Christian Life Handbook
by Galyn Wiemers, Generation Word
Below is a collection of topically divided notes from Generation Word Bible Teaching Ministry.
BASICS OF CHRISTIANITY
Qualification for Eternal Life
“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
Jesus is the only way to God.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5
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
The Barrier of Sin
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
God’s Love and Forgiveness
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
The Believer and Their Daily Sins
“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
What Do We Do If We Sin?
“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
Salvation Provisions
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. Union with Christ
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 Kingdom of Satan
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
Developing Your Relationship With God
God has revealed himself to us.
Now we need to seek him.
Seek God
“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
Seek God’s Kingdom
“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
Seek God:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6
“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
Prayer
Who to pray to:
“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
When to pray:
“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
The Bible
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
3. Use
“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
8. Bible revealed by the Holy Spirit
“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
9. Weapon of Spiritual War
“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
Obedience
“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
Commands of the New Covenant
“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
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12
“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)
The Spirit
Holy Spirit is a Person. Holy Spirit is God. (Acts 5:3,4)
Born of the Holy Spirit
“In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3
“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water (Physical Birth) and the Spirit (Spiritual Birth).’” John 3:5
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.
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” 1 Corinthians 12:13
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 Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“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.
Faith
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
The Christian life is lived by faith
“We live by faith, not by sight.” Corinthians 5:7
What is faith?
“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.” James 1:6
Faith is our basis for pleasing God
“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
Faith can grow
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
Abundant Life
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
Every area of Man is affected by God
“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 throughout 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
Purpose of the Church:
Proclaim & Live the Victory of Jesus
“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
Victory comes through Jesus Christ
“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Nothing has positional victory over a believer
“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
Only Believers are over comers
“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
Believers face many problems
“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
Satan
The Two Kingdoms
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
Jesus Defeated Satan
“He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 John 3:8
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” Acts 10:38
Our Victory Is Positional in Jesus Christ
“He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’” Luke 10:18,19
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world,” 1 John 4:4
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6
Our Warfare vs. Satan
“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
God’s Plan
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 Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
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
Foundational Doctrines
You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1
Depravity
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 kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21
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)
Grace
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
liberated from bondage, sin, law by grace
Regeneration
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 kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
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
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.”
Imputation #3: The Righteousness of Christ is credited or imputed to Believers
2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the 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
Substitution
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 Eden
“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.” Romans 3:22-26
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:
1) 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 Romans had three crosses already prepared for three criminals that morning. The early morning trials caused Jesus to be substituted in the place of the worst of those three criminals, Barabbas.
Repentance
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:
“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
“ I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing.
He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
“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.
Redemption
When a Roman general returned to Rome after conquering an enemy he led the captives back and sold them as slaves. The slaves where placed on the slave block and purchased to be brought into a life of bondage. Rare, but possible, they could be redeemed. That means they could be purchased and set free from that bondage by their new owner. No one could set them free unless they were willing to redeem the slave.
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.
Reconciliation
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.
Propitiation
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.
Justification
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 Minnesota to Iowa, the laws and taxes of Minnesota can no longer be applied to you. You are under a new jurisdiction.
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.
Sanctification
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.”
Security
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 Israel that they will be set aside by God. Matthew 18 speaks of servants banished from the kings presence. These verses and those like it refer to Israel’s Assyrian dispersion (721 BC), the Babylonian captivity (586 BC), or the Roman conquest (70AD).
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
Predestination
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 Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
Foreknowledge
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.
I believe that:
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.
Election
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.
Called
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
The Christian Life
Abiding in Christ
(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.
Ambassadorship
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
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 Israel
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 Nazareth. . . and was obedient to them.”
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.
Availability
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
Blood of Christ
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
Children
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.
Christian Techniques
Five Techniques of the Christian Way of Life
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. . .”
Destiny
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
Endurance
“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.” Rotherham’s
“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.” Rotherham’s
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
Promises
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. . .
Factors of Effective Faith
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.
Flexibility
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 Israel, 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 31:1-6
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 Red Sea
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 Greece used as a winter resort by Paul), because I have decided to winter there. Do every thing you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” Titus 3:12-14
“When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. . .For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 28:16,30
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)
Holy Spirit’s Works
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 in Christ
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
Reversionsim
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 maintain 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.
Royal Family Honor Code
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 Liberty
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.
Liberty justifiably says, “I have the right to do anything that is not forbidden in the Word.”
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
Spiritual Recovery
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.
Soldier of Christ Jesus
“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
Steps of Success or Failure
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
HEAVEN and the UNDERWORLD
(Paradise here today, Rv.2:7)
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
PARADISE and the PLACE OF TORMENT
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
Generation Word Provides:
A Bible Teaching Ministry
of Galyn Wiemers