the

individual a clear understanding of how the body of Christ operates as a family unit.

I. How am I related to other Christians?

A. They are your brothers (sisters) in Jesus Christ. Be sure to understand only those in Jesus Christ (saved

people) are your brothers regardless of any other factors. Likewise those NOT in Jesus Christ (unsaved

people) are not your brothers spiritually regardless of any other factors (Romans 8:29; I John 3:1-3;

Romans 9:8; Hebrews 2:9-12)

B. They are your fellow laborers in service for Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 3:5-10)

II. What are my responsibilities toward other Christians?

. We are to pray for each other. lmost every one of Paul’s letter opens with a prayer for those to

whom he is writing (I Thessalonians 1:2-3; II Timothy 1:3)

B. We are to minister to each other.

1. Physically - Galatians 6:10; Romans 12:13

2. Spiritually - Galatians 6:1-2; Romans 15:1-2; Hebrews 13:3

C. We are to encourage and edify one another. I Thessalonians 5:11

D. We are to serve one another. Philippians 2:3-4; Matthew 20:25-28

III. What should be my attitude toward other Christians?

A. It should primarily be to love them. I John 3:14-16; I Peter 4:8

B. Be patient with them. Romans 15:5-7

C. Be sensitive to their needs. I John 3:17-18; James 2:15-16

D. Be forgiving of each other. Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13

IV͘ What is “fellowship”?

“Fellowship” is a term commonly used by Christians generally referring to getting together for

activities or times of sharing common interests. However, this is only a small part of it. It is true that to

fellowship is to share things, but true Biblical fellowship goes FAR BEYOND just a meal or an activity. It is

the sharing of life through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ with another believer.

B. The essential elements of true Biblical fellowship are not physical matters such as social status,

friendship, common interest, etc. but are spiritual requirements of personal character toward each

other.

1. Humility - Philippians 2:3-8

2. Honesty - Ephesians 4:25; II Corinthians 4:2

3. Love - John 13:35; Galatians 5:13-15

4. Hospitality - Titus 1:8; Acts 2:42, 46-47

C. The areas of true fellowship include the following:

1. Prayer - II Corinthians 1:11

2. Faith - Romans 1:12

3. Ministry - II Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 2:9

4. Suffering - Philippians 3:10; I Peter 4:13, 5:1

D. True Biblical fellowship is based on the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. You MUST LEARN to have

fellowship with Him personally before your fellowship with other believers will be proper. I John 1:3-7

V. Common Questions.

A. What if another Christian offends me?

Unfortunately, this will probably happen to you if you spend any time with your brothers and sisters in

Jesus Christ. There will be times of offense, hurt, and disagreement within the body of Christ just as in

your physical family. If and when this happens, if it is serious enough the Bible gives a definite

progression of principles to deal with the matter. How should you respond in such a case?

1. Take the offence directly to the other party first privately and try to settle it between yourselves.

Matthew 18:15

2. If the matter is not resolved privately take it to a leader in your church to attempt to mediate the

situation (Matthew 18:16; I Corinthians 6:1-5).

3. Do NOT go to the unsaved to settle a problem within the body of Christ. I Corinthians 6:6

4. If this matter still cannot be resolved:

a. Personally accept the wrong (I Corinthians 6:7-8).

b. Commit the situation to the Lord Jesus Christ (I Peter 2:19-23).

c. Forgive your brother (Colossians 3:13).

d. Pray for your brother (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:14).

Lesson 34: LIBERTY IN CHRIST

Since All My Sins Are Forgiven, Am I Free to Do As I Please?

The New Testament is very clear that we are saved by grace through faith and not by the deeds of the

law. However, many people take this as an opportunity to sin thinking they are free to do as they wish.

The purpose of this lesson is to help the individual understand just what his responsibilities are in Jesus

Christ and what lines need to be drawn in his life in relation to his actions as a child of God.

I. When we get saved we are free from the bondage of sin so that we can serve God.

A. We are free from the bondage of sin. Romans 8:2, 21

B. We are freed so that we can serve God. Romans 6:17-18

C. Christ is a better master than sin. It is better to serve Christ than it is to serve sin. Matthew 6:24;

Matthew 11:28-30.

II. How does my freedom from sin affect me personally?

A. You are free to make your own choices, but if you choose sin, you should be aware of the

consequences.

1. You will not bear fruit. John 15:1-8

2. God will chasten you as His son. Hebrews 12:5-11

3. God will allow you to reap as you have sown. Galatians 6:7

B. God will get the glory from your life one way or another - either as a vessel of honor or as a vessel of

dishonor. The choice is yours. II Timothy 2:20-21

III. How does my freedom from sin affect those around me?

A. Your life will be a testimony for good or for bad whether you want it to be or not. Romans 14:7

B. You are to avoid things which could cause a weaker Christian to stumble in his faith. Romans 14:13-

15; I Corinthians 8:9-13

C. You are to avoid things which appear wrong even though they may not be wrong. Romans 14:16; I

Thessalonians 5:22

D. You are to have a good testimony with saved and lost people. Romans 14:18

1. To the saved - Acts 6:1-3; 16:1-2

2. To the lost - Colossians 4:5; I Timothy 3:7

3. The purpose of this is to influence them for good in the Lord. Acts 11:22-24; I Corinthians 9:19-23

IV. Now that we are free from sin we should build up walls of separation to keep us free from the

bondage of sin.

. We stay free from sin when we follow God’s commandments of separation. Psalm 119:45

B. The key to staying free from sin is to avoid the circumstances in which we do sin. This is why Scripture

gives us standards and walls of separation so that we stay free from sin to serve God.

C. These standards include the areas of where we go, what we do, what we allow ourselves to see, as

well as other areas.

V. How do I know where to exercise standards and separation?

There are some “gray areas” in dealing with certain areas of Christian living. What we need to

remember is that there are no gray areas with God. It is our responsibility to make sure that what we do

is sanctioned by God. In these cases ask yourself the following questions:

A. Am I being brought under the power of something that should not be controlling my life? I

Corinthians 6:12

B. Am I edifying myself or others? I Corinthians 10:23

C. Can I ask God to bless it with a clear conscience? Colossians 3:17; Acts 24:16

D. If the Lord returned at this moment would I be ashamed? I Corinthians 1:8; I Thessalonians 5:23

E. Would it cause a brother to stumble?

Romans 14:13-15; Romans 15:1-2

F. Would it be cause for an unsaved person to reject the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior? I Corin. 10:31-33

G. Does my conscience condemn me for it? I Peter 3:16; Hebrews 13:18; I Timothy 1:5

VI. Common questions.

A. Are we legalists for having standards or exercising separation?

1. A legalist is someone who adds works to salvation. It has nothing to do with the issue of standards

and separation though some would like to think so.

2. We are not legalists or guilty of violating Scripture when we recognize the fact that God has given us

standards and walls of separation for Christian living. It is our duty to follow these Scriptural standards.

Lesson 35: Behaviour at Work and Towards Employer

What Should Be My Attitude toward my Job and My Employer?

Since the Bible is the final authority in everything you will ever encounter in life, it is no surprise that it

has a great deal to say about how you are to conduct yourself at your job. We spend one fourth of our

adult life on the job, and it is essential to our growth to learn how the Lord Jesus Christ would have us

look at this area of responsibility. If you intend to be an effective servant of God, you must do so with all

your life and not just three fourths of it.

I. LL saved people are called to “full-time Christian service͘”

A. Ephesians 4:1 says your vocation is to serve Jesus Christ.

B. The Bible is very clear that EVERY saved person is an integral part of the body of Christ and that each

member’s contribution is important (I Corinthians 12:12-17 2; Ephesians 4:11-16).

C. Your service for God is to be at all times, not just when you go to church (I Peter 3:15; II Timothy 4:2).

II. The primary purpose of your job is to support your ministry.

A. Of course your first ministry is to your family (I Timothy 5:8; 3:5).

B. Your second ministry is two-fold:

1. To your church family - Galatians 6:10

2. To reach the lost - II Corinthians 5:20

C. s we saw in a previous lesson, your resources should be yielded to God’s service. Those resources

are to be used to glorify God though the above areas.

III. What should be my attitude toward my job?

You should view your job as a ministry opportunity not just as a job.

A. For most Christians your fellow workers are the greatest exposure you have to unsaved people.

B. Your life may be the only true witness of the Lord Jesus Christ they ever see.

1. You are a light representing Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:14-16

2. Your life should reflect the Bible. II Corinthians 3:2

C. You will have much greater influence on those with whom you spend the most time. Although total

strangers present an opportunity to witness, those who see a consistent testimony of a Christian’s life

are much easier to win.

IV. What attitudes should I have toward my superiors and the company for which I work?

A. Serve as if the Lord Jesus Christ is your employer. Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-24

B. Respect the authority of their position. Obviously no employer will be correct in every point, and you

certainly can disagree with them. However, you are to submit to their leadership using it as an

opportunity to show them a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. Titus 2:9-10

C. Respect your company’s property; it does not belong to you (Leviticus 19:11).

D. Respect your company’s time - do eight hours of work for eight hours of pay (II Cor. 8:21: Col. 3:22)

E. You are to do the very best you can to help the company succeed and make your employer look good

(Romans 12:11; I Corin. 10:24; Proverbs 10:4, 18:9, 21:25, 22:29 *Example of Joseph in Genesis 30-50)

F. Mind your own business and do not allow someone else’s laziness to affect you (I Thess. 4:11; II Thess.

3:10-13)

V. The Bible also shows the employer or supervisor how to relate to those under his leadership.

A. Do I treat my people justly and equally? Do I set standards for them which I refuse to keep myself?

(Colossians 4:1; Ephesians 6:9)

B. Am I consumed with my own self-interests without considering the needs of those around me?

(Philippians 2:2-3)

C. Am I trying to be a leader over too many things? Remember to consider the following points

whenever a promotion or transfer opportunity presents itself:

great Bible principle is the following: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in

much...” (Luke 16:10). Be sure you can handle what you have now.

2. Realize that the more responsibility you have the more potential there is for problems to arise (James

3:1; Ecclesiastes 8:9).

3. Realize that the more responsibilities you have the more time and energy is demanded. Be sure your

new responsibilities will not hinder your service for God (II Timothy 2:4)

D. Even in a position of leadership you should always maintain the attitude of a servant. Mark 10:42-45

VI. Common questions.

A. What if my job conflicts with spiritual matters?

1. There will always be some conflict of priorities between church activities and your work schedule. You

should not quit your job or take off from work because of a few minor conflicts. Remember your job is a

ministry opportunity. However, you must not use your job as an excuse to neglect your responsibilities

to your church. You MUST maintain a balance in this area.

2. When your job responsibilities are contrary to Bible principles then you must draw the line.

a. Refuse to lie or steal for your employer or to violate other clear commandments of God.

b. Guard against temptations on the job.

c. Do not be influenced by sinful activities around you.

B. How do I handle “persecution” on the job?

1. Most “persecution” in our culture is a result of the Christian’s own ignorance or lack of personal

commitment to the Lord. If you are being “persecuted” it is for one of two reasons: Your behavior is

improper or your proper testimony is an offence to someone. I Peter 3:16-17

2. Expect a certain amount of adversity from the world if you are truly serving Jesus Christ. II Tim. 3:12

3. Learn to commit that adversity to the Lord. I Peter 2:18-23

C. What should I consider when looking for employment?

1. Have you taken it to God in prayer? James 1:5; Philippians 4:6-7

2. Will the new responsibility destroy what God is trying to build in your life? This is a complex question.

Do not be afraid to seek wise counsel from another brother in Christ that you respect.

3. If you are being asked to move to another city is there a church there which can continue to provide

for your spiritual needs? This is an extremely critical point!

4. In looking for a change of jobs, are you running away from something that you should be facing and

trying to correct?

Lesson 36: RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNSAVED WORLD

“ s a Christian How Do I Relate to the Unsaved World?”

The Bible is very clear that the present world system is contrary to God’s eternal purpose. The Word of

God commands His children to be separate from this world yet at the same time to reach lost men and

women who live in it for Jesus Christ.

Christians should live a balanced and consistent life in order to influence people for the Lord Jesus Christ

without the world influencing them for evil.

I. You must realize that if you live for Jesus you will encounter opposition from the world.

A. You will be opposed because Jesus Christ was opposed (John 15:18-21)

B. You will be opposed only if you live for Him. If you go along with the world they will not oppose you (II

Timothy 3:12).

II. From what areas will this opposition come?

A. Your primary opposition will come from those closest to you - friends, family, fellow workers, and

acquaintances (Matthew 10:35-36; John 1:11; Mark 6:4).

B. From unsaved people in general. The two spiritual families have NEVER gotten along and never will

(Galatians 4:29)

C. From society in general. The nature and course of this present world is against God. This opposition is

communicated subtly through the media (literature, television, radio, etc.). You must judge those things

by the Word of God (I John 2:15-17; James 4:4).

D. Of course, the master behind this opposition is Satan.

1. He is your adversary (I Peter 5:8).

2. He is currently at work in unsaved people (Ephesians 2:2)

III. How can I overcome this opposition?

A. Give a soft answer. Avoid arguments whenever possible (Proverbs 15:1; Romans 12:18).

B. Please God with your life (Proverbs 16:7)

C. Have faith in God (I John 5:4-5).

D. Love your enemies and help them. Jesus Christ loved His enemies enough to die for them when He

did not have to do it.

The world cannot understand this type of love, and those who are seeking the truth will be drawn to it

(Romans 12:14, 20-21).

E. Pray for your enemies and pray with pure motives (Matthew 5:44).

F. Keep good company. Associate with people who love God and want to serve Him (Proverbs 13:20; I

Corinthians 15:33).

G. Immerse yourself in the Word of God (Romans 12:1-2).

IV. How should the unsaved world view me as a Christian?

A. They should know that you love God -NOT by your mouth as much as your life (I Corinthians 8:3).

B. Your lifestyle should separate you from the world, and your behavior should be peculiar, scripturally,

to them (II Corinthians 6:14-18; I Peter 2:9).

C. They should see you as being open and honest in all matters (II Corinthians 8:21; Romans 12:17).

D. They should see a living testimony of the grace of God (Philippians 2:14-15).

E. Generally you should be of “good report” (I Timothy 3:7; Colossians 4:5-6).

V. How should I view the world?

A. You are a pilgrim in a strange land (Hebrews 11:13; I Peter 2:11)

B. Your home is in heaven (Ephesians 2:6; Philippians 3:20)

C. This world is a “mission field” to reach the lost for Jesus Christ (Acts. 1:8 Matthew 28:18-20).

VI. Common questions.

A. What are my responsibilities to my government?

1. Government is one of three institutions ordained by God, the other two being the family and the

church. All governments are controlled by Satan (Luke 4:5-6) and therefore are essentially against God.

However, you are still to submit to the ordinance of God. Romans 13:1-2

2. If you do what is right you have no reason to fear. God will honour you for doing right. Romans 13:3-5

3. Render to the government what is due by law (Romans 13:6-7 Matthew 17:24-27, 22:15-22)

4. Submit to their ordinances (I Peter 2:13-15)

5. Honor those in authority, even the wicked, without partaking of their wickedness. Commit any

adverse situations to God and let Him handle them (I Peter 2:17-23). When Peter wrote these words,

Nero, perhaps the most wicked king ever, ruled the Roman empire.

Lesson 37: BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY, Part I

Luke 10:19 “I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the

enemy.”

“ uthority” = special rights----- The word “authority” is used 105 times in the N.T.

“Power” = strength, dominion and dominance

In Christ, we are kings and priests because of His redemption!

Verse 15-20---Paul said to the Ephesian church back then and reminds us in this church today - we need

to open our eyes and realize our authority and dominion as a child of God and as the church of God!

3 Facts bout The Believer’s uthority

1. It Was Freely Given To Man. Genesis 1:26, 28

Notice 4 key words that were freely given to man to exercise:

• “Dominion” = authority

• “Fruitful” = productivity

• “Multiply” = creativity

• “Subdue” = intensity (management, reliability)

Key Point: Authority was given to Adam to help control life and complete his life.

Psalm 8:5, 6 “For You have made him a little lower than the angels, You have crowned him with glory

and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things

under his feet͙”

Caution: This verse is highlighting our placement in creation and honoring our position in Christ! (The

physical realm and the spiritual realm)

2. It Was Legally Lost By Man (Ephesians 2:1, 2)

What happened? Satan tempted Adam and Eve with the same sin that destroyed his relationship with

God - the desire to be God! And what Satan failed to do in heaven, he now tries to get us to fail on

earth!

Romans 6:16 “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are

slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which

leads to righteousness?

“Whatever you choose to obey it becomes your master. You can choose sin, which leads to death or you

can choose to obey God͙” NLT

The war that started in heaven has now moved to another geographical location: earth and specifically

in the hearts of mankind! Luke 4:6 “The devil said to Jesus, all authority I give You, for this has been

delivered to me and I give it to whomever I wish.”

This scene is played out every day in the lives of millions! God legally gave all authority to Adam and

then Adam gave it to Satan. Think about it - Satan would not have the authority he has today without

the help of man! In turn Adam became a slave to Satan instead of Satan being a slave to Adam!

2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not

see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” N SB

So Satan is masterful at blinding the minds of people and blurring the message of God!

3. It Was Righteously Regained By Christ.

Ephesians 1:17 “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you

the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” One of the most incredible tasks

Jesus did for us when he left the splendor of heaven was to regain our authority!

“ uthority” (exusia) ex = out of (usia) = right

1 Corinthians 6:12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have

the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.

“I will not be brought under the

authority of anything.”

But the big problem for us is that we legally lost the authority, so how do we get it back? Think carefully

about what I’m going to say - a member of dam’s race had to regain what Adam could not do for

himself! nd since one man lost his legal authority and it had to be regally regained by a man! That’s

what is so valuable about the virgin birth of Jesus Christ! This member of dam’s race must be one who

Satan has no legal claim on - Jesus was not the son of Adam but was Son of God in human flesh!

1 Corinthians 15:21, 22 “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also

through a man. For as in dam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” NIV

Hebrews 2:14 “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his

death he might destroy him who holds the power of death- that is, the devil.” NIV

“Power” = authority (spiritual authority he claimed at the first sin!)

So the writer is saying that flesh and blood lost the authority and it had to be flesh and blood that

regains it! Jesus was divinely conceived and that puts Him in a whole different realm from Adam. Had

Jesus been conceived as Adam was, at that very moment Satan would have laid claim on Jesus. Jesus

would have inherited sin and then been a slave to sin and Satan!

Jesus was 100% man and 100% God! But you say “Why is this so important?” Because Jesus did not

defeat Satan as God, but defeated Satan as man! That’s incredible!

Here’s a key that is worth coming to church for - KEY: When Jesus defeated Satan, He used the resources

and authority that were available to Adam back in the Garden. So Satan knew that just as he defeated

the first Adam - he had to defeat the second Adam or the second Adam would strip him of his authority!

Satan tried in the wilderness to make Jesus an egomaniac - and failed.

So Satan tried in the wilderness to make Jesus a law breaker - and failed. So Satan tried in the

wilderness to make Jesus a pleasure seeker - and failed! He underestimated Christ’s authority!

Then on the cross, Satan laughs at Jesus and mocks him because if he dies that’s it! “It’s all mine!” I think

old serpent Satan said to his despicable demons, “If I can make sure He’s dead and buried, he’ll be

forgotten! If I can get a whole garrison of goons to guard that gloomy grave - I’ve won!”

Folks everything was on the line - come back from the dead and its curtain for Satan’s authority over

man! But what Satan didn’t realize is that Jesus was more potent than 3 days of death and more

powerful then 3 days of decay!

Ephesians 1:19-21 “͙and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as

the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in

the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is

invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Verse 22, 23

Now I give you permission to go out of this auditorium and use this awesome authority to be the person

God wants you to be, claim that wayward child back, destroy the curse on your marriage and finances.

Lesson 38: BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY, Part II

7 Facts About Your Authority as a Believer

As new creations we have been put in a position of power and authority- a position delegated to us by

God through Jesus Christ. Along with that authority come certain responsibilities. Let’s examine God’s

Word concerning that position and the authority we have in Him.

When you made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, Colossians 1:13 says you were delivered from the

power of darkness. The word power is literally translated, authority. You have been delivered from the

power, or authority, of darkness and placed into God’s kingdom. Jesus said, “All power is given unto me

in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore͙” (Matt. 28:18,19). That power was given to you as part of your

inheritance in Christ Jesus. You have entered into this position of authority because you are in Him.

The Word says that righteousness has come upon all men (Rom. 5:18). You may ask, “Then why don’t all

become righteous?” Because in order to receive it, you have to act on righteousness from the point of

authority.

The day you accepted Christ, you used your authority as a human being and made a choice. From that

moment, the righteousness that had been upon you came inside you. You were made the righteousness

of God in Christ. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that

we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

#1 - JESUS SECURED OUR POWER AND AUTHORITY

Jesus succeeded in securing all power by going to the cross, dying a horrible death, suffering the penalty

for sin, and defeating Satan in the pit of hell. He came to earth as a man for one reason: to re-capture

the authority that Satan had stolen through dam’s disobedience in the garden. Jesus was called the last

Adam (1 Cor. 15:45). After securing that power and authority, He freely gave it over into the hands of

those who would believe on Him-you and me.

It is not enough for us to simply accept Jesus’ work at Calvary. We are held responsible for much more.

Jesus’ words in the 16th chapter of Mark were not intended for the early church alone. His words are

just as vital and real today as when they were first spoken.

Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection from the dead. His words to them form the basic

foundation for the work of the New Testament church. It was at that time that He delegated the

authority to carry out that work. Beginning in verse 15, Jesus said:

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall

be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak

with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;

they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

#2 - WE HAVE AUTHORITY TO PREACH THE GOSPEL

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Every born-again believer has the

authority and responsibility to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this earth. If you can’t go, then you

can send someone in your place.

And these signs shall follow them that believe͙.I want you to notice who is to do all these things: them

that believe. The signs will follow the believers who act in faith and boldly speak in Jesus’ name. THEY

shall cast out devils; THEY shall speak with new tongues; THEY shall lay hands on the sick, etc. The

believer is the one with the power and authority to do these things.

Verse 20 says, They went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming

the word with signs following. God will confirm His Word, but first it has to be put forth. That is where

you and I come in. God does not preach; He has given us the authority to do the preaching. God will not

lay hands on the sick. He will bring the healing, but you and I as believers must lay hands on the sick by

faith, believing that God will perform His Word.

#3 - WE HAVE AUTHORITY TO STAND AGAINST SATAN

One of the most vital areas of the believer’s authority is his power to successfully stand against Satan.

Ephesians 4:27 says, Neither give place to the devil. In the sixth chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul

describes the armor that we as believers are to wear in combat against Satan. He explains each piece of

that armor. It is the armor of God. But not once does he say that God will put the armor on you or that

God will fight the devil for you. YOU is the understood subject of these verses. He says, “YOU be strong

in the Lord. YOU put on the whole armor of God that YOU will be able to stand against the wiles of the

devil. YOU take the whole armor of God that YOU may be able to withstand in the evil day; and having

done all, YOU stand.” God has given you the power and the authority to stand against Satan and his

destructive works. He has provided the armor, but it is your responsibility as a believer to put on that

armor and stand against the devil. James 4:7 says, YOU resist the devil, and he will flee from YOU. The

armor and the weapons are at your disposal. God is there with you to back His Word; but all is worthless

unless you take your position of authority and assume the responsibility to use what He has provided.

You have the power and the authority to take the Word of God, the name of Jesus, and the power of the

Holy Spirit and run Satan out of your affairs. Don’t pray and ask God to fight Satan for you. You are the

one in authority. Take your responsibility and speak directly to Satan yourself and stand your ground

firmly. He will flee!

#4 - WE ARE SEATED WITH HIM IN HIGH AUTHORITY

In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul prayed a prayer for the body of believers in Ephesus. One part of

that prayer was that they know the exceeding greatness of his power to those who believe (Eph. 1:19).

That exceeding great power is the same power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead and set Him

at His own right hand in the heavenlies. Ephesians 1:21 tells us that Jesus is seated far above all

principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named.

The work God did in Jesus was supreme. He raised Jesus from the dead and set Him far above all other

authority-not only in this world, but also in the heavenly world. Then verse 22 says that God has put ALL

things under His feet and made Him head over the church which is His body. Where are the feet? They

are in the body. As believers, we are part of His body and we are seated with Him in that highly exalted

place of authority. Praise God! Look at Ephesians, chapter two:

nd you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins͙Even when we were dead in sins,

(God) hath quickened us together with Christ͙ nd hath raised us up together, and made us sit together

in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:1,5,6).

We are seated together with Him. Where? Far above all principality and power and might and dominion.

As a believer, you have accepted the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary. Therefore, you are a

part of His body and are seated with Him in that heavenly place, equipped with the same power, the

same authority that He has.

The great power that God worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead is the same creative

power of God that worked in you to make you alive when you were dead in your trespasses and sins.

The moment you made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, that same power was exercised on your dead,

unregenerate spirit, causing it to be reborn in the likeness of God Himself. Any man who is in Christ

Jesus is a new creation: old things have passed away, all things are new, and all things are of God (2 Cor.

5:17).

“ s believers, we are part of His body and we are seated with Him in that highly exalted place of

authority.”

#5 - WE H VE THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD TO EXERCISE OUR UTHORITY

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were

also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship,

so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awoke

him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind,

and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And he said unto them, Why are you so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:35-40).

Jesus spoke the words, Let us pass over unto the other side, and there was enough power and authority

in those words to accomplish the job. One thing I want you to notice is that Jesus did not take command

of the ship to see that His words were carried out. He walked to the back of the boat and went to sleep.

Jesus delegated the authority to His disciples and they accepted it. But when the storm came, they were

filled with fear that the boat would sink. Jesus had to carry out the responsibility of authority that he

had delegated to them by rebuking the wind and the sea.

“You have the power and the authority to take the Word of God, the name of Jesus, and the power of

the Holy Spirit and run Satan out of your affairs.”

I want you to see the parallel here. You are the captain of your ship. You have control over your own

life-your spirit, your soul, and your body. Jesus has delegated power, or authority over Satan to you as a

believer. You are to give him no place in your life. You are born of the Spirit of God. You are filled with

the Spirit of God. You have been given the Word of God. Those three elements are enough for you to

carry out your spiritual authority here in the earth. You don’t need any more power. You have all the

power necessary. You simply have to exercise your authority. Jesus has already done everything

necessary to secure the authority and power over sin, sickness, demons, and fear. You have to employ

the faith action to receive that authority and join forces with Him in this earth. You are the one to be

strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

#6 - WE HAVE AUTHORITY TO ACT AS NEW CREATIONS

Hebrews 2:14 says, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself

likewise took part of the same. Jesus partook of flesh and blood, so that you could partake of spirit and

life. For you to partake of that spirit and life, you must take the responsibility of standing in the place of

authority as the new creation in Christ Jesus that you are. You are born again, not of corruptible seed,

but of incorruptible, by the Word of God (1 Pet. 1:23). It was the Word of Almighty God that was

injected into your spirit man to bring about the new birth in your life. When the church was first

beginning, Acts 12:24 described it as the Word growing and multiplying. The Word is in you, but you are

the one who must be willing to allow it to work in you.

Ephesians 4:21-24 says, If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in

Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the

deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after

God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

You are the one in authority. It is your responsibility to put off the old man-the unregenerate man that

you were before you accepted Jesus. The Holy Spirit does the actual work in you, but you must make the

decision to allow Him to do it. God has never forced His will on any person. YOU put off the old man.

YOU use the Word of God to renew your mind. YOU put on the new man, which is created in

righteousness and true holiness.

#7 - WE CAN MINISTER AND WALK FROM A POINT OF AUTHORITY

God’s power is in His Word. He is upholding all things by the word of His power (Heb. 1:3). You need to

learn to minister and walk from a point of authority. In His earthly ministry, Jesus said such things as “Be

thou made whole.” “Take up your bed and walk.” Then to a lame man Peter said in cts 3:6, “In the

name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” He too ministered and spoke from a point of

authority.

“He came to earth as a man for one reason: to re-capture the authority that Satan had stolen through

dam’s disobedience in the garden.”

It’s time for you as a believer to begin to act that way. You have obtained an inheritance, and in that

inheritance you have been given all authority. The God of the universe lives inside you! He lives and

walks in you. Become God-inside-minded and you will begin to walk in this point of authority.

Keep right on building yourself up in your inheritance. You live in a world that is full of evil influences.

Satan wants to see to it that you forget the reality of being born again. He wants to see to it that you

never realize your place of authority in Christ Jesus, because if you do, that power you walk in makes

you absolutely dangerous to him. He has no defense against you when you walk in the power of God’s

Word.

When you see in the Word that you are in Christ Jesus, that you are in Him, then confess it with all of

your heart. Then you will be strong, standing in a point of authority and operating in your inheritance in

Him. As you do this, the power of God will always be available to work in your behalf. Praise God!

Lesson 39: BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY, Part III

Here are five reasons believers don't walk in the power and authority they have in Christ.

1. Sin

When we habitually sin, we come under Satan's authority, and he has legal rights over us until we

repent. That is why Jesus said, "'The ruler of this world is coming, and has nothing on Me'" (John 14:30,

NKJV). Jesus was without sin, so the devil could not get a foothold in His life.

James 5:16 declares, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." This verse points

out that authority is given to the righteous.

Along the same line, we have to be under authority before we can exercise authority. If we are

rebellious toward our parents or the authority of our church, we won't have much authority over the

evil one.

2. Ignorance.

In Hosea 4:6, God declares, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” The Lord showed me that

His people are being destroyed by the ignorance of their authority in Christ. Yet the Bible makes it clear

that we are not powerless against the enemy.

Second Corinthians 10:3-5 states, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the

flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing

every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

Many believers tend to see the cosmic struggle through the lens of the Asian philosophy of yin and yang,

which contends that good and evil forces are opposite each other but equal in power and authority. In

reality, Satan is a loser. He is a created being, one of God's fallen angels.

God, on the other hand, is the uncreated Creator who always has been and always will be--He is self-

existent. To a believer who is walking in God's authority, Satan is like a toothless lion. It is not that Satan

doesn't have some real power--he does. But when we compare his power with God's--there is no

comparison.

When David confronted Goliath, Goliath compared his physical prowess with David's. Goliath was

insulted that the Israelites would send a mere shepherd boy against him.

However, David didn't compare himself with Goliath; he compared Goliath with God. God was so much

greater than Goliath that the match was over before it had a chance to begin (see 1 Sam. 17:41-50).

In observing God's people, I have noticed that way too many of us tend to be ignorant about the source

of evil. Satan, not God, is the cause of all the evil in the world. When we have a warped perspective of

the sovereignty of God, we become passive in fighting sickness and evil.

After the historic 9/11 tragedy, I was amazed to discover how many people attributed the terrorist

attacks to God's judgment. The Bible tells us that Satan--not God--is the one who comes to kill, steal and

destroy (see John 10:10) and that we are to put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the evil

one (see Eph. 6:10-18).

3. Unbelief.

Unbelief is a serious sin. Romans 14:23 reads, "But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats,

because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin." The book of

Hebrews also calls unbelief sinful: "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart

that turns away from the living God" (3:12). Unbelief is so serious that Jesus could not do many miracles

because of the people's lack of faith (see Matt. 13:58).

We can measure the level of our belief or unbelief by asking ourselves, Do we really believe that Jesus

defeated the enemy? If we don't, we are unlikely to see the results we desire when we lay hands on the

sick.

4. Fear.

Second Timothy 1:7-8 declares, "God has not given us a spirit of fear." Fear paralyzes us and keeps us

from wielding the authority we have in Christ to bring healing to others.

First John 5:18 teaches us that "the wicked one does not touch [whoever is born of God]" (see also Luke

10:19). But some people have suffered backlash from the enemy when they engaged in spiritual warfare

and are now afraid.

There are many reasons for backlash. Here are some ways to guard against it: Be led by the Spirit; make

sure that Satan has no legal right to attack; and obtain prayer covering.

After taking these steps, we can confront the darkness because we have the authority to do so. We need

not be afraid of obeying God's directives even if it requires engaging in strategic warfare.

Luke 12:32 gives us wise counsel: "'Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to

give you the kingdom.'"

5. Prayerlessness.

Luke 18:1 establishes the importance of prayer: "Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them

that they should always pray and not give up" (NIV).

Ephesians 6:18 elaborates on this point: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers

and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

When we know who God is and the authority He has, and when we know who we are in Christ, having

faith is not that difficult. And when we have faith, we will begin to release the spiritual authority

necessary to perform signs, wonders and miracles.

Lesson 40: GRACE, Part I

What is Grace?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer coined a term that has come to characterize much of evangelical Christianity — it's

the term "cheap grace." Cheap grace is in reality a self-imparted grace, a pseudo-grace, and in the end

the consequences of living by it are very, very costly. Cheap grace is not at all a reference to God's grace;

it's a contemptible counterfeit. It's a grace that is "cheap" in value, not cost. It is a bargain-basement,

damaged-goods, washed-out, moth-eaten, second-hand grace.

Cheap grace means the justification of sin without the justification of the sinner. Grace alone does

everything, they say, and so everything can remain as it was before. "All for sin could not atone." The

world goes on in the same old way, and we are still sinners "even in the best life" as Luther said. Well,

then, let the Christian live like the rest of the world, let him model himself on the world's standards in

every sphere of life, and not presumptuously aspire to live a different life under grace from his old life

under sin (The Cost of Discipleship [New York: Collier, 1959], 45-46).

Cheap grace has not lost its worldly appeal since Bonhoeffer wrote those words. If anything, the

tendency to cheapen grace has eaten its way into the heart of evangelical Christianity. While verbally

extolling the wonders of grace, it exchanges the real item for a facsimile. This bait-and-switch tactic has

confounded many sincere Christians.

Many professing Christians today utterly ignore the biblical truth that grace "instruct[s] us to deny

ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus

2:12). Instead, they live as if grace were a supernatural "Get Out of Jail FREE" ticket-a no-strings-

attached, open-ended package of amnesty, beneficence, indulgence, forbearance, charity, leniency,

immunity, approval, tolerance, and self-awarded privilege divorced from any moral demands.

Sadly, the rank-and-file Christian is further cemented in an unbiblical view of grace by what comes out of

some seminaries. There are scholars who actually legitimize the error as a correct understanding of

grace. They call their teaching "grace theology" and their movement "The Grace Movement."

They advocate a "grace" that alters a believer's standing without affecting his state. It is a grace that

calls sinners to Christ but does not bid them surrender to Him. In fact, no-lordship theologians claim

grace is diluted if the believing sinner must surrender to Christ. The more one actually surrenders, the

more grace is supposedly watered down. This is clearly not the grace of Titus 2:11-12.

No wonder Christians are confused. Christian churches mirror the world; Christian leaders follow the

culture; and Christian theologians provide their stamp of approval. The situation is nothing short of

deplorable.

Let's start by laying down a biblical definition of grace with this simple question: What is grace?

Grace is a terribly misunderstood word. Defining it succinctly is notoriously difficult. Some of the most

detailed theology textbooks do not offer any concise definition of the term. Someone has proposed an

acronym: GRACE is God's Riches At Christ's Expense. That's not a bad way to characterize grace, but it is

not a sufficient theological definition.

One of the best-known definitions of grace is only three words: God's unmerited favor. A. W. Tozer

expanded on that: "Grace is the good pleasure of God that inclines him to bestow benefits on the

undeserving." Grace is "the unmerited operation of God in the heart of man, effected through the

agency of the Holy Spirit." Grace is not merely unmerited favor; it is favor bestowed on sinners who

deserve wrath. Showing kindness to a stranger is "unmerited favor"; doing good to one's enemies is

more the spirit of grace (Luke 6:27-36).

Grace is not a dormant or abstract quality, but a dynamic, active, working principle: "The grace of God

has appeared, bringing salvation͙and instructing usΗ (Titus 2:11-12). It is not some kind of ethereal

blessing that lies idle until we appropriate it. Grace is God's sovereign initiative to sinners (Eph. 1:5-6).

Grace is not a one-time event in the Christian experience. We stand in grace (Romans 5:2). The entire

Christian life is driven and empowered by grace: "It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace,

not by foods" (Hebrews 13:9). Peter said we should "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and

Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). Thus we could properly define grace as the free and benevolent

influence of a holy God operating sovereignly in the lives of undeserving sinners.

Paul frequently contrasted grace with law (Romans 4:16; 5:20; 6:14-15; Galatians 2:21; 5:4). He was

careful to state, however, that grace does not nullify the moral demands of God's law. Rather, it fulfills

the righteousness of the law (Romans 6:14-15). It does not annul the righteous demands of the law; it

confirms and validates them (Romans 3:31).

Grace has its own law, a higher, liberating law: "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you

free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2; cf. James 1:25). Note that this new law emancipates us

from sin as well as death. Paul was explicit about this: "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in

sin that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?" (Romans

6:1-2)righteousness (Romans 5:21).

That is the good news of the gospel! God has acted to set us free from sin — not just the consequences,

but it's very power and presence. One day we will never know the experience of temptation, a stray

thought, a misspoken word, a false motive. Guilt will be gone, and with it shame, and "so we shall

always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

In the meantime, we enjoy the liberation from sin's cruel power and defiling influence. God has enabled

us, through grace, to "deny ungodliness and worldly desires" so that we can enjoy a sensible, righteous,

and godly life in the present age (Titus 2:12). "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for

good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).

Lesson 41: GRACE, PART II

"For the Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). The law

basically refers to the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. John is recognizing the

greatness of Moses in a past dispensation, and recognizing the importance of Moses in that

dispensation.

It is very important to note that the Mosaic Law was good. Romans 7:12, "

the law is holy, and the

commandment is holy, righteous and good." When the writer of the book of Hebrews was trying to

show the superiority of Jesus Christ over Moses, he says in Hebrews 3:5 that "Moses was a faithful

SERVANT," but "Jesus Christ was a faithful SON." When the Bible shows the superiority of grace over

law, it never does it by negating the law. Remember, the Bible says that "the law is good." The Bible

never says that the law was bad. The Bible never elevates grace by stepping on the law, or by running

down the law. The Bible says that "the law is good, the law is holy, the law is just," the law was ordained

by God. "The law was given by Moses," and Moses was one of the greatest men of all time, and one of

the greatest in the Old Testament. The Jews held Moses in very high esteem. Literally, "For the Law was

given through Moses."

Even though the Mosaic Law was good, holy, and righteous, the main problem was that it was weak

through the flesh. By that I mean that there is nothing wrong with the law. It told men what they should

do, what God required, what God did not want men to do, and how to satisify a holy God. The problem

with the law was that it did not empower man to follow it. Therefore, the law was weak through the

flesh of man. You see, man is a sinner, not because he commits sinful deeds, but because he has a sinful

nature. From physical birth man has a tendency to turn away from God. Every human being born is born

with a fallen, Adamic nature referred to in the Bible as "the old man, the flesh, the old nature."

Everyone is born with it. It is resident in every cell of the physical body and it causes man to go astray

from God. Even for the Christian who has received God's salvation through Jesus Christ, he too still has

the old nature and is prone to wander away from the things of God. That is why he needs to learn and

apply the Word of God every day of his life, because this will help to follow God's will throughout his

lifetime. But for the non-Christian, the only power he possesses is the power of his sinful nature.

Therefore, the law was good, but it was weak through the sinful nature of mankind. The law told man

exactly what God required, but it didn't provide any power for him to do it. I once heard a preacher

quote a poem regarding this:

THE LAW COMMANDS

BUT GIVES ME NEITHER FEET NOR HANDS,

A BETTER THING GRACE BRINGS,

IT BIDS ME FLY AND GIVES ME WINGS.

"For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." Grace is the

plan of God from eternity past, and truth is the doctrine that expresses it in time. This plan of grace is

perfect because God is perfect. A perfect plan can only come from a perfect God. A perfect plan

excludes anything man can do. Therefore, the plan of God excludes man's merit, man's ability, and

man's talent. This perfect plan may simply be called, "Operation Grace."

God's plan is declared in time through Bible doctrine. Bible doctrine is simply the explanation of His plan

categorically so that it can be understood, absorbed, and then applied. Therefore, when we know Bible

doctrine, or when we know what the Word of God teaches, then and only then can we relax as a

Christian and utilize the grace of God.

John 1:17 presents a contrast. The contrast between Moses and Christ; between law and grace;

between the Old Testament and New Testament epistles; between the Jewish Age and the Church Age.

In order to simplify the principles of grace, I am going to explain them by giving them by numbers.

1. Grace is the plan and system of God that only functions under the law of the Holy Spirit. Rom 8:2-4

reads, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death. (The

Mosaic Law is called 'the ministration of death' in II Cor 3:7). For what the law could not do, in that it

was weak through the flesh, (the sinful nature) God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and

for a sin offering condemned sin in the flesh: (in the sinful nature, with its overt works and deeds) So

that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk (live our lives) according to

the standard of the flesh, (the sinful nature, with its overt works and deeds) BUT ACCORDING TO THE

STANDARD OF THE SPIRIT" (the filling of the Holy Spirit). This refers to the law of the Holy Spirit which is

only operational in the Church Age.

On the other hand, works and deeds are the plan and system of God that functioned under the Mosaic

Law. Matt 5:16, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your

Father which is in heaven." Jesus was talking to the Jews and the Jews only. And in the Sermon on the

Mount in Matt chapters 5-7, Jesus was talking about the Mosaic Law. And the Mosaic Law was only

operational in the Dispensation of Israel. Rom 9:4 says, "The people of Israel, theirs is the adoption as

sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, THE RECEIVING OF THE LAW, the temple worship, and the

promises."

2. Grace is the system whereby man cannot be blessed by what he does, but can only be blessed by

what God has done through Jesus Christ. Rom 5:1-2 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified

(made righteous) through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom

we have gained access by faith INTO THIS GRACE IN WHICH WE NOW STAND." We do not stand under

the law, we stand in grace. Rom 6:14 tells us very clearly that "...you are not under law, but you are

under grace." Rom 7:6, "...we have been released from the law so that we can serve in the new way of

the Spirit, (the law of the filling of the Holy Spirit) and not in the old way of the written code." (The

written code is the Mosaic Law). Rom 11:5-6, "...at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Gal 2:16, "...no

one will be justified (made righteous) by observing the law." Gal 3:11-12, "...the righteous will live by

faith. The law is not based on faith."

3. The Mosaic Law was the teacher in the past. It taught the Jews the plan of God through object

lessons. It taught them what the work of Jesus Christ would involve. It was actually designed to bring

them to Christ. Gal 3:24-25, "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ so that we might be

justified (made righteous) by faith. Now that faith has come, we no longer need the schoolmaster." Rom

2:20 tells us that it was "through the law that we become aware of sin." In other words, it was the law

that taught people what was right and wrong. The law was a teacher. But it is very important to know

and understand that the law was only a teacher, it could not save anyone. It was designed to show the

total depravity of mankind and cause man to look toward the Savior, Jesus Christ.

4. Today grace is our teacher. Tit 2:11-13, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all

men. IT TEACHES US to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright,

and godly lives in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our

great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." I want you to notice that "grace" teaches us. Not the Mosaic Law,

not the laws of morality and ethics, but grace. These three verses contain one of the most neglected

truths of the Bible. No other passage in all of the Word of God so completely summarizes the subject of

Christian conduct. Titus 2:11-13 contains three areas of Christian conduct.

A. Christian living denies "ungodliness and worldly passions." The Christian realm of today teaches that

certain acts are ungodly and worldly. That type of teaching is surface and superficial at best, and

legalistic and apostate at worse. Simply put, anything done apart from the filling of the Holy Spirit is

ungodly, no matter how good it may appear to be. Working in a church can be an ungodly act if it is

done apart from the filling of the Holy Spirit. "Ungodly" simply refers to anything that God cannot honor

or accept.

B. The Christian life should be lived in "self-control, uprightness, and godliness." Again, the knowledge of

the Word of God and the filling of the Holy Spirit is the key, not the legalistic teaching of many churches.

C. The Christian life should be lived in the "great expectation of the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ."

5. There is a lack of emphasis upon that which constitutes true Christian conduct. There is even a

greater lack of emphasis upon that which teaches the believer how to live the true Christian life. The

fact is, it is the grace of God, the very same grace which brings salvation that teaches us who are saved

how to live a life pleasing to God. But this concept has been entirely overlooked in the Christian realm

today.

Anyone who says, "I believe in grace, but I do not think it should be emphasized too much because that

leads to careless living" has totally failed to understand God's work of grace on behalf of mankind. Even

among believers who accept grace as the only means of salvation apart from any works or merit on the

part of man have neglected the fact that the spiritual life can only be sustained, developed, and brought

to completion by the operation of that same grace. Growth in the spritual life comes only by the grace of

God. II Peter 3:18, "But GROW IN GRACE and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; to

whom be glory both now and forever. Amen."

6. There is a great need for a fuller presentation of the grace of God. Not only in the concept of

salvation, but in the area of Christian living. It is very important that Christians realize that the very

same grace that saved them, is the grace that teaches them how live a life pleasing to God.

There is a false idea circulating around, and a very popular one, that the Mosaic Law, or the Ten

Commandments, or the so called "golden rule" teaches people how to live godly lives. Those who

believe that say, "Does not the Mosaic Law set forth high standards of moral living so that people may

know how to live a life pleasing to God?" Not only do unsaved individuals hold this view, but a large

majority of believers, in a greater or lesser degree consent to it. However, this view is not in harmony

with the Biblical concept of grace. Unsaved individuals are not righteous by following the Mosaic Law. If

that were the purpose of the law then it would have been one of the most colossal failures of all of

God's plans. Rom 2:19 tells us, "That by the law every mouth is silenced and the entire world is held

accountable to God." But some will say, "Was not the Mosaic Law given to God's people, Israel, to teach

them the conduct He required of them?" Yes, but in giving the law, God also provided a system of

sacrifices as a ground for extending mercy when they broke the law. This shows that God knew that the

law could not teach righteousness so as to produce godly living.

One of the errors that had crept into the Galatian church was that after being saved by grace through

faith in Jesus Christ they thought that the Christian was made complete by keeping the Mosaic Law. If

this were true, it then could have been said that the law is a teacher of godliness. But Paul, in writing

against this error said in Gal 3:24-25, "...the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, so that we

might BE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH. But after that faith is come, (after we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ)

we are no longer under a schoolmaster (the law). The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. It

is by the law and the failure to fulfill its commands that individuals are brought to Christ, who is the

source of grace. When that has been done there is no further need for the law as a schoolmaster.

Another statement that also definitely affirms that the law is not a teacher of godliness is found in Rom

6:14, "For sin shall not be your master, because YOU ARE NOT UNDER LAW, BUT UNDER GRACE." This is

saying that whoever is under the law is dominated or ruled by sin, or the sin nature. From this it is very

clear that while God, in the law set forth standards of life for people, the law was never expected to

produce righteousness in the lives of individuals. The reason is that the law merely tells people what

they must do. Then it is left up to the individual, entirely in his own strength, to do that which the law

demands. Because of man's sinful nature, that is impossible. That is why the law cannot be a means of

producing godliness in man. This is confirmed by the words of Rom 8:3, "For what the law could not do,

in that it was weak through the flesh." (referring to the sinful nature). It is therefore of great importance

to recognize that in order for all teaching of righteous living to be effective, it must NOT be grounded in

law, but in grace. Any appeal to godliness not related to grace is based on a false premise.

7. To reject the Mosaic Law as a teacher of righteousness is not to say that there are no standards for

Christian conduct. Grace also sets standards, but these standards are on a much higher and greater

level. Those who attempt to follow the law are on a high human level. But those who follow grace are

on an infinitely higher divine level. Furthermore, grace is not only on a much higher level, but it also

supplies all that is needed to live according to its standards. One provision of grace is the Holy Spirit. He

is the gift of God's grace. Jesus said in John 16:13, "He will guide you into all truth" (all doctrine). He is

not merely a sign post that points to high ideals. He is a divine person indwelling every believer in Jesus

Christ to guide in "all truth." This is something entirely unknown by the law. Jesus said in John 10:10, "...I

have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest." In John 1:4 it says that Jesus came, "...full

of grace and truth." The grace that Jesus brought gives us spiritual life (salvation), and through the

teaching of that same grace it makes that spiritual life full and complete. In Phil 1:6 Paul wrote, "being

confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of

Jesus Christ." The beginning of the work was "saved by grace." The carrying on of that work is "teaching

by grace." God never saves a person then leaves him to himself to finish the good work. The Lord

Himself completes that which He has begun. The same grace that saves us is the same grace by which

spiritual growth is achieved.

8. The teaching by grace is not for the unsaved. According to Eph 2:1 the unsaved are said to be "dead

in trespasses and sins," and cannot be taught by grace until they have experienced the spiritual new

birth.

9. Grace is always at war with legalism and religion. You will face this issue for as long as you live.

Therefore, it is very important that you understand what grace means. It means that God does the work,

and man receives all the blessing because of the work of God on his behalf. But man can only receive

those blessings through the learning and application of the Word of God and the development of faith.

Rom 10:17, "Faith only comes through learning, the learning of the Word of God." Legalism and religion

on the other hand means that man does good works and good deeds and God is supposed to bless man

for what man does. This is the opposite of grace. God cannot bless man for anything he does. If He did,

He would compromise His perfect character. Rom 4:1-5, "What then shall we say that Abraham, our

father, discovered in this matter? If in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he would have something to

boast about, but not before God. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Now when a man works, his wages are credited to him not as a gift (not as grace) but as an obligation.

(He earned them). However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his

faith is credited to him as righteousness." (That's grace). Rom 11:6, "And if by grace, then it is no longer

by works; if it were, then grace would no longer be grace."

10. Grace only comes through Jesus Christ, and apart from Him there is no grace. John 1:16-17, "From

the fullness of his grace we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses;

but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." All things that are said to be of grace are also said to be

"in Christ, by Him, or through Him." Eph 1:3 says that "In Him is redemption through his death, the

forgiveness of sins according to the RICHES OF HIS GRACE." Rom 3:24 says that he who believes is

"justified FREELY by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." The one who receives

Jesus Christ by faith, receives with Him all the gifts of grace.

Grace, then, is God's provision to bring into being, sustain, and complete His new creation in Christ

Jesus. This is only possible because of Jesus Christ. By His death, He fully satisfied all the demands of

God's justice. As grace came by Jesus Christ, only those who receive Him are under grace.

Lesson 42: GRACE, Part III

There are three phases in the plan of God:

Phase 1: Salvation.

Phase 2: The Christian Life.

Phase 3: Eternity.

There are also three aspects of grace as it relates to the three phases of the plan of God.

PHASE 1: SALVATION. The first work of grace gives us a new position before God. This is fully

accomplished the moment we believe in Jesus Christ. At the point of salvation we are placed into union

with Jesus Christ. This is our new position after salvation, we are said to be "in Christ." Rom 8:1, "There

is now no judgment to those who are in Christ Jesus." This new position is accomplished by grace. We

don't earn it nor do we deserve it. Eph 1:7, "In Him we have redemption through His death, the

forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of HIS GRACE." All who believe "are justified FREELY by

his grace through the redemption that came through Jesus Christ" (Rom 3:24). Reconciliation has been

made through the death of Jesus Christ, which He tasted by the grace of God. Col 1:21-22, "Once you

were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he

has reconciled you through Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without

blemish and from accusation." These and all other things that make up the believer's positon are directly

or indirectly said to be by grace.

PHASE 2: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. The Word of God has a great deal to say about the grace of God in the

Christian life. Every believer stands in grace and has success in it by faith. Rom 5:1-2, "Therefore, since

we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through

whom WE HAVE GAINED ACCESS BY FAITH INTO THIS GRACE IN WHICH WE NOW STAND." This alone is

assurance that God is ready to act in grace in every circumstance of our lives.

(A). Every step of advance in the Christian life is because of grace. What Paul said concerning himself

applies to every believer in Jesus Christ. I Cor 15:10 reads, "BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD I AM WHAT I

AM, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them, yet not I, but the

grace of God that was with me." The words, "worked harder" do not refer to Christian service activities

like witnessing, praying, giving, etc., etc. It refers to self-discipline and concentration. Self-discipline and

concentration are probably the most difficult works to do on a consistent basis. Self-discipline is needed

when you are under Bible teaching. According to I Cor 15:10, all that a believer is and everything done

by him, is to be the result of the grace of God. Apart from His grace nothing can be accomplished for

God.

(B). Grace is more than sufficient for anything we face in life. In reply to Paul's threefold prayer to be

relieved from "The thorn in the flesh," God told Paul in II Cor 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you: for

my strength is made perfect in weakness." Here God's grace sustained Paul at a time of great affliction.

In this is seen the sufficiency of grace for all times under all circumstances.

(C). The grace of God delivers believers from the power of the sinful nature. Rom 6:14 reads, "For sin

(referring to the sinful nature) shall not be your master, because you not under law but under grace." It

is only grace, God's infinite provision, that can break the power of the sinful nature in our lives and set

us free. How different this is from the teaching that an overemphasis on grace might cause Christians to

be careless. This idea is strictly human viewpoint. There can never be too much teaching on grace.

(D). It is through grace that a believer becomes spiritually strong. II Tim 2:1 says, "You then, my son, BE

STRONG IN THE SPHERE (realm) OF GRACE that is in Christ Jesus." Only through grace are we able to

endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Without grace it is impossible to advance in the

spiritual life. Everything that God gives us to grow spiritually is based on His grace. We don't earn it nor

do we deserve it. We don't deserve the fact that Jesus Christ bore our sins in His own body on the cross.

We don't deserve to be filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit. We don't deserve to have a completed

canon of Scripture. We don't deserve the right to be able to learn and apply spiritual truths from the

Word of God. We don't deserve any blessings from the hand of God. And if anyone thinks that he

deserves anything from God, then he is arrogant and proud and living a life that is totally apart from the

plan and grace of God. Hebrews 13:9 tells us, "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings

(legalism, religion and human philosophy). For it is good for your hearts to be strengthened (stabilized)

by grace..." The alternative to a heart being "stabilized by grace" is a restless heart that is fearful and full

of worry. That is the experience of a great number of believers who do not understand the greatness of

God's grace. Believers who struggle in their own power and have doubt, depression, frustration, and

worry, do not have a "stabilized heart." Don't think that just because you may worry or doubt from time

to time that you have failed. There isn't any sin that we can commit that can keep us from growing in

grace. Our failure to apply the grace of God to our sins is where the trouble rests. I John 1:9 should be

the first grace principle we learn after salvation. We must realize that a simple acknowledgement of our

sins is enough to be forgiven. That is grace. We don't earn it, nor do we deserve it.

(E). You cannot serve God apart from grace. II Cor 9:8 states, "...God is able to make ALL GRACE ABOUND

TO YOU, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

"All you need" refers to possessing all the assets necessary for you to grow in grace. Paul in writing to

the Corinthian Christians said II Cor 8:1-2, "...we want you to know about the grace that God has given

the Macedonian Churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty

welled up in rich generosity." Giving is a grace function, not a law function. Anyone who says that you

must give money, or that you must give a certain dollar amount or a certain percentage is not teaching

grace. Grace giving is brought out in II Cor 9:7, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to

give, not reluctantly, nor under compulsion, for God loves a gracious giver." In other words, a believer

who understands grace (I Cor 16:2), "...give...as God has prospered you..." Giving under grace is more

stringent and demanding than it is under law. The law only required ten percent. Giving under grace

may be anywhere from ten percent to ninety percent. We are to "give as God has prospered."

God has given us grace at salvation, and for the Christian life as we grow spiritually and receive a greater

understanding of grace, we are to apply grace to others, just as God has applied grace to us. The

Macedonian Churches took up a collection for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem. The Macedonian

believers were poor, and under pressure themselves, yet they gave to help the brethren in Jerusalem.

But what most people don't understand is that the brethren in Jerusalem were believers who were

involved in legalism and ritual. They were totally unworthy of the money that came from the believers in

Macedonia. But that is grace. Those Macedonian believers expressed the concept of grace. Those

Christians in Jerusalem didn't deserve help, but they received it anyway.

There isn't a pastor or a church in the entire world that deserves any money from anyone. But because

of grace, God desires Christians to give. Not because they have to, but because they want to. That is an

application of grace. There are a lot of people giving a lot of money to a lot of churches for a lot of

different reasons. But, if it isn't an application of grace, then it's meaningless. I've heard people say that

they were going to stop giving money to their church because they didn't like what the church was doing

with it. Now there is nothing wrong with that as long as they leave the church. But the ones I've known

who say that still attend the same church. Their attitude is that of arrogance, not grace. They are to give

as unto the Lord, not because they like or dislike the pastor, or church policy.

(F). Paul spoke of his own preaching as being by the grace of God. Ephesians 3:8, "Although I am less

than the least of all the saints, THIS GRACE WAS GIVEN TO ME: to preach to the Gentiles the

unsearchable riches of Christ." Not only his own preaching, but all ministering to the church, Paul says is

to be by grace. Eph 4:7, "But to each one of us GRACE HAS BEEN GIVEN AS CHRIST APPORTIONED IT."

Eph 4:11-12, "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists,

and some to be pastor-teachers, to prepare God's people for the works of service, so that the body of

Christ may be built up." Heb 4:16, "Let us then approach the THRONE OF GRACE with confidence, so that

we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." There is a provision from God to

completely support us in our time of need. This is by grace and grace alone. We don't earn it, nor do we

deserve it. II Thess 2:16-17, "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and BY

HIS GRACE GAVE US ETERNAL ENCOURAGEMENT and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen

you in every good deed and word." The benediction of grace in the Christian life is "eternal

encouragement and good hope culminating in encouraged hearts and strength in every good deed and

word." There is nothing in life for which there is not grace. Because grace is so essential for every detail

of the believer's life, there can be no danger of teaching too much grace. The real danger is in not

understanding grace and in not teaching it enough.

PHASE 3: ETERNITY: Grace in the ages to come. That which we have previously covered, grace in

salvation and grace in the Christian life, does not in any way even begin to exhaust the grace of God.

Even more grace is to be brought in at the Rapture of the Church, and at the Second Advent. I Peter

1:13, "Therefore prepare your minds for action: be self-controlled; set your hope fully ON THE GRACE

TO BE GIVEN TO YOU WHEN JESUS CHRIST IS REVEALED." The raising of those who have died in Christ,

and the changing of believers who are alive, and the catching up together of all to be with the Lord

forever is a provision of His matchless grace (I Cor. 15:52 & I Thess. 4:16-17). No one deserves this final

and glorious deliverance from the consequences and presence of sin. But even more, we will be

conformed to the image of the Son of God (Rom 8:29), we will be made like Him (I John 3:2), we will

have bodies fashioned like His glorious body (Phil 3:21), we will be one with the Father and the Son even

as they are one (John 17:21), and we will share with Him the glory given to Him by the Father (John

17:22). All of these things can only be brought about because of the greatness of His grace. Nothing else

can explain so great an exaltation of a creature that is so depraved and so unworthy to receive anything

from God.

As glorious as all this is, it does not in any way exhaust the infinite and unrestrained provision of God's

grace. God's ultimate purpose in saving man is expressed in Ephesians 2:7, "In order that in the coming

ages he might show THE INCOMPARABLE RICHES OF HIS GRACE expressed in His kindness to us in

Christ Jesus." Forgiveness of sins is according to the "riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). But the grace

that is revealed in the coming ages (dispensations) is the "INCOMPARABLE RICHES OF HIS GRACE." Only

after all things have run their course and are forever done away with, will the grace of God reach its

fullest point. That surely will be the fullness of His grace.

In our study of grace one passage sums up the concept of grace, Eph 5:25-27, "...Christ loved the church

and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the

word, and to present her to himself as a radiant Church, without stain or wrinkle or any other

blemish, but holy and blameless." This expresses the meaning of grace. It is not only God's means of

forgiving sin, but it includes all that He does with and for the believer in raising him from his lost and

condemned state, in purifying and perfecting him; and finally, in placing him as a glorious being, far

above all other created beings in a perfect union with Himself.

Remember this acronym for grace. -- G-R-A-C-E. -- God's Riches At Christ's Expense. It explains grace in

its simplest terms, yet covers it all.

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Lesson 43: GRACE, Part IV

A. GRACE TEACHING VERSUS HUMAN TEACHING

The teaching of high ideals and high moral standards is purely a high level of human teaching. And even

though they are necessary for the preservation of any nation, they are not God's standards for a life

under grace. Why? Because the unsaved individual can have very high ideals and high moral standards,

but that doesn't make him acceptable to God. The purpose of grace teaching is to produce in the

believer a life on the divine level. It is far more than just morality and ethics and a good code of conduct,

even though all those things are a part of it. Even though many overt activities of both the saved and

unsaved appear to be identical on the surface, it is the inner motivation that determines the level of

living. The outward expression of godly living as taught by grace cannot always be determined from the

high human standards of life. There are standards of godly living that are beyond the conception of the

natural mind. These are on a divine level and are far higher than the very finest teachings of the best

philosophers, or moral teachers. The standards under grace are so high that it makes comparison

impossible. The standards of grace are even higher than the high standards of that which God gave in

the Mosaic Law.

The thinking of one under grace should be in perfect harmony with the thinking of God. II Cor 10:5,

"...we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ." If every thought is made obedient to

Christ, the overt conduct would also be obedient to Christ; because overt conduct has its source in

thought.

If you can begin to understand that there isn't anything anyone can do to help God in any way, then you

have begun to get a glimpse of grace. Because it is only in our total helplessness, not only in salvation,

but in living the Christian life, that God is able to "make all grace abound to you" (II Cor 9:8). But once

you get the idea that you can actually do something to help God, or you can actually serve God in any

way, then you have moved into arrogance, and in arrogance you live your life in legalism, religion, and

self-righteousness. And it is only the god of this world (Satan) who will bless you and who will answer

your prayers. Therefore, humility that is brought about by grace is the only means by which we can be in

a position to be blessed by God. True humility can only come from the teaching of grace. Most human

humility is nothing but hypocrisy. Only the humility that comes from the teaching of grace can be

accepted by God. Humility basically means, "Teachability, and the respect for authority." In the Christian

life it means no dependence upon self, but complete dependence upon God and His Word. Total

dependence upon God produces true humility. Dependence upon self produces arrogance and pride.

Arrogance and pride are out of harmony with God's program of grace, because grace emphasizes the

fact that everything is of God. I Cor 4:7, "For what makes you different from anyone else? What do you

have that you did not receive? (in other words, you don't have anything that was not given to you in one

way or another) And if you did receive, why do you boast as though you did not?" I Cor 1:28-29, "He

chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not, to nullify the

things that are, so that no one may boast before him." In other words, God went to great extremes to

keep man from being arrogant and boasting about anything.

The only condition placed upon man for the enjoyment of all the blessings of grace is FAITH. Rom 4:16,

"It is of FAITH so that it might be BY GRACE." This law of faith, or simple dependence on God in order to

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receive His blessings of grace nullifies man's eagerness to think highly of himself. Rom 3:27, "Where,

then is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? NO! BUT ON THAT OF

FAITH." Paul's attitude was expressed in Gal 6:14, "God forbid that I should boast, except in the cross of

our Lord Jesus Christ." The glory of the cross is based on the fact that because of it, God is free to act in

grace toward man. And the only glory that comes to man is the glory of being in union with Jesus Christ.

We share His glory. Rom 8:17 says, "We are heirs and joint heirs with Jesus Christ." And that includes His

glory. But that is in eternity.

The grace of God taught Paul humility. I Cor 15:9-10 states "...I am the least of the apostles, that am not

worthy to be called an apostle

But by the grace of God I am what I am." The grace of God went one

step further with Paul. In Ephesians 3:8 we read, "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is

this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Therefore,

true humility is a complete dependence on God. This humility is only developed through a consistent

learning and application of the Word of God in the filling of the Holy Spirit. This is a work of grace, and

grace alone.

The current teachings of self-esteem, and the importance of self-esteem are evil to the core. Self-

esteem causes one to depend upon himself, and that immediately sets it apart from the grace of God,

which is total dependence on God.

B. GRACE AND THE POWER OF GOD

All that God does in redeeming, reconciling and justifying man, and in giving him a new life, is of God

alone. Man can contribute nothing. It is very difficult for many to understand the truth that salvation

from the penalty of sin is the work of God and Him alone, and it is only our faith in Jesus Christ that

makes God's work effective. But even though it is very difficult for many to understand grace in

salvation, it seems even more difficult for those who are saved to understand that the life that God

expects them to live is not of themselves, but by His power, which is also by His grace.

Because of this lack of understanding, many believers strive in their own strength for high ideals of

moral conduct, instead of depending on the power of God through the filling of the Holy Spirit and the

application of Bible doctrine. The power of God and only the power of God will enable the believer to

live according to the high divine standards under grace. But the believer must use the assets that God

gave him at salvation in order to function in the power of God under grace. The first asset the believer

must utilize is rebound. The confession of sins to God is the only way for the believer to obtain the filling

or controlling ministry of the Holy Spirit, and it is only under the controlling ministry of the Holy Spirit

that the believer can live his life in the power of God under grace. But the believer must also realize that

the confession of sins to God is not the end. That is not the Christian life in itself. The confession of sins

to God is only the beginning, it puts the Christian in the place by which he can live a life pleasing to God.

The confession of sins gives us the filling of the Holy Spirit, and when we are filled with the Holy Spirit

we can learn and understand the teachings of the Word of God. And it is the learning and application of

the Word of God that produces spiritual growth. The confession of sins does not in any way produce

spiritual growth directly, it only puts us in the position whereby we can grow spiritually. It is the learning

and application of the Word of God, and only the learning and application of the Word of God that

produces spiritual growth. And it is through this spiritual growth that the power of God is utilized in the

Christian life. In other words, the more you learn from the Word of God, the more of God's power that

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will be directed through you. Therefore, it is very important to understand that the power of God is

available to us, not because we live moral upright lives, but because we apply the principles of grace to

our lives and follow the system that God has designed.

It is also very important to understand that you cannot live a life of grace by your own strength. It is only

the power of God that can produce the standard of life under grace. And that standard is accomplished

only by the filling of the Holy Spirit and the learning and application of the Word of God. The fact that

the true Christian life under grace is one of total dependence on God is proof that our life must be lived

by the power of God. If the Christian life could be lived in the power of the believer in any way, it would

be a life dependent on self, and not God.

In the teachings of grace, great emphasis is placed on the fact that it is God who does all the working,

not we ourselves. Phil 2:13, "For it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU to will and to act according to His good

purpose." Heb 13:20-21, "May the God of peace

equip you with everything good for doing His will, and

may HE WORK IN US what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen. I Cor 3:7, "Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things

grow." I Cor 12:6, in writing about spiritual gifts and the true ministry Paul said, "there are different

kinds of operations, but THE SAME GOD WORKS ALL OF THEM IN ALL MEN."

To show that the power of the Christian life under grace is only of God, the Bible emphasizes the

weakness of men. II Cor 4:7, "But we have this treasure (God's power) in jars of clay (in frail human

bodies) TO SHOW THAT THIS ALL SURPASSING POWER IS FROM GOD AND NOT FROM US." II Cor 1:9,

"Indeed, we had the sentence of death in ourselves. But this happened (or God planned it this way) so

that WE MIGHT NOT RELY ON OURSELVES BUT ON GOD who raises the dead." II Cor 3:5, "Not that we

are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves: BUT OUR SUFFICIENCY IS FROM GOD." Rom

6:13, "Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer

yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body

to Him as instruments of righteousness." This shows us that the power is of God and not of man.

Because the instrument is powerless apart from the master's control. This makes it very important to

distinguish between trying to SERVE God and being USED BY GOD. We should also keep in mind that

God does not desire to help Christians do things for Him. Instead, He desires to do the work Himself

through them. That is grace. And grace is that which God does, and the Christian life under grace has all

its sources in Him. This means, that whenever there is failure in the life of the Christian, it is because of

dependence on self, and not on God.

APPLICATION -Jesus said in John 15:5, "Without me you can do nothing." Paul said in Gal 2:20, "I have

been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by

faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." I Cor 15:57, "But thanks be to God! HE

GIVES ME VICTORY THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST." In Phil 1:11 Paul tells believers to be "filled with

the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and the praise of God."

Therefore, it is impossible to live the Christian life under grace apart from Jesus Christ. The popular idea

that Christ goes along side of the believer to lead him and guide him is not found in the Bible. The Bible

clearly teaches us that, in this age and this age alone, Jesus Christ is in, not merely with, all who believe

in Him.

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it is very important to understand that the divine way of life for the Christian is not imposed on us from

without. It flows out from within as naturally as a spring of water. It is the outflowing of the indwelling

Holy Spirit of God from the inner-most being of the believer. Jesus said in John 7:38-39, "Whoever

believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'streams of living water WILL FLOW OUT FROM WITHIN HIM.'

By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the

Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified." Therefore, godly living is not merely a

suppression of human desires. In Romans chapter seven, Paul describes the struggle and the failure in a

life where self-effort was used to suppress and control evil and sin. Rom 7:15-25, "I do not understand

what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate that is what I do. And I do what I do not

want to do, I still agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin (the

sinful nature) living in me. I know that in me, that is, in my flesh (the sinful nature) there is no good

thing. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I

want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it

is no longer I who do it, but it is sin (the sinful nature) living in me that does it. So I find this law at work:

When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law, but I see

another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me

a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue

me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my

mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature I am a slave to the law of sin."

Therefore, the true Christian life is not a life lived by the individual with some assistance from God at

crucial times. The true Christian life is the life of God Himself, through Jesus Christ, His Son, through the

power of the indwelling Holy Spirit using the knowledge of the Word of God that the Christian has

learned. In the Christian life we have two power options: The power of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit,

which functions when we are filled or controlled by Him, and secondly, the power of the Word of God.

"...the Word of God is alive and powerful

" (Heb 4:12). So you can see, that if you don't have a

maximum knowledge of the Word of God, it is impossible to live the Christian life. In the human realm

we know and we understand that children cannot live a life as mature adults because they do not have

the knowledge, nor do they have the insight that is supposed to go with human maturity. This same

principle applies to the Christian life. Any Christian who does not have a maximum knowledge of God's

Word cannot in any way live the true Christian life. Therefore, I challenge you to develop a consistent

Bible study procedure in your life. Place yourself under a pastor-teacher who communicates the Word of

God in depth, and in all areas. Utilize the power that God has made available to you as of the moment

you were saved. You will be amazed what Biblical information will do for you as it saturates your soul

and changes you into the person that God designed you to be.

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Lesson 44: GRACE, Part V

GRACE IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE

Emphasis on Christian service as the primary factor in the Christian life is often accepted without

question in Christian circles today. The Bible teaches that the believer is to produce "good" works.

Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to DO GOOD WORKS,

which God prepared in advance for us to do." The word "good" in this verse is a translation of the

Greek word AGATHOS, which means "good of intrinsic value, or good of inner value." Therefore, it

actually refers to the inner life, and does not emphasize overt activities. This is teaching that when the

inner life is controlled by the Holy Spirit everything you do is classified as "a good deed," or "a good

work," and is acceptable to God. When the Holy Spirit controls you, He can teach you self-discipline, He

can teach you concentration, and He can guide you into a consistent pattern of learning and growing in

grace. Therefore, the "good works" spoken of in Eph 2:10 refers to the "good work" of the Holy Spirit

teaching us the Word of God and thereby bringing about spiritual growth. So the "good works" refers to

spiritual growth which is growing in grace as per II Pet 3:18. Eph 2:10 could be translated, "For we are

God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to produce good of intrinsic value, achievements which God

prepared in advance for us to achieve." This refers to spiritual growth.

Love is also a primary factor in the Christian life. Love has always been a factor in the plan of God, but in

the Church Age love carries a new and greater meaning. Jesus said in John 13:34, "A new commandment

I give unto you, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that you also love one another." A

new commandment means that it had not been in force previously. This was the first time it was given.

It also means that there had been a former commandment. What was the old commandment? Jesus in

answering one of the lawyers said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all

your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is just like it.

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang ALL THE LAW AND THE

PROPHETS" (Matt 22:37-40).

According to this the Mosaic Law was based upon love as is the new commandment, but still the new

commandment is much greater than the old just as the divine is greater than that which is human. The

measure of love under the old commandment, under the Mosaic Law was "your heart," "your soul," and

"your mind." All these are on the human level. The love for the neighbor as for one's self while

unfulfilled by any man, is still only human love. But to love one another as Christ loved us is to love with

a divine love. Of this love Paul wrote in Gal 2:20, "Who loved me, and gave himself for me." The new

commandment of love transcends the old commandment of love as the infinite transcends the finite.

The new commandment of love calls for a standard of love never before thought of by man and in fact

never thought to be possible.

For those who want to place the moral standards of the Mosaic Law on the Christian in this age, is to

insist upon a purely human standard of life for one who has become a part of the new creation in Christ

Jesus. All who are in Christ belong to the new divine order for which there is divine rule of life according

to divine love. And when you insist upon the law as a guide to godliness and spirituality under grace, you

are actually lowering the concept of godliness and spirituality. In essence you are actually lowering the

standards.

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Insistence upon the law of the Spirit and the new commandment of divine love does not lower the

standards, but raises them. Nor does the law of the Spirit and the new commandment of divine love do

away with the morals of the old law. Because all the good that comes from human love is included as a

part, but only a small part of that which comes from divine love. Therefore, the morals of the old law are

found restated in the grace teachings of the epistles, but they are presented as mere details to the

earthly life of one who is in Christ and who has a heavenly calling. I John 1:10, "This is love: NOT THAT

WE LOVED GOD, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins." I John 4:19, "We

love him because he first loved us." I want you to notice the "matter of fact" statement, "we love him."

This is not a command. This is not a requirement. This is a simple statement of fact. Under grace we are

not commanded to love God, we are commanded to love one another in the way that God has loved us.

Only under law were believers commanded to love God. Under grace we have the indwelling Holy Spirit

who guides and directs our lives, and we are to be sensitive to His leading.

It is very important to note that love for God is a major motivating factor in the Christian life, but love

for God only comes by learning about Him. And we can learn more about Him by learning a little of His

Word every day. Notice, I said, "Learning His Word." Not just reading His Word. Reading the Word of

God has its place in the Christian life, but reading is only to go along with studying. Reading by itself will

not bring about the love for God that is mentioned in I John 3:11, "This is the message you heard from

the beginning: we should LOVE ONE ANOTHER." I John 3:23, "

this is his command: to believe in the

name of his Son, Jesus Christ (salvation), and to love one another as he commanded us." This is recorded

in John 13:34, "A new commandment I have given to you, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE

LOVED YOU, that you also love one another." Everything we are to accomplish in the Christian life is

connected in some way with the learning of the Word of God. Under grace, learning the Word of God is

the primary function of every Christian. Any Christian who does not take the time that God has given

him to learn His Word, is NOT living the Christian life, and is NOT functioning in any true Christian service

activity no matter how many good things he may do. Everything God desires for us to accomplish is

connected in some way with the learning and the application of the Word of God.

The Bible says that faith is required of all of us if we are to please God. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, "Without

FAITH it is impossible to please God." Not only does God require us to have faith, but He also provides

the means by which we can obtain that faith. Romans 10:17, "Faith only comes by learning, learning

from the word of God." The only way anyone can develop faith is through the learning of the Word of

God. You do not pray for faith, "Faith only comes by learning the Word of God."

Do you want to be "approved of God?" II Timothy 2:15 says, "STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED of

God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Do you want to "love God?" I John 2:5 tells us, "

if anyone follows his Word (the Bible), God's love is

truly made complete in him." Before you can follow His Word you must know it, and before you can

know it, you must consistently learn it. This requires the greatest work anyone can do, self-discipline and

concentration.

Therefore, love is a primary factor in the Christian life. Love for one another. To love as Christ loved. And

that is only possible through the filling of the Holy Spirit and a maximum knowledge of the Word of God.

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Luke 10:38-42, "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman

named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet

listening to what he said. But Martha was ever-busied by much serving. So she came to him and asked,

'Lord don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha,

Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are concerned and interested about much serving, but only one thing

is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her." These sisters represent

two attitudes that believers take toward Jesus Christ. Both were intensely interested in Jesus and in

being with Him, but there was a big difference in their attitude toward Him. Martha's attitude was to do

some overt material service for Him. She carried this so far that the Bible said that she became "over-

busied" because of "much serving" and, as a result, she became impatient with her sister.

Martha considered overt service for Jesus as all important. She was occupied totally with the things

concerning Jesus. All that she did was for Him. There are many Christians today who are just like Martha.

They are totally occupied with the things concerning Jesus, like: witnessing, giving, praying, working in a

local church, helping other Christians, etc., etc.

But Mary, on the other hand, instead of doing something for Him, she sat at His feet and received from

Him. Mary desired to receive spiritual things from Him. Martha was so busy in her good deeds in serving

Him overtly that she had no time to receive the spiritual things He had to offer her. Then Jesus

expressed His estimate of the two attitudes toward Him. He kindly rebuked Martha for being concerned

and troubled about many things, but added that Mary had chosen that good part, which would not be

taken away from her. By His answer to Martha, Jesus was saying that an attitude of desire to receive

from Him (Bible teaching) is more highly valued by Him than overt service.

The good works that are a part of Christian service are acceptable to God only under certain conditions.

First of all they are only acceptable when the one producing them is filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians

5:18 says, "Be filled (controlled) with the Spirit." This is a command. Secondly, there must be the

application of the Word of God that has been learned. II Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed

and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God

may be thoroughly equipped for every GOOD WORK." And thirdly, there must be love for other

Christians. John 13:35, "By this shall everyone know that you are My followers, if you have love for each

other." John 15:12, "

love one another as I have loved you." Galatians 5:22, "...the fruit of the Spirit is

love

Fear is a false motive for Christian service. Teaching believers to fear God's vengeance on the day of

judgment, or of being lost, or being forever cast out by God unless certain standards of life are followed

is wrong. Usually these standards are man-made and endorsed by various religions and denominations.

Fear is used to restrain people from doing what is the wrong thing or to encourage good deeds and to

encourage contributions to the church. All of this is appeasement or bribery offered to God. It is not the

Christian way of life. Fear was a part of the Mosaic Law. Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the

beginning of wisdom." That was under the law, it is not the same under grace. It should be noted that

fear is a motive in the lives of many Christians because they do not understand the grace of God. Fear

has no place in the life of the believer. II Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has NOT given us the spirit of fear;

but of power and of love, and of a sound mind." I John 4:17-18, "Herein is our love made complete, that

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we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in the world. There is NO

FEAR IN LOVE; but PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made

complete in love."

Christian service must be a voluntary and joyful activity. Because our motivation is based on love, our

service must be voluntary. That which is done because of love is never done grudgingly, nor is it done to

be recognized by others. Our Christian service activity should never be thought of as a duty performed

nor as a responsibility fulfilled. Read I Corinthians 13:4-8.

Christian service is not that of a master and slave relationship. Jesus said in John 15:15, "Therefore, I do

not call you slaves

but I have called you friends." This perfect friendship does not measure the service

completed nor expect payment in return. It is without thought of gain or reward. Paul said in Romans

7:6, "But now we are delivered from the law

that we should serve in THE NEWNESS OF THE SPIRIT, and

not in the oldness of the letter." (referring the Mosaic Law). To Paul this newness of the spirit had real

meaning. He said in Acts 20:24, "But none of these things (bonds and afflictions that awaited him at

Jerusalem) move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy,

and the ministry, which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the gospel of the grace of God."

Service under grace must be voluntary. No one should tell you what you have to do for God. As you

learn the Word of God consistently God Himself, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit using the Word

of God you have learned will lead you into the service He desires for you. Everything the believer has,

was freely given to him by God because of the grace plan. Therefore, anything the believer does in the

realm of Christian service, must be done from his own free will without the coercion of anyone else.

Christian service is not only to be voluntary and joyful and motivated by love; but it must be "as unto

Christ" to be acceptable to God. II Corinthians 5:15, "And he died for all, that those who live should no

longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." I Corinthians 10:31,

whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in

word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Christian service is not only good works done unto the Lord Jesus Christ, but they are NOT done unto

men. Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, NOT

FOR MEN

it is the Lord Christ you are serving." This makes it very clear that every detail of a believer's

work, whether it be learning the Word, or something to benefit others, or even working for an

employer, should always be done as unto Christ.

Therefore, true Christian service is any activity that is done in the filling of the Holy Spirit, with the

application of the Word of God. The greater the knowledge of the Word, the greater the service will be.

Which means, that true Christian service becomes more effective as one grows and advances spiritually.

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Lesson 45: GRACE, Part VI

COMPARISON OF GOD'S WAYS AND MAN'S WAYS

Isaiah 55:8 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the

Lord." Under grace God does everything apart from human merit and any thought of repayment. He

cannot offer His blessings as an inducement, nor His judgments as a threat to encourage godly living.

Therefore, under grace God first reminds us of what He has done in grace; then on the basis of that, He

appeals for a life in harmony with that which He has done.

Man's ways are not God's ways. Man still clings to the idea that benefits always come because of good

conduct and losses always come because of bad conduct. Natural man always feels that he must

contribute something to earn God's favor. This concept is not only non-Biblical, but it is non-Christian.

Now these concepts do apply under establishment. We are rewarded and recompensed for the work

that we do in the human realm, but these principles do not in any way transfer over into the spiritual

realm under grace. In grace, everything is just the opposite.

Under the Law God promised blessings on conditions of obedience and threatened cursing for all

disobedience to the law (Deuteronomy 28). It is very important that God's order under grace not be

confused with that under law. It often is. Romans 6:14 tells us, "You are not under law, but under

grace."

God appeals for godly living because of His own work of grace. Yet most believers reject God's appeals

on grace, and lower themselves to an inferior standard (man's ways), such as morality, ethics, religious

standards, or even health standards.

When God's grace appeals are rejected, it is natural for man's legalistic appeals to be accepted. For

example, When God's grace is rejected, the zeal and self-sacrifice of other Christians is used many times

as an appeal to get us to be more zealous and self-sacrificing. The lives of other Christians should have

no bearing as to what I should be doing as a Christian. Everyone is different, and everyone has a

different responsibility before the Lord.

When God's grace is rejected, touching stories are often used to appeal to us to do certain things, such

as giving more money, or getting more involved in church activities. Stories of the needs of the heathen,

or stories of great physical suffering are used to stir the emotions and cause individuals to get involved.

All of this is totally wrong. People start doing things for all the wrong reasons. You don't do things just

because your emotions are stirred, you do things because the Spirit of God uses the Word of God, and

convinces you to do certain things.

When God's grace is rejected, the needs of the local church and the denomination is often used to

appeal for more money or more service.

When God's grace is rejected, your own self-respect is used as a reason for Christian service. The

response, if any, easily becomes the fulfillment of a duty or the attainment of some great ideal, but it is

not Christian service.

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When God's grace is rejected, the eloquence and persuasive powers of a speaker or the enthusiasm of

an occasion may move some people to action, but the motivation may be wrong.

God's appeals for godly living are only valid when based on His own arguments. No one has the right to

ask someone else to do what God asks, and offer inferior arguments than God does. God's standards for

life under grace are so high that it is impossible to appeal for them on the basis of human and moral

thinking without distracting from the high requirements. God's own arguments are necessary to hold

the appeals up to God's standards. Appeals for godly living based on human arguments always lower

God's standards. By rejecting God's grace teachings, standards for godly living are brought down from

the divine level to the lower level of human concepts.

Human commands for godly living are entirely negative. They are nothing more than a condemnation of

certain vices, sins, and certain manners of living. The condemnation of vices, sins, and certain styles of

living apart from grace tends to encourage a feeling of self-righteousness, or a "holier than thou"

attitude in those who reform and in those who are not guilty of those certain vices, or sins, and it

encourages a spirit of despair in those who repeatedly fail through personal weaknesses. Therefore,

such condemnation emphasizes dependence upon self instead of dependence upon God.

God is greatly concerned about keeping the lives of believers away from worldly things. But His

approach to the problem is far different from man's approach. There are two methods that the Lord

uses to draw the thinking of the believer away from the present world:

1. He brings out the greatness, the stability, and the attractiveness of things above through the teaching

of His Word.

2. He declares the unstable and temporary nature of things of the earth through the teaching of His

Word.

When believers find happiness and stability in the things of God, there is no need to condemn the

temporary pleasures of the world. In this manner teaching is mainly positive, not negative.

God always bases His appeals to godly living upon some great fundamental principle, and relates

individual acts to it. While man usually deals with individual acts by themselves, apart from any basic

principle. The legalistic point of view always considers specific offenses, and brings about restrictive

regulations. To leave out the basic principles upon which all teachings of grace are based and to consider

specific precepts by themselves is to miss the unique nature of grace teachings and to substitute ethical

teachings in their place.

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Lesson 46: GRACE, Part VII

GRACE AND THE CHRISTIAN WALK

Ephesians 4:1, "As a prisoner of the Lord, I therefore urge you to WALK (live your life) worthy of the

calling you have received." This appeal is for our earthly life to be in full harmony with our exalted

position in Christ. This is NOT an appeal to live in a way so to gain this high position. That is impossible,

because the position is so high that it cannot possibly be earned, not even by a perfect life, if that were

possible. This exalted position belongs to the believer only because of God's calling, and the individual's

positive response of faith. It is a gift of God's grace, and our exalted position is unalterable. Romans

11:29, "

the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable."

Children born into a royal family are taught the protocol of royalty, because they are royalty by birth.

They honor their king and their country only as they follow the royal protocol. They are forbidden to do

many things which other children do. The average child cannot be urged to live as a prince, because he

does not hold that position. The royal position (in Christ), is the basis for the appeal to learn and follow

spiritual royal protocol. Ephesians 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has

blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This identifies our calling as being

SPIRITUAL and relates it to HEAVENLY THINGS. Walking worthy then, must be of a spiritual order; on a

heavenly level. This is much more than just a fine moral life. Ephesians 1:4, "He (God) has chosen us in

him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him

in love." This position, which is in His presence, is that of a son. Ephesians 1:5, "For God has predestined

us unto the adoption of children (sons) through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure

of his will." God has determined according to the good pleasure of His will, that all believers in Jesus

Christ shall be His sons. This is a family relationship, a position higher than that of any other created

being. All of this is because the believer is accepted of God in His beloved Son. EXAMPLE, When a son

brings home a bride; even though she was previously unknown and a stranger, she is accepted into the

family because of her union with the son.

Ephesians 2:4-5, tells us how God has done all this. "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love

wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us (made us alive) together with

Christ, (by grace you are saved): And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly

places in Christ Jesus." God has done everything because of His great mercy, which is grace in action. No

human merit is acceptable to God. It was "when we were spiritually dead, in trespasses and sins." Even

more, He has "made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." The very same place where God

sat Christ when He raised Him from the dead. This position is "Far above all principality, and power, and

might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to

come."

What is one of God's reasons for all this? Ephesians 2:7, "That in the ages to come he might show the

EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." Just think of it!

Throughout all eternity we will be the objects of the "exceeding riches" of God's grace. What a fantastic

eternity! What a fantastic position! What a fantastic salvation! It is infinite in its glory, and infinite in its

duration.

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In Ephesians 2:12, 13, 19 & 22, believers are reminded that in the time past they "were without Christ,

being aliens

and strangers

having no hope, and without God in the world." But now in Christ Jesus

they are made high (in their position) by the work of Christ (vs 13). They are therefore now "no more

strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." (vs 19). And

in the Lord they "are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (vs 20). Because of what

God has done for us, every believer should walk worthy. The question is, "Does your life live up to your

position?" Or, "Is your life worthy of your position?" We walk worthy only when we are filled with the

Holy Spirit and are positive to Bible teaching. It is only after describing the believer's exalted position,

and because of it that the appeal for a worthy walk is made. And this worthy walk is not expressed in

actions or deeds, but in the thinking and the attitude of the believer. Romans 12:2, "Do not be

conformed to this world, but be transformed, by the renewing of your mind." Philippians 2:5, "Let this

mind (thinking) be in you, which was in Christ Jesus." II Corinthians 10:5, "We take captive every thought

to make it obedient to Christ." Only when the thinking is correct, will the actions be correct.

Our relationship with others is a part of our worthy walk. All relationships with others should be

conducted as though they were with the Lord. Ephesians 5:22, "Wives submit yourselves to your own

husbands AS UNTO THE LORD." Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives EVEN AS CHRIST LOVED THE

CHURCH and gave himself for it." Ephesians 6:7-9, "Slaves, serve your masters with good will, doing

service AS TO THE LORD, and not to men." And masters were to be kind to their slaves. The Bible never

tells believers to try to change society or the laws of their country. The Bible commands all believers to

obey all laws without questions. Romans 13:1-7, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing

authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist

have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against

what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no

terror for those who do right, (who follow the law) but for those who do wrong, (those who break the

law). Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right (follow the laws of

the land) and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, (if you

break the laws of the land) be afraid, for he does not bear the sword (of justice) for nothing. He is God's

servant, an agent of wrath (of judgment and justice) to bring punishment on the wrongdoer (on the law

breaker). Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible

punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's

servants, who give full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes;

if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." The believer who is walking

(living his life) worthy of his calling is living a life that is on a greater and higher level than that governed

by simple moral standards. It is a life on the divine level. Only the power and the grace of God can

accomplish this.

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Lesson 47: GRACE, Part VIII

GRACE AND DISCIPLINE

The concept of grace being a part of discipline is often overlooked and even rejected by many. The best

passage on this subject is Hebrews 12:5-11; "And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that

addresses you as son: (quotation from Proverbs 3:11-12) 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's

discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and

he punishes (the Greek says, 'Scourges, or skins alive) everyone he accepts as a son. For what son is not

disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are

illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and

we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our

fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we

may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it

produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Proverbs 3:11-

12; "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent the Lord's rebuke. Because the Lord

disciplines those he loves

Christian discipline is God the Father dealing with His children in love. Hebrews 12:6, "Because the Lord

disciplines those he loves

" This is a sign of sonship and a reminder that God has not forsaken us. The

Bible does not teach "Church discipline." The church has no right to discipline anyone. If a Christian is

out of line within the local church, the church can and should remove that one from active membership,

but it has no right to administer discipline. That is the Lord's job, and only the Lord's job.

Because God's discipline is accomplished by distress and affliction, it is often confused with punishment.

But it should not be confused with punishment. Punishment is God the judge, in justice, carrying out the

full penalty of His broken law. In punishment there is no fatherhood of God and there is no expression of

love. Punishment is the wrath of God poured out upon all who reject His Son. Punishment is

condemnation that shall come upon the unbelieving world. But for the believer in Jesus Christ, he "shall

not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life." (John 5:24). "He is not under law, but

under grace." (Romans 6:14).

Do not think that just because we will not come into condemnation that we can live according to the

desires of our sinful nature without suffering. The first thing you should understand is, that every sin

carries with it its own consequences. In other words, every sin has with it its own suffering, and that

suffering is automatic. God is not actively involved in causing the suffering. All sins have natural

consequences. Galatians 6:7; tells us that "

a man reaps what he sows." This refers to natural

consequences. In Numbers 32:23 God warned Israel, "

be sure your sin will find you out." This means

that the sins we commit will have their own repercussions. The law of sowing and reaping is not

contradicted by the principles of grace. The law of salvation in Jesus Christ is, in fact, the ultimate

demonstration of that law. Jesus Christ sowed perfect righteousness and reaped eternal life for all

mankind, which He gives only to those who trust in His finished work on the cross. The believer reaps

eternal life because, in faith, he is united with Christ and with what Christ has sown and reaped on

man's behalf. But the believer is not exempt from all the consequences of his own sowing. He will never

reap the ultimate consequences of sin, which are death and judgment, because the Lord Jesus Christ

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already reaped those consequences for him. But he continues to reap the earthly heartaches, wounds,

shame, and pain of his sins and foolishness. God's law of cause and effect still operates in the lives of His

children. That basically covers the natural consequences of sin. But if the believer continues to live

without confessing his sins, then God steps in with divine discipline. There are three categories of divine

discipline:

(1) Warning discipline:

(2) Intensive discipline:

(3) Dying discipline.

When the believer does not confess his sins to God on a regular basis, these three categories of

discipline are progressive. Mild discipline gives way to more and more severe discipline if the believer

fails to respond.

The believer who refuses to live his life in the filling of the Holy Spirit receives warning discipline, added

to the misery that automatically comes with his sin. He has isolated himself from fellowship with God;

he has shut Christ out of his thoughts. Revelation 3:20, Jesus said, "I stand at the door and I keep

knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door (rebounds, confesses his sins), I will come in and

eat with him, and he with me." Eating together is a picture of fellowship. Every time we commit a sin,

we place Jesus Christ outside of our lives. We are not in fellowship with Him. That "knock" on the door is

warning discipline. As a general rule, warning discipline is in itself less severe than the believer's self-

induced misery that comes from the sin itself. However, the combination of warning discipline and the

self-induced misery that comes with his own sin adds up to a significant shock. This warning discipline

can occur as an illness, an accident, a setback on the job, or a conflict in the home. Warning discipline

can occur in many different ways.

If the believer ignores or rejects divine warnings, God eventually moves into intensive discipline. By

habitual obstinance the believer has dulled his sensitivity to truth. Warning discipline is no longer

effective. God still has a marvelous plan for the negative believer, but God's plan can only be carried out

when the believer is controlled by the Holy Spirit. And even though the believer fails to respond to God's

warning discipline, God still continues to encourage that hope by continuing His discipline of the believer

even after he has insulted and blasphemed God by choosing to ignore God's plan of the filling of the

Holy Spirit, and continues his life under the control of his sinful nature and legalism.

Stiffer divine discipline is required to jolt the rebellious believer into objectivity. Intensive discipline

alone is worse than self-induced misery that comes from the sin itself. But when these two categories of

suffering (self-induced misery and intensive discipline from God) are combined, the total pain from God

and from self is extremely severe. This adds up to unbearable suffering for the believer who persists in

his life without confessing his sins, and without consistent learning of the Word of God. Intensive

discipline can occur as: an incurable disease, extreme depression and mental instability, emotional

upheavals in the life, the loss of a job, the loss of all types of human security, loss of all material

possessions, like home, automobile and anything else the believer might really enjoy. Intensive

discipline can also come in any number of other ways. And it won't be the same for everyone. God deals

with each one of us as individuals, and therefore, He has a specific way of dealing with each of us.

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God is exceedingly patient with His children. He extends to the believer every possible opportunity to

confess his sins and to regain his fellowship and to fulfill the plan that God has laid out for him. But

every time the believer says "no!" to God he renders himself less capable of making a positive decision

to God. Every time the believer says "no!" to God, it becomes easier the next time. This is called

"hardness of heart," or "scar tissue of the soul." Hardness of heart, or scar tissue of the soul, locks the

believer's free will in negative gear (Hebrews 4:7; 6:6). Having passed the point of no return, the

believer arrives at the third and final stage of divine discipline, the sin unto death (I John 5:16). Dying

discipline, or the sin unto death, is a horrible departure from time into eternity. The Christian involved

has no inner resources for meeting death. In ignorance of Bible doctrine, death becomes a terrifying

plunge into the unknown. I should point out here, that it isn't the type of death the believer dies that

reveals divine discipline, it's how the believer handles his death that can reveal the reason for his death.

God's work of salvation can never be cancelled; even the most hardened, self-righteous Christian is

immediately "absent from the body and at home face-to-face with the Lord" when removed from life on

this earth (II Corinthians 5:8). Such a negative believer will enjoy complete happiness in heaven

(Revelation 21:4), but he receives no eternal rewards with which to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ forever

(I Corinthians 3:15). The believer who refuses to learn the Word of God on a daily basis, and fails to

apply it on a daily basis is a loser in life; his tailor-made blessings for time and eternity are never

delivered to him but remain permanently in the heavenly museum as a memorial to his lost opportunity

and to God's magnificent irrevocable grace (Ephesians 1:3; I Peter 1:4).

Therefore, we should understand that "

our God is a consuming fire." And that He will burn out

everything that is unpleasing to Him. God's discipline is to correct and purify. Gold is heated and melts

into a liquid thereby separating it from all impurities. A diamond is formed from a piece of coal under

extreme pressure for millions of years. Discipline in the Christian's life is through the Father's love. It is

designed to purify and remove all that is unpleasing to Him. This answers the question, "Why do the

righteous suffer?" The question often comes up, "what is impure and unpleasing to God in the Christian

life?" Everything in the Christian's life that is not in dependence upon God is impure. Many admirable

things. as well as sins require the disciplining work of God. Anything done apart from the filling of the

Holy Spirit is impure in God's eyes.

Therefore, when God allows pressures, and afflictions to come upon us, they are designed for our

benefit and our spiritual growth. James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, brethren, whenever you face trials

of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverence

must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything." Romans 8:28, "And

we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." Therefore, every time you

see a Christian suffer, don't think that it is because of divine discipline. Because many times God allows

the positive, growing believer to suffer in order to test what he has learned. The same is true in dying.

Just because you see a Christian dying a long painful death does not mean that he is dying the sin unto

death. It is not the manner of death that counts, it is how you handle whatever way God has designed

for you to die.

Let's look at King Saul, the first king over Israel. He was a born again believer and he was anointed by

God as king over His people. Saul was a very moral man. He only had one wife, and there is no record of

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him ever being unfaithful to her. He was a family man and very upright humanly speaking. But Saul

turned negative toward the Word of God. And when Saul turned negative to the Word of God, God

turned negative toward Saul. In I Samuel 15:26 the prophet Samuel tells us, "

you have rejected the

word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as king over Israel." I Chronicles 10:13, "Saul died

because he was unfaithful to the Lord, he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a

medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the

kingdom over to David son of Jesse." Saul died the sin unto death as a believer. He is in heaven today,

but he got there a little sooner than he expected because he refused to learn and follow the teachings of

the Word of God.

This same principle is also found in the New Testament, in the Church Age, as it was in the Age of Israel.

In I Corinthians chapter five, Paul speaks about a man who was living with his father's wife as his own

wife. He tells them that they should be saddened about this event, and if this believer did not change his

attitude he should be excommunicated from the church. But then he explains how this

excommunication is to take place. Paul says in I Corinthians 5:5, "To deliver such a one to Satan for the

destruction of the flesh (physical death, the sin unto death) in order that his spirit may be saved in the

day of the Lord." Christians are suffering the sin unto death today just as they have in the past, and as

they will in the future. And there is only one way to avoid the sin unto death. Do not turn your back on

the filling of the Holy Spirit and the teaching of the Word of God.

According to the Bible, good parents discipline their children firmly and consistently. Any parent who

doesn't discipline his child firmly and consistently does not truly love his child. Today we see an

emphasis on what is called "Positive discipline." Positive discipline simply means that you avoid anything

negative. For example, if a child intentionally breaks a valuable piece of china, you should explain to him

in a calm collected manner that he should be more careful because something like that is very

expensive. Thinking the child is going to have the same value system the parent possesses is absurd. This

type of training is totally ridiculous, and one of the most insane ideas existing today. Positive discipline

in itself is a curse on the human race, and it is totally against the true Christian principles found in the

Bible. It is a slap in God's face. Even common logic tells us that the things in life need both a positive and

a negative in order to operate effectively. To produce electrical power, you must have both positive and

negative poles. Positive by itself has no power, and negative by itself has no power. Power requires both

the positive and negative. The same principle is true in the training of children. And God uses both

positive and negative concepts in training His children.

Proverbs 6:23, "

the corrections of discipline are the way to life."

Proverbs 12:1, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."

Proverbs 13:18, "He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction

is honored." Also read Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 22:15 and Proverbs 23:13-14

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Lesson 48: GRACE, Part IX

Grace in the Old Testament

Grace is not only found in the New Testament or simply a New Covenant concept. If it were true then it

means that it was Jesus’ death and resurrection that unleashed God’s grace on mankind for the very first

time.

The concept of grace, which is God’s unmerited favor bestowed upon us, is woven throughout the

entirety of Scripture. But why do we erroneously believe grace is a New Testament concept?

The most illuminating scripture on this subject is John 1:17 where it says, “For the law was given through

Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” A logical conclusion after reading this passage

would be: the Old Testament is about law and the New Testament is about grace. To some extent, that

is an accurate assumption.

The Old Testament is definitely “law-focused” and the New Testament is absolutely “grace-filled.” But

the bigger question is: Has God always been gracious? Or did Jesus death and resurrection somehow

alter his character?

II Timothy 1:9 sheds some valuable light on this topic, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not

because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in

Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”

God’s grace is the foundation upon which the Gospel message is built. Without God’s grace, salvation is

impossible!

As New Covenant believers, this is a truth we should deeply cherish. We owe our lives and all that we

are to the grace of God, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit. But we mustn’t skim over

the last four words of the passage above—before the beginning of time.

Before God created mankind, He knew of our need to be rescued from sin. The life, death, and

resurrection of Jesus Christ was not God’s back up plan. His last resort. His “get out of jail free card.”

bsolutely EVERYTHING that happened between dam’s first breath and Jesus’ death was part of God’s

gracious plan to redeem mankind. They are all found in the Old Testament. In other words, the concept

of God’s grace—unmerited favor shown to unworthy men and women—is woven throughout the

entirety of the Old Testament. It is pervasive from the very beginning.

Seven Examples of God’s Grace in the Old Testament:

1. God’s grace infuses Noah’s Story

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen. 6:8). Wickedness and evil were so rampant in the

hearts of men that God actually regretted creating them. Wow! He was ready to wipe them out

entirely, but there was ONE man who was righteous, faithful, and committed to walking with God. Noah

was not a perfect man, yet God chose to save his family from destruction. That’s grace!

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2͘ God’s grace endures in spite of braham and Sarah’s unbelief͘

“ nd in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3b). Did you know that braham’s fear

and sense of self-preservation led him to distort the truth by saying Sarah was his sister (to save his own

hide)? Did you know that Sarah laughed at God when he said she would give birth to a son in her old

age? And then, after laughing at God, she encouraged her husband to sleep with another woman to

fulfill the promise? braham and Sarah’s lives were marked with disbelief and disobedience, yet God

remained faithful to His promise. That’s grace!

3͘ God’s grace for Joseph gave him strength to persevere͘

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Gen. 50:20). s Joseph’s story unfolds, it’s

difficult to see God’s grace in it all—despised by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongly accused, left to

rot in prison. Joseph reveals his perspective in Gen. 45:7, “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for

you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” God used difficult and trying

circumstances to position Joseph as the savior of his people. That is Grace!

4. Moses doubted God at every turn, yet God graciously guided him.

^“But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord͘ Please send someone else’ (Exo. 4:13)͘” Moses was as

flawed as they come—arrogant, stubborn, doubtful. Yet God faithfully walked with him, and as time

passed, Moses’ learned how to faithfully obey. God used this blemished shepherd to lead his wayward

sheep out of captivity. God chose to listen to and walk with a man who, in his youth, killed another with

his bare hands. That’s grace!

5. The Israelites repeatedly rebelled against God, yet He graciously rescued them.

“ nd he could bear Israel’s misery no longer (Judges 10:16).” Have you tried to keep track of how often

the Israelites grumbled against God, broke His commands, worshiped false idols, etc? It’s

countless. Time and again they turned away from God, did whatever they wanted, lost God’s protection,

suffered great consequences, returned to God, and begged Him to rescue them. Over and over and

over again! Sometimes there were lasting consequences for their poor decisions, but God showed more

grace than was deserved (over and over and over again).

6. Rahab bravely asked God to save her (in spite of her past sins) and He did!

“The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below (Josh. 2:11b)͘” Rahab is referred to as

“the harlot” three times over in scripture. She was a prostitute—a sinner unworthy of God’s grace. But

somewhere along the way, she heard tales of this God of Israel. So when the two spies sought shelter in

her home, she bravely bargained for her life. She confessed her belief in their God and asked for their

mercy. And they gave it willingly, to her and all of her family. In fact, she dwelled with the Israelites and

faithfully served God the rest of her days. That’s grace!

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7. David lusted, stole, fornicated, lied, and killed—yet God saw his heart and loved him.

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin (Ps. 51:1)”. David is the ultimate

example of God’s unmerited favor. But I’ve got to start by mentioning all of his He had many merits.

Read the book of Psalms, and you will be astounded by how deeply he loved God. In his heart of hearts,

he probably never ever strayed from his love for God. He just made some pretty terrible decisions along

the way (haven’t we all?). The key is he always turned from his sin and repented. And God forgave.

That’s grace!

The Bible is packed with examples of humans who sin and a God who forgives. It tells of humans who

run and a God who pursues. It shares about people who don’t deserve grace and a God who gives it

anyway. If you’ve ever felt unworthy of God’s grace, just spend some time reading the Old Testament.

God’s grace in the Old Testament is unavoidable, so long as you are looking for it.

You will soon discover that no one is worthy of God’s grace: not Noah, not braham, not Joseph, not

Moses, not the Israelites, not Rahab, not David, not me, and not you. That is what makes it grace!

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Lesson 49: FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, Part I

Romans 5:1-5; 12:1-21; 1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:1-6:20; 2 Peter 1:3-9

What is the Fruit of the Spirit?

The Fruit of the Spirit is God's love and work in us, the love of Christ flowing in through His Holy Spirit in

and out of us! All because we have a personal relationship with Christ, we have God's living presence in

us, living in us. The result is we have the ability to reflect His Fruit and character. In addition, this is a

moral obligation on our part to live out our New Life in Christ effectively. This then becomes our visible

evidence of our relationship and growth in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior that is contagious and

affects others. We display Christ by our manner, demeanor, and temperament. Thus, the Fruit we make

becomes the influence and the display case of His transforming power. We do not do this alone; He

gives us the Holy Spirit, God's active love and work within and through us so we bear and convey His

attributes of Fruit and character. This means we "cultivate," add to as in supplement His Fruit, God's

empowering love for us, which we are given and then we are to continue to build up by our faith

development so we are able to pass this on to others (Isa. 27:6; Hos. 10:1; 14:8; Matt. 3:8; Rom. 6:22;

Eph. 5:9; Phil. 1:11).

This Fruit cultivation and production by our walk in Him creates and sets the tone for our behaviors and

conduct with one another. This shows off our Lord; as we know Him, we make Him known just by our

attitude. This is a cooperative endeavor that happens by our growing and close intimate relationship

with Christ. As we grow by faith, which is our devotion, trust, obedience and conviction in Him, we make

more and better Fruit. All this by what we add to, and what He then multiplies. Just like adding yeast to

dough makes it grow, but in our case it is not meager air, it is The Hoy Spirit at work in us. This synergy

of our faith in Christ is to facilitate our active pursuit of Love as a spiritual Fruit that is built from our

wondrous and incredible collaboration that we have with God to produce real, godly commitment,

conviction, and the demonstration of our obedience. This is what helps form our character and mature,

effectual Christian life. It gives us the fiber of our moral center that stretches throughout our being,

embracing and holding our relationships and opportunities together when it is sealed as a choice and

commitment, and not just a feeling. The Fruit of the Spirit will synergistically combine with the other

godly characteristics of our Lord to promote our ability to relate and grow in our personal faith. In so

doing, we grow in our relationships, to be better to and for Him as well as others and ourselves. This is

the essential essence that builds healthy families, marriages, and relationships in general, as well as

healthy churches-all because we are modeling Christ! We become His display case (John 1:1,14; 14:23;

Gal. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:24; 1 John 4:8; 14-15).

The Fruit of the Spirit is described as a fruit because it is made up of more than one substance. Just like

any fruit from a tree, such as an apple or an orange, it has juice, pulp, peel, core, segments, and seeds,

all held together by a skin or rind, and attached to the tree by a stem where its nutrients flow in. So it is

with our relationship in Christ. If you just eat of the pulp or juice and throw out the rest, how can you

grow more without the seeds? If you take the fruit off the vine and do not use it, no nutrients will flow

in and thus it will wither and rot. If the vine is not cared for, the tree will die. So it is with the Fruit of the

Spirit, and so it is with our relationship with Christ as well as our relationships with others for the faith.

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God makes it and it requires the efforts of our fostering this spiritual development from our growth of

faith that necessitates our tending. It is more than just one substance; all of its substances combined are

greater than the sum of its parts creating "synergy" of faith. Thus, the Fruit of the Spirit is the physical,

empowering essence from our healthy, growing relationship with the Holy Spirit that gives us the active

application of a transformed life that showcases who Christ is as well as inspires and affects others. In

order to become more mature believers and build healthier churches, we must learn and understand

these essential attributes (Hab. 2:4; John 15; Rom. 12; Phil. 2:13).

How many Fruit(s) of the Spirit are there?

Is it "Fruit" of the Spirit or is it "Fruits" of the Spirit? There are nine or more fruits, so it must be a plural?

Yes and no; in the Greek language, it is referred to as "singular," meaning one Fruit. In classic Reformed

and Evangelical theology, it is listed as both (Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church the definitive

work and many other references too), but the singular is the more correct way to refer to it. Then there

is the number; is it nine, twelve, or more? Catholics add modesty, continence, and chastity, which they

get from the Latin Vulgate translation. Then 2 Peter 1 gives a slightly different listing. Basically, most

biblical theologians look to the Galatians nine and the others, more than seventy total, are referred to as

virtues or "characters." Let us first take a quick look at the main nine Fruit(s) of the Spirit that flow from

God's work and love working in us. These all flow from love and cooperate as one in one another

(Galatians 5:22-23):

The Galatian Fruits:



Love will enable us to appreciate our brothers and sisters in the Lord and, of course, our family

and others around us. Love is taking the initiative to build up and meet the needs of others,

without expecting anything in return. Love manifests patience and kindness and it is not greedy

or jealous; it is not prideful nor brags of one's accomplishments. It is not rude or self-seeking,

and it allows one not to be easily angered. By this, we do not keep record of others wrongs or

enjoy it when bad things happen to others; rather, we rejoice with others to build them up. Love

always looks after others, shows trust, hope, and always carries on. Love encapsulates the

purpose and role of Fruit, and thus, our furthermost goal, as followers of Christ, is to do all

things in love (John 13:1; 15:13; 1 Corinthians 13:3-8; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 John 4:16).



Joy is our focus on Christ as Lord; this allows us to enjoy our relationship with Him, His creation,

and others, regardless of our circumstances, with an expression of delight and real, authentic

happiness that comes from and with harmony with God and others. Joy in James refers to

declaring our situation as happy and fulfilling, even when it is not. It is to change our mindset

and focus. It is realizing the sovereignty of God and that He is in control, even when life seems to

be turned upside down and inside out! Joy helps us understand God's perspective and gives us

the confidence and patience to endure anything. Joy is not happiness, because we may not be

content and pleased with it; rather, joy is hope. It is our real hope. It is not a meager wish;

rather, it is the unshakable confidence of our future in Christ. Our pleasure comes from knowing

He is in charge and caring for us (Psalm 32:7-9; 34:1-8; Proverbs 15:13; John 15:11; 17:13; 2

Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Thess. 5:18; 1 Peter 4:13- 19; Hebrews 10:34; 12:2)!

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

Peace is surrendering and yielding ourselves to the Lord to be in His control, for He is our

ultimate peace! In so doing, tranquility will be our tone, control, and our composure. This will be

fueled from our harmonious relationship with God-handing over control of our hearts, will, and

minds to Him. We are willing to make peace with others because we have found peace with

God. Thus, we can live at peace with our neighbors, proclaiming serenity and rekindling it when

it goes down or is lost. Peace is unity, which is more important than just resolving trivial

disagreements. Our focus must be on edifying and encouraging-such things, unfortunately, rare

in the church today! We will either lift people up or bring them down, something we need to

know so as to pursue peace and harmony and not let the childish and petty things of life divide

us. Our focus must be on keeping our own accounts straight and not worrying or interfering with

others. This helps make us peacemakers. Once we make real peace with God, we will be able to

make and maintain peace with others. When we are at peace with God, we need to be at peace

with ourselves emotionally, and others relationally (Isaiah. 26:3; Matthew 5:9; Luke 19:42; John

14:27; 16:33; Romans 5:1; 12:18; Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7).



Patience, in some translations is called Longsuffering; this calls for showing tolerance and

fortitude toward others, even accepting difficult situations with them-and God-without making

demands or conditions. Patience is our "staying power." It is like perseverance and the

endurance to not give up; it is about actively overcoming our situation-not just sitting,

accepting, and doing nothing! It allows us to endure a less than desirable situation, to make us

better, more useful, and even optimistic and prudent. Hence, its other name, longsuffering. It

allows us to put up with others who "get on our nerves" without losing other characteristics of

grace (Hosea 2:19-23; Psalm 33:20; Matthew 27:14; Romans 5:3; 12:12; Galatians 5:1; 5:22-23;

Colossians 1:11; James 1:3-4,12; 5:10-11).



Kindness is the medium through which Christ's love becomes real, tangible, and knowable

through us. It is the application of sincere love that manifests itself in practicing benevolence

and a loving attitude towards others. Kindness is the essence that shows the world we are

Christians, like the fragrance coming from a beautiful flower. It is being convicted with God's

Word, and then modeling it to others. Being charitable is an aspect of good positive

relationships of others, and a "MUST" part of the Christian experience and duty! Kindness is the

subject to the object of who we are in Christ. This is something we replicate as we are kind, and

also respond in kindness to others, our response to one another fuels the other's response, and

so forth. In this way, we will be escalating love and kindness instead of repression and

dysfunction (Romans 2:1-4; 12:9-21; 2 Corinthians 6:6-7; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:32;

Colossians 3:12-14; 1 John 3:16-23)!



Goodness is the engagement of love that shows the application of Christ, His righteousness, and

Truth. This models it to others in the action of love, making Christ and us attractive and inviting.

This is God at work in our faith, so we are synergized with His power and then engage it to

others. This is the fruit that makes people liked by and even lovable to others. This displays

integrity, honesty, and compassion to others, and allows us to do the right thing. It is doing the

right thing, even when it does not feel like we should, as Joseph did. He was betrayed and sold

as a slave, yet, he chose to make his situation into something good, and to help and treat others

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better than he needed to. Why are we to be good? Because God is good to us (Psalm 86:5;

145:4-13)! Goodness is the model for people to repent and accept Christ (Amos 5:15; Proverbs

25:22; Matthew 19:16; Romans 12:17; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 5:8-9; 2

Thessalonians 1:11; 1 Peter 3:11; 2 Peter 1:3-8).



Faithfulness is the application of our faith in action; because we are saved by Christ, He dwells in

our hearts. Thus, we are infused with dependability because as we praise His name, it hits home

in our being. It is not faith itself; rather, it is the fruit and character of faith. It is the "gluing" fruit

that will preserve our faith and the other characters of the Spirit, and identify God's will, so we

can be dependable and trusting to God and others. Faith is the one fruit that we give back to

God, whereas faithfulness and the other fruits, virtues, and characters are from the Spirit

working in us! Faithfulness is authenticity that is so absent today and so badly needed to show

the power and motivation for Christian living. Because God is trustworthy with us, we can be

faith-worthy in Him (Psalm 119: 89-90; Isaiah 25:1; Matthew 17:19; 25:21; Romans 1:17; 5:1-2; 1

Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 3:16-17; Hebrews 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)!



Gentleness, sometimes referred to as Meekness, is the fruit that will show calmness, personal

care, and tenderness in meeting the needs of others. It is to be more than just a personality; it is

to be who we are by the work of the Spirit within us. This is not weakness or a lack of strength;

rather, it is being humble and gentle toward God and others. This also means being nonresistant

to God and His work in us. Gentleness produces a desire and effort to please God and to submit

our will and aspirations to His will and what is best. By keeping our focus on Christ with humility,

we can endure being personally attacked (Psalm 37:11; Isaiah. 40:11; 42:2-3; Galatians 5:22-23;

Philippians 4: 5; Matthew 5:5; 11:29; 12:15; Ephesians 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Thessalonians

2:7).



Self-Control, sometimes referred to as Temperance, is allowing God to be in control of our will

and hearts, and to be diligent in seeking the Spirit to enable us. We can know what not to do,

and guard the areas in which we are weak. This will allow us to have discipline and restraint,

with obedience to God and others. It is not allowing distractions to derail or remove us from His

will and plan, so we will not be held back from what Christ has called us to do. This comes down

to how we trust in our Lord, we can trust God for the future because we can see what He has

done in the past (Proverbs 16:32; 25:28; Romans 13: 12-14; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 9:25-27;

Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Thessalonians 5: 22; Titus 2:12; Hebrews 12:2; 2 Peter 1:5-7).

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Lesson 50: FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, Part II

The "Extra" II Peter Fruits:

The order of the Fruits in Second Peter differs from the one in Galatians 5, because they not listed as

comprehensive or in a sequential order like in Galatians where each one is a stage that begets the next

one. Rather, in Second Peter, they are arranged in rhetorical "sorites," a type of argument that uses

syllogisms to build to the climax of the most important one, love. Each end is a "bookend" that holds the

others; faith is what we all start with. It is the foundation. Then others build to the pre-eminent,

essential significance of what love is, the quintessential fruit of the Christian life.



Righteousness, in this context, refers to God being Righteous, thus He is ethical and fair in His

dealings with us so we can be fair with others. Also, in Peter, the word used to refer to people

who are righteous means virtuous and of good character. Faith is impartial in its acceptance; it

sees no race, creed, culture, time, place, or person, for we are purely justified by His will and

purpose, which He vicariously placed upon us (Rom. 3:22-23; 4:6; 1 Pet. 2:24; 4:18; 2 Pet. 2:5,

21; 3:13).



Knowledge means the fundamental saving knowledge we need in order to know whom Christ is

before He can be our Savior (Matt. 11:27). This refers to what is true and real and that God can

only be known through Christ; the more we know His precepts, the more we can grow. It

denounces what is esoteric, manipulating, or counterfeit. Peter uses this word as a baseline of

truth to attack false doctrine. The Christian message, if it is real in our lives, will affect our

attitudes, disposition, and lifestyles (Luke 11:42; 18:10-14; John 1:18; 14:1-6; Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Pet.

1:2-3, 8; 2:20).



Godliness a synopsis of character that shows our attitude and moral fiber means living out our

disposition with respect and reverence to Christ in all aspects of our life. This is about how we

are to others, how we treat one another, either good or bad. We are called to virtue; this refers

to being pious and living a good, reverent life toward God and others because of what Christ has

done in us. It is a response from our worship of Christ with an authentic desire to know Him in a

greater way. It creates our desire to be pious, which means to rearrange our priorities,

mindsets, and character to line up with God's character and be able to see the importance of

virtue, therefore becoming equipped to use it to value others. We rearrange our priorities,

mindsets, and character to line up with God's character, so to see the importance of virtue and

then be equipped to use it to value others. Godliness is a collection of personality traits within

our personality that show our attitude, moral fiber, and how we treat one another-good or bad-

which is what Character is. This results from being pious and living a good, reverent life toward

God and others because of what Christ has done in us (Psalm 15; Micah 6:8; Matt. 7:12; Luke

6:31; Eph. 5:1; Col. 3:15-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; 4:8; 6:11; 2 Tim. 3:5; 2 Pet. 1:3, 6; 3 John 11; Rev 14:6).



Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). Christ is

what we hope for; Christ is what is to be seen! Peter tells us that, a faith as precious, Received a

faith, a faith of equal standing... Faith is the promise of God that gives us the hope and

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confidence so we can receive, act on, obey, and trust God's promises, because God is sovereign

and trustworthy. Real faith is subjective to each person's experience, and is to be true and

valuable. Each person grows at a different rate and depth. It also refers to the body of believers

(as in Church) who share in a common belief and practice; there are no different castes or

classes for those in Christ! The theme is that there is one faith through Christ, and all are on an

equal playing field before Christ. There may be varying levels of growth and maturity, but all are

equally accepted (John 20:29; Jude 3; 1 John 3:1-3). We can trust God for the future because we

can see what He has done in the past-from creation, to testimonies, to His infallible Word (Rom.

10:17; Gal. 3:1-14; Heb. 2:4; 11: 1-6; 12:2; James 1:2-4; 2:14-26).



Virtue, in some translations, is Goodness, and refers to moral excellence, the engagement of

love, and doing the right thing. Virtue is the application of being good from both the conscious

will to do what is right and from personal responsibility. It encompasses integrity, honesty,

compassion, and endearment, quintessential qualities of biblical Character (that is right

standards, strength, courage, modesty, and purity all done in excellence). We acquire Virtue by

our faith, our obedience to Christ, being persistent in Him, and clothing ourselves in Him. This is

what results when we truly repent; we represent the nobility that we have in Christ (Amos 5:15;

Psalm 103:17; 131; Prov. 8:13; 25:22; Matthew 7:12; 19:16; Luke 6:27, 35; Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor.

5:20; Eph. 5:8-9; Col. 3:12-17; Phil. 2:14-18; 4:8; 1Timothy 4:12; 5:22; Tit.1: 15; Heb.10: 5-10; 1

Pet. 3:11; 2 Pet. 1:3-8; 2:9).



Perseverance is having confidence in God so we trust Him in difficult situations and still see His

grace and love. We exercise it when we continue in our state of grace so we live it out in our

lives and walk with Christ to the end for our eternal reward! Perseverance occurs in our journey

of faith, allowing it to be lived it out in our personal lives. We can do this by being encouraging

with Christ-like temperament. Whatever we face and/or go through, our Lord is there and we

are in His arms. When we realize this fact, we can persevere through anything because our Lord,

King, and Creator of the universe is there to carry us through (2 Chron. 32:1-8; Esther 7; Luke

16:22-31; 18:9; Acts 19:8-10; 26:19-23; Rom. 15:14-16; Phil. 1:6; 12-14, 25; 2 Tim. 2:25; Hebrews

12:1-3).



Brotherly kindness, sometimes translated as affection, means love for a brother or friend (in the

Greek, Philadelphia). It is a call to treat others as family because we are all in God's family. This

means to have kind affection toward one another, as in be devoted, to look out and look after

each other, and to give preference to one another, because there are no inferior or superior

people in the Kingdom of God, just those with different calls, abilities, and opportunities! This

type of Kindness is the proof of authenticity that creates an environment of trust and

encouragement, so that people will want to be with us, join our church, and belong as a

Christian (Rom. 12:10; Heb. 13:1).



Love is the turning of our backs to our self-concerns, and facing God and our neighbors. It will

enable us to appreciate others in the Lord. Love desires to seek and apply what God has to say.

When you have the wrong idea and definition of love, it will adversely impose on all areas of

your life. Understanding what love is not is as important as understanding what love is not.

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God's love must be our model for life. It must flow into us from Christ, and in return flow out

from us to those around us (John 13:1; 15:13; 1 Cor. 13; Col. 3:12-17; 1 Thess. 4:9-10; 5:8-13; 1

John)!

In addition there is:



Humility, which is how we are to come to the Lord and display His temperament as He walked

the earth. This minimizes arrogance and removes pride. It is the understanding of our fallen

nature and weaknesses that causes us to think we are better than we are, and that causes us to

strive to lift ourselves above others and God. It is admitting that others, and most importantly

God, are responsible for our achievements. Humbleness will enable us to be a teachable person

who is willing to have a good attitude of submission and servant-hood, a person who confesses

sin and remembers how Christ served us! Humility is not self-hatred or having a "poor me"

attitude(1 Kings 8:58; Psalm 25; Luke 22:27; Col. 1:18; Phil. 2:8; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:3-5).



Compassion will allow us to feel the pain and plight of others, to see from their perspective and

situation in life. It will enable us to convey a deep feeling of love and concern that moves us to

meet their distresses, struggles, and needs. True Compassion is a result of the poured out life

that has been devoted to God and attached to His interests. It will also make us more confident

of our Lord and His working within and through us. This all flows from our understanding of who

God is, and our obedience, trust in, and gratitude for what He has done for us. Our lives must be

motivated by who we are in Christ, and nothing else (Job 29:13; Isa. 40:11; Mark 1:41; Luke

10:25-37; 19:4; Eph. 4:23; Col. 3:12-16; 1 Peter 3:8)!



Forgiveness, we are called to forgive freely, as Christ has forgiven us. We must be willing to

forgive as Christ has forgiven us. We must be willing to bear the cost, just as our LORD did.

Forgiveness demands a substitution. So, how could we ever back away from forgiving each

other? If we do, it is a bigger insult to our LORD than for the non-Christian to turn his or her back

on His Grace-because we know better. Remember, knowledge brings responsibility. Forgiveness

is absolutely crucial for any relationship to continue, and critical in resolving any conflict!

Remember how much you have been forgiven; do not fail to show it to others! Remember, God

does not treat us the way we tend to treat others (Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25; 1 Cor. 13:5;

Colossians 3:12-14).

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Lesson 51: WORSHIP, Part 1

(John 4:1-26)

WORDS USED FOR WORSHIP

A brief glance at a good Bible concordance will reveal that there are a number of Greek and Hebrew

words which are rendered ‘to worship’ or ‘worshiper.’ In the Scriptures, there are three pairs of words

which underscore for us the three primary elements of true worship.

1) Humility: The most frequent word in both the Old and New Testaments is one which means to

make obeisance, to bow down, to prostrate. The Hebrew word is shaha, and the Greek word is

proskuneo. Both words denote the act of bowing or prostrating oneself in submissiveness and

reverence. The outward posture reflected an inner attitude of humility and respect. The word

might be used of men showing respect for men as well as a response to deity. As the word

relates to worship, it denotes a high view of God and a condescending opinion of self. Thus, true

worship views God in His perfection and man in his imperfection.

2) Reverence: This pair of words underscores the attitude of reverence. The Hebrew word is yare,

and the Greek term is sebomai. The idea of both the Greek and the Hebrew is that of fearing

God. It is not so much the fear of terror and dread as it is the fear of wonder and awe at the

majesty and greatness of the infinite God.

3) Service. The third pair of terms employed for worship in the Bible emphasizes service. The

Hebrew term, abad, and its Greek counterpart, latreuo, denotes the idea ‘to work, to labor, or

to serve.’ In the Old Testament this service was most often priestly service. In the New

Testament we are told that we are all priests of God (1 Peter 2:5,9), so that this term does not

apply only to the service of the few, but of the entire congregation of believers in Christ.

In addition, service and worship were often linked in the Old Testament. It is no surprise, then, when we

find Satan tempting our Lord to worship him (Luke 4:7). Satan was not asking our Lord simply to fall to

the ground before him. He was asking the Lord to acknowledge him as sovereign and to surrender to

him in service. This is why our Lord responded, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and

serve Him only’” (Luke 4:8). Worship and service cannot be isolated, but rather they must be integrated,

if it is to be true worship.

Going Deeper

The study of any subject such as worship must consider more than just the words themselves, for the

context in which these words are found can add much to our understanding of the subject also. In

addition to the ideas of humility, reverence, and service, we can add four other essential facets of

worship.

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Response: Worship from man’s perspective is primarily a matter of response. Although man has

been created with what has been called a ‘God-shaped vacuum,’ we worship not so much because

we feel the need of doing so, but because God has first revealed Himself to us. The case is similar

to that of love, concerning which we are told, “We love, because He first loved us” (John 4:19).

Love does not find its origin in man, but in God. Our love is only a response, only a reflection of

God’s love toward us. nd so it is with worship. We worship God because He has made Himself

known to us and has instructed us to worship Him. This is surely the case with worship. Fallen man

could never approach a righteous and Holy God, so God in the person of Jesus Christ made us just

and righteous by His work on the cross for us (Rom. 3:21-24). The Holy Spirit of God works within

us to enable us to worship (Phil. 3:3). And worship is directed to the Father (John 4:23). Worship is

from God, through God, and unto God. part from God’s revelation of Himself and of how man

can approach Him in worship, man could never worship God in a way pleasing to Him.

Adoration: If worship is fundamentally a response, what is the nature of this response? It is that of

adoration and praise which God rightfully expects of His creatures. Though worship is the primary

calling of the one who has placed his trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ in the present

age, it is also that which our Lord shall receive from those who reject Him, for in the book of

Philippians we read, “Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name

which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in

heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ

is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 3:9-11).

Sacrifice: Central in the worship of Israel in the Tabernacle and in the Temple was the practice of

sacrifice. When Abraham worshiped God in Genesis chapter 22, the offering was termed worship.

The presentation of the first-fruits was also regarded as an act of worship (Deut. 26:10). When

the wise men came to worship Jesus, the Savior of the world, they came with gifts to give. When

David sinned by numbering the people of Israel and God stretched forth His hand with the plague,

judgment was stayed when David built an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan. Ornan offered to

give the land to David, but David responded, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price; for I will

not take what is yours for the Lord, or offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing” (1 Chron.

21:24). In the New Testament the idea of sacrifice is still prominent in worship, but rather than the

sacrifice of offerings it is the sacrifice of self which is essential. “I urge you therefore, brethren, by

the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is

your spiritual service of worship” (Rom. 12:1).

Proclamation: The aspect of proclamation is vital part of worship. The nation of Israel was not to

worship God in secret, but was to be a ‘light to the Gentiles.’ When Abraham worshiped, he built

an altar and ‘called upon the name of the Lord’ (Gen. 12:8; 21:33). In the New Testament, we are

told that the church has been created by God, “in order that the manifold wisdom of God might

now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places”

(Eph. 3:10).

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Lesson 52: WORSHIP, Part II

Definition of Worship: Worship is the humble response of regenerate men to the self-disclosure of

the Most High God. It is based upon the work of God. It is achieved through the activity of God. It is

directed to God. It is expressed by the lips in praise and by the life in service.

Application

Let’s apply the above definition to four activities which take place in nearly every Bethel Church around

the world and are often equated with worship.

Prayer. Prayer is often thought to be synonymous with worship. Although prayer can be worship,

it most often falls short when it’s not marked by adoration and praise but rather focuses on our

personal needs (a grocery list). It is wrong to make our requests known to God for we are

instructed to do so (Phil. 4:6). Do set aside certain times for prayer which are exclusively devoted

to adoration and praise. If you have trouble beginning, simply start by considering the attributes

of God, His mercy, love, longsuffering, and so on.

Testimonies: When we examine the Psalms, we quickly see that many of them are based upon

some experience on the part of the writer. This experience becomes a vehicle which turns the

attention of the psalmist to the greatness of his God. He knows that God is merciful and kind not

only because the Bible tells him so, but because God has been at work in his life. A testimony is an

excellent opportunity to praise God for Who He is and what He has done.

Singing and Music: Israel sang many of their praises to God. The praises of the people were set to

music and sung. Music can be used to quiet our hearts and minds and focus them upon God and

His goodness. Music can also be an instrument through which our praise and adoration can be

expressed to God. We should realize, however, that all so-called Christian music is not the music

of worship. Some music is flat-out “worthless”, either because of its message, lyrics or its medium.

Other music is intended for other purposes than worship. For example, the song ‘Trust and Obey’

is not directed toward God, but toward the saints. It is a song of instruction and encouragement.

There is nothing wrong with such music, but we should realize that it is not the music of worship.

If we intend to worship God in music, let us be careful to select music which focuses upon God

and expresses adoration and praise to Him. Hymns such as ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’ or ‘How

Great Thou rt’ are songs of worship.

Preaching: Preaching becomes a part of worship or is worship focused when it draws men’s mind

from their problems and frustrations to God’s greatness and goodness through Christ Jesus. It

should be God-centered and directs attention and affection to Him and Him along. When this

happens, its worship.

It is very important to remember that God created us for the ultimate priority of worshiping Him. It’s no

accident that the longest book in the Bible, Psalms, is all about praising and worshiping God. When we

get to the end of the Bible, we see the saints and angels in heaven falling on their faces and worshiping

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God (Rev. 4:10-11; 5:8-14; 7:9-11). Since worship will be our ceaseless activity and greatest joy in

heaven, we ought to be practicing it now.

Here are a few definitions of worship:

John Mac rthur: “Worship is our innermost being responding with praise for all that God is, through our

attitudes, actions, thoughts, and words, based on the truth of God as He has revealed Himself” (The

Ultimate Priority [Moody Press΁, p. 127). Or, he gives a simpler definition: “Worship is all that we are,

reacting rightly to all that He is” (ibid., p. 147).

William Temple: “To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with

the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God,

and to devote the will to the purpose of God” (cited in MacArthur, ibid., p. 147).

Worship basically is an inner attitude and feeling of awe, reverence, gratitude, and love toward God

resulting from a realization of who He is and who we are. Worship doesn’t necessarily need music. It is

about loving, honoring, and knowing God for who He is. It’s about adoring Him, obeying Him,

proclaiming Him as a way of life. Music is but one of the many ways we express that adoration.

Jesus’ words about worship to the unnamed Samaritan woman tell us a few important things about

worship (John 4). Note three truths from these important verses:

1. God is seeking true worshipers.

A. The fact that God seeks true worshipers implies that there are false worshipers.

False worshipers either worship something other than God or they may attempt to worship the true

God, but do it in ways that actually dishonor Him. But either way, sincerity is not the only criterion for

measuring true worship. All true worshipers are sincere, but all sincere worshipers are not true. For

example, there are devout, sincere worshipers of Allah or Krishna or Buddha or the Mormon god or the

Jehovah’s Witness god. But they are sincerely wrong, because they are not worshiping the only living

and true God, who has revealed Himself in the Bible.

There are also Christians who are sincere, but their worship is man-centered. Sometimes it’s patterned

more after the entertainment world than after the Bible. It draws attention to the performers, but not

to the Lord. Or, on the other end of the Christian spectrum, some go through ancient liturgies week

after week, but their hearts are not in submission to God. They mistakenly think that because they went

through the rituals, they’re good for another week. They’re like the Jewish leaders of whom Jesus said

(Matt. 15:8, citing Isaiah 29:13), “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from

Me.” So we need to be careful not to fall into the category of false worshipers.

B. The fact that God is seeking true worshipers means that this is of utmost importance: it is our

priority.

In verse 24, Jesus says that these true worshipers “must worship in spirit and truth”. It’s a necessity. It

isn’t optional; it’s essential. There are three musts in John: “You must be born again” (3:7); the Son of

Man must be lifted up (3:14); and “those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (4:24). The

first concerns the Spirit, who imparts the new birth. The second concerns the Son, who was lifted up on

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the cross as the atonement for our sins. And the third concerns the Father, the object of our worship.

nd the order is important. First, you must be born again by trusting in Christ’s death for you. Only then

can you worship God properly.

So the first point is that God is seeking you as a true worshiper. If you haven’t yet put your trust in Jesus

Christ as your Savior and Lord, start there.

2. The true worshipers that the Father seeks worship Him in spirit and truth.

Jesus repeats this twice so that we don’t miss it (4:23-24): “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the

true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His

worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” To be true

worshipers, we must worship both in spirit and in truth. To worship in spirit without truth is to worship

false gods. To worship in truth without spirit is to fall into dead orthodoxy. We may be doctrinally

correct, but we’re lifeless. nd, the Father must be the focus of our worship.

A. We should worship the Father, who is spirit.

Jesus emphasizes three times to this Samaritan woman that it is the Father that we are to worship (4:21,

23 [2x]). And, He explains to her that God is spirit. This is His essential nature. It means that God does

not have a material body. He is invisible to human eyes (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16). The fact that He is

spirit means that He is not confined to one locale at a time. He is omnipresent. He has existed as spirit

for all eternity, before He created the material universe. When we’re born again, we possess human

spirits (John 3:6), which can worship Him. Because He is the only omnipresent spirit, we can worship

Him anywhere and know that He is there.

Through Jesus, we come to know God as our Father, whom we worship. There are three reasons that

Jesus emphasizes the Father to this Samaritan woman: First, God is the Father of the Samaritans. This

woman mentions “our father Jacob” (4:12) and “our fathers worshiped in this mountain” (4:20). So Jesus

shifts the focus from these human fathers to the Father, who alone is to be worshiped.

Second, Jesus is pointing out that the Father has spiritual children. Having children is what makes one a

father. We become God’s children through believing in Jesus and being born of the Spirit (1:12-13; 3:5-

7). Being children of the Father implies that we have a personal relationship with Him.

Third, God is the Father of His unique Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This does not mean that Jesus became

the Son at a point in time. There never was a time when He was not God’s Son. The relationship of God

as the Father of Jesus the Son points to Jesus’ sharing the same essential nature as the Father. Jesus is

God. John 5:18 states, “For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because

He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal

with God.” In John 10:30, Jesus stated, “I and the Father are one.” In John 17:5, Jesus prays, “Now,

Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”

God the Father and God the Son have always been equal as God.

B. We should worship the Father in spirit.

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To worship in spirit is to worship from the heart or from within. It’s opposed to formal, ceremonial,

external worship by those whose hearts are not right with God (Matt. 15:8). Thus the most important

factor in becoming a worshiper is to guard and cultivate your heart for God.

Worship in spirit is, in part, emotional or felt. This is not to say that we should pump up our emotions

with music or crowd fervor. Genuine emotions for God stem from focusing our minds on the truth of

who He is and what He has done for us at the cross. But if your worship never touches your emotions,

something is wrong. It’s like one’s love for his/her spouse. Your relationship with your spouse is not built

on your feelings, but rather on your commitment to him/her. But when you think about all that he/she

means to you, you feel love and you ought to express that love in some outward manner that shows

that you love him/her.

C. We should worship the Father in truth. God has revealed Himself to us in His Word of truth and

supremely in His Son, who is the truth (John 1:18; 14:6; 17:17). To worship God in truth means that we

worship Him for all that He is in the majesty of His attributes as revealed in all of Scripture. We worship

Him for His love, but also for His justice and righteousness. We worship Him for His kindness, but also

for His severity (Rom. 11:22). We worship Him for His sovereignty and for His grace. We worship Him

when He gives, but also when He takes away (Job 1:20-21). We worship Him for all His ways.

3. Make it your priority to become a true worshiper of God.

Finally, here are seven practical suggestions on how to grow as a true worshiper of the Father:

1. Make sure that you truly believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.

2. Establish a daily time alone with God in the Word and prayer.

3. Eliminate all of the garbage from the world that hinders your growth in worshiping God (Read

Matthew 5:27-30; 1 Cor. 6:18-20 and 1 Tim. 4:7).

4. Prepare your heart Saturday night for corporate worship on Sunday morning.

5͘ Put away distractions on Sunday mornings and don’t be a distraction to other worshipers.

6. Ignore others around you and remember that God is the audience. There must be is a balance. We

should feel free to express our love to God outwardly without worrying about what others think of us.

David danced before the Lord even though it embarrassed his wife, but God sided with David (2 Sam.

6:14-23). On the other hand, if you’re so demonstrative that you’re distracting others and calling

attention to yourself, you’re out of balance. “ ll things must be done properly and in an orderly

manner” (1 Cor. 14:40).

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