Qualification
for Eternal Life
You Are Sure of
Your Salvation
The Believer
and Their Daily Sin
Developing Your
Relationship With God
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son. He who has
the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1
John 5:11-13
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and
broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road
that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew
7:13-14
“Who is the liar?
It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist – he denies the
Father and the Son. No one who denies
the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” 1 John 2:22,23
Our Sin
“Therefore,
just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in
this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12
“For
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Sin’s
Penalty
“For
the wages of sin is death.” Romans
6:23
“For in Adam all die.” Romans 15:22
God’s
Character
“There
is no one righteous, not even one. Romans 3:10
“Since
they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish
their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” Romans 10:3
Jesus
Redeemed and Justified Us
“. . .are justified freely by his grace through the redemption
that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans
3:2
“Therefore,
since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
Jesus
Paid Our Penalty
“Christ
redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Romans
3:13
“Christ
died for our
sins, according to the Scriptures.”
1
Corinthians 15:3
Jesus
Became Our Righteousness
“God
made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the
righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians
5:21
“But now
in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the
blood of Christ. For he himself is our
peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing
wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and
regulations.” Ephesians
2:13-14
You Are Sure of Your Salvation
God
wants you to know that if you have believed in Jesus Christ then you have been
saved.
“Yet to
all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to
become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human
decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John
1:12,13
“For he
has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of
the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians
1:13,14
“All
that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never
drive away.” John 6:37
“The
Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans
8:16
“I
write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you
may know that you have eternal life.”
1
John 5:13
“Here I
am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation
3:20
How God
Sees Us
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in
him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“because by one sacrifice he has
made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
Hebrews 10:14
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from
all sin.” 1 John 1:7
“Therefore, there is now no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus
the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1
“Everyone who sins breaks the
law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4
“Anyone, then, who knows the
good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17
“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.” Romans
14:23
Who
Sins?
“If we claim to be without sin,
we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
“If we claim we have not sinned,
we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1 John 1:10
Where Does
Temptation Come From?
* Satan (Matthew
4:1)
*
Our Sin Nature (James 1:13-15)
How Can
We Resist Temptation and Sin?
“No
temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he
will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,
he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” Corinthians 10:13
“Do not
set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it
and go on your way.” Proverbs
4:14-15
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1
John 1:9
“I confess my iniquity; I am
troubled by my sin.” Psalms
38:18
“Blessed is he whose
transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose
sin the LORD does not count against
him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
“When I kept
silent (THIS MEANS HE DID NOT CONFESS HIS SIN), my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
“Then I
acknowledged my sin to you (THIS MEANS HE CONFESSED HIS SIN) and
did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”—and you forgave the guilt of my
sin.” Psalms
32:1-5
“He who conceals his sins does
not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs
28:13
There
are 36 things God provides for every believer at the point of salvation.
These
things occur immediately at the time of the new birth.
These
things are the work of God; they are instantaneous; they are simultaneous; they
are based on the merit of Christ; they are complete; they are eternal.
Salvation
is complete and eternal. Eternal
reality takes affect in the believer’s life in that moment in Time.
1. In the eternal plan
of God
2. Reconciled
3. Redeemed
4. Condemnation removed
5. Under Grace through propitiation
6. All sins judged
7.
8. Free from the Law
9. Regenerated
10. Adopted
11. Acceptable to God
12. Justified
13. Forgiven all trespasses
14. Citizenship in the heavenly city
15. Delivered from the
16. Transferred into God’s Kingdom
17. A position that is on a secure foundation
18. A gift from God the Father to Christ
19. Delivered from the power of sin nature
20. Members of the priesthood to God
21. A special race of people
22. Given access to God
23. God’s inheritance
24. Recipients of eternal life
25. In the realm of the “much more” care of God
26. Beneficiaries
27. Partners in a heavenly association
28. Members of the family of God
29. Light in the Lord
30. United to the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit
31 Recipients of Holy
Spirit’s ministries
32. Glorified
33. Complete in Him
34. Possessor of every spiritual blessing
35. Removal of scar tissue on the human soul
36. Redemption of the physical body
“You
will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah
29:13
“Blessed are they who keep his
statutes and seek him with all their heart.” Psalms
119:2
“But seek first his kingdom and
his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew
6:33
“Since, then, you have been
raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the
right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians
3:1,2
“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 distracted by all the preparations that had to be
made. 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 worried and upset about many
things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it
will not be taken away from her.” Luke
10:38-42
“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 will I hear from heaven
and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:4
“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to
strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find
me." Proverbs
8:17
“He rewards those who earnestly
seek him.” Hebrews
11:6
“This, then, is how you should
pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’” Matthew 6:9
“In that day you will no longer ask
me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in
my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will
receive, and your joy will be complete.” John
16:23,24
How to
pray:
“If you remain in me and my
words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7
“Pray continually; give thanks
in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18
“Do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present
your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”‘ Philippians
4:6,7
“Trust in him at all times, O
people; pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge.” Psalms
62:8
“Cast all your anxiety on him
because he cares for you.” 1
Peter 5:7
Who to
pray for:
“I urge, then, first of all,
that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for
kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in
all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants
all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the
truth.” 1 Timothy
2:1-4
“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.” Ephesians
6:18
“Jesus
went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed
and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples,
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest,
therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew
9:36-38
“Bless those who curse you, pray
for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28
“Give ear to my words, O LORD,
consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you
I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my
requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalms
5:1-3
“Evening, morning and noon I cry
out in distress, and he hears my voice.” Psalms 55:17
1.
Supernaturally Written
“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.” 2
Timothy 3:16,17
“Above all, you must understand
that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as
they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2
Peter 1: 20,21
“You diligently study the
Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are
the Scriptures that testify about me.” John
5:39
“If you believed Moses, you
would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he
wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” John
5:46,47
2.
Always Applicable
“Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.” Psalms 119:89
“Heaven and earth will pass
away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35
“The word of the Lord stands
forever.” 1 Peter 1:25
“The grass withers and the
flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah
40:8
“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.” 2
Timothy 3:16,17
4.
Effect on our life
“For the word of God is living
and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing
soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the
heart.” Hebrews
4:12
“To the Jews who had believed him,
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you
will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John
8:31,32
“You are already clean because
of the word I have spoken to you.” John 15:3
“I gain understanding from your
precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.” Psalms 119:105
“The unfolding of your words
gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalms
119:130
“Through these he has given us
his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate
in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil
desires.” 2
Peter 1:4
“The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the
simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The
commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Psalms 19:7.8
5.
Spiritual Nutrition
Jesus answered, “It is written:
‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth
of God.’” Mathew
4:4
“He humbled you, causing you to
hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had
known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that
comes from the mouth of the LORD.” Deuteronomy
8:3
“And this is the word that was
preached to you. Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit,
hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual
milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted
that the Lord is good.” 1
Peter 2:2
“How sweet are your words to my
taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalms 119:103
6. What we do with it:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you
sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians
3:16
“Do your best to present
yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and
who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2
Timothy 2:15
“I have hidden your word in my
heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalms 119:11
“Do not let this Book of the Law
depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be
careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and
successful.” Joshua
1:8
“But his delight is in the law
of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree
planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf
does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalms
1:1,2
7.
Results of hearing the Bible
“Consequently, faith comes from
hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans
10:17
“Whoever has my commands and
obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my
Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John
14:21
“But the Counselor, the Holy
Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and
will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John
14:26
“But
when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13
“‘No eye has seen, no ear has
heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’—but
God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man
except the man’s spirit within him? In
the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have
not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we
may understand what God has freely given us.” 1
Corinthians 2:9-13
“Take the helmet of salvation
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians
6:17
“For the word of God is living
and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.” Hebrews 4:12
“The tempter came to him and
said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus
answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that
comes from the mouth of God.’. . . Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do
not put the Lord your God to the test.’. . . Jesus said to him, “Away from me,
Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Matthew 4:1-11
“Peter and the
other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!’” Acts 5:29
“If you love me, you will obey
what I command.” John
14:15
“Whoever has my commands and
obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my
Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John
14:21
“Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves
me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him
and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.
These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent
me.’” John
14:23,24
“This is love for God: to obey
his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3
“A new command I give you: Love
one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men
will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John
13:34-35
“Teacher,
which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied:
“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest
commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All
the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew
22:36-40
“Let no debt remain outstanding,
except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman
has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not
murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there
may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore
love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:8-10
“This is my command: Love each
other.” John
15:17
“If you really keep the royal law
found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But
if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” James
2:8
Obedience for
Christian Growth
a) Seek God First (Matthew 6:33)
b) Separation from the World (1 John 2:15-17)
c) Forgetting our past (both good and bad) (Ph
3:13,14)
d)
Church Attendance
(Hebrews 10:24,25)
e)
Christian Fellowship (1 Corinthians 15:33)
f) Water Baptism (Acts 8:12, 36-38)
“In reply Jesus declared, “I
tell you the truth, no one can see the
“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the
truth, no one can enter the
Jesus said, “And I will ask the
Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the
Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor
knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John
14:17
“And if anyone does not have the
Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9
These four verses refer to a person being saved, or in
other words, having the new birth, being born again, accepting Christ, being
recreated, regeneration, becoming a new creation.
“Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
This is our spiritual baptism by the Holy Spirit into
Christ, or the Body of Christ.
Filled With The Spirit
This refers to being baptized with the Spirit, or
receiving the Holy Spirit, being filled with the Spirit.
“There he found some disciples
and asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’” Acts 19:1,2
This is when Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit.
“John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with
water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of
whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the
Holy Spirit and with fire.” Luke
3:16
“You will
receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses
in
“Do not get
drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18
The
Spirit is a Spring of Water and a River
John
4:13,14 where the Holy Spirit is a “spring of water welling
up to eternal life,” in side the believer followed by
John
7:37-39 where those who believed would have the Holy Spirit flowing like
streams of living water from within them.
At the
point of the new birth the Holy Spirit comes in you and you are born of the Spirit.
After
this new birth the Holy Spirit can come upon you. This is referred to being filled with the
Holy Spirit.
Point
of Doctrine: You do
not get more of the Holy Spirit later after you have been Born Again
Point
of Doctrine: You do
not need to be filled with the Spirit to be Born Again and possess eternal
life.
To be Born
of the Spirit you must BELIEVE that Jesus is Lord as found in Romans
10:9:
“That if you confess with your mouth,
“Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.”
and Acts 2:41,
“Those who accepted his message were
baptized.”
To be Filled
with the Spirit you must ASK as found in Luke 11:11-13:
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks
for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give
him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will
your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
1 Corinthians
14:1 says,
“Eagerly desire
spiritual gifts.”
Fruit
of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit that is listed in Galatians
5:22-23 can be produced by anyone who has the Holy Spirit living in them.
Gifts
of the Spirit
The gifts of the Spirit are a manifestation of the
filling of the Holy Spirit or the Spirit being on a person. These are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and
Romans 12:3-8.
Our righteousness is received by faith in God’s word and
Jesus’ work.
“For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that
is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live
by faith.” Romans
1:17
“For it is by grace you have
been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians
2:8
“We live by faith, not by
sight.” Corinthians
5:7
“Now faith is being sure of what
we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews
11:1
Faith affects
our ability to continue to receive from God after we have received salvation by
faith.
Receiving
From God By Faith
“She said to herself,
“If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take
heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was
healed from that moment.” Matthew 9:21-22
As Jesus went
on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son
of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked
them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied.
Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done
to you”; Matthew 9:27-29
“And the prayer offered in faith
will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.” James 5:15
“But when he asks, he must
believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown
and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from
the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”
“And without faith it is
impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he
exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“Consequently, faith comes from
hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
Our association with God will
cause us to be successful and prosperous in every area of our lives.
“Blessed is the
man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of
sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the
LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by
streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not
wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalms 1:1-3
“Do not let this Book of the Law
depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be
careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and
successful.” Joshua 1:8
Jesus’ mission
was to bring abundant life to humanity.
“I have come that they may have
life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
“Dear friend, I pray that you
may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is
getting along well.” 3
John 2
God is not a lottery ticket to
financial prosperity.
The belief that God’s purpose and method is to
give
his people material wealth is a false
teaching that
has often surfaced through out church
history.
“If anyone teaches false
doctrine and does not agree with sound (healthy) instruction of the
Lord Jesus and to godly teaching he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies
and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil
suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed
of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” 1 Timothy 6:3-10
“Thanks be
to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us
spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” 2
Corinthians 2:14
“Thanks be
to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“No, in all these things we are
more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither
death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our
Lord.” Romans 8:37
“For everyone born of God
overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our
faith. who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:4
“A righteous man may have many
troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” Psalms 34:19
Sometimes our deliverance
is not removal from the circumstances but empowerment in the circumstances
“No temptation has seized you
except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be
tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also
provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“I can do everything through him
who gives me strength." Philippians
4:13
God’s Satan’s
Type: Light Darkness
King: Jesus Satan
Residents Believers Unbelievers
Quality Abundance Lack
Servants Angles Fallen Angles
Character Love Selfishness
(Galatians
5:22) (Gal. 5:19)
Names
for Satan
John 8:44 Devil, Liar, Murderer
John 10:10 Thief
Revelation 12:10 Accuser
1 Peter 5:8 Devouring Lion
2 Corinthian 11:14 Angel of Light
Acts 10:38 Oppressor
Mark 4:15 Word Stealer
Luke 22:31 Faith Sifter
Satan is fighting against God’s Kingdom, which includes believers:
“For our struggle
is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6:12
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I
have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
“. . .in order that Satan might
not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
“And God raised us up with
Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6
“Submit yourselves, then, to
God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to
devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your
brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1
Peter 5:8-10
Jesus’ Three Temptations Matthew
4:1-11
“The weapons we fight with are
not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to
demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
“They overcame
him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11
“The
seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in
your name.” Luke 10:17
Serve
God and People
“Not so with
you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and
whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not
come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew
20:26,27
Be
Witness for God in Words & Lifestyle
“But you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses
in
Fulfill
office of Ambassador for
Kingdom
“All this is
from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry
of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not
counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of
reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were
making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled
to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might
become the righteousness of God.” 2
Corinthians 5:18-20
Seek
and find God’s plan for our lives
“Seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well.” Matthew 6:33
“Again, it will
be like a man going on a journey, who called his
servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of
money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his
ability. Then he went on his journey. . . ” Matthew
25:14-29
Use
gifts you have through the Holy Spirit
1) Gifts to protect
and to supernaturally assist the body of Christ
“Now to each
one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message
of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same
Spirit., to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing
by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy,
to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in
different kinds of tongues, and still another the interpretation of
tongues. All these are the work of
one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” 2
Corinthians 12:7-11
2) Gifts that
function and make the body work and produce:
“Just as each
of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the
same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member
belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace
given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion
to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching,
let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing
to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership,
let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it
cheerfully.” Romans
12:4-8
3) Gifts that
develop and perfect the other body parts:
“It was he who
gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists,
and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for
works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach
unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,
attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no
longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there
by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their
deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things
grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body,
joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself
up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians
4:11-16
“Each one should
use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering
God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as
one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it
with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised
through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the
power for ever and ever. Amen.”
1
Peter 4:10
Doctrines
“You must teach
what is in accord with sound doctrine.”
Titus
2:1
God classifies
all men as totally sinful and so they produce only sinful acts in God’s
estimation.
“The scripture
declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin.”
Galatians
3:22
“We have
already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written, . . .
(Romans 3:9)” (then Paul lists the following Old Testament scriptures in the
verses that follow 3:10-18). . .
Psalms 14:1-3;
53:1-3; 5-9; 140:3; 10:7; 36:1; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 59:7,8.)
“For God has
bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.” Romans
11:32
“Therefore,
just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in
this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12
Also called
“total depravity of man”
This means that man is as bad
off as he can be.
This is not saying that man is as
bad as he can be.
The Doctrine of depravity has to
do with God’s view of man.
Not with man’s conduct but with
man’s state.
Modern liberal view sees man
evolving into something better.
They also teach there is so much
good in man that man is not so bad off.
Scripture does not measure man
by man.
Man is evaluated by and compared
to his creator.
Words
Describing Sin
Personal
Sin-produced from man’s natural condition
Transgressions- a
picture of a man stepping to one side or overstepping marked of bounds
Iniquity-that
which is altogether wrong
Error-the
sinner disregards the right or strays from the norm
Sin-personal transgressions, which are,
pictured as going wide of the target or missing the mark.
Wickedness-the outworking and expression of evil
in man.
Ungodliness-lack of respect for God.
Disobedience-the unwillingness to be guided
or led in the way of truth.
Unbelief-the failure
to trust God
Lawlessness-open contempt for divine law.
Three
Aspects of Sin taught in the Word
1) Sin Nature –This is not an
act but man’s nature that will always produce personal sin.
Adam
was not created with a sin-nature but with an innocent free will.
When
Adam disobeyed he caused his nature to be set similar to jello
going from being unset or uncongealed to being set up. His nature was set like concrete.
“So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to
God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” Romans 7:25
2) Fruit of Sin
The
fruit of this nature is sin and death
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:
sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred,
discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and
envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that
those who live like this will not inherit the
3) Positionally A Sinner
God has
placed man positionally under sin
“But
the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what
was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to
those who believe.” Galatians
3:22,
God has
decided and judged all men sins already.
John 3:18,
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands
condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only
Son.”
Summary
of the doctrine of depravity:
Man is
guilty of personal sin.
Man
harbors a sin-nature in his being
Man has
been positionally placed by God in sin.
Example
of a changed nature:
A fish
was created to live in the atmosphere of water, if it was to live on land its
nature would have to change.
Man was
created to live in God. When man sinned
his nature had to change to adapt to his new atmosphere.
Five
Great Facts of Depravity:
Man is
a sinner
Man is
spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1)
Man is
under condemnation (John 3:18)
Man is
under the power of Satan (1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4;
Ephesians 2:1-3)
Man is
lost (Luke 15)
God’s
response to man’s needs
Man’s
need is greater than he can meet or even understand.
God is
a God of grace.
God’s
grace produces graces or graciousness.
This
product is called mercy.“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.” Hebrews 4:16
“Throne
of Grace”
God’s
character and quality
God
rules universe from a throne of Grace.
“Mercy. . .Grace”
The
product produced by God’s character that we obtain.
“Our time of need.”
God responses to our need.
God
does not respond to our merit.
Paul,
the apostle of Grace, taught these truths:
1. God
has manifested grace
Titus
2:11, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”
(Romans 5:15-17; 2 Corinthians 8:9)
2.
Grace was manifested in the salvation that God brought.
Romans
3:24, “. . .justified freely by his grace through the
redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans
5:20, “The law
was added so that the trespass might increase.
But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.
3.Grace refers to the
new state we have been brought to
Romans
6:14, “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but
under grace.”
Romans
5:2, “. . .through whom we have gained access by faith
into this grace in which w now stand.”
4.Grace is God’s
operating principle for his child
In the
New Testament we operate under grace
The Old
Testament operated under law to achieve the holiness of God. The law was the goal.
The New
Testament standard is not the perfection of the law, but the perfection of
Jesus, the very nature of God
Grace
demands and expects this perfection, this nature.
Our
goal is not legalistic, but the likeness of Christ.
Galatians
5:4, “You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from
Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for
which we hope.”
5.Grace provides the
daily needs of the Child of God
Hebrews
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.”
Philippians
4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in
Christ Jesus.”
POINT:
Do you think you earned the riches in his glory??
6.
Grace cannot be compromised
There
is no union between law and grace
There is no religious system where grace and law can
coexist or be mingled
Romans 4:13-16,
“For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is
worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no
transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by
grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring.”
7.Grace brings all the
provisions of spiritual blessing:
called by grace equipped by grace justified by grace
sanctified by grace conformed to Christ by grace kept by grace reconciled by
grace sustained by grace
The
word “regeneration” is of Latin origin and means “born again, born a second
time, generated over again.”
John 3:7, “You should not be surprised at
my saying, ‘You must be born again.”
Titus 3:5, “He saved us through the
washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
1 John 3:2, “now we are
children of God.”
1 John 3:1, “How great is the love the
Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of
God! And that is what we are!
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
A
person born into this world or kingdom is spiritually dead and a child of sin.
To live
in God’s kingdom you must have eternal life and be a child of God.
This
occurs when you are born a second time, born of a new Father, into a new
family.
1. The Author (Father) of the New Birth is God
John
1:12,13, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he
gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent,
nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
2. The
Active Agent that Causes the New Birth is the Holy Spirit:
John 3:5-6, “Jesus answered, “I
tell you the truth, no one can enter the
3. The
Means by which the Holy Spirit Produces the
New Birth is the Word of God
1 Peter 1:23, “For you have been
born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and
enduring word of God.”
A man cannot believe in that which he is
ignorant.
A man must hear to believe.
Romans 10:17, “Consequently, faith comes
from hearing the message, and the message is heard
through the word of Christ.”
4.The Power of the New Birth is the Resurrection
of Jesus Christ
1 Peter 1:3, “In his great mercy
he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ.”
5.The Instrument by which the New
Birth is accomplished is Faith
Galatians
3:26, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus
John 1:12,
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the
right to become children of God—
6. The
Basis on which the New Birth is accomplished is the Blood
1 Peter
1:17-19, “you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or
gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from
your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ.”
Imputation
means to “reckon over to one” or “to set down to one’s account.”
This is
illustrated in Philemon 17-18 when Paul tells his friend Philemon to charge
Paul’s account for the things the slave Onesumus had
stolen.”
Imputation
#1: Man is charged with sin
“Just
as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all
men, because
all sinned” Romans 5:11
In divine bookkeeping the ledger shows the debit of sin
in our account.
When we balance our checkbook we cannot ignore some
of the bills and some of the debts and still rejoice over having
a positive balance.
God cannot balance the books until he has dealt with all
the debt of sin.
NOTICE: In Romans 5:11 we “all sinned” because we were
all placed under “sin” or charged with “sin”.
Imputation #2: Jesus Christ
was charged with sin and all of our sins
(“Sin” is our position or nature. “Sins” are our acts
from that position. We where born with
“Sin” but since then we have
“Sinned.”)
The divine transferal of that which did not belong to
Jesus Christ was set down to the account of Jesus Christ.
“Surely he took up our infirmities and
carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and
afflicted.”
Isaiah
53:4,
“Took up” (or, “borne” in the King James) means “to carry
because something was placed upon another. Jesus carried “our infirmities” not
his and “our sorrows” not his.
Isaiah 53:6, “the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us
all.”
2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made
him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might becomethe righteousness of God.
Romans 1:16-17 Romans 3:21-22
Romans 10:3 Philippians 3:8-9
Hebrews 9:14 1 Corinthians 1:30
Hebrews 10:4 Colossians 2:9-10
The necessity
for substitution arises out of the righteous and holy demands of a righteous
and holy God that sinners must be punished for their sins
The word substitution does not occur in most English translations.
The penalty is
announced in
“You are
free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil, for when
you eat of it you will surely die.” Genesis
2:16-17
“The
soul who sins is the one who will die.”
Ezekiel
18:4
The Old
Testaments teaching that a holy and righteous God must execute the sentence he
had declared on sin was a well-known principle revealed throughout the
scriptures.
God is not only
holy, righteous and just he also has infinite patience, compassion, long
suffering, mercy and grace.
In Romans
3:22-26 Paul addresses the question of how a holy, just, righteous God can
maintain his character and yet justify the sinner:
“There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through
the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,I through faith in his
blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he
had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his
justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those
who have faith in Jesus.” Romans3:22-26
God’s answer is
the doctrine of substitution.
The judgment of
the just and righteous God was handed out to a substitute.
"And he
took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my
body given for you; do this in remembrance of
me.’'
"In
the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new
covenant in my blood, which is poured out for
you.' " Luke
22:19-20
”I lay down my life for the
sheep.” John 10:15
“God
demonstrates his own love for us in this: While
we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
“Christ
redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is
written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13
“.
. .who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the
testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:6
“who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given
in its proper time.” Matthew 20:28
The English word “for” in “give his life as a ransom for
many” is misleading. It may give the
picture that he gave to gain. The Greek
Text says clearly, “to give his life instead of many having to give their
lives.”
Jesus did not only die so that good could come to us, he
died instead of us.
The substitute
must:
Be a man to
represent man.
“Every
high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in
matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” Hebrews 5:1
2) Identify with man’s problems and life
conditions.
“He is able to deal gently with
those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to
weakness.”
Hebrews
5: 2,3
“For we do not have a high priest who
is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been
tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
3) Separate from men.
“For we do not
have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have
one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without
sin.” Hebrews 7:23-27
Jesus said, “Can any of you
prove me guilty of sin? John
8:46
The average person assumes the
scriptural meaning of repentance is sorrow and includes vows and promises to
never commit the sin again.
Repent in the Bible means “a
change of mind.” Literally, “a turning
about: specifically in the mind. A change of course, direction, attitude.
Repentance may occur together with sorrow, but sorrow is
not repentance.
Guilt can produce sorrow.
Embarrassment and fear of judgment can produce sorrow.
Jesus example of repentance is Matthew 21:28-30:
“ I will
not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
“Which of the two did what his
father wanted?”
Paul taught Timothy repentance or “ a
change of mind” comes when the word of God is taught.
“And the
Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must
be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in
the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a
knowledge of the truth, and that they
will come to their senses and
escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
2
Timothy 2:24-25
In the following verse there is no repentance. They did not change their minds but they
changed the ‘truth.’
“Preach
the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and
encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will
gather around them a great number of
teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears
away from the truth.” 2
Timothy 4:2
Repentance is a change of mind in respect to revealed
truth in the Word of God.
2 Corinthians 7:10 teaches: “Godly sorrow brings
repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow
brings death.
Word of God——
Godly Sorrow ——
Repentance (change of
mind) ——
leads
to SALVATION
Word of God——
Worldly Sorrow——
Guilt, shame, fear, etc———
leads to DEATH
Godly repentance (change of mind) leads to salvation and works (changed
behavior) follow.
“I preached that they should
repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” Acts
26:20
Repentance is a
change of mind.
A true change
of mind will result in changed actions.
When a Roman general returned to
As long as we were in the slave market of sin and in
slavery to Satan, God had no right to touch the one who belonged to another.
#1 Word
for Doctrine of Redemption:
“For you
know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the
empty way of life handed down to you
from your forefathers.” 1
Peter 3:18
This Greek word for Redeemed is a word that emphasizes
the act. The act of setting free and liberating.
This word does not focus on:
The price of redemption
The need for redemption
The destiny of the redeemed
The word emphasizes the purchase was necessary and was
accomplished.
God did not bring us into glory by creating us, but
rather by purchasing us.
We are his by creation and we are purchased by him from
creation.
#2 Word
for Doctrine of Redemption:
The twenty four elders (people) in Revelation 5:9 sing
praise to God in a new song about man’s purchase from creation. (Notice the angels did not sing the verse on
redemption but begin singing in 5:11 when the song began to express God’s
character in verse 12.)
“You are
worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain and with your
blood you purchased men for God.”
The Greek word “purchased” means “to go shopping” or “to
go into the market to purchase.” The
emphasis is on the method.
Peter emphasized the “act” God had done. John emphasis the “method.”
#3 Word
for Doctrine of Redemption
“Christ redeemed
us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written:
‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’” Galatians 3:13
Here the same word as Revelation 5:9 is used only a
preposition is added to the Greek word.
The preposition “out of” is added to “to purchase.” The new compound word means “to purchase out
of so that it can never return.”
This word emphasizes the result of redemption. A Roman slave could be returned to the slave
block. Galatians 3:13 indicates this
purchase of God can not be reversed. God
is unwilling to surrender ownership.
#4 Word
for Doctrine of Redemption
“There
is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of god, and
are justified freely by his
grace through the redemption
that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:22-24
This word has in view the destiny of the one
redeemed.
It emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the
redemption.
When you adjust your watch to the office clock you have
reconciled your watch. When you adjust
your checkbook into agreement with the banks statement of your account you
reconcile your account.
The scriptural word “reconciliation” means “to cause to
conform to a standard, to be adjusted to a specified standard.”
The world is out of balance when compared to God.
“You
see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ
died for the ungodly. . .While we were
still sinners Christ
died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be
saved from God’s wrath through him. When
we were God’s enemies Christ did for us.” Romans 5:6,7,8
“we were still powerless” – this
emphasizes our total and complete
inability to make ourselves look good to God. Even if we knew we couldn’t do it.
“the ungodly” – this emphasizes
our desire. Not only could we not help
ourselves, we did not want to try.
“we were still sinners” – along with being unable to
change, and having no desire to change, we practiced the darkness we were in.
“God’s wrath”
– sentence had been passed on the powerless, ungodly sinners. This is far from any hope of favor from God.
“God’s enemies” – or position
and sin were translated into acts of war and rebellion against God.
These
five statements make it very clear we were not able to conform to God’s
standards and we were far from be reconciled or aligned with God.
In this
condition God came through Jesus Christ and reconciled us. He reset us.
He realigned us. He caused us to
come into conformity with him.
“For if, when we were
God’s enemies we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son.” Romans
5:10
“All this is from God, who reconciled us
to himself through
Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
not counting men’s sins against them.
And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We
are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
The
world has been reconciled (realigned) to God, but now the individual must be
reconciled.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as
though God were making his appeal through us.
We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,
so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Romans
5:20-21
We have
been reconciled with God by being made the
righteousness of God.
The
universal concept of the heathen god is an angry god that must be pleased and
satisfied before any good thing or blessing occurs.
All
heathen religions seek to change the attitude of their god.
1 Kings
18:26, 28-29 gives us a picture of what this might look like:
“So they took the bull given them and
prepared it. Then they called on the
name of Baal from morning till noon. “O Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But
there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they
had made. So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears,
as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they
continued their frantic
prophesying until the time for the evening
sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no
one paid attention.”
The three Great Doctrinal words
revealing the value of Christ death:
Redemption – This is seen
from the side of sin. Christ death purchased us out of slavery to sin.
Reconciliation – This is seen
from the side of man. Men who were far from God have been brought next to God.
Propitiation – This
is seen from the side of God.
Propitiation
does not suggest God needs to change.
“God is love” before and after the cross. But God’s love for sinners could not be
released until God’s holy and righteous justice was satisfied with man’s
payment for his sin.
Propitiation
is the work of Christ that satisfies all the claims of divine holiness,
righteousness and justice so that God is free to act on behalf of sinners.
Leviticus
16 shows the purpose of the atonement was as a propitiation
to God.
In
Western courts of law the sentence must be in accord with the facts in a
case. No judge can clear the guilty and
condemn the innocent. This is justice.
The
principal is established in Deuteronomy 15:1:
“When men have a dispute, they are to take
it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting (justify) the innocent and
condemning the guilty.”
Paul
addresses how God can be just and yet justify the guilty without violating
justice.
“God presented him as a sacrifice of
atonement, through faith in his blood.
He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished
– he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be
just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” Romans
3:25-26
Parents
sometimes are not fair and just judges of their children but instead make up
excuses and explanations for poor conduct.
These parents violate their own character in the area of being just and
fair.
God
cannot violate his own character.
Basis
for Justification:
1) We
are New Creatures
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2
Corinthians 5:17
In Christ all of our old self has been
disassociated from us. If you move from
2) We are the righteousness of God
“Be
found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is
through faith in Christ – the
righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” Philippians
3:9
“It is because of him that you are
in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness,
holiness and
redemption. Therefore, as it is written:
‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” 1
Corinthians 1:30
“God made him who had no sin to be
sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2
Corinthians 5:21
3) We are perfected
“By one sacrifice he has
made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14
4) We have received the fullness of Christ.
“From the fullness of
his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16
“For God was pleased to have all his
fullness dwell in him.” Colossians 1:19
“For
in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been
given fullness in Christ. “ Colossians
2:9,10
These facts
logically precede God’s work of justification:
1) Our sin is removed
2) Our indebt ness is cancelled
3) We are made new creations
4) We are given the righteousness of God
5) We are complete and perfected in Christ
6) We are given the fullness of Deity
7) At this point we are brought before God for judgment
in the courts system of heaven. Only one
verdict is possible. We are justified (or acquitted
of all charges of sin, ungodliness, transgressions, etc.
Justification
is the divine pronouncement that one who is in Christ Jesus is fully acceptable
to God’s holiness.
The
primary use of sanctification in scripture does not refer to improvement in
practical holiness.
It is
wrong to accept sanctification as a state of holiness where it is impossible
for the child of God to sin.
Paul
said the Corinthians were sanctified in 1 Corinthians
1:2. He then spends the rest of the
letter instructing, rebuking and correcting them.
Three
Words that all have to do with the believers position and not work:
1-Sanctify
2-Holy
3-Saint
Sanctify
“As you sent me into the world, I have
sent them into the world. For them I
sanctify myself, that they too may
be truly sanctified.” John 17:18-19
Jesus
Christ was sanctified or set apart by God for a useful purpose.
So,
Jesus Christ is referring to the disciple also being sanctified or set apart.
Jesus
set himself apart or sanctified himself for:
1-the cross
2-physical death
3-separation from Father
4-the will of God
Holy
The root word is same as sanctified.
Holy means “to be set apart from
what is unholy.
“Such a high priest meets our
need – one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners,
exalted above
the heavens.” Hebrews
7:26
This verse list ‘holy’ along with ‘blameless’, ‘pure’ and
‘set apart from sinners.’ All of them
refer to Jesus Christ separateness.
Holy has the same basic meaning as sanctify.
Saint
All believers in Jesus Christ are referred to as saints.
You do not work to become a saint but are made a saint at
the new birth.
Three Aspects of Sanctification
1)
Positional Sanctification 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “That is
what some of you
were. But you were washed, you were
sanctified, you were justified . . .”
2)
Experiential Sanctification (Practical Sanctification) – the
believers set themselves apart.
Romans
12:1 “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.”
Romans
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 is
a progressive sanctification and where included in Peter’s last words in 2
Peter 3:18: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.”
3) Ultimate Sanctification
1 John 3:2, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be
has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall
be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him
purifies himself, just as he is pure.
Jude
25, “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his
glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior
be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before
all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”
Can a
person know they are saved?
Can a
person lose their salvation?
When
considering the doctrine of security from a scriptural point the student of the
word must not pull scriptures out of context.
Consider these points when studying this doctrine:
1. There are passages which warn the nation of
2. Apostates in the last days in 1 Timothy 4:1-3
rerfer to people involved in Christianity (wolves in
sheep clothing) that have never been redeemed.
A form of godliness with out the power is be
speaking of Christian rituals without the indwelling Holy Spirit.
3. John 15:6 speaks of branches being cut of and
burned. These are unproductive
believers. These are those who resist to grow and produce.
4. Hebrews 6:4-8, speaks of people who fall away
not being able to return to the cross again to be born again a second
time. They can repent and come back into
fellowship with God obviously, but they can’t return to the cross to get
born-again a second time because they are still born again.
5. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 is be speaking of losing rewards. This
verse guarantees salvation will endure the fire of judgment. Rewards can be lost. Salvation can not be.
Galatians
5:4 speaks of falling from grace. This
grace is the principal of our lifestyle as a believer. If we turned to begin living under a legal
system of works we would
have fallen from the understanding of grace.
Also
consider:
·
Ephesians 1:4
·
John 10:29
·
Romans 8:31-34
·
Romans 8:38-39
·
John 5:24
·
Romans 5:7-9
·
1 John 2:1-2
·
Hebrews 9:24
·
John 17:11-16
·
Ephesians 1:13-14
Other
References:
·
Sin against the Holy Spirit. . . .
.Matthew 12:25-33
·
The Spirits Three Convictions. . John
16:8-11
·
The Spirits Testimony. . . . . . . .1
John 5:6-12
The
biblical term and the development of this doctrine must balance with these realities:
1)
The love of God
2)
Human Free Will
3) God’s
sovereign authority over all
4)
God’s right to predetermine the course of history and his creatures
See Galyn's statement and also study Galyn's Roman's Notes and Ephesian's Notes
To
arrive at the correct understanding a believer must be careful not to allow any
of the above statements to be diluted or watered down in order to arrive at an
acceptable answer. Hold firm to the
revealed truth and allow the Spirit of God to develop your understanding. We are growing in our knowledge of our Lord
and Savor, so there are some things that are true that we can not yet
understand.
The
teaching of this doctrine whatever its interpretation was not to confuse
believers but to comfort, encourage and strengthen them.
Remember
a believer needs the scriptures to teach who God is and how he works. We should not always expect him to fit into
our estimation our natural conception of his character.
Terms
that must be defined:
Foreordination Decree Calling
Foreknowledge Election Predestination
Foreordination
Means
“to determine before hand”
God
planned all the details before he began creation.
The
opposite would be to create first and think second
Ephesians 1:4, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to
be holy and blameless in his sight.”
Ephesians
1:5, “In love he predestined us to be adopted as
his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his
pleasure and will.”
Ephesians
1:11, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the
plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his
will.”
1
Corinthians 2:7, “No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been
hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”
Decree
A
theological word that means God establishes the certainty of that which He has
foreordained by decreeing it to be so.
It is similar to approving the blue prints before construction begins.
God’s
decree finalized his plan that would take a specific course of action once
began
Daniel
11:36, Speaking of when the anti-christ comes, “The
king will do as he pleases. . .He will be successful
until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take
place.
Luke
22:22, “The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who
betrays him.”
Acts 2:23, “This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and
foreknowledge.”
Acts 4:27-28, “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the
Gentiles and the people of
Omniscience
is the same as foreknowledge.
Omniscience says God knows all things.
Romans
8:29, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of his son.”
(Calvinism or Reform teaching
say that foreknowledge and omniscience are not the same thing. They say
omniscience is based on God knowing all things while foreknowledge is based on
what God has decreed would happen. Is this an inconsistent thought? If God foreknew those in time who would
accept him as Lord and responded to this foreknowledge by electing those
individuals for salvation then God’s foreknowledge is based on knowing ahead of
time what man’s free-will would do. This
would not be foreknowledge but omniscience.
Omniscience is based on knowing even man’s free will choices ahead of
time. Foreknowledge is not based on knowing what is in the future and knowing
what man is going to do. Foreknowledge
is based on God’s decrees that
he has declared will happen. Omniscience
is based on knowing all things. God’s
foreknowledge is based on knowing what God has decreed is to happen.
1.
God knows who will be saved because God knows all things.
2.
Salvation is ultimately based on man's freewill response to the call of God by
the Holy Spirit
3. Man must be called by the Holy Spirit to receive enlightenment
to understand his sinful state, the offer of salvation and the ultimate judgment if the
Holy Spirit's testimony is rejected.
4.
Predestination is always found "in Christ." Jesus Christ is the
predestined one. Once, we are believers "in Christ" we are now in the predestined plan.
So, Christ and those in Christ are predestined. But, it is a man's freewill
choice, or response
to the Holy Spirit, to enter into Christ and the predestined plan.)
1 Peter
1:2, “Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,
through the sanctifying work of the Spirit.”
Election
is in keeping with foreknowledge.
Foreknowledge is based on what God knew man would do.
Means, “to call out.”
It is selection and separation unto himself.
Election
is the work of God.
It is
not people electing God. It is God electing those he foreknew.
Ephesians
1:4, “For he before the creation of the world to be holy
and blameless in his sight. In love he
predestined us.”
Election
does not separate some to heaven and some to hell
All men
have been condemned to hell (John 3:18)
Election
separates from among condemned men some to fulfill God’s purpose and program.
Predestination
means “to determine before hand.”
This
has to do with the end to which those who have been elected are set apart.
Predestination
in scripture always is qualified by a reference to the end or purpose we are
predestined for. Our end is not
salvation. Salvation, or the new birth,
is the beginning.
Ephesians
1:4,5, "he predestined us to be adopted as his
sons through Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians
1:11,14, “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the
plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will
. . .the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance
until the redemption of those who are God’s possession .”
Romans
8:29, “Those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of his Son.”
1
Corinthians 2:7, “No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been
hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”
We were
predestined for glory, son ship, inheritance, and glory. We were not predestined for faith, to
believe, to accept Christ.
Understood
to be God sending a summons to those he foreknew, elected and predestined for
glory.
Romans
8:30, “Those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also
justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
God’s
call to a man is not unaided by the Holy Spirit
The
Holy Spirit empowers the dead sinner who was with out life, and under
condemnation to supernaturally hear God’s call
John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him,
and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Romans
5:6, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ
died for us.”
The invitation is to all condemned men:
Revelation
22:17, “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever
wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
John
3:18, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned.”
(This “whoever”
is unlimited.)
All men
are rendered savable by the death of Christ.
All are
empowered by the Holy Spirit to respond to general and special revelation.
The
“whoever” is unlimited, but only those who respond will enter the predestined
plan in Christ.
“Therefore,
my brother, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.” 2 Peter 1:10
(Absolute
Thinking)
Psalms
80:8-11; Isaiah
5:1,2,7
John
15:1-10
verse 1 “true vine” It is a basic principle in horticulture that
no fruit can be better than the vine that produces
it. Jesus was the true vine that came from
the very presence and of the very
essence of God.
Verse 2 “cuts
off” is airo and means “to lift up, to take away”
here it is “cuts off” or “cuts away.”
“prunes” is kaqairo and
means “to cleanse” here “to cleanse by pruning” or “cutting back.”
Two aspects:
1) the removal of the dead wood. Dead wood is worse than fruitless wood
because it can be a source of disease and decay.
2) the pruning of the live wood to improve fruit bearing.
The untrimmed live wood produces long rambling
branches that produce little fruit because the
strength of the vine is used to produce the rambling
vines and not the fruit.
Verse
4, 7 “remain in me” is the idea of abiding (prayer, study, obedience,
fellowship with God)
“my
words remain in you” is the idea that his word is living in you (understanding,
Spirit)
The word abide (or “remain”) speaks of:
1) perfect fellowship – connected together as vines are
2) perfect oneness – one purpose, to produce the fruit of the
vine
3) perfect supply – each vine is supplied for by the true vine
4) perfect provision –
the gardener cares for and provides
Abiding
(remaining) is an aorist imperative meaning a command or instruction to do
something.
Aorist
meaning the time of the command was in time past.
So,
this is a command that is possible at all times because of the absolute
provisions from the absolute vine and the gardener.
2
Corinthians 5:20
Ephesians
6:20
Ambassador
is “presbeuo” in the Greek a technical term used of
the emperor’s legate, namely, the one who speaks for the emperor. The word clearly refers to the imperial service
of Caesar, and in the scriptures to the imperial service of Christ in which the
saints are engaged.
The
imperial secretary used the technical expression “pepisteumai”
which meant “I am entrusted.” He meant
he had been entrusted with a designated matter.
Paul as an imperial secretary of the Lord Jesus was entrusted with the
writing of the epistles.
Paul
uses this same technical phrase in Galatians 2:7; 1 Corinthians 9:17, 1
Timothy 1:11.
The
correspondence of the imperial secretary was designated by the technical
expression “hiera Grammata”
or “sacred writings.” It was used of
imperial letters and decrees.
Paul
uses the expression in 2 Timothy 3:15 in the words translated “holy
scriptures.”
Ambassadors
in Scripture: 2 Samuel 10:4, 2 Chronicles 32:31,
2 Chronicles 35:21, Isaiah 30:4
Qualities
of an Ambassador:
I.
Ambassadors do not appoint themselves. Appointed by Christ.
II. An
ambassador does not support himself. God
supplies all our needs.(Ephesians 1:3; Philippians
4:19)
III. An
ambassador is not a citizen of the country where he is
sent. We are citizens of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
IV. An
ambassador has instruction in written form. We have the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16)
V. An
ambassador cannot take insults personally; he is
accepted or rejected not on his own merit but because of who he represents
(John 15:19-21)
VI. An
ambassador does not enter a country to profit himself (2 Corinthians
5:15)
VII. An
ambassador is a personal representative of someone
else; everything he does and says reflects on the one who sent him. (John
13:35; 17:18-23; 20:21)
VII. An
ambassador’s perspective is service; his prospect is reward. (Matthew
5:12; 2 John 8; Revelation 22:12)
IX. An
ambassador is recalled when war is declared. (2 Thes 2:1-12)
Authority is the legal or moral right to exercise power,
or power that is rightly possessed.
God is ultimate authority.
God is source of all authority.
God
gave authority to:
Government Genesis 9:6, “Whoever
sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed. For in the image of God has God made man.”
Nations
Kings, Priest
and Prophets in
Parents
Employers
Jesus
was under these authorities as a man living in this world:
Government Luke
23:14 Pilate said, “I have examined him. . .and found
no basis for your charges against him.”
King Luke
23:15 “Neither
has Herod, for he sent him back.”
Nation Galatians
4:4 “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law. . .”
Priest Mark
1:44 “Go show yourself to the priest. . .”
Prophets Luke
18:31 “everything written by the prophets
about the son of man will be fulfilled.”
Parents Luke
2:51 “He went down to
Employers Matthew
13:55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?”
Law of
Moses Luke 10:26
“What is written in the Law?”
Jesus
was not manipulated by peers and social groups:
Pharisees Luke
5:22 Challenged them and their views
Teachers
of Law Luke 11:45 The teachers said to Jesus, “When
you say these things, you insult us also.”
Religion Luke
6:2-5 Unlawful on the Sabbath? The Son of Man is Lord of the
Sabbath.
Family Luke
8:19-21 Mother and brothers came to take him away
Tradition Luke
11:38 “Jesus did not first wash before the meal.
Jesus
had authority over:
Nature Mark
4:41
Death John
10:18
Demons Matthew
10:1
All
authority Matthew 28:18
Faith
and Authority
Matthew
8:8-13:
The
greatest human military, Roman, reached the peak of its power based on
authority.
Jesus
evaluation was that this man had great faith because he understood authority.
Understanding
authority in the natural benefits your
spiritual
understanding.
Lack of
understanding authority has consequences.
If you do
not understand authority, then you cannot fully understand God’s position.
If you
do not understand God’s position then you will not be able to understand, “It
will be done just as you believed it would.”
The
promise to children “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long
life on the earth” is based on them learning this principle by submitting to
their parents.
Living
with authority effects your life every day.
Willingness. Isaiah 6:8,
“Here am I. Send me!”
·
The work is there.
·
God is looking for willing workers.
·
The work that needs to be done is of a
great variety.
Recognize the need. David in 1 Samuel 16:13; 17:37
·
Anyone could have done the work.
·
David did not wait for his “calling”
but met the need.
·
David was a shepherd, a supply
deliverer and a harpist. He was not yet a warrior.
Let the
spoken word come to pass. Mary. Luke 1:38
·
God has a plan. Let him speak it.
·
1 Timothy 4:14,
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when
the body of elders laid their hands
on you.”
Obey.
Elijah 1 Kings 17:2,3,8,9
·
Don’t make your own decisions
·
Paul in Acts 20:22; 21:4,9,10,11
Self
Sacrifice. Moses. Hebrews
11:25,26
Committed to Point of Death.
Esther. Esther 4:16
·
All else is not worthy of your life.
·
Not
measured by Human standards. Paul 2 Tm4:16
·
Do not let people measure your success.
·
If you live by #1-6 know that your
reward is there in the end 2 Timothy
4:6-8
Leviticus
17:1, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to
you to make atonement for yourselves on the
altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”
a) “I have given it to you”
·
Divine Provision
·
It is not our gift to God
b) “To make atonement”
·
Price Paying
·
Matching price of offense
c) “For yourselves”
·
Substitution.
·
One replaces the other
The
blood of Christ speaks of Jesus’ voluntary self-sacrifice on the cross for our
sins.
·
1 Peter 1:18,19
·
John 1:29
·
Revelation 1:5
By the
price of His blood, Jesus accomplished three great works at the cross
1)
Justified – declared righteous and not guilty
2)
Redemption – payment of a penalty
3)
Propitiation – divine satisfaction
The
finished work of Jesus on the cross is sufficient to provide salvation for all
men.
·
Revelation 5:9
·
John 12:32
To
receive the benefits of Jesus blood we must believe in him
·
John 6:29, 47, 54
·
John 1:12
The
blood of Christ continues to cleanse the believer from all sins
It is
through the blood of Christ that we can be reconciled
to God and have peace with Him.
·
Ephesians 2:13
·
Colossians 1:20
·
Romans 5:1
The
term “blood of Christ” encompasses the entire scope of the spiritual sacrifice
of Christ on the cross.
·
Hebrews 9:14
How do
parents obtain parenting skills?
·
Trial and error
·
Learning from their own parents
·
Observing other parents
·
Research
·
Without God’s opinion (divine
viewpoint) found in the Word of God all the above are only man’s ways and are
destined to bring sorrow and failure.
Children
become a curse or a blessing
Deuteronomy
28:1; 30:19; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 23:24,25;29:17;31:28
There
is no such thing as a bad seed.
Proper
training is the maximum expression of love a parent can give their child.
All
Children come from God
Job
33:4, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me
life.”
Psalms
127:3, “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.”
God’s Plan
is that Children have Parents and Parents Train Children
Children are with parents a little less than 1/3 of their
lives
Animals are with parents only a few months.
Animals have instincts.
Children have parents.
·
Deuteronomy 6:6,7;
·
Ephesians 6:4;
·
Proverbs 22:6
Parents
Ultimate Test and Their Built-in Advantage
Proverbs 17:6, “Children’s
children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
The grandchildren are the test
of parenting.
Children are naturally proud of
their parents and desire to be like them.
Children
are blessed for honoring their parents
Exodus 20:12 Ephesians 6:2 Proverbs 3:1,2
The father and mother are equal
in the eyes of the child and in the role of parent.
God has
Established the Parents Authority
Colossians 3:20- The Parents
Responsibility
Colossians 3:21, “Fathers, do not embitter
your children, or they will become discouraged.”
a. “embitter” is ereqizete which means “to excite, to provoke, to
irritate.” The thought is of a child frequently
irritated by over severity or
injustice.
b. “discouraged”
means “to be without courage or spirit, to lose heart.”
Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not exasperate your
children; instead , bring them up in the training and instruction
of the Lord.”
a. “exasperate” is paropgizete which means “to anger, to make angry, to bring
one along to deep seated anger.”
b. It is right for parents to
demand obedience, but there must not be authority used on a whim.
c. Discipline is essential in
the home, but there is no room for unnecessary rules and
endless petty correction.
Five Techniques of the
Definition: TECHNIQUE- The mechanical performance of
practice of an art; the practical details of methods by which an artist in any
line expresses his mental conceptions (theology) and mechanical skill in any
art (Christ likeness).
For example, in basketball players must be taught certain
techniques that are required to play the game.
They must know the proper way to dribble, shoot, pass, play defense, and
rebound. These would be considered five
techniques of basketball.
Confession
(self-judgment) – 1 John 1:9, The technique by
which we deal with personal sins for cleansing, forgiveness, restoration to
full fellowship, power and service. Use
this daily.(Psalm 32, 38, 51; 1 Corinthians 11:28:31;
1 John 1:7-22)
Spirituality (fellowship
with the Holy Spirit), Commanded in Ephesians 5:18, “Be filled with the Spirit.” The mechanics are seen in Ephesians 1:23;3:16-20; 4:1-16. The
technique is the daily practice of sincere study, prayer and application.
Faith-Rest
Life (trust in God), The technique of reliance on the
promises, principles, doctrines of the Word of God when faced with troubles,
persecutions, temptations, worries, deceitfulness and desires of daily
life. This produces inner rest, peace,
and tranquility. Daniel in the lion’s
den is an example. It is seen in
spiritual calmness and poise. (Mark 4:17-19; Psalm 119:103,105; Psalm 138:2)
Living
in the Word (life application), A lifestyle of thoughts
(decisions), words and actions (deeds) that are dependent on the Word of God in
a renewed mind ( a soul saturated with the Word.) This technique is developed by the “spiritual
athlete” (2 Timothy 2:5) that has trained themselves because of their desire to
attain the goal (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) (Matthew 4:4; Psalms 119:103,105; Psalm
138:2)
Occupation
with Jesus Christ (recognition that Jesus is the only
true celebrity)
This technique involves the pursuit of Jesus Christ for the
celebrity he truly is. The emotions,
plans, etc. come from a soul occupied with thoughts of Jesus Christ. This is the First Love relationship in
Revelation 2:4 (Matthew 6:24; James 4:4; Matthew 10:37)
Philippians 3:10, “I want to
know Christ. . .”
Hebrews 3:1, “Consider Jesus, . . .”
Hebrews 12:2, “Fix your eyes on Jesus, . . .”
Hebrews 12:3,
“consider him who endured. . .”
Factors that determine our destiny
Decision
Every
decision we make will later play a part in making us. We are the product, not
of our environment, but of our decisions.
It is not only in choosing, but in rejecting thye
evil that our life is blessed.
Tendency
When we
decide often in a certain way, we develop a trend or tendency in our life. We
tend to follow familiar paths, things we have done before.
Habit
Our
tendencies form into habits. We can
develop good or bad habits, and we can break them as well. Habits result from making decisions in the
same way over and over until it is normal and natural to continue.
Character
A
person’s character is the result of habits they have formed over a period of
time. It is much easier to change a
habit than one’s character. The easiest
of all is to not make decisions that lead to the habits that are difficult to
break.
Destiny
The
character we build has much to do with our destiny, both in time and
eternity. That disciplined character
will bring the believer blessing in eternity is clear from 2 Peter 1:5-11.
Failure to build the character of Christ into our lives
will also have
eternal
results as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
“The heights by great men seized and kept
Did not occur by sudden
flight.
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward
through the night.”
Endurance
is a vital factor in the spiritual life
“You
need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will
receive what he has promised.” Hebrews
10:36
“persevere”
is “hupomonas” and means “patient endurance; It is
the spirit which can bear things, not simply with resignation, but with blazing
hope; it is not the spirit which sits statically enduring in one place, but the
spirit which bears things because it knows that these things are leading to a
goal of glory.”
“promises” with out endurance we will miss the
manifestation of many or the temporal promises in our lives and we will not
enjoy the hope of the promises waiting for us in eternity.
Endurance
can only be developed by pushing beyond our present limitations.
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our
sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance (hupomonas”); perseverance, character, and character,
hope. And hope does not disappoint us." Romans 5:3
“Consider
it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you
know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance (hupomonas”). Perseverance must finish its work so that you
man be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James
1:3-4
Spiritual
endurance involves patient waiting for the will of God to be fulfilled in us by
the Word of God.
Psalms
119:32:
“I run
in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” NIV
“The way
of thy commandments will I run, For thou wilt enlarge
my heart.”
“I will
(not merely walk, but) run in the way of your commandments, when you give me a heart that is
willing.” Amplified
“I will
run the way of they commandments, when thou shalt
enlarge my heart.” King James
“I shall
run the way of Thy commandments, for Thou wilt enlarge
my heart.” NAS
*NOTE: An enlarged or strengthened heart in the
natural world comes from training and working out. The
training makes you stronger
on race day to achieve a better performance.
Spiritual endurance should strengthen you not break you down.
Endurance
is the key to the abundant life
Luke 21:19, “By standing firm (“hupomonas”) you will
gain your life.
“By your endurance shall ye gain
your lives for a possession.”
Endurance
is the key to eternal reward
2 Timothy 2:12
Endurance
results from keeping one’s eye on Jesus
Hebrews 12:1-3
Hebrews 11:27
Consider
the distance runner’s perspective and apply it to the life of faith
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack. . . . .
even my enemies
live at peace with me. . . . . . . . .
though I fall seven
times, I will rise again. . .
The Lord will strengthen me and help me. . .
My God will meet all my needs. . .
The eternal God is my refuge. . .
The Lord is my refuge when I’m oppressed and a stronghold
in times of trouble. . .
I will fear no evil. . .
The Lord will deliver me from all my fears. . .
I may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers me from
them all. .
though I stumble I
will not fall, for the Lord upholds me with his hand. . .
the Lord will
deliver me. . .
The Lord will sustain me. . .
The Lord will heal my broken heart and bind up my wounds.
. .
I will escape trouble. . .
my paths will be
made straight. . .
I am not to be afraid for I am worth more than many
sparrows. . .
I will be given rest. . .
in all things God
works for my good. . .
nothing is impossible
with God. . .
nothing will be
impossible for me. . .
I will lack no good thing. . .
the Lord forgives
all my sins. . .
the Lord heals all
my diseases. . .
the Lord redeems
my life. . .
the Lord crowns me
with love and compassion. . .
the Lord satisfies
my desires with good things. . .
my youth is
restored like the eagle’s . . .
in all things, at
all times, I have all that I need. . .
I will be made rich in every way. . .
I will enjoy good health. . .all
will go well with me. . .
The Lord himself goes before me. . .
The Lord will never leave me nor forsake me. . .
The Lord brings escape from death. . .
all these things
will be given to me as well. . .
angels are
ministering spirits sent to serve me. . .
The Lord is my helper. . .
Men can do nothing to me. . .
have
overcome the world. . .
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. . .
whatever I ask for in
prayer, I believe that I have received it. . .
I ask whatever I wish, and it is given to me. . .
I seek and I find. . .
I knock and the door is opened. . .
I receive whatever I ask for in prayer. . .
Effective
Faith is built on Genuine Knowledge of God
This
means knowing god, not just knowing about Him.
We come
to know him as Creator through his creation (Romans 1:18-21)
He
reveals himself to us through His word (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
We come
to know Him in a personal way through Jesus Christ our redeemer (Philippians
3:7-14)
Effective
Faith is Spiritual Power at Work.
James
says that “Faith without works is dead.” (James
2:17,26)
Faith
takes the power of God’s Spirit (Gal.5:22-23) and God’s word (Heb.4:12) and
puts it to work in life (Mt.5:13-16, Eph. 2:10)
Power
is the characteristic of the growing Christian. (Eph.1:18,19; 3:14-19; Col. 1:24-29; 2
Peter 1:5)
Effective
Faith Turns Personal Faith into Public Ministry
Every
believer in Jesus Christ is an Ambassador of the Lord. (2 Cor.5:14-21)
Every
believer is a Priest of God (1 Peter 2:5-9)
Every
believer is a minister to other believers (1 Cor.
12:4-11)
We all
have a teaching ministry to others by our words and deeds (Heb.5:11-14; 1 Thess. 1:3-10; 1 Peter 3:1)
Paul
sees this as a mission of obligation, opportunity and honor in Romans 1:14-17.
Effective
Faith will always Result in Persecution.
This
world hates Jesus Christ (John 15:18-24), it also hates and persecutes those
who most reflect him (Matthew
5:10-12; 2 Timothy 3:12)
It is
the highest honor a believer can attain, to share in his Master’s sufferings. (Phil.1:27-30; Col. 1:24; 1 Peter 4:12-14)
Effective
Faith Follows a Path of Continual Refining and Purifying
This is
the principle of “faith to faith” of Romans 1:17
Proverbs
4:18 compares this path to the growing light of dawn turning to day.
Major
themes of this subject are:
Cleansing (Ephesians 5:26; John 13:10)
Spiritual Growth (1 John 1:7)
Confession and correction (1 John 1:9; 2
Tim2:19)
The Path of Correction is outlined in
James 4:6-10
In
Daniel 12:3 we see the ultimate end of those who pursue and attain to effective
faith. Our resurrection bodies will
shine like the stars in heaven, some faintly others brilliantly. Our effectiveness in this area will determine
our eternal brilliance.
Roman
Soldier Motto: “You may bend me, but you will never break me.”
We must
develop spiritual flexibility to survive, grow, and minister:
·
adapt to differences
·
adjust to pressures
·
survive situations
We must
bend but not break
We must
adapt but not compromise
We must
flex without shattering
We must
survive without selling out
A knife
blade will snap if not tempered properly.
Tempered steel results from being heated and cooled.
Inflexible
People:
a. Paul
as a Pharisee, Galatians 1:13-14 Philippians 3:4-6
b.
Moses as an Egyptian, Hebrews 11:24-26 Exodus
2:11
c. Saul
as King of
Flexible
People
a. John
the Baptist John
3:22-30 Luke 7:18-30
b.
Moses after 40 years in wilderness:
Exodus 7-10 Plagues with rod
Exodus 13:17 Led to
Exodus 15:22 Bitter water
Exodus 16:4 Bread from heaven
Exodus 16:11 Quail
Exodus 17:1 Water from rock
Exodus 18:13 Accepts advice form Father–in-law
c. Paul
after being trained for the ministry by the Lord
Philippians 4:11-13, “I am not saying this
because I am in need, for I have learned
to be content whatever the circumstances. I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content any
and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in
want.”
1. “I have Learned to be content. ..circumstances.”
a.
Learned from circumstances.
b.
God uses life to teach us.
2. “I know what it is to be in
need, and I know what it is to have plenty.”
a.
Flexibility developed by adjusting to changes
b.
Extremes: poverty-prosperity, hunger fullness, plenty-want.
3. “Learned the secret of being content. . .I can do everything through him who gives me
strength.”
a. Flexibility releases power
and ability of
God
in you
Paul in times of Trouble
“I have
worked much harder, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again
and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus
one. Three times I was beaten with rods,
once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I
have been constantly on the move. I have
been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits,
in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the
city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea;
and in danger from false brothers. I
have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep. I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without
food; I have been cold and naked.
Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” 2
Corinthians 11:23-28
Paul in
times of Ease
“As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do
your best to come to me at Nicopolis (a beautiful
city on the western shore of
“When
we got to
Spiritual flexibility begins with personal
contentment, which is based on character. (Romans 5:3-5)
We are no longer threatened or intimidated by
change. (James 1:2-4)
Baptism:
New position
By the
baptism of the Holy Spirit we are placed in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13.
We were
dead in Adam, Now we are alive in Christ
We have
been identified wit Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3,4)
We have been seated with him in heaven (Eph2:4-7; Col.
3:1-4)
Regeneration:
New Life
Regeneration is the wok by which God the Holy Spirit
makes us spiritually alive
Indwelling:
New Power
At the
moment of salvation, we are permanently indwelt by God the Holy Spirit (Romans
8:9-11)
The indwelling of the Holy spirit
supplies us with an inherent power that can be activated through the filling of
the Holy Spirit ((Ephesians 5:18)
Gifting:
New Purpose
At
salvation the Holy Spirit gives each of us a unique spiritual gift (1 Cor. 12:7,11) and a unique work to accomplish (Matt.25:15;
Mark 13:34)
The
purpose of our spiritual gift is to manifest the power of the Spirit of God
within us to edify the body of Christ in
some way
The
work chosen by God for us is something that no one else could ever accomplish and
that will remain undone for eternity if we do not do it.
Only in the exercise of our gifts in the work God has
chosen can we fulfill the plan of God for our lives and achieve the eternal
greatness for which we were designed.
Sealing:
New Destiny
Sealing
is the work by which the Holy Spirit assures our eternal destiny (Eph. 1:13,
14; 4:30)
In
ancient times, the seal signified three things:
·
Ownership
·
Security
·
Safe Deliver
Positional
Truth
1 Peter
1:3-5 Romans 8:38-39
Temporal
Truth
1 John
1:5-10 Romans 7:14
1
Corinthians 3:1, Spiritual and Carnal Believers
The
Eight Stages of Reversionism (or, backsliding)
Ephesians
4:17-19
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in
the Lord, that you must no longer (1)
live as the Gentiles do, (2) in the futility of their
thinking. They are (3) darkened in their understanding and (6)
separated from the life of God because of (5) the ignorance that is in them
due to (4) the
hardening of their hearts. (7) Having lost all sensitivity, (8) they have given themselves over to
sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust
for more.”
(1) Reaction/Distraction
Stage (“. . .live as the Gentiles do.
. .)
Gentiles unbelievers cannot focus on God during good or bad
times.
The
carnal believer faces impact in their life from circumstances that surface as a
distraction (good or bad).
Impact-
When something happens in life that causes you to spiritually flinch or look
away from God. Like a bird hitting the
windshield of a car, circumstances hit your view of God
Reaction- When you respond like a Gentile during circumstances and look
away from the windshield.
Distraction- While you look away your focus is placed on
something else. At this point you
continue because you are either ignorant of doctrine
or arrogant towards doctrine.
(2) Frantic Search for Happiness (“. . .in the futility
of their thinking. . .”
“Futility”
is the Greek word mataiothi or “mataiotati”
is the word for emptiness, futility, worthlessness.
New
Testament uses it to refer to:
·
Presumption of human thought
·
Pagan Idolatry
·
A deceitful way of life
The
idea of emptiness in their thinking gives the impression of a vacuum in their
soul that will implode and suck in the first thing they see after the impact of
life in stage one.
This stage is very deceitful because everything seems
peaceful and happy.
All ideas and actions are quickly justified and engaged in.
It is a period of great freedom and unhindered burdens,
similar to the experience of a person falling through the air after leaving the
top of a ten story building. At least, a great sese of freedom and control for the first nine floors down. Hitting the ground is the beginning of stage three
(3) Boomerang
Stage (“. . .darkened in their understanding.
. .”)
Frustration
results from decisions made during stage two.
Adversity
will increase forcing you to make a decision to return or continue into stage
four.
This is
the most common place for a believer to try to recover. But, they must have been taught how to
recover and how to main tain or else they will never return to God’s perfect plan.
Attitudes
of people in Boomerang Stage:
·
They want to try one more attempt at
happiness without returning to God
·
They want to solve the problem without
God due to their guilt.
·
They become angry at God and enter a
more conscious rebellion.
(Stages
4, 5, 6 overlap but connect like a chain.)
(4) Black
Out of the Heart (“. .
.the hardening of their hearts. . .”
The
heart, or soul, is distorted, disengaged, or blacked out by the old sin nature.
When
the heart is dysfunctional the emotions are left unrestrained and in control.
This
leads quickly into stage five, Emotional Revolt
(5) Emotional
Revolt of the Soul (“. . .the
ignorance that is in them. . .”)
Emotional
revolt creates psychotic behavior
Emotions
swing believer back and forth
Personality
is fractured and the believer swings through a wide range of personalities during
a daily routine: happy, cheerful, apathy, self pity, crabby, miserable.
Romans 7:24, “wretched man” is a psychological term
(6) Divine
Detachment (“. . .separated from the
life of God. . .”)
Failure
to recover during stage five causes God to hand them over to themselves, their
old sin nature.
Review:
·
Believer in Fellowship. . . . . . .
Controlled by Holy Spirit
·
Believer in Stages 1 & 2. . . . .
.Controlled by Self
·
Believer in Stages 3-5. . . . . . .
.Out of Control
·
Believer in Stages 6-8. . . . . . . .Controlled by a very distorted self
Example
of Divine Detachment is Romans 1:24
Confession
becomes a thing of the past.
Life
here is lived in Satan’s domain.
False
doctrine replaces truth.
Norms
and standards fall.
Light
in soul becomes darkness; answers can not be seen
Result
is scar tissue on the soul or a callused conscience.
(7) Scar
Tissue on the Soul (“. . .Having lost
all sensitivity. . .”)
Just
like scar tissue builds up on wounds and makes the skin ugly to the sight & insensitive to the touch,
so the soul becomes ugly during human fellowship and insensitive to the Holy
Spirit
The believer
begins to hurt those around them and cannot
fulfill Eph.
4:32, “Be kind & compassionate one to
another.”
With no
sensitivity for right and wrong a whole new world opens up to them. They can allow themselves to do things they
could not do before.
(8) Self
Detachment (“. . .they have given
themselves over to sensuality. . .”)
God
detaches them at stage six. Here they
detach themselves to their old sin nature
They
live in greediness with no satisfaction
They
become out cast
They
rebel against everything listed below:
·
Mankind-they use people
·
Natural order
·
Privacy
·
Property
·
Sexual boundaries
·
Norms and standards
·
The Lord Jesus Christ
This is
the end of the line for them,
“They are brute beast,
creatures of instinct, born only to be
caught (put on exhibit as a source of testing to believers) and destroyed (die
the sin unto death).” 2 Peter 2:12
One of
two things happens with them:
a)
They die the sin unto death (1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 John 5:16)
b) Live on earth as a source of testing
for other believers, very similar to Satan’s purpose
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If a person still has a desire to return to God they have not reached
stage eight. They are at an earlier
stage that does have a way out.
Please see “Spiritual Recovery” from James 4:6-10.
As
members of the royal family of God, we are called to live by a royal code of
conduct, a code that sets a divine standard.
We will never be able to attain the standard unless we choose to put
grace to work our lives every day of.
The Law
of Life
As
believers, we have been set free from death, from sin, and from Satan. In Christ we have been endowed with everything we need to live an abundant life.
Romans
8:1,2; John 10:10; Ephesians 1; Romans 6:11-13
The Law
of
Jesus
Christ wants us to enjoy the freedom He died for.
He
loves for us to make decisions and He loves for us to be different from each other.
Anything
the Bible does not forbid is spiritually neutral, and is, therefore, an area in
which we individually must choose what we will and will not do.
We also
need to remember that God intends for each of us to be free, that each of us
will answer directly to God for how we use our freedom, and that it is never
acceptable to try to force another believer to make the choices we think he
should make or to judge and malign him for the choices he has made.
The
judgmental believer is always a weak believer.
Our
freedom in Christ can never be taken from us, but it can be forfeited.
“It is
for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke
of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
“Therefore
do not let anyone judge you by what you eat of drink, or with regard to a
religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
. .Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels
disqualify you for the prize.” Colossians
2:16-18
The Law
of Love
The law
of love is higher than the law of liberty.
But
love says, “Though I may do anything, there are certain
allowable things
I will not do if they will cause others to stumble in their faith.”
The Law
of Love recognizes that while we have freedom we are our brother’s keeper. (1
Corinthians 8, Romans 15:1)
God
does not force us to live by the law of love, so he does not find pleasure in
us trying to force anyone else to live by the law of love or demanding that
another believer “treat us with love.”
The Law
of Self-denial
Under
the law of self-denial we restrict ourselves for the sake of unbelievers.
We
remember that we are ambassadors of Christ and that how we live may be a more forceful declaration of the
Gospel than what we say.
2
Corinthians 3:2,3; 1 Corinthians 10:23,24,33
We are
willing to deny ourselves for the sake of being an effective witness in the
place where God has put us. Every
believer’s sphere of influence is different; therefore every believer’s
self-imposed restrictions will be different.
All of us have to decide for ourselves what we will do and not do for
the sake of manifesting Christ to our world.
The Law
of Supreme Sacrifice
This is
the law that only heroes live by
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he
became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9
The law
of supreme sacrifice best illustrates the passion of the love of Jesus
Christ. (Philippians 2:3-8)
To live under the law of supreme sacrifice means that we
are willing to become selfless, to consider the plan of God as more important
than ourselves, to consider the weak believer and the unbeliever as more
important than ourselves. Those who give
up everything to enter into this love of Christ find that all they sacrifice is
no sacrifice at all compared to the joy of the fellowship of His sufferings.
“I want
to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing
in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death
and so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10,11
James
4:6-10
Spiritual
Submission to God
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to
the humble. Submit yourselves, then to
God. Resist the devil.” James 4:6,7
The
word here means to “take your rightful place in rank”
This is
a total and unconditional release of any claim to your life. It is counting yourself
dead.
We can
now resist the devil.
·
This resistance is now empowered by
faith while filled with the Spirit
·
We must lay aside entangling sins.
(Hebrews 12:1)
·
We must come to our senses. (Luke
15:17)
·
We must escape the snare of the devil
that captivates us (2 Timothy 2:26)
·
We now can begin the journey home and
draw near to God
·
God is awaiting our return. He will meet and welcome us. (Luke 15:11-32)
·
Begin to apply 2 Peter 1:5-7
·
Recovery demands correction of habits
and actions
“If
we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“purify” is “to wash.”
This requires confession of deeds done.
Our
actions are washed in applying the word (Ephesians 5:26)
There
must also be the purification of double minded attitudes.
This
“double-mindedness” (James 1:8) is a wavering between God’s will and our own
will.
God’s will must take precedence over our will. (Matt. 26:39)
James
4:13-15; Isaiah 14:12-15
For
revival this decision must take place as Elijah challenged his generation in 1
Kings 18:21.
Only by
true repentance will one endure the long journey home.
The
path of spiritual recovery is often painful.
We must
face all the bad decisions made in departing from the will of God.
What
provided “laughter” on the way down is a source of “mourning” in true
repentance. (Matt.5:4,8; James 4:9)
When we
are back in his presence, humility will carry us to blessing.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he
will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
The
“before the Lord” is the “presence of the Lord.” This signifies two things:
The
completion of recovery has occurred.
You are
once again positioned to fulfill God’s perfect plan for your life.
Jonah
fled from “the presence of the Lord.” (Jonah 1:3 NAS)
Which means Jonah fled from God’s plan for his life as far as location,
function and attitude.
Once
you are back you are again fully equipped to serve effectively just as the
prodigal son was fully equipped upon his return. (Luke 15:21-24)
Romans
11:29, “For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”
Even
your gifts and your calling are never taken away even in your sin. But, recovery is necessary for your gifts and
calling to be used fulfilling God’s plan for your life.
“You
therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in
Christ
Jesus. And the things you have heard
from me in
the presence of
many witnesses. These entrust to
faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
Suffer
hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
-
2 Timothy 2:1-3
Characteristics:
·
In person: strong spiritually through
dependence upon the grace of God.
·
In public: effective in leadership,
example, and in teaching others.
·
In persecution: able to endure,
persevere and press on in affliction.
1) The
soldier of Christ must keep the fire of his service burning bright
“For this reason I remind you to fan
into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my
hands. For God did not give us a spirit
of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2
Timothy 1:6,7
2) The
soldier realizes part of his assignment is to guard the deposit of true
doctrine.
“What you heard from me, keep as the
pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was
entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives
in us.” 2 Timothy 1:13,14
3) A
good soldier trains daily in the use of his weapons and armor.
“Do your best to present yourself to God
as one approved a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly
handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
4) A
Good soldier of Christ must keep himself pure.
“In a large house there are articles not
only of gold and silver, but also of gold and silver, but also of wood and
clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he
will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and
prepared to do any good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21
5) The
good soldier must prepared for persecution, and be able to endure it.
“You, however, know all about my
teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience,
love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings – what
kinds of things happened to me in Antiock, Iconium and Lystra, the
persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord
rescued me from all of them. In fact,
everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being
deceived. But as for you, continue
in what you have learned and have become convinced of . . .”
2
Timothy 3:10-12
6) The
good soldier must fight the good fight to the finish: 2 Tim 4:7,8
Attitude
Arrogance
(self-centered), or
Humility
(Christ-centered)
James
4:6; 1 Peter 5:5
Priorities
Value
system based on eternal things, or
Value
system based on temporal things
Matthew
6:33; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Luke 12:34
Decisions
Our
choices will be Spiritual and Sacrificial, or
Our
choices will be Carnal and Selfish
Joshua 24:15; Philippians 3:7-14; Romans
8:5-11
Actions
Right
actions that reveal the secrets of our hearts (decisions), or
Wrong
actions that reveal the secrets of our hearts
Results
Our
actions will bring either blessing, or
Our
actions will bring cursing.
We
cannot change a life of cursing unless we go back to our attitude to God at
step one.
Genesis 4:7; Galatians 6:7,8
(
GEHENNA-LAKE OF
FIRE:
1) Mt.25:41,
2) Rev.19:20;
3) Rev. 20:15
SHEOL / HADES
1) Gen.37:35;
2) 1 Sam.2:6;
3) 1 Sam.28:13-15,19;
4) Ps.30:3;
5) Is.38:10;14:9-11
6) Hosea 13:14;
7) Ps.16:9-10
1) Luke 16:22
2) Luke 16:23
3) Luke 23:43
4) Rev.20:14
5) John 20:17
6) (Gen.3:24;Ezek. 31:15-18)
7) Ephesians 4:7-9
8) Matthew 12:40
9) Matthew 27:52
ABYSS
1) Lk.8:31;
2) Rev.9:1;
3) Rev.20:1,3
TARTARUS
1) 1 Peter 3:19
2) 2 Peter 2:4
3) Jude 6