August 2nd, 2010

Strengthening Your Defense Against False Doctrine

Revelation 2:12-17

Pergamos, by allowing doctrines of flesh and lust to dwell within the church unhindered, had a conflict with the Word of God…and when you have a conflict with the Word, you have a conflict with Jesus Christ Himself.Jesus introduced Himself to Pergamos as “he which hath the sharp sword with two edges”.

Jesus introduced Himself to each church according to His manner of speaking and the message that He had to deliver. Thus, in the case of Pergamos, Jesus made sure they understood that His sword had two edges (Rev. 1:16). The Word of God is Jesus and Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-4). He is the tangible form of the Spirit of God (Psalm 22:22; John 4:24; John 10:30; John 17:6). Therefore, when a doctrine is out of sync with the Word of God, it is out of sync with Jesus. A conflict with the Word is a conflict with Jesus. He fights such conflicts with His Sword, which is the Word (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12).

Pergamos had been strong in the midst of a satanic stronghold and had held to the truth of essential doctrines of Jesus’ name. However, they had allowed false doctrines and corruption to settle in their assemblies. Namely, the infamous doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans-doctrines of flesh and lust-had infiltrated the church at Pergamos (as well as Ephesus).              

     They were seemingly a class of professing Christians, who sought to introduce into the church a false freedom or licentiousness, thus abusing Paul’s doctrine of grace (2Pe 2:15,16,19), and were probably identical with those who held the doctrine of Baalam.  Easton’s Bible Dictionary           

     The church of Pergamos was infested with men of corrupt minds, who did what they could to corrupt both the faith and manners of the church; and Christ, being resolved to fight against them    by the sword of his word, takes the title of him that hath the sharp sword with two edges. There were some who taught that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and that simple fornication was no sin; they, by an impure worship, drew men into impure practices, as Balaam did the Israelites. Observe, (1.) The filthiness of the spirit and the filthiness of the flesh often go together. Corrupt doctrines and a corrupt worship often lead to a corrupt conversation. Matthew Henry                   

     Nicolaitans: One of the heretical sects that plagued the churches at Ephesus and at Pergamum,and perhaps elsewhere. Irenaeus identifies the Nicolaitans as a Gnostic sect: “John, the disciple of the Lord, preaches this faith (the deity of Christ), and seeks, by the proclamation of the Gospel, to remove that error which by Cerinthus had been disseminated among men, and a long time previously by those termed Nicolaitans, who are an offset of that “knowledge” falsely so called, that he might confound them, and persuade them that there is but one God, who made all things by His Word” (see Irenaeus Against Heresies iii 11.  1; ANF vol. 1, p. 426)   There is also historical evidence of a Gnostic sect called Nitolaitans a century or so later.             The doctrine of the Nicolaitans appears to have been a form of antinomianism. (Antinomianism: A belief that is based upon a recognition of the mercy of God as the ground of         salvation, but it makes the fatal mistake that man can freely partake in sin because the Law of God is no longer binding. It held the truth on the gratuitous reckoning of righteousness; but supposed that a mere intellectual “belief” in this truth had a saving power. The Apostle James refuted this error in James 2:19 with the admonition, “The devils also believe, and tremble”; reminding us that true faith is an active principle which works by love and it goes beyond a profession of belief. “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:20) The Bible teaches us that salvation is a free gift, based upon God’s grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) However, the very next verse tells us that “we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)  True faith produce action, as well as a desire for holiness and obedience. (1 John 3:18, Titus 2:11-15, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Revelation 14:12) Nicolaitans of the 2nd century seem to have continued and extended the views of the 1st century adherents, holding to the freedom of the flesh and sin, and teaching that the deeds of the flesh had no effect upon the health of the soul and consequently no relation to salvation. On the other hand, the Bible teaches that Christians are supposed to “die” to sin and the deeds of our “flesh”:”What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2) ”Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instrument of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:11-13)                                                    

     Today, the doctrine is now largely taught that the gospel of Christ has made God’s law of no effect: that by “believing” we are released from the necessity of being doers of the Word. But this is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which Christ so unsparingly condemned in the book of Revelation.  “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own      selves.”(James 1:22)  Word of Truth Broadcast Website

Regarding specifically the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, Jesus said that He hated it. This denotes a personal feeling of hatred for the doctrine. This doctrine was, according to Jesus, in the class of false doctrines as that of Balaam the tempter and seducer himself. These doctrines were a particular danger to the churches at Pergamos and Ephesus.

One need merely read any one of the Epistles to see that the idea of subjecting the will of the Spirit to the will of the flesh is distasteful to God. The Apostles railed against flesh worship and the abuse of the grace of God. They taught that the grace of salvation was to be responded to with succinct obedience to God’s Laws of righteousness and holiness in order to avoid backsliding. Whatever these specific doctrines taught, we know that they were in the class of false doctrines that teach a false freedom that abuses the mercy of God for the purposes of capitulation to the burning passions of the flesh. This type of doctrine produces corruption and brings great confusion. A lack of standards of righteousness means no lines and no boundaries. Jesus was clear as to the remedy to these false doctrines. He told the church to “repent, or else”. Jesus reminded Pergamos of His two edged sword which cut going in and coming out.

In His closing comments to Pergamos, Jesus includes a sort of coded message to anyone who was willing to discern it. Overcoming will yield hidden manna. And a white stone in the Temple of God in heaven.  And a new name written down in Glory…(John 4:31, 32; John 6:48-51; Revelation 3:12). We can have that bread from heaven if we will separate ourselves from false doctrine and follow Jesus with all of our heart.

Jesus message to Pergamos was a message of mercy. It was a warning that Christianity needs to heed today. Jesus hates the false doctrines of easy believism teachers and grace abusers. Preachers who deny the very concepts of righteousness and holiness by not preaching and naming sins and scriptural admonitions are aiding false doctrine and allowing it to flourish in their churches. Those churches and preachers need to repent and preach the truth. Jesus is coming. I don’t want to be on the wrong side when He comes.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

We Belong To God: A Study of the Doctrine of Separation

July 8th, 2010

We Belong To God: A Study of the Doctrine of Separation                     

Lesson 1-Righteousness and Holiness, Defined

The Biblical doctrine of separation from sin and the world is one of the least taught and most important doctrines of the Bible. Everybody wants to feel God’s presence and experience the joy of the move of His Spirit. Many even follow God through the Bible’s plan of salvation. Few, however, truly desire to know God in a realm of obedience to His commandments learned through a careful study of His Word.

God’s Word is filled with lines and boundaries that encircle and protect His people from sin and the sinful world system that would destroy us. These boundaries are in the form of commandments, admonitions, warnings, principles, and proverbs that can help us walk the narrow path to Jesus Christ.

The truth was, and still is: God made a way for His children to be happy and free-a way for us to know the beauty of His presence without ever having to leave it. This way is the way of righteousness and holiness, the way of separation from sin and separation unto God.

Righteousness is defined by Vine’s as the “character or quality of being right or just”. We are made righteous by the blood of Jesus alone. This process is called justification. The Blood of Jesus is continually effectual in our lives even after salvation, if we choose to follow Jesus (1 John 1:7). Simply stated, righteousness is the state of being justified-free from sin-and the actions that we do and don’t do which arise from that freedom.

Vine’s says holiness is “the state of being separated to God and the conduct of those separated” (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4, 7; 1 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 12:13-15). We have to pursue-to follow-peace and holiness on purpose. It doesn’t happen by accident, but by a careful study and application of God’s Word and by following the leading of His Spirit (Colossians 3:1-12).

Lesson 2-Righteousness and Holiness, Caught or Taught?

Is it right for us to expect God to teach us the difference between right and wrong? Can we understand the Word for ourselves? What about the Spirit? Can’t we just depend on God to speak to us personally? Do we need the ministry to guide us in the ways of Scripture?

God promised David the continual guidance of His all-seeing eye in Psalm 32:8. He promised the disciples in John 14:21-26 that obedience would bring the abiding Spirit of the Father in another form-the Holy Ghost. Romans 8:4, 5, reveal to us the concept of living in and walking in the Spirit. Paul states the clear difference between the two in Galatians 5 (vs. 16-25) when he reveals the manifestations of the flesh and the evidence of the Spirit. Romans 6:15-23 explains that, through salvation, we voluntarily take upon ourselves the yoke of Jesus Christ. We become “servants to righteousness (justification) unto holiness (sanctification)”. Walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16,25) is thriving spiritually-knowing Jesus deeper each day by the word of faith which is taught of the Spirit of God.

Next, the Scripture teaches us to desire the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2). We are admonished to develop a desire for the Word of God. The Spirit will birth this within us, but it has to be nurtured. Peter spoke of a hunger for God like a newborn baby’s desire for his mother’s milk. The path of Christian growth begins with this desire and leads the saint to the Word of God. Life itself is attributed to the Word by Moses (Deuteronomy 8:3). Moses seems to say that a life with only bread of this earth is only half lived. Indeed, this is true for all mankind. We are lost and languishing without the clear direction of the Bible.

He has given gifts to the Church to make it possible for the People of God to understand the Will of God. These gifts are revealed in Ephesians 4:7-14. The five-fold ministry is God’s gift to the church. The Word and the Spirit cannot be properly followed without the ministry. The scripture demands perfection in the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 13:9; Hebrews 6:1) and gives the responsibility for “perfecting the saints” to the five categories of overseers God has placed over His people. Titus 1:3 is one of many scriptures which define preaching as God’s voice to humanity in this age. Therefore, each of us must hear and receive the Word of God and the guidance of the Spirit that is brought to us by the ministry. We cannot live for God without His divine order. 

So the question is: Righteousness and holiness, caught or taught? The answer is yes.

Lesson 3A-Faith with Works is Not Dead

James 2:14-17  James’ lesson on faith and works is teaching that salvation has not come to us on the basis of “once saved, always saved”. Rather, salvation is found in the safety of the covering Blood and the indwelling Spirit of Jesus Christ. If we wish to stay saved, we must please God with our heart and our actions. We must be obedient to be saved!

James twice asked a question regarding profit. He seems to have been directing the church towards spiritual profit. To be a “Christ Follower”, one must be following Christ. Following Christ means moving, not standing still. Profit comes from forward movement. Profit matters! As Christians, we are supposed to be a spiritual profit to the Kingdom of God and benefit from spiritual profit internally.

We need to consider the eternal and spiritual weights of our actions or lack thereof. James wanted the Church to realize that salvation is given through faith and that faith brings action.

Paul taught Titus about a people who professed faith in God, but dishonored Him by their lifestyle (Titus 1:16). One cannot deliberately reject the conviction of God’s Word and the validity of the leading of the Spirit and not offend God. God will not dwell in an unclean temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We evict the Holy Spirit through continually warding off His gently guiding hand (Romans 1:18-23; 28).

Titus 3:3-8 shows us that salvation points to us a better way of living. Now that we have the privilege of being “heirs” (vs. 7) to God’s realm, we are expected to act like it! Vs. 8 says that we should be “careful to maintain good works”. Paul was saying that we must live up to God’s standards in order to keep from sliding back into the world. These standards are clearly detailed throughout the Word. If we’re not following the Word, we’re heading in the wrong direction.

Lesson 3B-Faith with Works is Not Dead

James 2:18-26

James made it clear that works of righteousness and holiness are the demonstration of our faith. Our faith in God will create room for God to work in our lives.

We are baptized into the Body of Christ by God’s grace alone. The process of New Testament salvation is merely God’s grace working in our lives in response to our faith. Faith creates an environment for God’s power to show itself in our lives. Faith alone cannot save us. If it could, the demons and Lucifer himself would be saved. James makes it clear that they believe. And they do believe. They believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah (Matthew 28:28, 29; Luke 4:33, 34; Acts 16:16-17). The account of the possessed girl in Acts 16 proves that demons also believe that Jesus’ work on Calvary and His shed blood can save us. They have no doubt of that fact. Interestingly enough, that faith and knowledge of the saving power of Jesus Christ has not saved them.  

The fact of Jesus’ deity solidified the demonic persecution of the Church. Their words and works proved their faith. Because of the power of the Spirit working through them, their allegiance was clear.God judges our faith through the lens of our actions. In Genesis 15:4-6, God saw that righteousness was in Abraham by his faith. Genesis 22:11, 12, however, shows us that Mount Moriah was God’s test of Abraham’s faithfulness and fear of God. He believed in God and proved it.

Joshua 2:12-14 is Rahab’s oath to the spies of Israel. She heard about the God of the Hebrews and believed. Then, when presented with an opportunity to act on that faith, she acted.

Just as the body must contain the spirit of a person to be alive, our spiritual being must contain both faith and works to be accepted before God on a continual basis. He expects something out of us after our original salvation. He requires us to live up to the standards of His Word and the leading of His Spirit.

Lesson 4-“All That Is in the World”

1 John 2:15-17

The mind sets that drive the world are based on one of these three categories of fleshly desire and thinking. It is the Will of God that none of “all that is in the world” be in us. Therefore, He has made a way for us to be free from the bondage of the world. Righteousness and holiness are not forms of bondage, but of freedom in Jesus Christ.

Verse 15 is John’s commandment against love of the world. Jesus defined His followers as separate from the world (John 15:18, 19). Jesus even said that a mark of His followers would be the contempt of the world. Ephesians 2:1-3 further outlines the state of the world by revealing Satan as “the prince of the power of the air”. The people bound in the world are living according to “the lusts of the flesh”, “fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind”, and are known as “the children of wrath”. Jesus, by contrast gives us peace that surpasses understanding (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7) and that lasts forever.

In Romans 12:2 Paul further admonished us to resist conformity to the world and its ways. Keeping ourselves free from the world’s influence can be complicated or simple. The choice is ours. We can choose to follow the Spirit and the Word. We can also choose to follow the trends of this world. Who makes your decisions for you? Paul asks this question in Galatians 1:10 when he boldly proclaimed that the Gospel he preached was free of worldly or traditional religious influence. We must follow Jesus alone! If you don’t have convictions of your own coupled with the Word of God, you’re just as vulnerable to worldly sway as a sinner on the street. Don’t follow me unless I’m following Christ. If we follow Jesus, He’ll get us out of here.

Lesson 5A-“The Pride of Life”

1 John 2:15-17

John mentioned three categories of fleshly desire and thinking. The “lust of the eyes” is a classification of desires in which sight is the catalyst.  The “lust of the flesh” refers to the cravings of the flesh. The “pride of life” is that arrogance of mind that fills a person with self-righteousness, doubting, bitterness, and/or rebellion. These four sinful attitudes are basic to most, if not all, sins of the flesh.

Sin has to start somewhere. Before it is acted upon, it will be reflected upon (James 1:12-15). Because it starts in the mind we must be consistently diligent to battle the strongholds of wicked thoughts. Arrogance is one of those strongholds.

All forms of arrogance are open doors to temptation and desire and are all sins (Proverbs 21:4). Also, if we allow the arrogance of our flesh to flourish it will birth much sin. One cannot have a haughty attitude towards God or his fellow man without consequences (Pro. 16:18, 19).

Within each of us is a tremendous capacity for independence. God would like to use this for His glory. It is His plan that we be dependent on Him and independent of this world’s influences. Arrogance is a barrier to this surrender.

Pride, in any form, is a sign of spiritual sickness or death. Pride grows so quickly and disguises itself so well that it can sometimes be hard to recognize. 

Paul taught in Galatians 6:7, 8 that “corruption” is the only possible end result of the path of flesh. It may be the path of least resistance. It may even make sense at first. However, in the end, it will lead to “a fall”. Then, we will only have ourselves to blame.

Additional study: Numbers 21:2-5; Luke 8:7, 14; Matthew 7:1-5; Judges 2:11, 12; 2 Kings 12:2, 3; 14:1-4; 15:1-4. 

Lesson 5B-Examples of “The Pride of Life”

Exodus 5:2-Pride can drive a person to commit unwise and self-destructive acts, even in the face of God’s judgment. Pharaoh’s doubt led to self-reliance and rebellion. God used Pharaoh’s impudence to teach an entire nation of His almighty power.

2 Kings 5:11-Pride can block a blessing. Naaman’s arrogance and self-righteousness caused a lack of understanding and anger. God wanted to humble him, and through that process, to heal him.

2 Chronicles 26:16-Pride can cause us to forget our place. Uzziah’s “heart was lifted up”. He had a problem with his role in God’s Kingdom. Uzziah was struck with leprosy and removed from power because of his arrogance and jealousy of the Levites place in God’s order.

Daniel 4:30-Pride can cause us to worship the creation instead of the creator. Nebuchadnezzar’s self-righteousness lead to a rebellious self-idolatry. Daniel tried to warn him (Daniel 4:24-27), but he wouldn’t listen. This brought a humiliation from God of the grandest sort.

Luke 18:11-Pride can cause us to assume God’s seat of judgment. This Pharisee assumed himself to be righteous based on his own knowledge of another person’s sins. God sees a person unrepentant in heart the same as a person unrepentant in deed.

John 9:40-Pride drives the heart to become manipulative in its search for power and control. The Pharisees controlled the people for their own political purposes. They turned a blind eye to their own evil tactics and false commandments and prohibitions. Due to their blindness, Jesus proclaimed them to be in sin.  

1 Corinthians 4:16-18-Pride can make us feel as though we don’t need God or that His presence is inconvenient. The Corinthians were self-reliant and this developed to a form of rebellion. The presence of Paul or Timothy-or any other Apostolic authority, for that matter-represented a threat to the flesh-based and self-idolatrous teachings of the Corinthian church. Arrogance brings the heart to a place where it feels that it needs no help. Sin needs the sinner to be bound by a sense of independence from God’s ordained authorities.

Revelation 3:17-Pride blinds us to our own actions and drives away the Holy Spirit. Self-sufficiency is a typical symptom of pride. We still trust in God when we are at church. We still hold to a “form of godliness”, but the “power thereof” grows ever intrusive to our lifestyle. Thus, Laodicea slowly shook off the yoke of God and took on carnality…all the while still having church as usual.

Lesson 5C-Part 1-Symptoms of the Pride of Life

Galatians 5:19

This passage refers to “the works” which the flesh can produce (Romans 7:18). The attitudes that we have will often determine the actions we commit. God’s way in our lives is hindered by fleshly attitudes and actions.

“Uncleanness” or the “impurity” of morals (NASB/Vine’s) is first mentioned. In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6, Paul defended his leading of the Thessalonian church by disputing that he had any “uncleanness” in motivation. He was contrasting teachers of righteousness with false teachers who were manipulators.

We shouldn’t practice manipulation in any way. If we can’t get what we want we should ask for it or pray about it rather than trying with ulterior motives to tease others into submission to our desires. That is what creates entrenched and even subconscious grudges in the hearts of both parties: the user and the used.

Peter explained in 2 Peter 2:10 that uncleanness has a propensity for birthing evil desires. In fact, he said that uncleanness has a specific lust all its own. Rebellion and the hatred of authorities is listed as a side effect of impure morality. Presumptuousness is a grievous sin and is also part of the bevy of weapons in the arsenal of uncleanness (Psalm 19:12-13). Peter called the unclean “self-willed” and disrespectful-a people who feel they need no advice. We must understand and practice submission to all authorities (Romans 13:1-5).

1 Thes. 4:7 depicts uncleanness as the opposite of holiness or sanctification. 1 Corinthians 13 is all about the motivations of heaven. God’s agape-selfless love-is our calling. Purity is our calling. Uncleanness is not a potential threat when we are submitted to the Word and the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). Philippians 4:8; John 13:34, 35

Lesson 5C, Part 2-Symptoms of the Pride of Life

Galatians 5:19

Lasciviousness is limitlessness immoral thought and the actions which result from that thought. The NASB uses the term “sensuality”. The NIV uses “debauchery”. Vine’s says “absence of restraint”. Either way, this pattern of thought is unbridled depravity.         

In Mark 7:22, Jesus warned of corruption from within. He mentioned everything from “evil thoughts” to “murders” to “foolishness”. He also said that unbridled sensuality originates in the heart and grows until it reveals itself in our actions. According to Jesus, “the heart[s] of men” are corrupt.

We must resist the natural thought processes of the carnal mind. Once they start, there’s no stopping them. These imaginations will produce sin and sin will escalate until either the conscience is gone or we are living in complete rebellion. This is the process of growth of unbridled sensuality. Sensuality is basically the worship of the pleasures of the flesh. It starts in the mind and soon enough lasciviousness is compounded with sins relating to addictive idolatry. The Bible says the carnal mind is God’s enemy (Romans 8:7 ). Consequently, sensuality must be brought in submission to the Spirit if we are to conquer the enemy between our ears. Ephesians 4:17-19 teaches a contrast of thinking and lifestyle. This was a frequent theme in the teachings of the Apostles. 1 Corinthians 14:33; Romans 1:20-32

There is hope, however! Paul promised renewal in the Spirit in Ephesians 4:20-24. We are not bound to the pathway of sensuality. We have been reborn! In Christ, we have relearned how to think and feel. We have been given a new conscience by the Spirit. Verse 23 says we have been renewed in our minds. We can live each day in the hope of this newness and vibrancy of spirituality and mental stability. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Lesson 5C, Part 3-Symptoms of the Pride of Life

Galatians 5:20

We are called out of the world into the love of God. We are called to love God. We are called to share the love of God with the world and with one another. Vine’s says “enmity” which is from the same root, is “the opposite of agape” which is God’s selfless compassion and devotion. For this reason, hatred is a sin that has no place in the Christian’s mind or heart, thoughts or emotions. We must maintain an emotional base of devotion to God and compassion towards others.

In Matthew 5:20-22, He taught that the righteousness of the inner man was just as important as not committing the actions of sin. In 1 John 3:13-15 and 17, we are taught of the contrast of lifestyle between the world and the Church. John said we shouldn’t be surprised if we are hated by the world. However, hatred in the church with or without cause is the same as murder. If we hate anyone, we do not have “eternal life abiding” in us. We are, in essence, evicting the saving grace of God through hatred.

Hatred creates enemies where there are only friends. Hatred creates enemies when there is an empty room. Hatred creates enemies among total strangers. Proverbs 28:1 says a wicked person will run when no one is chasing them. In Romans 1:30, Paul listed “haters of God” among many other base practices of depraved societies. John 3:19, 20.

There is hope! God gives us the gift of His love with His saving grace. With this we have a responsibility to love Him, His people, and the world’s people (1 John 3:16). God’s love always leads to self-sacrifice. We are called to give of ourselves. The more we give up, the lighter our load of worldly burdens and cares. The opposite of hate is love. We can successfully destroy inner hatred by loving God, His people and others. Romans 7:14, 15; Jude 1:23; Revelation 2:6; Hebrews 1:9; Romans 5:5-9

Lesson 5C, Part 4-Symptoms of the Pride of Life

Galatians 5:20

Paul uses a word called “variance” to describe what the NASB calls “strife”. The word “strife” used later on in verse 20 is referred to in some versions as “discord”. Troublemakers commit strife and cause discord.

Strife is a state of mind from which a person can judge anyone at anytime as worthy of an argument or an instigation of some kind. Strife is based upon a feeling of superiority. We consider ourselves better than a person or all people. Therefore, we have the right to meddle with their peace. Their peace is a gift from God. Taking someone’s peace is a mortal wound and it will be repaid with strife. Strife begets strife and freedom from strife is a peaceful place. Strife however, is not always caused or projected. Often, a person may live with a disagreeable heart. In this case, it will be interactions with others that become uncomfortable due to constant negativity. Proverbs 26:20.

Discord is the opposite of accord or harmony. Acts 2:1 reveals that the Apostles and others were in perfect harmony or “one accord” before the Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost. An attitude of conflict is predisposed to be juxtaposed. Conflict brings constant disagreement, whether within or without, for disunity’s sake. Numbers 11, 14, 20

There is hope, however! We are given clear instructions in Philippians 4:6-8 on how to overcome conflict within and without. First, Paul gives instructions for the spiritual side of the situation. Peace from God only comes when we continually commit ourselves to God in spiritual prayer. Then, we must obey the Spirit of peace by dwelling on the things of God. If we do this we can be free personally from strife and our church can be free as well!

Lesson 5C-Part 5-Symptoms of the Pride of Life

Galatians 5:20

“Emulations” is a term used to describe jealousies and mimicries of various types. These are considered “works of the flesh” to distinguish them from the thought processes and mental desires of Christians who walk in the power of the Spirit.

We are free in Jesus Christ to be who God has created us to be, not who we want to be. We are His “workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10). The world is repeatedly identified in Scripture as a separate entity (Luke 12:30, 31; 1 John 2:15-17) from the Church-the Kingdom of God. We are not in competition with the world (John 14:5,6; Matthew 7:13, 14). The individuality that He has given each of us is His mark of creation on our lives. God has blessed His Kingdom-with a culture all her own. This culture is meant to engage the culture and draw sinners into the Kingdom of God rather than identify with the culture of the world. 

Covetousness is included in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 7). Israel rejected God’s governmental design because it made them different (1 Samuel 8:7, 19). 1 Thessalonians 4:2-5 is part of Paul’s admonition to the church to come out from the Greek lifestyle of hedonism and live by a separate standard of living. Paul also taught against Judaizers and their legalism (Galatians 3:1-3).  

There is hope, however! Eph. 2:11-13 teaches us that in our rebirth, we were changed from who we were. We were recreated “in Christ Jesus”- made near to Him “by the blood of Christ”. If we follow God’s will we will free ourselves from desires of emulation. In Colossians 1:9-11, Paul proclaims his earnest desire was that they would come to a knowledge of God’s will with complete understanding. This is true freedom. A desire to please Jesus!

Lesson 5C-Part 6-Symptoms of the Pride of Life

Revelation 21:8

Fear overcomes the human spirit and keeps it captive indefinitely. Jesus Christ overcame the fear within the flesh by doing God’s will in spite of His many apprehensions. He gave us an example of how we can use the indwelling Holy Ghost to conquer fear once and for all.

Rev. 21:8 is a clear warning to Christians. If fear rules us, we will, with other sinners, be punished eternally. Often, we are tempted to think that fear is an allowable sin, but fear is listed equally with idolatry, witchcraft, and murder. We have been equipped spiritually to live above fear by the grace of God that is continuously available through the Spirit.

True, fear may start as an emotion, but it can grip our mind to the point of paralysis. By succumbing to fear, we can lose our ability to make decisions! When a stronghold of fear becomes seated in our hearts, it takes over. The Bible specifically forbids us from giving “place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27). We should have no room for him in our hearts. His power over humans is intimidation and temptation. We needn’t be submitted to anyone but Jesus Christ and the authorities He has placed in the world. Deuteronomy 20:8; Isaiah 51:11, 12; Matthew 8:26; Luke 12:4-9; John 12:42, 43; 1 Peter 3:14, 15

The Christian is commanded to live free from fear. We are no longer bound by fear if we have experienced the New Birth in Jesus Christ. The Spirit baptizes us with the opposite of fear. When we receive the Holy Ghost, we receive “power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). These are gifts that are granted by God’s grace, not our merit. We are free to live in these gifts by the continual sanctification of the Spirit. Romans 8:14-16; Hebrews 2:14, 15; 1 John 4:18

Lesson 5C-Part 7-Symptoms of the Pride of Life

Revelation 21:8

The unbelieving. Those who choose not to believe in or trust God with all of their hearts. To believe is to commit to obey and to follow through with that commitment. One does not become a believer when he makes a mental decision to believe in God’s existence alone (James 2:17-22). He becomes a believer when he makes a mental decision to believe in God and obey His Word. Therefore, a true believer is one who believes and obeys in response to that belief. We are believers who trust God with our initial, momentary, and future salvation. We trust Him with our eternity. We are believers who once were saved and continue to trust God to save us. 1 Peter 1:3-9; Hebrews 11:6 

Unbelievers err in one or more of these areas. In Hebrews 3, we are warned about Israel’s “evil heart[s] of unbelief” (vs. 12). We are called to “exhort one another daily” (vs. 13) to avoid the hardness and unbelief of heart that comes from sin. We are only “made partakers of Christ” if we endure in our initial faith to the end (vs. 14)! Verse 17-19 details the destruction of an entire generation of Israel who had first believed, but failed to follow through in commitment to God from their first faith to the end of the trial in the wilderness. Psalm 78; 106

In Mark 16:17 Jesus lists many signs-works of the Spirit-that will follow believers. These works only come by separation unto God which takes place through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:19-21). We have the power in Jesus’ name, if we believe. Matthew 14:29-30 

We have this promise from Jesus in John 14:12-14: if we believe Him to be true to His word and trust Him continually, we will see His glory in our lives. We are carried through the trials of life by faith in Christ for this life and faith in Christ for the life to come (1 Corinthians 15:19, 20). It is faith that rescues us from unbelief! 

Lesson 6-Part 1-Overcoming the Desires of the Flesh

Revelation 21:8

The sin of lying is the basis for all other sins of the flesh. We must train ourselves to avoid lying and deception as truthfulness does not come naturally. When a bailiff hands me a Bible and I affirm “to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”, I am giving my word to explain the facts, in a complete manner-not withholding any evidence or details, and in a manner not adding to the facts or changing my words to disguise the purity of the facts.

Ananias and Sapphira were greedy when the Spirit was clearly leading the Jerusalem church to divest itself from much wealth (Acts 4:32-37; Acts 5:1-5) for the growth of God’s Kingdom. They were quenching the Spirit. God’s Word proclaims destruction to be the inevitable punishment of all liars (Proverbs 19:5, 9). Exodus 20:15, 16; Leviticus 19:11, 12

In Psalm 5:6 and Proverbs 12:22 God’s hatred of lying is revealed. Psalm 101:7 shows us that lying keeps us from God’s presence. Paul commanded against lying in Colossians 3:8-11. He called it the work of the “old man” which Christians have “put off” “with his deeds”. We are living as new creations, “renewed in the knowledge” of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:23-25).

Proverbs 12:19 promises establishment for the truth speaker in comparison with the temporal “moment” of the liar (Malachi 2:6). Jesus said, in John 3:21, that the person who commits truth is drawn to the light. He states in Ephesians 6:14 that truth protects our vulnerabilities and our ability to spiritually reproduce. In Psalm 51:6, David said God desired truth inwardly and asked God to fill him with holy wisdom. 2 Corinthians 12:6

Lesson 6-Part 2

Galatians 5:20

Wrath is uncontrolled anger or rage. As Christians, we are called to forgive and seek healing. We must rid ourselves of wrath by using God’s Word and Spirit to control our temper. Then, we can overcome the consequences of rage and live in peace-with God and man.

Ephesians 2:1-3 explains how we, without Christ, were living in wrath. The roots of the rage in each human spirit are based in human nature. The sinner is living a life bound for bitterness resulting from an overabundance of frustration. Thus, he is a child of wrath. Isaiah 1:4-7, 18-20

Paul gave instructions regarding learning to control anger in Eph. 4:26, 27. He said that anger had its place. No doubt, for all of us some anger is inevitable. However, anger can “gain control over” (NLT) us if we allow it to rule in our mind or body. Notice Jesus’ reaction to the defilement of the Temple. Jesus defended the reputation of God’s house by punishing and shaming the “thieves” (Matthew 21:12,13; John 2:13-16). Yet, in all this Jesus did not sin.

If we allow the Holy Spirit to humble us, we will live our lives with a feeling of gratefulness towards God’s manifold grace. This will help us to keep our temper in check. Jesus, ended the parable of the publican and the Pharisee by stating the benefits of meekness before God (Luke 18:14). Eph. 4:31, 32; 6:4; Colossians 3:8, 17-24; James 3:8-13

1 Thessalonians 5:6-10 teaches us to stay awake spiritually, continually guarding ourselves against the wiles of the flesh and our adversary, the Devil.This can only be accomplished by walking in the Spirit and trusting in God’s role and plan for our lives. Eph. 2:4-7 shows us that we are called to a higher plain-one where we can live in “in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” not awaiting the wrath of God, but the “exceeding riches of his grace”. Praise God! We are free from wrath and free to live in peace!

Lesson 6-Part 3-Overcoming the Desires of the Flesh

Galatians 5:20

“And the tongue is a fire…” This how James refers to the wicked tendencies of our spoken words in James 3:6. False doctrines, angry words, gossip, lies, and negativity are oft spread among God’s people by those who would fail to control their tongues. We all have the power to control our tongue! We must use the power of the Spirit within us to keep this “unruly” member in check.

James 3 warns us about the tongue and gives us admonitions to control its power. The person who doesn’t offend is called “a perfect man” (vs. 2). Therefore, if we can control our tongue, we can “bridle the whole body”. The tongue is likened to a “bit” and the “helm” of a ship (vs. 3, 4). The “tongue is a little member” of our body, but it has great power, much like a bit or a helm. It is a “little fire”, much like a match or a spark on a dry blade of grass (vs. 5). Likewise, the wrong or right words can be catching. A word can bring peace and a word can destroy that same peace.  Matthew 15:16-20

God alone is the originator of all wisdom, whether in the ways of this world or in matters of the supernatural. We are challenged to reveal inner Godly wisdom by our righteous lifestyle. We may take “glory” in self-righteousness for a time, but the tongue will always win out to reveal our inner sin. James called it lying “against the truth” (vs. 13, 14).

If we have, as the Scripture leads us to, received a “love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10), we will not speak against it. If we desire holy wisdom, we will disdain the “earthly, sensual, devilish” nature of our flesh. This will bring an end to “confusion” and bring about peace. Peace in us and from us, from the root of peace to the plant to the branches to the end result: the “fruit of righteousness” (James 3:16-18). Galatians 5:18; John 7:37-39

Lesson 7-Part 1-Overcoming the Desires of the Eyes

Galatians 5:20; 1 John 2:15-17 

Scripture mentions sexual sins in two categories: adultery and fornication. “Adultery” seems to specifically refer to sins committed outside of marriage with another person, whether mentally or physically. Paul warns against sexual sins when he explains that our bodies, when filled with God’s Spirit, are betrothed in marital engagement to Christ. We are committed to Him (1 Corinthians 6:15-17). 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Mark 2:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Matthew 6:22, 23; Psalm 101:2-4; Matt. 5:27, 28; 2 Peter 2:12-14  

It must be clearly understood that sexuality and its expression are gifts from God. When in the protection of marriage, sexuality should be celebrated as a sanctioned and holy blessing of God. Adam and Eve took pleasure and comfort in each other’s sexuality (Genesis 2:25). Why should they be ashamed? Adam was created in the “image of God” (Gen. 1:27) and Eve was created as the “the glory of the man” (1 Corinthians 11:7). This was God’s perfect design (Gen. 2:20, 23, 24) Satan’s deception along with Adam and Eve’s sins brought about fleshly shame (Gen. 3:7). Gen. 3:16, 21  

By Adam and Eve’s sins, sexuality and nakedness became a source of shame. This is due, in part, to the corruption of human nature. The pure expression of love between husband and wife was made impure by sin. Sin in the world was early on evidenced to have caused sexual indistinctness in societies widespread. Sexual distinction was commanded by God repeatedly as sexual ambiguity was and still is considered to be an “abomination” (Deuteronomy  22:5).   

In Romans 1, Paul explains the steady descent into the chaotic madness that defined Cain’s descendants. Thus, all mankind who held “the truth in unrighteousness” (vs. 18) was marked by wicked patterns of thought and behavior. These people tended to go the way of the flesh because “they knew God”, yet “glorified him not as God” (vs. 21). Verse 28 reveals the root of the problem-the reason for base iniquity in any society. They chose not to “retain God in their knowledge”. God chose, then, to give them over to those mind-sets for which they so longed. In other words, when everyone but Seth’s righteous generation chose not to “call upon the name of the LORD” (Gen. 4:26); they were, in effect, emptying themselves of God and God’s ways-God’s gift of conscience (1 Timothy 4:1, 2) and filling up with all things base and evil. Romans 1:29   We live in a society much like Noah’s society.

When Jesus spoke of our day, He was also speaking of His day. He said the last days, or the last era, would be defined by hedonism not seen since “the days of Noe” (Luke 17:26, 27).   

Sexual sins distort our created purpose. Likewise, our societal norms of sexually revealing clothing and gender ambiguity have created an atmosphere conducive to the uncontrolled sin we see around us each day. Lasciviousness, you will remember, is unbridled sensuality-license-uncontrolled open sexuality.We are called, by God to be a counterculture. We are not called out of our former lifestyles to live anew in Christ, only to go back in a fashion to partake of the lusts of the eyes common in the world. We must be different. Not for difference’s sake, but for God’s sake. For the sake of His commandments. Which “are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). His commandments are a yoke of freedom. We are united to Jesus. We are set free to be joined to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). 

Lesson 7-Part 2-Active Modesty

1 Timothy 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:1-5

It is both amazing and beautiful to consider the harmony in the holy Scriptures. Paul taught Timothy the same doctrines of inward and outward holiness that Peter shared with the Church in his epistle. Modest means decent and chaste when referring to outward dress and deportment. Modesty has to do with the way one dresses and carries himself or herself. Modesty is a principle that is both bound naturally to our conscience and one that must be taught. James 1:14-16 

Modesty means clothing and adornment that is chosen and worn in such a way as not to indecently expose or reveal the body. Immodest clothing and adornments do just the opposite. They attract-either by carelessness or from a heart of lust-the eyes of others. This is why Paul and Peter both taught about a heart of modesty shining forth from inside to outside. Our hearts must be right! 

Modesty will consider sleeve and skirt or dress or pants length, as well as necklines. Modesty will consider the tightness or form-fitting nature of clothing, as well as thinness or sheerness. A good way to think about it is, “could I worship in public in this without revealing anything immodestly?” or “can I raise my hands or kneel down modestly?” Sleeves should not reveal the chest when hands are raised. Skirts, pants, and dresses should be below the knee so as not to expose oneself to others while seated. Sheer clothing and tight clothing should never be used as a single layer, as it will be revealing to others. Necklines should always cover the chest fully, never revealing the least amount of cleavage-as cleavage is clearly suggestive. Suggestive clothing practices are the opposite of the definition of modesty.

These principles define modesty for us according to the Scriptural principle of covering ourselves fully.   If we do choose to practice modesty and live modestly, we will be winning a pre-emptive victory over Satan’s advances. We can have authority over the enemy. We can shine forth God’s Spirit from within!

Posted in Separation | No Comments »

Prophecy: Jesus, Through the Scriptures

January 17th, 2010

Lesson 1-Jesus, the Image of God   

John 1:1, 2-Jesus Christ is “the Word”-the “logos”-of God Himself                             

  • Rev. 19:11-16-identifies the Word of God as Jesus Christ, The Lamb of God, “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords”                                    

                    Ps. 72:11-while David prayed for Solomon’s reign, he prophecied of Jesus’ reign over all nations                                   

                    Dan. 2:47-God the Father called “God of gods…”                                   

                    1 Tim. 6:14-16-Jesus identified as the “only Potentate…whom no man hath seen…”-definitive of the Father                       

  •      John 1:14-Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God’s “logos”

Col. 1:15-Jesus is the “firstborn” of creation (Rev. 3:14); Jesus Christ existed before Creation in the mind of God                           

  •      Psalm 89:27; “before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58); also, the concept of God in Christ existed in God’s reasoning                        
  •      Pro. 8:22-26-description wisdom; seemingly prophetic of Christ in the mind of God before Creation                       
  •      Col. 1:17-he exists before (present tense) “all things”                       
  •      Heb. 7:3-Melchisedec likened to the Sonship-God in Christ                       
  •      Rev. 1:8-Jesus speaking, declares Himself to be the First and the Last, from “A”-Alpha to “O”-Omega

  

Lesson 2-Jesus, Lord of Creation

John 1:3, 10; Heb. 1:2, 10; Ps. 102:25; Eph. 3:9b-as the Word of God, the Logos of God, all Creation was through Jesus Christ           

  •      Col. 1:16, 17-Jesus is the atomic center of all Creation           
  •      Pro. 8:27-31-describes Jesus in Creation

Gen. 1:26, 27; 5:1; 9:6-man was created in the image of God           

  •      Adam was the son of God-Luke 3:38           
  •      Genesis 2:7-breath of God brought Adam to life

Col. 1:13-15, 19; 2 Cor. 4:4-6; Heb. 1:3-Jesus is the image (Gr.“eikon”)-the projection-of God the Father           

  •      John 1:18-Jesus is the declaration of the Father           
  •      John 14:9-Jesus equated seeing Him with seeing the Father           
  •      Phil. 4:6-the Incarnation was the “form of God” Himself; 2 Cor. 5:19; 1 Cor. 15:45, John 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:16

Ephesians 3:9-knowing the identity of Jesus is essential to being a believer                       

  •      John 8:24-“if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins”           
  •      Rom. 16:24-26-ancient mystery, “kept secret” since before Creation; Eph. 1:4-we were chosen in Jesus before Creation           
  •      Matt. 13:35; Ps. 78:2, 3-revealing secrets was one of Jesus’ missions                        
  •      Rev. 14:6-the “everlasting gospel”-Jesus is everything!           
  •      Col. 1:26, 27-mystery-hidden then, revealed now

Lesson 3 Jesus, Lord of All

Genesis 1:26-31-in original Creation, man was a creature worthy of complete dominion; thus, God gave him dominion over all         

  • Adam was complete in his purpose, fulfilled in his calling because of this dominion         
  • Gen. 2:4-9, 15-25-Adam was given everything he needed to fulfill his purpose-serving God by exercising authority over the earth and its inhabitants and teaching his descendants in perfect righteousness before God

Gen. 3:4-7-perfect dominion wasn’t enough for Adam-desiring to “make one wise”; Adam’s sin ended his dominion         

  • by Adam corruption came into the world (Romans 5:12-14)         
  • Gen. 3:8-10-Adam’s friendship with God was turned into fear         
  • vs. 17-19-his dominion over the earth was taken away         
  • vs. 22-24-for their desire to be equal with God; their purpose or existence was changed by their removal from the Garden

God’s Plan was an “everlasting gospel” (Revelation 14:6; Ephesians 3:9-11); His desire was for man to have dominion; He knew, however, that Adam would fail at this task; so, His Plan was for a second Adam-a “last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45)- to, once and for all, fulfil the original mission of man-to have dominion over the earth and its inhabitants-to conquer the earth for God           

  • 1 Corinthians 15:47-49-Adam was a righteous and holy man; but, his nature was a corrupted nature; he passed on righteousness by teaching his progeny to follow God (Gen. 4:26); unfortunately, his nature was also passed on to his children, as well (Gen. 6:5); instead of the righteous dominion ordained by God, the corruption of sin filled the whole earth-in the case of the majority of Adam’s children; we have inherited that sin nature; through salvation, however, we are given the nature of the “last Adam”!           
  • before The Beginning, Jesus-the Logos of God (Rev. 13:8), the image of God begotten, crucified, buried and risen in the mind of God (begotten-   as a son-with a beginning)-was given dominion over the whole earth (Colossians 1:15-17)

Zechariah 9:9, 10-when Jesus was begotten in the flesh it was for the purpose of destroying the works of darkness to the intent that He might obtain total dominion over the earth(Psalm 2:7-12; Psalm 89:27; Psalm 110:1-3 Acts 2:34-36); after His Passion, Jesus-Son of Man, Son of God-was given all authority and power (Matt. 28:18; Daniel 7:13, 14); Jesus isn’t waiting until the end to conquer, he’s already done it-it’s a foregone conclusion!; the final battle is just a formality!

Romans 8:28-30; 2 Timothy 1:9-in Jesus, before The Beginning, we had this same dominion ; we can now access this promise through salvation

  • Eph. 1:11-14-obtained, as in “accessed”, the same dominion and power that is in Jesus Christ (John 14:12)

  • 2 Cor. 3:18-by Spirit baptism, we gradually reflect more and more of the glory of Christ; as we do this our lives are filled more and more with His power and dominion

  • Mark 16:15-20-Jesus promised that Jesus’ name believers would have access to great authority by that name; the believers took that promise and “went forth, and preached everywhere” trusting in their God-given    dominion; Jesus’ commission is quoted differently in Acts 1:8, in which He said His people would be witnesses “unto me”-of both His name and His power-in all of the earth, further proof of the dominion of His name!

God’s Plan was for a “last Adam” to fulfil the original mission of dominion over the earth (Revelation 14:6; Ephesians 3:9-11); after the Flood, man’s dominion was changed to “fear” Genesis 9:2

  • 1 Corinthians 15:45-49-Adam’s sinful nature was passed to us; through salvation, we are given the nature of the “last Adam”!

  • before The Beginning (Rev. 13:8), Jesus was given dominion over the whole earth (Colossians 1:15-17)

  • Zechariah 9:9, 10-Jesus came to conquer all the earth (Psalm 2:7-12; Psalm 110:1-3); Matt. 28:18; Daniel 7:13, 14

Romans 8:28-30; 2 Timothy 1:9-God saved us in Jesus, before time began; we have access to His dominion through salvation!

  • Eph. 1:11-14-“obtained” the same dominion; John 14:12

  • 2 Cor. 3:18-by Spirit baptism, we gradually reflect the glory of Christ; our lives are filled more His power and dominion

  • Mark 16:15-20-Jesus’ name believers have access to great authority by that name; Acts 1:8

Lesson 4-Jesus, Victor over Satan

Genesis 3:14, 15, God prophecies that Eve’s seed will eventually destroy the works of Satan         

  • Jesus would be born to save mankind from the venom of death and Satan         

  • By the “bruise” of His “heel”, Jesus was able to “bruise” Satan’s head

Jesus’ purpose on earth was to destroy Satan and his evil network         

  • Adam’s mistake completely corrupted God’s perfect world; God introduced “the everlasting gospel” (Revelation 14:6)        

  • Jesus, as a descendant of Eve, was able to cure the disease of sin which had been allowed into the world                  

  • John 12:30, 31; 1 John 3:8-Jesus’ mission: to destroy Satan

  • John 14:30-Jesus explains the great working of Satan; “…hath nothing in me”           

  • Hebrews 2:14-by His crucifixion and death, Jesus was able to single-handedly defeat Sin AND Satan

Heb. 2:15; 1 Peter 3:18, 19-by His death and burial Jesus was able to enter the Grave (Psalm 16:3)-and take the “keys” of death

  • The Fall allowed Sin and Death-Romans 5:12- into the world         
  • Jesus’ Passion drew Satan into a moment of vulnerability         
  • Jesus’ work on Calvary fulfilled God’s promise in Gen. 3

Jesus defeated Satan and will eventually destroy him                  

  • Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 3:22          
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8-Jesus will conquer (Rev. 13:4; 20:10)

Adam brought death, Jesus Christ brought life         

  • Isaiah 53:5, 10-12-Jesus’ wounds would destroy Satan         
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Romans 8:11-resurrection power!         
  • 2 Timothy 1:10-Jesus abolished death         
  • Rev. 1:18-Jesus now controls death         
  • Jesus couldn’t be defeated and neither can His Church-Matt. 16:1

Lesson 5-Jesus, Our Eternal High Priest

Gen. 14:17-19, 22; Hebrews 7:1-4- Melchisedek called him “Abram of the most high God”         

     Abraham worshipped by tithing from the battle (Heb. 7:4)         

     in vs. 22-his understanding of God was deepened as a result of this encounter; God was the one responsible for the battle and He received all of the glory that day

Heb. 5:1-11; Psalm 110:4; Jesus was eternally called after another order of priest         

     vs. 1-4-job description of a priest         

     vs. 5-8-Jesus, perfect and obedient Son, given His office after Melchisedek’s eternal order         

     vs. 9-Jesus, Lamb of God, Himself author of salvation

Lesson 5-Part 2-Jesus, Our Eternal High Priest

Genesis 14:18-20; Heb. 7:5-28-perfection not found in the Levitical priesthood; Jesus is now high priest under a changed law         

     vs. 15-17-Jesus, after Melchisedek’s order before the Law; He serves now, after the Law, by the power of His eternal nature          

     vs. 18-weakness of the Law-“a disannulling”

     vs. 19-the “better hope” brings us near, next to God         

     vs. 20, 21-Jesus was given a priestly oath by the words of His Father (Psalm 110: 4)

     vs. 23-25-Jesus overcame the greatest weakness of even the greatest among the high priests-death

     He is able to continue in His intercession for all of time for everyone (“uttermost”); in addition, His priesthood is           unchangeable-founded on eternal glory         

     vs. 26-28-Jesus Christ a perfect High Priest, “separate from sinners” (Ps. 68:18); “higher than the heavens”-Heb. 1:3-12, “King of Kings” and great High Priest at once; not bound by the daily sacrificial system; neither is He bound by the incomplete redemptive system of Moses’ Law; He is consecrated forever


Lesson 5, Part 3-Jesus, Our Eternal High Priest

Heb. 4:14; Genesis 14:18-20 (Psalm 110; Hebrews 7:1-4, 17); Jesus is our transcendent high priest         

     Heb. 3:1-the leader of our faith; “into the heavens”-Heb. 9:11, 24; 10:11-13; 12:2-Heaven itself is referred to as a spiritual Tabernacle (Rev. 8:3)-this is where Jesus dwells-He is the manifestation of God’s right hand and God Himself at once-serving continually on our behalf as our High Priest         

     Heb. 8:3-He daily and continually offers Himself, just as He did on Calvary, as the Bread of Life-John 6:47-58         

     “seeing then”/“because of this” we can alter the way we live-we should “hold fast”, cleave to and cause to cling to us, against our individual profession or confession of faith-to stay consistently true to our first experience in God!         

     Heb. 10:23-“without wavering”-“unswervingly” (NIV) in a way that does not depend upon the day, the clouds, the rain, or the circumstance; “he is faithful”-“His faithfulness should be our example”; Heb. 2:1; 3:6, 14-19

Hebrews 4:15- “high priest”-Jesus really can “feel your pain”; “all points”-not one temptation that Jesus did not deal with; He never succumbed to the desire to sin-He never dwelt on the desire to sin, He just relied on His relationship with the Father to help Him overcome; Jesus can listen empathetically and respond knowing that He never actually gave in to the temptation that we are dealing with; Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 2:22           

     Heb. 2:16-18-Genesis 16:7-13-He had revealed Himself as an Angel before; an angel could not, do what Jesus did!; “behooved”-He had to-“in all things”-completely relate to us; “merciful…”- unlike some high priests-Jesus was merciful; “pertaining to God”-He leads us to God; Scribes and Pharisees used the Law to destroy; Jesus set Israel and the whole           world free!; “reconciliation”-Jesus makes it right!’ “succour”- Jesus is able to “aid” in our time of need         

     2 Corinthians 5:21-He was “made” all sin so we could be “made” like Him and “in Him”; 1 John 3:4-6-to abide in Jesus, continually filled with His Spirit and glory, was Jesus’ purpose

Hebrews 4:16-because Jesus is our transcendent high priest-we can come before God’s throne with confidence-Luke 11:5-13         

     Heb. 10:14-22-Jesus Christ has sanctified us by His blood; Spirit baptism is our witness of this-His “laws” are “put” “into” our “hearts” and written into our “minds” (Jeremiah 31:33, 34)         

     “for this reason”-because of salvation, we can enter by His blood and through the veil of His flesh (Heb. 10:20), in “a new and living way”; like the mercy seat, we have been sprinkled with the blood of Jesus’ acceptable sacrifice (Leviticus 16:14-16; Ezekiel 36:23-28) ; and, like the high priest, washed in the pure water of Jesus’ name (Exodus 30:18-21)         

     Ephesians 2:18-Jesus, through His Spirit, gives us access to the glory of God; the mercy seat was His throne to Israel (Exod. 25:20-22; Lev. 16:1, 2); we can go into the Shekinah of God          

     we must continually pass through the veil-Philippians 4:6/prayer-not a suggestion for the committed Christian, but a necessity-the only way we can be free of the burdens of this life

Lesson 5, Part 4-Jesus, Our Eternal High Priest

Psalm 110 (Genesis 14)-David prophesied of Jesus Christ’s eternal priesthood; Isaiah 55:8-10; Numbers 23:19 (Luke 21:33)

vs. 1-Jesus, the Son of God, after His Passion-was given all authority contained in the Father’s “right hand”; (Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:19)         

     Matthew 22:42-45-“Christ” is the “Lord” of David in the Spirit                    

     Jesus was the fullness God in human form (Colossians 2:9)

vs. 2, 3-God’s plan has always been to rule Earth from “Zion”         

     He will reign, not from a palace, but from His Temple for now, we are Zion (1 Corinthians 6:19)         

     one day, He will return to the earth and reign from His House, Zion, at Jerusalem         

     the center of that kingdom will be the house of the Lord-the ruler of that kingdom will be Jesus Christ Himself         

     Revelation 19 and 20 reveal just how this will happen; Rev. 20:6-many resurrected saints will reign as priests with Jesus on earth for 1,000 years

Psalm 110:4-David saw Messiah as king and priest over all the earth         

     1 Samuel 8:7, 8-God wanted his people to be led by prophets         

     Jesus Christ is mediator and high priest simultaneously (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24; Matthew 1:23; John 10:30)         

     Isa. 11:1-12-Jesus, the righteous teacher, gathering His people         

     Zechariah 3:1-9; 6:9-visions of Jesus’ Passion

vs. 5-7-David speaks of the Godhead at work through the Messiah         

     work of the Messiah=YHWH through a man, “LORD”/”Lord”; in the final battle, the High Priest is the warrior-patriarch         

     “hand” is a reference to Jesus’ authority, given by God-Matthew 28:18; Mark 14:61, 62; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33-36                

     “strike…kings…”-Revelation 11:15-18 (Genesis 17) Jesus will   conquer the enemies of Israel and rescue her in a great battle                  

     “day of the LORD” (Joel 2:10, 11; Malachi 4:5); “the day of Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2)

Lesson 6-Jesus, Son of the Covenant

Genesis 12:1-3; 15:18; 17:1-8-the Covenant was given to Abraham, passed through to Isaac, then Jacob-completed in Jesus Christ           

The conditions of the Promise were: “start walking” and “leave it all”; God would only accept full separation and control of Abraham’s destiny           

The provisions of the Covenant were seven promises:                       

     “I will shew thee”-a promise that comes in handy when you’re beginning a journey without a presumed destination                       

     “I will make of thee a great nation…”-“In leaving this nation, I will make you the root of a new one.” (Matthew Henry)                       

     “…I will bless thee…”-“I alone will be your father”                       

     “…will make thy name great…”-“my name replaces your father’s name” (Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 4:11, 12)                        

     “…thou shalt be a blessing…”-Abraham’s righteous life would then and forever minister to others (Luke 2:13, 14)                       

     “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee…”-the protection clause                                                                         

     “…in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”-Joel 2:32; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:39


Lesson 7-Jesus, Lord of the Nations

Genesis 27:26-29-This is the first of the patriarchal blessings. Isaac gave Jacob the promise of one day reigning over “nations”.

Gen. 22:17-God promises that Abraham will have control over his enemies’ political power and own their territory

     1 Kings 4:21-realized to the fullest in the reign of Solomon

     Psalm 2 tells of Messiah’s response to the “rage” of His enemies          

          vs. 6-Messiah is God’s chosen king-placed upon Zion         

          vs. 7, 8-the Father His Son, all kingdoms of this world          

          vs. 9-Messiah will destroy His enemies         

          vs. 10-12-Messiah will judge the earth as King of Kings

Revelation 11:15; Philippians 2:9-11 -one day, the nations will bow down to Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 15:24, 25-Jesus will reign until all spiritual nations of darkness are will be subjected to Him; then, He will deliver the world to His Father

Lesson 8-Jesus Christ, Lion of Judah

Genesis 49:8-12-Israel somehow seems recognize that the Redeemer would come through Judah.

vs. 8a-Judah’s descendant would be “the one” (AMP)         

     “they will look to you”         

     Judah’s descendant would be the focal point of the 12 tribes           

     1 Chronicles 5:2

vs. 8b-“hand”-Jesus, the right hand of God          

     Psalm 21:7-9; Revelation 12:5         

     “on the neck of your enemies” (NASB) (1 Samuel 17: 50, 51; Ps.18:36-42; 1 Chr. 28:3; Exodus 15:3; Hebrews 10:11-13) 

vs. 8c-“thy father’s children…”         

     reign of the house of David and of Messiah         

     in sole authority over all of his subjects         

     Jacob’s sovereign descendant would come from Judah

Lesson 8B-Jesus Christ, Lion of Judah

Genesis 49:8-12-Israel somehow seems recognize that the Redeemer would come through Judah.

vs. 8a-Judah’s descendant would be “the one” (AMP)         

     “they will look to you”         

     Judah’s descendant would be the focal point of the 12 tribes           

     1 Chronicles 5:2

vs. 8b-“hand”-Jesus, the right hand of God          

     Psalm 21:7-9; Revelation 12:5         

     “on the neck of your enemies” (NASB) (1 Samuel 17: 50, 51; Ps. 18:36-42; 1 Chr. 28:3; Exodus 15:3; Hebrews 10:11-13) 

vs. 8c-“thy father’s children…”         

     reign of the house of David and of Messiah         

     in sole authority over all of his subjects         

     Jacob’s sovereign descendant would come from Judah

Lesson 8B-Genesis 49:8-12      

vs. 9a-“lion’s whelp”         

     the picture of a child of royal privilege; child of the king         

     Judah’s descendants were presumed to be royalty

vs. 9b & c-“from the prey…rouse him up?”         

     the picture of a lion quietly surveying his kill         

     Matthew Henry-“…obtain great victories,…quietly enjoy…those victories”; Numbers 24:8, 9         

     the prophetic picture of Jesus Christ-1 Corinthians 15:24         

     Balaam’s second prophecy-Num. 23:24

Revelation 5:5 (Isaiah 11:1, 9, 10; Romans 1:3; 15:12)         

     “before Abraham was…” (John 8:56-58; Rev. 22:16)         

     Jesus “prevailed”! Jesus wins in the end, and so do we!          

     now He quietly surveys the field of His victory

Lesson 8C

Genesis 49:8-12

vs. 10a-“sceptre…”-A prophecy of continuous royal succession from Judah’s lineage through to Jesus. As in Esther 8:3, 4, the scepter signifies the sovereignty of Messiah. Judah’s lineage was blessed forever (1 Kings 11:32; 2 Kings 19:34; Ezekiel 34:23).  

Numbers 24:15-19 is Balaam’s prophecy of Messiah’s dominion of the whole earth. He declared Israel as the eternal dominion of the conqueror and king of all nations. Isaiah prophecied of Messiah’s reign on the “throne of David” (Isaiah 9:6, 7). This established the connection with the “sceptre” of Judah’s genealogy. Zechariah named the dominion of Messiah: “…to the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:10). 

According to Paul, the “sceptre” Jacob referred to was Messiah’s spiritual authority, as well (Ephesians 1:19-23). He reigns now spiritually “far above all principality…,” he has “put all things under his feet,” and His Spirit fills the Body, “all in all”. 

Lesson 8D

Genesis 49:8-12 

vs. 10b-“until Shiloh come”-Jacob said that Shiloh was a “him”-meaning more than just a time of peace, but a man of peace. He was referred to as an end result, a finality of generations. By most schools of thought on the translation of the proper name “Shiloh”-which, in Hebrew refers to a specific person “to whom tribute belongs”-we are given a clear picture of the one true King of Ages.

Jacob went on to make prophetic claims about Messiah, which would detail His future authority on earth. He stated that Shiloh would be the focus of “the gathering of the people” or “the obedience of the peoples” (NASB). When Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32), He was referring to His Passion. He was lifted up, and all men were drawn to Him. Isaiah 65:1, 2 spoke of a seeking of the Lord by people to whom originally He hadn’t been revealed (Isa. 65:1, 2). Isaiah uses a phrase which is surely prophetic of the Cross when he says, “I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people…” This is significant when you consider Jesus’ use of the phrase “lifted up” in John. He was identifying His manner of death-crucifixion-for His followers and the crowd. Yet, He was also identifying the only method ordained by God the Father for Him to “draw all men” or gather “the people”, the nations, the kingdoms of this world to Him.

From the time of the Judges until Solomon’s Temple was built, Shiloh (which is very similar in translation to the proper name given Messiah by Jacob)-the town-was considered the central focus of the Hebrew faith. Shiloh was the place of the House of God. The one true House of God. It was by no coincidence that Shiloh was only ten miles down the road from Beth-el, the site of Jacob’s anointed altar (Genesis 28:16-22) and covenant with God. Jacob called it “the house of God” and “the gate of heaven” meaning the specific location was special to him forever. Before the town of Shiloh, before the Tabernacle, before the Law, before Moses was even born, Jacob proclaimed that Shiloh would be Messiah and He would come and save the “peoples” by their obedience to Him. He would save them and extend “Shiloh”-the House of God-to all men as they were gathered unto Him.

Solomon, in his dedication of the Temple, readily proclaimed that God could not be contained in a building (1 Kings 8:27). Stephen preached this to the Jews in Acts 7:48, just before he was stoned for it. Paul continued with this theme to the heathen Athenians in Acts 17:24. Jesus revealed to the Samaritan woman at the well of Sychar the true desire of the Father regarding a place of worship (John 4:23). Hebrews 8:1, 2 tells us of a spiritual House of God, a Tabernacle built by God Himself.

Whether or not the translation of both names is a coincidence, Jesus was symbolic of Shiloh-the one true House of God among men. He was the embodiment of the Ark of the Covenant and the Lord “of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28). Jesus was Shekinah-the one true House of God, the immediate presence of God-among men. He was the embodiment of the Ark of the Covenant and the Lord “of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28) at once.

One could accurately say that Shiloh was the city of tribute-or tithes, first fruits, and offerings. One could also say that Jesus was the one “to whom tribute belongs”. Jesus is the only worthy recipient of our offerings of praise and thanksgiving, of time and effort, of possessions and wealth. He is the Lord to whom tribute is due!

Today, Jesus extends this peace to those who will be gathered in obedience to Him…those who will submit to His authority and wholly yield the spiritual tribute of their lives to His service…those who will be drawn to His Cross-with the ugliness of its wounds, the contempt of the crowd, the willing self-sacrifice-will find peace “and rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Lesson 8E-Jesus Christ, Lion of Judah-Genesis 49:8-12

vs. 11a-“His foal…vine”-Zechariah foretold of Jesus worshiped as He brought salvation to “Zion” while riding on a donkey colt (Zechariah 9:10). In the next verse, however, He is a conqueror (Zech. 9:11). Asaph prophesied of Israel as God’s “vine” (Psalm 80:7-15) and cried out for Him to return to the “vineyard which thy right hand hath planted”.

vs. 11b, 12-“…to the vine…garments in wine…blood of grapes…eyes red with wine…”-At His Second Coming, the harvest of the vineyard of His wrath will be reaped and the outcome will be the “wine” of His justice (Revelation 14:6-20) and the salvation of the remnant of His chosen people. Just as His last visit to Jerusalem brought salvation and the reign of His Spirit, His next visit will bring salvation and His earthly reign. Jeremiah 25:14-17; Daniel 10:6, Rev. 1:14; 19:12

vs. 11b-“…garments in wine…blood of grapes”-This is a clear reference to the blood of Jesus Christ during His suffering. When considering that Jacob was speaking prophetically of Jesus Christ, one can see the symbolism in his reference to wine staining the garments of Judah. The blood of Jesus’ suffering was shed because of the wrath of God. Jesus was the recipient of the anger of the Father. It was necessary for someone to serve as the sacrifice for mankind’s great sins. Therefore, Jesus, in His Passion, paid for our sins. Zechariah 3:3-5; Isaiah 63; Isa. 40:10; 52:10; Ezekiel 20:33; Revelation 7:13, 14 

This reveals the complex nature of Jesus’ ministry.

1) He was to bear the sins of the world with God’s judgment-wearing “filthy garments”.

2) As a perfect sacrifice, He was and is God’s merciful and saving arm to all mankind-His blood forever able to cleanse the sinful “garments” of those who cry out in His name.

3) Jesus will come a second time and fulfill the demands of God’s judgment on those who have rejected His blood and opposed His Kingdom on earth within the hearts of His believers.

He will return. He will conquer. He will save. He will reign.

Posted in Prophecy | No Comments »

Prayer: Communion with God

November 3rd, 2009

Lesson 1 Effective Prayer

Matthew 6:5-8; James 5:16b

  • Vs. 5-command against hypocrisy
  • public prayer/devotion is not the problem-Mat. 26:36-41; Acts 3:1; Acts 12:12; publicizing our private prayer life for self-righteous reasons is a problem;
  • prayer then becomes about self “reward” rather than God
  • Vs. 6-a private place; alone for devotion with God; block out the physical and emotional world; predetermined amount of time; make time to sit quietly, listen to God; because of our private times, He delights to display His glory through us openly
  • Vs. 7-primitive/pagan chants, mantras, meditation; 1 Kings 18:24-29; vain attempts to be heard; forgetting that we are talking to God; wasting valuable prayer time; ineffective prayer
  • Vs. 8-He understands our situations in detail and hears us when we cry out to Him
  • James 5:16b-prayed properly, to touch God; a burning hunger to see the need fulfilled, to be in His presence; blessings of God are conditional, weights and sins will hinder 

Lesson 2 Enter His Gates

Matthew 6:9, 10; Psalm 100

  • Worship is praising, thanking, serving, giving, praying, submitting, evangelizing, etc.
  • Vs. 9-He is our Father in creation, provision, protection, correction, affection, instruction, patience; statement of subjection; acknowledge His supremacy; Ps. 68:5; Isaiah 63:16; Eccl. 5:2; recognition of our humble position on earth compared to His heavenly glory; Spirit of God contrasted with flesh;
  • His name is sacred, holy, precious-and so in my life; John 5:43; John 10:30, 38; praise the name of Jesus
  • Vs. 10-it is His Kingdom and we give it back to Him once again; “thank you, Lord for bringing your Kingdom, in eternity and today in my life”
  •  His supreme Plan; the way He wants it to happen; “let me live up to Your plan”; “I humble myself to do your will”; bring practical understanding and application of Your Will to my life; I want to be in tune with your Spirit and the spiritual realm; Ezekiel 23:20-22
  • Thanksgiving-Ps. 50:14; Ps. 92:1; Ephesians 5:20
  • Reading God’s Word aloud 

Lesson 3 Forgive Us Our Debts

Matthew 6:12, 13

Repentance and forgiveness are commanded to be a regular part of our prayer lives. They are only effective when committed together.

  • Vs. 12-acknowledges sin on our part; direct or indirect sin; Hebrews 10:26-31; 1 John 1:7-10
  • recognize the need for continual cleansing; we must forgive and keep forgiving; just as we have been forgiven; search our hearts each time we pray; Mat. 18:21-35; Isaiah 64:6
  • Vs. 13-“God Leads Us Along”; “like a shepherd lead us…”; Psalm 23; help me to avoid temptation; direct me away from potentially sinful situations; help me through the tempting trials that I face; help me not to continue in sin

“evil”-some translations “evil one”; deliver us from trouble against us and from the onslaught of the enemy of our soul; John 3:19-21-Truth is the opposite of evil; I can’t deliver myself, I need Your help!; no middle ground

Lesson 4A Intercession: Standing in the Gap

Matthew 6:10, 11; Ezekiel 22:27-31

  • Others First-Philippians 2:2-4 – of the same love, purpose, intent; collective train of thought; united in spirit; others preferred; remember your brothers and sisters in the Lord
  • Ezekiel 22:27-31 – bad situation made worse without intercession; no one cared enough to tell the truth; God searched for an intercessor; could have stopped the judgment; Jude 1:21-23
  • Jesus is Our Intercessor-Isaiah 53:12; 59:16 – God’s answer to a dearth of intercessors
  • Luke 22:31, 32; 23:34 – Jesus prays for Peter and the angry mob
  • John 14:16 – Jesus promises to intercede for the Church; John 17:9; Acts 1:4, 5
  • Romans 8:26, 27, 34 – His Spirit continues to make intercession for us  

Lesson 4B Intercession: Standing in the Gap

Matthew 6:10, 11; Eph. 6:18,19

  • Examples of Intercession-Acts 12:5 – sense of urgency in a time of trouble; nonstop prayer; spiritual warfare; sensitivity to the Spirit; unified prayer; Romans 1:9, 10 – heaviness of burden; love for the church; listed by name; praying for God’s Will; caring for Church in prayer
  • Colossians 4:2-4 – don’t quit now; pay attention to Spirit and spirit; thankfulness key; asking for help; specificity of need
  • We Need Each Other!; strengthened individually/as a whole through intercession         
  • Prayer covering for everything we do         
  • Some trials are avoidable; plan ahead in prayer

Lesson 5 Take Your Burdens to the Lord

Matthew 6:10, 11

We can come before God any time in supplication for our needs. God promises to answer prayer in His way and in His time.

  • Philippians 4:6,7-don’t worry or be anxious; fear is a heavy burden; in all aspects of life we are to be free from fear
  • consider turning to God first; like approaching a dignitary with a request
  • thankful heart is key to being unburdened-so we stay focused on God’s ability; thank God in advance; praising for answered prayer
  • state each request specifically
  • He wants to hear us; He wants us to depend on Him
  • freedom in the Spirit is birthed in powerful prayer; peace of God; God’s preserving power
  • Hebrews 4:15, 16; 13:5, 6-we need someone in our lives who knows how we feel; empathetic; Jesus has been there-“in all points”-and never failed
  • importunity-Luke 11:8; we have the right to approach God
  • we need mercy from God more than from man; the favor of God is always the answer, no matter the problem 

Lesson 6 “Speak, Lord, For Thy Servant Heareth”

1 Samuel 3:10; Psalm 19:14; Isaiah 40:31

  • 1 Sam. 3:10-Samuel considered the flesh first; sounded to him like the voice of the man of God
  • Genesis 15:7-21-God’s Promise was realized through patient meditation
  • Gen. 24:63-Isaac’s greatest need was realized while waiting in prayer
  • Gen. 28:10-22; Gen. 32:22-32-Jacob waits on God, then over 20 years of servitude, again over Jabbok in physical and spiritual wrestling
  • Psalm 3-fear and rescue found in God’s presence
  • Ps. 63:6-dwelling on God; private time spent waiting on God
  • Ps. 77:12-think about His great works; what has he done for you?; Ps. 143: 5, 6-ruminate on God; waiting while thinking of His goodness
  • hunger for God; He can quench the thirst of the soul; Ps. 39:3; Ps. 63:7
  • Joshua 1:8-blessings connected to following the Word
  • Ps. 1:2-Godly man delights in God’s Word
  • Ps. 119:15, 48, 78, 148-pour over the Word
  • Ephesians 5:18, 19-singing “in your heart”
  • Matthew 6:13b-it all belongs to God, meditate in praise to God

Lesson 7 Praying with Your Spirit

Praying in our spirit is when we move from our language to a language in which we speak by divine utterance. When we have received the initial baptism of the Holy Ghost, we have the privilege of communication with God at any time through our spiritual man. We should feel comfortable praying to God through our spirit, which comes from God.

1 Corinthians 14:2-5, 14, 15, 16-18-

  • while teaching about the proper operation in the Gifts of the Spirit, Paul gives understanding about tongues
  • speaking to God by our spirit
  • “mysteries” revealed; at times our spirit is proclaiming things “not obvious to the understanding” (AMP)
  • tongues are self-edifying (soul/spirit edifying); we grow spiritually
  • Isaiah 26:9; Romans 8:21,22; Matthew 5:6
  • by God’s Spirit, our spiritual appetite is sated; Mat. 26:41
  • vs. 14 speaks of a deeper dimension in prayer in which our spiritual man prays; spiritual prayer and praise is just as important as praying in our own language
  • Paul mentions often praying in tongues; daily spiritual download
  • John 6:63; Rom. 8:5-11, 16-indwelling Holy Ghost is our proof that we belong to God; supernatural contact

Lesson 8 Praying in the Holy Ghost

Acts 4:29-31

  •  vs. 29-under severe persecution, crying out to God; asking God for authority in the Word; “fearlessly” (AMP)
  • vs. 30-asking God to work miracles by personally attending to the situation; understanding that God must be present and working in order for miracles and healings to take place; “by the name”
  • vs. 31-as a result of the prayer, a mighty roar of the Holy Ghost; Acts 4:23, 24-they were already believers; they “prayed through”; after the download from the Spirit, boldness came; sent forth from a time in the Spirit

John 15:7, 26; John 16:13-15- Jesus told them what could happen when they began to operate in His Spirit; Spirit within gives authority; Spirit continually guides into truth; revelation by the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18-pray in the Spirit; prayer a part of the Armor of God; works with the Word; Paul’s personal prayer request for boldness

Jude 1:20-growth in faith happens when we are proactive; prayer in Spirit edifies faith; keep ourselves in the love of God by a continual connection with the Spirit

Acts 15:28-following leading of Spirit ascertained in prayer; unified as to the will of the Spirit

Lesson 9 The 4th Dimension of Prayer: Travailing with God

Romans 8:26, 27

  • vs. 26-“weaknesses” (AMP, NASB); our own inefficiency in prayer is made up by the Spirit; lack of knowledge, wisdom; as “creation groaneth” (vs. 22), Spirit has yearnings, as well; Spirit accomplishes His desire by travail and birth; many burdens revealed, many revivals born in us by the Spirit
  •  vs. 27-“searcheth…mind”-Spirit helps us to discover and pray the thought patterns of God; His Will-what He wants to do and what he means to do about it
  •  4th dimension of prayer-God accomplishes His Will through us
  • Matthew 5:8-through a pure heart
  • His Plan involves using vessels and the prayers prayed by them and through them
  •  sensitivity to the Spirit is key to recognizing the Spirit’s attempts to flow through us; more time spent in prayer will lead to more time in spiritual prayer and times of refreshing in the Holy Ghost, which will, in turn, lead to more opportunities for the Spirit to take over
  • we can yield to God or allow a fleshly stronghold to bind us; yielding to the Spirit means sacrifice-of time, of large amounts of energy, of self; feels like giving birth-takes us to death’s door in the Spirit, sorrow in Spirit, burdens in Spirit, physical exhaustion; yielding to the Spirit means great joy (Psalm 30:5)
  • just like a baby, it’s worth it!

Lesson 10A Prayer in Spiritual Warfare-Strongholds of Man

2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Mark 6:1-6

  • vs. 3-this war is not a physical war; we are misguided and headed for disillusionment if we get distracted by fleshly conflict
  • vs. 4-weapons not physical; spiritual weapons cannot be held in your hands; weapons infused with authority from God; “mighty”-“divinely powerful” (NASB); “destruction” (NASB) “of strong holds”; weapons meant to defend our own territory, also in offensive warfare when meeting the enemy on his territory; the purpose of engaging the enemy is to destroy his fortress
  • vs. 5-“casting down”-as in idols or walls, to destroy completely; “imaginations”-tendency of the mind to create a fortress of “speculations” (NASB) beyond God’s Word and Spirit’s leading; “high thing”-arrogance of man’s “theories and reasonings” (AMP) against God’s omniscience; “captivity”-p.o.w.s-not people, but thoughts; “obedience…”-John 14:15, 1 Cor. 14:37; this is a battle of the mind
  • Examples of strongholds-2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:8; Romans 1:28
  • Not a fight of the flesh-Luke 22:49-51; John 18:10-11; Proverbs 20:22; Matthew 5:39; Romans 12:17; 1 Peter 3:9

Lesson 10B Prayer in Spiritual Warfare-Strongholds of Man

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10b-because of the lack of a love for Truth; it is necessary to receive a love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ; “did not welcome the truth” (AMP); why do people reject the Gospel

  • 2 Thes. 2:10a-he describes what happens to those who reject the Gospel; “deception of wickedness” (NASB); deception came after the stronghold was established

  • Romans 1:28-example of those who conveniently forgot about God when they wanted to have fun; a wall of mistaken thinking about God-“God doesn’t want me to have fun”, thinking that unbridled sensuality equals freedom rather than bondage; a person becomes a prisoner in his own stronghold

  • 2 Timothy 3:5, 7-9-a piece of the Truth is not the Truth-leads to deception; denying God’s authority; trying to cage God-not allowing Him to work through His Word-God cannot be contained by buildings or half truths; always finding new ways to explain again same incomplete doctrines; ends in resistance to God’s leading then blasphemy

  •  2 Tim. 3:1-4-types of fleshly strongholds

  •  examples of strongholds-Matthew 6:47-52; Matt. 12:29; Matt. 15:16; Matt. 16:11; Luke 18:34; Luke 24: 23-26; John 14:9, 26, 27; Acts 2:11-36

  •  Acts 1:8-Jesus explains what will happen when they finally get IT!

  •  Acts 1:1, 2- they got it and then they stood in the place of Jesus!

Lesson 10C Prayer in Spiritual Warfare-Spiritual Strongholds

  • Ephesians 6:10-“his might”-God’s strength is ours if we will claim it; we are strong only through Him; “boundless might” (AMP); God is not afraid of His enemies because He has power unabated and unlimited authority-His enemies possess neither; Psalm 139:7-12-His omnipresence and His omnipotence make Him invincible
  • vs. 11-“of God”-He has made provision for the weakness of our flesh; “stand”-spiritual warfare means standing defensively, resisting Satan; you can defeat him by standing “firm” (NASB), “hold your ground” (AMP)-James 4:7; “wiles”-“schemes” (NASB), “strategies” (AMP)-Matthew 16:18, Hebrews 2:14
  •  vs. 12-“flesh and blood”-people are not the problem; no need for tools of physical warfare; “rulers”-high ranking spirits ruling over dark regions; “principalities”-regions of darkness or an order of demons; “powers”-down the demonic chain of command
  •  2 Thessalonians 2:9-speaks of Satan’s power in the Church Age; his general m.o.; 2 Corinthians 11:14; signs and wonders meant to impress and thus deceive
  •  vs. 10-the comprehensive power of deception; unrighteousness brings deception and spiritual death; due to a lack of spiritual receptivity and love for God’s Truth; thus, a fleshly stronghold leads to spiritual oppression and destruction
  •  Romans 1:28-“retain”-they kept God for personal freedom and dropped Him when the Way became inconvenient-Numbers 21:4

Lesson 10D Prayer in Spiritual Warfare-Knowing the Enemy’s Tactics

  • Matthew 4:3-attack on the body; Jesus’ hunger was intense; temptation to use supernatural power for vanity

  • vs. 5, 6-attack on the soul; Jesus was tempted with doubt and then arrogance; Satan was attacking Jesus’ motive; he wanted Jesus to doubt his identity and God’s authority-to test God

  • vs. 8, 9-attack on the spirit; Satan attacked the Mission; he attacked Jesus’ personal walk with God, His trust in God’s plan and timing; a temptation to take a shortcut to glorification

  • Job 1:6-12-emotional man attacked; loss of property-sense of security; then, children-a pain worse than death; total devastation  

  • Job 2:1-6-Satan attacked Job’s body; “skin for skin”-Satan knows the flesh; impatience in Satan’s character-he doesn’t understand integrity; don’t expect Satan to play fairly; God still trusted Job

  •  vs. 9-Job’s wife attacked his spirit-his walk with God; his friends continued to do this in chapters 4-37

  • 1 Peter 5:8-10-tactics of a stealthy hunter; resistance is expedient!

  • 1 Timothy 5:14, 15-excuse to mock or condemn (2 Samuel 12:14)

  • James 1:14-16-desire=Sin’s open door; careful what you wish for!

  • 1 John 2:15-17-3 categories of desire in the worldly system

  • Romans 8:28-we have the advantage of knowing the end from the beginning, AND we have God’s promises-Psalm 34:19 and Joel 2:32-deliverance; 1 Corinthians 10:13 and 1 Peter 5:9, 10-spiritual endurance; Luke 22:31, 32 and John 17-Jesus prayed for us!

Lesson 10E Prayer in Spiritual Warfare-Authority over Strongholds

  • Matthew 28:18; 1 Peter 3:22; John 14:12, 13-authority in Jesus=authority in us

  • Acts 1:8-purpose of Spirit baptism-to witness power of God

  • Daniel 11:32-end time spiritual power of God’s people

  • Luke 10:17-20-Jesus gave power to the seventy; this was prophetic of the power that we all can experience-Mark 16:16-18

  • Luke 22:31, 32-Jesus prayed for Peter

  • John 17:14-18-Jesus prayed for us

  •  1 Timothy 1:18-20-protect your faith and conscience; lack of faith can cause “shipwreck”

  •  2 Timothy 2:4-power of distractions over our walk with God; separation from world pleases God, brings spiritual sensitivity

  •  1 Peter 2:11, 12-abstinence from sin strengthens the soul, reduces power of Satan’s intimidation-he has no guilt to hold over us

  •  John 16:33-Jesus has overcome the world!

  •  Romans 12:21-we, too can love souls AND overcome evil

Lesson 11A-What is Fasting? Why Fast?

  •  Isaiah 58:5-“to afflict his soul”-“humble himself” (NASB); a Godly fast is deliberately putting aside the needs of the flesh for the purpose of letting God “increase” in us; John 3:30
  •  2 Corinthians 13:9; Matt. 5:48; Hebrews 6:1;-let’s move on from the foundation and start building in the image of Jesus Christ 
  •  Galatians 3:3-we cannot be made perfect by carnal means
  • Ps. 109:24-David spoke of his physical weakness through fasting-we fast to weaken the flesh
  • Psalm 69:10-we fast to cleanse ourselves; David “wept” and “chastened” his soul
  • Joel 2:25-we fast to “sanctify” a time for God
  • Matt. 9:15-we fast to be closer to the “bridegroom”; 2 Cor. 12:9

  

Lesson 11B Part 1-The Promises of Fasting-What Does Fasting Do?

  • Isaiah 58:6b-“loose the bands…”; Nehemiah 5:9-12; Psalm 102:20; Acts 16:25-26; fasting can set us free from troubling and deeply personal bondages-Satan binds those who intimidate him
  •  vs. 6c-“undo…yoke”-a domination which Satan holds over us to cause pain and keep us in his pathway of destruction; fasting can set free the oppressed slave; WE ARE NOT SATAN’S BEASTS OF BURDEN; WE ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP (Ephesians 2:10)
  •  vs. 7a-“hungry”-fasting can cause us to develop a ministry; providing for the needy on an individual basis and for categories of people
  •  vs. 7b-“cast out”-providing shelter to the outcast; fasting can give us a burden for those we might not have noticed before we humbled ourselves; “bring the poor”-to help nurture lost souls”
  • vs. 7c-“cover him”- ministering to those who have no way of getting out of their circumstances-clothing is a hand up to someone who cannot help himself; fasting can give us perception and discernment-a heart of love for people
  • vs. 7d-“hide not”-to discern the needs of our family; spiritual carelessness abounds in our world; selfishness is the opposite of compassion; fasting can give us sensitivity to need

Lesson 11B Part 2-The Promises of Fasting-What Does Fasting Do?

  • Isaiah 58:8a-“thy light”-personal radiance of spirit; Esther 8:16; Isa. 60:20; illumination from God; Psalm 27:1; Ps. 84:11
  •  vs. 8b-“thine health”-spiritual centering from fasting; “spring forth”-artesian well; “speedily”-sudden change in well being
  •  vs. 8c-“thy righteousness”-personal deeds which reflect God in us; Matthew 5:16; protected by obedience to God’s Will
  •  vs. 8d-“glory of the LORD”-2 Chronicles 14:9-13-He will deliver if we will humble ourselves and call on Him!; presence of God means glory of God-Ephesians 5:18
  • Isaiah 58:9a-“…call…answer”-we often fail to call on Him; heard and answered prayer promised; Hebrews 12:25, Psalm 95:7, 8; Psalm 29:3-7; Ps. 46:6; Ps. 68:33; Ps. 16:11-in His presence is joy; Isaiah 8:17; Ps. 32:7-9 hunger for His presence (Ps. 64:2)
  • vs. 9b-“yoke”-relief from burdens; “finger”-ends the need to blame; “vanity”-reordering of priorities
  •  vs. 10a-“draw out…”-blessings pour from our own soul-Isaiah 12:3;“living water”-John 7:37, 38; we can cure others’ “affliction”
  • vs. 10b-“light rise”-emotional/spiritual force from within (vs. 8), “noonday”-increasing of the light emanating from within; “obscurity”-from a place of insignificance to a place of shining forth “light”; “darkness…noonday”-we become the sun for the lost and needy; some faith can only be born “by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29)

Lesson 11B Part 3-The Promises of Fasting-What Does Fasting Do?

  • Isaiah 58:11a-“guide thee”; fasting will make us sensitive to the guiding hand of the Spirit; Psalm 37:23-“ordered by the Lord; 2 Samuel 22:33, 34; Ps. 34:15; Ps. 32:8-“guide thee with mine eye; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17-dependence on God’s Word everything
  •  vs. 11b-“satisfy…”-“only Jesus can satisfy your soul”; Jeremiah 17:5-8 (Ps. 1:3)-contrasts drought w/blessing and w/o blessing; we can be content, and blessed even in a drought season; 1 Kings 17:3; “soul”-1 Peter 4:19
  • vs. 11c-“fat thy bones”-a sign of plenty; Genesis 27:28; Gen. 49:22-25; this is only possible during times of rest; God can make us rest during wilderness experiences-Jesus did-Mark 6:31; fasting can turn a trial into a precious time with God!
  • vs. 11d-“watered garden”-as if there had never been a drought; lush and plenteous; has been watered and tended well by the gardener; a garden has the proper allocation of resources which will benefit a much larger area; The Gardener will tend your life to a level of lushness achievable only by His miraculous provision; this is the realm of thriving by His power!
  • vs. 11e-“spring…”-there is a place in God where we can involve ourselves in the flow of His Spirit so attentively that we move from surviving to thriving to a place of overflowing; a spring provides too much water for a pool or lake to hold, so it overflows to form a creek or a river; thus, the small spring benefits an entire ecosystem with her abundance; fasting and prayer can renew and develop our communion with God to the place of overflowing blessings-even in hard times; we’re living beneath our privilege!

Lesson 11B Part 4-The Promises of Fasting-What Does Fasting Do?

  • Isaiah 58:12a-“shall be of thee”-“those from among you” (NASB); restoration of infrastructure; even in a state of “waste”, God can see life, Romans 4:17; there are no hopeless situations!; Luke 8:51, 52;  John 11:24-27; sensitivity to God can cause us to see through His eyes-restoration
  • vs. 12b-“foundations”-God’s people can be foundation builders and rebuilders; to reestablish something that God originally started; we are descendants, but we are also ancestors to those yet unborn; let’s start something new!
  • vs. 12c-“repairer…”-Nehemiah 1:2-4; Neh. 2:3-5-you are the one who made the difference (Jude 1:22); make your own heritage!; to fix the hole in the wall, the gap-Ezekiel 22:30; to rebuild a spiritual defense network; to think ahead and anticipate the enemy’s actions based on past precedents; to stop a free flow of undesirables in and out; sensitivity to God’s Word; more fully comprehending His words and actions will help us to see weaknesses in our armor
  • vs. 12d-“restorer…paths”-Matthew 7:13, 14; restoration of safe roads and roads that lead to safe places; roads are descriptive of the way we live our lives-Godly lifestyles do not lead to sin, Godly lifestyles do not take a toll on us with each step; Psalm 23:2-4, 6-“God leads us along”, even through dangerous places-“goodness and mercy”-we will be followed by God’s goodness and mercy instead of the curse of sin-Leviticus 26:14-17; renewed sensitivity to God will help us make wise life pathway choices

Lesson 11B Part 5-The Promises of Fasting-What Does Fasting Do?

  •  Isaiah 58:13a-“thy foot…holy day”-Exod. 20:8-11-the people turn away from their desecration of the Sabbath; flesh has no interest in the holy; “my holy day”-the day belongs to the LORD; our lives in Jesus Christ are consecrated by the Lord of the Sabbath who dwells within us-Mark 2:23-28-spiritual rest within and without; all of our days and moments belong to God-“this is the day…”, Psalm 118:24; the principle is the consecration of our minds, our time, our lives to Him-1 Corinthians 6:19, 20
  • “thy pleasure”-carnal thinking-“I need God now, but later, I’ll do my own thing; remember, we are not our own (1 Cor. 6:19,20); our lives first belong to God-“woke up this mornin’ with my mind…”; our needs and priorities are subservient to His Will; “Lord, what do you want from me today?”; “sanctify my life, Lord; Hebrews 4:4-11-to cease from our own works and to enter into His realm; the embodiment of the Sabbath is in “another day” (vs. 8) a day in which we now experience the spiritual Sabbath; “forsake not” to “provoke” one another unto “love and to good works”-we need each other; corporate worship is a must for the healthy Christian
  • “a delight…”-joy in God’s presence; not be out of obligation, but enjoyment; freedom in the Spirit is found within the walls of God’s protection, in His Kingdom; Psalm 119:16-psalmist delights in God’s Law; “holy of the Lord”- as the Tabernacle, we are vessels for His service, He has graciously allowed us to partake of His beautiful Plan; “what God hath cleansed”-what we profane by calling normal is actually heaven on earth (Tabernacle in heaven); “honourable”-“something worthy of my reverence”; this is about perspective-fasting and sensitivity to God restores proper perspective and proper perspective brings perfect priority!

Lesson 11B Part 6-The Promises of Fasting-What Does Fasting Do? 

  • Isaiah 58:14-when we choose to delight in His Day and His House (vs. 13c), we will delight in God by default; Psalm 1:1, 2-the godly find delight in God’s Law; Ps. 37:4, 5; Romans 7:22-25; the Godly equation of delight is as such: pour yourself emotionally into His Word and Spirit and you will find a spiritual form of happiness in Him-this is delight, to find the fullness of joy in Him!-Psalm 16:11; Luke 7:36-50-“but this woman since the time I came in…”-she found delight in Jesus’ presence; “when you follow my plan fully, you will see Me more clearly”; vs. 13 is an admonition to delight, vs. 14 is a promise of delight-He rewards those who find the true joy of holiness, it is true freedom!
  • vs. 14b-“cause thee”-when God takes over, He guides us in places where we cannot and would not go; “let go and let God!”; “ride upon…earth”-Deuteronomy 32:9-14-of the promise of Israel and God’s delight in His people-Deut. 3:27; Matthew 4:8-10; Ps. 27:6; Ps. 3:3; Deut. 28:13-God lifts up His; Ps. 91:14-“set him on high, because he hath known my name
  • vs. 14c-“feed thee…”-the inheritance, the Land of Promise can be yours!; Leviticus 20:24-promises of God conditional; based upon separation from the world; let’s see a return to the original promise; it’s our inheritance, too!; fed by God-Psalm 23:1, 2, 4, 5

Lesson 11C-How to Fast-What is Fasting?

  • Isaiah 58:5-fasting is a way to abase our flesh in favor of our spiritual man; “bow down”-kneel and submit to God; Acts 27:33
  • Joel 2:12-“turn ye…”-aim towards Jesus “with all” of our hearts; Deuteronomy 4:28, 29-we have to be hungry for more of God to look for Him; 1 Samuel 7:3-“prepare…”-fasting is a preparation for something great in God; let’s prepare for God
  • Exodus 34:27-29-time of separation unto God; for instruction and anointing; Deut. 9:18-for intercession and repentance  
  • 1 Kings 19:7, 8-the meal gave him strength to journey 40 days; Matthew 4:2, 4-fasting is a spiritual strength to us, just as the angel’s food that Elijah ate, the Word of God is meat for the spirit
  • Acts 13:2-4-fasting and ministration to God brought them a Word from God and direction; then, they were sent “by the Holy Ghost”, not by any plan of man-Deut. 10:8, 9; 1 Samuel 2:11;1 Chronicles 16:4-6, 37-to minister unto God, we must separate ourselves from the World and our flesh
  • Luke 2:36-38-Anna was devout because of her continual “fastings and prayers”-because of her location in the Temple, she saw Jesus-but, because of her sensitivity to the Spirit of God, she recognized Him for who He was
  • 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 11:27-twice used as a qualification of His ministry; if we wish to minister to others and to hold spiritual authority, we should plan on fasting regularly and as the Spirit leads

Lesson 11D-When to Fast; Why to Fast

  • Judges 20:26-we fast for God’s mercy and forgiveness and to show Him our repentance; 1 Kings 21:27-29
  • 2 Samuel 12:21-23-we fast to implore God for an answer-to seek His Will; Isaiah 38:1-6-for Hezekiah, God did one better by delivering the city from the Assyrians-you just never know!
  • Ezra 8:21-23, 31; Ezra 7:6, 9, 27, 28-we fast to hold God to His promise
  • Nehemiah 1:4-Nehemiah was grieving; turn your burdens over to God in prayer and fasting; this is how we get God’s attention!
  • Esther 4:16-we fast to seek God for relief from a burden, even in emergencies; urgent needs should be met by urgent prayer and fasting; Daniel 6:17-19
  • Psalm 69:10; 109:24-“chastened my soul”; David sought God and broke the will of his flesh by fasting; he was seeking justice from God when he was wrongfully accused
  • Dan. 9:1-3-we fast for revelation and understanding of things both known and unknown; Dan. 10:1-3
  • Matthew 9:15-prayer and fasting brings us more in line with that “earnest” of heaven within us-2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 5:1-7-we desire, we yearn for God’s dimension; we walk by faith in prayer and fasting-keeps us on the “faith” pathway instead of the path of “sight”
  • Matt. 17:20, 21-fasting builds and strengthens authority; Luke 9:23-we can relate to Jesus; Philippians 3:10; James 4:7, 8-breaking strongholds by spiritual authority; Mark 9:28, 29-“by nothing” else!

Lesson 11D, Cont’d-When to Fast; Why to Fast

  • Acts 10:1-4; 30-32-Cornelius called “a devout man”; the vision came to him as a result of this continual devotion; a man who had not received the Holy Spirit was challenged by an angel to seek for more truth and understanding-this happened because of prayer and fasting; prayer and fasting brings us to a place of understanding and operation in the spiritual realm

  • Acts 14:23-Paul and Barnabus “prayed with fasting” before the ordination of elders; then, “they commended them to the Lord”-they did what they could-seeking God, praying for and ordaining the men-and turned them over to God; prayer and fasting can calm our spirits and bring us to a place of peace in the Holy Ghost 

Lesson 11E-How Not to Fast 

  • Matthew 6:16-18-“anoint thy head…”-we should fast without an intent to appear to be fasting; not to share our experience with anyone other than those it is necessary to tell; we should never take glory from a self appointed sense of piety-this belongs to God alone;   it’s like a secret, between God and us; fasting is like a praise to God, thus we “anoint” ourselves, just as if we were going on a date, or to a celebration; fasting is an intimate connection with God that strengthens the bonds of our relationship with Him-communion

  • Isaiah 58:1-4-explains the error of Israel’s false sense of righteousness; fasting for selfish purposes-“strife and debate”- fasting just to prove a point-conflict, self-righteousness; to exercise pious domination over the population; “voice heard on high”-“won’t work with me…that’s not how you get my attention”

    

Posted in Prayer | No Comments »

Learning to Lean-Faith by Instruction and Example

October 8th, 2009

Lesson 1 Faith-Exercise and Authority

  • Luke 17:5, 6-Jesus lifts their faith by speaking of possibilities
  • disciples ask Him to persuade them in faith
  • it takes faith for mere understanding of the ways of God
  • growing in God involves continually asking Him for more faith and letting Him provide the faith in His way
  • He provides faith through blessings, trials, His Word, prayer, fasting, fellowship; time is key to growth in faith
  • a believing heart can move mountains; small faith is of great value
  • a mustard seed is a good place to start
  • Matthew 21:22; John 14:11-14
  • John 15:7-sensitivity to His Will
  • faith exercised over time yields authority
  • just like riding a bike
  • authority comes from knowledge of God’s power, knowledge of past experiences, when we’ve grown in faith, we’ll know it
  • we can recognize it in others

Lesson 2A Finding Your Measure

  • We are each commissioned by God to accomplish a task. He provides us with a “measure of faith” to help us complete His Will.  
  • Romans 12:1-present ourselves continually
  • true repentance involves sacrifice of self
  • “is your all on the altar…?”
  • Rom. 2:4-“leadeth”, Matthew 5:13-“lead us not”
  • Rom. 8:11-13-to kill the old nature; reverse the natural order
  • daily succumb to supernatural
  • we present an allowable sacrifice as in Mosaic law-Leviticus 1:1-3; Lev. 4:13-21
  • we are His sacred possessions
  • “a sweet savor”
  • “let us reason…” Isaiah 1:18-20
  • salvation is God’s generous offer, service through sacrifice is only our most basic and reasonable response to gifts of GodRom. 12:2-next step in fellowship with God
  • conforming is contrasted with transformation
  • way of the world, easy/wide pathway
  • conformation is a form of worship; changed/recreated
  • New Birth experience continues-transforming us to His image
  • staying present in the transformed self
  • Galatians 3:1-3; Gal. 5:1; Ephesians 4:13, 14
  • aiming at perfection
  • Rom. 6:6-12-death to sin continually, freedom from restraints of flesh while still in the flesh!
  • always living in the work of Calvary; it’s ok to change your mind for Jesus
  • God change it for us
  • Rom 8:5-9-carnal mind God’s enemy
  • changes to patterns of thought
  • the way we look at world/ourselves/others/Him
  • Ezekiel 36:26, 27-newness over and over again
  • no stale thinking
  • God is always relevant

Lesson 2B Finding Your Measure

  • We are each commissioned by God to accomplish a task. He provides us with a “measure of faith” to help us complete His Will.  
  • Romans 12:2, (cont’d)-“may prove”
  • providing proof/testing for ourselves and before God
  • what is acceptable before Him
  • process of renewal in God teaches us what pleases Him
  • how to live holy before Him
  • “good and acceptable” is mastered through obedience to His Word
  • we partake of “His holiness”-Hebrews 12:10 to live an acceptable life
  • “perfect” is to find His one, true calling in life by trial and error, all the while remaining true to His acceptable holiness-this is possible!
  • who we are is determined by God, revealed by fire, discovered as part of a process which begins with spiritual death, burial, and resurrection through Jesus Christ AND continues through that process in our lives
  • He reveals our measure and calling as He will, in His time; your life has great purpose
  • you are no accident, you are God’s design-Ephesians 2:10 

Lesson 3 Faith Defined and Applied

  • Hebrews 11:1-“substance” is assurance, confirmation, the title deed (AMP)
  • o faith represents the unseen
  • when we have faith we have ownership
  • like a legal document, acceptable before God
  • we have evidence by our conviction of the reality of God and His promises
  • what is not revealed to the senses (AMP)
  • don’t trip over your nose!
  • a leap of faith is possible only by jumping over the objections of the flesh
  • faith is proof enough for the believer until God brings fulfillment
  • Faith in Application-believing God just enough to hold on in times of trial
  • letting Jesus hold on to us
  • trials come-from where and why?
  • trials come from the world, life happens
  • trials come from our enemy, planned attacks to destroy us
  • trials come from God, to build our faith, to allow us to minister to others, for chastisement
  • enduring trials by faith alone
  • John 17:11, 15; 2 Timothy 1:12; Jude 1:24; Rev. 3:10
  • I believe that God can and will keep me
  • this can be for my good if I keep a right spirit-Psalm 51:10
  • Romans 8:28; Genesis 45:8; Gen. 50:20
  • Joseph had a revelation of the ways of God
  • God weaves His Plan in and out of circumstance, on mountain and in valley, to accomplish a thing of beauty in each of us 

Lesson 4 Jesus, Our First and Best Example of Faithfulness

  • Hebrews 12:1-3-it is possible for a person to be faithful-Jesus did it, and without failure
  • Jesus is our example of a comprehensive approach to faithfulness
  • witnesses of Heb. 11 testify for us-you can make it-and against us-if we murmur and complain
  • because of them, we must work to proactively rid ourselves of sins and any “encumbrance” (AMP)
  • we are admonished to lighten our loads; sins and cares of life will destroy faith
  • continue in patience and consistency
  • “steady as she goes”
  • in a marathon, lightly clothed and carrying only the message and the fascia of the King
  • daily direction from the Spirit
  • Jesus is our goal
  • He is the sum total-the means and the end
  • Jesus is all we need
  • Jesus grasped the reward by faith before He endured His Passion
  • looked ahead to the salvation of mankind
  • motivated by love and joy borne of faith
  • faithfully upholding perfect holiness, no matter the circumstances, and in spite of the shame of all sin
  • He was rewarded with all authority “in heaven and earth”
  • consider Jesus, lest we forget
  • it was not fair for Him, we must endure injustice in this world, knowing that Jesus did the same
  • the Father will care for our souls-1 Peter 4:19-23 

Lesson 5A Abel’s Legacy

  • Hebrews 11:4-Abel’s sacrifice was of faith-speaks of a love for God
  • God marked his sacrifice as pleasing, a sweet savor
  • holy living-obeying and pleasing God-comes by faith
  • Genesis 4:4-7
  • his sacrifice gave witness of his righteousness-like holiness in heart followed by righteousness in deed
  • righteousness was his eternal testimony
  • cannot please God by obedience alone-empty works-faith must be our core value
  • love for God, our motivation
  • Cain displeased God, but God still had compassion-God reached out to Him
  • Cain was not innocent
  • he obeyed in letter only, not in heart
  • lip service; he became angry with God
  • Cain was “indignant (AMP)
  • espies a heart of rebellion borne of self-righteousness
  • not following God’s or Adam’s example
  • an unbelieving heart
  • no trust in God
  • Cain knew who God was and still lost out-believing is more than acknowledging
  • true faith trusts and obeys out of respect and love
  • Romans 8:16-confidence within is the sign of the continually indwelling Spirit of God-I know that I know…
  • the Witness of the Spirit
  • He knows His own-“I am His and He is mine”
  • John 14:15-20
  • Galatians 4:6-adoption, access, indwelling, closeness
  • 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:13

Lesson 5B: Enoch – A Man with a Testimony

  • Hebrews 11:5“by faith…translated him” – Why Enoch?
  • Enoch’s choice
  • Faith was his anthem, definition, identity
  • God chose him because of his faith
  • Gen. 5:21-24–his communion with God set him apart, his translation was the next step“pleased God” – in his earthly walk
  • speaks of a desire, hunger for closeness with God
  • God was his goal in life; cleaving unto God
  • he wanted to please God because of friendshipHeb. 11:6-God wants friends
  • faith comes before friendship
  • friendship and communion arise from faith
  • cart before the horse-lack of faith, lip service, attempt to please God by deed
  • We approach God-proper view of God
  • we believe not only in His existence-also He is Father, Son of God, Son of Man
  • rewards are of God not man; God’s opinion comes first
  • diligence is consistence with continuance and integrity
  • righteous intent
  • Proverbs 13:4; Pro. 21:5; Pro. 22:29 

Lesson 5C Noah Prepared

  • Hebrews 11:7-Noah considered God’s warning precious, dire
  • God cared enough about Noah to warn him
  • Genesis 6:1-9
  • fellowship with God
  • righteous upbringing from Adam to Jared
  • God granted favor, privilege in the midst of His righteous fury
  • Noah revered God
  • he was moved by God’s Word
  • he was a planner; “thus did Noah…”
  • with a character of steel, He built the Ark by God’s design, no shortcuts
  • he cared about God’s details
  • rudder not included
  • he planned to commit righteousness
  • a righteous heart plans to please God
  • James 2:16-20
  • because of obedient faith, his family was saved
  • our faith affects everyone around us
  • his steadfastness helped his family follow him
  • just like Noah, the Church-God’s Kingdom on Earth-is God’s true standard by which He does and will judge the world-Matthew 25:31-32; 1 Peter 1:17-18
  • by righteousness Noah became heir to the new world
  • Noah expected the rewards of God and he received them  Lesson 5D Abraham Obeyed
  • Hebrews 11:8-trusted God to care for Him not only along the road, but at the end of the road
  • considered God above his own needs
  • judgment call based on faith; inheritance was a 500+ year promise
  • civilization=survival
  • Genesis 12:1-4
  • no directions
  • John 14:3-6
  • “lived as an alien” (NASB)-a calling
  • Abraham saw deeper, further, eternal view-desire for eternity
  • unselfish faith
  • Sara had a choice
  • God wanted Sara to be a part of the spiritual promise
  • she accepted the burden, thus receiving strength to try one more time
  • “sprang” faithful are the promises of God-like
  • “embraced”-acceptance of God’s Word
  • no word of an internal struggle
  • hunger for a yet unfulfilled promise
  • hunger to please God
  • John 20:27-29
  • transformation
  • latched on and never let go
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10; never look back
  • God Himself prepared a place
  • their faithfulness was approved of God
  • even when he had Isaac, Abraham didn’t let his faith get lazy
  • it all belongs to God
  • even in the potential death of Isaac, Abraham trusted God to raise him up-and in a type God did

Lesson 5E Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph-The Word of Faith

  • Hebrews 11:20, 21
  • Genesis 27:27-29, 39, 40
  • Gen. 28:1-4
  • Gen. 48:15-22
  • Gen. 49:22-24
  • Gen. 50:23-26-power of a prophetic utterance
  • faith speaks what God has promised and it comes to pass
  • the eye of faith connects to the word of faith
  • Isaac’s belief in the preeminence of God’s Will
  • continuance of Abraham’s blessing upon Isaac
  • Isaac sees far into the future, conflict of nations
  • continuance of blessing upon Jacob by Isaac
  • “multiply” is a word which prophecies a nation
  • inheritance of the land promised, back to the original promise
  • Isaac’s faith understood the blessing’s future fulfillment after his death, Jacob was Isaac’s earnest of the blessing-a piece of the promise
  • Jacob blesses Joseph through Ephraim and Manasseh
  • Jacob’s perception of greatness in Ephraim
  • continuance of Abraham’s blessing upon Joseph’s boys
  • it’s all about the land
  • power of Jacob’s prophecy over Joseph, power over enemies, strength from God, blessing upon many, character of steel, crown of righteousness
  • Jacob worshipped God as he left this life
  • Joseph was taught and he caught the promise
  • strong confidence of the Patriarchs found in Joseph
  • the oath to carry his bones
  • Speaking in Faith-Patriarchs and other faithful ones possessed faith and the ability to speak in faith
  • Gen. 22:8; Joshua 14:12; 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Sam. 17:37; 2 Chronicles 20:12; Job 19:25; Daniel 3:17; Acts 27:24, 25

Lesson 5F Moses-God’s Suffering Servant

Hebrews 11:23-29

  • Moses’ parents willingly risked their lives to preserve his
  • Moses refused to forget his people; Exodus 2:11 
  •  He made a choice by faith-sometimes following faith means making an unpopular choice; often a choice that would not be our first choice; survival or principle?; luxury of the palace-nobility or slavery?; “pleasures”-this was about self-denial; born in Goshen, raised in palace, palace was home
  • Moses’ motivation-personal faith in the Messiah to come; persecution with a purpose; he saw himself as helping bring about God’s Will on Earth; prophetic understanding; “looking” (NASB) grasped the intangible; James 2:5
  • “forsook”-repentance by faith; turning around; fearlessly following God; endurance when trusting God; considering God a higher authority
  • He led his people through the precarious circumstances surrounding the plagues and Passover; warning the people about the Angel-faith means understanding and sometimes warning others about the consequences of disobedience;
  • Faith means living the Truth, loving the Truth, and being a person who considers God’s Word should be respected
  • Crossed the sea against natures laws; not looking at surroundings

Lesson 6 The Reasoning of God

Hebrews 11:35-40

    v “obtain”-they did not follow God without reward; God delights to grant us something of eternal value; He chooses to allow us to obtain that eternal blessing, rather than giving it outright

    v “better resurrection”-1 Kings 17:17-24-suffering with a purpose; a glorious resurrection after the pain; a “better” witness before God and the ancient “witnesses” mentioned in Heb. 12:1; the eternal reward corresponds to the trials of life-Revelation 2:10; Rev. 3:11; Rev. 6:10, 11; Rev. 7:9-17; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4

   v sums up the way God feels about those faithful saints

   v in light of the rebellion of this world, God’s opinion is that they should be taken from this world to be with Him

   v Deuteronomy 32:9-12-God’s special love for His people

   v “good report”-“spiritual reputation” (Thompson-Chain);A+ on God’s grading scale

   v often we feel inadequate when God views us as courageous

   v they didn’t receive The Promise-the Spirit, Joel 2:28, 29

   v not just fulfillment of God’s individual promises to them

   v Galatians 3:14

   v “better thing”-a New Covenant to complete the Old Covenant

   v we complete them when we are filled with the Spirit and endure our own trial 

Lesson 7 Faith: Our Defense Against the Enemy

Eph. 6:16

  • “shield”- protective device, to intercept attacks, either by stopping projectiles such as arrows or by glancing a blow to the side
  • Psalm 3-no matter the number of enemies, the LORD is our shield
  • 2 Samuel 22:31-“buckler”-Hebrew, “meginnah”-hide of crocodile
  • “ye shall”-explains how we use faith to thwart attacks
  • “quench…”-“extinguish” (NASB); night arrows that kill and destroy; “evil one” (AMP, NASB)

1 John 5:4

  • “victory” is the resolution of a battle with a clear winner
  • “faith”-if we can keep the faith, we’ve succeeded; get back up!
  • “world”-world is also our enemy; 1 John 2:15-17; worldly desires

1 Thessalonians 5:8

  • “sober” means pay attention, stay alert; “self-controlled” (NIV); 1 Timothy 3:8, 11, Titus 3:2-“grave” as in “gravitas”, air of authority
  • defense of faith is of little value if not coupled with watchfulness

1 Tim. 1:18, 19

  •  “good warfare”-a real war, not a game
  •  “holding faith”, as in not letting go, even when assaulted
  •  “shipwreck”-we will crash and burn without maintaining faith

Posted in FAITH | No Comments »