AA Disciple’s Code of Conduct

—1 Thessalonians 5:11-24

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11-24, there is a clear code of conduct that ensures a healthy happy church
life for disciples of Christ who band together in any locality.

There is nothing difficult or complicated about these seven modes of behaviour. If ever there is
"trouble" in the church, it can usually be traced to a failure to put one or more of these principles
into practice.

Attitude

All seven of these "rules" are basically dealing with attitudes. Most of the intractable problems in
the church or Christian household are attitude problems, and just about any attitude problem is
covered by the seven points above.

Strength

Some of these will be your strengths, and some will be your weaknesses. Make it your business
to maintain your strong points, and strengthen those points in which you are weak.

Of course you cannot do this in your own strength. You can see solutions, and you can make
resolutions, but you need God's help to keep them. The last two verses of our reading show that
God is the one who "will do" what you lack, and his faithfulness will replace your unfaithfulness.
Only when you are wholly sanctified by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as every Christian is
able to be, can you maintain these lovely and godly attitudes and thus transform your life.

1 Encourage others

1Thessalonians 5:11

Paul says, "Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing." Some
translators use the word "comfort" instead of encourage. This is the Greek word παρακαλεω
parakaleo, which is related to the nouns παρακλησις parakleesis and παρακλητος parakleetos,
the latter being applied to Christ and the Holy Spirit as our helpers and advocates (John 14:26,
1John 2:1).

There are two kinds of encouragement we are to offer each other. One is to provoke and stir up
(Hebrews 10:24), the other is to console and comfort (Hebrews 10:25). It is the latter that Paul
has in mind in 1Thessalonians 5:11, and it is important for us to know when this kind of
encouragement is needed as against the other kind. There are times when disciples need a pat on
the shoulder and a gentle, sympathetic word of comfort. Instead some well-meaning person will
try to Revelation them up with a "pull yourself together and get on with it" kind of speech. That
kind of encouragement, when misapplied, can in fact be discouragement, so let us be careful
about this.
2 Recognize and appreciate your teachers.

1Thessalonians 5:12-13

Paul requests that we show a particular attitude toward the teachers in the church. "Appreciate
those who diligently labour among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you
instruction. Esteem them very highly in love because of their work."

One of the common problems in the churches is that those who honestly and sacrificially give of
themselves to the Lord’s work are taken for granted. Sometimes they are even mistreated by a
small element in the church while the rest look the other way. A true disciple of Christ will
always show love, respect, and gratitude to those who instruct them in the word. In this way
there is mutual support and a building up of one another.

3 Live in peace

1Thessalonians 5:13

Next Paul says simply, "Live in peace with one another." This involves a number of things which
all good disciples make part of their nature: unselfishness, fairness, tolerance, empathy,
consideration, truthfulness, forgiveness, maturity, etc. Most of us know what is required to live
in peace, and we can do these things when we choose.

The people we choose to live in peace with are often harder to get on with than those we refuse
to live in peace with. Yet because we are kind in our judgment of those we like, we overlook
their faults. Thus we have a double standard, one for the people we like, and another for the
people we don’t like. It goes something like this...

The person you don’t like is... Whereas the person you like is...
nasty and irritable under a lot of stress
bossy and a control freak strong and a born leader
selfish, in his own little world dedicated to his work
money hungry and materialistic blessed with a nose for business
lazy and hedonistic knows how to enjoy life
an arrogant know-it-all intelligent and well informed
a wimp and a sook sensitive and very caring
rude and unsociable one who doesn’t suffer fools gladly
never has time for anyone extremely well organized
hard on his kids and the dog a good disciplinarian

...And so the list could go on. We chuckle at this, but showing partiality in this way is one of the
commonest causes of unrest and disunity between people, and a good disciple will square up this
kind of crookedness in his thinking.

4 Warn and strengthen

1Thessalonians 5:14

"Admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone."
Making a proper judgment of a person’s "problem" we can then make an appropriate response. Is
a person wilfully disobedient and rebellious, or are they discouraged in battle, or under contrary
influences that are hard for them to resist? When we understand their situation correctly we
know how to approach the problem (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6).

5 Seek what is good for others

1Thessalonians 5:15

Paul says, "Seek after what is good for one another." This is contrasted with the opposite
attitude, repaying one another with evil for evil. The payback system is common in relationships.
Under that system, people do the right thing by others because they know if they do the wrong
thing there will be payback and revenge. How much better it is to do and seek good for others as
a first principle, rather than just doing favours as insurance against trouble.

6 Be joyful, prayerful, thankful

1Thessalonians 5:16-18

Paul often uses many words to elaborate upon a point he is making. But here he is
succinct."Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks." This kind of attitude
and action is God’s will for those who are in Christ. It is a positive way of living. Paul says a
similar thing in Philippians (Philippians 4:4-7).

7 Listen critically, and apply carefully.

1Thessalonians 5:19-22

""We should neither discourage people from expressing what they believe to be God's word, nor
on the other hand accept as gospel everything they say without a test. Paul says, "but examine
everything carefully...". But we should also apply what we find to be true. Paul tells us to hold
fast to what is good, and get well away from what is wrong in any shape or form (Greek ειδος
eidos from eideo to see). We should apply God’s word conservatively, taking account of how
things look to others as well as how things are in truth. In this way we will follow a good
discipline with the maximum influence for good.

Question: "How can I overcome sin in my Christian life?"

Answer: The Bible presents several different resources to aid us in our effort to overcome
sin. In this lifetime, we will never be perfectly victorious over sin (1 John 1:8), but that
should still be our goal. With God’s help, and by following the principles of His Word, we
can progressively overcome sin and become more and more like Christ.
The first resource the Bible mentions in our effort to overcome sin is the Holy Spirit. God
has given us the Holy Spirit so we can be victorious in Christian living. God contrasts the
deeds of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:16-25. In that passage we are
called upon to walk in the Spirit. All believers already possess the Holy Spirit, but this
passage tells us that we need to walk in the Spirit, yielding to His control. This means
choosing to consistently follow the Holy Spirit's prompting in our lives rather than
following the flesh.

The difference the Holy Spirit can make is demonstrated in the life of Peter, who, before
being filled with the Holy Spirit, denied Jesus three times—and this after he had said he
would follow Christ to the death. After being filled with the Spirit, he spoke openly and
strongly to the Jews at Pentecost.

We walk in the Spirit as we try not to quench the Spirit’s promptings (as spoken of in 1
Thessalonians 5:19) and seek instead to be filled with the Spirit—that is, to be fully under
the Spirit’s control (Ephesians 5:18–21). How is one filled with the Holy Spirit? If sin is
what grieves the Spirit and hinders His filling, then obedience to God is how the filling of
the Spirit is maintained. We should pray that we be filled with the Spirit, immerse
ourselves in God’s Word (Colossians 3:16), and walk in obedience to God’s commands.
This gives the Spirit freedom to work within our thoughts and actions.

The Word of God, the Bible, says that God has given us His Word to equip us for every
good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It teaches us how to live and what to believe, it reveals to
us when we have chosen wrong paths, it helps us get back on the right path, and it helps us
to stay on that path. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is living and powerful, able
to penetrate to our hearts to root out and overcome the deepest sins of heart and attitude.
The psalmist talks about its life-changing power in-depth in Psalm 119. Joshua was told
that the key to success in overcoming his enemies was not to forget this resource but instead
to meditate on it day and night and obey it. This he did, even when what God commanded
did not make sense militarily, and this was the key to his victory in his battles for the
Promised Land.

The Bible is a resource that we too often treat lightly. We give token service to it by
carrying our Bibles to church or reading a daily devotional or a chapter a day, but we fail
to memorize it, meditate on it, or apply it to our lives; we fail to confess the sins it reveals or
praise God for the gifts it reveals to us. When it comes to the Bible, we are often either
anorexic or bulimic. We either take in just enough to keep us alive spiritually by eating
from the Word (but never ingesting enough to be healthy, thriving Christians), or we come
to feed often but never meditate on it long enough to get spiritual nutrition from it.

It is important, if you have not made a habit of daily studying and memorizing God's
Word, that you begin to do so. Some find it helpful start a journal. Make it a habit not to
leave the Word until you have written down something you have gained from it. Some
record prayers to God, asking Him to help them change in the areas that He has spoken to
them about. The Bible is the tool the Spirit uses in our lives (Ephesians 6:17), an essential
and major part of the armor that God gives us to fight our spiritual battles (Ephesians
6:12-18).

A third crucial resource in our battle against sin is prayer. Again, it is a resource that
Christians often give lip service to but make poor use of. We have prayer meetings, times of
prayer, etc., but we do not use prayer in the same way as the early church (Acts 3:1; 4:31;
6:4; 13:1-3). Paul repeatedly mentions how he prayed for those he ministered to. God has
given us wonderful promises concerning prayer (Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 18:1-8; John 6:23-
27; 1 John 5:14-15), and Paul includes prayer in his passage on preparing for spiritual
battle (Ephesians 6:18).

How important is prayer to overcoming sin in our lives? We have Christ's words to Peter in
the Garden of Gethsemane, just before Peter's denial. As Jesus prays, Peter is sleeping.
Jesus wakes him and says, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The
spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Matthew 26:41). We, like Peter, want to do what is
right but are not finding the strength. We need to follow God's admonition to keep seeking,
keep knocking, keep asking—and He will give us the strength that we need (Matthew 7:7).
Prayer is not a magic formula. Prayer is simply acknowledging our own limitations and
God's inexhaustible power and turning to Him for that strength to do what He wants us to
do, not what we want to do (1 John 5:14-15).

A fourth resource in our war to conquer sin is the church, the fellowship of other believers.
When Jesus sent His disciples out, He sent them out two-by-two (Mark 6:7). The
missionaries in Acts did not go out one at a time, but in groups of two or more. The Bible
commands us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together but to use that time for
encouraging one another in love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). It tells us to confess our
faults to one another (James 5:16). In the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, we are
told that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). There is
strength in numbers (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12).

Many Christians find that having an accountability partner can be a huge benefit in
overcoming stubborn sins. Having another person who can talk with you, pray with you,
encourage you, and even rebuke you is of great value. Temptation is common to us all (1
Corinthians 10:13). Having an accountability partner or an accountability group can give
us the final dose of encouragement and motivation we need to overcome even the most
stubborn of sins.

Sometimes victory over sin comes quickly. Other times, victory comes more slowly. God has
promised that as we make use of His resources, He will progressively bring about change in
our lives. We can persevere in our efforts to overcome sin because we know that He is
faithful to His promises.
What is Speaking in Tongues?
—Xenoglossia versus Glossolalia

Speaking in tongues, or “the gift of tongues” was one of several miraculous powers first given to
the apostles of Christ and other Christians in the first century. Today, those of the Charismatic or
Pentecostal persuasion claim to speak in tongues.
The original gift of tongues was the power to preach the gospel fluently in a language that the
speaker had never learned or known in any way. Such speech is technically called xenoglossia or
xenoglossy. The phenomena observed today is different. It is an “ecstatic utterance” technically
called “glossolalia”.

In this lesson we are going to...

 (1) Describe xenoglossia and glossolalia;

 (2) Look at the Biblical description of speaking in tongues;
 (3) Look at so-called “speaking in tongues” today.

1 The Phenomena: Xenoglossia and Glossolalia

xenoglossia “speaking in tongues” —that is, speaking in a language which one has never
learned or known.

Note —The term xenoglossia is defined in Chambers’s dictionary as “the spontaneous use of a
language which the speaker has never heard or learned. No scientifically attested case of
xenoglossia has ever come to light.” From Greek, xeno strange, glossa tongue.”

This phenomena, which can rightly be described as “the gift of tongues”, is the ability to speak
fluently a language one has never studied, had any exposure to, or “known” in any natural sense.
Yet one can speak it as well as people who do know it as their mother tongue. This phenomena is
not evident in the world today.

The fact that xenoglossia (xenoglossy) is not evident today, does not mean that it has never
occurred in the past. When it did happen, however, it was a miraculous event, because it is not a
natural or innate human ability.

glossolalia “ecstatic utterances” —that is, uttering language-like but unintelligible sounds
usually in a state of elation.

Note —The term “glossolalia” is defined in Chambers’s dictionary as “the phenomena of

spontaneously uttering unintelligible sounds believed to form part of an unknown language or
languages.” From Greek, glossa tongue, laleein to talk.

Glossolalia or “ecstatic utterance” is a common phenomenon, practised by many religions, pagan

as well as “Christian”. You can make recordings of it, examine it, write histories and case studies
about it. You can even practice it yourself if you so choose.

Two Components of Glossalalia

There are two components to this phenomena, neither of which is miraculous.

  Utterance of language-like sounds. There is nothing extraordinary about this. Even
children, before they speak a real language, chatter away in imitation of language, yet
unintelligibly. Anybody can do this.
 Ecstasy, trance-like elation. There is nothing extraordinary about this either. It is harder
to do on purpose than the first component, however anybody can do it without using
drugs. (Mind you, ecstasy should not be induced for its own sake, because it may give
you a high that is followed by depression and addiction.)

2 Tongues on the Day of Pentecost

Now let us examine the Biblical description of "speaking in tongues" to see which, if any, of
these two phenomena match that description.

A Miraculous Sign

According to the scriptures, speaking in tongues is one of several signs which were to follow
those who believed in Christ.

"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they
will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any
deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover"
(Mark 16:17-18).

This is not a complete list of miraculous signs. You might like to compare it with another list
found in 1Corinthians 12:7-11.

Note the signs...

 Casting out demons

 Speaking with new tongues
 Taking up serpents without harm
 Drinking deadly poison without harm
 Laying hands on the sick, who then recover

We are looking at a list of miraculous signs, not natural abilities. The speaking in new tongues is
therefore not glossolalia (ecstatic utterance) because that is a natural ability.

Acts 2:4-8 Description of Tongues

In Acts 2:4-8, the true Pentecostal tongues, spoken by the apostles, are described by the very
people who heard them: "We each hear in our own language in which we were born."

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the
Spirit gave utterance to them. Many Jews were staying in Jerusalem, pious men from every
nation under heaven. The crowd gathered as the news spread, and they were confounded,
because each heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled,
saying to each other, 'Look, aren't all those who speak Galilaeans? How then do we each hear in
the language of our birthplace? ...we hear them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of
God!'" (Acts 2:4-8,11).

Some say the miracle caused listeners to hear in their own language and therefore to understand
the speech. Why then did Paul criticise using the gift of tongues in church —saying that the
people listening do not understand the tongues being spoken and therefore are not edified by
what they hear (1Corinthians 14:1-28)?

The miracle recorded here was not in the hearing but in the speaking. The apostles "began to
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." The apostles were not speaking one
language whilst the people were hearing different languages to that which was spoken.

The apostles were actually speaking in the other tongues that people were hearing. They were
languages native and familiar to the hearers, but completely new to the apostles —languages
which the apostles had not learned by study, or by natural exposure, yet were suddenly able to
speak.

This scripture we have been looking at (Acts 2:4-8) is the only place in all of the Bible where
"speaking in tongues" is actually described. The phenomena is mentioned in several places, but
only in this one place is it described so that we may know exactly what happened.

It Wasn't Glossolalia

What Luke describes here in Acts 2:4-8 bears no similarity to what we observe when we hear
and see "ecstatic utterance" or glossolalia being practised.

Luke’s description does, however, fit perfectly with the definition of xenoglossia. We are forced
to conclude that the gift of tongues among Christians of New Testament times was miraculous
xenoglossia, not commonplace glossolalia.

3 Tongues Today

It Doesn't Happen Today

Australia is rich with citizens and visitors who know many exotic languages. But they will not
hear them when they listen to “ecstatic utterances” claimed to be “the gift of tongues” today.

They might hear plenty of hype and plenty of claims and plenty of noise. However they will not
be able to say, "We hear them speak in our own language to which we were born" (Acts 2:8).

Not Like the 1st Century Churches

The use of “tongues” today does not follow the practice of New Testament times. The primary
purposes of the gift of tongues was to be a sign to unbelievers and to teach them message of the
gospel (1Corinthians 14:19,22).
"In church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue... Tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while
prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers" (1Corinthians 14:19,22).

In church, people were not allowed to exercise the gift of tongues, but were to keep silent, except
for three at the most, provided they did not all talk at the same time, and that someone interpreted
for the sake of those who could not understand the language (1Corinthians 14:27-28).

"If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let
someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and
speak to himself and to God" (1Corinthians 14:27-28).

Folk who claim the gift of tongues today do not generally exercise the gift according to the order
and purpose laid down by Paul. Rather they generally compare more with the manner in which
the Corinthians exercised the gift before Paul corrected them.

Don't Be Deceived

Today’s ‘speaking in tongues’ is glossolalia. This is not the gift of New Testament times.

The true miraculous gift or sign described in the Bible is xenoglossia. This was a miraculous
power enabling a person to speak to others in their first language, even though the speaker did
not know that language.

Tongue-speakers today fail to do what the apostles did on the day of Pentecost. If you carefully
observe what passes for speaking in tongues today, you will not see any amazing miraculous sign
such as occurred on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13).

Another Lesson to Enjoy...

Acts 2:1-14 Study

—This page is a study of Acts 2:1-14. These verses tell of how the apostles received power
through a baptism of the Holy Spirit. This fulfilled the promise Jesus had made to them just
before his ascension (Acts 1:8). Touch the button title to go to that lesson with a link back to
this page.

Among Satan’s Followers

—Or standing with Jesus Christ?
In several places, the Bible complains that God’s people tend to be ignorant of God’s word,
unstable in their faith, and lukewarm in their devotion. Let us look at some of those places, and
use them as a mirror of our souls. Do we see a reflection of ourselves? Are we, who profess to be
followers of Christ, really his disciples, or are we really among Satan’s followers?

1 A Heart Far From God

Isaiah 29:13

"These people draw near with their words, and honour me with their lips, but they remove their
heart far from me. Their reverence for me is tradition learned by rote".

Many folk honour God with their lips, and follow a human tradition of religion, yet their hearts
are far from God. God seeks people who will worship him in heart and truth (John 4:23-24).
What about you?

2 Rejecting God’s Messenger

Luke 13:34-35.

"Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I
wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you
would not let me!" (Jesus)

When God sends someone among a people to teach them his word, the people often do not give
the messenger of God a warm welcome, but ignore, reject, persecute, even kill him. Instead they
gather to themselves teachers who will tickle their ears (2Timothy 4:3-4). What about you?

3 Easily Deceived by Antichrist

2Thess 2:9-12

"One is coming in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,
and with all deception and wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive a love
of the truth so as to be saved. And for this reason God will send upon them a strong delusion so
that they might believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the
truth but took pleasure in evil".

People tend to forget that great apostasy was foretold, and that among God’s people antichrist
and deception has arisen (1John 2:18-22, 2John 1:7-8). God wants people to "receive a love of
the truth" so that they will not be deluded into believing the lie. What about you?

4 Babes Who Never Grew Up

Hebrews 5:11-14
"...You have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have
need again for someone to teach you even the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and
you have come to need milk and not solid food. For every one whose food is milk, is not
accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food is for the mature, who
because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil".

Many people are hampered by illiteracy in the word of God. They are unfamiliar with the word
because they are not developing through daily use. God wants us to delight in his law and
meditate in it day and night (Psalms 1:2). If we don't, then we will always be babes on spiritual
milk, unable to partake of the solid spiritual food by which we grow strong and mature. What
about you?

5 Forgetful Hearers

James 1:22-25

"Prove yourselves to be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if
anyone is a hearer and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror, for
when he has looked at himself he goes away and immediately forgets what kind of person he
was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become
a forgetful hearer but rather an effective doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does".

Often the people who come to hear God’s word make little effort to remember it and to do what
it says. They are forgetful hearers. God wants us to wake up and to remember and keep his word
(Revelation 3:2-3). What about you?

Among Satan’s Followers

In this lesson we looked at a mere eleven passages of the many in the Bible that show that just
imagining or just pretending that we are with God is not enough. Many followers of Satan think
they are followers of God, because he so deceives them. We have to be sure that we are not
among Satan’s followers. We do that by loving the truth and making the scriptures a mirror and
light of our soul every day.

Sanctified When Saved, Not Later”

—More about “sanctification”

The facts we learned in our lesson on sanctification go against the idea of sanctification as a
“second blessing” which is given to us some time —possibly even years— after we are first
cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ.

1 The doctrine of the Second Blessing

The doctrine of the second blessing is that sanctification is not fully given to all who receive the
blessing of salvation. You can be saved, but not yet be entirely sanctified. Full sanctification is a
kind of second conversion that brings a person into a state of sinless perfection also called entire
sanctification.

The scriptures however allow no time-lapse between purification and sanctification. Nor are
there two states of purification —ordinary forgiveness from sin, followed later by a better
purification of "sinless perfection".

Questions Raised by the “Second Blessing” Idea

The doctrine of a second (extra) blessing, given some time after one's conversion, raises very
important questions. For example...

 Is the first state of purification and forgiveness less than perfect, and if so how can it
measure up to God’s standard of perfection?
 What else do we need, beside the precious blood of Christ, shed in his death upon the
cross, in order to be the more perfectly and lastingly pure?
 How does the high priesthood and intercession of Jesus Christ relate to this notion of
purification that isn't perfect at the first blessing?
 Of salvation, justification, reconciliation, redemption, and sanctification, which belong to
the first blessing and which to the second? And why split these blessings into two parcels
given at different times?

2 Paul Doesn't Teach It

In Ephesians, Paul addresses all members of God’s household, and promises them all that they
have received "every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3).

Even in the first two chapters, Paul tells the Ephesians that they were predestined, have
redemption, were sealed with the Spirit, were saved by grace, reconciled and brought near to
God, are fellow citizens with the saints or sanctified people, and are heirs in God’s household.

Later, in the last chapter, he tells them that "the full armor of God" is for their taking, that they
"might stand firm against the schemes of the devil."

3 Christ’s Full Blessing

The letter to the Hebrews also makes clear the blessings of all those who embrace the "new and
living way" (Hebrews 10:19-31). Note that this is not addressed to people for whom sin is
impossible.

 They can enter boldly into the holy place through the veil (v19)
 They have full assurance of faith (v22)
 Their hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience (v22)
 They have the knowledge of the truth (fully enlightened) (v26)
 They are sanctified by the blood of the covenant (v29)
Those who are sanctified are those who are fully forgiven, fully purified from sin, and fully
empowered to overcome sin. How more can we be blessed than to know that "the blood of Jesus
Christ cleanses us from all sin"? (1John 1:7-9, 2:1-2).

There is one salient and simple fact you can believe and understand regarding what it means to
be sanctified: "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1John 1:9).

That sanctification is an immediate, full, and ever-present blessing.

What does Christian separation mean? Your effectiveness as a Christian hangs on your concept
of what separation means. Perhaps most of our personal and church problems would be solved if
we had a biblical concept of what it really is.

This question of separation has been a bone of contention among Christians for many, many
years. Though I believe that the Scriptures are very clear on the matter, still I am sure that we
will not solve all the problems in this article. But we do want to take a good look at the subject.

You won't read very far in the New Testament without becoming aware of some very pointed
warnings to Christians concerning their danger from the world around them. Second Corinthians
6:14 is a very well known passage. "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers...and I
will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the
Lord Almighty."

These words, "come out from among them, and be ye separate" have been nailed to the masthead
of many denominations and church groups as the supremely important idea that Christians
should heed in these days.

Then we have that very strong passage in I John 2:15-17, "Love not the world, neither the things
that are in the world...For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and
the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the
lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."

James comes out with probably the strongest word of all along this line for he says very flatly
and plainly, "...know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever
therefore will be a friend of the world is an enemy of God."

Christian Lifestyle

Christian Lifestyle – Unchanged

What’s the purpose of living a Christian lifestyle? Choosing to make Jesus Christ the Lord of our
life changes our lifestyle dramatically. Friendships, activities, and even health issues receive
careful evaluation. While we formulate reasons for the way we live our Christian lives, God’s
purpose for our lives never changes.
  To remain connected to God through Jesus Christ (John 15:4–8). A life that’s cut off
from God withers and dies -- physically as well as spiritually. God desires to reproduce
His Son’s life through our fruitfulness.
 To remain faithful through persecution and to resist false doctrine (2 Timothy 3:12–17).
The apostle Paul expected situations to become worse as worldly pressures increased.
Our testimony and knowledge of the Scriptures arm us against any deceivers or deceptive
ideals.
 To present the Good News to a lost world (Mark 16:15-16; 1 Timothy 6:12) Like an
athlete or soldier, we present our best efforts to further the faith. Our transformed lives
compel us to share the Gospel’s impact not just for our “today,” but for our eternity.

Christian Lifestyle – Rules

Are there specific guidelines that constitute a Christian lifestyle? From theologian to theologian,
any “lifestyle” list would differ. Drinking, movies, music, dancing, politics, fashion, education . .
. to what degree do we shape our choices so we maintain a Christian lifestyle? “Do not copy the
behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the
way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do...” (Romans 12:2). For one year
A.J. Jacobs attempted to obey more than 700 rules and prohibitions found in the Bible. At the
end of one year he confessed, “I started the year as an agnostic, and now I am a reverent
agnostic.” A Christian lifestyle should never become a list of rules. We must take our attention
off mandates and focus on the Man. To paraphrase, “What did Jesus do?”

 Communicated continually with God (Matthew 11:25-26; Mark 6:46; 14:32)

 Acknowledged the significance of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 26)
 Obeyed the will of His Heavenly Father (Luke 22:42; John 6:38-39)
 Resisted temptation by steadfastness to the Word of God (Luke 4:1-13)
 Reached out to those considered hopeless and sinners (Mark 2:15-16; Luke 19:5-9)
 Served others, humbling Himself before His Heavenly Father (John 13:3-5, 12-15)
 Persevered in faith and love (John 4:34, John 9:4; John 17:23)

Christian Lifestyle – Inside Out

What are the outward and inward evidence of a Christian lifestyle? You can present an outward
appearance of holiness daily and still serve as a poor Christian witness (Matthew 23:27-28). To
live as a Christian requires having the character of Christ. A transformation must occur, as a
result of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling (Galatians 5:24-25).

When we truly practice a Christian lifestyle, the inward evidence becomes obvious. God’s glory
and power pours out upon all those around us. Our faith in the midst of turmoil flows from a
heart given to a loving Father. Every breath carries words of compassion and affirmation to a
hurting world. Those who live the Christian lifestyle live a confident life on the inside and
outside.

“This High Priest [Jesus Christ] of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the
same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious
God. There we will receive mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (Hebrews
4:15-16).
Lesson 90: What in the World is Worldliness? (John 17:13-19)

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April 26, 2015

What in the world is worldliness? That issue has spawned confusion, legalism, division, and just
plain weirdness among Christians down through church history. Some have thought that the cure
for worldliness is isolation from the world. In the 5th century, Simeon the Stylite tried to escape
from worldliness by living for 36 years on a platform on top of a pillar. Thousands flocked to see
him perched up there and to listen to his preaching. He spawned a movement of other pillar-
dwellers that lasted for 500 years!

In modern times, the Amish and some sects of the Mennonites are known for their distinctive
clothing and lifestyles that separate them from American culture. Many of them think that it’s
worldly to own or drive cars. Some, known as black bumper Mennonites, can drive black cars as
long as they paint all the worldly chrome black! My parents used to know a German Christian
woman who was disgusted with American Christians who judged her for drinking beer, while the
American Christians went to bowling alleys, which she regarded as worldly! My parents grew up
in the era when Christians thought that you were worldly if you did any of the “filthy five”:
smoking, drinking, dancing, going to movies, or playing cards. I never went to a movie until I
was 16 and I never have learned to dance.

On the other side, some Christians have reacted to separation from the world by becoming so
much like the world that there are no noticeable differences. They claim that they’re trying to
reach the world for Christ, but all too often their attempts to relate to the world end up
compromising biblical absolutes. First John 2:15-17 commands:

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and
the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing
away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

John doesn’t let us love the world a little bit, while we still claim to love God. He draws the line:
either you love God or you love the world. Take your pick, because you can’t have both!

So it’s important to understand biblically what worldliness is and what it is not. “World” (Greek
= cosmos) is a favorite word for John, who uses it 78 times in his Gospel (including 9 times in
our text), 24 times in his epistles, and 3 times in Revelation. It’s only used 85 other times in the
New Testament, 47 of which are in Paul’s writings (Leon Morris, The Gospel According to John
[Eerdmans], p. 126). It originally meant “order,” and it came to refer to the universe as the well-
ordered creation of God. It may refer to the physical world (John 1:10) or to the people of the
world (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2). In those senses, there is nothing wrong with loving the world. We
should enjoy God’s creation and we should love worldly people who need to know the Savior.

But John also uses the word to refer to the evil, organized system under Satan, which operates
through unbelieving people who are opposed to God. He writes (1 John 5:19), “We know that we
are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” Jesus spoke of the world
hating both Him and those who follow Him (John 7:7; 15:18-19). The world operates on the
basis of ungodly thoughts, attitudes, motives, values, and goals. It does not seek to promote
God’s glory or to submit to His lordship. It’s in this sense that we must not love the world. Here
in Jesus’ prayer we learn that …

Christians are to relate to the world as Jesus did: to be in it, but to be distinct from it.

1. Christians are to be in the world, as Jesus was in it.

Note three things:

A. Jesus was in the world, not isolated from worldly people.

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day thought that to be holy, you had to avoid all contact with sinners. So
they were shocked when Jesus chose a tax-collector named Levi (Matthew) as one of His
apostles and then went to a dinner party where Levi invited all of his notoriously sinful friends
(Luke 5:29-32). Another time, a Pharisee named Simon invited Jesus for dinner at his house. A
well-known sinful woman came in uninvited, anointed Jesus’ feet with her tears and some
perfume, and dried His feet with her hair (Luke 7:36-50). Simon was shocked. He thought that if
Jesus were a true prophet, He wouldn’t let such a woman even touch Him.

But Jesus’ philosophy was (Luke 5:31), “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but
those who are sick.” What good is a doctor who never sees sick people? So Jesus was known as a
friend of sinners (Matt. 11:19). If we want to be like Jesus, we also need to be in the world, not
isolated from sinful people.

This refutes the idea of monasticism as the model of unworldliness. Perhaps we Protestants
aren’t tempted to join a monastery or convent, but we often have our own form of isolationism.
I’ve heard Christians happily exclaim, “All of my work associates (or all of my neighbors) are
believers!” Great! But then where is your mission field? I confess that one of my problems as a
pastor is that I don’t have many natural contacts with unbelievers.

Another problem is that we have often reversed what Paul commanded. The Corinthian church
was boasting in their tolerant spirit of accepting a man who was sleeping with his father’s wife!
Paul was horrified and wrote to clarify (1 Cor. 5:9-11):

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the
immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you
would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-
called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard,
or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

I’ve known Christians who have no contact with unbelievers, but they’re friends with professing
Christians who are living in sin. Even when a church disciplines a sinning member, these
Christians continue friendly contact with the disciplined member. But Paul says we are not to
associate with such a one.

But before you head out to befriend worldly people, a word of caution is in order. Paul warned (1
Cor. 15:33): “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” So how do we
befriend worldly, sinful people without being corrupted ourselves? The answer lies in the second
way that Jesus was in the world:

B. Jesus was in the world with a divine mission.

Jesus came into this world with a clear purpose: to testify to the truth (John 18:37) and to seek
and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). John has repeatedly emphasized this by saying that Jesus was
sent into the world (John 17:18): “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the
world.” The Father had sent His Son into the world with the message of salvation through faith
in Him (John 3:16-18). He sends us with the same mission.

Jesus’ mission is behind His prayer in verse 19, “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they
themselves also may be sanctified in truth.” To sanctify means to set something apart for its
God-intended use. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial animals had to be sanctified or set apart
before they could be killed and offered to God. In prayer Jesus here is setting Himself apart for
the cross. His mission was that as a result of His death, His disciples would be set apart in truth.
D. A. Carson explains (The Farewell Discourse and Final Prayer of Jesus [Baker], p. 193),
“Jesus sets himself apart to perform his redemptive work on the cross, in order that the
beneficiaries of that work might set themselves apart to the work of mission.”

So the way to be a friend of sinners without being corrupted by them is to stay focused on your
mission. Your aim is not to carouse with them as you may have done in the past, but rather
lovingly to warn them of the judgment to come and to tell them the good news of the Savior (1
Pet. 4:1-6). But, don’t expect them to welcome you and your message with open arms! This
leads to the third way that Jesus was in the world:

C. Jesus was in the world with a realistic mindset: He expected opposition.

To be in the world and yet distinct from it because you hold to biblical truth will result in
hostility from the world. Jesus prays (John 17:14), “I have given them Your word; and the world
has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” God’s word, as
Jesus says (John 17:17), is truth. The world can tolerate us if we water down the truth. But even
if we say it graciously, if we proclaim God’s word as the absolute, unbending truth for all people,
we’ll catch the world’s hostility. As Jesus told His still unbelieving brothers (John 7:7), “The
world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil.” The minute
you say that certain behavior is evil, you will be accused of being intolerant and judgmental. If
you go into the world expecting to be popular and well-liked, you’ll be in for a rude awakening.
By all means, be in the world as Jesus was in it. But go with a realistic attitude: you will not be
welcomed by all.

To review: Jesus was in the world, not isolated from worldly people. But He was there with a
mission, to testify to the truth. He knew that while some would receive Him, many others would
not. We are to be in the world in the same way that our Savior was. We are to relate graciously to
sinful people with the mission of testifying to the truth. But go with the realistic understanding
that while some will respond favorably to the gospel, others will not.

2. Christians are to be distinct from the world as Jesus was distinct from it.

Twice (John 17:14b, 16) Jesus states, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
The first time, He is explaining why the world will hate His followers. The second time, He is
giving the reason why He asks the Father to keep them from the evil one. The repeated emphasis
shows that we are to be distinct from the world as Jesus was. Consider these five things:

A. To be distinct from the world is the path to genuine joy, not to depriving you of all your
fun.

Jesus prays (John 17:13), “But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that
they may have My joy made full in themselves.” Be honest: When you think of holiness, do you
think of genuine joy, or do you associate it with being deprived of a good time? Satan’s perpetual
lie is that sin will bring you lasting pleasure, while holiness deprives you of having fun. The truth
is, sin often brings immediate pleasure, but it always results in long-term pain and destruction.
Holiness may be more difficult in the short-run, but it always results in lasting joy and pleasure.
As David exults (Ps. 16:11), “You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is
fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

Here, Jesus prays that we would be holy or distinct from the world so that we may experience the
fullness of His joy. Jesus’ joy was that of unbroken fellowship with the Father and delight to do
the Father’s will (John 4:34; 8:29). To be distinct from the world, you’ve got to keep in mind that
holiness is the path to genuine, eternal joy, not the path to depriving you of fun.

B. To be distinct from the world, you must have a separate origin.

Jesus was not of this world because He came from above. We are not of this world because we
have been born from above through the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-8). The new birth sets us apart
from the world that does not know God.

Through the new birth, we have a new nature that desires to please God. We have a new Master,
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have a new power to overcome sin, the Holy Spirit who
dwells within us. We have a new purpose in life, to glorify our Savior in all that we do and to tell
others the good news of His salvation. We have a new identity as the people of God, members of
Christ’s body, the church. We have a new destiny; we will be in heaven with our Lord
throughout eternity. (Some of these points are from A. W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of
John, online at pbministries.org.)

So the crucial question is, have you been born again? Has God changed your heart and your
desires? Have you trusted in Jesus Christ and His shed blood as your only hope in life and in
death? Apart from the new birth, every attempt to be distinct from the world will be legalism or
asceticism, neither of which result in genuine holiness or lasting joy. As Jesus said to the
legalistic Nicodemus (John 3:7), “You must be born again.”

C. To be distinct from the world, you must develop a separate mindset that comes from
God’s Word.

In John 17:14, Jesus prays, “I have given them Your word.” Again in verse 17, He prays,
“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” And again in verse 19 He prays “that they
themselves may be sanctified in truth.”

Marcus Rainsford (Our Lord Prays for His Own [Moody Press], p. 216) observed, “If there is
one thing more remarkable than another in the recorded life of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is His
constant endorsement of Scripture, and His evident faith in, and constant use of Scripture.” He
adds that if anyone was ever qualified to speak on his own apart from Scripture, it was Christ.
And yet He never did so.

In John 5:39, He told the hostile Jewish leaders, “You search the Scriptures because you think
that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me.” He said (John 7:38) that “the
Scripture said” the Holy Spirit would be given to those who believe in Him. He later called the
Scriptures “the word of God” and asserted that they cannot be broken (John 10:35). When He
predicted Judas’ betrayal, He explained that it was “that the Scripture may be fulfilled” (John
13:18). After His resurrection, He told the disciples (Luke 24:44), “These are My words which I
spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of
Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Luke (24:45) adds, “Then He opened
their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Jesus was saturated with the Scriptures.

And here (John 17:17) He calls God’s word “the truth.” He doesn’t say that God’s word contains
the truth or that it is one truth among many. Rather, its very essence is truth. It is the absolute,
final, and eternal source and standard of truth against which all else is to be measured. God’s
truth does not vary from culture to culture or from age to age. All spiritual and moral truth is
contained in God’s written word.

Jesus says that God’s word will sanctify us or set us apart from the world for God’s purpose.
Whether you are worldly or godly is primarily a matter of how you think. In Romans 12:2, Paul
tells us how not to be worldly: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good
and acceptable and perfect.” Our minds are transformed and renewed as we saturate them in
God’s word so that we think biblically about all of life.
Thus to be distinct from this world, realize that it is the path to genuine joy, not the path to
depriving you of fun. Make sure that you have been born again. Develop a separate mindset that
comes from God’s Word.

D. To be distinct from this world, live in obedience to God’s Word.

Knowing God’s Word is foundational; you can’t obey what you don’t know. But I’ve known
many Christians who know the truth, but they don’t obey it. Personal application is always the
goal of Bible study. As you read and study the Word, always ask, “So what?” How does this
Scripture apply to my life? Do I need to change the way I think? Do I need to change my
attitude? Is my speech pleasing to God and edifying to others? Are there sinful habits that I need
to destroy? Are there godly character qualities that I need to develop? Do I need to adjust my
priorities and change my daily schedule? Do I need to be a better steward of the resources that
God has entrusted to me?

Becoming an obedient, godly person is related to our mission of testifying to the truth of Christ.
Andreas Kostenberger (John [Baker], p. 496) observes, “Personal holiness is not to be an end in
itself but a means to an end: reaching the lost world for Christ.” J. C. Ryle (Expository Thoughts
on the Gospels [Baker], 4:195) comments, “Holy living is the great proof of the reality of
Christianity. Men may refuse to see the truth of our arguments, but they cannot evade the
evidence of a godly life.”

For example, when people at work are complaining about the boss or the lousy pay, you are
cheerfully thankful because you’re obeying Philippians 2:14-15: “Do all things without
grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children
of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you
appear as lights in the world.” When someone cuts you down with an unkind remark, you
respond with grace and kindness, because you’re obeying 1 Peter 3:8-9: “To sum up, all of you
be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for
evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose
that you might inherit a blessing.” You’re distinct from this evil world because you’re obedient
to God’s Word. Finally,

E. To be distinct from this world, realize that you’re in enemy territory.

Jesus prays (John 17:15), “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from
the evil one.” This may be translated, “keep them from evil,” but the definite article indicates
that Jesus was referring to Satan, the evil one. Peter warns (1 Pet. 5:8), “Be of sober spirit, be on
the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to
devour.” In the context, Satan especially is prowling when you’re going through difficult trials.
That’s when you need to be on special alert, resisting him by being firm in your faith. If a real
lion was on the loose in Flagstaff, you’d be especially careful when you walked to your car after
church. A real lion is on the loose in Flagstaff! Walk carefully!

Again, this relates to our mission of testifying to the truth. Peter himself had succumbed to the
enemy’s attack when he denied Christ three times on the night of Jesus’ arrest (Luke 22:31). But
 thankfully, because of God’s grace, Peter was restored and God used him to preach powerfully
on the Day of Pentecost, resulting in 3,000 being saved.

Conclusion

Each of us needs to apply our Lord’s words in our text according to our own needs. Some, like
me, need to be more in the world. I’m too isolated. I can’t bear witness if I don’t have contact
with worldly people. Others may need to be more distinct from the world. You can’t bear witness
if you live just as the world lives. We should relate to the world as our Savior did: to be in it, but
distinct from it.

Application Questions

1. Which side do you need to apply more: Are you too isolated from the world or are you too much
like the world?
2. Do you have a sense of mission in your contacts with the world? How can this sense of mission
be developed?
3. When does the attempt to avoid worldliness become legalism or asceticism? See Col. 2:16-23.
4. Obviously, some Old Testament commands are no longer valid in the New Testament era. How
do we know which ones?
5. A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST JESUS
6. “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3 (NIV)
7. I. EVERY SOLDIER OF CHRIST JESUS IS A VOLUNTEER:
8. There are no draftees in the army of the Lord. “But if serving the LORD seems
undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for
me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
9. II. A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST SHOULD ALWAYS BE “IN UNIFORM”:
10. In today’s military, a servicepersons who are off duty are not required to wear their
uniforms. I served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. We were required to wear “the
uniform of the day” until we were ready to go to bed at night. That requirement remained
in effect until President Truman declared an end to the national emergency. Since the
good soldier of Christ Jesus has no “down time” but is in “battle mode” every minute of
every day, he is always to be “in uniform.”
11. All operations of the army of Christ Jesus are overt (open to view), indeed for the entire
world to see. One may ask: “What is the uniform of a true soldier of Christ Jesus?” The
Bible gives us the answer. “Clothe yourselves with the new man, which was created
according to the likeness of God in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24
(ISV)
12. III. THE WAR IN WHICH WE ARE CALLED TO FIGHT:
13. "For we wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places.” Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
14. IV. A GOOD SOLDIER IN CHRIST JESUS MUST BE EQUIPPED TO FIGHT.
15. The soldier in Christ’s army has been equipped for the battlefield, not for the parade
grounds! In our war with Satan we are not granted “R and R”. Our struggle is constantly
being waged. If we let down our guard for a single moment, the enemy will attack!
 Notice the wording: not “might attack”…but “will attack”. Be sure you leave none of
your equipment in the barracks or the tent. Paul tells us: “Therefore take up the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand.” Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV)
16. V. A GOOD SOLDIER WILL ALWAYS BE IN HIS APPOINTED PLACE:
17. “While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as
they fled.” Judges 7:21 (NIV). Not a single chink in Gideon’s army!
18. The story is told of a young soldier in the army of Alexander the Great who, during one
violent battle, could not control the fear that gripped him. The young man turned from the
battle and fled. In the course of his attempt to flee, an officer apprehended him and took
in chains to stand before the great general. Alexander the Great asked the young soldier
his name to which the frightened soldier replied: “Alexander, sir.” The great general
harshly declared: “Young man, change your ways or change your name! Now, return to
your duty station and see to it that you never stand before me again with such a charge
made against you.”
19. After the battle was over and the army of Alexander the Great had prevailed, the same
officer took the liberty to take young Alexander to his commander, but this time not in
chains. The officer reported that the young soldier returned to his unit as he was told to
do, and in the course of the rest of the battle conducted himself with outstanding valor
and bravery. The great general was so impressed that he promoted and decorated both
Alexander and the officer. And as Paul Harvey would say: “That’s the rest of the story!”
20. A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST JESUS WILL ALWAYS OBEY HIS CAPTAIN’S
COMMANDS:
21. "This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17 (NASB) Notice that
obedience to this command is not optional.
22. Jesus, on another occasion said, “The one who has My commands and keeps them is the
one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will
love him and will reveal Myself to him.” John 14:21 (HCSB)
23. VII. A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST JESUS WILL BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH:
24. Such faithfulness will be gloriously rewarded. “Be faithful unto death and I will give you
the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 (NKJV)
25. One impressive characteristic which marks the good soldier of Christ Jesus, that same
good soldier who is a blood-bought believer in Christ, is that his loyalty stands the test of
time. Our Lord proclaimed, “He who endures to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13
(NKJV)
26. “Am I A Soldier Of The Cross?” was written in 1709 by Isaac Watts following a sermon
he preached on “Holy Fortitude”. Dr. Watts took 1 Corinthians 16:13 as his text, “Watch
ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” This hymn’ asks each of us are
we willing to stand up for our faith and quit ourselves as good soldiers of Christ Jesus.
The hymn was sung often by Ira Sankey in the great Dwight L. Moody evangelistic
meetings held around the world. We would do well to consider its message as it might
apply to our own lives today.

27. How to Live a Disciplined Life

28. Hebrews 12
29. Jim Davis
30. Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with
perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its
shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured
such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV)
31. There is a race marked out for each of us by those who have gone before us. The
preceding chapter speaks of those who ran their race faithfully. God marked out the
course for them to pursue, and through their faithfulness they have left us a clear trail to
follow.
32. The race marked out before us is a race we must run for it is a race for life, eternal life.
33. When you are involved in a race for life, there is no way you can afford to be hindered.
You must calculate so as to win the race. You must get rid of and avoid all that would be
a hindrance in the race for life. It is easy to get entangled in things that rob us of a
triumphant victory.
34. The Bible often refers to our salvation as a race for life.
35. 1 Corinthians 9:23-27
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know
that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get
the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get
a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do
not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat
my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be
disqualified for the prize. (NIV)
36. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is
in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will
award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his
appearing. (NIV)
37. 2 Timothy 2:1-5
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have
heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be
qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No
one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-- he wants to please his
commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the
victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. (NIV)
38. There are some essentials we must observe if we are to win the race for life.
39. We Must Look to Jesus
40. Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with
perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its
shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured
such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV)
41. The Hebrews being addressed in this letter were getting weary and wanting to quit before
they finished the race. They were encouraged to stay in the race to the finish line.
42. Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on
to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider
myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and
straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
43. The race for life is a race of endurance because there are no shortcuts; there must be no
looking back and wishing what might have been. We must keep our eye on the goal,
which is Christ.
44. Sin can easily entangle us and weigh us down. It is possible to become entangled in
personal sin so as to get tangled up and trip. It is easy to become entangled in sin when
our hearts are unreceptive to the word, as were the Hebrews (5:12-14).
45. Mark 4:13-20
Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you
understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the
path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the
word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at
once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When
trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others,
like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness
of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it
unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a
crop-thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown." (NIV)
46. "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not
grow weary and lose heart." The only way we can run the race joyfully is to allow the
burden of our sin to fall upon Christ. We must allow the burden of our personal sin to fall
upon Christ. However, we are not just talking about our personal sin, we are also talking
about the sin of those who sin against us. When others sin against us it is easy to become
weighted down with their insults, but we must never forget that the insults of others fall
upon Christ. The only way we can bear up under such insults is to throw the weight of
that burden upon Christ. Christ said, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on
me." Christ wants you to cast the burden of sin upon him.
47. Romans 15:1-4
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please
ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even
Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you
have fallen on me." For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,
so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
(NIV)
48. Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my
yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find
rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)
49. 1 Peter 5:6-9
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due
time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout
the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV)
50. Although we have a great cloud of witness in the preceding chapter, Christ is the perfect
one to whom we must look.
51. 1 Peter 2:21-25
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that
you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his
mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he
made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore
our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by
his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you
have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (NIV)
52. The Hebrews were beginning to sink spiritually because their senses had become so dull
that they were losing sight of Jesus Christ. They needed to patiently endure the hardships
in order to build endurance and perseverance.
53. Christians Should Expect Difficulties
54. There is no way that we can run the race for our lives without experiencing God’s
discipline. Many of us seek to live a life sheltered from the difficulties, but it is
impossible. In fact, it is the experience of dealing with problems that builds our spiritual
muscles for a race of endurance. Too often we want to avoid the very things that will
eventually make us spiritually strong.
55. Hebrews 12:4-11
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son,
do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6
because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a
son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not
disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes
discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all
had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more
should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a
little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in
his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it
produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
(NIV)
56. The Christian life has incomparable compensation, but also makes rigorous demands. If
the Christian life presents no difficulties for us, then we are probably not Christians. Have
you ever met anyone who acts as though they never make mistakes, these people are
deceived.
57. 2 Timothy 3:10-16
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience,
love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings-what kinds of things happened to me in
 Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from
all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and
being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become
convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy
you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
58. We must "endure hardships as discipline."(12:7) The easiest thing to do when
hardships comes is to feel deserted by God. However, endurance is developed as we
allow our hardships to discipline us into a better way of living. When you endure
hardships as discipline, God will help you use your difficulties to become better
Christians. Through God’s wisdom we are enabled to turn our difficulties into
opportunities for growth as we accept them as discipline. You may think that every
problem you face has the potential to destroy you, but problems reveal our potential.
Problems help us develop a proper perspective of life. They give us insight for living
successfully. Don’t ask yourself, "Why do I have this problem?" Ask yourself, "How can
I use this problem to strengthen myself for further service."
59. It is impossible to develop such an attitude without focusing on God’s purpose for your
life. When you love God and seek his will for your life, he works all things out for your
good (Romans 8:28). Even our problems become a blessing under the mighty hand of
God. Paul’s thorn in the flesh made him rely upon the strength of God’s grace to save
him. When you develop this perspective on Christian living, you discover the joy of
living for Christ.
60. It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually. Problems help us
distinguish between success and failure. Problems create situations in which we can
grow. The very things we want to avoid in life are the things that nurture us and shape us
into the persons we should be.
61. A proper response to our problems will bring healing. "Therefore, strengthen your feeble
arms and weak knees. 'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be
disabled, but rather healed." (Hebrews 12:12-13 NIV)
62. Discipline Requires an Attitude of Thankfulness
63. Being part of Christ's kingdom that cannot be shaken is the bases for our gratefulness. It
is encouraging to know that God rules our lives in such a way that our troubles cannot
shake our faith when it is rooted in God. This is the greatest thing we have to be thankful
for.
64. Hebrews 12:28-29
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful,
and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming
fire." (NIV)
65. We must develop an attitude of gratefulness to prevent a root of bitterness from springing
up and taking control of our lives. Ingratitude is the leading cause of bitterness. When
bitterness enters our lives it opens the door to all kinds of ungodliness.
66. Hebrews 12:14-17
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one
will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root
grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is
 godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.
Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He
could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. (NIV)
67. When we become grateful for God's work in our lives we can seek holiness rather than
happiness. The Hebrew writer says, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and
to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the
grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." This is
hard to do in our society, because our world is geared to seek happiness at the expense of
holiness. In our world happiness is the goal of life, but in the spiritual realm holiness is
the thing strive for. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart" (Matthew 5:8). If we try to
bypass holiness in our search for happiness we will miss it all together.
68. Esau's ungratefulness resulted in ungodliness."See that no one is sexually immoral, or
is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.
Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He
could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears."
(Hebrews 12:16-17 NIV) Esau's bitter tears of regret were the result of his
ungratefulness. His ungratefulness was revealed in his willingness to sell his inheritance
for a bowl of pottage.
69. Gratefulness allows us to seek solutions for our problems rather than sympathy. When we
seek solutions rather than sympathy we begin to see our problems in a different light. A
woman confined to a wheelchair all her life, and a friend who was trying to encourage
her said, "You know, afflictions really color life, don't they?" The woman in the
wheelchair replied, "Yeah, but I choose the color." Many people would solve their
problems if they would go for a solution rather than sympathy.
70. We can be grateful because we have better promises and a better hope.
71. Hebrews 12:18-24
You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to
darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that
those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not
bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned."
The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear." But you have
come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have
come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the
firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all
men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new
covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
(NIV)
72. The legal code struck fear in the heart of Moses and his followers. They dared not touch
the mountain on which God appear for fear of being struck dead. Now we come to the
city of living God who makes the spirits of righteous men perfect. We have a mediator
who has cleansed us from our sins in his own blood. The message now that we have been
cleansed from sin is that God desires to live within each of us. God is approachable and is
a very present help in time of need.
73. We must not allow problems to shake our faith in Christ for to do so will bring greater
judgment. Our refusal to accept God's grace gratefully will bring greater judgment. The
 next time God shakes this earth in judgment the earth will be destroyed and only that
which cannot be shaken will remain.
74. Hebrews 12:25-27
See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused
him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who
warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised,
"Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more"
indicate the removing of what can be shaken-- that is, created things-- so that what cannot
be shaken may remain. (NIV)
75. Have you allowed sin to shake your faith in Christ?
76. Hebrews 10:25-29
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we
deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no
sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that
will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without
mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think
a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has
treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has
insulted the Spirit of grace? (NIV)
77. Conclusion:
78. The happiest people on earth are not people without problems. The happiest people on
earth are people who have learned to appreciate the possibilities for growth that problems
bring. Such persons live unshakable lives.

79. Worldliness in the Church Today

H.E. Phillips

80. There is a great contrast between the powers of darkness and the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
The polarity of evil is strong and constant. The power of truth makes men free and
purifies the soul (John 8:32; 1 Peter 1:22). It takes continual vigilance and great effort to
stay in the right way and oppose the evil appeals that lead downward to hell. It takes self
denial and strong resistance to the appeal of Satan to keep oneself unspotted from the
world.
81. It is not possible to be of Christ and of the world at the same time. This is the impossible
position many are trying to occupy today, but the end is always the same; they are swept
up in the current of worldly interest and lost. If one is the friend of the world he is the
enemy of God. We are not to love the world, neither the things that are in the world. We
must keep ourselves unspotted from the world.
82. Worldliness is not clearly defined in the minds of many. Some think of it as some definite
word or deed, and forget the state of the heart in the matter. Actually, worldliness is that
state of mind that is expressed in various activities of life. That deed or word is simply
the expression of worldliness already present in the heart. "For they that are after the
flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the
 Spirit" (Rom. 8:5). Because of the gross misunderstanding of what worldliness really
involves, many people are about as worldly as they can get while being accepted by
society in general as being good, religious people. For this reason we need to learn what
causes worldliness among Christians, how it develops and how it may be detected. It is in
order to give some space to the causes and development of worldly minded people in the
church before we consider how worldliness is expressed in life.
83. What do we mean by worldliness? A man is actually what he thinks. "For as he thinketh
in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7). Jesus said, "But those things which proceed out of the
mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed
evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, blasphemies: these
are the things which defile the man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a
man"(Matt. 15:17-20). "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of
life" (Prov. 4:23).

What we are is the result of what we see, hear, feel and do. Each person endowed with
the mental ability to be responsible for his own conduct must decide between good and
evil in all his deeds, his judgments and his speech. His decision must necessarily come
from whatever force governs his thinking. If he is led by the lusts of the flesh, his conduct
will be worldly; if he is led by the Spirit of God, his conduct will be in harmony with the
will of Christ. This defines the difference between a moral and immoral person. We
understand that one may be a moral person in some respects and not be a Christian. In
respect to his moral conduct he is doing what the Spirit directs whether he knows it or
not. In short, when one's thinking and conduct is in harmony with the will of God, he is
right; he is moral. Otherwise, he is immoral.

Of course, we understand that Satan is the original cause of all unrighteousness. He uses
wiles (Eph. 6:11) and a snare (2 Tim. 2:26) to accomplish his defilement of humanity.
Satan does not appear with his snare (a trap, allurement to do evil) and wiles (craft,
deceit, a cunning device) as is generally pictured to us with horns, an evil face and a fork
in his hand. This would appeal to no one of reason. Instead, he appears as a "good" agent
of peace, wealth, pleasure and happiness. The scriptures speak thus of Satan's
appearance: "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of
righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Cor. 11:14-15). We can
expect Satan to appeal through the most desirable lusts of mankind. Whatever be our
weaknesses, there we may expect him to labor to entrap us. We should teach our children
that Satan approaches through those things that appear easy and desirable, but which are
based upon the lusts of the flesh and not the true standard of right and wrong.

Everyone who is not in Christ is of the world. We could not properly speak of an alien
sinner as becoming worldly because he is already in the world and of the world. No
matter how good he may be morally, he is in the powers of darkness - he is of the world -
until he is delivered from this state by obedience to the gospel of Christ. Therefore, when
we speak of worldliness developing among people, we necessarily confine the subject to
those who have been delivered from this present evil world and are turning back again to
this state from which they were delivered. Worldliness develops among those who are not
 worldly; it could not develop among those who are already worldly. One who has
pneumonia does not "'develop" pneumonia. We recognize that worldly minded persons
can grow worse, and in this sense worldliness can develop to more serious consequences
among people of this earth.
84. What causes worldliness to develop among the people of God? The heart must be right
for the seed of the lust of the flesh. We certainly cannot lay the blame to God or His
word. We can not charge those who walk after the Spirit and keep themselves unspotted
from the world. We must look to conditions among the people of God that are promoted
by Satan. The heart of man is the soil in which the seed of the word of God is planted and
grows to righteousness. This is also the soil in which the evil seed of Satan is planted and
grows to unrighteousness. Man's words and deeds are the results of his thinking. The
heart is the seat of all responsible conduct. The heart is good or evil, depending upon that
which is believed and desired. If the heart is under the control of Satan through the lusts
of the flesh, the conduct will be directed by the god of this world - Satan. But if the heart
is under the control of Christ through his word by the Spirit, the conduct will be directed
by the King - Christ. Now what causes the development of worldliness among the saints?

Why does worldliness exist? There are at least four reasons: 1) The love of money, 2)
Lustful pleasure, 3) The pride of life, and 4) Lack of faith.
85. How does worldliness develop? At least five things combine to provide favorable
conditions wherein worldliness may develop within the church. Professional preaching
is a major cause of worldly attitudes among the people of God. When one begins to
preach for wealth, praise and power, he will preach what the people want to hear. Many
want to hear what will not condemn what they are doing or want to do and will not
burden them with too many obligations. "For the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables" (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Those who do not want sound doctrine will ''heap to
themselves" those teachers who will preach what the people want to hear, and enough
money will do the trick. Those who preach the word deserve to be supported; God
ordained it (1 Cor. 9:14). But to preach anything other than the gospel of Christ for
money can produce nothing but worldly minded disciples who are not of the Lord, but of
Satan. Failing to preach the word of God completely and without compromise leads to
worldliness.
86. Another cause of worldliness in addition to commercial preaching is unqualified elders.
Those men who are not qualified to lead and tend the flock of God, or those who are
unwilling to do so, lead to minding the things of the world rather than the things of God.
Instead of overseeing the flock which is among them and leading in the way of truth,
unqualified bishops develop loose and liberal attitudes toward sin and worldly affairs that
produce worldliness among many in the church.
87. The direct outgrowth of commercial preaching and unqualified bishops is another cause
of worldliness: unconverted "church members." There are hundreds who are numbered
with the saints who have never been persuaded that Christ is the Saviour, that the gospel
is the only power to lead men to salvation, and that they are sinners. These have been
ducked in water without any real conviction and repentance. These people still mind the
things of the world and they influence others in the church to become worldly minded.
 Some are so carnal that they can not think in terms of spiritual things. That is a good field
for the devil.

A fourth cause of worldliness is the lack of discipline in many congregations. When we

have the combination of preachers who are more interested in the praise of men than the
praise of God, unqualified and ungodly overseers, and unconverted "church members" we
should expect no discipline at all upon those who walk in unrighteousness. We must
teach people the word of the Lord and if they will not walk in truth, deal with them as the
word of God instructs (2 Thess. 3:6; 2 John 9:10; Rom. 16:17).
88. There is a definite pattern in the development of worldliness among Christians. The
attitude toward authority begins the downward path toward apostasy. Since worldliness
is that state of mind that is governed by the god of this world - Satan (2 Cor. 4:4), and
since the authority of Christ is the power that separates us from this world, any disregard
or disrespect for this authority will lead away from Christ and toward the world. Jesus
charged the scribes and Pharisees with transgressing the command of God by their
traditions (Matt. 15:3). These traditions were called the commandments of man (Matt.
15:9).

The loss of respect for the authority of Christ grows out of the loss of the love for the
truth. Jesus said: "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold"
(Matt. 24:12). The urge to conform to the world grows as love for Christ wanes. "And be
not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye
may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rom. 12:2).
Once this urge to conform to this world becomes strong enough that we try to divide
allegiance between Christ and the world, we have developed worldliness in heart that will
show itself in many deeds and words in life. This is what we mean by worldliness, and
this is why so many today are trying to compromise with the things of this world that lead
away from God and destroy the power of preaching in the hearts of many. The final
article in this series will deal with the manner in which worldliness is shown in life.
89.

Should Women be Pastors and Elders?

Does the Bible support the idea that women can be pastors and elders? No, it does not.
According to Scripture women are not to be pastors and elders. Let's take a look.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, the Garden of Eden, and Adam and Eve.
He put Adam in the garden and gave him the authority to name all the animals. Afterward, God
made Eve as a helper to Adam.1 This is an important concept because Paul refers to the order of
creation in his epistle to Timothy when he discusses the relationship between men and women in
the church context. Let's take a look.

 1 Timothy 2:12-14, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a
man, but remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was
not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into
transgression."
  1 Timothy 3:15, "but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought
to conduct himself in the household of God,, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and support of the truth.

At the very least, there is an authority structure set up by God. The woman is not to have
authority over the man (1 Timothy 2:12) in the church context, "the household of God," (1
Timothy 3:15). This verse is not about political, social, or economic aspects of the secular realm.
It is not about a "patriarchal society" at the time of Paul. This is the instruction to the household
of God and anchors its teaching on the doctrinal truth that Adam was created first.

When we look further at Paul's teachings, we see that the bishop/overseer is to be the husband of
one wife (1 Timothy 3:2), who manages his household well, and has a good reputation (1
Timothy 3:4-5, 7). Deacons must be "men of dignity" (1 Timothy 3:8). Paul then speaks of
women in verse 11 and their obligation to receive instruction. Then in verse 12, Paul says "Let
deacons be husbands of one wife..." Again, in Titus 1:5-7, Paul says, "For this reason I left you
in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed
you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who
believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as
God's steward..." Notice that Paul interchanges the word 'elder' and 'overseer'.

The Greek for "husband of one wife" is found in these verses

 1 Timothy 3:2, "andra mias gunaikos"; andra = man/husband; mias = of one; gunaikos =
woman/wife
 1 Timothy 3:12, "andres mias gynaikos"; andres = men/husbands; mias = of one;
gunaikos = woman/wife
 Titus 1:6, "aner mias gunaikos"; aner = man/husband; mias = of one; gunaikos =
woman/wife

In other words, each is saying a "man of one woman", or a "one woman man". Notice that the
biblical instruction is that the elders, biship, overseers must be men. 'Andra', 'andres' and 'aner'
all are cognates of the same word in Greek meaning man, husband. In each case, the one who is
an elder, deacon, bishop, or overseer is instructed to be male2. He is the husband of one wife
('aner mias gunaikas', 'man of one woman'), responsible, able to "exhort in sound doctrine and to
refute those who contradict" (Titus 1:9). We see no command for the overseers to be women.
On the contrary, women are told to be "dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful
in all things," (1 Timothy 3:11). Why is it that it is the men who are singled out as the overseers?
It is because of the created order of God that Paul references (Gen. 1-2; 1 Timothy 2:12-14).
This is not merely a social custom that fell away with ancient Israel.

Being a Pastor or Elder is to be in Authority

God is a God of order and balance. He has established order within the family (Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor.
11:3; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-21) and the church (1 Timothy 2:11-14; 1 Cor. 11:8-9). Even
within the Trinity, there is an order, a hierarchy. The Father sent the Son (John 6:38), and both
the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26).3 Jesus said, "For I have come
down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me," (John 6:38). It is
clear that God is a God of order and structure. This applies in the Christian church as well.

In creation, God made Adam first and then Eve to be his helper. This is the order of creation. It
is this order that Paul mentions in 1 Timothy 2:11-14 when speaking of authority. Being a pastor
or an elder is to be in the place of authority. Therefore, within the church, for a woman to be a
pastor or elder, she would be in authority over men in the church which contradicts what Paul
says in 1 Timothy 2:11-14.

What about Deborah?

In the Old Testament Deborah was a judge in Israel and had authority over men. This is true, but
the Old Testament judge was not a New Testament elder. The contexts are different. Paul's
instruction is to the New Testament church, not Old Testament judges.

What About Galatians 3:28?

Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is
neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

This verse is often used to support the idea that women can hold the offices of elder and pastor
because there is neither male nor female in Christ. The argument states that if we are all equal,
then women can be pastors.

Unfortunately, those who use this verse this way have failed to read the context. Verse 23 talks
about being under the Law "before faith came" and how we are brought closer to Jesus and have
become sons of God by faith. We are no longer under law, but grace and we are "Abraham's
offspring, heirs according to the promise," (v. 29).4 The point of this passage is that we are all
saved by God's grace according to the promise of God and that it doesn't matter who you are -
Jew, Greek, slave, free, male, or female. All are saved the same way - by grace. In that, there is
neither male nor female.

This verse is not talking about church structure or offices therein. It is talking about salvation "in
Christ." Therefore, it cannot be used to support women as pastors because that isn't what it is
talking about. Instead, to find out about church structure and leadership, you need to go to those
passages that talk about it: 1 Timothy 2-3 and Titus 1.

But Doesn't This Teaching Belittle Women?

Male leadership does not belittle women. Jesus was given his authority by God the Father (Matt.
28:18). He was sent by God (John 6:38). He said the Father was greater than He (John 14:28).
Did this belittle Jesus? Of course not. Women are of great value in the church and need to be
used more and more according to the gifts given them. But it must be according to scripture.

Does the wife's submission to the husband mean that she is less than the husband, less important,
or belittled? Again, not at all. Not having a place of leadership in the church does not mean a
woman is less of a person, less important to God, or inferior. All are equal before God whether it
be Jew, Gentile, free, slave, male, or female. But in the church, God has set up an order the same
way he set one up in the family. It is not an issue of being belittled. It is an issue of being
faithful to God's word and those who are not, belittled the word of God.

What About Women Who Say They are Called By God to Be Pastors?

There are women pastors in the world who love their congregations and have said that they are
called by God to be pastors. Of course, I cannot agree with this considering the previous
analysis of the biblical position. God would not act in a manner to contradict his word. Instead,
they have usurped the position of men and gone against scriptural revelation. Additionally, those
who state that they are called by God because of the great job they are doing and the gifting they
have received, are basing their theology upon experience and not scripture. This is,
unfortunately, a common occurrence in the Christian church today where experience, desires,
and wants are often placed above Scripture.

What About a Missionary Woman Who Establishes a Church?

Scripture establishes the norm. As Christians, we apply what we learn from the word to the
situations at hand. So, what about the situation where a woman missionary has converted a
group of people, say in the jungle somewhere, and she has established a church? In that church,
she is then functioning as a pastor and teacher having authority over men in the church. Should
she not do this?

First of all, she should not be out there alone. She should be with her husband or, at the very
least, under the oversight of a church body in the presence of other women and men. Missionary
work is not a lone endeavor to be handled by single women.

Second, if in some highly unusual set of circumstances there is a woman in a lone situation, it is
far more important that the word of God be preached and the gospel of salvation go forth to the
lost than not. Whether it be male or female, let the gospel be spoken. However, I would say that
as soon as there is/are males mature enough to handle eldership, then she should establish the
proper order of the church as revealed in scripture and thereby show her submission to it.

Does this also mean that women shouldn't wear jewelry?

1 Timothy 2:9-13, "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly
and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; 10 but rather by
means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness. 11 Let a woman quietly
receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or
exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created,
and then Eve."

Some argue that if we are to forbid women to be elders, then the context of 1 Timothy 2:9-13
demands that we require women to no have braided hair, wear gold, or have costly garments.
Since no one wants to put that sort of a demand on a woman (since it is cultural), then why
should we also demand that they not be elders since it would logically follow that it was also a
culturally based admonition?

The problem here is that multifaceted. First, the objection ignores what the scriptures plainly
teach about the elder being the husband of one wife. Second, it fails to address the real issue of
biblical headship residing in the male. Third, it fails to properly exegete the scripture in
question.

In 1 Timothy 2:9-13, Paul tells us that women should be modestly dressed. He uses the example
of the then present-day adornment as an example of what not to do. This is a culturally based
assessment by Paul. Notice that Paul emphasizes good works and godliness as a qualifier (as
does Peter, see 1 Pet. 3:2). This is not a doctrinal statement tied to anything other than being a
godly woman in appearance as well as attitude.

In verse 11, Paul says that a woman should quietly receive instruction. Please note that "The
word, hesuchia, translated “quietness” in 1 Timothy 2:11 and silent in verse 12, does not mean
complete silence with no talking. It is clearly used elsewhere (Acts 22:2; 2 Thes. 3:12) to mean
“settled down, undisturbed, not unruly." A different word (sigao) means “to be silent, to say
nothing” (cf. Luke 18:39; 1 Cor. 14:34)."5 It is not used here. So, Paul is advocating orderliness
in this verse, not absolute silence.

Then in verse 12-13, Paul says, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a
man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve." Notice that
Paul directly relates the authority issue with the created order. He does not do this with the
woman's dress code. Therefore, the dress code is cultural and the authority issue is doctrinal,
since the latter is tied to the creation order and the dress code is not.

Conclusion

God's word clearly tells us that the elder is to be the husband of one wife. A woman cannot
qualify for this position by virtue of her being female. Whether anyone likes it or not is irrelevant
to the fact that this is what the Bible teaches.

IfIf you're in a church where there is a woman pastor, then ask for the biblical reason for her
being in that position. of course, to do this is to go against the status quo and you will be met
with resistance. Therefore, consider leaving that church. After all, if they can't get this simple
truth right, how can you trust them to get other things right?

If you're the husband of a woman pastor, then hold your wife to biblical standards as revealed by
Paul the apostle. it does not matter if she likes it or not. The issue is the submission to the word
of God.

If you're a husband and wife pastor team, then submit to God's word and do things right. She
needs to stop being called pastor. She needs to stop taking the role of the man.
Section Ten: The Christian Walk

Section Ten: Survey

The Christian Walk

In the right hand margin, write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements.

1. A Christian finds it easy to do what is right. F

2. All Christians have the same ability to resist temptation. F

3. Our heart is described as being purely motivated and righteous. F

4. God searches our hearts, motives, and intentions through the. T

5. Our desires are a major source of temptation. T

6. All desires are evil. F

Section Ten: "The Christian Walk"

Key/Memory Verse: Colossians 1:9, 10

"For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask
that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit
in every good work and increasing in knowledge of God."

Introduction

Throughout the New Testament, the believers position, his standing before God in Christ, is
emphasized. Positionally, we are absolutely and exactly all we can be because we are in Christ
and His righteousness is imputed to us. In Christ we are made perfect - righteous Positionally.
That is why we have the right to fellowship with God and receive His unbounded love and
kindness forever.

But on the other hand, the New Testament exhorts the believer to develop his "walk", to "grow"
1 Peter 2:2); (2 Peter 3:18); and to "work out your own salvation" (Philippians 2:12).

I. The Christian Walk Described

A. The term "walk" signifies the whale of activity of the Christian's life, the predominate
direction, orientation or theme of the believer's life.

According to these verses how is the Christian walk described?

1.

2.

Romans 6:4 raised from the dead to walk in newness of life Romans 8:4 walk according to the
Spirit not flesh

3. 2 Corinthians. 5:7 (Positive) walking by faith

4. Ephesians 2:10created for good works to walk in them

5. Ephesians 5:2 walk in id love

6. Ephesians 5:8 walk as children of light

7. 2 John 4 walk in truth

8. 2 John 6 walk according ' to commandments in love

B. List below how a Christian should not walk

1. Romans 8:4 (Negative) according to the flesh

2. I Corinthians. 3:3 walking like mere men

3. 2 Corinthians. 4:2 craftiness a of adulterating the word of God

4. 2 Corinthians. 5:7 (Negative) by sight

5. Ephesians 4:17 walk as Gentiles in futility of their minds

II. The Christian's Position & Walk

You don't have to be a believer for long before you discover by personal experience that being a
Christian and living like one are often different things. Like the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:15, we
find that we want to do the right thing but too often end up doing the very thing we hate.

Scripture on the one hand addresses the Christian positionally as perfect, forgiven, righteous
possessor of "every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3) and on the other, as one who
experientially in his daily life and experiences falls short of perfection, righteousness, etc. The
believer's position and benefits may be compared to the foundation on which the Christian life is
built as a superstructure.

This "walk", "growth", or ‘'building of the superstructure" commonly called "sanctification."

Some of the qualities that characterize our growth or sanctification are: (material presented in
these four points is take from Victor Matthews, Growth in Grace? Baker, 1980, pp. 47-50)
 A. The Benefits Are Claimed

We receive and experience such virtues and abilities only as we learn how to put them
into practice by faith and love (Romans 6:16; I Peter 1:22), An illustration of such a
benefit would be the ability to resist temptation. We grow in this ability by truly desiring
it, by claiming the provision and promise of God a Corinthians. 10:13), and then by
making use of it in acts of faith (Matthew. 4:3-11; Hebrews. 2:14-18; James 1:2, 12-14; I
Peter 1:6, 7; II Peter 2:9).

B. The Benefits Are With Degrees

That which the believer possesses by way of sanctification is never complete. Whatever
the benefit may be, it is only partially known and utilized. One Christian may possess the
ability to resist temptation only in a very small degree while another may possess it in a
much larger degree. All Christian have some ability to resist temptation, but all in a
different degree.

C. The Benefits Are Transitory

By comparison, the virtues and abilities of sanctification are not necessarily permanent. It
is very possible to attain a high degree of progress in some area of Christian practice and
then to lose it through neglect. It is debatable whether one may lose any benefit of
sanctification absolutely. Undoubtedly this would not be true. Every Christian, however,
has experienced remarkable growth in some area only to find a stunting of that growth
and a decline in ability due to carelessness a Corinthians. 3:1-4; 5:1-13; 6:1-8; 11:18-22;
II Thessalonians. 3:6-15; II Tim. 4:10).

Luke 2:52 5

D. The Benefits Are Based On The Person & Work Of Jesus

Christ And The Believer's Cooperation.

The benefits of sanctification depend not only on Jesus Christ and His work, but also
upon the spiritual cooperation of the believer. It has been pointed out earlier that one
must desire and learn how to utilize these benefits. The provision has been made by Jesus
Christ so that His people may life successfully. The Holy Spirit has been sent to teach
and anoint the believer. But it is clear from Scripture and from the experience of every
Christian that our cooperation is necessary.

III. The Christian Walk: Battling Sin

Several topics already covered are keys to grow as a Christian, i e. Bible study, prayer,
confession, etc. Frequently, while knowing that we should grow, we have difficulty like Paul in
Romans 7:15. To help us understand better the battle we face throughout our life as a Christian,
here are a few important points.
 A. The Battle Ground Is Our Heart

Look up and note this truth in Mark 7:21-23; Genesis 6:5; Luke 6:45.

1. What is the heart?

motives

Heart in Scripture is used in various ways. The mind as it reasons, discerns,

and judges; the emotions as they like or dislike; the conscience as it

determines and warns; and the will as it chooses or refuses - are all

together called the heart.

2. According to Jeremiah 17:9-10, what are 2 characteristics of the heart of

man?

a. deceitful

b. desperately sick

"Knowing chat indwelling sin occupies a heart that is deceitful and unsearchable should
make us extremely wary. We need to ask God daily to search our hearts for sin that we
cannot or will not see. This was David's prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart;
try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there by any hurtful way in me, and
lead me in the everlasting way" (Psalm 139:23-24). God's primary means of searching
our hearts this way is through His Word, as we read it under the power of the Holy Spirit.
"The Word of God is living and active. Sharper clan any double-edged sword, it
penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and
attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). As we pray for God to search our hearts, we must
continually expose ourselves to the searching of His Word." (Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit
of Holiness, NAV Press, pp. 64,65).

B. Sin Works Largely Through Our Desires

Desire has come to be the strongest faculty of man's heart. The next time you face one of
your typical temptations, watch for the struggle between your desire and your reason. If
you give in to temptation, it will be because desire has overcome reason in the struggle to
influence your will.
 Not all desire is evil, of course. Paul speaks of his desire to know Christ (Philippians
3:10), of his desires for the salvation of his fellow Jews (Romans 10:1), and the desire
that his spiritual children grow to maturity (Galatians 4:19).

1. According to James 1:14, what is the cause of our sin? when we are carried away and enticed
by our own lust

2. As we grow, we take steps to direct our desires toward pleasing God.

God's Word is the grid by which we can test and measure our desires.

3. Are there subtle things you can identify in your life that are ungodly desires that cause you to
compromise your Christianity?

C. Sin Tends To Deceive Our Understanding & Reasoning

Our reason, enlightened by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, stands in the way of
sin gaining mastery over us through our desires. Therefore Satan's great strategy is to
deceive our minds.

Deceit of the mind is carried on by degrees:

1. We are drawn away from watchfulness by overconfidence. We come to believe we are beyond
a particular temptation. We look at someone else's fall and say, ‘I would never do that." But Paul
warned us, ‘If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall" (1 Corinthians
10:12).

Even when helping a fallen brother, we are to watch ourselves lest we also be tempted (Galatians
6:1).

2. We are often drawn away from obedience by the abuse of grace. Jude speaks of certain man
"who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality" (Jude 4). We abuse grace when
we think we can sin and then receive forgiveness by claiming I John 1:98. We abuse grace when,
after sinning, we dwell on the compassion and mercy of God to the exclusion of His holiness and
hatred of sin.

3. We are drawn away from obedience when we begin to question what God says in His Word.
Ibis was Satan's first tactic with Eve (Genesis 3:105).

Just as he said to Eve, ‘You surely shall not die!" so he says to us ‘It is just a little thing!" or
"God will not judge that sin."

Conclusion

Having studied this material, how would you describe the Christian life to an inquiring friend?
Section Nine: The Christian's Position

Section Nine: Survey

The Christian's Position

In the right hand margin, write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements.

1. Though the believer may feel unclean, he has been cleansed, purified and washed clean T
of sin.

2. We can be assured of eternal life if we continue to behave righteously. F

3. There is a limit on God's forgiveness of our sins. F

4. The justified believer stands before God not just as a forgiven sinless man, but as a T
righteous man.

5. God justifies us on the basis of our best efforts to live the Christian life. F

6. The unbeliever is enslaved to Satan. T

7. Spiritual blessings are bestowed only upon those Christians who are obedient to the F
word of God

8. Redemption refers to the price Jesus Christ paid for our sins. T

Section Nine: The Christian's Position

Key/Memory Verse: Ephesians 1:3

"Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual
blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."

Introduction

When we submit our lives to God and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Scripture
describes our condition with words such as:

1. "Forgiven" (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9, 2:12; Colossians 1:14, 2:13)

2. "Righteous" (Romans 1:17; 3:21-25; 4:1-6; 5:17)

3. "Children Of God" (Romans 8:14; Galatians 3:26) We've become "adopted" (Ephesians 1:5)
by God!
4. "Saved" (Ephesians 2:8)

5. "Born-Again" a Peter 1:2) we are "new creations"! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

6. "Redeemed" a Peter 1:18; Ephesians 1:7)

7. "Justified" (Romans 5:1)

These words signify a standing before God. They indicate a spiritual position, a relationship
which has been obtained for the believer by Jesus Christ through His death. The believer is seen
as having received all the benefits of the work of Jesus Christ. The value of Christ's work has
been imputed or credited to the believer. Because of Christ's work, the believer is "forgiven",
"righteous", a "child of God", "saved", "born-again", "redeemed", and "justified," and brought
into personal relationship with God.

Through this lesson and discussion, we hope to encourage you to see yourself as God sees you.
In other words, to see your position before God as a believer.

I. Christians Are "Complete"

The Scripture describes all believers, therefore, as "complete."

To explain what he meant in calling the Christians "complete," the apostle Paul indicated that the
believer in Jesus Christ "fully possessed" at least five things." (Matthews, p. 42)

A. Completely Cleansed

Read the following verses and note the reference to the Christian being cleansed.

1. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

2. Ephesians 5:25-27

3. Titus 2:14

The Christian has been cleansed. This means that the moral uncleanness which characterizes
every non-believer (Isaiah. 64:6) has been washed away. The believer, even though he may feel
unclean, has been cleansed, purified, and washed clean of sin.

B. Made Completely Alive

1. Looking up Ephesians 2:1, 4, 5, what was our condition, and what is our condition now

dead in sins

alive i with Christ , seated with Him in heaven

2. According to Colossians 2:13, what was our condition, and how is our present condition
described?- made alive with Him (Christ)

3. What do we possess as Christians according to ...

1 John 5: 11, 12, 13. eternal / life in God's son

John 11:25: we will I I live even if we die

Though once dead to God, God has made us alive! God has given life for eternity to all
who believe on His Son (John 3:16, 36). The Christian is alive to God even though he
may not feel that he is in relationship to God.

C. Completely And Totally Forgiven

1. According to Colossians 2:13, how many of our sins have been forgiven? all of our
transgressions

2. Having placed our faith and lives in Jesus Christ, we are completely and totally forgiven of
ALL sin. According to the following verses, what is the Christian spared

John 3:18: judgment

John 5:24: we do not come into judgment but pass from death into life

The believer is fully forgiven; he is no longer guilty, no longer under the sentence of
condemnation and death (John 5:24; Romans 8:1).

D. Justified Completely

Romans 5:1 states that the Christian has been justified by faith. As a result of Jesus
Christ's death on our behalf, God has justified the believer.

1. Justification is, to many, an unfamiliar word which simply means

a. God has declared and pronounced that the believer is free from any fault, sin, or guilt,
and is acceptable in His sight;

b. The believer thus stands before God just as if He had never (eyed sinned;

c. The believer stands before God just as if he had perfectly fulfilled all of God's Law. (2
Corinthians. 5:21)
2. The justified person, a believer, stands before God not just as a forgiven sinless man, but as a
righteous man.

Based upon the definition of justification given above ...

a On what basis are we justified? by grace Of God through faith

b. Though the believer continues to stumble and sin, how does God view him?

1) justified

2) righteous

E. Complete Freedom From Satan

According to the following verses, what did Christ's death accomplish for the believer?

1. Hebrews 2:14, 15 made Satan powerless over us

2. I John 3:8 destroyed the works of the devil

Christ came into our nature to free us from the enemy. The value and power of His work
has been imputed or credited to us. The believer has been set free (Ephesians. 1:19 - 2:6;
Colossians 1:13). He no longer belongs to Satan - he belongs to God and irrevocably so.

These five benefits are only representative of the many spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3)
the believers receives the moment he believers on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Conclusion

Whether the believer feels like it or not, he fully possess all of these benefits. Some of the
qualities that characterize these blessings are:

A. They are all freely given to all who believe on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They cannot
be purchased or earned.

B. They are without degrees. The remarkable factor here is that the believer possesses all of these
spiritual blessings completely. He is not half forgiven or half justified. This is what Paul meant
by "complete." The believer "fully possesses" all of these benefits.

C. They are all permanent! The believer cannot loose these benefits and gifts that are graciously
given by God.

D. Based only on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

 Application

The believer has truly been blessed with every spiritual blessing. Realizing how God views you
and how He has blessed you, write a brief praise and thank you note to God.

Section One: What Is The Bible?

Section One: Survey

What Is The Bible?

In the right margin, write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements:

1. The Bible consists of edited writings, collected and put together at one point in history. F
2. Part of the Bible is wise instruction from men, and part is from God. F
3. The entire Bible is inspired. T
4. We find the writings of John in the Old Testament. F
5. The four Gospels are Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, and Daniel. F
6. The Book of Acts gives the history of the early Church. T
7. Jesus Christ is the central figure in Scripture. T
8. The New Testament has no relation to the Old Testament. F
9. Many books in the New Testament were letters to different Churches and groups. T
10. God's record of the creation of the world is found in the Book of Genesis. T

Section One: "What Is the Bible?"

Key/Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable

for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for
training in righteousness."

Introduction

The Bible can be read as great literature, or as a history of Israel, or as a source book of
theological information. It is all of these things. But none of them does full justice to the purpose
of Scripture as set forth by the Bible writers themselves. This amazing book, the Bible, is the
source of truth, the standard for meaningful life, the revelation of Jesus Christ, the key to true
freedom and liberty, and true food for man's soul.
May our eyes be opened, our hearts enlarged, and our lives changed by this Book of all books!

I. Definition of Terms

A. The Bible:

The word "Bible" comes from the Greek word biblion which simply means
"book."

B. The Scriptures:

This word is the word we use in our translation of the Greek word graphai, which
can also be translated as "writings."

C. Testament:

This word is derived from the Latin word testamentum, which was used in early
Latin translations of both the Greek and Hebrew words for a "will" or "covenant."

(For further study: Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia, "Bible," vol. 1, pp. 554ff;
A General Introduction to the Bible, by Geisler and Nix, pp.l7ff.)

II. Introductory Facts About The Bible:

The Bible is the most remarkable book ever written. About 40 men

of several countries and many occupations did the writing. They

wrote over a period of approximately 1500 years and in three
languages - Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Yet the Bible is an well-
organized unity with one great theme and central figure - Jesus
Christ. All of this would be impossible unless the Bible had one
supreme Author - and it did - the Holy Spirit of God.

A. The Age Of The Bible

The earliest portions of Scripture date back more than 3,300 years. However, its
message has been fresh and relevant to men of every age and generation. Its pages
are still producing new gems of truth, even to those who study them the most.

B. The Demand For The Bible

It is by far the most widely circulated book in the world. Since 1804, more than
800 million Bibles and portions of Scripture have been issued. These figures are
from the British and Foreign Bible Societies alone. Every year more than 22
 million copies of the complete Bible and New Testament are circulated around the
globe.

The Bible has been translated more than any other book. Each year we see an
increase in the number of translations. The following figures reflect this steady
growth.

 In 1500 A.D. it had been printed in 14 languages.

 In 1600 - about 40 languages.
 In 1800 - about 72 languages.
 In 1900 - about 567 languages.
 In 1937 - about 1,000 languages
 In 1970 - about 1500 languages.
 In 1997 - to date, at least partially translated in more than 2100 languages.

(Wycliffe Bible Translators are currently working on an additional 1000

languages.)

III. The Uniqueness Of The Bible

(This material and more information under this topic can be found in Evidence
Which Demands A Verdict. Josh McDowell, pp. 16-25)

A. Unique In Its Continuity -

The Bible has an unique continuity when you consider that...

 it was written over a 1500-year period;

 written over 40 generations;
 written by over 40 authors from every walk of life including kings,
peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars, etc.;
 written in many different places.
B. Unique In Its Survival -

1. Survival through Time -

Being written on material that perishes, having to be copied and recopied

for hundreds of years before the invention of the printing press, did not
diminish its style, correctness or existence. The Bible, compared with
other ancient writings, has more manuscript evidence than any 10 pieces
of classical literature combined.

Manuscript Evidence for Ancient Writings

 Author Written Earliest Copy Time Span # Mss.
Caesar 100-44 B.C. 900 A.D. 1,000 yrs 10
Plato 427-347 B.C. 900 A.D. 1,200 yrs 7
Thucydides 460-400 B.C. 900 A.D. 1,300 yrs 8
Tacitus 100 A.D. 1100 A.D. 1,000 yrs 20
Suetonius 75-160 A.D. 950 A.D. 800 yrs 8
Homer (Iliad) 900 B.C. 400 B.C. 500 yrs 643
New Testament 40-100 A.D. 125 A.D. 25-50 yrs 24,000

Manuscript variation from copying:

a. Old Testament: 95% of the texts are identical with only minor
variations and a few discrepancies between the Dead Sea Scrolls
(dated to the 1st century) and the Masoretic text (dated to around
800 A.D.).
b. New Testament: New Testament manuscripts agree in 99.5% of
the text (compared to only 95% for the Iliad). Additionally, the
New Testament can be put together from the writings of the early
church fathers, since they extensively quoted from it.

2. Survival Through Persecution -

The Bible has withstood vicious attacks of its enemies as no other book.
Many have tried to burn it, ban it, and "outlaw it from the days of Roman
emperors to present-day Communist or Islamic-dominated countries."

3. Survival Through Criticism -

"Infidels for eighteen hundred years have been attempting to refute and overthrow
this Book, and yet it stands today as solid as a rock. Its circulation increases, and
it is more loved and cherished and read today than ever before. Infidels, with all
their assaults, make about as much impression on this Book as a man with a
jackhammer would on the Pyramids of Egypt. When the French monarch
proposed the persecution of the Christians in his dominion, an old statesman and
warrior said to him, ‘Sire, the Church of God is an anvil that has worn out many
hammers.' So the hammers of infidels have been pecking away at this Book for
ages, but the hammers are worn out, and the anvil still endures. If this Book had
not been the Book of God, men would have destroyed it long ago. Emperors and
popes, kings and priests, princes and rulers have all tried their hand at it; they die
 and the book still lives." (H.L. Hastings cited in Josh McDowell's, Evidence that
Demands A Verdict p. 21)

IV. The Supernatural Origin Of The Bible

How did this amazingly unique book come about? A look at the following two terms will
help us understand the divine origin of the Bible.

A. Revelation -

God has disclosed or revealed Himself to man. We can learn about God through
these revelations.

God has revealed Himself in a general way through nature/creation. In the beauty
and wonder of creation we see the signature of God (Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:20).

However, a more complete disclosure or revelation of who God is, what He is

like, etc., is found in the Bible. God revealed Himself in a variety of manners to
His chosen authors that they might record a permanent testimony concerning God.
What the authors wrote were not their own ideas - but rather God's ideas.

God used various methods and instruments to reveal the Scriptures to His chosen
authors:

 Direct Voice - God spoke in an audible voice to some of them, telling

them what to write down. (Exodus 33:1)
 Direct Writing - God visibly wrote certain of the truths Himself. (Exodus
31:18)
 Dreams - God used the dreams of men as a channel through which He
revealed prophetic truths. (Daniel 2:1-49)
 Men - The personal experiences and spiritual lives of individuals were
used by God. (Psalm 51)
 Natural World - The universe, which God created, declares Him. (Psalm
19:1 and Romans 1:19-23)
 Historic Events - God used the events of men to reveal His will (the Old
Testament Books of Genesis and Esther).
 Holy Spirit - The Spirit of God guided men as they penned His words (2
Peter 1:21)

B. Inspiration

The key verse is 2 Timothy 3:16. The word "inspiration" means "God-breathed."
"Every Scripture is God-breathed." The Bible claims that on the original
parchments every sentence, every word, every line was placed there in complete
agreement with the will of God. The veritable author of the Bible is God. God
 used human authors to write down the words He wanted in the Bible. He watched
over them as they wrote, so no errors could creep in.

How do we know when writings are inspired by God? The Bible itself tells us
what characteristics writings must have to be considered inspired by God. They
must:

1. Be spoken from, and in the name of, the Lord (Jeremiah 30:2, 1 Peter
1:21).
2. Exalt and glorify God (John 5:39 &; 17:4-10; Ephesians 1:13-14).
3. Direct the love of men toward God (Colossians 3:16; Revelation 19:10).
4. Draw men to repent of their rebellion against God and to submit fully to
Him (Psalms 19:7; 2 Timothy 3:16).
5. Prophecies come to fulfillment with 100 percent accuracy (Deuteronomy
18:21-22).
6. Support the laws, precepts, and principles set forth in the rest of Scripture-
without contradiction (Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 5:17; John 10:35).
7. Communicate truth, and only truth, in all disciplines of knowledge
(Psalms 119:160; Hebrews 6:18).

Summary Of Terms

 Revelation - is God's activity in giving truth to the human mind.

 Inspiration - is God's activity in producing a record of his revealed truth.

V. Survey Of The Bible

A. The Old Testament

1. The first five Books of the Old Testament were written about 1440 B.C.
by Moses. These are called the "Five Books of Moses", or the
"Pentateuch" (five writings). List them below in the order you find them
in your Bible.

a. Genesis The Book of beginnings (creation, man, sin,

redemption, God's nation Israel)
b. Exodus The record of God's deliverance of His people from the
 land of Egypt.
c. Leviticus Priestly laws of holiness and worship through sacrifice
and purification.
d. Number The record of the continual disobedience of God's
people and their wandering through the wilderness for
40 years.
e. Deuteronomy Moses' great discourses to prepare the people to enter
the Promised Land.

2. The next twelve Books in the Old Testament are historical. They were
written about 1100-600 B.C. and describe God's dealings with His chosen
people, Israel, the Hebrew nation. Note these Books and their titles.
3. The following five books are poetical, describing in poetry and song God's
greatness and His dealings with men. List these in order below.

a. Job The suffering and loyal trust of a man who loved

God.
b. Psalms Songs of praise and instruction.
c. Proverbs God's practical wisdom for successful living.
d. Ecclesiastes The emptiness of earthly life without God.
e. Song of Solomon A portrait of God's love for His people.

4. The five books of major prophets follow. A prophet is one who is

commissioned by God to deliver His message to men. These books are
called "major prophets" because they are generally longer than the
writings of the "minor prophets". These five books were written from
about 750-550 B.C.
5. The last twelve books of the Old Testament are called "minor prophets."
These books were written from about 800-400 B.C. Note the names of
these books in your Bible.

B. The New Testament

The New Testament (or New Covenant - God's present agreement with men)
reveals Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of men. In it we find the life of Christ, the
 beginning of Christianity, the way of salvation, instruction for Christian living,
and God's plan for the future.

1. The first five books of the New Testament are historical As you list them
in order below, study their descriptions on the right.

a. Matthew The life of Christ written especially for the Jews, revealing
Jesus Christ as their long-awaited Savior-King.
b. Mark The life of Christ revealing Jesus as the obedient Servant of
God.
c. Luke The life of Christ revealing Jesus as the perfect Man,
emphasizing His humanity.
d. John The life of Christ revealing Jesus as the Son of God,
stressing His deity.
e. Acts The beginning and spread of the Christian Church. This book
could well be called the "Acts of the Holy Spirit."

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are referred to as "The Four Gospels."
Look up John 20:31 and record two reasons given for the writing of John's
Gospel.

a) that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
b) and that believing you may have life in His name

2. The next 21 Books are letters (epistles). They are written to individuals, to
churches, or to believers in general These letters deal with every aspect of
Christian faith and responsibility. Notice the titles of these epistles.
3. The last book of the New Testament is a book of prophecy. It tells of
future events - including the return, reign, and glory of the Lord Jesus
Christ and the future state of believers and unbelievers.

This book is called Revelation

VI. Conclusion
A. The Bible At A Glance (66 Books)

(Open in New Window)

 The Bible At A Glance (66 Books)

OLD TESTAMENT (39 "The New is in the NEW TESTAMENT (27

Books) Old concealed. Books)
The Old is in the
New revealed."
HISTORY POETRY PROPHE About HISTO TEACHIN PROPH
CY 400 RY G ECY
17 books 5 books years
17 books betwee 5 books 21 books 1 book
Law 1. Job
n
2. Psalms Major Gospels Paul's letters Revelatio
1. Genesis 3. Prophets Testam n
2. Exodus Proverbs ents 1. 1. Romans
3. 1. Isaiah Matthe 2. 1
4.
Leviticus Ecclesiast 2. Jeremiah w Corinthians
4. Numbers es 3. 2. Mark 3, 2
5. Lamentatio 3. Luke Corinthians
5. Song of
Deuterono Solomon ns 4. John 4. Galatians
my 4. Ezekiel 5. Ephesians
5. Daniel History 6.
History Philippians
and Minor 1. Acts 7.
Governme Prophets Colossians
nt 8. 1
1. Hosea
Thessalonian
1. Joshua 2. Joel
s
2. Judges 3. Amos
9. 2
3. Ruth 4. Obadiah
Thessalonian
4. 1 5. Jonah
s
Samuel 6. Micah
10. 1
5. 2 7. Nahum
Timothy
Samuel 8.
11. 2
6. 1 Kings Habakkuk
Timothy
7. 2 Kings 9.
12. Titus
8. 1 Zephaniah
13.
Chronicles 10. Haggai
Philemon
9. 2 11.
Chronicles Zechariah
General
10. Ezra 12. Malachi Letters
11.
 Nehemiah 1. Hebrews
12. Esther 2. James
3. 1 Peter
4. 2 Peter
5. 1 John
6. 2 John
7. 3 John
8. Jude

God used 40 different men over a period of 1,500 Years (about 1400 B.C. to 90
A.D.) in writing the Bible- (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Frequently, sections of the Bible will be referred to in an abbreviated way. For

example, 2 Timothy 3:16 refers to the book, Second Timothy, Chapter three,
verse sixteen. Until you familiarize yourself with your Bible, you can use the
table of contents at the front of your Bible to locate the order and page number of
the book for which you are looking.

B. Who is the central figure of all the Scriptures according to John 5:39 and Luke
24:25-2 7?

Jesus Christ

C. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, which of the following is the correct answer?

a. Some of the Bible is inspired by God.

b. There are a few parts that are not inspired.
c. The entire Bible is inspired by God.
d. Only the parts that speak to us in a personal way are inspired by God.

D. This Book of all Books is an amazing record of history, great literature, and
theology; but more importantly, it is the source of truth, the standard for
meaningful life, the revelation of Jesus Christ, the key to freedom and liberty, true
food for man's soul!

What have you discovered about the Bible from our study?

Section Two: Survey

How To Know The Bible

In the right margin, write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements:

1. The only people who can truly understand the Bible are those who attend seminary. F

2. There is no need to study the Bible because God can teach us through our experiences. F

3. The most important thing we can achieve from our study of the Bible is the large amount F
of facts that come in handy in debates.

4. Memorizing God's Word enables us to use the sword of the Spirit to overcome Satan. T

5. Scripture is the Christian's most powerful tool in sharing Christ. T

6. God uses pastors to teach us truths they have found in Scripture. T

7. It is important to establish regular habits and times for your study of the Bible. T

8. Reading the Bible gives us an overall picture of God's Word. T

9. Only as we meditate on God's Word will we discover its transforming power at work in T
us.

10 All our study is useless unless we apply the things we learn. T

.

Section Two: "How To Know The Bible"

Key/Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to

God as a workman who does not need to be
ashamed, handling accurately the word of
truth."

Introduction
The Bible is God's inspired Word, profitable for teaching, for correction (of false thinking and
behavior), for reproof, and for training in how to think and live righteously.

In light of the importance of God's Word, the natural question to ask is "How can I get to know
what the Bible teaches?" This lesson answers that question!

I. Personal Preparation
The Bible can only be fully understood with the aid of the Holy Spirit. Apart from a growing
personal relationship with God, the academic study of the Word alone will produce little change.
Some important steps of personal preparation prior to a time of Bible study are...

A. A Cleansed Life

Refusing to deal with sin in your life breaks fellowship with God. The secret of restored
fellowship and the cleansed life is very simple. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and
righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).
Before beginning your Bible study, stop to confess to God any known sins.
B. Prayer for Illumination

Follow the example of the psalmist as he prayed, "Blessed art Thou, O LORD; Teach me
Thy statutes... Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law... Make
me understand the way of Thy precepts, so I will meditate on Thy wonders... Establish
Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee." (Psalm 119:12, 18,
27, 38).
C. Dependence Upon the Holy Spirit

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that
we might know the things freely given to us by God" (1 Corinthians 2:12). God has given
Christians the Holy Spirit to teach the truth from the Bible. Rely on His instructions.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding"
(Proverbs 3:5).
D. Willingness to Obey

Jesus pointed out that a prerequisite to knowing the truth is the willingness to obey the
truth. "If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of
God, or whether I speak from Myself." (John 7:17). A man who is willing to obey will
receive God's instruction.

II. Knowing God's Word

There are five methods to grow in understanding of God's Word.

Compare the five methods of learning from the Bible to the five fingers of your hand. If you hold
the Bible with only one or two fingers, it is easy to lose your grip. But as you use more fingers
you grasp of the Bible becomes stronger.
This is also true spiritually. If a person memorizes, studies, reads, and hears this Word - and
meditates on it, his grasp of the Bible becomes firm and part of his life. As the thumb is needed
in combination with any finger to complete your hold, so meditation combined with hearing,
reading, study, and memorizing is essential for a full grasp of God's Word. Let's look at each of
these components more closely.

III. Studying God's Word:

"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with
great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so." (Acts
17:11)

In this verse, Paul is complimenting the believers who lived in Thessalonica because they
received the Word with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily.

A. How does Proverbs 2:4 indicate we should study the Word? …seek her as silver, And
search for her as for hidden treasures
B. What should be our goal in studying the Bible? (2 Timothy 2:15) Handling accurately the
word of truth
C. God desires that we be diligent students of His Word, for it is in the Bible that we learn
about God and His will for our lives as well as principles and promises to live by.

The three main steps involved in studying God's Word are:

1. Observation

Observation is the act of seeking; taking notice of things as they really are; the art of
awareness. Observation depends upon two root attitudes - an open mind and a willing
spirit.

Too often people approach Bible study with preconceived notions. Their attitude is
"Don't confuse me with the facts; my mind is made up!" An open mind is necessary for
effective study.

A willing spirit is necessary because whenever you guard an area of your life, you hinder
understanding. The man who is unwilling to be changed in his marriage will not even see
his needs as a husband. The woman who refuses to admit to vanity in her life will
probably not see it condemned in the Scriptures.

Accurate observations are the result of reading with diligence, purposefulness,

thoughtfulness, and inquiry. Reading is not a lazy man's art. Reading until the Word jogs
the mind and heart requires quality time. As you study, read for the message, not the
mileage.
 It will help to record what you observe. As you write down your thoughts they become
clearer. Get a study Bible which you can use for underlining important words, writing in
the margins, and drawing arrows to connect associated terms.

Be sure to define important words and phrases. Without knowing the meanings of words,
it is impossible to communicate. One of the best reference books for Bible study is a
dictionary.

Some questions to ask in making observations...

Who - Who are the people involved?

What - What happened? What ideas are expressed? What resulted?

Where - Where does this take place? What is the setting?

When - When did it take place? What was the historical period?

Why - What is the purpose? What is the stated reason?

How - How are things accomplished? How well? How quickly? By what method?

Observe 1 John 5:11, 12 and answer the following observation questions:

Who gives eternal life? God has given us eternal life

Where is eternal life found? and this life is in His Son

Who has eternal life? He who has the Son has the life

Who does not have eternal life? he who does not have the Son of God

2. Interpretation

Interpretation is the step of determining the author's meaning. Interpretation seeks to

clarify the meaning of a passage and help you understand why the Holy Spirit included
this portion in Scripture. Interpretation answers the question, "What does it mean?"

The Bible is the literal Word of God and means what it says. However, there is often
more than one definition of a word. Correct interpretation depends on determining the
definition the writer had in mind.
 3. Application

Application is putting God's Word into practice. "I considered my ways, and turned my
feet to Thy testimonies. I hastened and did not delay to keep Thy commandments" (Psalm
119:59, 60).

The benefit of Bible study is not derived from the method, the technique, or diligent
efforts to decipher the text. The benefit is in obeying the Word of God - receiving what
He says and putting it into practice. Application doesn't happen by osmosis nor by change
- application is by intent!

Application starts with the willing acceptance of truth. A correct response to Scripture is
characterized by trust, obedience, praise, and thanksgiving. The application may include
remembering an impressive truth, changing a wrong attitude or taking a positive action.

Respond to God, not a rule book! Responses are to motivated by love. The goal is to
glorify God by pleasing him in every area of life. An unwillingness to apply the
Scriptures personally may develop mere intellectual knowledge and spiritual insensitivity
to the Lord and to people.

The following list of seven directive questions may help you apply the Word to your life.

1. Is there an example for me to follow?

2. Is there a sin for me to avoid?
3. Is there a command for me to obey?
4. Is there a promise for me to claim?
5. What does this particular passage teach me about God, or about Jesus Christ?
6. Is there a difficulty for me to explore?
7. Is there something in this passage that I should pray about today?

Using these seven directive questions, look back at 1 John 5:11, 12 and see if you can
make any applications of these verses to your life. (Record one or two.)

IV. Hearing God's Word

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ". (Romans 10:17)

What kind of heart will best hear and use the Word? (Luke 8:15) (Underline the correct answer.)

1. A sincere and virtuous heart.

2. An alert and cautious heart.
3. An open but indifferent heart.
4. A well-trained, scholarly heart.

Most Christians hear the Word of God preached regularly at Church, but only a few learn the
profit of conserving what they hear. To retain and use what you hear preached and taught,
prepare your heart prior to times of teaching, and take notes on the Scriptures used and on the
main points of the sermon.

Jesus gave a promise in Luke 11:28 when He said, "…blessed are those who hear the Word of
God, and observe it." V. Reading God's Word

"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things
which are written in it." (Revelation 1:3)

"The Bible was written to be read. An unread Bible is like food that is refused, an unopened love
letter, a buried sword, a road map not studied, a gold mind not worked" (Irving Jensen)

Some practical suggestions:

1. Plan a regular time to read your Bible.

2. Begin your reading in the Gospel of Mark or John, later you can begin a reading
plan that goes through the whole Bible.
3. The length of the passage you read will vary from time to time. You may read a
chapter a day or just a few weighty verses, if you have an expanded time, you
may find yourself reading a whale book at one sitting. NOTE: There are 1189
chapters in the Bible ... reading one a day will get you through the entire Bible in
three years!
4. Read with your eyes open carefully, alertly not mechanically.
5. Read with pencil and paper, in hand, freely mark up your Bible with notes,
underlining key verses, record on paper your questions and insights.

If you currently do not have a reading plan - determine to begin reading the gospel of John
or Mark this week!

VI. Memorizing God's Word

Memorize It - "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.
Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee." (Psalm 119:9, 11)

The value and importance of memorizing God's Word can perhaps best be seen in Jesus'
confrontation with Satan, Turn to Matthew 4 and read verses 1-11.

A. How did Jesus overcome Satan's three temptations? (verses 4, 7, 10)

B. How will you overcome Satan's temptations?

After 24 hours, you may accurately remember:

 5% of what you hear

 15% of what you read

  35% of what you study
But you can remember 100% of what you memorize!

VII. Meditation On God's Word

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of
sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law
he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which
yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
(Psalm 1:1-3)

Meditation is prayerful reflection with a view to understanding and application - giving

prayerful thought to God's Word and to your life. with the goal of conforming your life to His
will.

This kind of meditation on God's Word can be done:

 as you hear the Word preached;

 as you read the Bible in your daily devotional time;

 as you pray and reflect on what you are studying;

 as you go over verses you have memorized.

What promises are made in Psalm 1:1-3 to the person who continually meditates on the Word of
God?

Conclusion

There are 168 hours in a week. How are you investing time in getting to know the Bible? The
following chart is to help you consider any needed changes as you analyze your current patterns
As you fill it in, pray about setting new goals.

Method Of Intake My Present Weekly Program New Goals & Plans

Hearing the Word

Reading the Word

 Studying the Word

Memorizing the Word

Meditation on the Word

These five methods will greatly help in your growth and knowledge as a Christian. One final
word, this is work! Schedules, commitments, distractions, and so on will all work against your
establishing a consistent time of Bible study.

That's why the Word "diligence" is used in our memory verse. Knowing that the truth that will
set you free lies in the Bible, our prayer is that you would search for her as silver (i.e., work).

Following this work sheet is a practical supplement on "Tools for Bible Study"

Section Two Supplement: "Tools For Bible Study"

Introduction

A diligent study of God's Word, the Bible, will reap a harvest of blessings for the believer.
According to 2 Timothy 3:16, 17...

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable

for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for
training in righteousness; that the man of God
may be adequately equipped for every good
work."

Scripture is God's means of 1) teaching us; 2) reproving us; 3) correcting us; 4) training us in
righteousness; and finally 5) equipping us for every good work.

As any laborer needs tools for his job, so the Christian should be aware of the tools available to
him.

Studying God's Word:

A. A Study Bible
Get a Bible with marginal cross references, and one with margins wide enough and paper thick
enough for writing notes. If you prefer not to mark in your Bible, make sure you have a notebook
handy.

How blessed is the man who adoes not 1 1Or, way

walk in the bcounsel of the wicked, a
Prov. 4:14 bPs.. 5:9 10; 10:2-11; 36 1-4 cPs.
Nor stand in the lcpath of sinners, 17:4; 119:104 dPs. 26:5; Jer. 15:17
Nor dsit in the seat of scoffers!
2 But his adelight is in the law of the 2 aPs. 119:14 16 bPs. 25 5 cPs. 63 5 6
LORD,
And in His law he meditates bday and 3 1Or, canals 2Or, foliage3Or, all that he
c
night. does prospers
3 And he will be like aa tree firmly a
planted by 1streams of water, Ps. 92:12-14; Jer. 17:8; Ezek. 19:10 bGen.
Which yields its fruit in its season, 39:2, 3, 23; Ps. 128:2
And its 2leaf does not wither;
And 3in whatever he does, bhe prospers.

1. Which Version Is Best?

This is not easy to answer. There are so many excellent editions available that it is
difficult to choose. Some differ from others only in matters of style and format and thus
become a matter of literary preference for the reader.

Nonetheless, there are some basic and notable differences between translations that ought
to be recognized. These differences reflect different procedures and methods in preparing
the translations. There are three basic methodologies:

a. Verbal Accuracy

This method is that which seeks to fallow the original language text (Greek and Hebrew)
as closely as possible in a word-by-word pattern. Here strict fidelity to the ancient
language is stressed. An example of this method of translations may be seen in the New
American Standard Bible (NASB).

b. Concept Accuracy

This method, which is the predominant method of modem translations, seeks a maximum
of fluid reading style with a minimum of verbal distortion. Since words put together
 produce thoughts or concepts, the goal is to produce an accurate rendition of the thoughts
or concepts of Scripture. Examples of this type may be seen in the Revised Standard
Version (RSV) and The New International Version (NIV).

c. The Paraphrase

The paraphrase method is an expansion of the concept method. Here the concept is
extended and elaborated to ensure that it is well communicated. The premium is on
readability and relevance to modern though patterns. An example of this method can be
seen in the Living Bible (LB).

Compare The Following Translations & Paraphrases of 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5

"Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into
account a wrong suffered," (NASB)

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not
puffed up, cloth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked,
thinketh no evil:" (The King James Bible)

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not
rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." (NIV)

"Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never
haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or
touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly ever notice when others do it wrong."
(LB)

2. Study Bibles With Commentary Notes:

Some editions of the Bible contain not only brief marginal notes but provide a running
commentary. Two comments regarding these editions. First, do not let the commentary
short circuit your own personal study of the text. Secondly, remember that the
commentary notes are NOT inspired. Examples of Study Bibles with commentary notes
are The Ryrie Study Bible, The Scofield Reference Bible, and The Harper Study Bible.

B. Other Tools
1. Concordance
A Concordance lists the verses in which a particular word is used. A concordance is
especially helpful for word study and when you want to find out where and how a word is
used throughout the whole Bible.

An exhaustive concordance will also include a Hebrew and Greek lexicon - giving
dictionary definitions of the words. Young's Analytical Concordance, Strong's Exhaustive
Concordance, and Cruden's Concordance are examples of good concordances.

Deut 29. 19 that he bless himself in his

heart, saying
Isa 65. 16 who blesseth himself... shall
bless himself
Jer 4. 2 the nations shall bless
themselves in him

Blessed, (most)—
l. Happy, very happy, ashere.

Psa. 1. 1 Blessed (is) the man that

walketh not in
2. 12 Blessed (are) all they that put their
trust
32. 1 Blessed (is) he whose)
transgression (is)
32. 2 Blessed (is) the man unto whom
the LORD
33 12 Blessed (is) the nation whose God
(is) the
34. 8 Blessed (is) the man (that) trusteth
in him
40. 4 Blessed (is) that man that maketh
the
41. 1 Blessed (is) he that considereth the
poor
65. 4 Blessed (is the man whom) thou
chooses
84. 4 Blessed (are) they that dwell in thy
house
84. 5 Blessed (is) the man whose
strength (is)
 84. 12 Blessed (is) the man that trusteth
in thee
89. 15 Blessed (is) the people that know
the
94. 12 Blessed (is) the man whom thou
chasten.

Although concordances are not available on the internet, their equivalent

is. The WWW Bible Gateway has numerous Bible versions that can be
searched online at http://www.biblegateway.com.

2. Bible Dictionary

A Bible dictionary lists and explains nouns found in the Bible (persons,
places, and things). It provides information about historical and cultural
background. It treats some subjects, like archaeology and the Trinity, even
though the actual word is not found in the Bible. Unger's Bible Dictionary
or the New Bible Dictionary are helpful Bible dictionaries.

ABYSS (Gk. abyssos, ‘bottomless (pit)',

‘deep'). Appearing nine times in the New
Testament, the Greek word is rendered in AV
twice as ‘deep', seven times as ‘bottomless pit';
by RV always as ‘abyss'. It is used to describe
the abode of demons (Lk. viii. 31), the place of
the dead (Rom. x. 7), and in the Apocalypse as
the place of torment (ix. I, etc.). LXX renders
Heb teh™m, ‘deep place', as ‘abyss' (Gn. i. 2,
etc.), with reference to the primitive idea of a
vast mass of water on which the world floated,
or to the underworld (Ps. lxxi. 20). See also
HELL. J.D.D.

ACCAD, AKKAD One of the major cities,

with Babylon and Erech, founded by Nimrod
(Gn. x. 10). It bore the Semitic name of
Akkadu,
Sumerian Agade. Its precise location near
 Free Bible dictionaries are available on the internet at:

 Hitchcock's Bible Dictionary

 Easton's Bible Dictionary

3. Commentaries

A commentary gives the author's opinion about the meaning of the actual
text of Scripture, book by book, chapter by chapter, sometimes even verse
by verse. There are a wide range of commentaries available, they range
from single volume commentaries on the whole Bible to very technical
works provided for the individual books. They range from simple
exposition to higher critical exegesis.

Commentaries -

a. give the student access to some of the best teaching in

the history of the Church;
b. provide a good "check" of one's personal conclusions
about the meaning of a text of Scripture. My "private
interpretation" needs to be checked by other students of the
Word;
c. are a resource for a wealth of information that would
help me better understand Scripture;
d. can be dangerous if the student totally relies upon the
author of the commentary instead of doing his own
personal study.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible is available

free on the Internet.

C. Bible Study Guides

Bible Study guides are usually reasonably-priced booklets that provide

questions to stimulate your thinking on a particular passage of Scripture.
The value of these guides is in their helping the student shirk through a
passage and its application to their life.

D. Computer Software
All the resources available in print are also available as computer
software. Software varies according to capabilities and cost. The following
commercial software is available:

1. PC Study Bible 2.0 by BibleSoft

BibleSoft has fine-tuned PC Study Bible with the ability to attach

personal study notes, a customizable Bible-reading plan, pop-up
menu helps and a variety of other improvements. The PC Study
Bible has an appendable clipboard that will not automatically erase
and replace when new notes are added. New modules from
BibleSoft include the New Exhaustive Strong's numbers,
Interlinear Bible, Thayer's Greek Definitions and Brown, Driver, &
Briggs Hebrew Definitions. Unique to the PC Study Bible is
Nelson's Bible Dictionary. PC Study Bible combination packages
include "Basic Editions," "New Master Edition," "New Reference
Library," "Reference Library Plus" and the "Reference Library
Plus Special CD-ROM Edition." Call (800) 877-0778.

2. BibleWorks 3.0 for Windows by Hermeneutika

More than 30 Bible texts and reference works are included in this
most recent version of BibleWorks on CD-ROM. This is a great
program for biblical exegesis. It contains the Hebrew Old
Testament, the Greek Old and New Testaments and several
English translations. Every word in the Hebrew and Greek texts is
grammatically parsed, which helps reinforce vocabulary and
grammar studies. Call (406) 837-2244.

3. HyperBible 3.0 by Kirkbride Technology

HyperBible 3.0 is tied into the popular Thompson Chain Reference

Study Bible. It has a new look and packs in more power. The
program even includes pronunciation helps for those difficult Old
Testament names. The HyperBible program contains several Bible
study helps, personal topics and notes, an atlas and location finder,
archeological studies, character studies, parallel Bible translations,
special Hebrew information and six translations to choose from.
HyperBible's newest add-on module is Strong's Concordance With
Hebrew and Greek Definitions. The software comes in CD-ROM,
Windows and Macintosh formats. Call (800) 428-4385.

4. BibleMaster by The Lockman Foundation

BibleMaster specializes in the New American Standard Bible
(NASB), whose copyright is held by The Lockman Foundation.
The NASB has long held the reputation as the most literal
translation from the original languages, which makes it excellent
for scholarly study. Unique modules to BibleMaster are the NAS
Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries, NAS Cross References and the
NAS Topical Studies. Many other modules are available, the
newest of which is the New Unger's Bible Dictionary. BibleMaster
is available in DOS, Windows and Macintosh formats. Call (714)
879-3055.

5. Logos 2.0 Library System by Logos Research Systems

Logos' latest update is a fine example of a program that meets the

demand for varied and sophisticated second-tier Bible products.
The Logos 2.0 Library System is a full-text search-and-retrieval
system designed to work in an "electronic book" environment.
Logos' multilingual support, typographic styles, graphics, charts
and tables recreate the four-color printed page on the computer
screen. This system is available on CD-ROM at four levels,
representing 13 to 38 reference works, in addition to a variety of
translations and languages. The Logos Library allows a single
search to pass like an arrow through each one of its reference
books, if the user so desires. For instance, a search for the city of
Antioch will call up every occurrence of the word in a number of
translations, encyclopedias, commentaries, dictionaries and
lexicons. Logos system texts available on 2.0 include KJV, ASV,
NASB, NCV, NKJV, NIV, NRSV with Apocrypha, RSV, three
Greek lexicons, Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New
Testament, Logos Bible Map Set, Harper's Bible Commentary and
Dictionary, Vine's Expository Dictionary, New Bible Dictionary,
Jerome Bible Commentary, New Nave's Topical Bible, Treasury of
Scripture Knowledge, Strong's numbers and lexicon, Matthew
Henry's (unabridged) Commentary, 100 MIDI hymns and much
more. In fact, by Christmas expect to see a total of 300 Logos titles
on the market.

Several publishers will be creating electronic versions of their

Biblereference books with the Logos software engine so that these
books can interact with the 2.0 Library system. Examples include
the Anchor Bible Dictionary from DoubleDay and the Elwell
Topical Analysis of the Bible from Baker Bytes. Call (800) 87-
LOGOS.

6. WORDsearch CD Expandable Library

WORDsearch Bible Software has locked in to a unique marketing
strategy with WORDsearch CD Expandable Library. Using the
latest encryption technology, WORDsearch Bible Software has
placed most of its software product line on one CD; it is available
in retail stores. Full versions of WORDsearch for Windows KJV
and Enhanced Scofield Outlines can be used by the customer
immediately. A working sampler of the rest of WORDsearch Bible
Software's programs can also be examined. If the user wants to
order any of the other programs, he or she can make a call to
WORDsearch Bible Software, purchase a password or code, and
unlock the desired application. Using an identification code, the
retailer is reimbursed for every additional module purchased and
unlocked off the CD. This innovative marketing approach
minimizes inventory investment and shelf space for the retailer.
Some of the unique modules on this CD include the NASB Greek
and Hebrew Dictionary, the NASB Cross-references, Hannah's
Outlines, LESSONmaker, along with the Life Application Notes,
Outlines, Topics and map set.

The Message is now available on WORDsearch for $39.95.

WORDsearch Bible Software plans to make it available on
Version B of the WORDsearch CD Expandable Library. Those
who already own the WORDsearch program can purchase The
Message for $29.95 as an add-on Bible text. Call (800) 888-9898.

7. QuickVerse

QuickVerse is a comprehensive Bible concordance program with

new modules being added frequently. QuickVerse-compatible
modules include KJV, NIV, NASB, NKJV, RSV, NRSV, NCV,
ASV, The Living Bible, Holman Bible Dictionary, Believer's
Study Bible, The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Hebrew Tutor,
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, the New Scofield Study
Bible, PC Bible Atlas, the Hebrew and Greek Transliterated Bible
and, most recently, The Ryrie Study Bible. Parsons has combined
some of these modules for easy purchase. These packages, ranging
from $129 to $249, are called "The QuickVerse New Bible
Reference Collection" and the "QuickVerse Deluxe Bible
Reference Collection." Call (800) 833-3241.

8. The Bible Companion Series by White Harvest Software

This new series was introduced in August. It is published for

Windows on CD-ROM and contains three packages: Teacher's
Bible Companion (includes 16 Bibles, four Greek texts, nine
commentaries, six topical and six lexical tools; $349); Student
 Bible Companion (includes 12 Bibles, one Greek text, eight
commentaries, six topical and four lexical tools; $219); Family
Bible Companion (11 Bibles, one Greek text, five commentaries,
five topical and four lexical tools; $129). Call (800) 318-7333.

9. MacBible 3.0 and BibleSource by Zondervan

Most Bible software publishers have been slow to jump on the

Macintosh train. MacBible is the oldest and most sophisticated
Macintosh Bible software available. Unique to MacBible is its use
of punctuation marks for its Boolean searches (for instance, a
comma = AND; a semicolon = OR; the minus symbol = NOT; a
period = wildcard), which can speed up the search process a bit.
Modules available for MacBible include NIV, NIV Study Notes,
NRSV with Apocrypha, KJV, Greek and Hebrew. MacBible also
has Gleason Archer's Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties as a
reference book.

BibleSource is Zondervan's Bible software for PCs. The publisher

just introduced BibleSource Study Edition for Windows, which
includes the following modules: NIV, NIV Study Bible Notes, The
NIV Bible Dictionary and the NIV Exhaustive Concordance.
When customers return their registrations, they get a free copy of
the KJV module. Call (800) 727-1309.

In addition, shareware and freeware is available from BBS and internet

sites. The quality of these products is quite variable, and they usually have
only public domain versions of the Bible (King James, Darby, etc.).
Occasionally, this software comes on CD ROM with commentaries, Bible
dictionaries, and notes. Try to examine the software before you buy.

One of the best deals is available through Wheaton College. They have
produced a CD-ROM (for $35.00) that contains Bible software,
dictionaries, commentaries, all the writings of the early church fathers, and
numerous sermons, books, and lectures by influential Christian leaders. To
order go to the CCEL Store.

Conclusion

A man uses tools to help him work more effectively, but he himself does the work. So the tools
for Bible Study are designed to help the student do the work; they do not do his work for him.
What you learn yourself means more to you and will be remembered better than what someone
else tells you.
Suppose you have some math problems to solve. It is easier to get an expert to work them for
you, but you do not learn much that way. Nor do you get the joy that comes from your own
discovery. Of course, there may be an occasional math problem for which you must have help.
Similarly, it is good to use reference materials to get information you cannot get otherwise or to
help with an occasional interpretation problem. It is good to read the writings of godly men and
counsel with them about the meaning of the Word after we have done some study ourselves.

May God strengthen you to be a diligent studier of the Word!

Section Three: Who Is Jesus Christ?

Lesson 3: Survey

Who is Jesus Christ?

In the right hand margin write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements.

1. Jesus Christ never grew tired or became hungry. F

2. Jesus Christ grew and developed as all other men. T

3. Jesus does not have the authority to forgive sin, F

4. Others who knew Jesus Christ believed that He was God. T

5. Jesus Christ was half God and half man. F

6. Jesus Christ did not exist before being born to Mary. F

7. Jesus died like all other men. T

8. Jesus Christ has complete authority over all creation. T

9. Jesus Christ could forgive men their sins. T

10. Jesus Christ is God. T

 Section #3: "Who Is Jesus Christ?"

Key/Memory Verse: John 1:1, 14

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word

was with God, and the Word was God ... And
the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us,
and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only
begotten from the Father, full of grace and
truth."

Introduction

Everybody has an opinion about the issues and questions of life. The central and primary
question of life and religion was addressed to the Disciples of Christ when Jesus asked them,
"Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13-17). Today that question remains the most
important question of a person's life... of your life, Who do you say that Jesus is?

This week's study sheet will look at how Scripture answers the question, "Who Is Jesus?"

I. Jesus Christ Is God - Fully God

Jesus Christ is unique among religious leaders in that He directly claimed to be God.

"Not one recognized religious leader, not Moses, Paul, Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, etc.,
has ever claimed to be god; that is, with the exception of Jesus Christ. Christ is the only
religious leader who has ever claimed to be deity and the only individual ever who has
convinced a great portion of the world that He is God." (Thomas Schultz)

A. His self-centered Teaching

The most striking feature of the teaching of Jesus is that he was constantly talking about
himself.

This self-centeredness of the teaching of Jesus immediately sets him apart from the other
great religious teachers of the world. They were self-effacing. He was self-advancing.
They pointed men away from themselves saying, "That is the truth so far as I perceive it;
follow that." Jesus said, "I am the truth; follow me." The founder of none of the ethnic
religions ever dared to say such a thing. The personal pronoun forces itself repeatedly on
our attention as we read his words." For example:

"I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me
shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

"I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have
the light of life." (John 8:12)

"I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and
everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25, 26)

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me." (John
14:6)

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke
upon you, and learn from Me..." (Matthew 11:28, 29)

1. Jesus affirmed that Abraham had rejoiced to see His day (John 8:56) that
Moses had written of Him (John 3:46).

2. Jesus stated that the three great divisions of the Old Testament - The Law,
Prophets, and Writings - were "things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:27, 44)

"With such an opinion of Himself, it is not surprising that He called people to

Himself. Indeed, He did more than issue an invitation; He uttered a command.
"Come to me", He said, and "Follow me". If men would only come to Him, He
promised to lift the burdens of the weary, to satisfy the hungry, and to quench the
thirst of the parched soul".

B. His Direct Claims To Deity

Jesus clearly believed Himself to be the Messiah the Old Testament predicted but His
claims went beyond Messiahship for He claimed Deity.

1. Read John 10:22-33. Why do the Jews want to stone Jesus?…because You,
being a man, make Yourself out to be God.

The Jews' uncontrollable anger was the result of their hearing Christ's claim to be
one with God and thereby claiming to be God Himself. They definitely
understood His claim, but they did not stop to consider whether His claim was
true or not!
 2. In John 5:17,18, the Jews sought to kill Christ because he not only broke the
Sabbath but He was claiming a unique relationship with God, He was claiming to
be equal to God.

3. In John 8:58 "Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham
was born, I AM."

Using an oath ("truly, truly"), Jesus claims the very name of God as His own.
(Note: in Exodus 3:14, Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 43:10 the name God chooses
to go by is I AM (He). The Jews' reaction in John 8:59, desiring to stone Him,
indicates they understood Jesus' claim to be a claim to deity.

In addition, Jesus claimed to be with the Father before the creation of the world
(John 17:5)

Jesus claimed to be God. He did not leave any other options. His claim to be God
must be either true or false and is something that should be given serious
consideration.

C.S. Lewis, who was a professor at Cambridge University and once an agnostic,
wrote: "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that
people often say about Him. I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher,
but I don't accept His claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say. A
man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a
great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on a level with the man who
says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make
your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God or else a madman or
something worse.

"You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill him as a demon; or
you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with
any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left
that open to us. He did not intend to."

C. The Bible claims Jesus is God

Jesus is called Immanuel, which according to Matthew 1:23 means God with us

According to Luke 7:16, when Jesus entered the temple, who did the people say
had visited them? God .

According to John 1:1 and 1:18, who is Jesus? God .

According to John 20:28, who did Thomas say Jesus was? God .
 According to 2 Corinthians 4:4 Christ is the image of God .

Philippians 2:6 states that Jesus Christ existed in the form of God .

Colossians 2:9 says that in Christ the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form .

Hebrews 1:2-3 says that the Son is the exact representation of God's nature.

According to Hebrews 1:8, God says of the Son: Thy throne, O God, is forever
and ever.

The apostle Peter tells us (2 Peter 1:1) that Jesus is our great God and Savior.

D. Jesus' Indirect Claims To Deity

1. Turn to Mark 2 and read verses 1-7. What does Jesus indicate He has power to
do in verse 5? forgive sin

Why are the Jews so upset with His claim (v. 7)? Only God can forgive sin

2. Besides claiming to be able to forgive sins, which only God can do, Jesus also
indirectly claimed deity by demonstrating His power in various ways:

in Matthew 8:23-27, He had power over the winds and sea

in Luke 4:40, He had power over illness

in Luke 4:33-36, He had power over demons

in John 5:21, He had power over life and death

3. Jesus has qualities that only One who is God could possess:

Characteristic God Jesus Christ

Omnipotent (all powerful) 1 Chronicles 29:11 Philipians 3:20-21

Omniscient (all knowing) 1 John 3:20 Colossians 2:2-3

Lord of Sabbath Genesis 2:3 Matthew 12:8

Is perfect Matthew 5:48 Colossians 1:19

The great "I am" Exodus 3:14 John 8:58

The only creator Isaiah 44:24 John 1:3

The only savior Isaiah 43:11, 45:21 Acts 4:12

Judges mankind Isaiah 3:13, 14 2 Corinthians 5:10

Judges between the sheep and goats Ezekiel 34:17 Matthew 25:31-33

Sent the prophets Jeremiah 7:25 Matthew 23:34

Resurrected Jesus Acts 4:10 John 10:17-18

"Coming in glory" Isaiah 40:5 Matthew 24:30

Our Father Isaiah 63:16 Isaiah 9:6

The "first and last" Isaiah 44:6 Revelation 1:17

Rock of salvation 2 Samuel 22:32 1 Corinthians 10:4

Stone of stumbling Isaiah 8:13-15 1 Peter 2:8

"One crying in the wilderness" came to prepare a way Isaiah 40:3 Matthew 3:3
for…

Eternal Genesis 21:33 Micah 5:2

The fountain of living waters Jeremiah 17:13 John 4:10-14

Resurrects the dead Acts 26:8 John 6:40

Gives rewards to man Isaiah 40:10 Matthew 16:27

Has all authority and power 1 Chronicles 29:11 Matthew 28:18

Gives power and authority to man Psalm 68:35 Luke 9:1

Forgives sin 2 Chronicles 7:14 Matthew 9:6

Sent the Holy Spirit John 14:16 John 16:7

Has the greatest name Nehemiah 9:5 Philippians 2:9

Worthy of worship Exodus 34:14 Revelation 5:12-13

The good Shepherd Genesis 48:15 John 10:14

Searches for the lost sheep of Israel Ezekiel 34:11 Matthew 15:24

"Lord of Lords" Deuteronomy Revelation 17:14

10:17

To whom every knee shall bow Isaiah 45:22-23 Philippians 2:10

The righteous branch of David Jeremiah 23:5-6 Jeremiah 33:15

Who alone is Holy 1 Samuel 2:2 Acts 3:14

Whose blood cleanses us Acts 20:28 1 John 1:7

The world was created for whom Proverbs 16:4 Colossians 1:16

Above all Nehemiah 9:6 Romans 9:5

Forever the same Psalms 102:24-27 Hebrews 1:8-12

Our light Psalm 27:1 John 8:12

The way or path Psalms 16:11 John 14:6

In charge of the angels Psalms 103:20 2 Thessalonians

1:7
Gives us rest Exodus 33:14 Matthew 11:28

Gives eternal life Proverbs 19:23 John 3:36

We are the bride of Isaiah 54:5 2 Corinthians 11:2

II. Jesus Christ Was Man - Fully Human

Scripture teaches that Jesus was God - fully God. Scripture goes on to teach that the Son of God,
Jesus, came to earth in human flesh.

In the words of John 1:14, "And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us...", Jesus
was a man - fully man - fully human.

This is a vital truth concerning Jesus Christ. If He were not fully human, He could not have
represented us on the cross. Since man had sinned, it was necessary that sin's penalty be borne by
a man. Furthermore, if Christ was not fully human, He could not be the High Priest who
comforts and strengthens us (Hebrews 2:14-18).

A. His Birth

His conception was a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:35).
Who was the Father of Jesus? God, the Father! When told by the angel that she would
bear a child, Mary exclaimed "How can this (my pregnancy) be, since I am a virgin?"
(Luke 1:34)

Though His conception was supernatural, Jesus' birth was that of a normal child born of a
human mother (Matthew 1:18, Luke 2:5-7).

B. His Childhood

Jesus, as a normal child, grew physically and mentally (Luke 2:40, 52).

C. His Humanity

1. Jesus had a body (Matthew 26:12)

2. Jesus had a soul (Matthew 26:38)
3. Jesus had a spirit (Luke 23:46)

In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul says that man possess a body, soul, and spirit. Christ was
fully human.
 D. How is Jesus' humanity seen in the following situations?

John 4:6 being wearied from His journey

John 4:7 became thirsty

Matthew 4:2 became hungry

John 11:35 Jesus wept

John 19:28 became thirsty

Matthew 13:55-56 had siblings

E. Jesus Was Fully Human Yet Without Sin

As the God-Man, fully God and fully human, He was without sin; He did not sin and
could not sin. (John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 9:14).

In His humanity, He was the only one who never had a sinful nature (with the exception
of Adam before the fall into sin).

Conclusion

Jesus Is the Godman

A. He was fully God.

Everything that can be said of God can be said of Jesus

B. He was fully human.

Everything that can be said of man as man can be said of Him.

C. These two natures, the divine and human, are united in one person.

Jesus doesn't have a double or split personality - He is one self.

D. These two natures in Jesus are inseparably united and yet are not mixed or confused.

Jesus didn't become a hybrid or a mixture that would make Him neither God nor man.

Application

In your own words, "Who do you say Jesus is?"

 Section Three Supplement: "The Messiahship of Jesus Christ"

Introduction
Some of the best apologetics material from the Bible are the prophecies of the Jewish Messiah,
fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The following table is a list of 67 prophecies that Jesus
fulfilled in his ancestry, birth, life, work, death, and resurrection.

Prophetic Scripture Subject Fulfilled

And I will put enmity between you

But when the fullness of the time
and the woman, and between your
came, God sent forth His Son, born of
seed and her seed; He shall bruise you seed of a woman
a woman, born under the Law,
on the head, and you shall bruise him
(Galatians 4:4)
on the heel." (Genesis 3:15)

And I will bless those who bless you,

and the one who curses you I will The book of the genealogy of Jesus
descendant of
curse. And in you all the families of Christ, the son of David, the son of
Abraham
the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis Abraham. (Matthew 1:1)
12:3)

But God said, "No, but Sarah your

wife shall bear you a son, and you
shall call his name Isaac; and I will the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the
descendant of
establish My covenant with him for son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the
Isaac
an everlasting covenant for his son of Nahor, (Luke 3:34)
descendants after him. (Genesis
17:19)

"I see him, but not now; I behold him,

but not near; a star shall come forth
from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise To Abraham was born Isaac; and to
descendant of
from Israel, and shall crush through Isaac, Jacob; and to Jacob, Judah and
Jacob
the forehead of Moab, and tear down his brothers; (Matthew 1:2)
all the sons of Sheth. (Numbers
24:17)

"The scepter shall not depart from from the tribe of the son of Amminadab, the son of
Judah, nor the ruler's staff from
Admin, the son of Ram, the son of
between his feet, until Shiloh comes,
Judah Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of
and to him shall be the obedience of
Judah, (Luke 3:33)
the peoples. (Genesis 49:10)

"Behold, the days are coming,"

declares the LORD, "When I shall
raise up for David a righteous
Branch; and He will reign as king and
act wisely and do justice and The book of the genealogy of Jesus
descendant of
righteousness in the land. In His days Christ, the son of David, the son of
David
Judah will be saved, and Israel will Abraham. (Matthew 1:1)
dwell securely; and this is His name
by which He will be called, `The
LORD our righteousness.'" (Jeremiah
23:5-6)

"`And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,

"And My servant David will be king
Are by no means least among the
over them, and they will all have one
will shepherd His leaders of Judah; For out of you shall
shepherd; and they will walk in My
people come forth a Ruler, Who will
ordinances, and keep My statutes, and
shepherd My people Israel.'"
observe them." (Ezekiel 37:24)
(Matthew 2:6)

There will be no end to the increase

"He will be great, and will be called
of His government or of peace, on the
the Son of the Most High; and the
throne of David and over his
Lord God will give Him the throne of
kingdom, to establish it and to uphold heir to the throne
His father David; and He will reign
it with justice and righteousness from of David
over the house of Jacob forever; and
then on and forevermore. The zeal of
His kingdom will have no end." (Luke
the LORD of hosts will accomplish
1:32-33)
this. (Isaiah 9:7)

Thy throne, O God, is forever and anointed and But of the Son He says, "Thy throne,
ever; A scepter of uprightness is the eternal O God, is forever and ever, and the
scepter of Thy kingdom. Thou hast righteous scepter is the scepter of His
loved righteousness, and hated kingdom. Thou hast loved
wickedness; therefore God, Thy God, righteousness and hated lawlessness;
has anointed Thee with the oil of joy therefore God, Thy God, hath
above Thy fellows. (Psalm 45:6-7) anointed Thee with the oil of gladness
above Thy companions." And, "Thou,
 Lord, in the beginning didst lay the
foundation of the earth, and the
"Of old Thou didst found the earth; heavens are the works of Thy hands;
and the heavens are the work of Thy They will perish, but Thou remainest;
hands. Even they will perish, but
and they all will become old as a
Thou dost endure; and all of them
will wear out like a garment; like garment, and as a mantle Thou wilt
clothing Thou wilt change them, and roll them up; as a garment they will
they will be changed. But Thou art also be changed. But Thou art the
the same, and Thy years will not same, and Thy years will not come to
come to an end." (Psalm 102:25-27) an end." (Hebrews 1:8-12)

And Joseph also went up from

Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to
Judea, to the city of David, which is
"But as for you, Bethlehem called Bethlehem, because he was of
Ephrathah, too little to be among the the house and family of David, in
clans of Judah, from you One will go order to register, along with Mary,
born in Bethlehem
forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His who was engaged to him, and was
goings forth are from long ago, from with child.... And she gave birth to
the days of eternity." (Micah 5:2) her first-born son; and she wrapped
Him in cloths, and laid Him in a
manger, because there was no room
for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4-5, 7)

"So you are to know and discern that

Now it came about in those days that
from the issuing of a decree to restore
a decree went out from Caesar
and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah
Augustus, that a census be taken of
the Prince there will be seven weeks time for His birth
all the inhabited earth. This was the
and sixty-two weeks; it will be built
first census taken while Quirinius was
again, with plaza and moat, even in
governor of Syria. (Luke 2:1-2)
times of distress. (Daniel 9:25)

"Therefore the LORD Himself will to be born of a Now in the sixth month the angel
give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will virgin Gabriel was sent from God to a city
be with child and bear a son, and she in Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin
will call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah engaged to a man whose name was
7:14) Joseph, of the descendants of David;
and the virgin's name was Mary....
And the angel said to her, "Do not be
afraid, Mary; for you have found
 favor with God. And behold, you will
conceive in your womb, and bear a
son, and you shall name Him Jesus."
(Luke 1:26-27, 30-31)

And in the same region there were

some shepherds staying out in the
fields, and keeping watch over their
flock by night. And an angel of the
Lord suddenly stood before them, and
the glory of the Lord shone around
them; and they were terribly
frightened. And the angel said to
them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I
Let the nomads of the desert bow bring you good news of a great joy
worshipped by
before him; And his enemies lick the which shall be for all the people; for
shepherds
dust. (Psalm 72:9) today in the city of David there has
been born for you a Savior, who is
Christ the Lord."... And it came about
when the angels had gone away from
them into heaven, that the shepherds
began saying to one another, "Let us
go straight to Bethlehem then, and see
this thing that has happened which
the Lord has made known to us."
(Luke 2:8-15)

Let the kings of Tarshish and of the honored by great Now after Jesus was born in
islands bring presents; The kings of kings Bethlehem of Judea in the days of
Sheba and Seba offer gifts... So may Herod the king, behold, magi from
he live; and may the gold of Sheba be the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
given to him; And let them pray for "Where is He who has been born
him continually; Let them bless him King of the Jews? For we saw His
all day long. (Psalm 72:10, 15) star in the east, and have come to
worship Him."... And they came into
"And nations will come to your light, the house and saw the Child with
And kings to the brightness of your Mary His mother; and they fell down
rising." (Isaiah 60:3) and worshiped Him; and opening
their treasures they presented to Him
gifts of gold and frankincense and
 myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-11)

Then when Herod saw that he had

been tricked by the magi, he became
very enraged, and sent and slew all
the male children who were in
Bethlehem and in all its environs,
Thus says the LORD, "A voice is
from two years old and under,
heard in Ramah, lamentation and
according to the time which he had
bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for slaughter of
ascertained from the magi. Then that
her children; she refuses to be children
which was spoken through Jeremiah
comforted for her children, because
the prophet was fulfilled, saying, "A
they are no more." (Jeremiah 31:15)
voice was heard in Ramah, weeping
and great mourning, Rachel weeping
for her children; and she refused to be
comforted, because they were no
more." (Matthew 2:16-18)

And he arose and took the Child and

His mother by night, and departed for
When Israel was a youth I loved him, Egypt; and was there until the death
and out of Egypt I called My son. flight to Egypt of Herod, that what was spoken by
(Hosea 11:1) the Lord through the prophet might
be fulfilled, saying, "Out of Egypt did
I call My Son." (Matthew 2:14-15)

And he came into all the district

A voice is calling, "Clear the way for around the Jordan, preaching a
the LORD in the wilderness; make baptism of repentance for the
smooth in the desert a highway for forgiveness of sins; as it is written in
our God. Let every valley be lifted the book of the words of Isaiah the
up, and every mountain and hill be prophet, "The voice of one crying in
made low; and let the rough ground the wilderness, `Make ready the way
the way prepared
become a plain, and the rugged of the Lord, make His paths straight.
terrain a broad valley; Then the glory `Every ravine shall be filled up, and
of the LORD will be revealed, and all every mountain and hill shall be
flesh will see it together; for the brought low; and the crooked shall
mouth of the LORD has spoken." become straight, and the rough roads
(Isaiah 40:3-5) smooth; and all flesh shall see the
salvation of God.'" (Luke 3:3-6)
 And when the messengers of John
"Behold, I am going to send My
had left, He began to speak to the
messenger, and he will clear the way
multitudes about John, "What did you
before Me. And the LORD, whom
go out into the wilderness to look at?
you seek, will suddenly come to His preceded by a
A reed shaken by the wind?... "This is
temple; and the messenger of the forerunner
the one about whom it is written,
covenant, in whom you delight,
`Behold, I send My messenger before
behold, He is coming," says the
Your face, Who will prepare Your
LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)
way before You.'" (Luke 7:24, 27)

"Behold, I am going to send you

Elijah the prophet before the coming
"For all the prophets and the Law
of the great and terrible day of the
prophesied until John. And if you
LORD. And he will restore the hearts preceded by
care to accept it, he himself is Elijah,
of the fathers to their children, and Elijah
who was to come." (Matthew 11:13-
the hearts of the children to their
14)
fathers, lest I come and smite the land
with a curse." (Malachi 4:5-6)

"I will surely tell of the decree of the

LORD: He said to Me, `Thou art My "He will be great, and will be called
Son, today I have begotten Thee.'" the Son of the Most High; and the
(Psalm 2:7) Lord God will give Him the throne of
declared the Son His father David;" (Luke 1:32)
Who has ascended into heaven and of God
descended? Who has gathered the
and behold, a voice out of the
wind in His fists? Who has wrapped
heavens, saying, "This is My beloved
the waters in His garment? Who has
Son, in whom I am well-pleased."
established all the ends of the earth?
(Matthew 3:17)
What is His name or His son's name?
Surely you know! (Proverbs 30:4)
But there will be no more gloom for Galilean ministry and leaving Nazareth, He came and
her who was in anguish; in earlier settled in Capernaum, which is by the
times He treated the land of Zebulun sea, in the region of Zebulun and
and the land of Naphtali with Naphtali. This was to fulfill what was
contempt, but later on He shall make spoken through Isaiah the prophet,
it glorious, by the way of the sea, on saying, "The land of Zebulun and the
the other side of Jordan, Galilee of land of Naphtali, By the way of the
the Gentiles. The people who walk in sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the
darkness will see a great light; those Gentiles-- "The people who were
who live in a dark land, the light will sitting in darkness saw a great light,
 and to those who were sitting in the
shine on them. (Isaiah 9:1-2) land and shadow of death, upon them
a light dawned." (Matthew 4:13-16)

I will open my mouth in a parable; I All these things Jesus spoke to the
will utter dark sayings of old, which multitudes in parables, and He did not
we have heard and known, and our speak to them without a parable, so
fathers have told us. We will not that what was spoken through the
conceal them from their children, but speaks in parables prophet might be fulfilled, saying, "I
tell to the generation to come the will open My mouth in parables; I
praises of the LORD, and His will utter things hidden since the
strength and His wondrous works that foundation of the world." (Matthew
He has done. (Psalm 78:2-4) 13:34-35)

...For My house will be called a house

of prayer for all the peoples. " (Isaiah
56:7) temple becomes a And He said to them, "It is written,
house of `My house shall be called a house of
"Has this house, which is called by merchandise prayer'; but you are making it a
My name, become a den of robbers in instead of prayer robbers' den." (Matthew 21:13)
your sight? Behold, I, even I, have
seen it," declares the LORD.
(Jeremiah 7:11)
For zeal for Thy house has consumed
zeal of Jews for His disciples remembered that it was
me, and the reproaches of those who
the temple instead written, "Zeal for Thy house will
reproach Thee have fallen on me.
of God consume me." (John 2:17)
(Psalm 69:9)

and that He may send Jesus, the

Christ appointed for you... "Moses
"The LORD your God will raise up
said, `The Lord God shall raise up for
for you a prophet like me from among
a prophet you a prophet like me from your
you, from your countrymen, you shall
brethren; to Him you shall give heed
listen to him." (Deuteronomy 18:15)
in everything He says to you.'" (Acts
3:20, 22)

And on that day the deaf shall hear blind, deaf, and And He answered and said to them,
words of a book, and out of their lame are healed "Go and report to John what you have
gloom and darkness the eyes of the by the Messiah seen and heard: the blind receive
blind shall see. (Isaiah 29:18) sight, the lame walk, the lepers are
cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead
 are raised up, the poor have the
gospel preached to them." (Luke
7:22)
Then the eyes of the blind will be
opened, And the ears of the deaf will and said to Him, "Are You the
be unstopped. Then the lame will leap Expected One, or shall we look for
like a deer, and the tongue of the someone else?" And Jesus answered
dumb will shout for joy. For waters and said to them, "Go and report to
will break forth in the wilderness and John what you hear and see: the blind
streams in the Arabah. (Isaiah 35:5- receive sight and the lame walk, the
6) lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear,
and the dead are raised up, and the
poor have the gospel preached to
them. (Matthew 11:3-5)
"Behold, My Servant whom I have
chosen; My Beloved in whom My
"He will not cry out or raise His soul is well-pleased; I will put My
voice, Nor make His voice heard in Spirit upon Him, And He shall
the street. "A bruised reed He will not proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He
break, And a dimly burning wick He will not quarrel, nor cry out; Nor will
will not extinguish; He will faithfully
bring forth justice. (Isaiah 42:2-3) Messiah will be anyone hear His voice in the streets.
meek and mild A battered reed He will not break off,
And a smoldering wick He will not
He was oppressed and He was
put out, Until He leads justice to
afflicted, Yet He did not open His
mouth; like a lamb that is led to victory." (Matthew 12:18-20)
slaughter, and like a sheep that is
silent before its shearers, so He did "Take My yoke upon you, and learn
not open His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7) from Me, for I am gentle and humble
in heart; and you shall find rest for
your souls.(Matthew 11:29)
"Behold, My Servant, whom I MAT 12:18 "Behold, My Servant
uphold; My chosen one in whom My whom I have chosen; My Beloved in
soul delights. I have put My Spirit whom My soul is well-pleased; I will
upon Him; He will bring forth justice put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall
to the nations. (Isaiah 42:1) will minister to proclaim justice to the Gentiles...
Gentiles "And in His name the Gentiles will
Listen to Me, O islands, and pay hope." (Matthew 12:18-21)
attention, you peoples from afar. The
LORD called Me from the womb; A light of revelation to the Gentiles,
from the body of My mother He And the glory of Thy people Israel. "
named Me. (Isaiah 49:1) (Luke 2:32)
The Spirit of the LORD God is upon to bind up the "He has sent Me to proclaim release
me, because the LORD has anointed
me to bring good news to the
afflicted; He has sent me to bind up to the captives, and recovery of sight
the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the blind, to set free those who are
to captives, and freedom to prisoners; brokenhearted downtrodden, to proclaim the
to proclaim the favorable year of the favorable year of the Lord." (Luke
LORD, and the day of vengeance of 4:18-19)
our God; to comfort all who mourn,
(Isaiah 61:1-2)

Therefore, I will allot Him a portion

with the great, And He will divide the
booty with the strong; Because He who is the one who condemns? Christ
poured out Himself to death, And was Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who
numbered with the transgressors; Yet was raised, who is at the right hand of
He Himself bore the sin of many, God, who also intercedes for us.
And interceded for the transgressors. to interceed for (Romans 8:34)
(Isaiah 53:12) the people
Hence, also, He is able to save
And He saw that there was no man, forever those who draw near to God
And was astonished that there was no through Him, since He always lives to
one to intercede; Then His own arm make intercession for them. (Hebrews
brought salvation to Him; And His 7:25)
righteousness upheld Him. (Isaiah
59:16)
As the cattle which go down into the
valley, The Spirit of the LORD gave
them rest. So didst Thou lead Thy "Take My yoke upon you, and learn
people, To make for Thyself a from Me, for I am gentle and humble
glorious name. (Isaiah 63:14) gives rest to our in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND
souls REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My
Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the yoke is easy, and My load is light."
ways and see and ask for the ancient
(Matthew 11:29-30)
paths, Where the good way is, and
walk in it; And you shall find rest for
your souls. But they said, `We will
not walk in it.'" (Jeremiah 6:16)
He was despised and forsaken of rejected by His He came to His own, and those who
men, a man of sorrows, and own people, the were His own did not receive Him.
acquainted with grief; and like one Jews (John 1:11)
from whom men hide their face, He
But they cried out all together,
 saying, "Away with this man, and
was despised, and we did not esteem release for us Barabbas!" (Luke
Him. (Isaiah 53:3) 23:18)

"Then He shall become a sanctuary; He is the stone which was rejected

But to both the houses of Israel, a by you, the builders, but which
stone to strike and a rock to stumble became the very corner stone. (Acts
over, And a snare and a trap for the 4:11)
inhabitants of Jerusalem." (Isaiah
8:14) For this is contained in Scripture:
"Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone,
Therefore thus says the LORD God, a precious corner stone, And he who
"Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, believes in Him shall not be
a tested stone, A costly cornerstone disappointed." This precious value,
for the foundation, firmly placed. He then, is for you who believe. But for
who believes in it will not be those who disbelieve, "The stone
disturbed." (Isaiah 28:16) which the builders rejected, This
became the very corner stone," and,
The stone which the builders rejected "A stone of stumbling and a rock of
Has become the chief corner stone. offense"; for they stumble because
(Psalm 118:22) they are disobedient to the word, and
to this doom they were also
appointed. (1 Peter 2:6-8)
So also Christ did not glorify Himself
so as to become a high priest, but He
The LORD has sworn and will not who said to Him, "Thou art My Son,
priest after the
change His mind, "Thou art a priest Today I have begotten Thee"; just as
order of
forever according to the order of He says also in another passage,
Melchizedek
Melchizedek." (Psalm 110:4) "Thou art a priest forever according
to the order of Melchizedek."
(Hebrews 5:5-6)

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! triumphal entry And they brought the colt to Jesus
Shout in triumph, O daughter of and put their garments on it; and He
Jerusalem! Behold, your king is sat upon it.... And those who went
coming to you; He is just and before, and those who followed after,
endowed with salvation, Humble, and were crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is
mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, He who comes in the name of the
the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) Lord;"... And He entered Jerusalem
and came into the temple; and after
looking all around, He departed for
Bethany with the twelve, since it was
 already late. (Mark 11:7, 9, 11)

"Behold, I am going to send My

messenger, and he will clear the way And Jesus entered the temple and cast
before Me. And the LORD, whom out all those who were buying and
you seek, will suddenly come to His entered the temple selling in the temple, and overturned
temple; and the messenger of the with authority the tables of the moneychangers and
covenant, in whom you delight, the seats of those who were selling
behold, He is coming," says the doves. (Matthew 21:12)
LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)

But when the chief priests and the

scribes saw the wonderful things that
He had done, and the children who
were crying out in the temple and
From the mouth of infants and
saying, "Hosanna to the Son of
nursing babes Thou hast established
David," they became indignant, and
strength, because of Thine adored by infants
said to Him, "Do You hear what these
adversaries, to make the enemy and
are saying?" And Jesus said to them,
the revengeful cease. (Psalm 8:2)
"Yes; have you never read, `Out of
the mouth of infants and nursing
babes Thou hast prepared praise for
Thyself?'" (Matthew 21:15-16)

But though He had performed so

many signs before them, yet they
were not believing in Him; that the
Who has believed our message? And
word of Isaiah the prophet might be
to whom has the arm of the LORD not believed
fulfilled, which he spoke, "Lord, who
been revealed? (Isaiah 53:1)
has believed our report? And to
whom has the arm of the Lord been
revealed?" (John 12:37-38)

"Awake, O sword, against My

Then Jesus said to them, "You will all
Shepherd, And against the man, My
fall away because of Me this night,
Associate," Declares the LORD of sheep of the
for it is written, `I will strike down
hosts. "Strike the Shepherd that the Shepherd
the shepherd, and the sheep of the
sheep may be scattered; and I will scattered
flock shall be scattered.'" (Matthew
turn My hand against the little ones."
26:31)
(Zechariah 13:7)
Even my close friend, in whom I "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted Because He anointed Me to preach
up his heel against me. (Psalm 41:9) the gospel to the poor." While He was
still speaking, behold, a multitude
For it is not an enemy who came, and the one called Judas, one
reproaches me, Then I could bear it; of the twelve, was preceding them;
Nor is it one who hates me who has and he approached Jesus to kiss Him.
exalted himself against me, Then I betrayed by a
could hide myself from himBut it is But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you
close friend betraying the Son of Man with a
you, a man my equal, My companion
and my familiar friend. (Psalm 55:12- kiss?" (Luke 22:47-48)
13)
And immediately he went to Jesus
"And one will say to him, 'What are and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed
these wounds between your arms?' Him. And Jesus said to him, "Friend,
Then he will say,' Those with which I do what you have come for." Then
was wounded in the house of my they came and laid hands on Jesus
friends.' (Zechariah 13:6) and seized Him. (Matthew 26:49-50)
Then one of the twelve, named Judas
And I said to them, "If it is good in
Iscariot, went to the chief priests, and
your sight, give me my wages; but if
betrayed for thirty said, "What are you willing to give
not, never mind!" So they weighed
pieces of silver me to deliver Him up to you?" And
out thirty shekels of silver as my
they weighed out to him thirty pieces
wages. (Zechariah 11:12)
of silver. (Matthew 26:14-15)

And the chief priests took the pieces

Then the LORD said to me, "Throw it of silver and said, "It is not lawful to
to the potter, that magnificent price at put them into the temple treasury,
betrayal money
which I was valued by them." So I since it is the price of blood." And
used to buy
took the thirty shekels of silver and they counseled together and with the
Potter's field
threw them to the potter in the house money bought the Potter's Field as a
of the LORD. (Zechariah 11:13) burial place for strangers. (Matthew
27:6-7)

And some stood up and began to give

false testimony against Him, saying,
Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask
accused by false "We heard Him say, `I will destroy
me of things that I do not know.
witnesses this temple made with hands, and in
(Psalm 35:11)
three days I will build another made
without hands.'" (Mark 14:57-58)

He was oppressed and He was silent to And Pilate was questioning Him
afflicted, yet He did not open His again, saying, "Do You make no
mouth; like a lamb that is led to answer? See how many charges they
slaughter, and like a sheep that is accusations bring against You!" But Jesus made
silent before its shearers, so He did no further answer; so that Pilate was
not open His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7) amazed. (Mark 15:4-5)

Then they spat in His face and beat

I gave My back to those who strike
Him with their fists; and others
Me, and My cheeks to those who
slapped Him, (Matthew 26:67)
pluck out the beard; I did not cover spat on and struck
My face from humiliation and
And they spat on Him, and took the
spitting. (Isaiah 50:6) reed and began to beat Him on the
head. (Matthew 27:30)
But He was pierced through for our
transgressions, He was crushed for Then he released Barabbas for them;
our iniquities; The chastening for our but after having Jesus scourged, he
scourged
well-being fell upon Him, and by His delivered Him to be crucified.
scourging we are healed. (Isaiah (Matthew 27:26)
53:5)

"If I had not done among them the

works which no one else did, they
would not have sin; but now they
Do not let those who are wrongfully
have both seen and hated Me and My
my enemies rejoice over me; neither hated without
Father as well. But they have done
let those who hate me without cause reason
this in order that the word may be
wink maliciously. (Psalm 35:19)
fulfilled that is written in their Law,
`They hated Me without a cause.'"
(John 15:24-25)

But He was pierced through for our For while we were still helpless, at
transgressions, He was crushed for the right time Christ died for the
our iniquities; The chastening for our ungodly.... But God demonstrates His
vicarious sacrifice
well-being fell upon Him, and by His own love toward us, in that while we
scourging we are healed. (Isaiah were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
53:5) (Romans 5:6, 8)

Therefore, I will allot Him a portion crucified with And they crucified two robbers with
with the great, and He will divide the malefactors Him, one on His right and one on His
booty with the strong; because He left. [And the Scripture was fulfilled
poured out Himself to death, and was which says, "And He was numbered
numbered with the transgressors; yet
He Himself bore the sin of many, and
with transgressors."] (Mark 15:27-28)
interceded for the transgressors.
(Isaiah 53:12)

"And I will pour out on the house of

David and on the inhabitants of The other disciples therefore were
Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of saying to him, "We have seen the
supplication, so that they will look on Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I
Me whom they have pierced; and shall see in His hands the imprint of
they will mourn for Him, as one the nails, and put my finger into the
mourns for an only son, and they will pierced through place of the nails, and put my hand
weep bitterly over Him, like the bitter hands and feet into His side, I will not believe."...
weeping over a first-born. (Zechariah Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here
12:10) your finger, and see My hands; and
reach here your hand, and put it into
For dogs have surrounded me; A My side; and be not unbelieving, but
band of evildoers has encompassed believing." (John 20:25-27)
me; They pierced my hands and my
feet. (Psalm 22:16)
All who see me sneer at me; they And the people stood by, looking on.
separate with the lip, they wag the And even the rulers were sneering at
head, saying, "Commit yourself to the sneered and Him, saying, "He saved others; let
LORD; let Him deliver him; let Him mocked Him save Himself if this is the Christ
rescue him, because He delights in of God, His Chosen One." (Luke
him." (Psalm 22:7-8) 23:35)

For zeal for Thy house has consumed For even Christ did not please
me, and the reproaches of those who Himself; but as it is written, "The
was reproached
reproach Thee have fallen on me. reproaches of those who reproached
(Psalm 69:9) Thee fell upon Me." (Romans 15:3)

I also have become a reproach to And those passing by were hurling

people shook their
them; When they see me, they wag abuse at Him, wagging their heads,
heads
their head. (Psalm 109:25) (Matthew 27:39)

They also gave me gall for my food, given vinegar for After this, Jesus, knowing that all
And for my thirst they gave me His thirst things had already been
vinegar to drink. (Psalm 69:21) accomplished, in order that the
Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I
am thirsty." A jar full of sour wine
 was standing there; so they put a
sponge full of the sour wine upon a
branch of hyssop, and brought it up to
His mouth. (John 19:28-29)

In return for my love they act as my

But Jesus was saying, "Father,
accusers; but I am in prayer. (Psalm
forgive them; for they do not know
109:4) prayer for His
what they are doing." And they cast
enemies
lots, dividing up His garments among
… yet He Himself bore the sin of
many, and interceded for the themselves. (Luke 23:34)
transgressors. (Isaiah 53:12)
I can count all my bones. They look, And when they had crucified Him,
they stare at me; they divide my they divided up His garments among
soldiers gambled
garments among them, and for my themselves, casting lots; and sitting
for His clothing
clothing they cast lots. (Psalm 22:17- down, they began to keep watch over
18) Him there. (Matthew 27:35-36)

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried

My God, my God, why hast Thou
out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli,
forsaken me? Far from my
forsaken by God Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My
deliverance are the words of my
God, My God, why hast Thou
groaning. (Psalm 22:1)
forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46)

And Jesus, crying out with a loud

Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; voice, said, "Father, into Thy hands I
committed His
Thou hast ransomed me, O Lord, God commit My spirit." And having said
Spirit to God
of truth. (Psalm 31:5) this, He breathed His last. (Luke
23:46)

And all His acquaintances and the

My loved ones and my friends stand
friends stood afar women who accompanied Him from
aloof from my plague; And my
off Galilee, were standing at a distance,
kinsmen stand afar off. (Psalm 38:11)
seeing these things. (Luke 23:49)

He keeps all his bones; not one of no bones broken The soldiers therefore came, and
them is broken. (Psalm 34:20) broke the legs of the first man, and of
the other man who was crucified with
Him; but coming to Jesus, when they
saw that He was already dead, they
did not break His legs;... For these
 things came to pass, that the Scripture
might be fulfilled, "Not a bone of
Him shall be broken." (John 19:32,
33, 36)

"And I will pour out on the house of

David and on the inhabitants of
Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of
supplication, so that they will look on but one of the soldiers pierced His
Me whom they have pierced; and side with a spear, and immediately
His side pierced
they will mourn for Him, as one there came out blood and water.
mourns for an only son, and they will (John 19:34)
weep bitterly over Him, like the bitter
weeping over a first-born. (Zechariah
12:10)

"And it will come about in that day,"

declares the Lord God, "That I shall Now from the sixth hour darkness fell
Darkness over the
make the sun go down at noon And upon all the land until the ninth hour.
Land
make the earth dark in broad daylight. (Matthew 27:45)
(Amos 8:9)

And when it was evening, there came

a rich man from Arimathea, named
Joseph, who himself had also become
a disciple of Jesus. This man went to
His grave was assigned with wicked Pilate and asked for the body of
men, yet He was with a rich man in Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be
buried with the
His death, because He had done no given over to him. And Joseph took
rich
violence, nor was there any deceit in the body and wrapped it in a clean
His mouth. (Isaiah 53:9) linen cloth, and laid it in his own new
tomb, which he had hewn out in the
rock; and he rolled a large stone
against the entrance of the tomb and
went away. (Matthew 27:57-60)

For Thou wilt not abandon my soul to to be resurrected And he said to them, "Do not be
Sheol; Neither wilt Thou allow Thy amazed; you are looking for Jesus the
Holy One to undergo decay. (Psalm Nazarene, who has been crucified. He
16:10) has risen; He is not here; behold, here
is the place where they laid Him. But
 O LORD, Thou hast brought up my
soul from Sheol; Thou hast kept me
alive, that I should not go down to the
pit. (Psalm 30:3) go, tell His disciples and Peter, `He is
going before you into Galilee; there
But God will redeem my soul from you will see Him, just as He said to
the power of Sheol; for He will you.'" (Mark 16:6-7)
receive me. Selah. (Psalm 49:15)

I shall not die, but live, And tell of

the works of the LORD. (Psalm
118:17)
And when He had said this, He
`For I will pour out water on the breathed on them, and said to them,
thirsty land and streams on the dry "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John
ground; I will pour out My Spirit on 20:22)
your offspring, and My blessing on
your descendants;' (Isaiah 44:3) sent the Holy "but this is what was spoken of
Spirit through the prophet Joel: `And it shall
"And it will come about after this be in the last days,' God says, 'That I
That I will pour out My Spirit on all will pour forth of My Spirit upon all
mankind; And your sons and mankind; and your sons and your
daughters will prophesy, Your old daughters shall prophesy, and your
men will dream dreams, Your young young men shall see visions, and your
men will see visions. (Joel 2:28) old men shall dream dreams;'" (Acts
2:16-17)
"Incline your ear and come to Me. Establishes a new for this is My blood of the covenant,
Listen, that you may live; And I will covenant which is poured out for many for
make an everlasting covenant with forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:28)
you, According to the faithful mercies
shown to David. Behold, I have made And in the same way He took the cup
him a witness to the peoples, a leader after they had eaten, saying, "This
and commander for the peoples. cup which is poured out for you is the
new covenant in My blood. (Luke
(Isaiah 55:3-4) 22:20)

Behold, days are coming," declares But now He has obtained a more
the LORD, "when I will make a new excellent ministry, by as much as He
covenant with the house of Israel and is also the mediator of a better
with the house of Judah,...But this is covenant, which has been enacted on
the covenant which I will make with better promises... For this is the
the house of Israel after those days," covenant that I will make with the
declares the LORD, "I will put My house of Israel After those days, says
law within them, and on their heart I
 the Lord: I will put My laws into their
will write it; and I will be their God, minds, And I will write them upon
and they shall be My people. their hearts. And I will be their God,
(Jeremiah 31:31) And they shall be My people.
(Hebrews 8:6-10)
So then, when the Lord Jesus had
Thou hast ascended on high, Thou spoken to them, He was received up
hast led captive Thy captives; Thou into heaven, and sat down at the right
hast received gifts among men, even hand of God. (Mark 16:19)
among the rebellious also, that the
LORD God may dwell there. (Psalm His ascension to and that He was buried, and that He
68:18) God's right hand was raised on the third day according
to the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians
15:4)
The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at
My right hand, until I make Thine Therefore it says, "When He
enemies a footstool for Thy feet." ascended on high, He led captive a
(Psalm 110:1) host of captives, And He gave gifts to
men." (Ephesians 4:8)
The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light; Those who live
For I do not want you, brethren, to be
in a dark land, The light will shine on
uninformed of this mystery, lest you
them. (Isaiah 9:2)
be wise in your own estimation, that a
Then it will come about in that day partial hardening has happened to
that the nations will resort to the root Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles
of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal the Gentiles will has come in; (Romans 11:25)
for the peoples; and His resting place seek the Messiah
will be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10) "THE PEOPLE WHO WERE
SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A
"I permitted Myself to be sought by GREAT LIGHT, AND TO THOSE
those who did not ask for Me; I WHO WERE SITTING IN THE
permitted Myself to be found by LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH,
those who did not seek Me. I said, UPON THEM A LIGHT
'Here am I, here am I,' To a nation DAWNED." (Matthew 4:16)
which did not call on My name."
(Isaiah 65:1)

Section Four: The Work of Christ

Section Four: Survey

The Work Of Jesus Christ

In the right hand margin write "true" or "false" each of the following statements.

1. Jesus Christ was only a good example for us to pattern our lives after. F

2. Men can reach God without having to come to Jesus Christ. F

3. Jesus Christ's death took place in history and has no effect for us today. F

4. God offers the gift of eternal life to all men. T

5. God is just, therefore He must punish men for their sins. T

6. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, God saw His death as the payment for the sins of T
all men.

7. Faith is simply believing intellectually that Jesus Christ is God. F

8. One need not repent of his sins to make a commitment of his life to Jesus Christ. F

9. In order to keep our salvation, it is necessary to continually do good. F

10. God loves all men and wishes they all could be saved. T

Section Four: "The Work Of Christ"

Key/Memory Verse: Romans 5:8

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died
for us."

Introduction

Last week we answered the question, "Who is Jesus Christ?" We found that Jesus was both God
and man. Jesus by His words and deeds claimed to be God, yet at the same time He was truly a
manfully human.

This week we want to study and discuss "The Work of Jesus Christ" and answer the questions,
"Why did Jesus come into the world?" and "What should my response to Christ be?

This is the core of Christianity, the good news of the Gospel that Jesus Christ gave His life for us
that we might live. Christ died that you might be set free from the prisons of sin, death, self and
fear.

I. Why Christ Came Into The World

A. Look up the following verses and state why Jesus came into the world.

1 Timothy 1:15

Luke 19:10

1 Corinthians 15:3B

Jesus Christ came into the world to solve man's fundamental problem. The problem of
sin.

All men are sinners, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans
3:23). Sin is an unpopular subject, but we cannot close our eyes to an obvious fact which
the Bible declares and experience confirms. The darkness of selfishness, and captivity of
sin overshadows our whole life.

B. Unlike man, God is absolutely pure and spotless, for as it says in 1 John 1:5, "And this
is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in
Him there is no darkness at all." What results of man's sinfulness are listed in Isaiah 59:2?
As light and darkness can never live together, neither can God and sin. He "dwells in
unapproachable light" (1 Timothy 6:16). Just as darkness is dispelled by light, so the
sinner is inevitably banished from God's holy presence and he cannot be in a relationship
of fellowship with God until his sin has been cleansed away. Thus man's problem as
illustrated below is, "How can I who am a banished sinner be reconciled to a holy God?
How can my sins be forgiven so that I can have fellowship with God?"

C. In 1 Peter 3:18, how did Peter explain what God has done to bring men to Himself, to
bridge the gap sin creates separating God and man?

According to John 14:6, is there any other way to bridge the gap?

God solved man's fundamental problem by sending His Son Jesus Christ.

D. Look up the following verses and record what motivated God to meet our deepest
need.

John 3:16

Romans 5:8

Ephesians 2:4, 5

1 John 4:10

Jesus Christ died on our behalf. He "came into the world to save sinners"
(1 Timothy 1:15) by dying on the cross.
II. Christ's Death

A. Jesus Died As Our Substitute

The picture is from Old Testament sacrifices. Just as animals put to death were thought of
as substitutes for people, so Jesus died for human sinfulness instead of us. If we trust in
Jesus we do not have to bear the ultimate e penalty for sin - death or separation from
God.

"The himself bore our sins in his body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24

B. Jesus Died As Our Representative

Jesus identified Himself with sinful humanity. He became one with us.
God sent Jesus to represent us. Without faith in Jesus we are "in Adam",
part of sinful humanity - fit only to die. But "in Christ", represented by
Him, we can know a completely new kind of life.

"God made him (Christ) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we
might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

C. Jesus Died As Our Redeemer

The picture was as familiar to people in the market-place (and slave-market) in the
ancient world as supermarket coupons and trading stamps today. Jesus has paid the price
so that we can go free. The price of sin is death. Jesus has bought us back.

"He (Jesus) entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained
eternal redemption." (Hebrews 9:12)

In order to give final decisive proof that Christ's death was an acceptable and effective
sacrifice for the removal of sin, God raised Him from the dead and exalted Him
(Ephesians 1:20, 21; Philippians 2:8-11).

Man's sin is the fundamental problem Christ's death is the answer. The message or "good
news" of the Gospel is that God has provided a way for man to leave the shadows and
confines of sin and enter into the light and fulfillment of a righteous relationship with
God. This way is through the death of Jesus Christ.

III. My Response To Christ's Work:

A. Some people wrongly suppose that through Christ's death on the cross, forgiveness of
sins is automatically conferred upon all men.

God's solution to the fundamental problem of sin is, however, not mechanical and
impersonal He does not impose salvation on those who do not want it. He still respects
His own gift of free will to mankind. He offers me salvation. He does not oblige me to
accept it.

We cannot achieve it by our own efforts, but we must receive it from God if we are to
possess it. How?

If I am to benefit from Christ's death I must take three simple steps, the first two are
preliminary and the third so final that to take it will make me a Christian. Consider these
steps carefully, asking yourself, "Have I responded to Christ in this way?"

The 3 steps and explanations are taken from a Booklet entitled "Becoming A Christian by
John R.W. Stott, IVP).

1. I must acknowledge myself to be in God's sight a helpless sinner.

In Romans 3:22 this unequivocal statement is made: "there is no

distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." All
men are sinners indiscriminately. That is to say, there may be some
distinction between men in the degree to which they have sinned; there is
no difference in the fact. This statement includes me. In thought, word and
deed I have continually &obeyed oaf's commandments and fallen short of
what I should have been. Consequently I have been banished from His
presence as Isaiah 59:1, 2 makes clear. "Y our iniquities have separated
between you and your God, and your sin have hid His {face from you."
Moreover, I am helpless to remedy the situation. No amount of good deeds
on my part can win God's favor. I am a hopeless, helpless sinner. I need: a
Savior to bring me back to God.

2. I must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to be the very Savior I
have just admitted I need.

"The Son of God loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). He
bore my sins in His own body. He was made sin for: me. More than that,
He voluntarily endured the penalty which those sins of mine deserved He
was wounded for my transgressions and bruised for my iniquities Clearest
of all verses is I Peter 3:18, which says that, in order to bring me back to
God, Christ, the innocent One, suffered for the sins which I, the guilty one,
had committed.

3. I must come to Christ and claim my: personal share in what He did for
everybody.

He died to be the Savior of the world; I must ask Him to be my Savior. He

bore the sins of all men; I must ask him to take my sins away. He suffered
to bring everybody back to God. I must ask Him to bring me. Exactly what
I must do is explained by Christ in Revelation 3:20, "Behold I stand at the
 door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come
in to him." The house is a picture of my life. Christ stands outside the front
door. He will not put His shoulder to it. He does not use a battering ram.
He waits patiently until I open the door. Then He will come in, and on
entering He will have become to me the Savior I have acknowledged I
need, and I shall find myself reconciled to God, enjoying that fellowship
with Him for which I was created

B. According to Romans 10:9-11, 13

(-v. 9) What is the result of confessing Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and accepting His
death and resurrection as payment for your sins?

(v. 10) What's the result of confessing and believing in Jesus Christ as Savior?

(v. 11) Will putting your- faith in Christ lead to disappointment?

At some point in your life have you responded to and accepted Jesus Christ as your
Savior by taking these three steps given earlier? Yes___ No___

Application

A. If you have accepted Christ before, turn to John 14:27-29 and record what Jesus
promised His followers.

B. If you have not accepted Christ as your Savior, would you like to get together and talk
more about Jesus Christ and His claims to be God and Savior?

Section Five: The Holy Spirit

Section Five: Survey

The Holy Spirit

In the right hand margin write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements.

1. One can acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior apart from the Spirit's working his F
heart.

2. The natural man understands the things of the Spirit of God. F

3. The Spirit seals the believer until the day of redemption. T

4. It is the work of the Spirit to convict the world of sin. T

5. The Scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit had a part in the creation of the world. T
 6. The believer is filled with the Spirit by yielding himself wholly to God. T

7. The believer's body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. T

8. The fruit of the Spirit is the outward sign of one's clam to the indwelling and filling by T
the Spirit.

9. Grieving the Spirit will cause the believer to lose the sense of the Spirit's blessing. T

10. The Spirit indwells the believer. T

Section Five: "The Holy Spirit"

Key/Memory Verse: John 14:16 NAS

"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you
forever;"

Introduction

Section Five: The Holy Spirit

The subject of the Holy Spirit is of extreme importance. We all need His presence and His
power, and without Him, it would be utterly impossible for us to live the Christian life and serve
God. Yet, few biblical doctrines have caused more division within the Church as this one.

"One of the most subtle tactics adopted by the Enemy to paralyze the Church has been to make
Christians afraid of the Holy Spirit. He has driven groups of earnest believers to adopt extreme
positions on the right and on the left. He laughs as he sees neither group in complete enjoyment
of the power and fullness the Spirit delights to bestow".

Thus, we have need to study the Scriptures diligently, asking the Lord to guide us in our study by
the Holy Spirit.

I. Jesus And The Holy Spirit

A. Christ arose - and now lives! When He ascended into heaven, He did not leave His
followers alone. He sent them the Holy Spirit.

Why did God send the Holy Spirit according to the following verses?

1. John 14.26 He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance
all that I said to you

2. John 16:7-14 "...it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go

away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
II. Who Is The Holy Spirit?

A. The Holy Spirit Is A Person

We might shirk that the Spirit is merely a power, a force, or an "it", when in fact,
Scripture reveals that the Holy Spirit is a person. The Holy Spirit is a person in the same
sense that God the Father is a person, and the Lord Jesus Christ is a person.

1. He Acts As A Person

a. He teaches (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:13)

b. He testifies (John 15:26)

c. He guides into all truth, He hears, speaks, shows (John 16:13)

d. He prays for us (Romans 8:26)

2. He Has The Attributes of A Person

"What constitutes the essentials of personality? Usually three things - a person must possess
intelligence, emotions, and will. A thing lacks these, but the Holy Spirit is not a thing because He
has intelligence, emotions and will".

a. Intelligence -

The Spirit knows the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-11)

b. Emotions -

The Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30, and He loves Christians (Romans
15:30). Both emotions are experienced by a person not a thing or power.

c. Will -

The Spirit gives gifts to men as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11)

3. He Can Be Treated As A Person, Since He can be ...

a. Lied to (Acts 5:3)

b. Tested (Acts 5:9)

c. Resisted (Acts 7:51)

d. Grieved (Ephesians 4:3 0)

 e. Outraged (Hebrews 10:29)

f. Blasphemed Against (Matthew 12:31)

g. Called Upon (Ezekiel 37:9)

B. The Holy Spirit Is God

1. The Holy Spirit possesses divine attributes. He knows all things (1

Corinthians 2:11-12) and one can never escape the presence of the Spirit,
in other words, He is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7,8)

2. The Holy Spirit is associated with the Father and the Son, and placed on
the same level as they are.

a. According to Matthew 28:19, the disciples must baptize in what

names?

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

b. Read Acts 5:1-6. According to verse 3, who did Ananias lie to ?

Holy Spirit

Then in verse 4, who is Ananias accused of lying to? God

Both verses are referring to the same person - Ananias lied to the
Holy Spirit who is God.

c. According to John 4:24, what is God? God is spirit

We have seen that the Holy Spirit is a person and God. ‘If the Spirit were merely a power
coming from above, it would be at my disposal and I could use it at will. But if the Spirit is a
Person, and more than that, if He is God Himself, it is I would should be at His disposal, and
love and obey Him in all things. Besides, receiving into our hearts not only a blessing, but the
presence of the Almighty God is to have within us the source of all grace and of all possibility.
Let us beware of failing to recognize the true nature of the Holy Spirit." (Rene Pache)

III. The Work Of The Holy Spirit In Our Salvation

A. According to John 16:8-11, what three things does the Holy Spirit do to the non-
Christian in the world?

1. concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me

2. concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold
Me
3. concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged
 B. In John 3, Jesus shares how one can be born-again. In verse 5, what must take place if
a person is to be a born again Christian? He must be born of water and the Spirit

C. Can anyone truly acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior apart from the Holy Spirit's
work in his heart according to 1 Corinthians 12:3? Yes No

It is the Holy Spirit who imparts and makes effective within the believer a new nature.
new nature is a total transformation of the believer's make-up and identify. The believer
is at this point "born from above" (John 3:3) and is actually a "new creature" (2
Corinthians 5:17). This impartation of, or giving of, eternal life is experienced by all who
accept Christ as their Savior.

IV. The Filling Of The Holy Spirit

Read Ephesians 5:15-20. In this passage, Christians are encouraged to live a certain way. Verse
18 consists of two commands: one negative, "do not get drunk with wine"; and one positive, "be
filled with the Holy Spirit". The positive command is our focus here!

Whereas all believers possess the Holy Spirit in all His fullness and are permanently indwelt
with the Spirit from the moment they believe, not all believers allow the indwelling Spirit to
affect their lives; thus Paul's command "be filled with the Holy Spirit."

This is not an option or a suggestion for the Christian - it is a command to "be kept continually
filled" with the Spirit. It's not a once-for-all filling - it's to be done moment by moment.

To be filled with the Spirit is to allow the Holy Spirit to permeate your life, empower and control
you.

A. Turn to Galatians 5:22,23. What is the proof of being filled with the Spirit?
the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

As you can see, to be filled with the Spirit is to have your thinking (about life, people,
circumstances), evaluation, goals, desires, longings, will (choices, decisions, intentions), as well
as the resulting behavior, permeated with and affected by the Holy Spirit.

B. The believer can quench the Spirit's expression of God's power and life through his life. The
filling of the Spirit is conditional upon the believers sincere desire to be a living expression of
God's will by the way he walks and lives. In such a person the Spirit can freely manifest the
power and life of God in the affairs of daily living.

C. How To Be Filled With The Holy Spirit

Scripture mentions four essential conditions to be filled with the Spirit.

1. Confession Of Our Conscious Sins

It is sin that grieves the Spirit and quenches His work in our lives. By acknowledging both our
sin and God's gracious forgiveness and cleansing through Christ (1 John 1:9), we free the Holy
Spirit to fill us.

2. Desiring The Spirit's Filling

Jesus said, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the
Scripture said, 'From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke of
the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive..." (John 7:37-9)

"Thirst is an imperative need which must be satisfied. A man racked by thirst will give anything
to be able to quench it. Fullness, life through the Spirit, is given only to those who truly thirst, to
those who are prepared to pay the price, to abandon all if necessary to receive it. "Blessed are
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6). Have
we such a thirst for sanctification, victory and plenty, for radiance and power? Do we desire a
Christian life which is free from constant vicissitudes and repeated falls, unencumbered by
weakness and continual sorrow? In short do we thirst after the Spirit's Fullness? Then let us draw
near to the Savior' for His promise is to us."

As you grow as a Christian, you will hopefully find yourself thirsting and desiring God's Spirit to
fill you at work (with customers, clients, competition), in all your relationships (with spouse,
children, in-laws, neighbors), at home (budgeting, chores), at church (during worship, ministry,
outreach, etc.).

3. Surrendering Ourselves To God, Giving Access In Our Whole Bending To His Influence And
Filling

God desires to fill us with the Holy Spirit. Frequently, we close off areas of our life, our beings,
from the Spirit. We yield in areas of convenience, yet resist His indwelling the secret chambers
and closets of our hearts.

"Some, perhaps, will say: I would willingly yield all into God's hands and empty my heart that
He might fill it, but there are many things which keep me bound and which I am unable to root
rout of my life. But, of course, God does not expect us to purify ourselves or to expel first by our
own efforts, that which hinders His work in us. We would not accomplish this. All He asks is our
consent - to let Him enter into every part that He may transform and purify all. All He desires is
the complete submission of our will contrary to which He will not act, since He created us free
beings. But once full command has been placed in His hands, He: will no longer be hindered
from filling us and glorifying Himself in us. According to His promise, He will produce in us
both the will and the ability to act (Philippians 2:13), and will make all things possible. Listen to
the exhortation of the apostle Paul, who gives us the key to sanctification: "...present yourselves
to God as those alive from the dead, ... I urge you therefore... to present your bodies a living and
holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (Romans 6:12-13;
12:1).
May we present ourselves unto God saying to Him, "Lord, I yield myself completely to Thee as I
am; I am willing to pay the price' cost what it may, and to be filled with thy Spirit."

4. Believe That God Has Filled Us With His Spirit When We Have Met The First Three
Conditions.

Turn to the parable in Luke 11:11-13. According to this parable, which compares the relationship
of a child and his good father to the Christian and His heavenly Father. Will God give us the
Holy Spirit if we ask Him to? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask
Him?"

Simple faith in God and His promises results in our being filled with the Spirit. We may not
"feel" full, get goose bumps, be overwhelmed with the sense of peace or His presence, yet we are
filled. Our confidence is in God and His promises, not our feelings.

Conclusion

So much has been said, so much more could be said about the Holy Spirit. Why don't you take a
minute and quietly reflect on the Holy Spirit and ask Him to fill you for the tasks you will be
facing next in your day, this day, and the morrow.

Section Six: The Attributes of God

Genesis: A Place To Start

Section Six: Survey - The Attributes Of God

In the right hand margin write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements.

1. God is limited to working within time. F

2. God changed His goals He had for mankind after they rejected His Son and crucified F
Him.

3. Every person of the Godhead has every attribute common to the others. T

4. The Holy Spirit is less powerful than Christ, just as Christ is less powerful than God the F
Father.

5. Satan is equal to God. F

6. God does not always know what we are thinking or what we might do next. F

7. An attribute talks about personality or nature. T

 8. The universe and everything in it could exist without God. F

9. All of God's attributes work in perfect harmony. T

10. Our goal should be to allow God to manifest many of His attributes in our lives. T

Section Six: The Attributes of God

Key/Memory Verse: Jeremiah 32:17 NAS

"'Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou has made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by
Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee!'"

Introduction

"What we believe about God", said the late A.W. Tozer, "is the most important thing about us."
Our belief or lack of it inevitably translates itself into our actions and attitudes.

The Word "God" is one of the most widely used - but vague and undefined - terms in our
language. Some people, such as Einstein, think of God as "a pure mathematical mind." Others
see Him as a shadowy superhuman person or force. Still others see God as a ball of fire to which
we, as sparks of life, will ultimately be reunited - or as a celestial policeman. A few think of Him
as a sentimental grandfather of the sky. (Paul Little, Know What You Believe, Victor Books, p.
25, 26)

This study sheet will present a Biblical answer to the questions, "What is God like?"

We will be looking at God's attributes. An attribute is "an essential characteristic of a person or

thing", thus we will look at some of the essential characteristics of God.

I. Attributes Unique To God Alone (sometimes referred to as "incommunicable" or

"non-moral" attributes) no other created being or Spirit has these characteristics!

A. God Is Eternal - (Read Psalm 90:2; 102:12)

There has never been a time when God did not exist. He never had a beginning and will
never have an end.

Being eternal, God is not bound by time. Having always existed, He sees the past and the
future as clearly as the present. With this perspective, He has a better understanding as to
what is best for our lives. Knowing this, we should be willing to trust Him with our lives.
(Proverbs 3:5; 6)
B. God Is Everywhere - (sometimes referred to as "omnipresent")

Read Psalm 139:7, 8; Jeremiah 23:23, 24

 It is impossible to hide from Him or to escape from Him - God is personally present
everywhere through all time and space. He is not like a substance spread out in a thin
layer all over the earth - all of Him is in Sierra Madre, in Calcutta, Rome, Buenos Aires,
and Tokyo at one and the same time.

If God is everywhere, it is foolish to think we can hide from Him. In the Old Testament,
Jonah tried to run from God, but he ended up as fish bait. On the other hand, it also
means that today a believer may experience the presence of God at all times and know
the blessings of walking with Him in a most vivid way.
C. God Knows All - (sometimes referred to as "omniscience"). Read 1 Chronicles 28:9;
Psalm 139:2

There is nothing that God does not know. This includes not only all raw facts, but also
opinions and thoughts. He knows the future, as well as the past and present.

"How unutterably sweet is the knowledge that our Heavenly Father knows us completely.
No tale bearer can inform on us, no enemy can make an accusation stick; no forgotten
skeleton can come tumbling out of some hidden closet to abash us and expose our past;
no unsuspected weakness in our character can come to light to turn God away from us,
since He know us utterly before we knew Him and called us to Himself in the full
knowledge of everything that was against us."

Isn't it incredible that God loves us even though He knows us ... really knows us!
Knowing all about us He still forgave all our sins and accept us into His family forever!
D. God Is Powerful - (sometimes referred to as "omnipotence") Read Isaiah 42:5

God's power is unlimited. He can do any thing He pleases, but what He pleases will
always be in perfect harmony with His character.

Because God is all powerful the believer is kept secure and assured of God's ability to
fulfill His promises.

Read John 10:28, 29. Can anyone overcome God's ability to keep you in His flock?

"...no one shall snatch them out of My hand... the Father's hand. (John 10:28-29)
E. God Is Unchanging (immutable) - Read Psalm 33:11; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8

God never changes!

As time passes, everything seems to change, mountains, deserts, people ... you! Your
likes, dislikes, views, thinking, perhaps even your personality; however, God NEVER
changes. NEVER!

What peace it brings to the Christian's heart to realize that our Heavenly Father never
differs from Himself. In coming to Him at any time, we need not wonder whether we
shall find Him in a receptive mood. He is always receptive to misery and need, as well as
 to love and: faith. He does not keep office hours nor set aside periods when He will see
no one. Neither does He change His mind about anything. Today, this moment, He feels
toward His creature, toward babies, toward the sick, the fallen, the sinful, exactly as He
did when He sent His only-begotten Son into the world to die for mankind.

God never changes moods or cools off in His affections or loses enthusiasm. His attitude
toward sin is now the same as it was when He drove out the sinful man from the eastward
garden, and His attitude toward the sinner the same as when He stretched forth His hands
and cried, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28)

God will not compromise and He need not be coaxed. He cannot be persuaded to alter
His Word nor talked into answering selfish prayer. In all our efforts to find God, to please
Him, to commune with him, we could remember that all change must be on our part. "For
I, the LORD, do not change" (Malachi 3:6). We have but to meet His clearly stated terms,
bring our lives into accord with His revealed will, and His infinite power will become
instantly operative toward us in the manner set forth through the Gospel in the Scriptures
of truth. (Taken from A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy)

What would your life be like if God did occasionally change?

F. God Is Sovereign - Read Job 42:2; Ecclesiastes 7:13-14; Romans 8:28; Psalm 104)

The word sovereign means chief or highest, supreme in power, superior in position to all
others. When we say that God is sovereign, we are saying that He has absolute authority
and is the one ruler in the universe, in control of all things

If you continually remembered this truth that God is in control of all things, how might it
affect your life?
G. God Is Triune -

The word "trinity" is used to describe the biblically revealed truth that the one true God is
three eternal and coequal persons the same in substance.

This essential characteristic of God is understood from Scriptures' testimony that:

1. 1. God is one. There is but one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4);
2. yet at the same time Jesus, the Messiah, is presented as coequal with God and
eternal (see notes on Jesus);
3. and the Holy Spirit too is God, coequal and eternal with the Father and the Son.
4. We may not fully understand the great truth of the Trinity. However, we can see
the rays of light which emanate from God's Word and which teach us that, in a
mysterious sense beyond the comprehension of man's finite mind, God is one in
nature but three in person and manifestation. Even as water, which may be
converted into ice or steam, is one in nature though three in form, so also God is
capable of being and doing what the mind of man cannot fathom. But in reverence
man is still privileged to adore. It should be mentioned in passing that in the world
of chemistry it is perfectly possible for a substance to exist simultaneously in
 three separate and distinct forms yet remain basically one in structure or nature.

Water, for example, under pressure and in a vacuum at a given temperature below
freezing exists simultaneously as both liquid, gas, and ice, yet it is identifiable
always as water (H2O), its basic nature. This is called chemistry "the triple point
of water."

Those who cry "impossible" where the trinity of God or a similar event of the
supernatural is concerned must compare its chemical counterpart in the natural
world. Why can they not conceive of the Author of "the triple point" being
supernaturally triune in his nature. If something is true of God's creation, can it
not also be true of the Creator? If our Creator can design a "triple point of water"
He can surely be a triune God Himself, and He can surely live within us and care
about us.

(see supplemental materials on "The Trinity" at the end of this Section for more
information)

II. Attributes Of God Which Can Be Seen In A Lesser & Limited Way In His Created
Beings & Spirits (Sometimes referred of as "communicable" or "moral" attributes)
A. A. God Is Holy - (1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 99; Exodus 15:11ff)

The Bible refers to the holiness of God more than to any other attribute.

When holy is used in reference to God, it refers to His total separation from evil.
Not even a hint of a blemish could be found in our God; He is completely pure.

What an encouragement to us who trust in His name to realize that not the
slightest evil blemish or flaw could ever be found in His love' sovereignty, power,
wisdom, faithfulness, goodness, etc., because He is holy.
B. God Is Love - (1 Corinthians 13:4-8; I John 4:7-21; Psalm 106:1; Hebrews 12: 5-
13)

God is perfect, infinite love. His love is given freely and without any
consideration to the loveliness or merit of the object.

What would it be like to be loved by someone whose love for you is not
influenced by anything you ever did, are now doing, or will do; whose love could
never weaken or fluctuate? You can know what-it would be like! For God's love
for you is not influenced by anything you ever did or will do!
C. God Is Just - Read Psalm 89:14

It is impossible for Him to do anything that is unfair, either to Himself or to man.

God's justice is more often applicable in the area of judgment. When men stand
before God to be judged, they will receive full justice. His is both a comfort (for
 those who have been wronged in life) and a warning (for those who think they
have been getting away with evil). (Romans 1:18)
D. Many Other Attributes Of God Could Be Listed -

 God Is Gracious
 God Is Self-Sufficient
 God Is Wise
 God Is Incomprehensible
 God Is Self-Existent
 God Is Faithful
 God Is Merciful
 God Is Good
 God Is Longsuffering
 God Is Free

Section Seven Answered Prayer

Section Seven: Survey - Answered Prayer

In the right hand margin, write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements.

1. God is not interested in our personal lives, therefore does not listen to our prayers. F

2. The only effective prayer is given when a person is alone on his knees. F

3. We pray in Christ's name because the words trigger God's reply. F

4. Prayer is communicating with God. T

5. God answers our prayers when we pray according to His will. T

6. God will not answer the prayers of the one who harbors unconfessed sin. T

7. God will always give everything one asks for. F

8. God is glorified when we pray according to His will. T

9. God only answers prayers that pertain to spiritual needs. F

Section Seven Answered Prayer

Key/Memory Verse: John 16:24

"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may
be made full"
 Introduction

Prayer ... is not a soliloquy. It is a dialogue between man and God. Prayer is conversation with a
real Person who actually hears what is prayed and does something about it. Prayer has subjective
value too, and blesses the one who prays. If a man never got an answer, he would be a better man
for having bowed his knees to Almighty God. A man "never stands taller than when he kneels to
God..."

Prayer is objective as well as subjective. Prayer brings results — not just in the man who prays
but in the ones for whom he prays, the things for which he prays. A man prays from his home in
America for a missionary friend in Africa. God hears the man in America and responds by
supplying the need for the man in Africa.

The Bible does not explain prayer, but abounds with demonstrations of it. Abraham did not pray
just for his own edification. He prayed for a son as did Sarah, his wife. God gave them Isaac.
Moses was utterly indifferent to his own welfare when he prayed. He was concerned for the
children of Israel. God heard Moses and blessed Israel in the wilderness. Hannah prayed and
God gave Israel a great prophet to lead her into national prominence. Nothing was further from
Hannah's mind than her own personal blessing when she asked God for a son. God heard
Hannah, who had been unable to have children, and Samuel was born. Elijah prayed for rain —
the rain came — and the Apostle James declares that it was Elijah's prayer that was responsible
for the rain." (Richard Halverson)

Christians frequently have trouble praying because they either misunderstand prayer or lack the
assurance that God answers prayer. This week's lesson will encourage you in your prayer life.

I. Observations From John 16:24

After reading and meditating on this verse, respond to the following questions:

A. Who is speaking here (note verse 19)?

B. To whom should we pray (note verse 23)?

C. In whose name should you pray?

Prayers commonly conclude with this term or something similar, "Lord, we ask this in Jesus'
name." This is more than just a signal to people that we have reached the end of the prayer so
that they can open their eyes and look up. And, hopefully, it is not just a formality that we have
fallen into because that's the way we have always heard other people pray.

Now when I come to God and pray in Jesus' name, I'm coming first of all in His and pray in
Jesus' name, I'm coming first of all in His my prayers. Considering myself, I am utterly bankrupt.
I have no credit with God. But I'm not coming as myself, I'm coming as a representative of Jesus
Christ. Secondly, I'm coming on His behalf. That's what it means to ask in the name of Jesus —
to ask in His merit and to ask on His behalf.
D. What are the two results of prayer given in this verse?

1. .

2.

E. In your own words, how would you define "prayer"?

II. When Should You Pray?

Looking up the listed verses, record any observations regarding when we should pray.

A. Psalm 55:17

Is there any time, is there any mood, emotion or circumstance that is inappropriate for prayer.

(Note the author's honesty before God, and note God's willingness to hear our deepest hurts,
concerns, fears, as well as joys and exultations.)

B. Ephesians 6:18

C. I Thessalonians 5:17

Paul's command is for recurring prayer, a life pervaded with the spirit of unceasing prayer.

Certainly, the practical demands of life make it impossible for constant prayer, but we can live in
an attitude of constant communion with God. In the Christian life, the act of prayer is
intermittent but the spirit of prayer should be incessant.

J.B. Lightfoot accurately comments on this verse saying, 'It is not in the moving of the lips, but
in the elevation of the heart to God, that the essence of prayer consists."

D. Hebrews 4:16

E. Luke 18:1

We can see from God's Word that God wants fellowship with you constantly. God desires that
we continually be in communion with Him through prayer not because He needs you but because
you need Him.

III. What Are Some Conditions for Answered Prayer?

The Bible clearly teaches that God answers prayer (Matthew 7:7-8; John 16:24; James 4:2).
Unanswered prayer is an abnormality that should be addressed and dealt with.
Yet many Christians slowly get frustrated, lose heart, and stop praying when their prayers do not
seem to be answered. This frustration and later guilt grows as the discouraged prayer-warrior
hears and sees other Christians testifying of life-changing, miraculous, supernatural answers to
their prayers.

What are the essentials of answered prayer? What are some conditions for answered prayer?

A. Prayer

James 4:2 says "we have not because

An obvious prerequisite to answered prayer is ... to pray!

As stated earlier, prayer is a dialogue. Another way of defining prayer is ... "prayer is the
struggle to communicate with God, understand, and worship Him."

By communicate we mean, clarifying and sharing with God your feelings, thoughts, goals,
desires and longings regarding yourself, life, and circumstances.

By understanding God we mean, meditating on God and His word, grasping and comprehending
God's feelings, shirking, goals, desires, and longings for you, your life, and circumstances.

By worship we mean, ascribing glory, praise, adoration unto God, choosing to follow Him in
obedience despite our feelings, circumstances or lack of understanding concerning His plan and
will.

This process ... prayer ... is a struggle. It's a real struggle to communicate with God, to
understanding Him and worship Him. But this is prayer...

B. Pray with Faith

"Without _ _ it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to God must _ that He is and that
He is a rewarder of those who seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

This verse indicates that faith in prayer involves a confidence, a certainty that...

1. God Exists

'I know God exists. And I know God is a good, sovereign, Holy, all-powerful, all-knowing,
loving, and just God ... and to Him do I pray!"

2. That God Is Approachable

"On the basis of Jesus Christ, and His work on my behalf, I approach you God boldly and
confident that You'll receive and hear me (Hebrews 4:14-16). God, shark You that I can come
before You, that You will hear me and this assurance is based on Jesus' death in my place."
3. That God Is A Rewarding God (Note Also John 16:24; Luke 11:9-13)

Thank you God that I have an assurance based upon your unchanging Word that You are a good
God and a rewarder of those who seek You. I know Your intention is to bless and reward me,
filling me with joy and so I pray to You.''

C. Pray According To His Will

Write out I John 5:14,15

We are given a promise that our prayers will be answered if we pray according to His will. The
only reliable, clear, and authoritative source from which we can know God's will is God's word,
the Bible.

If our prayers reflect biblical truth (God's will), we are promised that god will answer them. If we
have a Scripture passage we can say, "Well, Lord, this is what You say in Your Word so it is
Your will." But so often it's not that clear cut. There are many decisions in life for which there is
no clear guidance in the Scriptures. You have to determine the will of God. It's the same way in
prayer. If we would take the time to determine the will of God concerning this matter of prayer,
we might pray less but we would receive a lot more answers. John plainly says that if we ask
according to His will, we have those requests made of Him. It's as simple as that.

Let's consider the situation where we do not know what God's will is. We can come and say,
"Lord, I've given thought to this. I've thought about Your Word, about Your character (who You
are) and I've tried to put myself in Your position. I've tried to see the situation as You would see
it. As best as I know, I believe that this is Your will and this is what I'm asking."

When you come on these terms, you can come with confidence. You haven't just rushed helter-
skelter into the presence of God. You have, as it were, prepared your case. You can come and
say, "Lord, to the best of my knowledge, I believe it is Your will for such and such to happen.
This is what I'm prayer."

(taken from How to Get results through Prayer by Jerry Bridges, NAV Press)

IV. Possible Answers to Prayer

A. Yes:

God may graciously and promptly answer our prayers in the very way we request.

B. God May Delay His Answer to Impress on Us Our Need of Him

The times of delay and the apparent silences of God bring us to our knees in reflective and total
trust in God.

C. We May Not Be Spiritually Ready to Receive What We Have Requested

In the same way a loving parent may not allow their young child to possess certain things (i.e.
rifle, chemistry set, etc.) until they are more mature, so God may prevent sure problems and
difficulties from entering our life by withholding our requests until we are ready.

D. For His Own Inscrutable Reasons, God May Answer "Not yet!"

In His wisdom and foresight and according His plan, NOW is not always the best timing.

F. Sometimes God Denies Our Requests

The Christian must be willing to accept "no" as an answer to our prayers. Frequently Christians
will complain that God is not answering their prayer when in fact He has answered but they are
unwilling to accept a loving, Holy, No!

V. What Are Some Hindrances to Answered Prayer?

Looking at the following verses, what observations can you make regarding hindrances to
prayer?

A. Psalm 66:18

B. James 1:6

C. James 4:3

D. Proverbs 21:13

E. I Peter 3:7

Summarize in your own words, what prevents God from answering prayer?

Application

To help you get started, the following outline can be used as you pray (communicating,
understanding, and worshipping God).

A. Adoration

Reflecting on God Himself. Praise Him for His love — His power and majesty — His wonderful
gift of Christ.

Confession

Thanksgiving

B. Confession
Admitting to God where you have sinned. Be honest and humble. Remember that He knows you
and loves you still.

C. Thanksgiving

Telling God how grateful you are for everything He has given - even the unpleasant things. Your
thankfulness will help you see His purposes.

D. Supplication

Making specific requests. Pray for other first, then for yourself.

The first letters of these four words form the word "ACTS". Using this as a mental guide for
prayer helps you maintain a balanced prayer life.

List four specific things that you can pray about today. Pause and talk to God about them right
now.

Adoration

Supplication

Section Eight: Confession And Forgiveness

Section Eight: Survey

Confession And Forgiveness

In the right hand margin, write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements.

1. God's forgiveness depends upon what we do to deserve it. F

2. Sin is breaking a set of rules established by man. F

3. Confession means admitting to God we are wrong. T

4. Every man is a sinner. T

5. Repentance is feeling sorry about your sin. F

6. We have been forgiven for all our past, present, and future sin because of the death of T
Christ.

7. If we fail to confess our sins, we can lose our salvation. F

 8. Once God has forgiven our sins, He will never bring it up again to hold against us. T

9. God is the only One who can forgive us our sins. T

10. It is important for the Christian to accept God's forgiveness, or to face the guilt that T
follows sin.

Section Eight: "Confession & Forgiveness.

Key/Memory Verse: I John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness."

Introduction

According to I John 1:8, 10, we continue to sin as Christians. Our memory verse encourages a
specific response to our sin. Which of these responses is the correct one according to I John 1:8

 Deny we actually sinned.

 Feel badly about your sin.
 Try to do something to make up for your sin.
 Confess it to God.
 Try to forget about it.
 Condemn yourself for sinning again!

There are a variety of responses to sin possible, but confession is the one response with
guaranteed results. Hopefully, as you study and prayerfully meditate on this topic, you will
experience the cleansing power of God's forgiveness through your confessing the sins of your
own life.

I. What Is Sin?

Sin is anything that is contrary to God's nature in thought, word, or deed. (James 4:17, Romans
3:23)

Although Scripture clearly categorizes many actions as sinful behavior, it is important to note
that sin can't be limited just to actions or external behavior.

Jesus clearly taught that when our inward thoughts and motives are contrary to God's nature, we
are guilty of sin just as if we had outwardly sinned. (Turn to Matthew 5:21-22 where Christ
equates the attitude of anger with murderous behavior, in Matthew 5:27,28, Christ equates lustful
thoughts or attitudes with adulterous behavior.)

God is not merely concerned with the externals of our life and behavior, He's very much
concerned with our inner motives and attitudes. In the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37,
Christ said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and
with all your mind."

God desires first and foremost that inwardly we love God with a love that transforms our hearts,
our motives, will, and thoughts. This inward transformation will, in time, bring about a
transformation in our external behavior.

Again, sin is anything contrary to God's nature in word, thought, or deed.

II. Dealing With Sin

When we understand clearly what sin is, we can quickly agree with the Bible when it states that
we continue to sin as Christians (1 John 1:8, 10). The result of our sin is that we feel alienated
from God. Another word for that feeling is "guilt"; we feel guilty. We expect God to punish. We
feel that He has in some way turned His back on us, left us temporarily or lessened His love for
us.

Man simply cannot live with guilt; thus he tries to deal with his guilt feelings in one of two ways
-both of them wrong. Hal Lindsey's booklet, The Guilt Trap, presents these two common and
foolish ways of dealing with guilt/sin.

1. "He (the person who has sinned) tries to justify himself. He makes excuses and offers valid
reasons why he did something:

 "It was only a little lie, and it was easier on everyone involved."
 "After all, the government spends my tax money on things I don't agree with anyway."
 But we really love each other, and everyone is doing it."

When we justify our actions, the results will be a feeling of loss of fellowship with God, because
deep down inside we know that we haven't been honest with ourselves or God. We sense we've
offended God by our deviousness. And when we feel that God has been offended, then we will
also feel estranged from God. Remember, God isn't mad, but we think He is."

2. Another way man deals with guilt, and it's equally wrong, is to condemn himself. He sins over
and over in the same area, guilt sets in, and then he begins the self-condemnation trip. Satan
loves to get his hands on one of these "sensitive" Christians. With no trouble at all, he can get
them to feel like no-good worms before God. He'll convince them they couldn't possibly expect
God to hear them when they pray, and surely He wouldn't answer their prayers even if He did
hear. He gets their eyes so focused on their shabby Christian lives that they're sure God couldn't
possibly use them." (The Guilt Trip, p. 11)

A. Guilt and all its negative effects upon man's being and life is not God's desire or plan for our
life. According to I John 1:9, what does God want you to do about your sin?

B. Because all sin is committed against God, to whom then must we confess our sin? (Psalm
32:5)
When we sin, God does not approve of what we have done, but He is not alienated from us.
Then what about our guilty feelings?

God has put feelings of guilt over our sin within us. These feelings are result of the Holy Spirit's
convicting ministry in the life of the believer (see 2 Corinthians 7:8). If you didn't feel guilty
about your sin, then that would be like living without physical pain. Guilt in a person's spiritual
life is like a bell or buzzer that goes off when you sin. When you sin, guilt should immediately
bring you to the point of confession. Guilt is God's way of allowing pain to hurt your soul. Then
you should confront the sin in your life and say to God, ‘I know it is sin. I know it is against
You. I realize that it is my fault. I don't want to do it again. Give me the strength to walk on
another path" (The Guilt Trip)

III. Confession:

The word "confess" is our English translation of the "reek word homologeo. Homologeo is a
combination of two words, logeo means "to speak", homo means "the same." Thus, homologeo
or "confess" means to "say the same". Confession is not begging for forgiveness; it is saying the
same thing about your sin that God says— that it is sin and is your fault. Confession is an
agreement with God that you have sinned.

A. According to Proverbs 28:13

1. What is the result of not admitting sin?

2. What is the result of confessing sin? (Will find compassion)

3. What should accompany your confession of sin? (Forsake sin and repent)

B. What should be your attitude toward sin? (Psalm 139:23, 24) (Let God lead us)

When I confess my sin, I am not saying, "God, please forgive me." When you became a
Christian, how much of your sin did God forgive? The Bible says, "... your sins are forgiven you
for His name's sake" (1 John 2:12). All of your sin is forgiven. Confession is not a matter of
forgiveness; it is a matter of agreeing with God that you are a sinner and are willing to deal with
sin. Jesus has already paid the penalty for all of my sin, and it doesn't have to be paid again. You
are already forgiven; confession is just agreeing with God that you are at fault, and that these
specific named sins are totally and completely forgiven through the death of Jesus."

IV. Forgiveness:

A. How is God described in Psalm 86:5?

B. According to Ephesians 1:7, on what basis are you forgiven? blood of Christ
We are forgiven on the basis of Christ's death on the cross in our behalf. Our feeling bad about
our sin, or our attempts to "make up" for our sin through good deeds, avail us absolutely nothing
towards the forgiveness of our sin.

C. What do these verses assure you regarding God's forgiveness of sin?

1. Hebrews 10:12 one sacrifice for sin for all time

(Christ's sacrificial death is the basis for all your sins - past, present, and future to be completely
forgiven,)

2. Hebrews 10.14_

3. Hebrews 10:17

Christ's work, the forgiveness of our sins, is eternal and irreversible. According to these verses
(as well as others, see Isaiah 43:25), our sins are eternal and irreversibly forgiven - never to be
brought up against us again.

When we sin and acknowledge, or confess, our sin to God, we can know on the basis of I John
1:9, that God will forgive and cleanse.

If after confessing our sin, and acknowledging the truth of God's Word that we are forgiven, we
still feel guilt, that is an indicator that we have turned our focus away from God's forgiveness to
ourselves. Then we're saying that our sinful weaknesses are more powerful than God's forgiving
power. Either He isn't big enough to forgive us or He doesn't want to forgive us; both of which
are untrue - God's big enough to forgive us and He has!

Application

As you went through this study sheet, some things about your life either currently or in the past
may have impressed you as being sin. If so, pause right now, confess those sins, and claim the
promise of 1 John 1:9, that God has forgiven and cleansed you from your sins. Thank Him for
His forgiveness.

God's

Riches

At

Christ's

Expense

Mercy - God not giving us what we deserve.

Section Nine: The Christian's Position

Section Nine: Survey

The Christian's Position

In the right hand margin, write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements.

1. Though the believer may feel unclean, he has been cleansed, purified and washed clean T
of sin.

2. We can be assured of eternal life if we continue to behave righteously. F

3. There is a limit on God's forgiveness of our sins. F

4. The justified believer stands before God not just as a forgiven sinless man, but as a T
righteous man.

5. God justifies us on the basis of our best efforts to live the Christian life. F

6. The unbeliever is enslaved to Satan. T

7. Spiritual blessings are bestowed only upon those Christians who are obedient to the F
word of God

8. Redemption refers to the price Jesus Christ paid for our sins. T

Section Nine: The Christian's Position

Key/Memory Verse: Ephesians 1:3

"Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual
blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."

Introduction

When we submit our lives to God and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Scripture
describes our condition with words such as:

1. "Forgiven" (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9, 2:12; Colossians 1:14, 2:13)

2. "Righteous" (Romans 1:17; 3:21-25; 4:1-6; 5:17)

3. "Children Of God" (Romans 8:14; Galatians 3:26) We've become "adopted" (Ephesians 1:5)
by God!
4. "Saved" (Ephesians 2:8)

5. "Born-Again" a Peter 1:2) we are "new creations"! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

6. "Redeemed" a Peter 1:18; Ephesians 1:7)

7. "Justified" (Romans 5:1)

These words signify a standing before God. They indicate a spiritual position, a relationship
which has been obtained for the believer by Jesus Christ through His death. The believer is seen
as having received all the benefits of the work of Jesus Christ. The value of Christ's work has
been imputed or credited to the believer. Because of Christ's work, the believer is "forgiven",
"righteous", a "child of God", "saved", "born-again", "redeemed", and "justified," and brought
into personal relationship with God.

Through this lesson and discussion, we hope to encourage you to see yourself as God sees you.
In other words, to see your position before God as a believer.

I. Christians Are "Complete"

The Scripture describes all believers, therefore, as "complete."

To explain what he meant in calling the Christians "complete," the apostle Paul indicated that the
believer in Jesus Christ "fully possessed" at least five things." (Matthews, p. 42)

A. Completely Cleansed

Read the following verses and note the reference to the Christian being cleansed.

1. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

2. Ephesians 5:25-27

3. Titus 2:14

The Christian has been cleansed. This means that the moral uncleanness which characterizes
every non-believer (Isaiah. 64:6) has been washed away. The believer, even though he may feel
unclean, has been cleansed, purified, and washed clean of sin.

B. Made Completely Alive

1. Looking up Ephesians 2:1, 4, 5, what was our condition, and what is our condition now

dead in sins

alive i with Christ , seated with Him in heaven

2. According to Colossians 2:13, what was our condition, and how is our present condition
described?- made alive with Him (Christ)

3. What do we possess as Christians according to ...

1 John 5: 11, 12, 13. eternal / life in God's son

John 11:25: we will I I live even if we die

Though once dead to God, God has made us alive! God has given life for eternity to all
who believe on His Son (John 3:16, 36). The Christian is alive to God even though he
may not feel that he is in relationship to God.

C. Completely And Totally Forgiven

1. According to Colossians 2:13, how many of our sins have been forgiven? all of our
transgressions

2. Having placed our faith and lives in Jesus Christ, we are completely and totally forgiven of
ALL sin. According to the following verses, what is the Christian spared

John 3:18: judgment

John 5:24: we do not come into judgment but pass from death into life

The believer is fully forgiven; he is no longer guilty, no longer under the sentence of
condemnation and death (John 5:24; Romans 8:1).

D. Justified Completely

Romans 5:1 states that the Christian has been justified by faith. As a result of Jesus
Christ's death on our behalf, God has justified the believer.

1. Justification is, to many, an unfamiliar word which simply means

a. God has declared and pronounced that the believer is free from any fault, sin, or guilt,
and is acceptable in His sight;

b. The believer thus stands before God just as if He had never (eyed sinned;

c. The believer stands before God just as if he had perfectly fulfilled all of God's Law. (2
Corinthians. 5:21)
2. The justified person, a believer, stands before God not just as a forgiven sinless man, but as a
righteous man.

Based upon the definition of justification given above ...

a On what basis are we justified? by grace Of God through faith

b. Though the believer continues to stumble and sin, how does God view him?

1) justified

2) righteous

E. Complete Freedom From Satan

According to the following verses, what did Christ's death accomplish for the believer?

1. Hebrews 2:14, 15 made Satan powerless over us

2. I John 3:8 destroyed the works of the devil

Christ came into our nature to free us from the enemy. The value and power of His work
has been imputed or credited to us. The believer has been set free (Ephesians. 1:19 - 2:6;
Colossians 1:13). He no longer belongs to Satan - he belongs to God and irrevocably so.

These five benefits are only representative of the many spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3)
the believers receives the moment he believers on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Conclusion

Whether the believer feels like it or not, he fully possess all of these benefits. Some of the
qualities that characterize these blessings are:

A. They are all freely given to all who believe on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They cannot
be purchased or earned.

B. They are without degrees. The remarkable factor here is that the believer possesses all of these
spiritual blessings completely. He is not half forgiven or half justified. This is what Paul meant
by "complete." The believer "fully possesses" all of these benefits.

C. They are all permanent! The believer cannot loose these benefits and gifts that are graciously
given by God.

D. Based only on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

 Application

The believer has truly been blessed with every spiritual blessing. Realizing how God views you
and how He has blessed you, write a brief praise and thank you note to God.

Section Eleven The Church & Ministry

Section Eleven: Survey

The Church & Ministry

In the right hand margin, write "true" or "false" after each of the following statements.

1. The Church is a building utilized for religious purposes. F

2. Fellowship with a local group of believers is optional. F

3. Stimulating one another to love and good deeds is the purpose of a church gathering. T

4. Ministry is receiving. F

5. Formal ministry is more important than informal ministry. F

6. If you can't find a church you enjoy, you shouldn't go. F

Section Eleven The Church & Ministry

Key/Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:24-2 5 N.A.S.

"And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own
assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as
you see the day drawing near."

Introduction

One of the exciting things about becoming a Christian is that you have now joined a family.
When you were born, you were a part of a family, so now, you have entered God's family by
spiritual birth. Being a part of God's family is more than a position, more than a title, and more
than a list of benefits. It is a relationship with God, your Father, it is relationship with other
Christians, our brothers and sisters. These relationships, with God and Christians, are described
by several different words in the New Testament. This study sheet will loaf; at one common
reference to Christians and their God - the word "Church."

I. The Church Defined & Described

"The Church is not a physical building, but a group of believers; not a denomination, sect, or
association, but a spiritual body. The Church is not an organization, but a communion, a
fellowship of one body, and it includes all believers." (The Church - The Body of Christ, John
MacArthur)

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus spoke firmly of His plans ... "I will build My Church; and the gates of
Hell shall not overpower it."

"The Most exciting happening in history is the building of Christ's church, This church is not
constructed with wood and stone but with people who have come to trust Christ's loving
forgiveness to the point of becoming His disciples.

His Church started with 120 disciples gathered for prayer. When the Holy Spirit was poured out
upon them, Peter preached a heart-stirring sermon and 3,000 new disciples were converted and
baptized. Now the super-structure of His church began to take shape. These new disciples
became participants in the greatest building project in the history of the world, They started to
build Christ's Church and thus become part of the fulfillment of Jesus' promise, ‘I will build My
church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." (Dick Anderson, an article titled, I will
Build My Church)

II. The Local Church:

The New Testament describes the local church as a group of believers in a certain place, banded
together for instruction, fellowship, worship, and service.

What does Hebrews 10:25 warn us not to neglect? gathering together

According to Hebrews 10:24, 25, what are some of the purposes for gathering together?
stimulate each other to good deeds and love

Each Christian should select his church because he is convinced that within its particular
structure he will find the greatest opportunities for spiritual growth, the greatest satisfactions for
his human needs, and the greatest chance to be of helpful service to those around him." - BiUy
Graham

Our desires as a Church is to stimulate, encourage, and equip you to live a life of devotion and
obedience despite the circumstances you face or feelings you experience. This is a process that
takes time, involves biblical teaching, godly models, hard choices, and the ministry of the Holy
Spirit.

Opportunities for encouragement are found in our Sunday morning worship service! This is a
time of Celebration where the entire church gathers together to worship and be taught.

Another primary time for encouragement is also on Sunday mornings in the Sunday School.
These different Congregations are smaller groups than the worship service and provide an
opportunity for relationships to develop, common issues and needs to be addressed from the
Word, discussion, prayer and caring to take place.

Finally, there are small groups or Cells. Composed of 6- 12 people, these groups offer the most
personal opportunity for ministry, prayer, support and friendships.

We encourage you to be a part of our Celebration, Congregations, and Cells.

III. Ministry

Ministry is a very important word at Sierra Madre Congregational Church,

What is "ministry?" Put simply, ministry is Service.

Beneficially serving others is ministry—whether that service is helping move a refrigerator,

leading a discipleship study, setting up chairs, or preaching a sermon.

A. Distinctions In Ministry;

1. Informal Ministry -

That ministry which occurs naturally or spontaneously by individual believers without a formal
organization. Informal ministry does not imply that the work is disorganized or poorly done. It
merely points to a ministry that occurs without a formal organization.

Referring to the Scripture, determine the "informal" ministry and suggest at least one way it
could be applied today.

Scripture Ministry

 James 2:14-17
 Acts 9:36-39
 Mark 9:41
 Matt. 25:3 5-40
 1 Peter 4:9
 1 Timothy 2:1
 Romans 12:7
 Romans 12:8a
 1 Corinthians 12:28
 1 Corinthians 12:8b
 1 Corinthians 13:3
 Acts 6:1
 1 Timothy 5:16
 Colossians 3:17, 23
 Matthew 28: 19-20
2. Formal Ministries -

That ministry which is the result of a formal organization designed to accomplish that ministry.

Sierra Madre Congregational Church has a variety of formal ministries. Included in this section
is a list of ministries here at SMCC that can and do utilize members in the body for a variety of
equally important roles and tasks. Look over the form and check any ministries you would be
interested in knowing more about and return the form to your teacher.

3. Clarifications

a. One type of ministry (formal or informal) is not more valuable than the other. Both are
important and contribute to the encouragement and ministry to others.

b. Both are as effective or ineffective as the believers who are involved.

c. Both are necessary.

d. Informal ministry ought to be the result of a Christian lifestyle.

Informal ministry is not an option, but should characterize the Christian's life. The Christian's
time schedule, commitments, family life or qualifications may preempt his/her getting involved
in formal ministries. Again, informal ministry in not an option.

doctrinal & practical writings

Some Practical Helps for Your Daily Life

from Quarterly Notes by Al Troester

1. Thank the Lord for everything and refuse to worry about anything. You are His
child and He will take care of you. He feeds the birds and clothes the flowers and He will do the
same for you.

Matthew 6:25-34. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or
what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat,
and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap,
nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for
raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And
yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the
oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying,
What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all
these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all
these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take
thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

2. Stop relying on a feeling to tell you that you are saved. Assurance [of your salvation] comes
by trusting what God says in His Word. Feelings will fail you, but His Word is always reliable
no matter how you feel.

John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 10:27-28. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto
them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

1 John 5:11-13. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his
Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These
things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that
ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

3. Assume that you have the Holy Spirit in you just because God said so in His Word. The Holy
Spirit is not known by a feeling or any kind of an emotional experience. Believe God for this too.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which
is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Ephesians 1:14-15. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased
possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord
Jesus, and love unto all the saints.

Romans 8:9-17. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell
in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you,
the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of
him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall
also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are
debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye
through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the
Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to
fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself
beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs
of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together.

2 Timothy 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a
sound mind.

4. Humble yourself before God and He will lift you up. Moses was one of the most humble of
men but notice how God lifted him up to be the deliverer of Israel. Humble yourself before God
and let him exalt you in His time. It is a wonderful gift of God.

Numbers 12:3. Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face
of the earth.

James 4:10. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

1 Peter 5:6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in
due time.

Colossians 3:12-13. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving
one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

5. Feed daily on the Word of God and never leave it until God has warmed your heart. This is the
place of failure for many believers. Make it a must in your life. He will strengthen you by His
Word. Do not let a day go by without reading some portion of God's Word.

Job 23:12. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the
words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

2 Timothy 2:15. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:15-16. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness.

Psalms 119:9,11,25,28. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto
according to thy word ... Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee ...
My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word ... My soul melteth for
heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

6. Keep your prayer life active and continue in it. This is one of God's great privileges to us. Pray
without ceasing.

Colossians 4:2. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.
John 14:14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:17. Pray without ceasing.

7. Renounce all forms of sin and self-centered living. Make a definite decision to get rid of the
old life and take on the new in Christ. Christ has freed us from sin and we need to believe it and
live that way.

Romans 6:1-2,6,11,22-23. 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?... Knowing this,
that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth
we should not serve sin ... Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but
alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord ... But now being made free from sin, and become
servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of
sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Colossians 3:1-3. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

8. Worship the Lord and do not doubt Him. The place [where you worship] is not the most
important thing as Jesus told the woman at the well. We are to worship God in spirit and in truth.
The Father seeks those who will worship Him in that manner. He always does what is right.

John 4:20-24. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place
where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when
ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know
not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now
is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father
seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in
spirit and in truth.

Psalms 29:2. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty
of holiness.

9. Stop maximizing your defeats and major in your successes. Live for Christ aggressively with
some Holy Spirit enthusiasm. You are not a failure when you turn your back on your failures and
profit by them and go on with Christ. Forget the past and don't let it hound you. Press on for the
high calling in Christ.

Philippians 1:21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I
press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 5:16. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

10. Never give up. Live with immortality in view. There is life beyond this life, so press on.
There is a resurrection yet to come for which you can praise the Lord. Life is not over yet, so do
not give up even when times are rough.

2 Timothy 1:9-10. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our
works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before
the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who
hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

1 Corinthians 15:58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always

abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the
Lord.

Colossians 3:1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God.

11. Build your life on the promises of God and rejoice in them. Above all He has promised us
eternal life and it is sure to come to pass. The Bible is filled with His promises. Begin with the
promise of eternal life and rest in that one. He has promised to answer your prayers, to supply all
your need, guide you, never to leave you, care for you, etc.

Titus 1:2. In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to
them who are the called according to his purpose.

2 Peter 1:4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye
might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust.

12. Stop downgrading yourself. God made you, so be the best that you can be for Him. Accept
yourself as you are and do not care about the opinion that others may have of you. Your primary
responsibility is to God. Make sure that you are always pleasing to Him.

1 Corinthians 2:1-4. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or
of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing
among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear,
and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

John 8:29. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always
those things that please him.

Romans 8:8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 15:1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please
ourselves.

Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must
believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

13. Guard your thought life. Do not let Satan control it. What controls your thoughts most of the
time? Never let it be gutter thoughts, but keep out of your thoughts the things that do not please
God or that will not add to your life. Do not let any form of bitterness becloud your thinking or
anything that is fleshly.

Philippians 4:8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

2 Corinthians 10:5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

14. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. The wiles of the devil are most subtle. He will try
to deceive you and get you away from the things of the Lord. Make sure you have on the whole
armour of God so you can stand against him.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Ephesians 6:11-12. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high
places.

1 Peter 5:8. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour:

15. Put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh. You are not in the flesh and have no
obligation to it. The Holy Spirit in you sets you free from its power. Simply refuse to walk under
its control.

Romans 13:14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil
the lusts thereof.

Romans 8:9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in
you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Romans 8:12-13. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For
if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the
body, ye shall live.
Galatians 5:16-17. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the
one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

16. Beware that you are not led away with the error of the wicked. They live as though Christ
never died for them or that He will not come back again. They divorce themselves altogether
from Him and live in material things rather than the spiritual things. They live for the now world
and not for eternity. They have no time for God.

2 Peter 3:17. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also,
being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Psalms 19:7. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is
sure, making wise the simple.

Psalms 58:3. The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born,
speaking lies.

17. Be faithful in church attendance. This should be a must in your life. This is especially true in
light of the coming of the Lord. He could come at any time. If the church is of the Lord, we
ought to attend all the services and not just Sunday mornings. Show up at the prayer meeting too.
It is advertised as being the most important meeting of the week and most folks never attend it.
Make sure that you do. Give of your substance too.

Hebrews 10:25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

18. Practice contentment. There are so many things in today's world that can attract you and
make you want to have. But you can learn contentment if you choose to do so. Ask the Lord to
give you a spirit of contentment. Live within your means. To go beyond this you could be in for
some trouble. Some folks are never satisfied and always want more.

Philippians 4:11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content.

1 Timothy 6:6-8. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this
world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be
therewith content.

Hebrews 13:5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things
as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

19. Don't set your heart on riches. They fly away and are not worth living for. The love of money
is the root of all evil and we need to learn not to go after riches. There has never been a day when
wages were any higher. The higher they go the higher we want to go. Watch out this does not
become a lust in your life.
 Proverbs 23:5. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make
themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Luke 1:53. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

2 Corinthians 8:9. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet
for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

1 John 2:15-16. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the
world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

20. Live in the light of Christ's coming. It could be nearer than any of us think. A good rule to
follow is don't go anywhere you would not like to be found when He comes. Don't say anything
He would not like to hear you say when He comes. We have a wonderful hope that the world
does not have and we ought to magnify it and live in the light of it.

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also
which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord,
that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are
asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the
archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are
alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:
and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Corinthians 15:51-58. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be
changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put
on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put
on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the
saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave,
where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to
God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know
that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

The Life of a True Christian

Gratitude

When a friend does something nice for us, or does us a favour, we feel happy. We are thankful for their thoughtfulness. If
they have saved us from being hurt, we are even happier. We thank them again and again.

If someone has saved our life, we are truly grateful. There is nothing we can give them or do for them that will show how
much we really, really appreciate what they did for us. We feel a debt of gratitude, an amazing feeling of happiness.

This feeling of thankfulness, of gratefulness, of gratitude, is what motivates true Christians. They are utterly convinced of
the fact that their leader and Lord, Jesus Christ, has snatched them from death. They know that they will die, but they
have a strong hope: a hope of life.

Christians have arrived at this deep thankfulness from many backgrounds. Some began their life with a motivation for
money, others for power or praise. Some were even enemies of Jesus Christ and his cause. However, once they realised
the truth of what had been done for them, their lives were completely changed.

One man – the Apostle Paul – said that he no longer lived for himself, but with a new and living belief and faith in Jesus
Christ, "who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) Paul’s absolute belief that Jesus had given his life for
Paul personally changed him completely. He knew that Jesus died because of sin, not just the disobedience of all
humanity, but because of Paul’s own wicked life in the past.

This knowledge was the force behind the energy and determination in the life of the Apostle. He was a tireless preacher;
he was beaten (for example see 2 Corinthians 11:23-27), imprisoned, and shipwrecked, often tired, hungry and cold. All
of this was because of Paul’s love and gratitude for what had been done for him.

The life a Christian should lead is motivated in the same way. Their every-day lives are changed because of the same
sense of gratitude. Even though they cannot see in person the one who saved them, they know for certain that they have
been rescued, just as much as someone who has been rescued from death in a purely human way.

Not Followers of Rules

True Christians certainly do follow the laws of the land that they live in. This is an important teaching of the Bible (for
example, Romans 13:1-7). They are also obedient to God, accepting his principles as moral and right.

Obeying rules and commands, however, is not a means for earning a reward. The word of God is emphatic on the subject
(for example, Galatians 2:16-17; Romans 4:1-16). No matter what a disciple does, no matter how good he or she may
seem to be, they are still a sinner, and worthy of death. The reward of God is not something to be earned by doing good.
Instead, God’s reward is his gift for those who simply believe him, and what he has promised.

This faith: the belief that what God says, he really means, is part of the motivating force for real disciples of Jesus. They
know that the Bible has not set a standard of conduct as a means to obtaining a reward. Instead, there is an assurance that
God deems those that trust in him and his promises as righteous. Their conduct is provoked by love and dependence on
God, rather than by rules.

Obedience rather than Ritual

If the keeping of rules is not essential to being saved, then is a disciple of Jesus obligated to do what is right? Is following
God’s teachings and ways important?

Yes; to obey God is crucial in the life of a true believer. He or she truly believes that God exists, that he has a deep love
for mankind, and has given precious promises to those who have faith in him. This knowledge brings a responsibility to
act in accordance with this belief. Faith requires faithfulness. To be convinced requires confident action. Such loyalty
and dedication to a belief results in trustworthy and reliable service for those believers who accept God at his word.

The actions of a faithful Christian are therefore not motivated by ritual observances. Their lives are not shaped by rites or
services or religious formalities. Instead, their actions can be compared to the obedience that a loving child gives to their
parents. In the same way as human parents look for more than cold, ritualistic service and compliance, so followers of
Jesus know that the living God desires loving obedience also.

An example in the Bible which illustrates this principle is when Saul, the first king of Israel, decided to save some
animals for sacrifice to God, rather than destroy them as God had asked. Even though king Saul knew that he had not
obeyed God, the excuse that he made was that the animals could be used in ritual sacrifice to God. The king was
concerned only with the ritual to be performed, and was not motivated by devoted and loving obedience to God.

The prophet Samuel spoke God’s word to king Saul in a message intended for all time:

"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better
than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22)

In a similar way, the rulers of the Jews in the days of Jesus’ ministry held traditions in high esteem. The rules and
customs alone drove their motivations, rather than affection for God. "Why do your disciples break the traditions of the
elders?" (Matthew 15:2) they asked Jesus, with the assumption that these traditions that were of the greatest importance.

Jesus demonstrated that this was a wrong way of thinking and acting. In very strong language, he replied,

"You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honour me with their lips, but their
hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’" (Matthew 15:7-9)

By example, Jesus illustrated how his disciples should act, and the thought process behind such actions. In the same
chapter of the Bible as the incident with the Jews and their traditions, Jesus said to his disciples:

"I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to
send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." (Matthew 15:32)

Sincere Christians do not allow their lives to be directed by rites, rules and rituals, but by love.

A Christian’s Status

Disciples see themselves as servants, or slaves of Jesus Christ. They become conscious that in the past, they were slaves
of their own cravings, of their own sin. They have renounced this slave owner: self. They have voluntarily become
servants of a new master instead: Jesus Christ. They know that there is no service that they can achieve that will earn
them God’s gift. Nevertheless, their lives become lives of service to others, and specifically to their Lord.

The status of "servant" applies to all believers, no matter what their station in life. Jesus told those who were with him,
"whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve..."
(Matthew 20:27-28)

The essence of Jesus’ teaching on the matter of service is shown when he told his followers, "you also, when you have
done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’" (Luke 17:10)

Service is not something that comes naturally. "Me first" is instinctive for people all over the world. Service for others is
something that is learned by example.

Faithfulness

The morality of Christians is patterned on that of God and Jesus Christ. God’s character, as shown by his message in the
Bible, and by the life of Jesus Christ, establishes what Christians use as a model for their lives.

For example, God is faithful. He makes promises and keeps them. He does not abandon those who love him. He stands
by those who are in trouble. God promised that the nation of Israel would never be destroyed, but other nations by
contrast would disappear. He has been true to this promise as well as others.

A committed disciple knows this characteristic of God, and tries to be the same. He or she is faithful too. Promises that
are made are kept, even if it is at a large personal cost (see Psalm 15:4). Husbands are faithful to their wives, and wives to
their husbands, just as God is faithful to them. Friends that are in trouble are not abandoned, but helped.

Faithful service involves a change of attitude on the part of a believer. Tasks that are done for others are also carried out
for God. Work for an employer is not "to win their favour when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the
will of God from your heart." (Ephesians 6:6)

Peaceful Living

Sadly, many Christians through the centuries have not followed Bible teaching in regards to peaceful living. This does
not change the obligation for such people. The counsel given in the Bible to pray that "we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life" (1 Timothy 2:2), holds true.

This Bible teaching of peaceful living applies to all segments of a believer’s life. Such a person will avoid violent
confrontations. Their preaching will be of a peaceful and not a quarrelsome nature.

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men." (Hebrews 12:14)

An implication of such an injunction to live a peaceful life is that a disciple of Christ will not only be peaceable
themselves, but will find ways to spread such peace to those around them. "Blessed are the peacemakers," (Matthew 5:9
and 1 Peter 3:11) said Jesus, and the apostle Peter also advised, "seek peace and pursue it."

God gives no guarantee that those who follow him will be free of trouble or persecution during their lives. This fact is
most clear from the New Testament of the Bible, where many believers were mistreated or even killed. However, they
did not resist evil, but often fled to other places and continued to preach, and live peaceful lives (see Acts 8:1-4, and
Matthew 5:39).

Peace in the life of a disciple of Jesus is more than the absence of war or violence. It is the assurance that the promises of
God are sure and certain. It is the confidence that continuing in this hope will result in a future inheritance as a gift from
God.

Kindness

God shows his love not only to those who are his friends, but to all mankind without partiality. As Jesus said, "He causes
his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous." God is kind not only to the
good, but "is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Matthew 5:45 and Luke 6:35).

True Christians take this characteristic of God to heart. They are thoughtful and compassionate not only with their
friends, but with others also, as they have opportunity. They do things for people that do not even thank them. They are
considerate to people whom others might call "unholy", or "unclean".

The awareness that God is kind to them inspires disciples to show the same to other people, whether it is their own
family, their friends, or associates who they meet. The fact that God "seeks out" (Luke 15:4-28) those who are lost and
need help, leads followers of Jesus to go out of their way to do the same and find people that are in need, and lend a hand.

Justice

God does not favour one person or nation over another. As one disciple of Jesus exclaimed, "I now realize how true it is
that God does not show favoritism." (Acts 10:34) God shows impartiality to the rich and poor, male and female, no
matter where they were born.

The implication is that true believers will be fair to every one also. They will not be prejudiced in their personal or
business dealings. They will not help some people and discriminate against others.

This characteristic of justice is closely related to honesty. True believers do not lie, cheat, or steal. Instead they maintain
honest balances and scales, and give a full day’s work and effort for each day’s wages (see Proverbs 11:1 and
Deuteronomy 25:15). They work with diligence and enthusiasm whether their employer is watching or not. A disciple
does not take advantage of those who are weak in order to gain an upper hand, whether for money, prestige or other
reasons.

Instead, a true Christian looks for opportunities to provide justice and equity for those who are in need. He or she will go
out of their way to remove oppression, cruelty or destitution, instead of passing by on the other side (Luke 10:29-36;
Psalm 82:3; Deuteronomy 24:17-22).

Humility

Those who follow Christ live lives of meekness because he was meek. Jesus showed the true spirit of lowliness in his
own life. Although he was born to be a king, he was lowly in heart. He served and helped others, putting them before
himself.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
(Matthew 11:28-30)

If the greatest man who ever lived could be gentle and humble in heart, and be a servant to others, then his followers will
do the same. No matter what their position in life, they will put others before themselves. They will go out of their way
for others, even to perform what might be thought as degrading tasks. True Christians do this because in their minds, they
are doing this service for their master – Jesus.

There is a principle in the Bible which relates to humility. It is sometimes called "the cross before the crown". It refers to
the fact that Jesus had to suffer before he was raised from the dead in power. "Here is a trustworthy saying: if we died
with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him" (2 Timothy 2:11-12; see also Romans
6:8). A disciple who is baptised in water is as if they are buried with Jesus in his death; rising up out of the water is like
his resurrection from the tomb. It is not as if the disciple really dies. Instead, an old way of life has been killed;
purposefully put to death. The disciple no longer lives his life to himself, but to God.

This change of life involves humility. It involves putting to death the natural desires: the need to satisfy one’s self first,
the aspiration to be above others, the desire for self-fulfilment. This is the life a true Christian should lead.

Making oneself lowly becomes a part of every day life. In practise it means taking second or even last place instead of
instinctively wanting to be first. It means putting other people’s interests ahead of one’s own. It means self-sacrifice:
doing without the things we want in favour of someone else.

Further, humility means accepting criticism or even punishment patiently. It means accepting such discipline whether the
follower of Jesus deserves it or not! Again, the reason for such an attitude is because Jesus did the same.

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted
himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23).

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’
says the Lord. On the contrary; ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing
this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans
12:19-21).

Learning and Being Taught

Godly morality is not inherent in disciples of Jesus, or anyone else for that matter. How then does one come to a
knowledge of right and wrong, of how to serve, of how to love?

A Godly life can be lived only by learning what such a life involves. Only then can one continue their life based on
God’s instruction and teaching.
This teaching comes only from the word of God himself — the Bible. Its teachings motivate and move the life of a true
Christian into action. Without continuous learning, and reminders of what has been learned, it is easy to slowly move
away from a Godly life. Here is the advice given to one disciple:

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and become convinced of, because you know those from whom you
learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:14-15).

There is no substitute for learning the ways of godliness from the Bible, and from others who have been instructed by it.
This was the pattern for those in Bible times. They were to teach one another, both by example, and by training others in
the things of God.

"The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who
oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the
truth" (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

"Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach
what is good. They can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure…"
(Titus 2:3-5).

There is no instant transformation for those who become Christians. Learning and growing is a life long progression.
Such learning requires diligence and persistence. It includes bringing to remembrance things learned in the past, and
continuing to gain knowledge to be applied daily.

This knowledge is not an end in itself. It is not a source of pride or arrogance. Just as a servant learns how to serve, so a
true disciple of Christ learns how to serve him throughout a lifetime.

Set An Example

Followers of God in the Bible did not live as solitary people, and there is no instruction in the Bible to live in this way.
The opposite is true.

"Set an example for the believers in speech, in live, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

A true Christian is not afraid to be known as a follower of Jesus. Therefore, those who have dealings with such a person
hold them to a higher standard than they may hold themselves. If the person slips, someone may say, "if you were really
a Christian, you wouldn’t do that."

We are familiar with the difference between light and darkness. Light makes things distinct; darkness obscures. Light
uncovers secrets; darkness hides secret things. Light brings freedom of movement and vision; darkness brings groping
and stumbling. Jesus told his followers:

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before
men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Mathew 5:14-16).

Such an insight changes the life of a disciple. They realize that their life affects their children, their relatives, their school
companions, their work mates, and those that they deal with frequently: those from whom they buy things, their
neighbours and their friends. Their manner, the look on their face, their affection, their faithfulness, their honesty, their
peacefulness, their love, shines forth as a radiant light.

There is a story of someone who once approached a Christian shopkeeper. "I would like to buy some of your salve",
asked the customer.

"What kind of salve are you looking for?" asked the shopkeeper.

"You are a Christian", answered the customer. "I have noticed that your faces are always shining. You Christians must be
using some kind of special salve."

"No," replied the shopkeeper, "we don’t use any special salve. Our faces shine because we are so sure of what the future
holds. We know that no matter how difficult things are now, God has made promises about our future that he is certain to
keep. He is also near us and close to us each day."

This little story illustrates the difference that a disciple of Jesus can make in the lives of those around them. The disciple
can be a strong ray of light. They are the face of Jesus Christ to those who see them.

Bad Examples

Throughout history since the time of the preaching of Jesus, Christians have not always acted in accordance with the
example of their leader.

Some of them have professed to be Christians, but their actions showed otherwise. Some have come to various positions
of power, and have abused such power. Many professing to belong to Christ have waged wars, imposed their religion by
force, inflicted cruelty upon others, and ignored those who needed their help. The same can be said today in many cases,
both for groups and individuals.

Does this mean that Christianity is wrong? Does the name or reputation of such people or groups mean that the Bible is
wrong, or that Christianity is not worth following?

This is most assuredly not the case. Jesus himself told his followers that they should expect there to be both bad and good
– together – until the day of his return. He told a story about a field where good seed had been planted. However, an
enemy came and planted weeds. When the plants started to grow, it was difficult to distinguish between the good plants
and the weeds. The owner of the field told his workers to leave the weeds to grow together with the good seed until the
harvest, and only then would the two be separated.

A true follower of Jesus does not abandon his cause because other believers are not behaving as they should. They are
true to their master, and as they have opportunity, help others to be faithful as well. They do not disdain other disciples,
but help them as much as they can. They are patient, merciful and longsuffering because they know that God is like this
too.

Worshipping with Others

If at all possible, a true believer worships God with other disciples. Even if this is difficult because of personalities,
distances, or health, such a person knows that there is joy and love when those who are in the light come together for the
common purpose of worshipping God.

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." (Hebrews
10:5)

The Bible is plain that God’s intention is that believers unite together as a common body – like a human body. Every
person is different, like the different parts of a body. Each has their unique function, just as a body has eyes, ears, arms,
legs and toes. Just as a body feels pain, so a community of believers feels pain with one of its members. The whole body
rejoices and is happy together as well.

The community as a whole worships together also. They remember the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, as he has
asked (Luke 22:19). They wait for his return together (Acts 1:11).

Prayer

By no means last in importance, a true disciple prays to God often, for his care and help in living a life of service. The
disciple admits freely to God when he has failed and sinned against him, and asks for forgiveness.

Praise and thankfulness plays a large part of the life of such Christians. They thank God not only for each meal, as Jesus
did, but thank God daily for the blessings and benefits that they have.

They pray for the strength to continue in God’s way. They pray when they are afraid, confused, depressed, happy, joyful,
or contented. They pray for others by name.

Their hearts dance with elation, because they are completely confident that God is with them. They know that no matter
what, God will keep his promises. And this gives them peace, a deep and true peace, no matter what happening in their
lives.

Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with over 2 billion professing Christians. If you
asked most of them what it takes to be a Christian, they would have difficulty giving a clear
answer. Is a Christian simply someone who believes in Jesus Christ? Is it simply an emotional
religious experience or a one-time, stand-alone decision?

What does the Bible require for a person to be a real Christian? Many professing Christians
claim they have had a religious experience and that they “accepted Jesus.” Yet many of those
same people live no differently after the experience than they did before it.
So, what is a Christian?

Anyone who is serious about his or her beliefs has an obligation to ask the question, “What is a
Christian?” What is it that distinguishes a real Christian from the everyday person? Who or what
determines the answer? And where should we go to find the answer?

Only the Bible has the answers to those questions. Acts 11:26 tells us, “The disciples were first
called Christians in Antioch.” The word “Christian” means “a follower of Christ.” The word
“disciple” in this same verse means “student” or “pupil.” This is helpful information. A Christian
is not merely someone who professes to believe in Jesus; rather he or she is a follower of and a
student of Jesus Christ. Being a Christian is an ongoing lifelong process of following the
example of Jesus Christ.

A person who claims to be a Christian should demonstrate his or her belief by living the way
Christ lived—doing what Christ did—and avoiding what Christ avoided. Christianity is a way of
life. The disciples of Christ will follow Him and work at patterning their lives after His life.

There is more to being a Christian than meets the eye

There is a lot more to being a Christian than first meets the eye. To follow Christ, we must study
His life and see what He did and how He lived. The apostle Paul instructed Christians to “imitate
me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, emphasis added throughout). We are to
imitate or live our daily lives following Jesus’ example. Being a Christian goes far beyond just
using the title “Christian” or having an emotional experience of “giving your heart to the Lord.”

The apostle John explained more about this in 1 John 2:6: “He who says he abides in Him [in
Jesus Christ] ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

How did Jesus live when He was on earth? The four Gospels in the New Testament describe
Christ’s life day in and day out. He dedicated Himself to a life of service to God and to other
people. He obeyed the laws and commandments of God and submitted His will to the Father’s
will. Being a Christian involves a complete change—the Bible calls it repentance—which is to
change from the way humans normally think and act.

Christians put on the new man

The apostle Paul tells us that as students of Jesus Christ we must change. “If indeed you have
heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning
your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be
renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created
according to God, in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:21-24).

This means that, as a result of following Christ and changing to become like Him, we are going
to think and live differently from what we did before we were Christians. This change is a
lifelong process; one of becoming more like Jesus Christ.This means that, as a result of
following Christ and changing to become like Him, we are going to think and live differently
from what we did before we were Christians. This change is a lifelong process; one of becoming
more like Jesus Christ.

In His instructions to the Christians at Rome, Paul adds some more details to this process.
Romans 13:14 informs us that as followers of Jesus Christ—Christians—we should “put on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” This shows once again
that being a true Christian is a way of life, not just an emotional event.

What else is needed to be a Christian?

Becoming a Christian also involves something else. The process of surrendering to Jesus Christ
requires repentance of the sins in our lives and yielding our will to God. Paul tells us that we
must be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins and then strive to live a life without sin.
“Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life”
(Romans 6:4).

Paul clarifies this in the book of Galatians where he tells us, “For as many of you as were
baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). To “put on Christ” is to give up the
way we previously thought and to live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4).

Romans 8:9-10 shows that following baptism, a Christian receives the gift of the Holy Spirit—
power to help overcome sinful thinking and habits. Paul tells us, “You are not in the flesh but in
the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of
Christ he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness.” A Christian is one who has received the Holy Spirit from God.
Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ actually lives in the Christian.

This Spirit that comes from God has a vital function to play in the life of the Christian. The
apostle Paul goes on to explain this in verses 13-14: “For if you live according to the flesh you
will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as
are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

Simply having the Holy Spirit is not enough; Christians must be led by the Spirit to “put off the
old man,” “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and become a new creation.

What is a Christian?

Being a Christian entails more than just “believing in Jesus” or “accepting Jesus in one’s heart.”
A Christian is someone who is an active follower and imitator of Jesus, who has surrendered his
or her life, been baptized and has received the Holy Spirit. He or she is working to “put on Jesus
Christ,” to walk and conduct his or her life as Jesus did when He was on the earth.

A Christian is working to overcome sins and is busy working at becoming more like Jesus
Christ, and trying to become “perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). It
is a lifelong effort, not just merely a one-time emotional decision or experience. And it is a
commitment that has eternal rewards—to inherit the Kingdom of God with our elder Brother
Jesus Christ forever!

There is more to being a Christian than meets the eye

There is a lot more to being a Christian than first meets the eye. To follow Christ, we must study
His life and see what He did and how He lived. The apostle Paul instructed Christians to “imitate
me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, emphasis added throughout). We are to
imitate or live our daily lives following Jesus’ example. Being a Christian goes far beyond just
using the title “Christian” or having an emotional experience of “giving your heart to the Lord.”

The apostle John explained more about this in 1 John 2:6: “He who says he abides in Him [in
Jesus Christ] ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

How did Jesus live when He was on earth? The four Gospels in the New Testament describe
Christ’s life day in and day out. He dedicated Himself to a life of service to God and to other
people. He obeyed the laws and commandments of God and submitted His will to the Father’s
will. Being a Christian involves a complete change—the Bible calls it repentance—which is to
change from the way humans normally think and act.

Christians put on the new man

The apostle Paul tells us that as students of Jesus Christ we must change. “If indeed you have
heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning
your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be
renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created
according to God, in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:21-24).

This means that, as a result of following Christ and changing to become like Him, we are going
to think and live differently from what we did before we were Christians. This change is a
lifelong process; one of becoming more like Jesus Christ.This means that, as a result of
following Christ and changing to become like Him, we are going to think and live differently
from what we did before we were Christians. This change is a lifelong process; one of becoming
more like Jesus Christ.

In His instructions to the Christians at Rome, Paul adds some more details to this process.
Romans 13:14 informs us that as followers of Jesus Christ—Christians—we should “put on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” This shows once again
that being a true Christian is a way of life, not just an emotional event.

What else is needed to be a Christian?

Becoming a Christian also involves something else. The process of surrendering to Jesus Christ
requires repentance of the sins in our lives and yielding our will to God. Paul tells us that we
must be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins and then strive to live a life without sin.
“Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life”
(Romans 6:4).

Paul clarifies this in the book of Galatians where he tells us, “For as many of you as were
baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). To “put on Christ” is to give up the
way we previously thought and to live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4).

Romans 8:9-10 shows that following baptism, a Christian receives the gift of the Holy Spirit—
power to help overcome sinful thinking and habits. Paul tells us, “You are not in the flesh but in
the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of
Christ he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness.” A Christian is one who has received the Holy Spirit from God.
Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ actually lives in the Christian.

This Spirit that comes from God has a vital function to play in the life of the Christian. The
apostle Paul goes on to explain this in verses 13-14: “For if you live according to the flesh you
will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as
are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

Simply having the Holy Spirit is not enough; Christians must be led by the Spirit to “put off the
old man,” “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and become a new creation.

What is a Christian?

Being a Christian entails more than just “believing in Jesus” or “accepting Jesus in one’s heart.”
A Christian is someone who is an active follower and imitator of Jesus, who has surrendered his
or her life, been baptized and has received the Holy Spirit. He or she is working to “put on Jesus
Christ,” to walk and conduct his or her life as Jesus did when He was on the earth.

A Christian is working to overcome sins and is busy working at becoming more like Jesus
Christ, and trying to become “perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). It
is a lifelong effort, not just merely a one-time emotional decision or experience. And it is a
commitment that has eternal rewards—to inherit the Kingdom of God with our elder Brother
Jesus Christ forever!

1. The Miracle of the Moment - Galatians 4

2. The Miracle of the Message - Hebrews 1
3. The Miracle of the Method - Romans 11
4. The Miracle of the Manger - John 1

Christmas sermon: The Miracle of the Moment - Galatians 4

by Greg Fine

Sermon series: Experience the Miracle of Christmas

 1. The Miracle of the Moment - Galatians 4
2. The Miracle of the Message - Hebrews 1
3. The Miracle of the Method - Romans 11
4. The Miracle of the Manger - John 1

Scriptures: Galatians 4

Editor's note: In this Christmas season sermon series, Greg Fine used clips from the movie,
Miracle on 34th Street (1994 version) to illustrate the points of the messages. Their CVLI license
(Christian Video Licensing International) covered the use of the clips.

Introduction

(Step to the pulpit, and then just look at your watch until 60 seconds have passed).

Exactly one minute has passed. Isn't that amazing? My watch tracks time. It has a second hand
that moves every second. Sixty seconds moves the big hand one step forward to mark the passing
of a minute. Isn't it absolutely amazing how long one minute of silence seems, but how short one
minute seems when you are doing something you enjoy?

Did you know that there are only (insert number) days until Christmas? That means there are
approximately (X) hours until we celebrate the birth of Christ. That translates into approximately
(X) minutes left to get done all the things we need to do before Christmas arrives. There are
presents to purchase and wrap, parties to attend, people to visit, and we only have (X) minutes
left. So, why did you just waste one precious moment sitting there doing nothing?

As we begin our Advent celebration, I want us to recognize not only the significance of one
moment in time but also of the strategic nature of those moments. We would refer to the strategic
nature of time as timing.

Have you ever stopped to consider how important timing is to everything that exists? Do you
plant tomato plants in November? Do you paint the outside of your house in January? Do you go
swimming in the pond during February? No? Why not? It's not the right time! There is a right
time for such activities. I think we would all agree that December is not the best time to try
starting a diet, right?

Think about the importance of timing in sports. If the timing is off, the quarterback won't
connect with his receiver for a completion. It doesn't take a minute to throw off the timing in
football. If the timing is off the basketball player will arrive at the spot before the ball or after the
ball is already passed. Think about the importance of timing for our daily lives. If you have ever
missed a flight because you arrived one minute after boarding you know the importance of
timing. You are delayed at work, but because of the delay you missed a major accident on the
interstate. If you are the parent of a preschooler, you know that if you turn your head for one
minute, that preschooler can be long gone and into trouble.
Does one minute make a difference? Just ask those who made it out of the Twin Towers minutes
before they collapsed. One moment, one sixty-second interval of time, placed in just the right
location can make all the difference in the world.

Our theme this year for Advent is Experience the Miracle of Christmas. It is so easy to get all
wrapped up (no pun intended) in the activity of the season that we miss the miracle of Christmas.
This Christmas season, let's spend some moments reflecting on the significance of Christ's birth.

Galatians 4:4 is an incredible verse. It says, "When the time came to completion, God sent His
Son, born of a woman, born under the law" (HCSB) Did you hear that? God's Word says, "When
the time came . . . " At just the right time God sent His Son. That represents the miracle of the
moment.

I. He came at the right moment

One of my favorite Christmas movies is "Miracle on 34th Street." It is a wonderful, magical tale
about an old man named Kris Kringle who believes he is Santa Claus and wants others to believe
in him as well. We are going to use that movie as the backdrop to our sermon series this year.
There are some important parallels from the movie to the Christmas story that I don't want you to
miss. I want you to watch a clip from the movie where Kris is trying to instruct a department
store Santa prior to the big Thanksgiving Day parade. (Show video clip of Kris demonstrating
the whip and then being asked to be the department store Santa).

You were probably so engrossed in the developing story that you may have missed the miracle
that took place in the video clip. If you did, don't feel bad, the characters in the movie didn't
recognize it either. Was it just by chance or coincidence that Kris Kringle was there at the parade
that day? No! That represents the miracle of the moment. At just the right time, Kris Kringle
showed up at the parade and rescued not only the parade, but the jobs of Ms. Walker and
countless others. Ms. Walker failed to recognize the miracle of the moment. She failed to realize
the significance of hiring Kris Kringle to be the store Santa at the time.

The Bible says, "When the time came to completion, God sent His Son . . . " But the reality is,
most people missed the miracle of the moment. Most people did not recognize the significance of
Christ's birth at the time. People were much to busy to pay any attention to the young girl giving
birth to her first child out in a stable there in Bethlehem.

At just the right time in history Jesus was born. The coming of Christ into the world was not a
matter of chance or coincidence. His coming was part of God's divine plan established before the
foundation of the world. "Historians tell us that the Roman world was in great expectation,
waiting for a deliverer, at the time Jesus was born. The old religions were dying. The old
philosophies were empty and powerless to change men's lives. Strange new mystery religions
were invading the empire. Religious bankruptcy and spiritual hunger were everywhere. God was
preparing the world for the arrival of His Son." (Warren Wiersbe, Be Free, p. 90)

From an historical perspective, the Roman Empire had helped prepare the world for the birth of
Jesus. The Romans had constructed roads that connected city to city, making travel easier. All
roads ultimately led to Rome. The world was at peace under Roman rule. Roman laws protected
the citizens and Roman soldiers guarded the peace. Thanks to both the Greek and Roman
conquests, Latin and Greek were known across the empire making communication possible with
many from all over the world. The Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the
Messiah were completed. At just the right time God sent His Son!

II. He provides at the right moment

Many people will be content to go through the motions. They will endure the busy activity of the
season without ever experiencing the miracle of Christmas. But some this holiday season need
nothing short of a miracle. The good news is that God comes to us at just the right time with just
what we need for the moment.

Listen to these promises from God's Word to see His character reflected in these actions. Psalm
145:15 says, "All eyes look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time." Psalm
104:27 says, "All of them wait for You to give them their food at the right time." Deuteronomy
11:14: "I will provide rain for your land in the proper time, the autumn and spring rains, and you
will harvest your grain, new wine, and oil." God knows exactly what you are going through. He
knows exactly what you need. At just the right time He will come to you and provide what you
need for the moment. His timing is always perfect.

God not only came at just the right time, He continues to come to us at just the right time. Just
when we need Him most, He is there. Romans 5:6 says, "For while we were still helpless, at the
appointed moment, Christ died for the ungodly." When do you need a miracle? When you have
no more options and no more resources, you are in a position to receive a miracle from God. He
has promised to come at just the right time and provide just what you need for the moment.
When we are utterly helpless, Christ still comes to us today.

III. He says now is the right moment

It seems we are always waiting for just the right time to do something. We are waiting for just
the right time to make that commitment of our life to Christ as Savior and Lord. Maybe you are
waiting for just the right time to make that commitment to church membership. Maybe you are
waiting for just the right time to commit to a closer walk with Christ. Maybe you've been waiting
for just the right time to give up that bad habit. Second Corinthians 6:2 says, "I heard you in an
acceptable time, and I helped you in the day of salvation. Look, now is the acceptable time; now
is the day of salvation."

Now is the right time to make that commitment to Christ. Jesus said in Mark 1:15, "The time is
fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!" Now is
the right time to make that commitment to Christ and receive God's gift of salvation. Now is the
time to join the church. Now is the time to recommit to your marriage and family. Now is the
time to renew your commitment to walk in close fellowship with Christ. The right time is now to
draw close to the Lord!
One moment in time can determine an eternal destiny. Right now is just such a moment. You
don't have to live your life separated from God's love and blessing. Today is the right time to
receive God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. If you have never made a commitment of
your life to Jesus Christ receiving Him as your Lord and Savior, then I want to invite you to
make that commitment today. This moment can change your earthly direction as well as your
eternal destiny. Choose Jesus and you are choosing an abundant life on earth and an eternal life
with Christ in heaven. It is just what you need for just this exact moment. That represents the
miracle of Christmas.

Will you recognize the moment for what it truly is - a miracle? Don't put off making that
commitment you need to make today because now is the right time.

Prayer

If you want to make that commitment of your life to Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, then
repeat this prayer quietly in your heart along with me as I pray.

Dear God, I don't want to live one more moment without you. I ask your forgiveness for my sins,
for not recognizing your great love for me. I believe Jesus is your Son, who left heaven and came
to earth to die on the cross for my sin. I believe He rose from the dead and is alive today. He
came at just the right time just for me. Today, I want to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
Forgive my sin, cleanse me, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I choose in this moment to receive
the greatest gift ever given - the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

Christmas Sermon: The Miracle of the Message - Hebrews 1

by Greg Fine

Sermon series: Experience the Miracle of Christmas

1. The Miracle of the Moment - Galatians 4

2. The Miracle of the Message - Hebrews 1
3. The Miracle of the Method - Romans 11
4. The Miracle of the Manger - John 1

Scriptures: Hebrews 1:1-3

Introduction

When I was youth minister in Carthage we used to take our students to Centrifuge at Glorieta,
New Mexico. Glorieta is a large Baptist conference center, so there would be other conferences
at the same time. I remember one year while we were there, they were hosting a conference for
the deaf. I was sitting in the cafeteria during meal times and watching with fascination their sign
language. I had never really been around anyone who could use sign language, and so I was just
fascinated with how they used their hands to communicate with one another. They seemed so
fluid in their ability to talk with one another and the expressions on their faces as they shared
their stories was priceless. As I watched, I was particularly moved seeing parents talk with their
children using sign language.

My kids were quite young at the time and I can remember thinking as I watched those parents
talking to their children that, if my children had been born hearing impaired, I would learn sign
language because I would want to communicate with them. I would want them to know without
a doubt how much I loved them and cared for them, how valuable they were to me, how much
they matter to God. Learning sign language wouldn't be a burden but an expression of love.

As I watched the deaf communicate with one another, I couldn't help but reflect upon the
significance of what God has done for us. I saw in that experience a living parable. We are here
on earth, busy living our lives, pursuing our own agendas, but deaf to God's voice. We don't hear
what God is trying to say to us. God has been trying to communicate His message to us, we
aren't getting it. But rather than give up in frustration, God loves us so much that He desperately
wants to reveal Himself to us in ways that we can understand. So He sends His very own Son to
communicate His message in a way that we can understand. That is the miracle of Christmas.
That is the miracle of the message.

Our Christmas sermon series is Experience the Miracle of Christmas. It is not enough to just
know about the miracle of Christmas. We need to experience the miracle of Christmas in our
own hearts and lives. Today we want to focus on The Miracle of the Message. We are using one
of my favorite Christmas movies, Miracle on 34th Street, to help us illustrate and understand the
miracle of Christmas.

In today's clip from the movie, notice how Kris Kringle interacts with a little girl who has come
to the department store to see Santa. Part of the plot is that the daughter of Mrs. Walker doesn't
believe in Santa and she witnesses Kris communicating with this little girl in a way that the little
girl could understand.

(Show movie clip of Santa talking with the deaf girl).

Did you see the miracle of the message? Kris Kringle communicated in a way the girl
understood. He was able to speak her language. Hebrews 1:1-2 records this miracle of the
message from God: "Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in
different ways.In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of
all things and made the universe through Him" (HCSB). God sent Jesus to communicate His
message in a way that we can understand! The miracle of the message is that God speaks to us
today so that we can know Him and draw near to Him!

I. God speaks through history

God has been speaking throughout history to reveal Himself to us. He wants us to know Him, to
love Him, to worship Him. God reveals Himself through His creation, through the sunrise and
sunset, through the sun, moon and stars. God spoke to Moses in the burning bush, He spoke to
the Israelites from the smoke and fire on the mountain, He spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice,
to Isaiah in a vision in the temple. God spoke to Hosea through his family circumstances and to
Amos in a basket of summer fruit. He spoke to Jeremiah through a potter's clay and to Joseph
through dreams. God even spoke His message through a donkey! God has been speaking His
message through visions and dreams, through angels, through Urim and Thummim, through
symbols, natural events, and many other means. He could reveal Himself in Ur of the Chaldees,
in Haran, or Canaan or Egypt or Babylon. There is no lack of variety for God's revelation is not a
monotonous activity that must always occur in the same place or the in the same way. God has
been speaking throughout history in a variety of places through a variety of means in order to
make Himself and His will known.

Prior to the coming of Christ there had been 400 years of silence. Since the prophet Malachi last
uttered his messages from God, there had been no prophets until John the Baptist arrived. God's
revelations in the Old Testament were fragmentary, occasional, and progressive, because no
single one of them contained the whole truth. They could not adequately capture the full picture
of God's nature.

God had been speaking, but people weren't getting the message. They didn't understand God's
heart. They didn't understand God's plan. Too many claimed to be speaking for God but they
only misrepresented Him to others. Confusion, not understanding, resulted.

II. God speaks through Christ

But now, at last, God sent His Son to bring His message to us! In the Lord Jesus Christ, God
revealed Himself directly to us. It is true that God revealed Himself through the words spoken by
Jesus, through His message, but He did more than that. Jesus Christ is the living, divine Son of
God. He did more than just proclaim God's message - He is God's message.

Jesus came to reveal God, to make Him known to us in ways that we can understand. The writer
of Hebrews goes on to say of Jesus in verse 3, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the
exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making
purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." John's Gospel
describes Jesus as the Word becoming flesh and living among us. If you want to know what God
is like, look to Jesus! When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus replied, "Have I
been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has
seen the Father" (John 14:9). Jesus declares in John 10:30, "I and the Father are one."

III. God speaks to transform

The miracle of the message is not just in the fact that God speaks to us today through His Son,
but that the message has the power to transform our lives. Christmas is the celebration of the
greatest message ever proclaimed. God is with us. God came near so that we could draw near to
Him. First Timothy 2:6 says Jesus gave His life as a ransom for all. The miracle of the message
is that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. Jesus came so that God could reveal
Himself and His plan to us in a way that we could understand. Jesus came to proclaim God's
message that we can be set free from sin's hold on our lives.
Why would He do that? Because He wanted us to know how very much He loves us. He wanted
us to know that He created us for a reason - that we might know and love Him. He came to
proclaim the message that we have been set free. We don't have to live as prisoners to guilt and
regret.

Conclusion

Some of you this past year have received messages that have certainly changed your life. You
heard the message from the doctor when he said, "It's cancer." You heard the message from your
teenager, "I'm pregnant." You heard the message from your spouse, "I don't love you anymore, I
want a divorce." As a result of the message your life has changed.

But in the midst of all, there is another message. "Nothing whatsoever can ever separate you
from my love." He speaks, "Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge me, and I will direct your paths." In the midst of
life's betrayals and bitter messages He whispers, "Forgive those who mistreat you." In the midst
of life's messages of joy and celebration He shouts, "Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad!"

The miracle of Christmas is the miracle of the message - God loves you and me! Are you
listening? Believe the message God is speaking to you and your life will never be the same!

Prayer

God, our Heavenly Father, in this holy, sacred moment you are speaking to our hearts through
your Holy Spirit. Thank you for speaking so wondrously and clearly through your Son, Jesus
Christ. Thank you for revealing to us the depths you would go in order to communicate your
message to us in a way that we could understand.

Christmas Sermon: The Miracle of the Method - Romans 11

by Greg Fine

Sermon series: Experience the Miracle of Christmas

1. The Miracle of the Moment - Galatians 4

2. The Miracle of the Message - Hebrews 1
3. The Miracle of the Method - Romans 11
4. The Miracle of the Manger - John 1

Scriptures: Romans 11:33

Introduction

One of the mysteries and miracles of Christmas that always fascinated me as a child was
wondering how it was possible for Santa to deliver toys to every boy and girl in the world, and
accomplish all that in just one night. It really is quite mind-boggling when you think about it!
Maybe you have wondered that too.

In the movie, Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle explains how he is able to deliver toys to all
the children in a single night. Listen to his explanation. (Play the video clip of Santa explaining
how he delivers toys to all the children in one night.)

Isn't that simply amazing? Now you know how Santa is able to accomplish that amazing
distribution all in one night.

I can tell from looking at your faces that you are not quite sure you believe his explanation. I see
some expressions of doubt. Maybe you think his method is completely ridiculous. Most of you
are looking at me with that quizzical expression wondering what in the world this discussion has
to do with the Christmas story. Thank you for asking.

I. God's methods transcend us

Part of the miracle of Christmas is the miracle of the method. God's methods are beyond our
comprehension. Paul writes in Romans 11:33, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom
and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and untraceable His ways!"
(HCSB). Paul begins this doxology of praise to God focusing on the greatness of God and on
how absolutely wonderful He is. His riches, wisdom and knowledge are great beyond measure.
His methods are beyond our understanding. Honestly, when you think about God's methods
throughout history, but in particular in the Christmas story, it makes about as much sense as Kris
Kringle's explanation doesn't it?

If we were writing the script for the redemption of mankind, we would certainly have written it
differently than God. He chose to reveal Himself to us in the greatest, grandest possible way, in a
way that we could understand. So He came into the world as a helpless, defenseless baby. God
chose to be born to humble, poor parents. He wasn't born in a palace but in a stable. He was born
to a young couple whose hearts were pure but whose held no worldly influence. They were plain,
ordinary, obscure individuals. Yet they were the ones God chose to be the parents of Jesus.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.
This is the LORD's declaration. For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than
your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." God's methods are different than our methods.

We shouldn't be surprised at God's methods. He chose Abraham to leave his home and travel to
the place of promise. He chose Joseph, the next to youngest son of Jacob, to become the savior
of his family. He chose Israel, the least significant nation, to be His special people. He chose
David, the shepherd boy, and not any of his older brothers to become the king of Israel. He chose
Bethlehem, a small, insignificant spot on the landscape of Israel, to be the birthplace for His Son.

Do you see the pattern being revealed? Over and over and over again, God chose plain, ordinary
people through whom He could do His extraordinary work. How impossible it is for us to
understand God's decisions and methods!
Luke records in his account of Christ's birth that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to
register for the census. While there the time came for the baby to be born. She wrapped her son
in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. A manger is
a feeding trough for animals. They stayed in a barn. That's not even a Motel 6! Joseph, being the
good husband he was, probably tried to clean the trough out and put some clean straw in it, and
move the manure away from the place where they were going to rest. But it was still a barn.

II. God's methods include us

To celebrate the occasion, angels announced the news of Christ's birth but to whom do they go
and share this wonderful and wondrous news? That's right - shepherds! Not kings and queens,
not even the religious or military leaders. God choose to make this grand announcement to
simple shepherds fulfilling their responsibilities to care for their flocks. The more you think
about, it the more incredible the whole story becomes! It's almost unbelievable. Part of the
miracle of Christmas is the miracle of the method. God uses ordinary people to accomplish
extraordinary things!

Think about this miracle of the method for just a minute. Following His resurrection from the
dead, Jesus appeared first to a group of women! Enough said. He didn't show up at the Temple
and boast before the Sanhedrin and the religious leaders, "I told you so!" From a human
perspective, we would write the script so that Jesus rises from the dead and then returns to
Jerusalem to prove that He was right.

But God's plan was different. Following His resurrection, Jesus revealed Himself to His
followers and gave them the responsibility to go and make disciples of all the world, baptizing
them and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded them. To that small band of
followers, Jesus entrusted the Good News of salvation. Think about the magnitude of what Jesus
did. The salvation of the world rested in the hands of these few followers - simple, ordinary
people. How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and methods!

Paul commented on this miracle of the method - that God uses ordinary people to accomplish His
extraordinary - work when he wrote:

"Brothers, consider your calling: Not many are wise from a human perspective, not many
powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame
the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God has chosen
what is insignificant and despised in the world - what is viewed as nothing - to bring to nothing
what is viewed as something, so that no one can boast in His presence" (1 Cor. 1:26–29, HCSB).

God's methods haven't changed. He still uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary
work! Our abilities are not as important as our attitude and availability. God has entrusted to us
the Good News of salvation. It's good for us that God can use even the simplest of vessels to
accomplish great things.

III. God's methods sanctify us

But there is another aspect to this miracle of the method that we need to understand. God is at
work in our lives in ways that we do not and cannot fully comprehend. In the same way that we
would have written the script differently concerning the redemption of mankind, we would write
the script differently for our sanctification. Once we begin that spiritual journey through faith in
Christ, we would ever be growing in our love and devotion to Him. We would never have any
problems. Life would be heavenly bliss until the day we finally arrive at our eternal home.

But we experience problems, pains, and pressures. We experience struggles and sickness. We
experience temptations and failures. We take one step forward in our spiritual growth and follow
it with three steps back. There are victories and celebrations accompanied by defeats and despair.
This is not the way we would have it.

I can't answer all your questions as to why some things have happened in your life. But I can tell
you that when going through circumstances we don't understand we are not left to despair. We
can trust that God is at work in our lives for our good. We must choose to believe that God is
working to shape us and mold us so that we become more like Jesus. This requires us to believe
what He has promised us in Romans 8:28: "We know that all things work together for the good
of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose."

Even when the angel appeared to Mary to tell her she would be the mother of God's Son, there
was no way she could have predicted all that revelation would mean for her. Joseph had no idea
what would be involved when he obediently responded to the angel's message not to divorce
Mary but to take her as his wife. Joseph and Mary endured shame, accusation, embarrassment,
and ridicule. But they also experienced the miracle of seeing God become flesh right before their
eyes. They saw God! The cost of obediently following God's plan was worth it for the prize of
drawing near to God.

God is at work in our lives to produce a beautiful tapestry. From our perspective here on earth
we only see the back of the embroidery. But the front reveals a beautiful picture. We are looking
at the underneath side and don't understand why it looks so ugly, why it seems so confusing. It is
impossible for us to understand all the different knots and colors and seemingly random
directions our lives have taken.

But one day, we will finally be able to see from the top side this tapestry God has been weaving
of us. We will then be able to see how the seasons of pain brought some rich, vibrant colors to
our tapestry. We will see the fullness and richness of the design reflected in the seasons of joy
and celebration. We will see the depth of character revealed through the times of testing and
trusting. Therefore, we must continue to trust that He is at work and that He is working for our
good!

Continue to trust God, even though you don't understand how He is at work in your life.
Continue to follow Him and your life will be richly blessed! The miracle of the method is that
God uses ordinary people like you and me to accomplish extraordinary things for the sake of His
kingdom. The miracle of the method is also that God is at work in our lives in ways that we do
not understand. Therefore we must choose to trust what we know to be true because of what He
has revealed through His Son. We must choose to believe that God is working in us and through
us for our good and His glory. He is at work weaving a beautiful tapestry that will one day be
revealed for all to see.

Prayer

God of the universe, heavenly Father, oh how wonderful you are. How great are your riches,
wisdom, and knowledge. But we would also confess that it is impossible for us to completely
understand your methods. Your ways are not our ways, nor are your thoughts our thoughts.
Forgive us for trying to fit you into a neat, little box. We confess that many times we feel
frustrated and confused by the things that happen in our lives. Help us to remember that you love
us and are at work in our lives for our good and your glory. Help us to continue to trust you even
when we don't understand how you are working.

Lord, you have chosen to use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for your
kingdom. Please use me. I ask you Lord to please take my life and use me in whatever way you
decide to extend your kingdom here on earth. Thank you for the confidence you have placed in
me by entrusting to me the responsibility of sharing the Good News of salvation with those
around me. Thank you for loving me through all you do. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Christmas Sermon: The Miracle of the Manger - John 1

by Greg Fine

Sermon series: Experience the Miracle of Christmas

1. The Miracle of the Moment - Galatians 4

2. The Miracle of the Message - Hebrews 1
3. The Miracle of the Method - Romans 11
4. The Miracle of the Manger - John 1

Scriptures: John 1:1-5, 9-14

Introduction

(Begin with the clip from the movie - "He thinks you're Santa Claus." "I am." 1 minute)

We have been using this wonderful Christmas movie, Miracle on 34th Street as the illustration
for our Christmas sermon series, Experience the Miracle of Christmas. We have watched some
clips from the movie to illustrate different truths related to the true Christmas story of Christ's
birth. But we have not really examined the basic plot of the movie, which is revealed here in this
opening scene from the movie. This man genuinely believes he is Santa Claus. The rest of the
movie is the unfolding of the evidence to support that claim.

The idea of meeting not just a department store Santa, and not just some well-meaning man with
a pillow in his belt and a fake beard on his face, but the real Santa Claus, represents a Christmas
dream come true. I recognize that we live in a very skeptical society and I would certainly agree
that we have come by such skepticism honestly. We all know of people who make false and
fraudulent claims.

Yet despite the skepticism, there is something about the story that catches our attention and
draws us in. We are invited to reconsider some propositions that perhaps we thought were settled
long ago in our childhood. As the story unfolds, there springs forth this childish hope that
perhaps this Kris Kringle really is Santa Claus. It begins to open up some incredible and amazing
opportunities. "Could he really be? What if he is? And if he is who he says he is, how sad not to
be recognized, how tragic to be thought a fraud."

(Clip - Conversation with Ms. Walker, 2:15)

The questions Ms. Walker raises seem applicable to more than just Kris Kringle. Those are the
same kinds of questions asked about this miracle of Christmas. Who is this baby lying in the
manger? Could he really be who everyone says he is? What if He is?

John's Gospel describes for us in beautiful and poetic imagery this miracle of the manger.

(Read John 1:1-5, 9-14)

The big question to be answered in this movie is also the big question as we consider the birth
and life of Jesus Christ. It is a question of identity. Who exactly is this child we find in the
manger in Bethlehem?

I. Astonishing claims

Could He be who He claims to be?

This old gentleman with a white beard and friendly smile claims to be not just a Santa, but THE
Santa, Kris Kringle, St. Nicholas, the one and only Santa Claus. And we can't help but smile as
we ponder the possibility. Something within us compels us to want to believe. Of course, we
know better, don't we?

(Clip: Conversation with Susan - 3 min)

Susan makes some pretty good points. The real Santa could do all those things, couldn't he? If
not, then this is merely a nice man with a long, white beard.

Consider for a moment this miracle of the manger and the astonishing claims made regarding
this child. Into the humblest of circumstances Jesus is born. His mother is an ordinary, young girl
named Mary. His birthplace is a stable, a barn in a small, obscure little town called Bethlehem.
Yet, Jesus came making astonishing claims that centered on His identity. He claimed to be sent
from God, the Son of God, and even One with God. The angel announced to shepherds that this
baby was Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).
As an adult, Jesus claimed to be the Bread of Heaven and Living Water that alone can satisfy our
deepest hungers. Jesus claimed the authority to forgive our sins and to offer freely His grace and
mercy. Jesus claimed to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the Resurrection, the only hope of
escaping God's judgment, the only path to eternal life. Jesus claimed all authority in heaven and
earth, and He promised to return to judge the world in righteousness.

What do you make of such radical claims? There are some who would ignore them altogether.
There are those who, while being very respectful of Jesus, don't take His astonishing claims
seriously. The religion of Islam teaches that Jesus was a prophet and teacher. The Hindu religion
teaches that Jesus is one way of many to find God. Many people want to admire Jesus from a
distance, but when it comes right down to it, He's just a nice man with a beard.

C.S. Lewis explained that Jesus did not leave us the option of just respecting Him as a good,
noble teacher. His own claims leave no room for that position, even though it is very popular.
We really only have three options concerning what to make of these astonishing claims of Jesus.
Either He was who He claimed to be, the Lord of all. Or, He made these claims knowing they
were false and therefore He was a liar. Or third, He made these claims because He believed them
to be true but in reality they were not, which makes Him deceived or a lunatic. When it comes to
the astonishing claims made by Jesus, there are only three conclusions that we can choose from.
He is the Lord, a liar, or a lunatic. He cannot be just a nice man with a beard.

II. Staggering implications

What if He is who He claims to be?

Part of the drama of this movie is the increasing evidence that perhaps this Kris Kringle really is
Santa. Every character in the story has to decide for themselves what they believe about Kris
Kringle. Some want the old man declared insane and put away. But many others are ready to
support him as the real Santa Claus.

(Clip: Do you believe in Santa Claus? We Believe! - 2 min)

Do you believe? What about this child born in Bethlehem? What if His claims are true? Think
for a moment about the incredible implications. What if there is that awesome Someone who
knows your name, who knows when you are sleeping, and knows when you're awake? And yes,
He knows when you've been bad or good, and yet, He loves you and longs for you to know and
love Him.

What if this child in Bethlehem really is the miracle of the manger? What if this Jesus really is
who He claims to be? If He is, then you and I have a decision to make. It is a matter of eternal
significance for each one of us. What we decide about this child born in Bethlehem not only
determines our eternal destiny, it also determines our earthly direction as well. We cannot accept
His claims without also recognizing that He has staked His claim on our lives. If He is who He
says He is, then all of His promises are true. He really can wipe away a painful past and take
away our burden of guilt and regret. He can give us a whole new reason to live and fill us with
the fullness of His love, His life, His grace. It means it's all true.
III. A fateful choice

Do you believe?

We must all consider the question and answer for ourselves. No one can decide for us when it
comes to this miracle of the manger. Jesus put the question to His disciples one day: "When
Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, 'Who do people say that
the Son of Man is?' And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others,
Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But you,” He asked them, 'who do you say that I am?' Simon
Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!'" (Matt. 16:13–16). How will
you answer that question? Is Christ who He claimed to be? Do you believe?

(Clip: Final Courtroom Scene, 4:10 minutes)

Conclusion

In the movie, that final courtroom scene represents the real moment of decision. But when we
consider this child born in Bethlehem, there is an important change, an awesome reversal, a
dramatic change of roles for you and me. When we come before Christ, we do not sit in
judgment of Him. It is Jesus Christ who is Lord and King. This miracle of the manger is God in
the flesh. He is judge of all. We do not determine His fate. It is Jesus Christ who will determine
our final destiny. Scripture records, "For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that
each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless" (2 Cor. 5:10).

The miracle of the manger is that God became flesh and lived among us. He came not so He
could send us to eternal punishment but to set us free. God became man so that we could become
children of God. John writes in his Gospel, "But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the
right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).

If you will open your heart to Christ and trust Him to be exactly who He claimed to be, you will
not be disappointed. Christ will prepare a place for you, a wonderful new home where you will
spend eternity. You will receive a new dad, one who is perfect and who perfectly loves you. Is it
possible? Could He be who He claims to be? I believe! Do you?

Prayer

Dear God, I do believe the miracle of the manger. I do believe that this child born in Bethlehem
is exactly who He claimed to be. He is God in the flesh, the Lord of life, and Savior for all who
call upon Him in faith. I have known about you but I want to know you in a way that is real and
personal. I want to follow you and experience this miracle of Christmas in my own life. Forgive
me of my sin, fill me with your Holy Spirit. Let me know the joy of walking with you throughout
my journey on earth and spending forever with you in heaven. Use me to extend your kingdom
here on earth until that day when you return or you call me home. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Study 9 DOING EXPLOITS FOR GOD

STUDIES IN THE LIFE OF DANIEL
by Francis Dixon
(Scripture Portion: Daniel 11:30-45)

This study is based upon the last part of Daniel 11:32 as it is recorded in the King James Version.
Three ideas are contained in this verse. There is the thought of knowing God, being strong and
doing exploits. God’’s people are characterised by what they know, what they are and what they
do. Believers (Christians) are different from worldly and unconverted people in these three
respects – in the matter of knowing, being and doing. Notice that these three characteristics of the
child of God are related, for only as we know God can we be strong; and only as we are strong
can we undertake exploits in the name of the Lord. Conversely, if we are not doing exploits for
God it is because we are not strong; and if we are not strong it is because we do not know God
well enough. In this study we shall examine the three ideas in Daniel 11:32.

1. FIRST, WE MUST KNOW GOD

It is not enough to know about Him. It is possible to know much about the Lord, His nature and
attributes, and yet not to know Him personally. We can, of course, only come to know God
through the Lord Jesus Christ –- look up and compare Job 22:21; John 14:6; 17:3. This is the
initial sense in which we come to know God as our loving heavenly Father through faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; but we must go on to know Him progressively, for there are
degrees of knowing Him, as John 14:9 and Philippians 3:10 indicate. How do we really get to
know God?

1. We get to know Him as we spend time in communion and in fellowship with Him. We
can only really get to know anyone by spending time in his or her presence, and we can
only really get to know God as we spend time alone with Him and cultivate fellowship
and friendship with Him –- as Enoch did (Genesis 5:22-24).
2. We get to know Him as we listen to Him speaking to us. When friends get together they
talk and listen to one another, and thus they get to know one another; and as we wait in
the presence of God regularly, He speaks to us in and through His Word, and we hear His
voice and, like Mary, really come to know Him –- look up Luke 10:38-42.
3. We get to know Him by speaking to Him. Fellowship is mutual; it is not a one-sided
affair, and when we come into the presence of the Lord and open our hearts and our lips
to Him we get to know Him, as David did (Psalm 55:16-17); and as Daniel did (Daniel
6:10).
4. We get to know Him by observing His ways of working. We get to know God as we see
what He does and how He does it, and in this respect we can only get to know Him
gradually in the daily paths of practical experience as we follow on to know Him –- look
up Hosea 6:3 KJV, and compare 2 Peter 3:18.

All this should make us ask ourselves: How much do I know Him? For the measure of our
knowing……will determine the measure of our being……and our doing!
2. KNOWING GOD WILL MAKE US STRONG

Yes, and the more we know Him the stronger we shall be. Shall we be strong physically? We
should remember that He is the source of our physical life as well as of our spiritual life. Shall
we be strong morally? Yes –- as Daniel was when he was cast into the lions’’ den; and as
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were when they were cast into the fiery furnace. Shall we be
strong spiritually? Yes –- look up Ephesians 6:10. As we go on to know the Lord:

1. We shall become stronger in our confidence in Him. We shall be filled with a holy
assurance; we shall ““know”” –- look up Job 19:25; Romans 8:28; 2 Timothy 1:12. We
shall have confidence in God and His enabling to endure in adversity, trial, sorrow and
any kind of affliction.
2. We shall become stronger in our power to meet and overcome temptation and evil. How
weak we are sometimes! Why? Because we do not know the Lord enough; but as we get
to know Him better we shall receive more power to meet and to overcome those things
that are displeasing to Him –- look up Acts 1:8.
3. We shall become stronger in our ability to be a strength to others. A Christian once
prayed, ““Lord, make me as Thine arm, upon which the troubled and tried can lean!”” Is
that the kind of prayer we should pray and that God will answer? Indeed it is!

Thus, as we know God we become strong –- look up Isaiah 40:28-31. And when we are strong,
then what happens?

3. WHEN WE ARE STRONG WE SHALL DO EXPLOITS FOR GOD

An exploit is: “”A heroic deed of achievement””; a great and daring feat. The Bible is full of
illustrations of men and women who did exploits for God. Think of Gideon and his 300 (Judges
7:19-23); Samson (Judges 14:5-6); Elijah on Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-39); and see God’’s picture
gallery of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. Think also of the apostles and the early Christians
who hazarded their lives for the name of the Lord (Acts 15:26), and turned the world upside
down (Acts 17:6)! If we really know God and are thereby made strong in Him, we also shall do
exploits, and we shall do them in two ways:

1. By prayer. We shall find ourselves walking in the footsteps of men like George Muller
and Hudson Taylor, who by prayer alone “”moved the arm that rules the world””.
2. By Witnessing. We shall find ourselves walking in the footsteps of the early Christians,
whose hearts were so full of the love of Christ that their lips were constantly filled with
the message of the gospel as they went from place to place witnessing to the power and
grace of God.

From the series: 1 Timothy PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

Lesson 14: Your Walk And Your Work For Christ (1 Timothy 4:11-16)

Related Media
William Carey, often called the father of modern missions, was a shoe cobbler by trade before he
went to India. He kept a map of India in his shop, stopping every so often to study and pray over
it. Sometimes, because of his preaching ministry, his shoe business suffered. One day a friend
admonished him for neglecting his business. “Neglecting my business?” said Carey, looking at
him intently. “My business is to extend the kingdom of God. I only cobble shoes to pay
expenses.”

No matter what your occupation, every Christian should have Carey’s mentality: “My real
business is to extend God’s kingdom; I just work to pay expenses.” In other words, every
Christian is in the ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12 states that God gave to the church apostles,
prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service
(ministry), to the building up of the body of Christ.” My job is to equip you to do the work of the
ministry. If you are a saint (= “holy one,” true of every believer) then you’re in the ministry!
Some may be supported so that they work full-time in their ministry. But every Christian, like
William Carey, should see their main business as serving God.

Since that is the clear teaching of the New Testament, it ought to be of great concern to every
Christian to know how to fulfill the ministry God has entrusted to him or her. It seems as if there
are droves who are either burning out on ministry because they are exhausted, or bombing out of
ministry because of moral failure. Timothy’s danger was that he would just fade out of the
ministry because his timid personality had a tendency to want to avoid conflict. The fact is, you
can’t preach God’s truth without confronting error and offending some people. So Timothy was
in danger of neglecting his ministry (4:14).

Some of you are not involved in any kind of ministry for the Lord. Maybe you burned out,
bombed out, or just faded out. Frankly, ministry is battle, and who likes war? The tendency of
the flesh is to let someone else do it, especially if it’s a hassle. Maybe you justify your lack of
involvement by thinking, “I’m not all that gifted anyway.” But remember, in the parable of the
talents, it was the guy with only one who buried it and was rebuked by his master because he
didn’t use it to further the master’s interests. If you know Christ as Savior, you’re called to serve
Him in some capacity. In our text, Paul gives us a basic lesson of Christian service that will
enable us to fulfill our God-given ministries:

Your walk with Christ is the necessary basis for your work for Christ.

“Pay close attention to yourself [your walk] and to your teaching [your work]” (4:16). It’s the
same principle Paul imparted to the Ephesian elders when he said, “Be on guard for yourselves
and for all the flock” (Acts 20:28). First, your walk; then, your work. Your work for the Lord
must always be the overflow of your walk with the Lord. I define ministry as being full of Jesus
Christ and slopping over onto others. That means that your ministry will be backed by a life of
integrity; you are imparting to others what you have because you walk in reality with Christ. If
we all would learn this simple but profound principle, that our walk with Christ is the necessary
basis for our work for Christ, we would avoid burning out, bombing out, and fading out in the
work He has given us to do.

1. Pay attention to your walk with Christ.

One reason the church is often short of workers is that so many who attend church are not
walking in daily reality with the living Lord. They have fallen into the American self-centered
way of life. They attend church because it meets some of their personal needs. If it fails to meet
their needs, they either shop around for another church that does meet their needs or they stop
going altogether. They are living for self and using God and the church to help self be more
fulfilled. Sometimes volunteering to serve in the church helps meet a need to feel useful, so they
sign up. But even their service has a self-focus. They do it because it meets their needs.

If I have just described you, I say to you in love, you are not living the Christian life. The
Christian life is not living for self and using God and the church to meet your needs. The
Christian life involves denying yourself daily and living under the lordship of Christ. We are no
longer our own; we have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus. We no longer live for
ourselves, but for Him who died and rose again on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:15). As we live each day
with our hope fixed on the living God, He shapes our character in conformity to Christ and then
uses our changed lives as a witness of His saving grace so that others come to know Him and
grow in Him.

So ministry is not volunteering for Jesus, or doing a job because the pastor or the church needs
your help. Ministry is based on dying to self and living to please Jesus. God never calls us
primarily to a task. Rather, He calls us to Himself. Before I can do something for God I must be
something in relationship with God. I can only impart to others in ministry what I possess from
my walk. Therefore, the primary responsibility of every believer is to develop godliness through
the daily discipline of a walk with the Lord Jesus.

Timothy was relatively young when Paul wrote this, about 35 (a mere youth from my perspective
now!). Some of you think 35 is ancient, but in that culture age was more highly regarded than in
ours. Paul wrote, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness” in part for the church, so that
they would not shrug off Timothy’s teaching with the excuse that he was too young to know
what he was talking about. But Paul also wrote it for Timothy. He’s saying that even if you’re
younger in years, you can have a ministry if your message is backed by a godly life.

Paul mentions five areas (the KJV’s “spirit” is based on weak manuscript evidence and should be
omitted):

A. Speech

There’s a convicting one, for starters! How’s your speech? Has your tongue been tamed by the
power of God’s Spirit? As James 3 tells us, the tongue can be an instrument for great evil or
great good, depending upon whether it is under the control of the flesh or of the Spirit. Ephesians
4:29 commands, “Let no unwholesome [lit., rotten] word proceed from your mouth, but only
such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give
grace to those who hear.” There is no place for name-calling, sarcasm, profanity, ridicule, gossip,
blaming, destructive criticism, angry words of threat and revenge, griping, complaining, lying,
filthy talk, or dirty jokes.

Instead a godly person will use words to build up others and show them grace: encouragement,
praise, appreciation, gratefulness, cheerfulness, understanding, sympathy, testimony, truth,
caring correction and warning, and helpful counsel.

So often, even in Christian homes, family members rip into one another with rotten words and
never confess their sinful speech and ask forgiveness. Several years ago Marla and I were at a
pastoral couples conference. We had just checked into our room when we could hear through the
door into the adjoining room a couple exchanging barbed attacks on each other. This was a
pastor and his wife, but they sounded like the kind of destructive speech you hear on the worst
TV sitcoms! The man was disqualified for ministry because he was not using godly speech
toward his wife. Walking with the Lord Jesus means bringing your speech under His lordship
and judging yourself when you sin with your words.

B. Conduct (KJV = conversation)

In modern parlance, your lifestyle. This points to your behavior which should testify to your
commitment to Jesus Christ. Honesty, integrity, how you spend your time and money, your
priorities, your attitude toward possessions, your personal appearance, the way you maintain
your home, the way you treat people—all of these factors should add up to show that Christ is
Lord of your life.

C. Love

This focuses on your relationships. Biblical love is not a gushy feeling, but rather a self-
sacrificing, caring commitment which shows itself in seeking the highest good of the one loved.
Since the highest good for each person is that they glorify God in their lives, love is committed
to help each person grow in submission to Christ’s lordship. Paul spells out the qualities of love
in 1 Corinthians 13. Each of us should frequently evaluate our conduct toward others, especially
in our homes, by that list.

D. Faith

This could point to faithfulness or reliability, a fruit of the Spirit. Or, it could point to the faith
we are to have toward God. We call ourselves believers, and yet all too often we are not
believing believers! We aren’t expecting God to work. We aren’t trusting God with our
problems. But in order to carry on any significant ministry, we must be men and women of faith.
We have leaned upon God in our own trials and have proved Him to be faithful. So we can ask
and trust God to work in the lives of those to whom we minister.
E. Purity

This means moral purity, not just outwardly, but in the thought life. Sexual immorality always
begins in the mind. Walking with Christ means taking “every thought captive to the obedience of
Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). As soon as a wrong thought pops into your mind, you confess it and turn
from it. You “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its
lusts” (Rom. 13:14).

A survey of American pastors revealed that 20 percent view pornographic material at least once
a month (Leadership [Winter, 1988], p. 24)! And only 64 percent of evangelical seminary
students think that watching pornographic movies is morally wrong (David Wells, Christianity
Today [1/15/88], p. 25)! Is it any wonder the American church lacks God’s blessing? I believe
that a man who yields to viewing pornography at least once a month should not be in leadership
until he gains victory. Purity in thought and deed is essential for ministry.

Thus your walk with Christ is the necessary basis of any work you do for Christ. Since the Lord
wants every member of His body to function in serving Him, pay attention to your walk. You
don’t have to have all these qualities in perfection before you start serving the Lord. But you do
need to be growing in each area, bringing every aspect of your life into submission to the
lordship of Christ. Then, as you relate to others, you slop over what you have of Christ to them;
you are ministering.

But ministry doesn’t happen automatically. It requires attention and work as well:

2. Pay attention to your work for Christ.

“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching” (4:16). Since Timothy’s spiritual gift was
in the area of public ministry of the Word, he was to focus on that. Note the importance of the
ministry of the Word in the church assembly: reading it (especially in a culture where many
slaves would have been illiterate); applying it to life (“exhortation”); and, teaching it (4:13). Paul
exhorts Timothy not to neglect his gift (4:14), to take pains in making progress in it (4:15), and
to persevere in it (4:16), which implies that it won’t be easy or automatic. There is much more
that could be said, but I want to point out five things concerning spiritual gifts:

A. God has given every believer at least one gift.

A spiritual gift may be defined as “a God-given ability for service” (Dr. Ryrie). While there are a
lot of debatable aspects about spiritual gifts, it’s significant that in each of the four New
Testament passages dealing with spiritual gifts, it is stated that each believer has one (Rom. 12:3-
6; 1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10). You have not been left out. God has gifted you to serve
Him.

B. Your gifts will be recognized and confirmed by the Body.

Normally, believers receive a spiritual gift at conversion. Of course God can bestow other gifts
subsequent to salvation as He deems necessary to equip a person for a specific ministry.
Apparently God revealed to Paul what Timothy’s ministry was to be. The elders at Timothy’s
home church affirmed Paul’s prophecy. So they laid hands on Timothy, prayed for him, and he
received the gift of teaching for his task (see 2 Tim. 1:6).

God does not normally reveal your gift supernaturally. As you grow in Christ and get involved in
serving Him, other believers begin to confirm your gift. They will say things like “You’re good
at that,” or, “God ministers through you in that area.” I remember even when I was in college
and would take a stab at teaching, as unpolished as I was, people would tell me how much it had
helped them. If every time you try to teach, you see people squirming in their seats, looking at
their watches, and not coming back the next time you’re scheduled, maybe your gift is in another
area!

C. Your gifts must be exercised and developed.

Even though Timothy received his gift in a rather dramatic fashion, he had to work at developing
it. Note the words Paul uses to exhort Timothy to exercise and develop his gift (4:14-16): Don’t
neglect it. “Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them.” Make evident progress. “Pay
close attention.” “Persevere in these things.” In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul had to exhort Timothy to
kindle afresh his gift. The fire was dying out. The spiritual muscle can atrophy from non-use.

Although spiritual gifts are God-given, they’re not automatic or fully developed. You must make
a commitment to fulfill the ministry God has given you: “be absorbed in these things.” It’s a
good idea for a new believer (or one who doesn’t know his or her gifts) to try as wide a range of
ministry experiences as possible. As you do certain things, you will narrow down your field of
interest and ability until you discover your area of gift. Then concentrate primarily on your area
of gift, while remembering that every Christian is responsible to serve in most areas. In other
words, just because your gift isn’t helps doesn’t mean that you never help others. But you focus
in your area of gift. You work hard to develop your ministry skills in that area.

A common mistake many pastors make, especially as a church grows, is neglecting the ministry
of the Word. They start doing everything else, or often become more like the manager of a
company, and the teaching ministry suffers. But a pastor’s main work is preaching and teaching
to equip the rest of the church for their ministries (4:13-16).

D. Your gifts, when backed by godliness, should be exercised with confidence in the Lord.

As I emphasized already, giftedness must be accompanied by godliness. But my point here is

that when gifts are backed by godliness, they can then be exercised with the quiet confidence that
your faith is in God and you’re doing what He wants you to do. So when opposition comes (as it
often does), you don’t quit in anger or frustration. You persevere.

Timothy was a timid fellow. Perhaps he was threatened by the older Ephesian elders. Maybe he
felt inadequate ministering in the shadow of a man like Paul. Maybe he was afraid of people.
Paul says, “Prescribe and teach these things!” (4:11). The word “prescribe” means to command.
It refers to an order passed down a military chain of command. What Paul is saying is, “Timothy,
exercise your gift with confidence and authority, backed up by your godly life!” And, persevere
when opposition comes (4:16).

Perhaps this especially applies to the gift of teaching. You can’t be a people-pleaser and preach
God’s truth. The Bible isn’t God’s handbook of helpful hints for happy living. It gives us God’s
sure truth, His commandments for life. It confronts sin and selfishness. God’s spokesman had
better not beat around the bush.

Hugh Latimer, who later was martyred by Bloody Mary used to say to himself before he
preached at the royal court: “Latimer, Latimer, thou art going to speak before the high and
mighty king, Henry VIII, who is able, if he think fit, to take thy life away. Be careful what thou
sayest. But Latimer, Latimer, remember thou art also about to speak before the King of kings and
Lord of lords. Take heed thou dost not displease Him.”

But it also applies to every spiritual gift when the person is growing in godliness. If you’re
walking with Christ, then you have a vital contribution to make to His body. We should never do
it with arrogance or confidence in ourselves. But the point is, God wants to use you to impart
something of Christ to others. It’s not humility, but rather the sin of being too self-absorbed, if,
like Moses when God called him, you refuse to do what God has gifted and called you to do.
And you’re not being faithful to Him if you quit at the first sign of difficulty.

E. Remember that eternal issues are at stake in the exercise of your spiritual gift.

“You will save both yourself and those who hear you” (4:16). Paul obviously is not talking about
being saved by works. We are saved by grace through faith apart from works (Eph. 2:8-9). But
there is also a future aspect to salvation. Those who are saved will persevere and they will
influence others to be saved as well. This may apply more to those with gifts of teaching or
evangelism, but it also applies to someone with the gift of helps or giving or showing mercy. As
you grow in godliness and exercise your gift faithfully as unto the Lord, He will use you in the
eternal salvation of lost people.

You need to remember this especially when opposition comes. Timothy was not in an easy
situation in Ephesus, where he had to confront these false teachers. No doubt he was being
attacked. It would have been easy to say, “Why bother? Why take this flak? I’m out of here!”
But Paul says, “Timothy, remember that eternal issues are at stake! You must persevere in the
salvation you have received. Those hearing your message need to be saved and to persevere. So
when you’re discouraged, when you’re being attacked, don’t quit! Eternal issues are at stake.

Conclusion

Stan Mikita, a star center for the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, used to get in a lot of fights
during games. He stopped one day when his daughter, Meg, who was eight at the time, asked a
very grown up question: “How can you score a goal, Daddy, when you’re in the penalty box all
the time?”
If I might rephrase the question, How can you work for the Lord if you aren’t walking with the
Lord? If you have trusted in Christ, you’re on His team. You’re in the ministry. You are as
responsible as I am before God to fulfill your ministry. To do it, pay attention to your walk with
Christ; that’s the foundation. And, pay attention to your work for Him. Don’t neglect the gift He
has entrusted to you.

Discussion Questions

1. How would this church be different if every member viewed himself or herself as a
minister of Jesus Christ?
2. How godly does a person need to be to get involved in ministry?
3. How important is it to know your spiritual gift? What difference does it make?
4. Why are so many Christians suffering “burnout”? Is it inevitable? How can it be avoided?

Worldliness: Another Great Enemy of the Church

Submitted by Matt Costella on Aug, 19, 2015

What exactly is worldliness? Many Christians are not aware that the Bible never uses the term
worldliness. In fact, it only uses the term worldly twice—in Titus 2:12 and Hebrews 9:1—and
only in the Titus passage does it address this concept of worldliness as it is used in the church
today.

Contemporary Concepts of Worldliness

While worldliness is one of the greatest enemies of the church in the twenty-first century, it is
imperative that believers truly understand what worldliness is and is not. Sadly, the concept of
worldliness has been completely misunderstood in the modern church. Believers today must
realize—or admit—that their idea of worldliness is often a totally unbiblical notion. One cannot
grasp a biblical understanding of the concept of worldliness without starting anew and discarding
the general (and usually flawed) ideas concerning what actually constitutes worldliness.

Today, when believers talk about worldliness, they often refer to certain activities that they deem
to be “worldly.” A discussion about worldliness often centers around what one wears, what one
watches, what one listens to, and where one goes. For example, many believers think that to be
“worldly” is to like or listen to a song or genre of music that is not generally accepted by the
church or to like or watch a television show or movie (or even to attend a theater or have a
television in your home). In other words, worldliness is synonymous with activities or things a
person does. Many Christians are taught that if a believer keeps himself or herself from doing
certain things, he or she is not guilty of the sin of worldliness. Yet in reality, this concept of
worldliness has no biblical basis.

Often the church sets forth a list of definitions and parameters for worldliness—a list that it
cannot actually defend from an honest interpretation of Scripture. Therefore, the church is facing
devastating and heartbreaking consequences—young people are rebelling or leaving the church;
divisions exist within churches between people who disagree on what does or does not constitute
worldliness; people are losing interest in trying to live biblically because they discover that they
cannot defend their beliefs and behavior with Scripture. It is necessary to take time to consider
what the Bible actually says about the world and the believer’s interaction with it and then
conform one’s life to God’s Word rather than man’s lists and ideas.

A Biblical Understanding of Worldliness

The Bible does give the answer concerning what constitutes worldliness in the eyes of the Lord.
Christians today simply need to study, heed, and obey it rather than their own traditions and
presuppositions.

Consider 1 John 2:15-17. This text is probably the most important text to consider on this topic
for two reasons: First, it is the text most often cited by Christians to support their own views
concerning worldliness; and second, this text more than any other provides the proper, biblical
definition and attitude the Christian should have toward the world.

In these verses, the reader must accurately understand two key words: love and world. But first,
consider the context of this passage. Now that John’s readers were consciously aware of their
standing in Christ, of their relationship with Jesus, and of their ability to live victorious Christian
lives despite Satan’s attacks against them (1 Jn. 2:1-14), John warns the believers about the
danger of becoming enthralled with and attached to the world system of which they were a part.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world,” John says.

The word love—in both instances in verse 15, the word love does not entail one’s likes or
dislikes; rather, it is an act of the will whereby one chooses to exercise benevolence and concern
for the wellbeing of someone or something else. It is not used in the sense of “I love Japanese
food” or “I love going to football games”—things one cannot help but enjoy. To “love” (agape)
in this sense is to have a sacrificial care and concern for something. It is a volitional (willful) act
of intentional concern for someone or something.

The word world—the word world in this text is translated from the Greek word kosmos, which
can have a variety of meanings (the earth or universe in general; the human race; the state of
human affairs, etc.). What determines its exact meaning is the context. For example, in John 3:16
the “world” refers to people, not to the universe, a state of human affairs or a system of
philosophy and thought. In 1 John 2:15-17, the context determines that the apostle John is talking
about the “system” of things on the earth. Dr. Charles Ryrie put it this way: “that organized
system headed by Satan that leaves God out and is a rival to Him.” The “world” entails the
system of the temporary that finds itself over against the truth as revealed in God and His Word.

So, if one reads this text with a proper understanding of these words in mind and compares this
text with others where these terms are used (such as in John 3:16 where we read that “God so
loved the world”) and considers the context of 1 John 2:15-17, one will conclude that this text is
not talking about the people in the world, nor is it forbidding Christians to enjoy things in life.
Rather, to “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” means a believer must not
willfully choose to make those things that are in the world—including those things that are
contrary to the person or will of God (those lusts one often strongly desires)—the love, the focus,
and the priority of his or her life. Clearly, the intent here is not to separate from everything in the
world or to distance oneself from those who are not saved. The meaning of this verse focuses
upon where the believer places his love, his concern, his priorities!

In verse fifteen, John describes two things not to love: the world and the things in the world.
What John means by the world has already been considered, but what does the apostle mean by
the things in the world? John himself tells us what he means. He discusses three facets of the
“things that are in the world”:

Lust of the flesh (desires of the flesh)—“Lust of the flesh” involves the desire for sinful, sensual
pleasure that is outside the will of God for any believer. The lust of the flesh is not limited only
to sexual desires but to any fleshly appetite for anything that is outside the will of God. To
become involved in the lust of the flesh is to satisfy the body at any cost. Paul told Titus that
God’s grace should lead believers to deny “ungodliness and worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12).

Lust of the eyes (desires of the eyes)—“Lust of the eyes” involves covetousness or the intense
desire for material possessions. Notice that this sin primarily manifests itself through inward
thoughts and desires rather than outward actions. To exhibit the lust of the eyes is to covet that
which is contrary to the will of God.

The pride of life (pride in possessions or self)—“The pride of life” involves being proud of
oneself or one’s possessions. This pride is not synonymous with joyfulness in accomplishment
but rather with boasting of one’s self-worth above one’s true worth as found in God’s Word. The
book of Proverbs characterizes one who exhibits the pride of life as the “fool” or the “froward.”
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?” Solomon asks. “There is more hope of a fool than of
him” (Prov. 26:12). “Conceit” and “the pride of life” are synonymous. The individual full of
conceit thinks he is something, when, in God’s eyes, he is nothing.

To sum up verse sixteen, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life involve
anything that falls outside the will of God or takes one’s focus off spiritual things. These three
facets of worldliness overtook Eve in the garden of Eden, and even today, thousands of years
later, they overtake believers in the church. Yes, John is speaking to believers who can (and
often do) get caught up in worldliness. The church is not exempt!

So, according to Scripture, the Christian’s concern and priorities in life must not lie with the
world system or these temporary things in the world. The Bible gives two specific reasons why
the believer is to “love not the world”:

1. Love for the world is incompatible with love for God.

Read the following verses: 1 John 2:15b; Matthew 6:19-21, 24; James 4:4; John 15:18-20. In
Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus reveals the importance of laying up “spiritual treasure” in heaven rather
than physical treasure while on earth. Why is it so important for believers to strive for spiritual
wealth rather than material wealth? Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart
be also.” Just three verses later, Jesus continues, “No man can serve two masters: for either he
will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye
cannot serve God and mammon [wealth].” The principle here is not difficult to understand. If
one is consumed and enthralled with physical happiness or material possessions, he or she has
lost sight of the greater importance of spiritual things.

The world system hates God and, therefore, hates those who are followers of Christ. If a
believer’s life is comfortably conforming to the surrounding world system, then he must step
back and discover where his affection actually lies. Jesus told His disciples, “If ye were of the
world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you
out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (Jn. 15:18-20). James asked the believers in the
early church, “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever
therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (Jas. 4:4). To be an enemy of God is
certainly a serious matter! Yet the Word of God makes it plain that a believer cannot love the
world system and simultaneously strive to effectively attain spiritual goals. Even though a
Christian might feel as though he is able to love the world and love Jesus Christ at the same time,
God’s Word declares that this is not possible and the world system is to be rejected by the child
of God. “Love not the world” because to love the world is to dishonor Christ. No believer can
serve two masters.

2. The world is only temporary.

Consider 1 John 2:17 and 2 Peter 3:10-14. The second reason why the believer is commanded to
“love not the world” is because the world in which he lives is only temporary. John told the
believers, “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof” (1 Jn. 2:17). John, an expert in the
doctrine of eschatology, not only understood that the world is presently decaying as a result of
man’s sin in the Garden, but he also realized that one day, a new heaven and new earth would be
created by God. Not only is this world temporary in an immediate respect (things decay; people
die) but in a future respect as well—Peter reminds believers that they “look for new heavens and
a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Pet. 3:13). How should this affect God’s people
today? Peter says because this earth is only temporary, Christians should “be diligent that [they]
may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Pet. 3:14). Clearly, one’s present
life should reflect one’s spiritual priorities. When God’s children live with eternity’s values in
view, their lives on this earth will be remarkably different from the lives of those who have no
hope and are uncertain about the future.

In conclusion, it is evident that worldliness, according to God’s Word, entails the following three
elements: idolatry—placing something of this world ahead of God in one’s life; making
something temporal of a greater priority than that which is spiritual; covetousness—desiring that
which God has withheld or forbidden; conformity—modeling one’s thinking or behavior after
the world rather than after the Word and will of God.

So biblically speaking, “worldliness” entails having one’s focus/priorities (one’s heart and mind)
set on desiring and embracing the temporary at the expense of the eternal. It is to become
enthralled and attached to the mindset of the world and its temporary pleasures rather than
having the mind of Christ and seeking spiritual riches (Col. 3:1-2).

The Effect of Worldliness on the Church

How is worldliness affecting the church today? Clearly, it is affecting the church in many ways,
but two particular ways stand out:

1. Churches are appealing to the “lusts” of people.

Sadly, many local churches are attempting to gain bodies by giving people, including
unbelievers, what they want rather than what they need. They are appealing to the senses of those
who have no spiritual life, and they are hoping to lure people through the doors of the church by
conforming to the world system that is so appealing to them. This can be seen in the
neighborhood survey concepts of church planting (going door-to-door and asking people what
they want and are looking for in a church) and in the evangelism programs of many churches
(appealing to the senses of unbelievers by offering them prizes and incentives to attend church or
make a profession of faith). The idea is to use the things that interest the world in order to win
people to Christ and get them into the church. Although some people may come to a saving
knowledge of Christ this way, it can be argued that this philosophy has ultimately produced a
biblically-illiterate and even unregenerate “church” today. It can also be argued (from Scripture)
that this is not a biblical method for church growth and evangelism (the apostle Paul makes this
clear in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 and 1 Corinthians 2:4).

2. People are too focused on the temporal rather than the eternal.

While the leadership of many churches is guilty of incorporating worldliness into the programs
and outreach of the church, the fault does not only lie with them. So many Christians today view
God and the church as a marginal part of their lives. They are engulfed in a worldly outlook on
life. They are more concerned about their athletic events, their recreation time, or simply their
comfort zone than spiritual disciplines. Because of this, personal Bible study, prayer, and church
attendance are not a priority at all in their lives. Attendance at church is more a matter of
convenience than a priority. They clearly love the world more than God and His will for them.
This results in spiritual backsliding and ineffectiveness in ministry. It also results in
discouragement and disunity in the church. God has gifted each believer to function as a part of
the whole, and when certain members are not exercising their God-given gifts, then the whole
church suffers.

Biblical Examples of Worldliness

The Bible provides the reader with examples of those who were guilty of worldliness and also
those who chose the alternative path—dedication to God and priority given to a relationship with
Him. Consider the following examples:

Lot—Read 2 Peter 2:7-8 and contrast it with the account of Lot in Genesis 19:1-25. It is
interesting that the Bible never records any instances of Lot physically engaging in the wicked
sins that marked the people of Sodom, but at the same time, it is evident from his actions that he
became completely “worldly” in this thought and life. Even though he did not agree with the
outward sinfulness so prevalent around him (the text says his soul was “vexed with the filthy
conversation of the wicked”), he had no influence or credibility with the people of Sodom. He
was comfortable enough to stay in the city and was more interested in maintaining his status in
Sodom than his testimony for the Lord.

Demas—Second Timothy 4:10 is a prime example of how one’s love for the world can
negatively impact the church. Demas had served as a faithful minister and companion of Paul on
his missionary journey, but eventually his love for the world rendered Demas ineffective in
ministry. He left Paul and chose to align himself with a system (“this present world”) that
diametrically opposes the person and work of God. Worldliness not only affected Demas, but it
also greatly impacted those who loved him, cared for him, and worked with him in ministry.

The church at Laodicea—Revelation 3:15-17 contains Jesus’ personal letter to the local church
at Laodicea. This church was so worldly-focused and worldly-minded that those who comprised
it felt as though they were “just fine” without a close relationship with Jesus Christ. They were
self-deceived into thinking that they were “rich” and “increased with goods,” clearly a reference
to material things. These material things became their comfort and source of security when, in
reality, they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” because their
priorities did not lie with their Savior.

Abraham—This Old Testament patriarch is a good example of what it means to reject a worldly
lifestyle and an attitude of worldliness. Notice Hebrews 11:8-10. Abraham had many “things”
(he was an extremely wealthy man), but he was not tied to them. God was his priority in life.
Therefore, when the Lord told him to move, he moved. In faith, he took God at His word.

Job—Another example in the Old Testament of one who was not marked by worldliness is Job.
Like Abraham, Job was a wealthy man who enjoyed his possessions, his family, and his life, yet
God was still his priority even over his relationships and possessions. When all his worldly
“things” were taken from him, Job continued to honor God and rely upon Him.

The disciples of Jesus—Some of Jesus’ disciples were wealthy while others were poor, yet each
disciple (except Judas Iscariot) chose to make his relationship with Jesus Christ the priority in his
life, even if that meant losing some of his wealth or status in the world. Peter told Jesus in
Matthew 19:27, “Behold, we (the disciples of Jesus) have forsaken all, and followed Thee.” This
is true discipleship!

The Remedy for Worldliness

God’s Word is not only clear in its command to avoid a worldly life, but it is equally clear in its
instructions concerning how to avoid this great enemy of the church. In order to avoid
worldliness, God’s people need to exercise genuine discipleship and change their thinking!

1. Be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Is it possible to be considered a true disciple (follower) of Jesus Christ and simultaneously be

guilty of worldliness? This is an important question to consider. Worldliness has invaded the
church, and yet all believers are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ. The issue here is not
salvation, but service and usefulness to God. Consider Luke 14:25-33, for these words of Jesus
say a great deal about the issue of worldliness and discipleship.

The church must always remember that God’s perspective is different from man’s perspective,
and for a Christian to truly be called a disciple of Jesus, he must view his life and actions from
God’s perspective. Believers today might think they know what it means to be worldly or not,
but if their ideas differ from God’s, they will get nowhere. It is very possible for true believers to
be so caught up with the world that they are not truly disciples as they should be. Self-
examination is vitally important here. Consider from the words of Jesus Himself what it really
means to be a true disciple of Christ and the role that “worldliness” or “the world” plays in this
process of discipleship. According to the Word of God, a Christian can only be truly called a
disciple of Christ if Jesus is his or her priority in life (Lk. 14:26, 33). This specifically involves
priority over three things:

Priority over Family (v. 26a)

The word hate in Scripture can be used one of two ways: an active disgust (whether warranted or
unwarranted) or in a comparative sense meaning to “love less.” Luke 14:26 employs the
comparative usage (a parallel text, Matthew 10:37-38, supports this fact). Nothing should stand
in the believer’s way of doing what he knows to be right—including his family. Sadly, today,
professing Christians are even putting “family time” and “family activities” before the things of
the Lord—things such as church attendance or personal Bible study. The Bible records many
instances where family idolatry brought God’s displeasure and ruined man’s fellowship with the
Lord. Christians need to remember that their families, like their possessions, have been entrusted
to them by God. They are stewards of their children and even their relationships with their
spouses. Yes, the family—as important as it is—actually can be used by Satan to keep men,
women, and children from following Jesus Christ. Followers of Jesus need to be extremely
careful not to fall prey to family idolatry. Rather, they must pursue the alternative—they must
love God above all else and show their love for Him to their family and to all who are around
them. Love for God will produce obedience and faithfulness to Him. One cannot claim to be a
disciple of Jesus if his family comes before his love of and obedience to his Savior.

Priority over Self (v. 26b)

By nature, every person is prideful and self-centered. Christians are not exempt from this aspect
of the old nature. Everybody wants what they want, when they want it, how they want it, where
they want it. And, if anything stands in the way—including God, His Word, His church, or His
will—woe be to that which stands in the way!

Yet consider the testimony of the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:4-6. Notice all those things he
could have boasted in of himself—his lineage, his education, his popularity, his authority. But he
came to the point where he surrendered all that “self” in order to be a true disciple of Jesus
Christ: “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I
count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:7-
9). It is only when the believer surrenders his love of himself that he can truly be called a disciple
of Jesus Christ.
Priority over Possessions (v. 33)

The word forsaketh does not mean Jesus’ disciples were required to actively and immediately
throw all their possessions into the trash. Those who believed in Jesus still lived their lives in
their houses and owned material possessions. The word forsake means “to renounce” as in a
comparative sense. Followers of Christ need to have a proper priority in life with regard to their
“things” as well as their relationships, for “things” can actually keep one from being a true
disciple of Jesus Christ. Satan often uses things to keep Christians from the One who brings true
joy, fulfillment, and happiness.

Consider Matthew 19:16-26. Jesus knew the heart of this man and responded to him accordingly.
Notice this rich young ruler’s mistakes: First, he failed to understand the Person of Christ—that
Jesus was God. Second, he failed to understand that eternal life could not be earned by works.
Third, he failed to understand that he was a sinner. Finally, he failed to follow Jesus because he
loved “things” too much. Believers today cannot claim to be true disciples of Jesus if their
“things” are more important than the very One who has blessed them with those “things.”

It is fascinating to notice that these very elements that are essential to true discipleship—making
God and His Word the priority over family, self, and possessions—are spelled out as
“worldliness” in 1 John 2:15-17 (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, the pride of life). This is
worldliness as defined by God Himself, and this is what keeps Christians from being true
disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Transform your thinking.

Romans 12:1-2 spells out the remedy for worldliness in its simplest form: Do not be conformed,
but rather be transformed. To be transformed is to be changed from one thing to another. The
apostle Paul exhorts all believers to refuse to take the world as their model for life and ministry.
Rather, the person, work, and Word of Jesus Christ should be the believer’s model for all belief
and behavior.

How, exactly, can a Christian be transformed? Paul states it clearly: This is accomplished by
thinking differently. “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,” Paul writes. Simply
being a Christian in this life is not enough. Rather, Christians need to change the way they think!
Believers must be transformed (changed) by new thinking if they are to fulfill God’s perfect and
acceptable will for their lives. Put on the mind of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:3-5). Make Him the
priority over family, self, and possessions.

Renewed thinking will lead the believer to “put away” the essential elements of what the Bible
defines as “worldliness”—idolatry, covetousness, and conformity to the world system and the
things of the world. When a Christian embraces the mind of Christ—a biblical worldview rather
than a self-centered and humanistic worldview—he or she will refuse to entertain beliefs or
engage in behavior that is inconsistent with the person and plan of God. As a believer immerses
himself or herself in God’s Word and in a personal fellowship with the Savior, he or she will
recognize worldliness for what it is and will choose, instead, to believe and behave in a manner
that reflects spiritual life rather than darkness.
Conclusion

Christians need to understand that the whole concept of worldliness is not a man-made list of
“do’s and don’ts”; rather, it centers around where one’s focus and priorities lie! Are one’s
priorities set on the temporal—the things of the world—or the eternal—the things pertaining to
spiritual life and godliness? A focus on the temporal (the self-centered fulfillment of the flesh) is
destroying the church today. It is essential that the believer biblically define and deal with
worldliness in order to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ and overcome this great enemy of
the church.

—From The Greatest Enemies of the Church in the 21st Century, by Matt Costella. This book is
available from the Fundamental Evangelistic Association.

Question: "What does the Bible say about worldliness?"

Answer: The dictionary definition of “worldly” is “relating to, or devoted to, the temporal
world.” Worldliness, then, is the condition of being concerned with worldly affairs, especially to
the neglect of spiritual things. The Bible has a great deal to say about worldliness, none of it
good.

Paul equates worldliness with spiritual immaturity in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, where he addresses the
believers in the church of Corinth in regard to their worldly behavior. Though they were
believers—he calls them “brothers”—they were spiritual babies who could not understand the
deep things of God that Paul wished to share with them. They had never progressed past learning
the basics of the faith and were seemingly content to remain there. This lack of maturity led to
their behaving as though they were still part of the unsaved world. They quarreled among
themselves as to which of them was greater because of which of the apostles they followed (1
Corinthians 1:11-13; 3:4), when in reality they followed none of them, following instead their
own lusts and desire to elevate themselves above others. Paul exhorted them to grow up and
mature in the faith so they would cease from worldly behavior.

The epistles depict worldliness as the exact opposite of godliness. The world’s wisdom is not
wisdom at all (1 Corinthians 3:18-19). Rather, it is foolishness, especially the world’s wisdom on
the subject of religion. We see that today in the endless discussions of “spirituality” by men
whose spiritual wisdom is based on nothing more than worldly illusions. True wisdom that
comes from God is juxtaposed against the foolish “wisdom” of the world throughout Scripture.
The message of the cross is foolishness to those with worldly wisdom who are perishing (1
Corinthians 1:18) because true wisdom comes not from man’s philosophies, but from God’s
Word. True godliness is always opposed by the world.

Furthermore, Paul refers to a “worldly sorrow” (2 Corinthians 7:10) which is the opposite of the
godly sorrow that comes from true repentance. Godly sorrow is what we feel over our sin when
we come to see it as God sees it and when our view of it is in accord with His. Worldly sorrow,
on the other hand, does not stem from the knowledge of sin against a holy God, but rather from
circumstances in which the worldly find themselves. Worldly sorrow stems from a love of self
and may arise from the loss of friends or property, from disappointment, or from shame and
disgrace. But once the circumstances right themselves, worldly sorrow disappears. Godly
sorrow, however, is only alleviated by turning to Christ, who alone provides freedom from the
sorrow, the penalty and the power of sin.

Finally, Scripture draws a clear distinction between friendship with God and friendship with the
world. James 4:4 tells us that “friendship with the world is hatred toward God.” He goes on to
say that “anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” The
apostle James uses the strong words “hatred” and “enemy” to drive home the point that we can
be in the world or in the kingdom, but not both because they are at opposite ends of the
spectrum. Those who choose worldliness choose to live in the enemy’s camp because all that is
of the world is under the control of Satan (1 John 5:19). He is the ruler of this world, and when
we choose the world, we enlist in his evil army and become enemies of God.

For the Christian, the choice is clear. To avoid worldliness, we must mature in the faith, growing
up in all things in Christ so that we are no longer spiritual infants, tossed about by the lies of the
world (Ephesians 4:14-15). We must come to know the difference between the wisdom of God
and the foolishness of worldly wisdom, and that is only achieved by careful and diligent study of
the Word, seeking God’s wisdom in prayer (James 1:5), and enjoying the fellowship of other
mature believers who can encourage us to reject worldliness and embrace godliness.

Worldliness

What Is It?

Is it makeup? Driving around in a bright red sports car? Wearing expensive jewelry or the
latest fashions hot off the Paris runways? Is it drinking alcohol, dancing or going to
parties? Should a Christian avoid any—or all—of these? Should he try not to fit in with the
crowd? What does the Bible say?

Just what is the Bible definition of worldliness? Must a follower of Jesus Christ completely
isolate himself from the world, and everything in it, in order to avoid being worldly? Must
Christians be odd, weird or completely “out of step” with the world? Do they need to sound and
look “religious” in order to avoid worldliness?

What about material possessions or wealth? After all, doesn’t the Bible say, “Has not God
chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith” (James 2:5)? Can a Christian be wealthy, drive a new
car or own the best things, yet not be caught up in the things of this world?
All men have their own opinions on what worldliness is, but God’s view is the only one that
matters.

So what does the Bible say?

God Wants Us to Prosper

God intends that we have an abundant life. Christ said to His disciples, “I am come that they
might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). The Apostle John
wrote, “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health” (III John 2). In
Proverbs 12, Solomon wrote, “the substance [material wealth] of a diligent man is precious.” He
also instructed, “whatsoever the hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecc. 9:10).

So, if a Christian works faithfully, using God-given talents and abilities, it is God’s will that he
be blessed and prosper. A follower of Christ can have a full, abundant and happy life.

The problem occurs when a person sets his heart on gaining material wealth, when everything he
does and thinks about revolves around getting. He gets caught up in this world’s ways—the way
of “get”—and lives contrary to God’s way of life—the way of “give.” He simply has no desire to
accept, obey or pursue God’s truth.

God does call into His Church the “poor of the world” because they are not consumed by
materialism. Having less abundance to cloud their thinking, they will be more willing to accept
spiritual truths. And they won’t have as many material possessions that they may have to lose or
give up in order to obey God.

God intends that His children consider material possessions properly, to use them wisely, for the
good of others as well as themselves.

Physical Pleasures—Sinful?

Let’s examine whether or not physical pleasures are sinful. Many people use the following verse
to condemn all pleasures of the flesh: “Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world. If
any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust
of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world”
(I John 2:15-16).

God created the five senses—sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing—so that we could experience,
enjoy, and take pleasure in physical things. No particular physical thing of itself represents
worldliness—but lusting after that thing is wrong. Lust is an illicit and sinful desire. It can make
us desire or use something in a manner contrary to God’s law or the purpose for which He
created it. Lust represents a wrong attitude of the mind and heart.

Sex, alcohol, dancing, card playing and watching television and movies are examples of
activities that can produce certain pleasure. These are not wrong when used within the confines
of God’s Law.
God created sex and called it good (Gen. 1:27, 31). He commanded man and woman to use it in a
right and proper way (vs. 28). Yet, fornication, adultery, and other wrong uses of sex violate
God’s law and are forbidden (Ex. 20:14; Gal. 5:19; I Cor. 6:18).

Christ turned water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11), showing that He approved the proper
use of alcohol. As the “Lord” of the Old Testament (I Cor. 10:1-4), He inspired Solomon to
write, “A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry” (Ecc. 10:19). But drunkenness is
condemned by God in I Corinthians 6:10: “[Neither] thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

God’s people often danced in times of celebration. Notice: “And it came to pass as they came,
when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistines, that the women came out of all
cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with
instruments of music” (I Sam. 18:6).

When the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Israel, David, a man after God’s own heart,
“danced before the Lord with all his might” (II Sam. 6:14). His son Solomon wrote in
Ecclesiastes 3:4, “there is a time for dancing.”

Further, the saints are to praise God “in the dance” (Psa. 149:3). Clearly, dancing is not wrong.
But when done in a sexually suggestive or lewd manner, it violates God’s law and is a sin. Sin is
the transgression—breaking—of the law (I John 3:4).

The same principle applies to card playing, television, and movies. Ask yourself: Are the
television shows I watch wholesome and uplifting? Or are they full of countless acts of adultery,
fornication, drunkenness, rebellion, violence and filthy language? These kinds of programs and
movies depict an ungodly way of life and are clearly worldly.

Understand. Most card playing is permissible, but not if it involves gambling, drinking games or
anything involving personal stakes or lewd behavior. Gambling is driven by lust and greed.

Do you find yourself desiring to watch, and fill your time with, endless television shows? Do you
“have” to see almost every movie that comes out, in order to seek physical pleasures or escape
life? If so, you are caught up in the world, caught up in “the lust of the flesh and lust of the
eyes.”

You cannot live your life through television and cinema, which glorify killing, stealing,
gambling, seducing and drinking to excess! It will affect your character and produce a worldly
attitude.

Our Physical Appearance

What about the way you dress? Does it matter?

The way of a Christian is moderation. Paul instructed the Church at Philippi to “Let your
MODERATION be known unto all men” (Phil. 4:5). Very few today practice moderation in much
of anything. Hairstyles, makeup, fashion, tattoos and body piercings get more outlandish and
provocative every day. Everyone seems to want to outdo everyone else. People follow the
“crowd,” living according to the course of this world, set forth by Satan the devil (Eph. 2:2).

By contrast, Christians must be modest and chaste in their dress. Their appearance should never
be shocking or suggestive (I Tim. 2:8-10). Remember, God created mankind in His image and
likeness (Gen. 1:26). He is reproducing Himself in human beings. The body of a converted
person is the temple of God, a dwelling place for His Holy Spirit. God does not take it lightly
when anyone—Christian or not—defiles his body with piercings or tattoos. Read Leviticus
19:28: “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks [New
King James: “tattoos”] upon you: I am the LORD.”

Anyone who does such things clearly abuses his body, which was created by God. God called
what He created good. It is impossible for mankind to improve on anything that God created—
this includes using makeup.

Called Out of This World

Should a Christian try to fit in with the world? What about joining clubs or lodges, or being
involved in social activities?

Anyone seeking to serve God cannot spend time at worldly social gatherings or join this world’s
clubs or lodges. A true follower of Christ must not try to fit in—to be like the people of this
world. He cannot seek to dress and act like they do. The apostle Peter exhorted, “…no longer…
live the rest of [your] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time
past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in
lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: wherein
they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you”
(I Pet. 4:2-4). The world does run to excess—and people will think you are strange when you
refuse to join them.

A Christian cannot love the world—its societies and systems of men. This world is not of God.
He calls it evil in Galatians 1:4. This present world is based on the satanic, “get” way of life—
competition, greed, selfishness and vanity. It is easy and natural to become swept up in it. But
loving and being “cozy” with society actually makes one an enemy of God (Jms. 4:4). Christians
are called out from the world. They must separate themselves from society (II Cor. 6:17; Rev.
18:4).

Worldliness Is Sin

Now, what exactly is worldliness? Before defining it, let’s examine its fruits.

Take a hard look at the world around you. Search your local newspaper. Visit the magazine
section of any large bookstore. Scan through television channels. The modern age is filled with
flashing, sparkling eye candy of multiple cultures and subcultures that compete for your
attention.
Society is drowning in mobile phones, pagers, handheld computers, e-mails—possessed by
people who “have” to be instantly and continuously linked to each other because they’re afraid
of being “out of the loop.”

Wanting to rebel against mainstream society, some hide behind “character” outfits. Today,
middle and upper class teens often dress as though they are hardcore urban street thugs trapped
in an endless cycle of poverty, violence and hopelessness.

Some who are “depressed” about growing up in a two-parent, middle class family dress up in
“Goth” styles, wearing black and white makeup and black lipstick to prove to the world how
“serious” they take life. Others fill their lives with raves and after-hours parties, and pour a
virtual pharmacy of drugs into their systems. They live to get high, refusing to face the sober
realities of life.

Go to an independent music store and you will see another sub-culture of worldliness: youth full
of pride and vanity, yet clean in their own eyes (Prov. 30:12). With hairstyles resembling
everything from spikes to lions’ manes to unkempt, unwashed and undesirable, today’s teens and
twenty-somethings scrounge for the latest “underground record.” They idolize whatever is the
latest band to unleash crashing and wailing, falsely called music. Such songs could be rock, rap
or jazz—to a young person it does not matter, as long as his peers approve.

Observe any music award television show. Notice how so many in the audience wear tight-
fitting, virtually painted-on outfits that are flashy and attention-getting, revealing parts of the
body that were meant to be concealed. Many now look like aliens from outer space.

Notice the way people walk, especially in the inner cities. Full of brashness and bravado, they
stroll as if to say, “Don’t mess with me.”

Listen to how people speak. Even those with Master’s degrees curse and use slang words as
though they only have third-grade educations. So many love to copy those who cannot form a
complete sentence without cursing or using God’s name in vain.

And there are those who swing to the other extreme. They avoid using common, everyday words
and deliberately use more scholarly words that appeal to intellectual vanity, yet offer very little
in substance. Such people seem to be in love with their own minds. Using the language of
academia is their way of getting respect from their like-minded peers.

But King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said, “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity…I
communed with my own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more
wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yes, my heart had great experience
of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and
folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he
that increases knowledge increases sorrow” (Ecc. 1:1, 16-18). Of course, accumulating important
knowledge is certainly not wrong.
Notice the world of mainstream entertainment and media. It’s about what’s hot, what’s new,
what’s next, the latest—the latest movie blockbuster or sitcom. Today, entertainment is about
“how far can we go?” in pushing (or blurring) the boundaries of decency and good taste. More
extra-marital sex, more violence, less morality, more blurring the lines between good and evil,
promoting situational ethics instead of choosing right over wrong.

Many, desperate to show how sophisticated their tastes are, embrace the world of independent
films—a sub-culture of sickness and depravity passing itself off as intellectually uplifting.

On college campuses and high school and middle school hallways, the air is charged with sexual
tension, mixed with peer pressure and bad judgment. Using a “band-aid” approach, adults turn a
blind eye to the misadventures of the next generation, which is sexually active, jaded and always
ready to move on to something new. Sadly, many are in awe of homosexuality and lesbianism,
thinking it is “cool,” and decide to experiment.

For increasing numbers, life is centered around weekends filled with extreme sports: mountain
climbing, para-sailing, skateboarding, mountain biking, and so forth. Their world is about getting
that next “rush.” Without it, they seem to not feel alive.

And then there are those who love to read whatever the intellectual world deems as “hot.” They
love reading the writings of authors who they view as wise—yet they reject the Author of true
knowledge. They ignore His book, the Bible, which is the world’s best-seller—while at the same
time, it is the least understood.

Other readers go to the opposite extreme, filling their lives with underground “zines” and
obscene independent comic books and graphic novels, which would have been stamped “x-
rated” twenty years ago.

What is underground and cutting edge today—music, dance, books, plays—inevitably becomes
mainstream tomorrow. This will drive the underground scene to be even more extreme…which
will eventually become mainstream. And so the cycle continues, until this world becomes
completely like the last days of Noah and of Sodom and Gomorrah (Luke 17:26-30). That time is
soon.

Again, what is worldliness? What does it mean to be worldly? Worldliness is anything that
violates—transgresses—God’s perfect and Holy Law of love (Rom. 13:10). Anything contrary to
His way—found in His Word—is the way of this world. This includes our actions and thoughts.
God’s Law is spiritual (Rom. 7:14). This Law covers all aspects of life.

When Jesus Christ was on earth as flesh and blood, He was tempted by the things of this world
like any other man. But He overcame the world (John 16:33). He expects His servants,
Christians, to follow His example (I Pet. 2:21).

God inspired John to write, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the
sway of the wicked one” (I John 5:19). In fact, the whole world is deceived by Satan the devil
(Rev. 12:9). As the “prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2), Satan broadcasts his worldly
attitudes of lust, greed, envy, pride and vanity.

Paul pointed out to the Corinthian Christians that, though we are physically in the world, we
must come spiritually out of the world (I Cor. 5:9-11).

One of the leading magazines today is called “Cosmopolitan,” sometimes nick-named “Cosmo.”
This name makes a clear statement—that its articles, advertisements, photos and readership are
of this world.

But when Christ and Paul taught about overcoming the world, they used the Greek word kosmos,
which is where “cosmopolitan” comes from. Being cosmopolitan is not an option for God’s
servants!

Avoid Worldliness

In John 15:19, Christ told His disciples, “If you were of the world, the world would love his
own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the
world hates you.”

Christians are not—cannot be—of this world, even though they must live in it. God commands
His people to not only “come out of her [the ways of this world], My people, that you be not
partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues” (Rev. 18:4), but also not to look
back, longing for what we left behind. Christ instructed, in Luke 17:32, “Remember Lot’s wife.”
This woman merely looked back at Sodom and Gomorrah and became a pillar of salt as a result.
The point is that she longed for a way of life that she had been taken out of.

If you are truly avoiding worldliness, then you are dedicating yourself to God and His way of
life. You are living your life “by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).
You are letting God’s Word direct and guide every thought and every activity in which you
engage. You are building godly character, practicing balance and moderation in everything you
think and do.

If you do these things, and avoid worldliness, you will have a happy, balanced and abundant life!

Each letter closes with one or more promises for “he who overcomes.” The question arises,
“Who is the overcomer?”

The question that needs resolving involves a proper identification of this overcomer. Does he
belong to a special class of Christians composed of those who are spiritual and not carnal? Or is
he part of a special group of Christians who are set apart for eventual martyrdom? Or is
“overcomer” simply another name for those who are genuinely regenerate believers? 1

A survey of the rewards promised for the overcomer in each church shows that they correlate
with the general benefits of salvation offered to all believers (Rev. Rev. 2:7+, Rev. 2:11+, Rev.
2:17+, Rev. 2:26-27+; Rev. 3:5+, Rev. 3:12+, Rev. 3:21+). These promises describe the rewards
for true believers within the larger body of each church, composed of both true and professing
Christians.

Almost all the references to overcoming mention a promise for all believers, promises that
accompany salvation. . . . It would seem strange to think of only some believers eating of the tree
of life, or not being hurt by the second death, or not being clothed in white garments. [emphasis
added]2

As to the definition of overcomer, it can best be understood in light of what John says elsewhere:

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the
world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the
Son of God? (1Jn 1Jn. 5:4-5) [emphasis added]

The overcomers in each church do so, not by their actions—rather their actions are an indication
of their identification with the Overcomer, Jesus Christ (John John 16:33; 1Jn. 1Jn. 4:4). John
indicates that those who overcome do so by way of their relationship with God:

I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you,
young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because
you have known the Father. (1Jn 1Jn. 2:13) [emphasis added]

Those who overcome do so by trusting in Christ and His sacrifice, remaining unwavering in their
faith, even when faced with death (Rev. Rev. 12:11+). They inherit all things because of their
position in Christ as sons of God (Rev. Rev. 21:7+).

Promises to the Overcomer

Church Promise

Ephesus To eat from the tree of life (Rev. Rev. 2:7+).

Smyrna Not be hurt by the second death (Rev. Rev. 2:11+).

Pergamos Hidden manna to eat, a white stone with a new name written (Rev. Rev. 2:17+).

Thyatira Power over the nations, the morning star (Rev. Rev. 2:26-28+).

Clothed in white garments, name not blotted out from the Book of Life, name
Sardis
confessed before the Father and angels (Rev. Rev. 3:5-6+).
 Made a pillar in the temple of God, name of God, New Jerusalem, and Jesus’ new
Philadelphia
name written upon (Rev. Rev. 3:12+).

Laodicea Sit with Jesus on His throne (Rev. Rev. 3:21+).

7 Steps To Become A Kingdom Conqueror And A World Overcomer

Written by Harold Herring. .

Share103

I have always been intrigued by Romans 8:37 which says:

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

I decided to look up conqueror in the Strong’s Concordance. It’s the Greek word
hypernikaō(G5245) and it means:

“to be more than a conqueror, to gain a surpassing victory.”

I noticed that conqueror comes from the root word nikaō (knee cow o) (G3528) which is
translated 24 out of 28 times as overcome. So it became obvious to me that in order to become
a Kingdom Conqueror you must first be a World Overcomer.

What does the Word have to say about being an Overcomer?

John 16:33 says:

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Praise God. . .we have an invaluable ally and mentor in overcoming things not born of the Spirit.

Here are seven steps to become a kingdom conqueror and world overcomers.

1. You must have confidence that God will bring you the victory.

Let’s begin with an example from the story of David and Goliath. It’s found in 1 Samuel 17:9.
In Today’s New International Version it says:

“If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill
him, you will become our subjects and serve us."
These are bold words David is speaking. The scriptures don’t record whether King Saul knew
David was going to make such a bold statement but I think we can rest assured that David
already knew the end from the beginning.

He was not fighting this battle in his own strength… he knew in his heart that God would give
him the victory.

As you fight the good fight. . .you’ve got to know that God will give you the victory.

You can also have the confidence that as you fight the good fight. . .God will protect you.

Consider the words of Jeremiah 1:19 in the New International Version which says:

“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,"
declares the LORD.”

This thought leads right into the scripture found in The New International Version of Matthew
16:18 which says:

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death
will not overcome it.”

2. You must know that no weapon of the enemy formed against you will prosper.

We have all we need to overcome every trick or trap of the enemy.

Luke 10:19 in Today’s New International Version says:

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power
of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

The King James Version of the Bible translates the last part of the scripture as:

“...and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

The Message Bible translation of Luke 10:19 says:

“…and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you.”

The devil does not want us fighting the good fight. . .he does not want us overcomingand he
would like nothing more than to hurt our reputations as Christians. . .that’s why we’re waging
warfare against principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness.

But here’s the great news. 1Timothy 6:12 in the Amplified Bible says:
“Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and
[for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses.”

3. Renewing your mind will prevent you from being overcome by evil.

Romans 12:21 in Today’s New International Version says:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Let’s look at Romans 12:21 in the Amplified Bible which says:

“Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.”

Crucifying the flesh is the age-old Christian battle that Paul speaks of in Romans 7:18-25 … this
is what is says in the Message translation:

“But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin
within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have
what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide
not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions.
Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.”
21-23
It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to
trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in
that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
24
I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do
anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
25
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this
life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the
influence of sin to do something totally different.

We can never rely on our own goodness but we must constantly be relying on the Lord to live
through us.

Remember…many people try to live for Christ… but that is an impossible feat. We cannot live
for Christ because that is based on our power… it is only when we let Christ live through
us that we will be successful overcomers.

4. Inner resource becomes your outward strength.

1 John 4:4 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome
them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he
who is in the world.”

Dictionary.com defines resourceful as:

“Having inner resources; adroit or imaginative; "someone who is resourceful is capable of

dealing with difficult situations.”

I must tell you that when I first read this definition . . .I got a huge smile on my face and a
bubbling inner joy and knowing.

“Inner resources.”

Can you say “Holy Spirit?”

That’s right. . .the Holy Spirit is your inner resource.

There are seven things you should know about this inner resource but I’m only going to give you
three in this teaching.

First, the Holy Spirit strengthens you when you’re overwhelmed by adversity.

Romans 8:26 in the Amplified Bible says:

“So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know
what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet
our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep
for utterance.”

Second, the Holy Spirit will never withhold knowledge and/or ability from you.

1 Corinthians 1:7 in the Amplified Bible says:

“That you are not [consciously] falling behind or lacking in any special spiritual endowment or
Christian grace [ the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating in your
souls by the Holy Spirit], while you wait and watch [constantly living in hope] for the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ and [His] being made visible to all.”

Third, the Holy Spirit will cause you to profit.

1 Corinthians 12:7 in the Amplified Bible says:

“But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual
illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit.”
Your inner resources become your outward resourcefulness.

In the Book of Revelation… the one book that tells the end of the story… the Apostle John was
given what I call ‘inside information’ on what would take place. He also writes for us … the
key to overcoming the enemy in every way he comes against us.

Revelation 12:11 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb (we were first
born-again) and by the utterance of their testimony, (we ONLY confess what God says… not
what the devil wants us to say) for they did not love and cling to life (we have given up life as the
world lives it to live as the Lord instructs us to live in Him) even when faced with death [holding
their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].”

5. Confidence in the outcome.

We have the confidence in knowing our lives will one day take on total victory …

Revelation 3:21 in the Amplified Bible says:

“He who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant him to sit beside Me on My throne, as I Myself
overcame (was victorious) and sat down beside My Father on His throne.”

It’s now to recognize that if you fight to win as an overcomer than you will truly become
more than a CONQUEROR.

Who enables and empowers you to become a conqueror over every adversity of life? The
answer is found in Romans 8:37 which says:

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

No loving Father ever wants His children to lose

God wants us to win…..EVERY TIME

2 Corinthians 2:14 says:

“Now thanks be unto God, which ALWAYS CAUSETH US TO TRIUMPH in Christ….”

The enemy only has the ability to deceive, accuse and tempt. . .that’s it. Jesus took away the
power of death, hell and the grave when He made an open show of the devil.

The Bible plainly states that Jesus disarmed Satan and all his demon hoards.

Colossians 2:15 in the Amplified Bible says:

“(God) disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold
display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it (the cross).”

Remember the Word of God says we are always supposed to triumph, not just 51 percent of the
time, not even 85 percent of the time, but always.

6. Remember who gives you the victory.

As a victorious fighter. . .an overcomer who gives you your victories? The answer is found in 1
Corinthians 15:57 in the Amplified Bible which says:

“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus
Christ.”

Can the enemy. . .the devil defeat you or any other member of the Body of Christ. Consider the
words of Revelation 2:11 in the Amplified Bible which says:

“Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the
churches. Christ-conquerors are safe from Devil-death."

Let’s see . . . you have a choice. . .you can fight till you’re a winner in the game of life by
overcoming every storm of life as a conqueror or you can experience the consequences of
Revelation 21:6 in the Message Bible which says:

“Then he said, "It's happened. I'm A to Z. I'm the Beginning, I'm the Conclusion. From Water-of-
Life Well I give freely to the thirsty. Conquerors inherit all this. I'll be God to them, they'll be
sons and daughters to me. But for the rest—the feckless and faithless, degenerates and
murderers, sex peddlers and sorcerers, idolaters and all liars—for them it's Lake Fire and
Brimstone. Second death!"

7. The recognition you will receive as a victorious conqueror and overcomer.

In the athletic events and contests of this life. . .the winners always achieve some sort of
recognition. . .what will you achieve as a result of your fighting the good fight. . .as an
overcomer and by being, more than a conqueror.

The answer can be found in two scriptures. . .

First, Revelation 3:5 in the Message Bibles says:

“Conquerors will march in the victory parade, their names indelible in the Book of Life. I'll lead
them up and present them by name to my Father and his Angels.”

The second scripture is also found in Revelation chapter three. . .this time, it’s verse twenty in
the Message Bible which says:
"Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in
and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I,
having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That's my gift to the
conquerors!”

You may feel like you’re in the battle of your life right now. . .then draw strength from this
teaching and recognize that the only way you lose in the game of life. . .is if you quit.

And I know. . .you’ll never do that.

Why should we never quit. . .because WE WIN.

1 John 5:4 in the New King James Version says:

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the
world our faith.”

Yes, we have the victory. . .not just on Resurrection Sunday. . .but every day of the year.

Things To Make Your Faith Grow

Written by Harold Herring. .

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Thousands of books have been written on faith. . .hundreds of thousands of sermons and millions
of words discuss faith. . . yet God stirred me to write seven things to make your faith grow.
So, growing our faith is an ongoing project . . . one that never ends.

Faith is like a seed. . .plant it in your heart and your mind. At the appointed time. . .God
will give you a mega harvest of what you need just when you need it.

Colossians 2:7 in the New Living Translation says:

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow
strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

How do you grow strong in faith. . .so you can overflow with revelation, blessings and
thankfulness?

It’s a process.

Smith Wigglesworth, the anointed English Bible teacher and healer once said:
“How can one come to possess great faith? Now listen, here is the answer to that: First, the
blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. Faith must grow by soil, moisture, and
exercise.”

Here are the seven things to make your faith grow.

1. Feed your faith. . .through the Word

Brother Kenneth Hagin said:

“Faith begins where the will of God is known.”

How do you know the will of God?

READ YOUR BIBLE. . .BEGIN DOING WHAT IT SAYS AND YOU WILL HAVE A
GROWTH SPURT IN FAITH.

Psalm 34:8 says:

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

The Message Bible translation of Psalm 34:8 says:

“Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who
run to him.”

Psalm 119:103 in the Message Bible says:

“Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking. With your
instruction, I understand life.”

By feeding on the Word. . .you never have to wonder or worry about what to do next. The Word
of God is alive. It is like food that nourishes our souls. Our faith activates the Word.

John 14:26 says:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all
things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

Reading the Word allows the Holy Spirit to bring to our remembrance exactly what we need to
apply to our daily situations.

2. Exercise your faith. . .by your actions

Here are seven keys to exercising your faith.

First, what you do in life. . .will be a reflection of what you’ve learned.

John 8:38 in the Amplified Bible says:

“I tell the things which I have seen and learned at My Father’s side, and your actions also
reflect what you have heard and learned from your father.”

Second, our greatest desire should be for our deeds to reflect His instructions.

Psalm 119:5 in the New Living Translation says:

“Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!”

Third, faith must be an action or it will always be inactive.

James 2:17 in the Amplified Bible says:

“So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is
destitute of power (inoperative, dead).”

Fourth, it’s a team effort. . .faith. . .knowing that God’s Word is true. . .and actions which
unleash faith into the natural realm.

James 2:22 in the New Living Translation says:

“You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.”

Fifth, you will be rewarded for the actions you take. . .and consequences when you don’t.

Proverbs 24:12 in the New Living Translation says:

“Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and
he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions
deserve.”

Sixth, our commitment to bring glory and honor to His name. . .will automatically bring
success to ours.

Proverbs 16:3 in the New Living Translation says:

“Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.”

Seventh, you’ll be paid for your faithful actions.

Revelation 22:12 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and
render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit.”

3. Speak to your faith. . .to make it grow.

I love preaching in churches where the people speak back to me.

I’m reminded of a story I heard once about a preacher who had a congregation that would talk
back to him during his sermon as they got excited about their future.

One Sunday morning, the preacher said, “this church is like a crippled man who needs to get up
and walk under the power of Jesus.”

The congregation replied with enthusiasm, “let it walk preacher, let it walk.”

Then the preacher said, “This church like Elijah on Mount Carmel has got to run.”

The congregation replied with enthusiasm, “let it run preacher, let it run.”

Then the preacher said, “This church has got to mount up on wings like eagles and fly.”

The congregation replied with enthusiasm, “let it fly preacher, let it fly.”

Then the preacher added, “Now if this church is going to fly it’s going to take MONEY.”

The congregation replied with lack of enthusiasm, “let it walk preacher, let it walk.”

That’s not exactly what I would call speaking your faith.

2 Corinthians 4:13 in the Good News Translation says:

“The scripture says, “I spoke because I believed.” In the same spirit of faith we also speak
because we believe.”

There are also times. . .when you will speak about things of faith before they ever manifest in the
natural realm.

Romans 4:17 in the Amplified Bible says:

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even
God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”

Your boldness in your faith will open doors of opportunity for you.

1Timothy 3:13 in the Good News Translation says:

“Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak
boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.”

4. Free your faith. . .from negativity

Brother Kenneth Hagin often said:

“Feed your faith and starve your doubts.”

The word negative isn’t really in the King James Version of the Bible. However, when I think
about the word negative I’m reminded of the word doubt.

F.F. Bosworth, the author of Christ the Healer, said “faith and doubt cannot live in the same
house.”

James 1:6 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one
who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and
thither and tossed by the wind.”

When doubt leaves your life . . .you are presented with unlimited opportunities.

Matthew 21:21 in the New Living Translation says:

“Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things
like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown
into the sea,’ and it will happen.”

How do you get rid of doubt. . .or negativity?

James 4:7 says:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”

Someone once said:

“You get faith by studying the Word. Study that Word until something in you “knows that
you know” and that you do not just hope that you know.”

John 10:17 in the New King James Version says:

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

READ YOUR BIBLE. . .BELIEVE WHAT IT SAYS.

5. Believing the impossible as possible

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has a great song entitled “Nothing Is Impossible.” Here are
some of the lyrics:

“Nothing, nothing at all

Nothing, nothing at all is impossible, impossible, with God

Nothing, nothing at all

Nothing, nothing at all is impossible, impossible, with God

It is no secret what my God can do

What my God has done for others he can still do for you

There's nothing impossible, impossible, with God”

I recently posted the following statement on Facebook and Twitter.

Never let fear of the unknown or untried prevent you from doing what appears at first to
be impossible...when in reality...it's possible.

Luke 1:37 in the Amplified Bible says:

“For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or
impossible of fulfillment.”

With God. . .nothing is impossible. Well, there is one thing. . .it’s impossible to please God
without faith.

Hebrews 11:6 says:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he
is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

The Amplified Bible translation of Hebrews 11:6 says:

“But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come
near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who
earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].”

According to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word for rewarder is misthapodotēs (G3406) and
it means:
“one who pays wages, a rewarder”

He is one who pays wages to those who diligently seek him.

Are you getting this?

Jeremiah 17:10 in the New Living Translation says:

“But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due
rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

What are your due rewards for diligently faithfully seeking him? You’re going to get paid for it.

Hallelujah!!

6. Share it with others

Do you want to know how you can understand and receive every blessing God has for you?

The answer is found in Philemon 1:6 in God’s WORD Translation which says:

“As you share the faith you have in common with others, I pray that you may come to have a
complete knowledge of every blessing we have in Christ.”

Every blessing we have in Christ.

Can somebody shout HALLELUJAH?

1 Chronicles 16:8 says:

“
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.”

The Message Bible translation of 1 Chronicles 16:8-9 says:

“Thank God! Call out his Name! Tell the whole world who he is and what he's done! Sing to
him! Play songs for him! Broadcast all his wonders!”

When our favorite athlete does something remarkable. . .we want to talk with all our friends
about his/her accomplishments.

When our favorite team wins the big game. . .we want to brag on them.

When we see our favorite actor/actress give an Oscar worthy performance. . .we want to talk
about it.
When we’re recognized on our jobs. . .we want to tell all our friends about it.

When we’re selected for special recognition at church or in any sort of activity . . . we want to let
people know about it.

When our children excel in a sporting event, academic or extra-curricular pursuit, we like
bragging on them.

Why, we even brag on our pets for doing a particularly good trick, our cars for their gas mileage
or how they look. . .our big screen TV. . .the list could go on.

There is nothing wrong about the various scenarios I’ve just listed . . . unless, we testify about
everybody or everything else except our great God Jehovah.

The question each of us need to answer is. . .how much time do we spend bragging on our
God. . .the one who woke us up this morning. . .clothed us in our right mind. . .gave us air to
breathe and food to eat?

The scripture is very clear. . .we’re to tell the world “who He is and what He’s done.”

In fact, the Message Bible translation of 1 Chronicles 16:9 says that we’re to “broadcast all His
wonders.”

Psalm 34:3 says:

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”

One more scripture. Colossians 3:15 in the Message Bible says:

“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this
going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the
Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one
another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in
your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking
God the Father every step of the way.”

The way you thank Him. . .is by doing what He says in His word. . .share your faith.

7. Discuss your faith. . .frequently with your Manufacturer

Our manufacturer created an instruction manual for each of us to survive and thrive in any and
every situation, circumstance and problem we face in life.

Here’s a revelation. . .if we don’t read and study it, then we’ll continually have problems all the
days of our natural born life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.”

If something is profitable . . .it’s going to be beneficial. The word profitable in the Strong’s
Concordance is from a Greek word that means “profitable, advantage.”

If we want to have advantages in life then we need to understand our instruction manual. . .God’s
Holy Word. Every answer to every problem we face is in the book.

Smith Wigglesworth said:

“I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I
believe.”

Matthew Barnett said:

“Faith is believing that God is going to take you places before you even get there.”

Mark Victor Hansen, the author of the Chicken Soup books said:

“Your belief determines your action and your action determines your results, but first you
have to believe.”

One final quote by Smith Wigglesworth:

“Fear looks; faith jumps. Faith never fails to obtain its object. If I leave you as I found you,
I am not God’s channel. I am not here to entertain you, but to get you to the place where
you can laugh at the impossible.”

Now it’s time for you to take what you’ve heard and read. . .and begin to make your faith grow
even stronger than it’s ever been.

7 Things You Must Do To Leave Your Comfort Zone

Written by Harold Herring. .

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Your comfort zone is an enemy of your future. . .a hindrance to your success. . .a stumbling
block to your destiny.

If you stay in your comfort zone. . .you will never leave nor surpass your current reality.
Here are seven ways to get out of your comfort zone.

1. Realize Why You Are. . .Where You Are

If you’re working the same job. . .in the same position you were ten years ago. . .if you’re still
paying off the same debts. . .it’s time for some self-examination on your part.

“We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.” Max DePree

You’ve got to know why you are. . .where you are.

Is it fear? Is it a desire to be comfortable in your surroundings and in the things you do on a

daily basis?

If you don’t like where you are … why in the world would you want to continue living
where you are?

Some people continue to live in their comfort zone because of laziness.

Understand this God doesn’t do laziness.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 in The Living Bible says:

“Now here is a command, dear brothers, given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ by his
authority: Stay away from any Christian who spends his days in laziness and does “not follow
the ideal of hard work we set up for you.”

2 Thessalonians 3:11 in The Living Bible says:

“Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in
gossiping.”

Never be too lazy to read a book… increasing your knowledge and value in the
marketplace.

Some people justify their residence in their comfort zone by excuses.

If there is one thing God dislikes more than laziness. . . its excuses.

Excuses by their nature imply limitations or an inability to break through the barriers of life.
God does not impose any limitations on us. . .except that we obey His instructions.

Sadly, many of the imagined limitations are self-imposed.

Proverbs 22:13 in The Living Bible says:

“The lazy man is full of excuses. "I can't go to work!" he says. "If I go outside, I might meet a
lion in the street and be killed!"

Romans 3:19 in the Amplified Bible says;

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that
[the murmurs and excuses of] every mouth may be hushed and all the world may be held
accountable to God.”

Regardless of why you are. . .where you are. . .once you realize you’re accountable to God. . .I’d
say it’s time to pack your bags and leave your comfort zone whether it’s a five-star resort or not.

2. Let Go Of What’s Holding You Back

If you don’t face your fears. . .they will keep growing.

If you don’t face what you perceive to be your inadequacies. . .they’ll be magnified.

If you’re wondering what people will think if you fail in your new endeavor. . .you’re worried
about the wrong person.

You need to be more concerned about what God thinks than anybody else in your hood.

Mark 7:8-10 in the New International Version says:

“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." And he
said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe
your own traditions!”

There comes a point. . .a time when you have to realize that what you’ve been doing is not
working. . .and you need to let go. . .shake up. . .change what you’ve been doing and do
something else.

3. Try Something New. . .Forget Old, Borrowed And Blue

In the Star Trek TV series and movies. . .it was always said that the starship. . . Enterprise, was
going where no man had ever gone before.

It’s time to forget the way things used to be done. . .or have never been done.

If you limit your future because of your past. . .you’ll always be blue. In fact, I could make that
into a country and western song.

In fact, I started to write the lyrics to a country and western song about being blue but I decided
to Google the following. . .“country and western song with the word “blue.”
It seems somebody asked that same question three years ago. . .and they provided a link to a
Leah Ann Rimes song entitled “Blue.”

I listened to thirty seconds and decided to abandon my thought of writing the perfect country and
western song about being blue.

One other thing is required for you to move out of your comfort zone. You have to stop looking
in the rearview mirror of your life. . .at what was or could have been.

On January 12, 2010, I was inspired of the Holy Spirit to write a teaching entitled “Stop Looking
In Your Rearview Mirror.” Truthfully, it’s such an anointed teaching that I even took notes on it
my self.

There is one particular scripture in that teaching I want to share with you.

Luke 9:62 in the New Century Version says:

“Jesus said, "Anyone who begins to plow a field but keeps looking back is of no use in the
kingdom of God."

Some folks never move out of their comfort zone. . .because of sins in their past. If that’s
you. . .this next scripture is going make you shout. . .and buy a ticket straight out of your past.

Isaiah 43:25 in the Amplified Bible says:

“I, even I, am He Who blots out and cancels your transgressions, for My own sake, and I will not
remember your sins.”

The Message Bible translation of Isaiah 43:25 says:

“But I, yes I, am the one who takes care of your sins—that's what I do. I don't keep a list of your
sins.”

How can God bring up your past sins. . .if He doesn’t even remember them or keep a list of
them?

God will not bring up your past. . .but the enemy will. But he can only get away with it if you
let him. That’s why you have to forget the past and move forward.

Philippians 3:13-15 in the New King James Version says:

“. . .forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are
ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
So it’s time to get rid of things that old, borrowed and blue. . .so God can move you out of your
comfort zone into something new.

Isaiah 43:19 in the New Living Translation says:

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

God can’t do something new. . .as long as you’re staying where you are.

“A ship in a harbor is safe, but that’s not what a ship is built for.” Anonymous

One more thing, it’s A foolish person who docs the same thing over And over again expecting A
different result.

4. Good Habits Will Move You Up and Out...Bad Habits Will Bring You Down

What is a habit? It is simply something you do so often that it becomes easy. In other words,
it’s a behavior that you keep repeating.

Negative habits breed negative consequences….successful habits create positive rewards.

I want you to ponder this question. . .think about it before you answer. Maybe even write down
several possibilities and then rank them in importance as they relate to helping you fulfill your
vision and achieve your goals. Here’s the question:

What one habit would you like to have more than anything else?

Job 22:26 in the Amplified Bible says:

“You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you; and the light [of
God's favor] shall shine upon your ways.”

The first step to establishing a new habit is: Make A Decision—purpose in your heart that
you’re going to start acting in a specific way 100% of the time.

The second step is to simply act in that specific way for 21 days in a row.Work at it… don’t
give up when you aren’t perfect…practice until you are perfect. Studies show that if you do
something for 21 days in a row. . .it becomes a habit.

Success is a habit. Mediocrity and failure are habits. A positive mental attitude is a habit. Debt
Free Living is a habit. Exercise is a habit. Not exercising is a habit.
Everything you’re doing in your life right now, you’re in the habit of doing. But by the same
token, what you’re not doing right now, you’re in the habit of not doing. And the only way
to change a habit of not doing something is to start doing it.

You have to make a decision to change. It will take effort on your part.

Create the right habits and you’ll move out of your comfort.

5. Maybe You Need Somebody Different In Your Foxhole

If you want to break free from your comfort zone. . .you need to break free from some of the
people you’ve been hanging around with.

Make no mistake. . .your attitude, speech and behavior are directly affected by your
friends. If they’re comfortable in the their comfort zone. . .they’re not going to do anything to
move.

When you’re in the midst of a battle and someone yells “incoming” it’s important to know who’s
in the foxhole with you.

I Corinthians 15:33

“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”

Do your friends encourage, discourage and/or ignore your dreams, hopes and plans for the
future?

In the game of life. . .you don’t need anyone holding you back as you seek to break free from
your comfort zone.

Holding is a penalty is football and it should be in living yourlife as well.

Job 12:4 in the New Living Translation says:

“Yet my friends laugh at me, for I call on God and expect an answer. I am a just and blameless
man, yet they laugh at me.”

Make no mistake if your friends are laughing at those who want more out of life and/or
they’re happy where they are. . .you can be certain they’ll never do anything to help you
break free of your comfort zone.

You’re friends are either empowering and encouraging you. . .or they’re not. If not, you need to
find friends who will.

Get a sheet of paper and write down the following information about your seven closest friends.
This exercise will tell you who will be of value in helping you move out of your comfort zone.
Name

What does this person add to my life?

What's the greatest negative influence this person has on my life?

What's the last positive idea, scripture or thought this person shared with me?

Does this person motivate me to be all I can be in Him?

If you plan to leave your comfort zone. . .it’s a fact, most of your friends would rather stay where
they are. . .than move out of up.

6. Travel From Stupidity….Bypass Ignorance….Arrive In Wisdom

If you’re living in a comfort zone. . .it’s because you don’t know something or you’re not
willing to do something with what you know.

Romans 1:13 says:

“Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but
was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”

According to Strong’s Concordance the word ignorance means: “not knowing.”

Simply said, ignoranceis not knowing the facts.

Now, stupid is knowing the facts but choosing not to do anything with or about that
information and insight.

Benjamin Franklin said, “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain
stupid.”

There is a cure for ignorance. . .get knowledge.

If you lack knowledge, it's your fault because knowledge is available.

Psalm 119:66 in the New Living Translation says:

“I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.”

It’s been said that if you don’t like where you are in life. . .chances are. . .there’s something you
don’t know yet.

How do you get knowledge and wisdom? You see them.

Proverbs 4:7 says:

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get
understanding.”

Increased wisdom will propel you out of your comfort zone.

Let me ask you seven questions. . .and just write now yes or no.

Do you read your Bible on a daily basis?

Do you take notes on what you’ve read?

Does the Holy Spirit bring things to your remembrance as you read and/or take notes?

Are you reading any book any than the Bible at this very moment?

Is the book motivational, inspirational and/or practical?

Are you taking notes as you read this book?

Is the Holy Spirit stirring things in you as you read the book?

If you answered “no” to more than one of those questions. . .you must enjoy living in your
comfort zone.

Get wisdom. . .move from where you are to where God wants you to be. . .and that most
assuredly, is not your comfort zone.

7. Keep Yourself Motivated During Your Comfort Zone Exodus

What will it take to keep you motivated on your move from mediocrity to success. . .from just
getting by to more than enough. . .from average to excellence. . .from your comfort zone to
sitting on the throne of your kingdom?

Are you more motivated by visual images of a goal or dream that you’re seeking to attain
or fulfill? Is it a trip? For me, that would be a visit to Bora Bora or another trip to the Swiss
Alps or sailing down the Nile River in Egypt.

My visual motivation can also be any rendezvous with my fine wife Bev where our hotel suite
overlooks the ocean, bay, lake, river . . . or any body of water. I find water to be both peaceful
and restful. . .both of which motivate me because of the fast paced life I lead.

For some, it might be a photo of their dream car. For me, that would be an Audi A8.
I have a friend who is a big golfer and his photograph is of the golf course at St. Andrews in
Scotland and the Master’s course in Augusta, Georgia.

Is there a picture that motivates you? What is it? Is the picture or photograph in a prominent
place in your office or home?

Are you motivated by a person? I’m motivated by my fine wife Bev. She is my rock. . .my
strength. . .my Chamber of Commerce. . .my best friend. . .the person I want with me when
dealing with every unexpected challenge in my daily routine. She motivates me. . .she inspires
me to always look at things in a godly manner.

Is there someone who motivates you. . .a mentor. There are people who speak into my life and a
word from them is also extremely motivational.

Find out how and what motivates you. . .it will help motivate you out of your comfort zone.

One more thing, you need to laugh along the way.

Proverbs 17:22 says:

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”

President John F. Kennedy once said, “There are three things which are real- God, human
folly and laughter.”

Laughter is the medicine which allows us to press forward after we make mistakes.

There’s another reason. . .you need to learn to laugh. . .because that’s what you’re going to be
doing. . .as you’re leaving your comfort zone with the enemy of your future now in your
rearview mirror.

7 Ways To Develop A Spiritual Entrepreneural Mindset

Written by Harold Herring. .

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My goal is to learn something from everything I read.

As I take notes on what I’ve read...I ask God how to take the thoughts I've written down and
make them applicable to my life.

Your mindset is simply a collection of the dominant thoughts in your life.

Proverbs 4:23 in the New Century Version says:

"Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life."

If you want to be a entrepreneur . . .spiritual or otherwise. . .you need to learn how to collect,
assimilate, activate and utilize the dominant thoughts in your life.

Here are seven ways to develop a spiritual entrepreneur mindset. They’re not the only ways
but they are the seven I felt stirred to share with you in this teaching.

1. Divine Direction

You can listen to all the financial gurus . . . infomercial kings or spiritual swamis. . .but if you
want your success to be lasting. . .you’d best seek divine direction about your ideas, your plan
and the ultimate journey to your destiny as a spiritual entrepreneur.

Proverbs 3:5-6 in the Message Bible says:

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen
for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on
track.”

There is NEVER an acceptable excuse for any believer not knowing what to do or which way to
go.

If you try to figure things out on your own . . .to solve your problems by yourself then you
don’t need God.

Simply said, only one of you will be working on and through the problem, situation or
attack. . .that’s either you or Him.

As the verse says, you must “. . .listen for God’s voice in everything you do. . .”

The reason you listen for His voice . . . is because He’s the one that will “. . .keep you on
track.”

One more scripture Isaiah 48:17 says:

“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which
teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”

Not only should you quit worrying and listen for His voice. . .but realize He’s the only One who
will teach you to profit in your entrepreneurial enterprise.

According to Strong’s Concordance the word profit is the Hebrew word ya`al (H3276) which
means to: “gain, benefit, profit.”
Child of God, be encouraged when you follow His divine direction. .He will sustain you
through every attack and even cause you to “gain, benefit and profit” from the attacks of
the enemy.

But the key is to follow His direction. We must understand and obey the words found in Isaiah
48:17 in the Message Bible which says:

“I am God, your God, who teaches you how to live right and well. I show you what to do, where
to go.”

2. Develop Knowledge

I’m great with numbers.

I can tell you almost exactly the number of people in a crowded room or auditorium with just a
glance. I can count cash in my head with amazing accuracy. I can look at a large stack of mail
and tell you the exact number of pieces even when the count is larger than 50.

Having said that. . .I never made great grades in Algebra, Trigonometry or Calculus for two
reasons.

First, I never saw the need. . .meaning under no scenario could I figure why I needed to master
these mathematic courses.

Second, and most importantly, my lack of motivation caused me to never fully understand the
concepts.

Get ready for this next statement.

It’s impossible to succeed at something you don’t understand.

Knowledge allows you to navigate the future while avoiding pitfalls, sinkholes and/or
minefields.

It’s been said that “knowledge is power.” If that’s true and I believe it is. . .then a lack of
knowledge diminishes the power over your own destiny.

The Word confirms that knowledge is power in two amazing verses.

Proverbs 8:14 in the Amplified Bible says:

“I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power.”

When you know what you need to know. . .you know you’ve got what it takes to succeed.

Proverbs 24:5 in the Message Bible says:

“A strong man knows how to use his strength, but a person with knowledge is even more
powerful.”

3. Develop Confidence

If you’re not confident in your knowledge, attitude and abilities then you will become
complacent in your efforts.

“Brother Harold, I understand confidence is important but it’s hard to have it when no one
has ever had confidence in me.”

Oh, I’m sorry. Let me give you a little sympathy. Okay, that’s enough.

Why should I have sympathy for someone who’s making a statement that is absolutely false?

Psalm 71:5 in the Amplified Bible says:

“For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my
confidence.”

While having others validate you, believe in you and/or have confidence in you is important, it’s
not the deal breaker. If you’ve got faith. . .then you can get confidence.

Ephesians 3:12 in the Amplified Bible says:

“In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence)
of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).”

When your confidence is born in faith. . .it gives you a boldness. . .in knowing that you can
achieve anything. . .regardless of the obstacles.

1 John 5:4 says:

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he
heareth us:”

Faith creates confidence which births boldness which produces happiness.

2 Corinthians 7:16 in the New Living Translation says:

“I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.”

When you’re confident in who you are, what you know and what you’re doing. . .it shows.

Your confidence will be contagious to those around you. . .giving you uncommon favor in
everything your hands find to do.
Several weeks ago, I posted this next statement on my Twitter/Facebook pages and I want you to
get it deep inside of you.

Fear flees when confidence in God’s Word shows up.

Psalm 86:7 in the Message Bible says:

“Every time I'm in trouble I call on you, confident that you'll answer.”

1 John 5:15 in the Message Bible says:

“And if we're confident that he's listening, we know that what we've asked for is as good as ours.
“

4. Develop Motivation

What gets you going in the morning?

. . .an alarm clock?

. . .the words “it’s time to get up” spoken softly at first but increasing in volume with each
passing tick of the clock?

. . .the smell of coffee wafting from the kitchen where it perked at its appointed time.

For me, it’s none of the above.

From the moment my eyes open. . .I’m ready to glorify God, terrify the devil and maximize the
opportunities set before.

Am I this way because I’m in ministry. . .nope, I’m been that way since the 10thgrade.

I remember sitting in an Algebra II class. . .when I wrote out the 19 things I needed to do to be
the youngest United States Senator ever elected from North Carolina. I spent time in the class
planning my future instead of learning something that would never impact that future. Said with
due respect to all math geeks and teachers everywhere. That kind of math has its place but I
knew it wasn’t in my life.

My motivation was my future. Where did my dreams come from. . .our Heavenly Father.

The word motivation is not found in any of the 12 translations I checked but here are seven
scriptures that motivate me and should motivate you too.

First, you are a work of divine art.

Ephesians 2:10 says:

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good
things he planned for us long ago.”

Second, He wants to make you happy.

Psalm 37:4 says:

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Third, He will even show you how to be happy

Psalm 37:23-24 says:

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they
may stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

Fourth, He has given you potential that’s still unknown to you.

Ephesians 4:20 says:

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish
infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Fifth, you may not understand it all. . .but He will explain it to you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Sixth, your focus needs to be on others.

Ephesians 6:7 says:

“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

Seventh, He has created you without limitation.

Philippians 4:13 says:

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

I can’t think of any better motivation than the Word of God.

5. Develop A Strategic Plan

Proverbs 24:6 in God’s WORD Translation says:

“After all, with the right strategy you can wage war, and with many advisers there is victory.”

Too many believers fail to understand they’re in a war.

If you weren’t in a war. . .then why would God tell you about your spiritual armour?

Ephesians 6:11 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you
may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.”

If the enemy is employing strategies and deceits. . .simply put. . .it means he’s waging war on
you.

How serious is the war against you? Consider the words of Ephesians 6:13 in the Message
Bible:

“This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of
hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.”

Our weapons may not be carnal. . .but his surely are.

The enemy uses seduction to get you in debt, deception to get you out of your marriage,
rationalization as to why you aren’t tithing and manipulation to convince you that where you are
is where you will stay. . .for the rest of your life.

But with the right strategies . . .you can defeat the enemy. . .become the successful spiritual
entrepreneur God wants you to be.

Wow…I was looking at Ephesians 6:13-18 which describes our spiritual armor when God
showed me an amazing parallel in the Message Bible translation.

“Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help
you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still
be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn
how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable
weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray
for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one
falls behind or drops out.”

I’m going to share those parallels with you . . .but not right now.
For this teaching just understand you need strategies if you want to defeat every attack of the
enemy and win the war for your future.

6. Develop Resourcefulness

If I were to ask you if you were a resourceful person . . .many of you would say “yes.” But for
some, there might be just a hesitation or even a small doubt based on past perception or
performance.

I can spiritually prove that you’re resourceful even beyond your current level of expectation.

Dictionary.com defines resourceful as:

“Having inner resources; adroit or imaginative; "someone who is resourceful is capable of

dealing with difficult situations.”

I must tell you that when I first read this definition . . .I got a huge smile on my face and a
bubbling inner joy and knowing.

“Inner resources.”

Can you say “Holy Spirit?”

That’s right. . .the Holy Spirit is your inner resource.

There are seven things you should know about this inner resource but I’m only going to give you
three in this teaching.

First, the Holy Spirit strengthens you when you’re overwhelmed by adversity.

Romans 8:26 in the Amplified Bible says:

“So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know
what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet
our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep
for utterance.”

Second, the Holy Spirit will never withhold knowledge and/or ability from you.

1 Corinthians 1:7 in the Amplified Bible says:

“That you are not [consciously] falling behind or lacking in any special spiritual endowment or
Christian grace [ the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating in your
souls by the Holy Spirit], while you wait and watch [constantly living in hope] for the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ and [His] being made visible to all.”
Third, the Holy Spirit will cause you to profit.

1 Corinthians 12:7 in the Amplified Bible says:

“But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual
illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit.”

Your inner resources become your outward resourcefulness.

Exodus 31:3 in God’s WORD Translation says:

“I have filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, making him highly skilled, resourceful, and
knowledgeable in all trades.”

7. Develop Thankfulness

Thankfulness should be a continual expression in the life of every successful entrepreneur.

As long as we recognize the origin of our creativity and opportunities then we will continue to
live without limitation.

I want you to write down how God has blessed you in the past 24 hours. . .in every area of
your life. Then, I want you to praise Him for it.

“But Brother Harold, I lost my job this year, what do I have to be thankful for?”

Even though nearly everyone has experienced financial setbacks…we have plenty to be thankful
for. There are too many basics in life that we take for granted.

The fact that you are able to read these words. . .that’s plenty to be thankful for. . .there are lots
of folks who would love the opportunity to see and read.

“But Brother Harold, my house was foreclosed on, what do I have to be thankful for?”

As you read these words, are you able to breathe on your own. . .without help?

I could go on with the ‘Brother Harold list of complaints’ I receive . . . but here’s the bottom line.
The only way to escape what you’re going through is by praising God for what you’ve got.

Colossians 2:7 in the New International Version says:

“. . . rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing
with thankfulness.”

Colossians 4:2 in the New International Version says:

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Colossians 3:15 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in
your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that
peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be
thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].”

I particularly like the Message Bible translation of Colossians 3:15 which says:

“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this
going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the
Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one
another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in
your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God
the Father every step of the way.”

Our thankfulness will create fruitfulness in our lives thus ensuring our success as an
entrepreneur.

What will you give Christ this Christmas

They bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their gifts and gave him treasures of
gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11 NCV)

For the past 56 years my family has kept a tradition of holding a “birthday party for Jesus.” It
started when I was 3 years old and asked my mom, “What is Christmas?” My mom told me it
was Jesus’ birthday. With terrific 3-year-old logic, I said, “We should have a birthday party!”
And we did, complete with a birthday cake, Kool-Aid, songs, cake, and candles.

We’ve kept that tradition going for four generations now. The birthday party for Jesus has
become a sacred time where we read the Christmas story and share what we’re grateful for and
what we’re giving Jesus, which is one of the most memorable parts of the celebration.

Often, Jesus gets shut out during Christmas. Imagine I planned a party for you and invited many
people. Everyone brings lots of gifts, and the invitees trade presents with one another — and you
get nothing.

That’s Christmas. We give gifts to everyone but Jesus. But let’s be honest, what do you give the
God who has everything?

Actually, Jesus doesn’t have everything. There are four things he doesn’t have unless you give
them to him this Christmas:
Give him your trust. Faith is a voluntary matter. Jesus doesn’t have your trust unless you give it
to him. He will never force it.

Make Jesus first place in your life. If anything or anyone other than Jesus holds first place in
your life, it’s an idol. This Christmas, choose to make Jesus first in your finances, interests,
relationships, and schedule— and even in your troubles.

Give Jesus your heart. Your heart is what you love, what you value, and what you care about
most. Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34 NIV). One
important way you give Jesus your heart this Christmas is by giving your resources to his work.
Jesus doesn’t need your money, but he wants what it represents — your heart.

Bring other people to Jesus. God wants a family more than anything else this Christmas. He
wants children who choose to love and trust him. It is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Invite
someone to Jesus this Christmas. Tell someone about what Jesus has done in your life.

The Bible tells us that the Wise Men didn’t give Jesus their leftovers when they visited him on
the first Christmas but instead gave three very significant and valuable gifts: “They bowed down
and worshiped him. They opened their gifts and gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and
myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11 NCV).

As you give Jesus your trust, make him first in your life, give what you value to his work, and
bring other people to him, you’re giving him gifts far more valuable than the ones the Wise Men
brought.

So tell Jesus “happy birthday” this Christmas. Give him your best.

Talk It Over

 Why do you think giving a gift to Jesus is thought of so little during the Christmas
season?
 What do you think it means to put Jesus first in your troubles?
 Which of the gifts mentioned in the devotional today do you want to commit to giving to
Jesus this Christmas?

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done
it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:37–40).

10 Ways to Keep Christ the Center of Christmas

11/26/12 | Topics: Religion, Salvation, worship

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While things like gift-giving, cookie-baking (and eating!), and spending time with loved ones
can be great and memorable things, Christians should seek to make Christ the focal point of
Christmas. It is after all, Christmas!

How can we keep our focus on the Savior?

Here are 10 ways to keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebration:

1. Read the Bible story with your family.

This is a simple way to start and the best way to remember what brought our Savior into the
world. Read portions or all of the following biblical passages documenting the original
Christmas:

 Matthew 1:18-2:23
 Luke 2:1-20

2. Walk through Old Testament prophecies about the birth of Christ.

There are hundreds of Old Testament prophecies documenting the coming of the Messiah.
Several of these deal directly with the birth of Christ. Reading through the Old Testament
prophecies about Christmas and seeing the New Testament fulfillment in Christ is a powerful
way to build your faith and focus on Christ.

Look at the chart on this blog post: Christmas Bible Verses from the Old and New
Testaments to read the passages side-by-side.

3. Use an advent calendar with Scripture in it.

The advent season looks forward to the coming of Christ at Christmas (advent comes from a
word meaning ‘coming’) and is a time of preparation for Christmas, when Christ came, and
looks forward to the Second Coming of Christ.

Using an advent calendar with Scripture will provide you with a daily reminder from Scripture
and help you renew your mind as Christmas day approaches.

4. Watch a Christ-focused movie.

Sadly, many “Christmas” movies do not even mention the name of Jesus. Those movies fall way
short of the true meaning of Christmas.

Watching a Christ-centered movie can entertain you, provide positive family memories, and
build your faith as you ponder the work of our Savior. Some recommended movies to watch at
Christmastime include: The Gospel of John, The Star of Bethlehem, The Greatest Story Ever
Told, The Nativity Story, and the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas (see video below). Feel free
to share your recommendations in the comments!
5. Call out wrong messages about Christmas.

Holiday movies tell us there are several meanings to Christmas: giving to others, spending time
with people you love, getting good gifts, and that you can be a hero if you have “the Christmas
spirit.”

All of these things fall short of the true and amazing meaning of Christmas: God sent his Son
into the world, in the form of a baby, to perfectly fulfill God’s law and eventually serve as the
sacrifice for the sins, saving whoever would put their faith in him (John 3:16).

6. Listen to Christ-exalting Christmas music.

So much Christmas music is meaningless fluff, lacking any mention to Christ and lacking
substance. Read the words from one of the most popular Christmas songs of all-time, Bing
Crosby’s White Christmas:

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas / Just like the ones I used to know / Where the tree tops
glisten / And children listen / To hear sleigh bells in the snow…

Although it is a catchy song, it does a better job glorifying snow than Christ. Christ has given us
so much, why would we not sing about him at Christmas time? Through him we have the
forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7), a new life in Christ (2
Corinthians 5:17), the Holy Spirit living in us (Romans 8:11), an eternal inheritance in heaven
with Christ (1 Peter 1:4). Snow isn’t bad, but Christ is so much better!

Here are some lyrics from a great Christ-exalting Christmas song called “Mary Did You Know”
by Mark Lowry:

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water? / Mary did you know that
your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? / Did you know that your baby boy has come
to make you new? / This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.”

Or if you are into classical music, Handel’s “Messiah” is one of the most glorious pieces of
music ever written or played — and is about Christ!

7. Remember the dangers of materialism.

Don’t let yourself or your children get sucked into the materialistic trap that exists at Christmas.
If you are a parent, it is especially important that you make sure your kids understand at an early
age that Christmas is not about getting presents and having more possessions.
Some practical steps for teaching and learning a biblical perspective on gifts and earthly
possessions are:

1. Walk through Scriptures dealing with possessions. Matthew 6:19-34 and James 4:1-12
are good places to start.
2. Go to a garbage dump and look at all of the old things that might have been highly-
coveted at one time.
3. Focus on giving at Christmas time. Jesus is the ultimate example–sacrificially giving
Himself to pay the price for our sins.
4. Make your Christmas list be a list of things you are thankful for, not a list of things you
want.
5. Pray that God would change your focus.

8. Give Christ-centered gifts.

Giving gifts that will build faith is an excellent way to celebrate Christ at Christmas. The
Unlocking the Bible Store has several items that would make excellent gifts:

 For the studious Christian: The ESV Study Bible

 For the new believer or non-Christian: Ten Keys for Unlocking the Bible
 For anyone wanting to get into the Word: The OneYear Unlocking the Bible
Devotional

Writing a Christmas Bible verse on a Christmas card is a great way to point back to the Savior as
well!

9. Make the highlight of your Christmas serving others.

Christ, himself, did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). Christmas can be a very
self-centered time, and serving others provides you an opportunity to think about and meet the
needs of others. Serving can happen in your church, a homeless shelter, giving a gift to the child
of a prisoner, and many other ways.

Regina commented on our Facebook page on a way her family serves others during Christmas
time:

We pool our Christmas money together and instead of buying gifts, we decided together on a
relief organization to send it to. Our kids ask us every year what organization we can give to. We
all enjoy it!

10. Share Christ with others.

The Christmas season may be the best time to invite people to church and strike up spiritual
conversations. The topic of Christmas and Jesus Christ will come up often. Take advantage of
that and share the life giving truth of the gospel! Take advantage of the fact that people are not
satisfied with candy canes and mistletoe and that they long for something deeper and satisfying
and that Jesus Christ will satisfy all of their thirsts and longings of this life, and the life to come.

If you send out a Christmas card or letter, you have a great opportunity to share the real meaning
of Christmas and the source of true Christmas cheer, Jesus Christ.

OD GATHERS US FOR WORSHIP

 Welcome
 Call to Worship: Psalm 98:1-3
 God’s Greeting: “May grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be
with us all. Amen.”
 Songs of Praise: “How Great Thou Art” PsH #483,

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness PsH #” #556

GOD REMINDS US OF HIS GRACE

 Call to Confession: Isaiah 1:18

 Prayer of Confession
 Declaration of God’s Grace for Sinners: Isaiah 12:1-3
 God’s Will for His People: Isaiah 56:1-2
 Song of Dedication: “O For A Thousand Tongues” PsH #501

GOD SHAPES US THROUGH HIS WORD

 Prayer for Illumination

 Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
 Sermon: “Picking Out The Perfect Gift”

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S SHAPING

 Prayer of Application

 Hymn of Response: “Amazing Grace – How Sweet the Sound” PsH #462
 Congregational Prayer
 Offering

GOD SENDS US OUT INTO HIS WORLD

 God’s Parting Blessing: “May the Lord bless us and keep us. May He make His face to
shine upon us and be gracious to us. May He turn His face towards us and grant us His
peace. Amen.”
 Our Parting Praise: “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” PsH #638
Sermon

Picking out the perfect gift is one of the challenges that come along with birthdays,
anniversaries, weddings and the Christmas season. For example, a commercial for “Best Buy”
stores has a consumer coming up and asking, “Do you have the gift that will have my wife
saying ‘You shouldn’t have… that’s just perfect!’” Other commercials suggest that gift cards
have become the perfect gift, allowing the recipients to choose for themselves what they want to
get. One East Indian immigrant to Canada, when asked what he does for Christmas, said he now
gives each of us children a good amount of cash to spend on after-Christmas sales so they can
cash in on all the good deals. Gift giving has become the most prominent drive behind Christmas
in North America today.

But the Bible has another take on the perfect gift, as described in Paul’s letter to the church in
Ephesus. He begins Ephesians chapter two by describing the reality of the situation towards
which the gift was being prepared. In other words, he first gets at what we were and then later he
tells us what we are now in Christ.

First of all, let’s consider What We Were.

1. To begin with, Paul tells us, YOU WERE DEAD.

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live...”
Ephesians 2:1 says.Paul uses two different Greek words to describe sin; the first being
transgressions, stepping over the line. This is when we break the law, go against God’s
commands. Transgressions are sins that we commit, sins of commission. The Greek word
suggests that doing sin is missing the mark.

Then there are those times in our lives when we had opportunity to forgive someone else, but did
not, where we had a chance to reach out and help someone, or visit those who were sick, those
who were in prison, those who are shut in, and we chose deliberately not to go in. For whatever
reason; we may have been too busy, didn’t have enough time, did not feel like having company,
did not want to take time to go through all the paper work. These are called sins of omission.

In both situations, Paul says “You were dead, in your transgressions and sins,” your negative
behaviour and lack of positive response. You were dead in your relationship with God.

This is the kind of death that God spoke of in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve fell into sin by
eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. If they would eat from that tree, they would
surely die. And they did. So today, we are dead in our transgressions and sins.

Paul goes on, secondly, to explain even further what we were when he says,
2. YOU WERE ENSLAVED FROM OUTSIDE “when you followed the ways of this
world…” according to verse 2a. These ways of the world are the influences that come at us in
our culture, in our world.

It is easy to see how we have followed the ways of the world around the season of Christmas.
Secularism has a whole value system which differs very much from the value system of God.
Materialism and consumerism have different priorities than those that have been laid out in
God’s word. We are influenced by the culture that we live in.

Thirdly, we learn what we were when Paul says

3. YOU WERE INFLUENCED FROM BEYOND. Paul mentions, “when you followed the
ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
That’s verse 2b.In fact, Scripture reveals the devil as one of God’s fallen angels, who means to
dissuade us from God’s presence, to lead us into disobedience and who seeks to destroy all that
he is able. Indeed, Satan has won some major battles within some of our lives, creating
incredible and sometimes irreparable damage. All of us are influenced by him in small and
sometimes even larger ways. He is at work against us, and our neighbours, and our God.

Fourthly, Paul reminds us that

4. WE WERE INFECTED FROM WITHIN. He says, “All of us also lived among them at one
time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts.”
Ephesians 2:3a

Here he uses the word all inclusively, referring to Jews as well as Gentiles—we have all been
there. The law of God helps us see how we have been infected from within, some from poor self
esteem and others from pride of self, pride of ancestry, parentage, pride of race and religion and
even pride of righteousness. We are all infected from within.

We have been enslaved by transgressions and sins from cultural influences, from Satan’s
persuasions in us and from within our own hearts. And Paul has one more unpleasant truth to
describe what we were. Not only were we dead, not only are we enslaved from the outside, not
only were we influence from beyond and infected from within; fifthly, the result is that we are
also condemned.

5. WE WERE CONDEMNED. He writes in v.3b,“Like the rest, we were by nature objects of

wrath.” That phrase “by nature” points back to the fall of Adam and Eve when mankind fell into
sin and found their lives to be “by nature,” sinful, or objects of wrath. God’s anger and wrath is a
constant hostility to evil, refusing to compromise in it, and continuing to condemn it.

For that reason the Jewish faith set up sacrificial systems and practices to help call for
forgiveness and express worship and gratitude. Jews and Gentiles alike were objects or children
of God’s wrath.
But God’s wrath is not like our wrath. God’s anger is not like human anger. The Bible describes
God as slow to anger, never spontaneous, never impersonal or arbitrary but always purposeful
and constantly seeking to further his plans.

Death, Slavery, External Influence, Internal Infection and Condemnation are the five concepts
Paul brings to describe the situation of the human race, and all of this might sound rather
pessimistic. Our North American culture tries hard to soothe this generation’s longing for feeling
special in receiving gifts, for having won or cheered for the winning team, for living in a country
or nation that is prosperous and safe, for having succeeded in whatever you tried. Education,
Commerce and Sports all work hard at making this world a better place, but neither government
or schools, or entertainment or business can touch the spiritual realities of being dead in our
transgressions and sin, being enslaved, influence, infected or standing condemned. That spiritual
reality stands and is true for each person born into this world.

Then God steps in and the good news of the gospel is proclaimed in all its glory. It’s no longer a
matter of what we were but of who we now are in Christ!

B. What We Are Now

1. First, what we are now is because of God’s character. Listen again to these two verses from
our Scripture reading in Ephesians 2.

Eph 2:4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with
Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Paul lists four character traits of our God that we do well to sit up and listen to intently. We learn
Who we are now because of

First, God’s great LOVE for us. The Letter of John reaffirms Paul words when John says,
“God is Love.” Love is this character trait that causes God to act on our behalf.

Second, His MERCY. Paul describes God as “rich in mercy,” And mercy is one of the main
characteristics of our God. One way of measuring mercy is by asking yourself “are you a
merciful person?” Do people see you as mercy-filled? Do you help people in need, and do so
generously? Have you forgiven people who have wronged you? Our God most certainly has.
That’s who he is—full of love and mercy. We are now objects of God’s love and mercy.

That’s why we are alive again after being dead in our sin. Paul teaches that

Thirdly, God has Made us ALIVE. In fact Paul writes in v.5 that God“made us alive with
Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…” This is the Apostle Paul speaking from his
own experience, knowing how dead he was, and how God made him alive with Christ on the
road to Damascus, even when he was dead. This was Paul writing to the new believers in
Ephesus, even though they were Gentiles—people the Jews would never have imagined could
find favour with God. But Paul tells them God made them alive with Christ.
And God’s fourth characteristic is GRACE. Perhaps you were baptized as a child. That’s a
wonderful sign of God’s grace. Yet at a certain moment in your life God gently placed his hand
on you and you were caught in the grip of his grace. This is God’s character of generosity. The
fourth characteristic of our God that Paul mentions is grace. “It is by grace you have been
saved.” It was the very character and person of God that interrupted our lives, stepped into our
beings and poured his character into ours. And the Apostle Paul describes how and when that
took place.

So what we are now is recipients of the blessings that flow from God’s character. God s love and
we receive his love. God is merciful and we receive his mercy. God is alive and he makes us
alive in Christ. And God is gracious and he lavishes his grace upon us and it changes our lives.
What an awesome gift!

And that brings us to the second part of this last point. What we are now is SAVED. But
being saved is more than we may think. There’s more in that gift than we might imagine. Paul
describes our wonderful salvation as three parts of our relationship with Christ.

Number 1, WE ARE PART OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. “And God raised us up with

Christ…” Paul says in verse 6.We have been raised from the dead, just as Christ was raised from
the dead. No longer are we dead in our transgressions and sin. We are raised to new life.

Number 2, WE ARE PART OF CHRIST’S ASCENSION. Paul writes in verse 6 “And God
raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,” Paul is
writing the church in Ephesus, and telling them that they have been raised with Christ and seated
with in him in the heavenly realms. Suddenly the shackles of slavery have been taken off and we
have been released. We are no longer followers in this world, no longer enslaved to our culture.
Nor are we bound by Satan or overpowered by his temptations—all because of where we have
been seated. Nor are we subjected to the sins that have infected us from within, whether because
of poor self esteem, or pride of self, pride of parentage, pride of race or religion, or even pride of
righteousness. We have been freed by the grace of Christ Jesus and have been seated with him in
the heavenly realm. We’re overcomers. We reign with Christ.

And number 3, WE ARE PART OF CHRIST’S SESSION. Paul describes what that is in v.7
when we says that we are seated with Christ, “in order that in the coming ages he might show
the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” We who
were condemned have been forgiven and redeemed and crowned with Christ’s righteousness, as
if we have become God’s trophies of grace and exhibits of his skill. Paul’s phrase “the coming
ages” could well suggest the hundreds and thousands and millions of people around the world
who have since become followers of Jesus, because of the good news. But it more than likely
points to the heavens when Christ will return, and myriads in number will stand before his throne
of grace. We are part of that group or session who praises God for all eternity.

In summary, congregation, SALVATION IS

1) having been delivered from death,

2) having found freedom from enslavement of the world, from Satan’s grasp, from sin
living within, and

3) no longer being condemned, but forgiven, redeemed and crowned.

Doesn’t that sounds like the Apostles’ Creed? I believe in Jesus Christ, born of the virgin Mary,
who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified dead and buried, who arose again on the third
day, who ascended into heaven—and took us with him—who sits at the right hand of God to
judge the living and the dead—and has seated us with him in that heavenly realm. All because of
Jesus what we were is now behind us. And what we are in Christ is what we must live out of
each day.

Paul sums it up the gift we’ve been given. We started out talking about gifts, and here is the
perfect gift. He says,

YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED BY GOD’S GRACE. “For it is by grace you have been saved,
through faith,” Grace is God personally touching your heart with his love, mercy,
compassion and grace, accepting you totally and completely for who you are.

And GOD HAS PICKED this PERFECT PERSONAL Gift. and this is not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” says verses 8 & 9.

When comparing this gift of God’s grace over against any gifts that we might give or receive,
whether they be birthday gifts, wedding gifts, anniversary gifts or Christmas, nothing compares!
Santa Clause becomes trivial and the gospel, the good news becomes so much more prominent!
There is no greater gift than what we have received and become through Jesus Christ.

But there’s still more. The gift keeps on giving. In Ephesians 2:10 Paul tells us, For we are
God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance
for us to do.” The gift that God has given us is the gift that keeps on giving. Jesus would have us
share this gift of God’s grace so that others too might be touched by the very character and
person of God, in Christ Jesus, his love, his mercy, his making people come alive who are dead,
and the fullness of his grace.

After all, is that not what Christmas is all about, the coming of his son Jesus, as a baby, in a
manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths? Who would have imagined this perfect gift that God
wanted to give you and you, and you, and you, and you and me.

The Lost Christ of Christmas — Luke 2:40-47

If you’re not careful, you may lose Jesus this year during the Christmas season. Rather than
Christmas drawing people closer to Christ, it’s been my observation that our eyes get distracted
by parties and gifts. Many times there’s a let-down in our prayer life, soul winning, and
witnessing. In the very midst of the Christmas celebration, we lose the Lord Jesus.
Now we can never “lose” Him in the sense of our relationship with Him. Once God puts His
mighty hands around you through Jesus Christ, no power on earth, in heaven above, in hell
beneath, “nor any other creature will be able to separate you from the love of God which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). When you become a child of God, you’re His forever.

But there’s a difference between relationship and fellowship, and if you lose Him in the sense of
fellowship, you’re going to be sorrowful. That’s what happened to Mary and Joseph in Luke 2.
After a wonderful Passover trip to Jerusalem, they went a day’s journey without realizing that
Jesus was not with them! When they returned and found Him they said, “We have sought thee
sorrowfully.” There’s always sorrow when we lose fellowship with Jesus Christ. The most
miserable person on earth is not a lost person but a saved one out of fellowship with Jesus.

Who lost Him?

Mary and Joseph were the two most intimately associated with Him! All of us are in danger of
losing fellowship. We should heed the apostle Paul’s warning, “Let him that thinks he stands
take heed, lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Some of God’s best saints — Noah, David,
Samson, Peter — have done it. The closer you are to Jesus, the more fire you’re going to get
from the devil. He aims his biggest guns at God’s best.

When did they lose Him?

In the midst of a religious celebration (v. 41). The Passover was symbolic of Jesus and, irony of
ironies, it was at the Passover that they lost Him. If you’re not careful, you may do the same —
lose the Christ of Christmas in the midst of Christmas.

You can lose Him in strange places. You can backslide with a Bible under your arm. Has the
Bible become a textbook to you rather than the precious Word of God? You can lose your sense
of the Lord Jesus while working on the Christmas music and doing all the festivities of
Christmas.

I heard of a little girl who loved her daddy so much she wanted to make him a special Christmas
present — some slippers. This little girl and her dad had a close relationship. Often she would sit
on his lap, he would tell her stories, and she would hug his neck. But wanting the present to be
ready for Christmas, she did not sit in daddy’s lap and he didn’t get to tell her stories, because
every evening after supper she’d run up the stairs to her room, day after day, working on that
present. Finally on Christmas Day she presented him those slippers. Of course, he acted grateful.
He didn’t tell her, but in the back of his mind he thought, I’d much rather have had the
fellowship with my little girl than these slippers she was making. I wonder if sometimes the very
things we’re doing for Christ may be what keep us from Christ.

Jesus had rather have you sit at His feet than sing in the choir. He’d rather you spend quiet time
with Him alone on your knees than be in church. I’m not against being in church or singing in
the choir. But if you’re not careful, the things you do become a substitute for your love for
Christ. They can come between you and the Lord.
How they lost Him
Mary and Joseph, “supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey” (v.44).
Are you supposing the Lord Jesus is with you? Have you really checked? Do you know? Does
God’s Spirit bear witness with your spirit that Jesus is a bright, living reality to you? You can
come to church, hear sermons, take notes, use your Bible, sing hymns, give money — and not be
in fellowship with Christ, but suppose you are! It’s dangerous to think we’re right with God
when we’re not.

Samson rose up to fight the Philistines “knew not that the Spirit of God had departed from him.”
The church at Laodicea “knew not” it was “wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.”

Take inventory. If God’s Spirit is not vibrant in your heart, if there was ever a time when you
loved Jesus Christ more than you love Him at this moment, to that degree you’re backslidden.

People backslide one step at a time. Mary and Joseph lost him one step at a time. They walked
away, taking for granted He was with them when He was not.

Where did they find Him again?

Right where they left Him. You’re going to find Him where you left Him. Jesus is right there.
You’re the one who moved.

You might have left Him when you started neglecting the secret place of prayer. You’ll find Him
when you go back to that secret place of prayer. You might have started neglecting the house of
worship. That’s where you’ll find Him. You might have left Him when some grudge arose in
your heart toward someone in your family. You’ll find Him when you go back and make that
right. You may have left Him when some grievous sin or habit came. You’re going to find Him
where you left Him.

How can you lose Jesus? By losing fellowship. Who may lose Jesus? Those who might least
expect to lose Him. When may you lose Him? Sometimes in the middle of religious
celebrations. How do you lose Him? Going away one step at a time. Where are you going to
find Him? Right back where you lost Him.

Let these simple thoughts be a warning to our hearts in this Christmas season. And help us, Lord,
not to get so wrapped up in the things of Christmas that we lose You in the midst of the
celebration.

Those are the facts. They have been documented.

With all this Christmas commotion, there’s a “cosmic lure” that draws many like a magnet.
Emotions, unpredictable and undisciplined, begin to run wild. Nostalgia mixed with eleven
months of guilt can prompt purchases that are illogical and extravagant. Neighborhood pressure
can cause houses to be strung with thousands of lights. Television advertising, Christmas bank
accounts, and special “wish books” only increase the pull of the magnet that inevitably ends with
the sound of the cash register or the hollow snap of the credit card.

I remind you . . . I’m not against the basic idea of Christmas or the beauty of the scenery. My
plea is for common sense and balance; that’s all. We Christians need to be alert to the
dangers . . . then think through a strategy that allows us to combat each one. I’ll mention only
four.

1. Doctrinal Danger . . . substituting the temporal for the eternal.

A couple of Scriptures give needed counsel here: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of
this world . . . be transformed” (Romans 12:2 NIV)! “Keep seeking the things above, where
Christ is. . . . Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians
3:1–2).

It’s important that we rivet into our heads exactly what we’re celebrating. It is our Savior’s
arrival, not Santa’s. The significance of giving presents is to be directly related to God’s
presenting us the gift of His Son—and our kiddos need that reminder year in and year out.

2. Personal Danger . . . impressing but not imparting.

We represent the King. We are His chosen ambassadors, doing His business “in season and out
of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Then let’s represent Him this season! People are wide-open to the
gospel these days. Forget about trying to impress others by what you buy. Spend more time
imparting what you already possess.

3. Economical Danger . . . spending more than you have.

Before every purchase, think. Ask yourself some direct, penetrating questions: “Is this within my
budget?” “Is it appropriate?” “Is it really saying what I want it to say?” Gifts you make are often
much more appreciated and much less expensive than those you buy. Stretching the dollar
usually involves planning ahead. A safe rule to follow is this: if you don’t have the cash—don’t
buy it. For example, my wife and I decided years ago that Christmas cards had to go. No offense,
now. That’s just an illustration of something God spoke to us about. We found cutting out
Christmas cards saved us many dollars and gobs of time.

4. Psychological Danger . . . getting built up for the letdown.

One of the most effective maneuvers of the world system is to create a false sense of excitement.
The Christian can get “high” very easily on the crest of Christmas. The afterglow can be a
dangerous, depressing experience. Guard yourself. Keep a firm hand on the controls of your
mind and emotions. Don’t be deceived. Enjoy the 25th . . . but not at the expense of the 26th. If
you stay occupied with the Person, you’ll seldom have to fight off the plague. Make Hebrews
12:3 your aim—“consider Him”; just think about Him.
Enjoy the holidays now. Have a wonderful time on Christmas . . . and on New Year’s Day. Just
think, this could be our last, so let’s make it our best. Those are the facts. They have been
documented.

With all this Christmas commotion, there’s a “cosmic lure” that draws many like a magnet.
Emotions, unpredictable and undisciplined, begin to run wild. Nostalgia mixed with eleven
months of guilt can prompt purchases that are illogical and extravagant. Neighborhood pressure
can cause houses to be strung with thousands of lights. Television advertising, Christmas bank
accounts, and special “wish books” only increase the pull of the magnet that inevitably ends with
the sound of the cash register or the hollow snap of the credit card.

I remind you . . . I’m not against the basic idea of Christmas or the beauty of the scenery. My
plea is for common sense and balance; that’s all. We Christians need to be alert to the
dangers . . . then think through a strategy that allows us to combat each one. I’ll mention only
four.

1. Doctrinal Danger . . . substituting the temporal for the eternal.

A couple of Scriptures give needed counsel here: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of
this world . . . be transformed” (Romans 12:2 NIV)! “Keep seeking the things above, where
Christ is. . . . Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians
3:1–2).

It’s important that we rivet into our heads exactly what we’re celebrating. It is our Savior’s
arrival, not Santa’s. The significance of giving presents is to be directly related to God’s
presenting us the gift of His Son—and our kiddos need that reminder year in and year out.

2. Personal Danger . . . impressing but not imparting.

We represent the King. We are His chosen ambassadors, doing His business “in season and out
of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Then let’s represent Him this season! People are wide-open to the
gospel these days. Forget about trying to impress others by what you buy. Spend more time
imparting what you already possess.

3. Economical Danger . . . spending more than you have.

Before every purchase, think. Ask yourself some direct, penetrating questions: “Is this within my
budget?” “Is it appropriate?” “Is it really saying what I want it to say?” Gifts you make are often
much more appreciated and much less expensive than those you buy. Stretching the dollar
usually involves planning ahead. A safe rule to follow is this: if you don’t have the cash—don’t
buy it. For example, my wife and I decided years ago that Christmas cards had to go. No offense,
now. That’s just an illustration of something God spoke to us about. We found cutting out
Christmas cards saved us many dollars and gobs of time.

4. Psychological Danger . . . getting built up for the letdown.

One of the most effective maneuvers of the world system is to create a false sense of excitement.
The Christian can get “high” very easily on the crest of Christmas. The afterglow can be a
dangerous, depressing experience. Guard yourself. Keep a firm hand on the controls of your
mind and emotions. Don’t be deceived. Enjoy the 25th . . . but not at the expense of the 26th. If
you stay occupied with the Person, you’ll seldom have to fight off the plague. Make Hebrews
12:3 your aim—“consider Him”; just think about Him.

Enjoy the holidays now. Have a wonderful time on Christmas . . . and on New Year’s Day. Just
think, this could be our last, so let’s make it our best.

Question: "How important is Christian conduct to how the unbelieving world sees
Christ?"

Answer: Here is the simple answer to the question of how important Christian conduct is:
VERY IMPORTANT! The Bible is replete with verses that link Christian conduct with how the
world sees Christ. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your
good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). “By their approval
of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your
confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all
others” (2 Corinthians 9:13). “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when
they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of
visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).

If we liken Christianity to a movie, our good works can be seen as the trailer. When unbelievers
see the love Christians have for one another and the good works they perform, they may think all
sorts of evil things about Christians, but they cannot fault their conduct, and this abounds to the
glory of God. Even in our witnessing and defense of the faith, we should conduct ourselves with
gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), not in angry, boastful tones.

The truth of the matter is that the gospel is already an offense to the unbelieving world (1
Corinthians 1:18); Christians should not add to the offense. This sentiment is clearly seen in
Peter’s first epistle. He exhorts his readers that, if they’re going to suffer at the hands of evil
men, let it be because they’re Christians and not because they were acting sinfully (1 Peter 4:14-
16).

Another good portion of Scripture where this point is laid out is in Paul’s letter to Titus. In the
second chapter, Paul gives Titus instructions on how to teach his congregation. At three separate
points in this chapter, he illustrates the point we’re discussing here. Paul urges Titus to teach
young women “to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own
husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled” (Titus 2:5). Likewise, he exhorts Titus “to be
a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that
cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about
us” (Titus 2:7-8). Finally, Paul tells Titus to admonish slaves “to be submissive to their own
masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing
all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:9-
10). In all three cases, Paul makes the point that Christian conduct is important in not only
shutting the mouths of evil men, but also in guarding the integrity of the Word of God.

Consider the alternative. If Christians conduct themselves no differently from the outside world,
what good is that? If indeed the outside world is watching and they see no difference between
themselves and Christians, what motivation (if any) will there be for them to forego their
unbelieving lifestyle? Additionally, and more importantly, the unbeliever is already inherently
hostile to the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:7-8). If Christians conduct
themselves as the unbelieving world does, then all we do is invite scorn and charges of
hypocrisy. Consider the feeding frenzy in the unbelieving world whenever a prominent Christian
is caught in a scandal.

To be sure, no unbeliever will be saved by the good works of the Christian; the gospel must be
presented. Furthermore, we all know that even at our best, we are still prone to sin. Yet the
gospel is much more likely to be received positively if it is presented by a person who is humble
and gentle than a person who is rude and cantankerous. Our actions can either help or hinder the
gospel. As the saying goes, God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick, but imagine how
much easier it would be if the stick were less crooked.

Question: "Why does unbelief appear to be increasing in the world today?"

Answer: Studies show that unbelief is indeed on the rise these days. We are living in
increasingly secular times, and, unfortunately, those who do not believe in the truth of Scripture
often seem to have the loudest voices in the public domain. Skeptics are becoming bolder and
more vocal, and their influence is seen in education, entertainment, court systems, and
government. They have made significant progress toward their goal of having God’s name
entirely removed from the public realm.

Add to this the fact that we are living in what some call the most “biblically illiterate times,” and
it’s apparent why unbelief is on the rise and why moral standards continue to deteriorate. Other
factors contributing to today’s unbelief include the pervasiveness of secular humanism, the
church’s halfhearted adherence to the hard truths God’s Word, the significant growth of New
Age and Eastern religions, the attempts to redefine the family, the postmodern rejection of
absolutes, and the aggressive rise of the New Atheists.

The bottom line is this—we live in a fallen world, and “the god of this age has blinded the minds
of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel” (2 Corinthians 4:4). As history
moves forward, many will move further away from sound biblical doctrine, and unbelief spreads.
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving
spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). There are plenty of false teachers to keep
the lost blinded and aid them in their flight from God (Matthew 24:10–11; 2 Timothy 4:3; 1 John
4:1). The sad truth is that most people do not see the Bible as the absolute authority anymore. As
God’s Word continues to be marginalized, unbelief will continue to increase around the world.

The Bible warned against unbelief and apostasy nearly two thousand years ago: “[People] will
turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:4). Along these lines,
John MacArthur has stated, “Our society has grown steadily darker; and the message the church
is now giving to the world is more confused and confusing than perhaps any time since the Dark
Ages.” His conclusion: “The church needs to get back to the Word of God.” Indeed, getting back
to the Word is the only solution; to do anything less is to hide our light under a bushel (Luke
11:33). If we want people to believe, we must give them something to believe in.

The servant of Christ should not lose heart. Despite the increasing unbelief and the growing tide
of hostility toward Christianity, there is good news. Jesus told us that, before the end comes, His
gospel would be preached in the whole world (Matthew 24:14). Portions of the Bible have now
been translated into more than 3,850 languages, covering 98 percent of the world’s population.
Christian radio broadcasts are now accessible to nearly 78 percent of the earth’s population.
God’s Word is being preached around the world with tremendous success by multitudes of
Christians, many of whom risk their lives every day to spread the gospel. “Surely the arm of the
LORD is not too short to save” (Isaiah 59:1), even in communist China where it is believed over
one hundred million people are following Jesus Christ. The World Christian Encyclopedia
reports that nearly seventeen million people accept Jesus Christ every year. Scoffers will
multiply (Jude 1:18) and unbelief will grow, but Jesus is still Lord of the harvest, it is still His
harvest field, and we still pray for Him to send forth His workers (Luke 10:2).

Unequal yoked with unbelievers

In 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 Paul takes up the question of close relationships with non-Christians.
Up to this point, Paul has vividly portrayed the importance of good relationships with the people
with whom we work. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:9–10 that we should work with non-
Christians, and he discusses how to do so in 1 Corinthians 10:25–33 (see 1 Corinthians 10).

But perhaps there are limits to the intimacy of Christians’ working relationships with non-
Christians. Paul tells the Corinthians, “Do not be mismatched with unbelievers,” as the NRSV
puts it, or to translate the Greek term (heterozygountes) more literally, “Do not be unequally
yoked with unbelievers.” His words are reminiscent of Leviticus 19:19, which prohibits mating
different kinds of animals together, and Deuteronomy 22:10, which prohibits yoking an ox and
donkey together while plowing. These two Old Testament precedents refer to mating and to
work, respectively. We are concerned here with work.

What, then, are the limits in working with nonbelievers? Perhaps the key is the term “yoked.”
When two animals are yoked together, they must move in lockstep. If one turns left, the other
also turns left, whether or not it consents. This is different from, say, animals grazing in a herd,
which cooperate but still have the freedom to move separately and even to depart from the herd
if they choose. If two animals—or, metaphorically, two people—are yoked, each is bound by
whatever the other chooses to do. Two people are yoked if one person’s choices compel the other
person to follow the same choices, even without their consent. A yoking is when either person is
bound by the unilateral decisions and actions of the other.

Paul does not want us to be unequally yoked. So what would it mean to be equally yoked? Jesus
has already given us the answer to that question. “Take my yoke upon you,” he calls to those
who follow him (Matt. 11:29a). Paul tells us not to be unequally yoked with nonbelievers be-
cause we are already yoked to Jesus. One part of his yoke is around us, and the other is on Jesus’
shoulders. Jesus, like the lead ox in a team, determines the bearing, the pace, and the path of the
team, and we submit to his leadership. Through his yoke, we feel his pull, his guidance, his
direction. By his yoke, he trains us to work effectively in his team. His yoke is what leads us,
sensitizes us, and binds us to Jesus. Being yoked to Jesus makes us partners with him in restoring
God’s creation in every sphere of life, as we explored in 2 Corinthians 5:16–21. No other yoke
that would pull us away from the yoke of Jesus could ever be equal to that! “My yoke is easy,
and my burden is light,” Jesus tells us (Matt. 11:29b), yet the work we are doing with him is no
less than the transformation of the entire cosmos.

When Paul tells us not to be unequally yoked in working relationships, he is warning us not to
get entangled in work situations that prevent us from doing the work Jesus wants us to do or that
prevent us from working in Jesus’ ways. This has a strong ethical element. “What partnership is
there between righteousness and lawlessness?” Paul asks (2 Cor. 6:14). If the dictates of a work
situation lead us to harm customers, deceive constituents, mislead employees, abuse co-workers,
pollute the environment, or such, then we would be yoked into a violation of our duties as
stewards of God’s kingdom. Yet ethics is not the only element. Besides preventing us from doing
anything unethical, being yoked with Jesus also leads us to work to reconcile or restore the world
to God’s vision for it. At the very least, this suggests that we pay careful attention to the
motivations, values, integrity, working methods, and similar factors when deciding where and
with whom we work.

To be unequally yoked with unbelievers, then, is to be in a situation or relationship that binds

you to the decisions and actions of people who have values and purposes incompatible with
Jesus’ values and purposes.

A few examples may help. A business partnership—joint, unlimited ownership of a business—

would generally seem to be a form of yoking. If one partner signs a contract, spends money, buys
or sells property—or even violates the law—the other partner is bound by that action or decision.
To form a business partnership in this sense would very likely be a form of unequal yoking. Even
if the believer trusts that the nonbelieving partner(s) would not do anything unethical, is it
possible that the non-believing partner(s) would want to run the business for the purposes of
transforming the world to be more as God intends it to be? Even if the partnership does not force
the believer to do evil, would it hinder him or her from doing all the good Christ desires? Joining
an army, making a pledge of office, raising money for a nonprofit organization, or buying
property jointly might have similar consequences.

In contrast, a single commercial transaction—buying or selling an item between two parties—

would generally not seem to be a form of yoking. The parties agree in advance on a single item
of business and then perform what they agreed to. (The Christian, of course, should only agree to
do the transaction if it is in accordance with God’s values and purposes.) Neither party is bound
by anything the other party might do after the transaction. Teaching a class, writing or being
interviewed for a newspaper article, volunteering in a civic event, and babysitting a child are
other examples similarly limited in scope and duration.

Buying stock is probably somewhere in between. As part owners in the corporation, stock
owners are morally—though probably not legally— bound by the decisions of the directors,
executives, and other employees, but only for as long as they own the stock. Likewise, getting a
job, joining a faculty, raising money for a nonprofit organization or political campaign, and
signing a contract all commit us to living with the consequences of others’ choices, but not
forever.

As these examples show, there is no hard-and-fast rule for what it means to be unequally yoked.
In practice, it may be difficult to say whether a particular working relationship is a form of
yoking. Getting a job in a secular organization is probably not a form of yoking. But going so far
into debt that you can’t afford to quit your job probably turns any employee relationship into a de
facto yoking. You have lost the freedom to resign if the organization engages in ungodly
activities. One rising lawyer was offered a partnership in a prestigious law firm, but declined
when he observed how many of those who became partners got divorced soon after.[1] It seemed
to him that accepting a partnership would yoke him to values and practices incompatible with the
commitment he made to put his wife first among the people in his life.

Finally, we must be careful to not turn Paul’s words into an us-versus-them mentality against
nonbelievers. Paul knew as well as anyone that believers fall far short of the values and purposes
of God. We should be careful not to be unequally yoked, even with Christians whose conduct
would pull us away from the yoke of Christ. Even more, we need to receive Christ’s grace every
day so that being yoked with us doesn’t cause someone else to be pulled away from working
according to Christ’s ways and purposes. Nor can we judge or condemn nonbelievers as
inherently unethical, since Paul himself refused to do so. “For what have I to do with judging
those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? God will judge those outside”
(1 Cor. 5:12–13). We are called not to judge but to discern whether our working relationships are
leading us to work for the purposes and according to the ways of Christ.

Perhaps the best guidance is to ask ourselves the question Paul asks, “What does a believer share
with an unbeliever?” (2 Cor. 6:15). If the answer is that we share similar values and goals with
respect to the work we may undertake together, then it may serve God’s will to work closely
with nonbelievers. You can assess the opportunities and risks by exploring in advance all the
commitments entailed in any work relationship. Consider how your individual capabilities and
limitations might reduce or exacerbate the risk of being pulled away from working as God
intends. This means that the decision whether to participate may be different for each person.
Considering our differing strengths and weaknesses, a free association for one person could be a
binding yoke for another. A recent graduate, for example, might find it relatively easy to quit a
job, compared to a CEO with a large investment and reputation at stake. In other words, the
larger our role in a working relationship, the more important it is to make sure we’re not yoking
ourselves into a situation we won’t be able to handle in a godly way. In any case, all Christians
would do well to consider carefully the entanglements that can arise in every workplace
relationship, job, partnership, and transaction.

From the series: Philippians PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

Lesson 26: The Importance Of Christian Conduct (Philippians 4:9)

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A doctor from Texas owned a home in Mexico. He felt sorry for the poor people there, many of
whom were often sick because they didn’t pasteurize their milk. So he bought them a
pasteurizing machine. The villagers built a special shed to house it in and made a big deal out of
it when he finally brought it down and installed it. When the doctor returned a few months later,
the leading man of the village greeted him, “Oh, doctor, good to see you! If we had known you
were coming, we would have plugged in the pasteurizing machine.”

Obviously, a pasteurizing machine doesn’t do a bit of good if it isn’t plugged in and used for its
intended purpose. While we chuckle at the story, many Christians treat the Bible like those poor
villagers were treating that machine. It occupies a central place on a coffee table in their home.
They believe in all the good it can do. But they aren’t pluggng it in to deal with the very
problems in their lives it is intended to solve. They are not applying Scripture to change their
conduct.

They’re like the gray-haired old lady, a long time church member, who shook hands with her
pastor after the service one Sunday. “That was a wonderful sermon,” she told him, “just
wonderful! Everything you said applies to someone I know.”

We all tend to think that attending church is a nice, safe thing to do. It feels good to sing and to
fellowship with the nice people and to hear a message from God’s Word. But James 1:22 warns
us that if we hear God’s Word but do not become doers of it, we deceive ourselves. Hearing the
Bible and knowing the Bible without translating that knowledge into obedience is dangerous
because we deceive ourselves. The Bible was not written to satisfy our curiosity or to fill our
notebooks with charts on prophecy or theology. It was written to be translated into genuinely
Christian conduct in our daily lives.

In Philippians 4:9, Paul exhorts us to follow his example by becoming doers of the Word. He
shows us that

Christian conduct is built on biblical content and is vital because it results in the very presence of
the God of peace.

Verse 9 must not be separated from verse 8. Our thought life forms the basis for our behavior. If
our conduct is simply outward conformity to the expectations of the Christian crowd, it is not
genuine and will not stand up under pressure or temptation. Christian conduct must flow out of a
Christian thought life, and as we saw last week, a Christian thought life is the result of genuine
conversion, where God imparts to us a new nature that is able to please Him. Martyn Lloyd-
Jones put it this way,
... the gospel is not something we add to our lives, it is rather, something which should entirely
dominate them. ...

The Christian life, therefore, is not merely a modification of the natural life, it is a new life, and
Christians do not merely add something to their lives, they are people who have been changed at
the centre, they are entirely different (The Life of Peace [Baker], p. 191).

Once we are converted through faith in Christ, we begin the process of sanctification, or growth
in holiness, through the renewal of our minds through Scripture, and the corresponding changes
in our conduct, so that we learn to please God with our lives. In verse 9, Paul shows us how this
process works and why it is of vital importance, namely, that the sense of God’s presence as the
God of peace is linked with it. He mentions four components: (1) The intellectual--“What you
have learned”; (2) The volitional--“What you received”; (3) The behavioral--“What you have
heard and seen, which you must practice”; (4) The emotional--“The God of peace shall be with
you.”

1. The intellectual component: The Christian faith has content that must be taught and
learned.

The word “learned” implies that the Christian faith has content which must be taught by
someone who understands it and mentally grasped by those he teaches. Of course, the Christian
faith is much more than mere intellectual understanding, as we will see. And even on the
intellectual level, Scripture teaches that “the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of
the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the
image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4). Thus God must open the minds of unbelievers to respond to the
gospel, as Paul goes on to say, “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the
One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). God shines into our hearts to give us knowledge, and such
knowledge is grasped with the mind.

We once visited a church where the pastor did not clearly communicate the content of the gospel,
but when he gave the invitation at the end of the service, about a dozen people went forward. I
said to Marla, “What in the world are they responding to?” It had to be a mostly emotional
response to the mood and music rather than an intelligent response to the truth of the content of
the gospel, because such truth had not been made clear. But Christian faith is not in a vague
feeling. It is not faith in faith itself, as in the popular song, “I Believe.” It is not faith in “God
however you conceive Him to be.”

This week at the Million Man March in Washington, D.C., Mayor Marion Barry, who spent time
in jail for doing crack cocaine, thanked God for his recovery and told the crowd, “The vision for
the Million Man March came directly from God himself. It was God-inspired.... Whether we call
god Jesus Christ, Yahweh, Jehovah, Allah or just God, he’s God. I know first hand God’s power,
God’s grace and God’s redemptive love” (Arizona Daily Sun, 10/16/95, p. 1). That is generic
faith, but it is not biblical faith. Biblical faith is in the historical person of Jesus Christ as
revealed in Scripture and in what He did for us in dying on the cross. Thus there is specific
content, an intellectual element, to the gospel message.
Once a person has responded by faith to the person and work of Jesus Christ, he must go on to
learn the great doctrines of the Christian faith. We live in a day that disparages doctrine. We
think that it is some needless nicety for theologians and seminarians to banter about. But we need
to remember that Paul didn’t write the major doctrinal portions of his letters to theologians. He
wrote Romans and Ephesians and the other great doctrinal sections to common people, many of
them uneducated slaves, who had come to faith in Christ, to help them understand how to live in
a manner pleasing to God.

Note the importance of teaching in Paul’s ministry: In Acts 11:26, Barnabas brought Paul (then
called Saul) to Antioch, “And it came about that for an entire year they met with the church, and
taught considerable numbers; ...” In Acts 17:2-3, Paul “reasoned with [the Jews] from the
Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the
dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.’” Paul’s evangelistic
efforts were not based on emotional appeals, but on a reasonable appeal to their minds.

We see the same thing in Acts 19:8-10, where Paul was in the synagogue in Ephesus for three
months, “reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.” But when some became
hardened and disobedient, he withdrew with the disciples, and continued to reason with them
daily from the Word of God. In Acts 20:20, 27 he reminds the Ephesian elders how he “did not
shrink from declaring to [them] anything that was profitable, and teaching [them] publicly and
from house to house,” how he “did not shrink from declaring to [them] the whole purpose of
God.”

In Colossians 1:28, Paul describes his ministry: “And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man
and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ.” In
his pastoral letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul repeatedly emphasizes the theme of “sound
doctrine.” In the final chapter he wrote before his death, he exhorted Timothy with what must
have been of utmost importance (2 Tim. 4:2-3), “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when
they will not endure sound doctrine; ...”

Thus the Christian faith has content that must be learned and taught. The question is, Are you
studying and learning God’s Word? It doesn’t happen without diligence and effort. I encourage
you to apply yourself to learn the great truths of God’s Word with a view to obedient application.

2. The volitional component: The content of the Christian faith must be responded to with
our will.

Our text mentions “the things you have learned and received.” The word means to take unto
oneself, especially the traditions as delivered and handed down from Christ to the apostles. Here
it has special reference to “the ethical and procedural guidelines for Christian living” (F. F.
Bruce, New International Bible Commentary, Philippians [[Hendrickson], p. 147). To receive the
teaching concerning Christ, the gospel, and the moral and ethical demands which go along with
it, means to submit our will to the lordship of Jesus Christ over every aspect of our lives,
beginning with our thought life (4:8). In other words, the gospel always demands not just an
intellectual response, but also a moral response, where we personally receive Christ as Savior
and Lord.

I have found that invariably, people who claim to have intellectual problems that keep them from
responding to the gospel in reality have moral problems that are the real reason for their not
responding. Every person, from the Ph.D. at the university to the illiterate subsistence farmer in
Mexico, has the same need, namely, that his sin has separated him from the Holy God. Thus he
needs Christ as Savior. But, every person also has the same stubborn self-will that refuses to
submit to Jesus as Lord. We all want to run our own lives without bowing before Jesus.

So if a person tells me that he can’t believe in Christ because of intellectual problems, I will say,
“Specifically, which problems?” He may name something, such as evolution or that he doesn’t
believe the Bible is God’s Word. I respond, “If I can provide you with reasonable answers to that
problem, will you then believe in Christ?” I’ve never yet had a person say, “Yes.” Instead, he
will say, “Well, there are other issues, too.” I say, “Name them. Give me the list, and if I can
provide reasonable answers to each problem on your list, then will you become a follower of
Christ?” I’m trying to help the person see that the real issue isn’t intellectual, it’s moral. He
doesn’t want to give up sex with his girl friend or doing drugs or some other sin. But the content
of the Christian faith must be received by submitting our will to Christ.

3. The behavioral component: The content of the Christian faith must be worked out in
real life conduct.

Paul says, “The things you have ... heard and seen in me, practice these things; ...” Paul is not
boasting in himself. He simply knew that his life had integrity. He did not teach one thing and
live another. He did not act one way in public, but have a secret life of sin in private. You could
follow him around 24 hours of the day, seven days a week, and see a man who walked with God,
even in the trials he encountered. In fact, the Philippians had seen and heard about Paul and Silas
singing hymns of praise and praying in the Philippian jail at midnight during his first visit to that
city. You can’t fake it when you have been wrongly denied justice, when your back is laid open
and your feet are in the stocks in a smelly, rat-infested jail cell. Paul’s Christian life was real in
the crunch, and so he could honestly, without pride, call people to follow him as he followed
Christ (see 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:9; 2 Tim. 3:10).

His words point out the importance of having godly examples who show us not only by their
words, but also by the way they conduct themselves in the home and in all their lives, how to live
the Christian faith in the real world. Pastor John MacArthur correctly advises, “Never expose
yourself to the ministry of someone whose lifestyle you can’t respect” (Anxiety Attacked [Victor
Books], p. 41). John Calvin said, “It would be better for the preacher to break his neck going into
the pulpit than for him not to be the first to follow God.”

It is not that Paul or any man, except Jesus, is sinless. But a man who teaches God’s Word must
live it with integrity. That’s why an essential qualification for both elders and deacons is that
they manage their own households well (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 12). If I am not living under the lordship
of Christ with my wife and children, dealing with problems in a biblical manner, demonstrating
the fruit of the Spirit in my relationships with them, then I need to get out of the ministry.
Those of us who have walked with the Lord for a few years need to be looking for younger men
(or, women with women) we can spend time with to show them by the way we live how they
should live as Christians in daily life. That may threaten you, because you can’t fake it if a guy is
watching you when difficult situations arise. Do you live Christ in those situations? Do you
demonstrate godliness when you’re provoked?

When I was in my early twenties, a brother in his early thirties, who was married with three
young daughters, invited me to live with them for a short while. I spent three months with them,
and while he and I couldn’t spend as much time together as I had hoped for, because of his busy
schedule, I still could see the reality of Christ in their family life.

Also, I have been helped tremendously by reading Christian biographies. I feel like I know many
of the great saints who have gone before me because I have read their stories and I know how
they dealt with the trials and tests that came into their lives. By reading their biographies, I learn
how the content of the Christian faith takes on shoe leather, how it works out in daily conduct. I
encourage you to read the biographies of the faithful saints who have gone before us.

When Paul says, “Practice these things,” the word implies doing something repeatedly until it
becomes a habit or way of life. At first, habits feel awkward and unnatural. Remember the first
time you ever drove a car with a stick shift? It seemed like there were a million things to
remember and do all at once. But once you get it down, so that it’s a habit, you can hop in the car
and drive off while discussing some fine point of theology with a friend, and you don’t even
think about what you’re doing.

Habits can be either your friend or your foe. Godly habits work for you, since they determine
your daily routine in ways that help you grow in holiness. In Luke 4:16 we read that Jesus came
to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and then it says, “and as was His custom, He entered
the synagogue on the Sabbath ....” Jesus had a habit of spending the Sabbath with God’s people,
worshiping God. We should have the same habit every Lord’s day. We should have the habit of
reading God’s Word and praying each day. We should have the habit of avoiding things that
pollute our minds. Habits come from practicing these things over and over. At first, when you’re
changing from ungodly practices to pleasing God, it may seem awkward. Keep at it, practice it
until it becomes your routine.

Thus, Christian conduct is built on the biblical content of the Christian faith. There is the
intellectual component of the faith, which is grasped by the mind. There is the volitional
component, yielding our will to receive God’s truth personally. There is the behavioral
component, learning to put the Christian faith into daily practice. Finally,

4. The emotional component: The result of Christian conduct is the very presence of the
God of peace with you.

In verse 7 we saw that specific, thankful prayer results in the peace of God guarding our hearts
and minds. In verse 9 we see that the practice of Christian conduct results in the God of peace
being with us. You may be wondering, “I thought that God is always with us. Why does Paul say
something that’s always true as if it were a special deal?” The answer is, because it is a special
deal! Yes, God is always with the believer (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). But we do not always sense
His presence, nor do we always know His presence with us as the God of peace. He is the God
who is never troubled by the ups and downs of life, by the storms of circumstances that batter us
around, because He is the eternal, sovereign, Almighty God who accomplishes His purpose (see
Isa. 40).

Do you covet and seek for the presence of God, the God of peace, in your life? When Moses was
faced with the awesome task of leading an entire nation out of bondage in Egypt through the
barren Sinai desert, he prayed, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from
here. For how then can it be made known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your
people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished
from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?” (Exod. 33:15-16). God responded
by promising His presence. The presence of the God of peace with us is promised if we put our
knowledge of the Christian faith into daily Christian conduct.

Conclusion

D. A. Carson writes (Christianity Today [6/29/79], p. 31),

The supreme irony is that Christians hear best what the Spirit is saying to someone else. Speak to
the fundamentalist about the truth, and he hears you, precisely because he doesn’t need to; it is
the person with fuzzy notions about the eternality of the truth who will not hear. Speak to the
genuinely broad-minded ecumenist about love, and he hears you, precisely because he doesn’t
need to, but fundamentalists of a harsher variety will not.... The one who truly hears what the
Spirit says to the churches will be the one who is receptive to the words of God that he least
wishes to hear [emphasis his].

Elisabeth Elliot once overheard her young daughter singing to her cat, “Amazing grace, how
sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like you!” We’re all like that; the truth applies to the other
guy! “If just my wife and kids would apply this to their lives, we’d have a happy family!” No, I
need to apply the content of the Christian faith to my daily conduct. Then, the God of peace with
be with me. Let’s all practice being doers of the Word and not hearers only who deceive
themselves!

Discussion Questions

1. Why is Bible knowledge without application dangerous?

2. Why does modern Christianity disparage doctrine? How can we overcome this?
3. Is most change in Christian conduct instantaneous deliverance or a slow struggle? Why?
4. On which of the four components (intellectual, volitional, behavioral, emotional) should
our primary focus be? Why?

From the series: Ephesians: The Glory of God in the Church PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

12. Leaving Our Old Ways Behind (Ephesians 4:17-24)

17 This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the
Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding,
excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness
of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for
the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been
taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,

22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being
corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your
mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness
and holiness of the truth.

Introduction

I have always been one who enjoyed taking things that others threw away and finding a use for
them. Our daughter Amy is just like me in this regard. The other day she called home from
college. She reported that she and her roommate Gena were on their way to town to go out to
dinner. It was about a mile walk. On the way, they observed a man carrying some items out to
the street for the trash men. He must have been remodeling because among his “treasures” was
an old toilet and a kitchen sink, still attached to the cabinet.

The girls both looked over the throw-aways, and gave a momentary thought to making use of
them. Knowing how far it was from their dorm room, they decided not to try to take anything
with them. After dinner, they once again passed by these same items, only this time the
temptation was too great. They decided the toilet was too grungy to try to carry and fixed their
efforts on the kitchen sink. Gena took the sink end while Amy crawled into the cupboard part.
Away they walked with their find.

They carried this sink all the way home, until they reached to edge of their college campus. It
was still a good distance to their dorm room and so they called campus security and requested a
ride. Fortunately the van was dispatched. At first the driver was going to pass by the girls,
thinking that they could not possibly be his callers. They flagged him down, loaded the sink in
the back, and gratefully rode the remaining distance to their dorm room, where the sink and
cupboard became a planter.

The campus security guard radioed in on his way to the dorm. “I picked up the girls,” he
reported, “and the kitchen sink.” Needless to say, the security folks had a good laugh.

Often when I find something in the garbage, I do not use it for its originally intended use, but I
adapt it for some other use. God has done something similar to every Christian. So far as our
usefulness to God is concerned, when we are in our natural sinful state, we are fit for nothing
else than the trash. But when God saves us through the person and work of His Son, He
transforms us into something entirely new. Through His Spirit, which works in us personally and
through other members of the body of Christ, He equips us for serving Him. He gives us a new
identity and a new function.

In chapters 1-3 of Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians, Paul has spoken of the change which God has
brought about in our lives, for our good and for His glory. In chapters 4-6, Paul exhorts us as
Christians to carry out our calling as Christians. Our text in Ephesians 4:17-24 describes in very
general terms the changes in our thinking and behavior which being “in Christ” requires.

Our text falls into three divisions. In verses 17-19, Paul writes concerning our new relationship
to the world in which we live. In verses 22-24, Paul describes the Christian’s relationship to the
flesh, our old nature. And in between, in verses 20-21, Paul reminds us that in coming to faith in
Christ we learned a new way of life through Him who is the truth.

Verses 17-24 are general in nature. From verse 25 on Paul gets very specific, describing those
things which the Christian must put off and those which he must put on. By putting off and
putting on the things Paul identifies, we conduct ourselves in accordance with our calling.

Let us listen carefully to these vitally important truths, which are foundational to our Christian
thinking and conduct.

Putting the World Behind Us

(4:17-19)

17 This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the
Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding,
excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness
of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for
the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

As we approach this passage, we need to remember what Paul has already said about our
previous condition as unbelievers:

1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to
the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now
working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our
flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath,
even as the rest (Ephesians 2:1-3).

We were lifeless apart from Christ, dead in our trespasses and sins. Paul will take up this
“lifeless” dimension of the unbelievers in our text in chapter 4, in verse 18. But what is central to
our study is what Paul has to say above concerning the unbeliever’s relationship to the world and
to the flesh. As unbelievers, we were the pawns of Satan, under his dominion, carrying out his
dictates. We were unaware of this because he controlled us through the influence of the world
and the flesh. We once walked “according to the course of this world” (2:2) and in accordance
with the “lusts of our flesh” (2:3).
Now that we have been born again, in Christ we have been raised from our dead state spiritually
to newness of life. And because of this, we are to renounce the world and its dominion over us.
This is what Paul urges every believer to do in 4:17-19. We were also slaves to our own fleshly
desires, and now as believers we are to “put off” fleshly things and “put on” the things of the
Spirit (4:22-24). Being born again is meant to reverse the way we once were, apart from Christ.

In verse 17 of chapter 4, Paul introduces his teaching with a solemn reminder of the importance
of what he is about to say: “This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, …” The term
“affirm” means “to bear testimony” or “to serve as a witness.” It is used elsewhere in the New
Testament only by Paul.69 In every instance Paul employs this term to convey a sense of
importance and urgency. When our Lord sought to convey this same sense, He employed the
expression, “Truly, truly …”

Paul goes one step further in verse 17. He claims that his words are not his alone. What he is
about to say is the instruction of the Lord Himself. Paul’s command is Christ’s command.

Now Paul lays down the command70 which all Christians are to heed: “That you walk no longer
just as the Gentiles also walk …” Several things are implied or clearly stated by this command.
Let us consider them one at a time.

First, faith in Christ demands a radical change in the lifestyle of the believer from the way he
once behaved. The words “no longer” and “also” indicate that Paul’s readers once lived the way
they are now to renounce and reject. Paul’s command is to cease living the way they used to live
and to live in a way that glorifies God.

Second, this command deals with the Christian’s new relationship to the world. Once, as a part
of the world system, we were alienated from God and strangers to His kingdom. Now, as those in
Christ, we are citizens of God’s kingdom and members of His body, but we have become
strangers and pilgrims to this world (see Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Peter 1:1; 2:11).

Third, this command deals with the Christian’s relationship to the culture in which they live.
While the Ephesians saints once lived like Gentile heathen, their fellow-Ephesians still do live
this way. This may very well result in the persecution of the Gentile saints, since their godliness
poses a threat to the sinful ways of their peers (see 1 Peter 4:1-6). But in addition there will be
considerable pressure on the Gentile believers to continue to live as they used to.

Paul does more than to simply command his readers to cease living like unbelievers; he
commands them not to conduct themselves as their unbelieving Gentile peers. Why didn’t Paul
command the Ephesian saints not to live like the unbelieving Jews? Because these Gentile saints
were a part of the Gentile culture. It was this culture which threatened to influence them to live
as they formerly did. The “world” is, to a great extent, the culture in which we live, which seeks
to pressure us to conform to its values, standards, goals, and conduct. The “world” which most
influences us is the culture in which we have grown up.

Christianity, Paul implies, often runs across the grain of our culture, and thus we must determine
to follow Christ and to cease to march to the drum of the world in which we live. Peer pressure
contrary to God’s will and His Word is to be expected and rejected by the Christian, in order that
he or she may walk worthy of the calling with which we have been called (4:1).

Fourth, Paul maintains that the moral conduct of men is the outgrowth of his mental processes.
The dominant thought here, as we find elsewhere in Ephesians, is that doctrine determines
conduct. What we believe affects the way we behave.71

I am not a student of philosophy, but there are men like Francis Shaeffer who have done
considerable work in this area. I think that it is safe to say that the immorality which is so
rampant in the western world has been conceived by godless philosophers, and has been
skillfully propagated by institutions of “higher learning.” Paul’s warning about the dangers of
philosophy can be better understood in the light of his teaching on the relationship between
fallen man’s reasoning and his conduct. The way a man thinks does bear heavily on the way he
acts.

The Way Gentiles Walk

The final statement of verse 17 through verse 19 describes the way in which Paul’s readers once
walked as Gentiles, the way in which their peers still walk, and the way in which the Ephesians
saints must no longer walk.

… that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being
darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is
in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given
themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

The lifestyle of unbelieving Gentiles is characterized as a walk which is …

in the futility of their mind

being darkened in their understanding
excluded from the life of God

The conduct of the Ephesian saints before their conversion to faith in Christ was the outgrowth
of wrong doctrine. Paul speaks of their impairment as the “futility of their mind.” Futility is not
to be mistaken for stupidity. Futile efforts are efforts which do not materialize into something
worthwhile. Paul would not call Plato, Aristotle, or Socrates stupid. These men were Gentiles of
great standing and of brilliant intellect. Nevertheless, their beliefs and philosophies were futile.
They were futile because they failed to produce anything of lasting or eternal value.

Paul is taking us back to the very foundations of man’s thinking. The premises on which we base
our thoughts determine what the results of our thinking will be. For example, the unbeliever (as a
rule) thinks that life ends with death. Consequently, suffering is avoided and pleasure is pursued
(see 1 Corinthians 15:32). The Christian believes that real life begins with faith in Christ and
never ends. Because of this, suffering is joyfully endured for Christ’s sake, with the assurance
that we will eternally enjoy the glory which awaits us (see 2 Corinthians 4:13-18).
The believer in Christ understands that he or she has been chosen for salvation for a purpose, to
bring glory to God. Consequently, all that is done should be to His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The unbeliever sees all of life revolving around his own personal interests, and so self-interest is
always the focus and servanthood is viewed with contempt. Furthermore, the thinking of the
believer is based upon the revelation of truth in the Scriptures, while the thinking of the
unbeliever is based only upon the individual’s subject perception of truth and reality. It is no
wonder, therefore, that the mind set on the flesh is vastly different from the mind set on the Spirit
(see Romans 8:5-9). And so it is that a believer’s thinking must be radically transformed
(Romans 12:2).

The root cause of the distortion of Gentile thinking is also identified:

because of the ignorance that is in them

because of the hardening of their heart

After describing the mental condition of heathen Gentiles, Paul presses on to disclose the causes
of their mental dullness. Their thinking is futile because they are ignorant. Ignorance here surely
does not refer to one’s intelligence. Neither does ignorance seem to refer to what one does not
know. Ignorance, as Paul uses the term, refers to the “knowledge” which unbelievers possess, in
which they place their trust, and from which they base their actions. It may be brilliant
ignorance, but when compared with the truth of God, it is ignorance.

The mind of man and the heart of man are closely inter-twined. When Paul speaks of the
“hardening of their heart” he refers to the impact which the hardened heart has on the minds of
fallen men. Hardness of heart keeps one from seeing things as they really are. This was true of
Pharaoh, who could not see the “finger of God” in the plagues of the Exodus, even when his own
servants pointed it out to him (Exodus 8:19). It was even true of the Lord’s disciples, who could
not understand what He was teaching them (Mark 6:52; 8:17).

The mental condition of fallen Gentiles ultimately works itself out in the moral lives of these
unbelievers. Men who are excluded from the life of God do not reflect the righteousness of God
in their conduct. And so Paul describes the moral outcome of the Gentiles’ mental decadence:
“And they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of
every kind of impurity with greediness” (verse 19).

Those who are mentally blind become morally callused. They lose any sensitivity to what is right
or wrong. Consequently, they give themselves over to the pursuit of fleshly pleasure.

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self,
lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

Such men are not merely overcome by strong fleshly passions, they actively engage in the
pursuit of these passions. They do not dabble in sin, they immerse themselves in it. They pursue
the satisfaction of their fleshly appetites with a passion. They are greedy for fleshly pleasure.
They can never get enough of it. They are, we would say, addicted to the pursuit of satisfying
their fleshly urges.

Living According To What You Have Learned

(4:20-21)

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been
taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus.

Paul has already begun the transition from the mental decay of the Gentiles to their moral
decadence. He has begun to shift his attention from the Christian’s obligation to resist and reject
the ungodly pressures of the world system. He is already turning from the Christian and the
world to the Christian and the flesh, from external temptation to internal temptation. But before
he deals with the “old self” and the “new self,” Paul will remind his readers that what he is
teaching them is not really new at all, but rather the reiteration of what they had already learned.

I believe that Paul is referring to the conversion experience of the Ephesian saints in verse 20.
Paul may not even be attempting to distinguish between evangelism and discipleship here, but
rather is only seeking to show the continuity between his teaching in this epistle and that which
they had already received.

“Learning Christ” is not the typical way of referring to one’s coming to Christ in the Bible. It
most certainly is not the normal way of referring to conversion today. Biblical terms such as
“born again” are sometimes used, but more often unbiblical expressions are the norm. We talk,
for example, of “inviting Christ into our lives,” which is both existential and self-oriented. We
talk little of “learning” and we think that doctrine and evangelism are not closely related. “Let
them first get saved, and then let them learn doctrine,” is the way many Christians seem to think.

Paul assumes otherwise, perhaps because some of those to whom Paul was writing came to faith
directly or indirectly through his ministry at Ephesus (see Acts 19). Coming to Christ, as Paul
believed and practiced, was not just an experience. It was learning. It was learning Christ.

One of the most foolish statements I have ever heard is, “I don’t worship doctrine, I worship
Jesus.” Paul would never tolerate such mindless talk. How does one “learn Christ” without
learning the doctrines which tell us who He is? Is Christ only a man, or is He also God? The
difference is of great importance, and it is only from learning the doctrines of Christ in the
Scriptures that we will know the answer.

I wonder how biblical our evangelism is, compared to that which we find in the Scriptures. Our
method of evangelizing seems to be more of a sales presentation, which seeks to get as quickly
as possible to the “bottom line”—some kind of assent to trusting in Christ. When Jesus
evangelized, He taught. Everywhere we find Jesus speaking in the gospels, He taught. It often
took a considerable period of time for the truth He was teaching to be grasped, and this was only
through the ministry of God’s Holy Spirit (see Matthew 16:17).72 When Paul went to the
synagogues, he taught from the Scriptures, demonstrating that Jesus was the promised Messiah
(see Acts 9:19-22; 13:5, 14ff.).
As I understand Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:20 and 21, Paul assumes that those who have come
to Christ have already learned much about Him, and about the nature of the Christian life which
should result from trusting in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Suffering should come as no surprise, if
our evangelism has been true to the teaching of God’s Word (see Luke 9:23-26; Acts 14:22; 1
Thessalonians 2:1-12). There is no “small print” left out of our gospel, which comes
unexpectedly after conversion.

There is a reason why faith in Christ and learning are closely related. This is explained in verse
21: “If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, …”

Jesus is not just a teacher; He is even more than the teacher. Jesus is the truth: “Jesus said to him,
‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me’” (John
14:6). Jesus is the truth. To come to Him in faith is to come from death to life, from
condemnation to justification, from sin to sanctification, and from ignorance to true wisdom.
You cannot come to faith in Jesus Christ without changing your thinking. This is what true
repentance is all about—changing your mind, and coming to see things as God does. And so it is
that Paul links evangelism and discipleship. Coming to Christ by faith is the result of learning
about Him (see Romans 10:13-17), just as it is also the beginning of learning.

The lifestyle which Paul sets out as God’s standard for Christians should come as a surprise to no
convert to Christ, as radically different as it is from our former way of life. Our relationship to
the world and to our own flesh is simply the outworking of the gospel which we should already
have learned in coming to Christ. If, as may be the case today, some have not learned these
general things of which Paul speaks in verses 17-24, then the gospel has not been fully or
faithfully proclaimed.

Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New

(4:22-24)

22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being
corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your
mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness
and holiness of the truth.

In the first verses of Ephesians chapter 2, Paul described the unbeliever as being subject to the
world, the flesh, and the devil. In most instances, the devil exercises control over lost men by
means of the external pressure of the world and corresponding internal inclinations of the flesh.
In Ephesians 4:17-19 Paul has instructed the Christian to turn from the corrupting influences of
the world in which we live (our culture). Now, in verses 22-24, Paul turns to the subject of our
flesh, urging us to put off the “old man” and to put on the new.

I understand Paul to refer to the flesh as our “old self,” or as the marginal note in the NASB
indicates, our “old man.” In Romans chapter 8 this “old self” would be synonymous with the
“mind set on the flesh” (Romans 8:6-7). The “new self” would be our new “inner man” (Romans
7:22; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Ephesians 3:16), the “mind set on the Spirit” (Romans 8:6).
Beginning at verse 25, Paul will specifically identify those attitudes and actions which we should
“put off” and those which should be “put on” in their place. But here Paul is dealing with our
manner of life in principle, in general terms. Our fleshly behavior is the outgrowth, the
expression, of our inner fleshly nature, just as Christian conduct is the outgrowth and expression
of the inner man, created and empowered by the Holy Spirit:

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the
flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition
to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the
Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:
immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of
anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these,
of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall
not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires
(Galatians 5:16-24).

Paul persists in emphasizing the continuity between our conversion to Christ and our conduct in
Christ, which should be evident in our manner of life.

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? 2 May it never
be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have
been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been
buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead
through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have
become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of
His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin
might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is
freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9
knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is
master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He
lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in
Christ Jesus.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, 13 and do
not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but
present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of
righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but
under grace (Romans 6:1-14).

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, (Colossians 2:6).

In Christ, our old man has been crucified, put to death. In our daily conduct, we should crucify
the flesh daily, and put aside the conduct which springs forth from fleshly desires. In Christ we
were made alive, raised from the dead and seated with Him in the heavenlies (see Ephesians 2:5-
6). We should therefore walk in newness of life, manifesting the work of the Spirit of God in and
through us. It is by His power that we are both motivated and enabled to live in a way that
pleases God:

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law
could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of
sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the
requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but
according to the Spirit.… 10 And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet
the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the
dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal
bodies through His Spirit who indwells you. (Romans 8:1-4, 10-11)

20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and
the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and
delivered Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20).

This expression, “lusts of deceit” is somewhat puzzling as to its precise meaning. What we can
be sure of is that there is a direct relationship between “lust” and “deceit.” I believe it is safe to
say that “lust” is “deceitful,” and also to say that “deceit” is “lustful.” Lust is deceitful in that it
does not produce what it seems to promise. Lust promises pleasure, but it ultimately produces
death (see Romans 6:15-23, especially verse 21). Deceit is lustful in that it never seems to be
satisfied, it always wants more victims (see Proverbs 1:10-19).

Jesus warned of the danger of attempting to remove evil, rather than replacing it (see Luke
11:26). Paul’s words indicate that our old nature and its deeds are not merely to be rejected, they
are to be replaced. We must “put off” the old man and at the same time “put on” the new. While
the old nature is continually being corrupted by the lusts of deceit, the new nature is renewing us,
in accordance with the nature of God and His righteousness and truth. The old nature is being
corrupted, the new is being renewed. The old is deceitful, the new deals in truth. The old is
sinful, the new is righteous. The old is driven by lusts, the new by the character and purposes of
God.

Conclusion

Christ did not save us in order that we may live any way that we choose. He saved us to live
godly lives, and thus to live in a way that is radically different from our lifestyle as unbelievers.
Our conduct, as Paul has indicated in verse 1 of chapter 4 is to conduct ourselves in a manner
that is worthy of our calling in Christ.

The conduct which God requires of Christians should not come as a surprise to them after they
have been saved. The gospel, as preached by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles, called men
to repentance as well as to faith in Christ. Men were required to turn from their sin to Christ, and
it was clear that this meant a new way of life. The “gospel” of our day is not so clearly stated. It
is as though we fear that men will be receive Christ if they know what is involved. The irony is
that the gospel, the true gospel, is the power of God unto salvation. The more we seek to rid the
gospel of its unappealing aspects (from the unbeliever’s point of view) the more we rob it of its
power. We then rely more on our cleverness and deceit than on the power of the Holy Spirit to
convince and convert lost sinners. When we share our faith, let us tell it like it is.

This text, and those which follow in Ephesians, make it clear that while salvation and
sanctification are the work of God, they require man’s response. God is sovereign in the
salvation and spiritual growth of those whom He has chosen. He also ordained that men are to be
informed of the gospel and of God’s standards of conduct, and that we are to act in obedience to
His commands, not in our own strength, but in that which He supplies. Let us not leave this text
with a passive view of our spiritual life. God has made every provision for our sanctification, and
we are to obediently make use of them, for His glory and for our good.

It is almost impossible to overestimate the importance of the truths conveyed in the passage
before us. While the verses which follow it will spell out specific conduct which befits the
Christian, this text speaks of the basis for our conduct in general terms. It is our commitment to
the general exhortations of this passage which will greatly affect our compliance with the
commands that follow.

The Christian lifestyle will not be lived out by those with a pagan mindset. It is the Christian
mindset of our text which works itself out in the conduct which befits our calling in Christ.
Allow me to point out some of the inferences of Paul’s teaching in our text and its implications
in our practical daily living.

Our pagan culture believes that the past is the key to the present. What we think and how we act,
we are told, is the result of our past. It is only by understanding our past that we can live as we
should in the present. In other words, the past controls the present.

The Bible reverses this. Paul teaches us that our thinking and conduct in the past was the
outworking of our unregenerate thinking. Paul insists that we refuse to allow our past to control
us in the present. Instead, Paul teaches us that what we now are, in Christ, is what should
override and overrule our past thinking and behavior. What we now are in Christ should cause us
to put away what we once thought and did as unbelievers. Our past should not be resurrected,
analyzed and dwelled upon, it should be buried in an unmarked grave. It is not what we were that
matters, but what we are. Let us ponder what we are, in Christ, and not what we were without
Him.

In our culture, what you believe seems to have taken second place to how you feel. The sensitive,
intelligent, and probing thing to ask these days is, “How do you feel about that?” Paul would
rather have us focus on what we believe. What we feel is often a far cry from what is true, and
even from what we believe. Faith, as I understand it, calls upon men to act on the truth God has
revealed in His Word, not on how we feel. Abraham did not “feel” like leaving his homeland and
relatives to go to an unnamed place, but he obeyed God. Neither did he feel like offering up his
son, Isaac, but he was willing to obey. Our Lord did not feel like going to the cross of Calvary,
but He obeyed the will of His Father. Let us act on what we know to be the truth as revealed in
the Word of God, more than on how we happen to feel. As a rule, faith acts on the facts of God’s
Word and disregards our feelings.

If the renewing of our minds is so vital to our Christian life, how is it done? The Bible is not a
book of formulas, but I would like to focus your attention on one key element: the Word of God.
When a person wants to learn a foreign language, what is the most effective way to do so? It is to
enter into that culture and language and become saturated with it. This is how our children learn
to talk and to think as we do. If we would desire to have our minds renewed, then we must find
God’s thoughts and immerse ourselves in them. His thoughts have been incarnated in Christ, the
Living Word, and recorded in the Bible, His inspired written Word.

I dare say that most Christians spend more time in front of their television sets, radios,
magazines, and books than they do in their Bibles. Even many Christian stations and publications
contain much that is secular thinking sprinkled with a smattering of spiritual jargon. If we would
think God’s thoughts after Him, we will find them only in His Word. Let us become so saturated
with His Word that we begin to reflect His ways, His values, His goals, His methods. This is the
renewing of the mind which Paul calls for.

69 See also Acts 20:26; 26:22; Galatians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:11.

70 In the original text, the imperative mood is not used, but most Bible students would probably
agree that the sense is that of a command. It is what A. T. Robertson, the Greek scholar, calls an
“indirect command.” The same would be true of the parallel infinitives that convey the
commands in verses 22 and 23. In each instance the imperative is preceded by the word “that.”
See A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1931),
IV, p. 539.

71 The reverse is also true. Men’s behavior affects the way they think. Just as bad thinking leads
to wrong conduct, so wrong conduct leads to bad thinking. Solomon is an example of this.
Although the wisest man in the world, Solomon disobeyed God in several ways. Among these
was his marriage to foreign wives. I believe that as his moral conduct deteriorated, so did his
mental acuity. What results is a downward cycle. Bad thinking leads to wrong conduct, which
leads to further deterioration in one’s thinking, which leads to further moral decay. An
illustration of this cycle can be found in Romans chapter 1.

72 The fact of the matter is that most of what Jesus taught was not understood by anyone until
after His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit (see John
14:25-26; 16:7-15).

"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

Be An Example To The Believers (4:12)

INTRODUCTION
1. Instructing Timothy as to his obligations, Paul charges him to "be an
example to the believers..." - 1Ti 4:12

2. The word "example"...

a. Comes from the Greek word "tupos"
b. Used here in the sense of being a pattern, an example, for others
to follow

[We shall examine what sort of example Paul has in mind, but let's first
stress that Timothy is not the only person who ought to be an
example...]

I. THOSE WHO OUGHT TO BE EXAMPLES

A. MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL...

1. Such as Timothy - 1Ti 4:12
2. Such as Titus - Tit 2:7-8
-- Preachers and evangelists should certainly set a good example
for others

B. SHEPHERDS OF THE FLOCK...

1. As Peter charged the elders - 1Pe 5:1-3
2. As the Hebrew writer encouraged his readers to follow their
faith - He 13:7
-- Elders (i.e., bishops and pastors) should provide an example
worth following

C. FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS...
1. Certainly true of mature Christians - Php 3:15-17
2. Can also be true of new Christians (e.g., the new church at
Thessalonica) - 1Th 1:6-8
3. And true of younger Christians (e.g., Timothy) - cf. 1Ti 4:12a
-- All Christians, young and old, should strive to be examples to
one another!

[Now let's consider...]

II. THE KIND OF EXAMPLES WE SHOULD BE

A. AN EXAMPLE IN "WORD"...
1. Many understand Paul to refer to speech, personal conversation
(cf. Barnes)
a. Certainly Christians are to be careful in their speech - cf.
Ep 4:29,31; 5:4,12
b. Their speech should be with "grace" (remember Jesus?) - Co
 4:6; cf. Lk 4:22
2. Others think Paul was referring to doctrine, what one taught
(cf. Clarke)
a. That one teach nothing but the truth, that which accords to
God's Word
b. Timothy was to be careful regarding doctrine - cf. 1Ti 4:6,
13,16
-- Whether in private conversation or public teaching, Christians
should set an example of speaking the truth with grace

B. AN EXAMPLE IN "CONDUCT"...
1. The KJV uses the word "conversation"; the ASV has "manner of
life"
a. The Grk. is anastrophe - "manner of life, conduct, behavior,
deportment" - Thayer
b. "The word 'conversation' we now apply almost exclusively to
oral discourse, or to talking. But it was not formerly
confined to that and is never so used in the Scriptures. It
means conduct in general - including, of course, our manner
of speaking, but not limited to that - and should be so
understood in every place where it occurs in the Bible."
- Barnes
2. Regarding our conduct or manner of life, it should:
a. Demonstrate meekness and wisdom - Jm 3:13
b. Display holiness, reverence, purpose - 1Pe 1:15-19
-- Not only is our conduct to be an example to the believers, but
honorable among unbelievers - cf. 1Pe 2:11-12

C. AN EXAMPLE IN "LOVE"...
1. The KJV uses the word "charity"; most other translations have
"love"
a. The Grk. is agape - "brotherly love, affection, good will,
love, benevolence" - Thayer
b. A popular definition is "active good will"
2. The love we are to display is to be manifested toward:
a. God and our brethren - Mt 22:37; 1Jn 4:11
b. Our fellow man including our enemies - Mt 22:39; 5:44
-- In a world where love is often lacking, Christians should
exemplify the virtue

D. AN EXAMPLE IN "SPIRIT"...
1. Most translations omit the phrase "in spirit"; not found in the
oldest manuscripts
2. The Grk. is pneuma - as used here, it refers to zeal,
disposition or attitude
3. That Christians should be fervent in spirit is clearly taught
 elsewhere:
a. In reference to good works - Tit 2:14
b. In reference to our service to the Lord - Ro 12:11; Re 2:4
c. In reference to our love for one another - 1Pe 1:22; 4:8
-- Christians should provide an example of enthusiasm in their
service, not lethargy!

E. AN EXAMPLE IN "FAITH"...
1. Nearly all translations read "faith"; the ISV reads
"faithfulness"
a. The Grk. is pistis - "assurance, belief, believe, faith,
fidelity" - Strong
b. It can refer to either the belief one has (as in God), or to
the fidelity and faithfulness of one's character
2. Both should be true of the Christian:
a. Possessing a strong belief or faith in God and Christ - He
11:6
b. Displaying the character of faithfulness and dependability
- Re 2:10
-- "At all times, and in all trials show to believers by your
example, how they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in
God." - Barnes

F. AN EXAMPLE IN "PURITY"...
1. Virtually all translations use the word "purity"
a. The Grk. is hagneia - "purity, sinlessness of life" - Thayer
b. In the NT, used only here and in 1Ti 5:2
2. Moral or sexual purity, both in thought and act, seems to be
the idea
a. "There should be nothing in your contact with the other sex
that would give rise to scandal." - Barnes
b. "Chastity of body and mind; a direction peculiarly necessary
for a young minister, who has more temptations to break its
rules than perhaps any other person." - Clarke
-- As Paul would instruct Timothy later, all Christians should
"flee youthful lusts" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love,
peace..." - cf. 2Ti 2:22

CONCLUSION

1. Are we calling on the Lord out of a pure heart...? - cf. 2Ti 2:22
a. Calling upon Him for our salvation?
b. Calling upon Him for our sanctification?

2. Then let our example be one that illustrates the power of the gospel
 to impact...
a. Our words
b. Our conduct
c. Our love
d. Our spirit
e. Our faith
f. Our purity

What kind of church (people) would we be if everyone followed our own

example in these things? May this question motivate us to examine our
lives and correct any deficiencies that we may find...

What Will You Give Him This Christmas?

What's the first word that comes to your mind when you think about Christmas? Is it gifts,
family, friends, parties, pain, loneliness, or even debt? How do you feel about another year to
celebrate Christmas? If Christmas is going to be everything you dreamed it would be, one word I
hope you associate with Christmas is the word love, because Christmas is all about love. It's not
about what Hollywood tells us it is. It's not about a winter wonderland, kissing Santa under the
mistletoe, or even putting up a tree.

Christmas is receiving the love of God, because Christ, whose birth we're celebrating, was God's
ultimate expression of His love. "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a
virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).
Immanuel, means "God with us," the incarnation of God in human flesh, God and man, God born
of a virgin, God with us in the form of a child. Do you realize how much God loves you? He
loves you so much that His Son left heaven, came down and confined Himself to the womb of a
woman. He was born a human being; God in the flesh.

Christmas is all about a baby who was laid in a manger with the shadow of a cross looming over
it. The baby laid in that manger is the Lamb of God who died to take care of your sins and mine.
The Lamb of God who would hang on Calvary's cross. The Lamb of God whose blood would be
a ransom, a payment to redeem you out of the slave market of sin. The Lamb of God who would
die, be buried, and be raised again on the third day, never die to die again. The Lamb of God who
would say, "He who believes in Me will live even if he dies" (John 11:25).

He knew why He had come. He was born to die so that you and I, who were dead in our sin,
might have life. He came so that you and I who were separated from God might be reconciled to
God. Christmas is about love, a love that reconciles, a love that takes two who are at enmity with
one another and again makes them friends. Love reconciles.

It's not God who needs to be reconciled to man, but it's man who needs to be reconciled to God.
Christmas is about love and a love that heals. Love salves our wounds and brings healing to us.
This is what Christmas is all about. Christmas is receiving the love of God and then giving it to
others. Is there someone you need to forgive, someone who needs to hear from you, "I love
you"?
Let this Christmas be a time to focus on loving others and loving God. It's a process, but what a
perfect time of year to begin taking steps towards making things right with a loved one and with
God.

If you're not careful, you can miss the true meaning of Christmas all together. You may wonder
about all the gifts that you're going to give to possibly your mother, father, sister, brother,
husband, wife, and to your kids. The kids...they can become so excited; they cannot wait until
Christmas morning when they can open their gifts. Do you remember that excitement, that joy?

I can remember when I was a little girl being so excited about saving up my money to buy my
father a Christmas present. I could not wait until I could give him my gift. I wanted my daddy to
love what I gave him because I loved my daddy. How much more we should love our heavenly
Father. Does your life express your love to God? What will you give Him?

You might think, "How do I do that?" I want you to truly experience and understand what
Christmas is really all about.

Beloved, it cannot be celebrated apart from receiving God's gift of love, apart from giving
that gift of love to others, and apart from loving God as we ought to love God.

If this Christmas you're going to tell God that you love Him, then the gift you are to give to Him
is the gift of obedience. Study His Word, know what it says, and obey what He says. It's one
thing to hear His Word; it's another thing to obey it. "If you love Me, you will keep My
commandments" (John 14:15). Slow down from all the hustle and bustle of this season and spend
time with Him. Examine your life. Are there areas in your life you know aren't pleasing to Him?
Confess it to God, and turn from it. Pursue Holiness, not happiness. All the trimmings of this
world will always come up empty.

Joy comes through obedience and spending time with Him. "You will make known to me the
path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever"
(Psalm 16:11).

Don't just tell Him you love Him; show Him you love Him with an obedient life. What will you
give Him this Christmas?

Beloved, be sure and celebrate the wonder of your gift — the Christ of Christmas — and then
give thanks to God for the great love with which He has loved you!

There's only one answer that I know of, He read from Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
unto God, which is your reasonable service. And not be conformed to this world, but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good , and acceptable,
and perfect , will of God. The best present that you can give God this Christmas, is yourself, and
your family, with Love. Can we do that Church, can we give God of ourself this Christmas and
not only on Christmas but all thru the year?
Fortunately, Scripture gives us a good blueprint for some ways that we can show our thanks to
God.

1. We can give Him our praise. The psalmist says in Psalm 63:3–4, “Because your
lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus will I bless You while I live; I
will lift up my hands in Your name” (nkjv).

It’s funny that we think it’s perfectly normal for people to wear their favorite team’s jersey to a
sporting event, and go wild when their team scores. But when you come to church on Sunday
morning and someone is lifting up his hands during the worship time, people stare and call him a
fanatic.

Is there a place for verbally praising God, for lifting our hands in worship? Yes. It is biblical to
lift your hands to the Lord. It is a good thing to do. You shouldn’t be reluctant to lift your hands
in praise to God.

2. I should keep my promises to God. Psalm 116:18 says, “I will keep my promises to the Lord
in the presence of all His people” (nlt).

When you prayed to receive Christ, you made a promise to God that you would turn away from
your previous sinful lifestyle. You pledged to follow His commands, just as Jesus said: “You are
My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14 nkjv).

Now, of course, we are still flawed humans and we won’t always do exactly as He says, but we
still need to be obedient to His will and keep that promise we made to Him.

3. We can honor the Lord by bringing our offerings to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 16:28 says, “O
nations of the world, recognize the lord, recognize that the lord is glorious and strong. Give to
the lord the glory He deserves! Bring your offering and come to worship Him. Worship the lord
in all His holy splendor” (nlt).

When you are a child, it is hard to wrap your mind around the idea that giving is better than
receiving. You’re more concerned about what people are going to give you. But as you get older
and become a parent, you discover the joy of giving. You actually find more pleasure in giving a
gift than in receiving one.

Jesus gives us another reason why giving is so important to Christians in Matthew 6:19–21:

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break
in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys
and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also. (nkjv)
In other words, Jesus is saying that it is wrong to put all of our hope in earthly treasures with
nothing waiting for us on the other side. Why? Because these earthly treasures simply will not
last.

When you play Monopoly, it’s fun to put up hotels and collect money and try to win. But once
the game is over, that Monopoly money isn’t worth anything. You can’t go down to the car
dealer, pull out those orange bills, and buy a new car. Monopoly money can’t do a thing for you
in the real world.

When we get to heaven, all we have on earth will have no value if we do not invest it properly.
You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. How? By investing in the work of the
kingdom of God.

Honorable Conduct
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as
evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).

- 1 Peter 2:11–12

Thousands of years ago, the faithful remnant of the nation of Israel was sent into exile among
pagan peoples. This remnant (particularly as exemplified by Daniel and his friends) lived in
fidelity to the one, true God by refusing to follow the ungodly customs and morals of the
societies in which they were forced to dwell.

As we have seen over the past few days, those who have trusted Christ alone for salvation are the
true people of God. Even now we are being built into a spiritual house founded upon Jesus our
Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6–8). We have been ingrafted into faithful Israel and have been set apart
as holy unto the Lord (vv. 9–10).

However, even though we are God’s people, we remain in exile waiting for Christ to bring us to
our permanent home in the new heavens and the new earth. In today’s passage, Peter reminds us
that we are exiles, and he urges us to abstain from the fleshly passions that war against our souls
(v. 11). Just as earthly travellers do not generally conform themselves to the customs and
traditions of the foreign lands in which they are visiting, so too must we who are travelling
through this fallen world not conform our lives to sin. We are holy unto the Lord (v. 9) and must
live accordingly.

Abstaining from the passions of the flesh does not mean that we completely withdraw from
society. Though humanity is fallen, our bearing the image of God means that even the most
depraved human being does, at least unconsciously, recognize the difference between right and
wrong (Rom. 1:18–32). Because of this, Peter also tells us that we must live honorably among
the Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12). We must do good deeds and submit to righteous laws even though we
are only sojourners in this evil world.
Peter tells us that when we do such things, Gentiles (those who deny Christ) will recognize the
good deeds of Israel (true believers) and glorify God on the day of visitation. Whether God visits
the non-believer in this life through conversion, or executes judgment on him, our good works
will cause those who presently deny Christ to glorify Him one day for His mercy and justice
(Phil. 2:9–11).

Coram Deo
What is your conduct like among non-believers? Are you a faithful witness of the God of
Scripture to your neighbors or to your fellow employees? Or do you behave dishonorably before
the world? Spend some time in prayer today, asking God to help you to be obedient to the call to
live honorably in this pagan world. When tempted to act dishonorably, remember that you are a
witness for Christ at all times.

Passages for Further Study

Neh. 1:1–2:8
Dan. 1
Matt. 5:14–16
Rom. 12:18–21

Daniel 6:4
Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel
in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of
corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him.

Question: "How important is Christian conduct to how the unbelieving world sees
Christ?"

Answer: Here is the simple answer to the question of how important Christian conduct is:
VERY IMPORTANT! The Bible is replete with verses that link Christian conduct with how the
world sees Christ. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your
good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). “By their approval
of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your
confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all
others” (2 Corinthians 9:13). “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when
they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of
visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).

If we liken Christianity to a movie, our good works can be seen as the trailer. When unbelievers
see the love Christians have for one another and the good works they perform, they may think all
sorts of evil things about Christians, but they cannot fault their conduct, and this abounds to the
glory of God. Even in our witnessing and defense of the faith, we should conduct ourselves with
gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), not in angry, boastful tones.

The truth of the matter is that the gospel is already an offense to the unbelieving world (1
Corinthians 1:18); Christians should not add to the offense. This sentiment is clearly seen in
Peter’s first epistle. He exhorts his readers that, if they’re going to suffer at the hands of evil
men, let it be because they’re Christians and not because they were acting sinfully (1 Peter 4:14-
16).

Another good portion of Scripture where this point is laid out is in Paul’s letter to Titus. In the
second chapter, Paul gives Titus instructions on how to teach his congregation. At three separate
points in this chapter, he illustrates the point we’re discussing here. Paul urges Titus to teach
young women “to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own
husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled” (Titus 2:5). Likewise, he exhorts Titus “to be
a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that
cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about
us” (Titus 2:7-8). Finally, Paul tells Titus to admonish slaves “to be submissive to their own
masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing
all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:9-
10). In all three cases, Paul makes the point that Christian conduct is important in not only
shutting the mouths of evil men, but also in guarding the integrity of the Word of God.

Consider the alternative. If Christians conduct themselves no differently from the outside world,
what good is that? If indeed the outside world is watching and they see no difference between
themselves and Christians, what motivation (if any) will there be for them to forego their
unbelieving lifestyle? Additionally, and more importantly, the unbeliever is already inherently
hostile to the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:7-8). If Christians conduct
themselves as the unbelieving world does, then all we do is invite scorn and charges of
hypocrisy. Consider the feeding frenzy in the unbelieving world whenever a prominent Christian
is caught in a scandal.

To be sure, no unbeliever will be saved by the good works of the Christian; the gospel must be
presented. Furthermore, we all know that even at our best, we are still prone to sin. Yet the
gospel is much more likely to be received positively if it is presented by a person who is humble
and gentle than a person who is rude and cantankerous. Our actions can either help or hinder the
gospel. As the saying goes, God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick, but imagine how
much easier it would be if the stick were less crooked.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your
conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer
everyone," Col. 4:5-6(NIV)

How do you behave with and toward unbelievers? Do you like them? Do you hate them? Do you
tolerate them? Are you concerned about their salvation? Do you act like them when you aren't in
Christian company? Do you snub them if they aren't holy? Some Christians think that being kind
to unbelievers is like throwing pearls before swine. Then there are Christians who stand on street
corners, in malls, and in front of abortion clinics to witness to unbelievers. Others just don't care
one way or another. Where do you fit in? Do you share your faith using hugs or headlocks?
Honey or a hammer? Or do you even share your faith at all?

The Word of God is very specific about how you as a Christian are to conduct yourself toward
the non-Christian. Turn with me to Col. 4:5-6 and we will read together what God wants you, as
a Christian, to do.

The literal translation of Col. 4:5-6 is

In wisdom, walk toward the ones outside, redeeming the time. Let your word be always in grace,
having been seasoned with salt, to know how it is necessary for each one of you to answer.

1. God wants you to conduct yourselves with wisdom toward unbelievers, v. 5

1. First of all, before anything else is said, we need to focus on something very
important: the cross of Christ.
1. It is because of the cross and our redemption found there that we are able
to seek to be wise and good towards unbelievers.
2. The sacrifice of Christ has cleansed us from our sins, forgiven us our
trespasses, and enabled us to be gracious and kind by changing us. As we
were once against God in our unbelief, God was gracious and kind to us.
Because of Jesus we are to be kind to others.
2. Literally, the Greek says to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders."
1. To the Jew every non-Jew was an outsider. To the Christian, every non-
Christian is an outsider; that is, outside the church. Outside of a
relationship with the Lord Jesus.
2. The context of the church: "In the days of the early church believers were
often slandered by these outsiders. Christians were called atheists because
they served no visible gods, unpatriotic because they did not burn incense
before the image of the emperor, and immoral because, of necessity, they
would often meet behind locked doors."
3. Today there is still an attack on the church. Christians are called bigots
because they condemn homosexuality, intolerant because they oppose
abortion, religious extremists because they condemn sin, and narrow-
minded because they believe there is one "one faith, one Lord, and one
baptism" (Eph. 4:5).
4. Yet, in spite of these attacks we are to remain humble, loving, caring,
kind, and gentle. If we are not, if we do not show love and forbearance in
the face of cruelty, insult, intolerance, and ridicule, then you are not
showing the world that we know Jesus?
3. That is why it is so important to have wise conduct before unbelievers.
1. One reason is so you aren't made a fool.
2. The reputation of the gospel depends on you.
3. The world judges Christianity by what it sees in you.
 1.
1. Are you representing it well with kindness, holiness,
consistent reverence to the Lord?
4. Also, unfortunately, the world judges Christianity by what it sees on
television where lies about Christians and Christianity are broadcast as the
pagans version of the "gospel truth." All the more reason to live holy lives.
1.
1. I remember years ago watching Miami vice. It opened with
two Christians preaching. There was this bad guy who
tripped and fell at the feet of two "Christians" who had
Bibles and had been preaching. When the bad guy fell at
their feet, the Christians started hitting him with their
Bibles, kicking him, and yelling mean things at him.
2. On another show, "Renegade" there was coffee house scene
where a Christian couple behaved rudely, bigoted,
cowardly, and stupid.
5. Nevertheless, in spite of the insults, you are to be wise.
4. God wants your conduct to be with wisdom. This conduct is your manner of
behavior. This means you are to be
1. sympathetic (this could be in counseling, listening, etc.)
2. compassionate and humble (1 Pet. 3:8).
1. "To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly,
kindhearted, and humble in spirit;"
3. loving
1. "Don't repay evil for evil, or insult with insult, but with blessing
repay the evil cast at you" (1 Pet. 3:9).
4. patient - you are to be considerate and longsuffering with the unbeliever.
5. know when not to speak
1. That is often one of the hardest things to do. It is so often the best
thing to simply listen to a person and wait for a better opportunity.
6. If your conduct is indeed with wisdom, then the name of Christ will not be
maligned.
1. The unbeliever will have no basis to mock Christ, His church, or
His people.
2. And, he may be brought into the fold of Christ.
2. God wants you to make the most of the opportunity with unbelievers, v. 5
1. Literally, the Greek says "redeeming the time," or "buying up the opportunity."
The sense then would be "Do not just sit there and wait for opportunity to fall into
your lap, but go after it. Yes, buy it."
2. There is definitely a time to be aggressive in your relationship with an unbeliever.
3. I would hope that as Christians you would not become complacent about
evangelism. God uses the Gospel to call His people out of the world.
4. The time is short and the world is evil: Ephesians 5:15-17 says, "Be very careful,
then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every
opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but
understand what the Lord's will is."
3. God wants you to let your speech to always be gracious with unbelievers, v. 6
1. Paul is asking the Colossians to be careful with their tongues.
1. Careful when they speak in public and private, no gossip.
2. Careful when they speak to an equal or someone in power, no slander.
3. Careful when they speak to the poor and the rich, no favoritism.
4. Careful not only when speaking of the gospel but also when speaking of
the weather, the economy, politicians, the authorities.
1. In all your conversation be good.
2. Gracious: God wants you to be careful, gracious, kind in your speech.
1. Grace is getting what you do not deserve. Give them kindness, love,
compassion, and patience.
3. And note the word "always."
1. In all situations at all times.
1. playing a sport, watching a movie, driving, shopping, business, in
church, out of church, at work....
4. Being gracious means to be kind, gentle, positive, helpful, and insightful.
5. A further description of this kind of gracious speech is: seasoned with salt, v. 6.
1. Those whom the Lord calls "the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13) must not be
tasteless.
2. I work at a place where all the people around me are unbelievers. Their
conversations are often vile, crass, filled with not so clean jokes. All to get
that sense of belonging and being "in" with the rest of the group..
3. Don't be like the ungodly around you.
4. Salt prevents corruption.
1. Elsewhere Paul said, "Do not let any corrupt talk come out of your
mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according
to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph. 4:29).
4. God wants you to know how to answer everyone, v. 6.
1. Speak the right word and the right time to the right person.
1. 1 Pet. 3:15 says, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason
for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
2. Part of having answers means being wise.
1. Proverbs, as well as the rest of Scripture, is the only source of true
wisdom. With wisdom, you will be able to properly answer in times of
counseling and heartache, joy and sorrow, and in times when morality is
an issue.
3. Part of having answers means knowing doctrine.
1. The Catechisms are excellent teachers of doctrine.
2. Know the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit,
the gospel message, the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the rest of
what the Bible teaches.
4. Part of having answers means studying difficult issues.
1. Study evolution, cults, and other religions.
2. You don't have to master them, just be familiar with them.
5. And don't forget, in your wisdom and grace toward them, pray for them.
 1. They need to be granted the faith that God gives (John 6:28ff)
2. They need to be granted the repentance that God gives (2 Tim. 2:25).
3. They need to be granted the belief that God gives (Phil. 1:29).
4. You can make a difference in your prayers (James 5:16).
1. A...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Conclusion

So what difference do these verses make in your lives? Plenty. Your conduct and speech before
an unbeliever is vitally important. Your conduct should be with wisdom, your speech with grace.

I know a Christian who years ago worked with an unbeliever. For two years, this Christian
answered the unbeliever's questions; he was gentle and kind in his conduct in all situations and
always tried to point his friend to Christ. He sought to be wise and gracious. Today that
unbeliever has become a pastor. The Lord used that Christian, his wise conduct, his gracious
speech, to help bring another into His kingdom. To Jesus be the glory. Amen.

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5. Adorned with Beauty among Unbelievers

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A Precious Word from God

“Maintain good conduct among the non-Christians”

1 Peter 2:12a

Introduction

Beauty attracts attention. You can see this in a crowded place when a beautiful woman enters.
The groups in museums encircle the loveliest pieces of art. Cars stop by the side of a road so the
passengers can watch a magnificent sunset. We want to surround ourselves with beautiful things.
If we are to attract those who are looking for a faith that is real, we will do so only when we
show forth an inner beauty that draws others to the Savior.

Day One Study

Read 1 Peter 2:11-3:7 to get the flow of the entire passage.

 1. The first two verses of this passage (2:11-12) basically sum up the overall teaching of
this section of the book. What two principles are you to follow according to these verses?
What result does Peter hope will come from your obedience (v.12)? Memorize v. 12a,
our verse for the week.

2. Why do you think that Peter would remind his readers that we are strangers and aliens
in this world at this point in the letter?

The term “fleshly desires” (NET) or “fleshly lusts” (NASB) sounds like these must be sexual
acts of some kind. Dr. D. Edmond Hiebert explains this: “Peter’s words should not be interpreted
to mean that desires related to our physical nature are evil, as though the human body in itself
was evil. The thought is not limited to sensual indulgences; Peter’s words circumscribe all those
cravings associated with the entire nature of man as a fallen being, whether they express
themselves through the body or the mind. Flesh is used in its ethical sense to denote fallen
mankind as characterized by depraved and corrupting desires.”5

3. Read these cross references and write down your insights about fleshly desires:

a. Galatians 5:19-21

b. Ephesians 5:3-5

c. 1 John 2:15-17

4. We are prone to think about fleshly desires as “Top Ten” sins. What do you see in
these verses that proves that not to be true? How can these “minor” sins make us less than
beautiful?

5. Sharing question: What deeds or attitudes of the flesh convict you personally from this
list and why?

 Diamonds in the Word: Illustrate the truth that ”fleshly desires that do battle against the soul”
with a story from the Scriptures.

6. Responding to God: Write down what is on your heart as God has used these
Scriptures to speak to you today. Again, use whatever means works for you - a letter, a
poem, a song or a prayer.

Day Two Study

Reread 1 Peter 2:11-17.

7. List the things we are to do according to 2:13-17. Also write beside them “why” the
verses indicate we are to do them. In other words, what does God want to achieve by our
doing these things? How does God’s purpose relate back to 2:11-12?
  Diamonds in the Word: Look up the Greek word for bondslaves (NASB) in v. 16. Cross-reference
this word and write down all that you learn about what it means to be a bondslave of God.

8. Compare 2:13-17 with Romans 13:1-7. Write down similarities as well as additional
insights from the Romans passage.

God’s purposes for our submission to government show us that we are obedient to the law when
it means doing what is right. It glorifies God and makes us beautiful in the eyes of others to do
the right thing. We have little witness before unbelievers when we break the law. I served on the
grand jury, a real eye-opener! It was heart-breaking to be faced with the indictment of those who
claimed to be Christians but who had lost their witness.

9. Sharing question: Review the instructions you listed in #7. How does it look to honor
someone? Maybe you like the current President and find him easy to honor, but do you
honor every President despite his political perspective? How do you honor other people
in specific ways?

10. Responding to God: Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Write a prayer for our President and some
of our other governmental leaders, keeping in mind the reasons Paul calls us to pray for
them.

1 Peter 2:11-3:7 mentions submission several times. Dr. Spiros Zodhiates helps us understand
the Greek word submit, hupotasso. It is a compound word meaning “to place in order”6 that
comes from the root word hupo, meaning under or beneath7, and tasso, “to place, set, appoint,
arrange, order”8. In these verses, it is in the middle voice in the Greek, meaning to place oneself
in submission. Thus, literally it means to put yourself beneath someone. It is used in the military,
meaning, “to place under rank.”9

If you are like me, you feel that you are a good, obedient citizen if you haven’t been convicted of
any felonies lately. However, there is more to this than merely criminal laws.

11. What are some ways that you see Americans fail to submit to the law and consider it
no big deal? Sharing question: In what area(s) have you been guilty?

Day Three Study

There are limits to submission, and the Scriptural example helps us understand when to draw the
line and say no. We’ll read a story in Acts to help us understand the principle and then return to 1
Peter.

Read Acts 3:1-4:31.

12. Summarize Peter and John’s story and how the governmental authorities responded.
 13. What do you learn from Peter and John’s example about the limits of submission to
governmental authorities? Explain the limits as you would to someone questioning you
about it.

Reread 1 Peter 2:13-3:7.

14. What phrases in this passage support Peter and John’s refusal to submit in the Acts
story? Explain how they support limits on submission.

Read Daniel 1:1-21.

15. What do you learn from Daniel about how to honor those in authority when you
encounter a situation where you cannot submit?

 Diamonds in the Word: Read Daniel 3:1-30 and 6:1-28, also. What do you see in these stories
that relates to submission and government and the limits of submission?

16. Sharing question: Write the story of a situation where you failed to submit and
suffered consequences. It may be a time when you were wrong not to submit or when you
were justified in not submitting.

Day Four Study

Reread 1 Peter 2:11-25.

17. What kinds of masters are slaves to obey? Why?

18. Consider this passage in light of 2:12. What is God’s overall purpose in calling slaves
to submit?

We are thankful that we no longer have slavery in the United States; however, there are many
parts of the world where there are slaves, although this fact is somewhat hidden in the cultures
where slavery is practiced. I am grateful for Christians such as William Wilberforce and Harriet
Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, whose actions led to the outlawing of slavery
in Britain and the United States. They realized that although God called slaves to submit because
He had a higher purpose, this institution did not reflect the character of God and needed
outlawing. Their godly compassion led them to speak out.

So how does this passage apply to us today? There is not a direct correlation between slavery and
employment. It is not the same in any way. Employees have freedom and opportunity to speak
out that slaves never had. Yet, I think there is an attitude involved that we need to apply from
this passage.

19. What do you learn from Jesus’ example in 1 Peter 2:21-25 about attitude in the midst
of mistreatment? Consider what His concern was when He went to the cross. How does it
parallel the concern of this whole section of the book as expressed in 2:12?
  Diamonds in the Word: Read the gospel accounts of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. What do you
learn from Him about keeping God’s higher purpose in mind and bearing up under injustice?

God is not necessarily asking us to suffer unjustly in our workplace and keep quiet about it; yet,
we must have the right attitude as Jesus did and we must consider God’s higher purpose of 2:12.
Too often we have mistakenly believed that Christians are not supposed to speak out about
injustice and mistreatment, having somewhat of a martyr complex. God is concerned about
injustice and unrighteousness more than we are because He is just and righteous in all His ways.
As we pray about how to handle such situations, we take all of this into account.

20. Sharing question: Do you evidence Jesus’ attitude in your workplace? How would
your fellow employees see this in your life?

21. Sharing question: What is one way that works for you to help you keep the right
attitude when you are faced with difficult or foolish people?

22. Responding to God: It can be extremely difficult to work for unreasonable, unjust, or
unwise people. If you are employed outside of the home, write a prayer concerning your
own attitude at work. Pray for your supervisor as well. If you work for a fair and caring
boss, write a prayer of thanks. If you are not employed, write a letter of encouragement to
a friend who is. Pray for her every day this week.

Day Five Study

It is difficult to submit to an authority who is foolish, misguided, unwise, or just mistaken. You
may work under the supervision of someone who makes bad choices for that business. Yet, there
is nothing really wrong in what he asks you to do; thus, you must submit. You may disagree with
the tax laws because the money is spent foolishly; yet, you must submit and pay your share.
What is the key to submitting when you see such situations? I believe it is faith. Do you trust
God to handle the situation? Do you believe that God is at work in whatever happens? Do you
believe that Romans 8:28 is really true and that God will use this to make you more beautiful
within? Do you believe that God will use your right actions and attitude to be a witness to those
around you?

 Diamonds in the Word: Explain what you have learned about submission to government and
bosses in a way that you could share with a new believer. How would you approach a situation
at work when asked to do something suspect?

The bottom line of this lesson is being a light in the darkness, living with excellence before a
world that doesn’t know Jesus. People notice when we fail to live up to what we profess to
believe. What kind of witness are you in your everyday life? Does your excellence at work
reflect the God of excellence? Does your witness extend to the words that you say about people?
In what areas do you need to work on excellence?
This story is from my own experience. I had hoped to receive one that I could use from a friend,
but since I never did, I will share something from my own life about having excellent behavior
among those who do not believe. I am sorry to say it is a story about what not to do!

Kay’s Story

As I look back on my life, I am so ashamed of the wasted years when I didn’t openly live for
Christ. No one would have accused me of being a Christian for there was no evidence that I was.
I certainly did not behave with excellence according to God’s standards. If I had suggested that I
was a Christian in those years, I would surely have been called a hypocrite!

My concern at that point in my life was to be accepted and fit in. It is so humiliating to realize
that there are some people whom I knew then that would still have a hard time accepting that I
am a believer. I talked about others behind their backs; I used bad language; I laughed at dirty
jokes; I went to places where I should not have been and avoided church like a plague. I cannot
remember being particularly kind to anyone and certainly had little love for anyone who didn’t
love me first.

How do I live with the fact that I was an embarrassment to Jesus? How do I go on and actually
serve God when I brought Him shame before unbelievers? I can do that because I trust that He
will use even my sins and mistakes for His glory and for my good. I live with the daily belief that
He is more powerful than my sins. I accept His grace and His forgiveness and really believe that
He gives more grace than I could ever need. I take it to heart that He is using even that period
when I didn’t walk with Him to make me more like Jesus. I recite Romans 8:28: “And we know
that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are
called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become
conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.”

God has surely used that time in my life to help me recognize His amazing grace for me, a
sinner. He has helped me learn to give grace to those who are faltering because I was once there.
I have seen His mercy and love and know that I am only here because of it. I am grateful that He
can redeem even what is dark and ugly and make me more beautiful because of it.

t would be hard to imagine how difficult it was for the early Christians to live under the
rule of Nero, emperor of Rome. Peter's first epistle is considered to be written during the
reign of one of the world's most corrupt and vicious rulers. It would seem from his
writing; Peter was concerned for the spiritual condition of his fellow saints and the
persecution they had to endure. He reminds them of their inheritance (I Peter 1:4) that
does not fade away and how they can find praise and joy in the face of trials (I Peter 1:6-
9). His plea to live a holy life (I Peter 1:13-16) was to remind them they were a "chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show
forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (I
Peter 2:9).

The conduct before the Gentile world needed to be with the spirit of holiness. People who
are 'chosen' live in the world as chosen people and embody the uniqueness of Jesus
 Christ. Those who serve in the royal priesthood present themselves as holy priest. A
nation that is holy lives holy. A peculiar people are different from the world and do not
present themselves in the same manner as the world. The Christian lets his "light shine"
(Matthew 5:16) so that others can see Christ living in them. This is how we show forth
the praises of God.

Peter begins in I Peter 2:11 with clear admonitions for the saints to "abstain from fleshly
lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles:
that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which
they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation" (I Peter 2:11-12). The
'conversation' or 'conduct" of the Christian should be above reproach. There will be
challenges enough for the child of God to live separate from the world. The actions of the
disciple of Christ should be with good works as found in the example of Jesus Christ (I
Peter 2:21-23).

Maintaining good conduct among the Gentiles is an admonition to live in such a way that
those of the world will not have evil to say of us. This is a difficult task but with the
Lords guidance, it can be done. Paul told Timothy to be "an example of the believers, in
word, in manner of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (I Timothy 4:12). This
example should extend to everyone we come in contact with. Our speech should be
"always with grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6). The behavior of our life should
be "honest" (I Peter 2:11). A Christian should express love in his dealings with his fellow
man - "Honor all men" (I Peter 2:17). The spirit, faith and purity of the follower of Christ
should be evident to all (I Corinthians 11:1).

The apostle Paul exhorted Titus to remind the Christians "to be gentle, showing all
meekness unto all men" (Titus 3:1-2). Maintaining good conduct before those in the
world is found in the spirit of gentleness. Peter said in I Peter 3:8-9: "Be courteous: not
rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye
are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." Jesus is the perfect example of
His firm gentleness toward all men. As we follow in His footsteps, we are admonished to
make those giant steps of faith and live before all men in purity (I Peter 2:21).

Peter's task in writing his epistle was to exhort the Christians to maintain their lives in
such a way that even when others would find evil to say of them, it would only be from a
life that was filled with good works. The result of this examination would be for the glory
of God. Living for Christ is letting people see Christ in us - nothing else.

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your
good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (NIV)

The point of this morning's message was that God takes pleasure in his name. Specifically, he
chose a people for himself in order that they might be for him a people and a name and a praise
and a glory (Jeremiah 13:11). One text that we didn't refer to this morning is Isaiah 43:21. Here
God refers to his chosen people as
the people whom I formed for myself
that they might declare my praise.

In other words God formed a people for himself that they might make a name for him—that they
might spread his reputation and increase his fame and promote his renown.

God's Purpose for the Church

Now we come tonight to see how this relates to the church, the New Testament people of God. 1
Peter 2:9 gives the answer. It describes God's formation of the church in terms taken straight
from the Old Testament, and the purpose of the church is stated in just the way we would expect
if God continues to act for the sake of his name:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may
declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Why has God chosen us and made us a possession for himself? The answer is the same as this
morning's: to make a name for himself. The way Peter says it is that you were chosen to declare
God's excellencies, his wonders, specifically his saving work in bringing you from darkness into
light.

God has given us the joy of spiritual sight so that we might spread the reputation of our eye
doctor. Or you could say that we were caught in a deep mine shaft and it was caving in on us,
and Jesus came down into the collapsing shaft of our sin and guilt and fear, and he put us on his
back, and at the cost of his own life got us out. Why? So that we would spread the reputation of
his courage and strength and kindness.

That is the point of verse 9: "You are a chosen race . . . that you may declare the wonderful deeds
of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." God has chosen us and brought
us from darkness to light so that we would spread his reputation and be for him a name and a
praise and a glory.

How Are We to Make a Name for God?

Now the question arises: How are we to make a name for God? Verses 11–12 get at the heart of
this matter. Together the verses say that we have two battles to fight in order to make known the
glorious name of God: one on the inside in relation to our passions, and one on the outside in
relation to our deeds. Let's look briefly at each.

The Internal Battle

Verse 11 describes the internal battle to be fought if we are going to make the glories of God
known in our society.
Beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage
war against your soul.

This is probably the most crucial battleground of all—the internal battle for our desires. In this
week's Christianity Today there is a report of a gathering of 50 evangelical leaders to plan a
meeting called "Leadership '88." They discussed the resources and legacy that a generation of
older leaders could leave a new generation. I found it amazing that at the top of their list was "the
cultivation of the inner life with Christ."

And these were people very sensitive to the cultural and social issues of our day. Nevertheless,
they said the number one resource to pass on to the next generation of leaders is the cultivation
of the inner life with Christ.

I think the reason is simply that this is the motor that drives everything else. If the motor dies, it
doesn't really matter which way the car is pointing.

And so let us fight first of all to be aliens and exiles in the world of the passions and desires. This
means making God your passion. Fill your mind with things that exhibit the greatness and value
and beauty and truth of God. And shun all the things that stimulate desires that compete with
God. Regulate your life in order to cultivate a passion for God and the things of God. Be ruthless
in cutting out of your life everything that stirs up desires displeasing to God.

Remember Proverbs 4:23: "Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the springs of
life."

The External Battle

And so let us turn to that outer life that flows from the alien heart of love for God. If the
marvelous works of God are going to be made known, and the reputation of God is going to
spread, we WILL have to get beyond desires, to deeds that people can see and hear.

Verse 12:

Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as
wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

This is Peter's clearest statement as to how we can make a name for God. It is a paraphrase of
Jesus' words in Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good
deeds and give glory to your father in heaven."

Here is the lesson I would stress tonight from this verse: DOING GOOD DEEDS BEFORE AN
ONLOOKING WORLD IS A NECESSARY PART OF DECLARING GOD'S MARVELOUS
WORKS AND MAKING HIM A NAME ON THE EARTH.

Paul made the same point when he said in Titus 3:14,

Christ gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his
own who are zealous for good deeds.

Similarly in Galatians 6:10,

As we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially those who are of the household
of faith.

James teaches the same thing, that our religion is just not real if it only results in thoughts and
feelings and not in practical good deeds. In James 1:27 he says,

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows
in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Three Possible Steps in Response to Our Lives

Now Peter spells out for us in verse 12 some of the dynamics of making a name for God. He
describes three steps that the world may go through in response to us as Christians.

1. There May Be a Hostile Atmosphere

First he says that there may well be a hostile atmosphere in which we have to live. Verse 12 says
that Christians were being spoken against as wrongdoers. "Maintain good conduct among the
Gentiles so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers . . . " In the early days of the
church Christians were sometimes the scapegoats for other problems in the society and were
blamed as wrongdoers. They were spoken against.

2. Many Will See Our Good Deeds

Second, Peter says that if we maintain good conduct and don't grow weary in well-doing, our
good deeds will eventually be inescapable. Men will see and some at least will have to own up to
them. "Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as
wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds."

They want to believe that Christianity has no power to change lives and to create loving people
out of selfish people, and so they begin by calling Christians wrongdoers and they seek ways to
justify this. But Peter believes that the good deeds will win out over this prejudice.

He says it again in verse 15: "For it is God's will that by doing right you should put to silence the
ignorance of foolish men." Doing good for others, Peter says, is the way to silence the
unwarranted criticism of the church and of Christ.

So that is the second step. First, people try to criticize the church and say that they are no better
or even worse than others in their behavior. But then, as they go on seeing the good deeds of
Christians, they are hard put to hold this position and they may be silenced.
3. They May Be Won Over

That brings us to the third step Peter mentions. These good deeds that Christians keep on doing
may cause some to give up their opposition and be won over and give glory to God. "Maintain
good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they
may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

The "day of visitation" here could be the day of Christ's coming or it could be the day of their
conversion when they are visited with the converting power of the Spirit. In either case, the
overarching point is that God gets glory when his people persevere in good deeds.

How We Can Fulfill Our Purpose as a Church

So what we have here is a clear statement of how at Bethlehem we can fulfill our purpose as a
church. Our purpose according to this morning's message is to make a name for God in this city
and to spread the reputation of his greatness around the world. According to 1 Peter 2:9 our
purpose is to declare the glorious deeds of him who called us from darkness into his marvelous
light. These are really the same purpose and 1 Peter 2:12 tells us how to fulfill it.

Be a people zealous for good deeds. Be a people who are not enslaved to worldly comforts, but
who consider it more blessed to give than to receive. Be a people who dream not about the
comforts of bigger salaries or days of vacation and retirement, but who dream about how many
different and creative ways we can make a name for the glory of the grace of God in this city and
around the world.

This is why I am so happy that the church has made this decision to call David Michael as
Associate for Urban and Social Ministries. He shares this great vision of adorning the gospel of
God with deeds of love and justice that the ignorance of foolish men may be silenced and the
many might see and be drawn to a Savior who can so fully satisfy the hearts of his people that
they overflow in goodness to others.

John Piper (@JohnPiper) is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem
College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church,
Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is author of more than 50 books, including A Peculiar Glory.

More Resources

Look at the Book

God’s Miraculous Conception

Matthew 1:18–21

CHURCH WORKERS’ TRAINING SEMINAR

TOPIC: The Church Worker

TEXT: Numbers 11:10-17,24-30

Introduction: The church ministries are increasingly being filled with people full of complaints,
ingratitude, indifferent spirits and innumerable diverse desires and expectations. These attitudes
can bring untold frustrations, bitterness and devastation into a leader’s life. These can in turn
lead to a situation wherein a leader prefers death to life. This can be evidently seen in the life of
Moses, one of Israel’s most renowned leaders (Numbers 11:10-15).

I. The Origin Of The Concept Of Church Workers. The concept of church workers originated
first from a leader’s complaint of the work being too burdensome (Numbers 11:14 NASB) and
second from God’s responsive promise that leaders will not have to bear the burden of the work
all alone (Numbers 11:17).

II. Who Is A Church Worker? This question is inevitably crucial in a generation like ours. Our
definition of who is a church worker is based on the teachings of the Bible. Biblically, a church
worker is the following:

• A church worker is a helping hand to the church leader - Numbers 11:17.

• A church worker is a person called to help share the leader’s burdens (responsibilities) -
Numbers 11:17.
• A church worker is a person who can stand before the Lord’s presence - Numbers 11:17,24.
• A church worker is a person who can be possessed (filled) and controlled by the Spirit, that is,
he / she leads a yielded life - Numbers 11:17,25.
• A church worker must have the same spirit as the leaders - Numbers 11:17,25.
• A church worker must be a follower of the leader - Numbers 11:16,30; Mark 3:14.
• A church worker must be responsible to the leader - Numbers 11:24,26-28; Mark 3:13.

III. Why Church Workers? There are specific reasons stated in the Bible why we need workers in
the church. These reasons must be fully comprehended so as not to believe that the concept of
church workers is a human idea meant to drag church members into jobs that are not meant for
them and that they will eventually not be rewarded for as only a few are actually paid in this
business. Below are the biblical reasons why we need workers in the church.

• The church needs workers because the church is a body. There are two unique things about a
body. First, a body has many members (1 Corinthians 12:12,14,20,27). Second, every member of
a body contributes to the healthy growth of the body (Ephesians 4:16).
• The church needs workers because the church is God’s visible manifestation of His kingdom
and every kingdom needs representation in life – 2 Corinthians 5:20; 8:23.
• The church needs workers because the church as a local assembly has vision and every living
vision must be shared with others – Habakkuk 2:2; Isaiah 29:11-12; Psalm 68:11.
• The church needs workers because the work is more than a person can execute – Exodus 18:13-
18.
• The church needs workers because the work needs more participation to be successfully
completed – Numbers 3:1-9; Matthew 9:36-38.
• The church needs workers because Jesus Christ - the head of the church designed and
commenced this work as a teamwork – Mark 3:13-19; Luke 9:1-2; 10:1-2.
• The church needs workers because the early apostles started and grew the church with workers
– Acts 6:1-7; 14:21-23. The Apostle Paul also called certain individuals as fellow workers
(Romans 16:3; Philippians 4:3; Philemon 23-24).

IV. The Prerequisites For Becoming A Church Worker. These prerequisites are the fundamental
requirements for becoming a church worker. These are also general in the sense that certain jobs
in the church require higher criteria in addition to qualify one for such jobs. But on the overall,
these are fundamentally mandatory for all church workers. Below are the prerequisites:

• You must be a true follower of Jesus Christ – Luke 9:57-60.

• You must not be a new convert – 1 Timothy 3:6 cf Acts 1:21-22.
• You must be God fearing – Exodus 18:21 cf Proverbs 8:13; 1 Samuel 8:1-3.
• You must have a good reputation and testimony both within and without the church – Acts 6:3;
16:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:7.
• You must have a compelling love for God and His work – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; John 21:15-
17.
• You must be chosen and accepted by the church leadership – Acts 6:5-6; 13:1-3; 15:24-25.
• You must be willing to serve both the church leadership and membership – Mark 10:42-45;
Luke 9:61-62.
• You must be willing to risk your life for the work – Acts 15:25-26; Romans 16:3-4.

V. The Duties Of Church Workers. The duties of every church worker are both vertical and
horizontal. Vertically, every church worker’s duties are toward God (1 Corinthians 4:1).
Horizontally, every church worker’s duties are toward the church visible, human leadership and
membership (2 Corinthians 4:5). On both fronts, every church worker is required to be faithful (1
Corinthians 4:2).

Vertically, every church worker is to maintain a vibrant walk or relationship with Jesus Christ –
the head of the church through a personal devotion of prayer and the study of the Bible. This will
enable him/her develop a receptive heart and listening ear to receive the needed strength to
accomplish his/her assigned task. The success of every church worker on his/her job is
determined by his/her ability to maintain this most vital relationship. Once any church worker
can’t maintain this vital relationship with the head Christ, failure on the job is inevitable. Jesus
commands every church worker: “Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine and you
are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do
nothing” (John 15:4-5 NKJV). Remember the order is that, Jesus Christ called to himself those
he wanted and then appointed them that they might be with him first before he can then send
them out to work for him (Mark 3:13-15). Only church workers who have been with Jesus can
actually be effective and efficient on their jobs (Acts 4:13).

Horizontally, every church worker owes it to the church leadership and membership to be
committed and faithful to his/her assigned duties. Normally, the actual duties of any church
worker have to be spelled out in a job description based on the nature of such work.
Unfortunately, most works in the church lack value jobs descriptions. This makes it very
difficulty for church workers to do personal self assessment and also for most church workers to
be objectively assessed based on the set goals and objectives of the church. Where jobs
descriptions are lacking, especially for key leaders of most church departments, I advise that
immediate and urgent steps be taken to implement such as these will inject dynamism into the
system. In both the Old and New Testaments, the jobs of most appointed leaders in the kingdom
of God are explicitly described for our learning. For instance, the jobs of the leaders of
thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens in Exodus 18 are clearly spelled out in Exodus 18:20-22,25;
the duties of the priests and Levites are also clearly spelled out in Numbers 3:1-4:49 and others;
while the duties of the first church deacons were explicitly spelled out in Acts 6:1-4. In like
manner, when Jesus sent out his disciples to the lost sheep of Israel, he gave them a description
of their job (Matthew 10:5-15). Personal and collective success is seldom realized in churches
where jobs descriptions are in the minds of individuals.

Nevertheless, every church worker owes the following duties to the church leadership and
membership.

• Wholehearted devotion to the church vision and mission – 1 Chronicles 12:16-18,38; 2

Chronicles 25:2.
• To be punctual and regular at his/her duty post – Romans 12:11-12; 1 Samuel 20:24-29.
• To be encouragement to the church leadership and membership – Numbers 13:26-33; 14:36-38;
2 Timothy 1:16-18 cf 4:14-17.
• To be sensitive to the leader’s needs and responsive to the leader’s call – Exodus 17:8-13; 2
Samuel 23:13-17.
• To be committed financially to the work – Matthew 6:21; 19:27-30. This is an inevitable test of
every true and committed church worker. Persons who cannot commit their finances into the
work are unfit to be church workers. They can’t be trusted with great responsibilities in the
church (Luke 16:10-11).

Being a Christian requires a lifetime commitment to serve God faithfully.

Baptism places us in a covenant relationship as Disciples of Jesus. What
responsibilities and duties do we accept when we receive forgiveness of sins?

Baptism is not the end of our service to God, but is the beginning of a lifetime commitment of
total dedication to Him. Here is a brief list of a few of the responsibilities Christians should
fulfill. One who is considering baptism needs to be aware of what God will expect of Him after
he becomes a Christian (for more specific information about these duties, see the links at the end
of this study):
I. Study the Bible Regularly

Diligent Bible study is our only way of learning God's will and avoiding error. Acts 17:11; Psa.
1:2; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16,17.

Are you willing to study the Bible diligently?

II. Pray Frequently

Prayer is our means of thanking God, praising Him, and making known our needs. Phil. 4:6; 1
Pet. 5:7; Matt. 6:9-13; 1 Thess. 5:17.

Are you willing to pray regularly?

III. Commit Yourself to the Local Church

New Testament Christians always were recognized as part of a local church. They committed
themselves to be involved and actively participate in the work of that church. See Acts 9:26-28;
11:26; Heb. 13:17; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 4:16 (cf. next point).

This church must be scriptural in worship, name, organization, salvation, etc.

IV. Attend All the Assemblies of the Local Church

We should come on the first day to commune and give -- Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1,2.

We should come whenever the church meets to study, sing, & pray -- Heb. 3:12,13; 10:24,25;
John 4:24; Eph. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:11; Acts 11:26; 2:42; 1 Cor. 14.

Are you willing to regularly attend whenever the church meets?

V. Practice Proper Relations with Other People

* In our family -- Eph. 5:22-6:4; Col. 3:18-21; Tit. 2:4,5.

* To those who are in need -- Luke 10:25-37; Acts 20:35; Jas. 1:27; Matt. 25:34-40.
* To civil government -- Rom. 13:1-5; 1 Pet. 2:13,14; Matt. 22:17-21.
* In business -- Eph. 6:5-9; Tit. 2:9,10; Col. 3:22-4:1; Psa. 37:21.

Are you willing to learn & follow Bible teaching about how to treat others?

VI. Help Others Learn the Gospel

All Christians should work to learn how to lead others to Jesus -- Acts 8:4; Prov. 11:30; 2 Tim.
2:2,24-26; John 4:28-30,39; 1:40-46; Heb. 5:12.

Are you willing to share the message of Jesus with others?

VII. Live an Upright Moral Life

Mark 7:20-23; Rom. 1:26-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; etc.

Are you willing to correct any sins in your life as you learn of them?

VIII. Honor Church Discipline

We hope no members would practice sin. But if they do and refuse to repent, then the church
must cease association and companionship with them - 1 Cor. 5; Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Thess.
3:6,14,15; Rom. 16:17,18; Tit. 3:10,11.

Are you willing to honor church disciplinary actions when needed?

VIII. Do All God's Will

Luke 14:26-33; Matt. 28:18-20; 16:24-27; 6:19-33; Rom. 12:1,2; 6:1-18.

Are you willing to forsake all your desires and give your whole life to Jesus?

What should a person do if he sins after baptism? -- Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9.

Are you willing to repent of any sins you commit after baptism?

Note: If you wish to study further about topics mentioned in this lesson, please note the
links listed below.

Epaphras
There are many other people in Scripture who exhibit diligence. One such person is
Epaphras. Epaphras is mentioned only two times in Scripture. He probably started the
church in Colossae. At the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he writes this about
Epaphras:
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always
wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and
fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea
and Hierapolis. (4:12-13)
In these two brief sentences the diligence of Epaphras, including his diligence in prayer,
was spoken of twice. He did not just pray, but he “always wrestled in prayer”. And what
is there that requires more work, focus and energy than prayer?! Paul also testified that
Epaphras was “working hard” for the believers at the young churches. Epaphras’
diligence was making an eternal difference in the lives of believers in that time!

Qualities of a Faithful Christian Worker

A Study of 2 Timothy 2

By Harold S. Martin
A Bible Helps Booklet #342

Table of Contents [Show]

The letters known as 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are sometimes called the Pastoral Epistles
because they are written especially for teachers and leaders in the church. However, the
instructions in these letters are not only for preachers, but for every Christian disciple, because
the word “you” at the end of the epistle is plural. Paul concludes the letter by saying “Grace be
with you” (2 Timothy 4:22)—referring to all the Christians at Ephesus.

We will use a seven-fold division to help explore the beauty and truth of this chapter. The
Christian worker is to cultivate a number of qualities.

1. A Discipling Teacher (2:1-2)

Timothy is told to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2:1). There is a certain amount
of hardship involved in being a worker in the Lord’s vineyard. Often there are irregular hours,
sensitive problems, difficult personalities, and satanic deceptions. It is not easy to deal with some
of the situations that arise in church.

It takes special strength many times to helpfully visit someone who is sick, to write a letter to
someone who is discouraged, or to teach a Sunday School lesson to a class of squirming
children. The message of verse 1 is “Be strong.”

We don’t have, in ourselves, all that it takes to do our spiritual duties. We must depend on the
special strength that only God can give. Ephesians 4:7 is a wonderful promise: “But unto every
one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” God promises to enable
us for the task to which He has called us.

We are not merely to set our jaws, and grit our teeth, and determine to muster up all the human
strength we can develop to do our work. Instead, we are to be inwardly strengthened by finding
our resources in the grace of God. We find God’s grace by communicating with the heavenly
Father. When we pray, we speak to God; when we read the Bible, God speaks to us. Regular
habits of prayer and of Bible study are the primary sources of God’s grace.

In verse 2, Timothy is told that the message he had heard from the Apostle Paul is to be imparted
to others, and they, in turn, shall teach it to still others. “The things that thou has heard from
me . . . the same commit thou to faithful men” (2:2). The word “commit” means to
“commission” or to “ordain.” Timothy was told to ordain men to communicate the Word of God
—but he is to ordain only those who are faithful and utterly dedicated to their work.
Every father and mother should be discipling (teaching, nurturing) their sons and daughters in
the things of God. Every grandparent should work at developing spiritual nurture in the hearts of
their grandchildren, as they have opportunity.

2. A Courageous Soldier (2:3-4)

God says to the young Christian worker, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of
Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may
please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2:3-4).

The word translated “soldier” means “a soldier in battle, one serving on active duty.” The soldier
out on the battlefield endures a rigorous life. He cannot enjoy a life of ease; he must be ready to
do what the commander orders. Just so, the Christian worker must not become unduly entangled
with the affairs of this world. The Greek word translated “entangled” means “to get wrapped in a
net that leads to destruction.”

A true soldier must eliminate some competing interests in order to more effectively serve his
commanding officer. The dedicated Christian worker must do likewise. This may include
eliminating lots of time with a daily newspaper, laying aside the pleasure of owning a boat at the
lake, or working at a time-consuming hobby.

Christian workers do not always have it easy. Sometimes they must be out in bad weather. It
would be much easier to stay at home instead of attending a meeting, or going out to visit
someone who is sick, or driving 50 miles to speak at a special service on Wednesday night. The
early Methodist circuit-riding preachers knew what inconvenience and hardship were. They
encountered savage Indians, raging rivers, and unknown dangers of many kinds. In those days,
there was a proverb. If the weather was bad, the people would say, “The weather isn’t fit for man
or beast; there’s nothing stirring out there except crows and Methodist preachers.”

We are to “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2:3). The soldier illustrates rigid
discipline and courage to stand firmly against the enemy.

3. A Law-Abiding Athlete (2:5)

Second Timothy 2:5 says that if a man strives for masteries, “he is not crowned, except he strive
lawfully.” The text is speaking of athletic events, and more literally says, “If anyone competes as
an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules”
(NIV).

Every game has its rules. Regardless of how competent athletes may be, unless they adhere to the
rules of the game, they will be disqualified. Spiritual warfare has rules too! Our heavenly Coach
expects us to keep the great spiritual laws laid down in the Bible.

One basic law of Christian warfare is love. This law should keep church members from
clobbering each other with ugly criticism and hateful words, and with suspicions about the
motives of others. A baseball player in athletic contests would soon be eliminated if he used his
bat on fellow players instead of on the ball.

Another basic law in the Christian warfare is persistence. This law should keep Christian
servants from giving up when things don’t go the way we think they should go. In Old Testament
times, when Daniel first requested a diet of vegetables (instead of the king’s rich foods), his
request was not granted. But he didn’t give up, and when he suggested a 10-day trial period, the
officer agreed to give it a try.

God’s servants should be like an athlete. They must observe the rules of the game, and they must
be willing to train rigorously to excel. Players on high school football fields, in the fall of the
year, put all that they have into rigorous training. Sports enthusiasts work hard to develop skills
in various areas—throwing a ball into a basket, sliding down a snow-covered slope on two sticks
of wood, and chasing a little white ball all over a big green field. Just so, the life of every
Christian worker should be one strenuous endeavor to live out the Christian faith during each
moment of every day.

4. A Hard-Working Farmer (2:6)

In 2 Timothy 2:6 we read about the “husbandman” (Old English for “farmer”), who works hard
to raise a crop. The text says that the hard-working farmer should be a “partaker of the fruits.”

The farmer toils for many hours. Sometimes he is confronted with poor soil, with bad weather,
and with uncertain markets. The life of a farmer is not generally an easy life.

The farmer must plow his fields and sow the seed and cultivate the ground. Often, he must work,
not by the clock, but when the job needs to be done. Sometimes he gets up before sunrise, and
works long after dark in order to get the job done before a change in the weather. The hard-
working farmer deserves a share of the crops as part of his reward (2:6).

One who serves Christ, like the farmer, must sow the seed of the Word of God. The Christian
worker must establish friendships, plant the seed of God’s Word, cultivate the soil, and then he
must wait patiently. When the farmer has done his part, he must sit back and wait for the rains,
and let the powers of nature produce fruit. More than any other workman, the farmer soon learns
that there are no quick results. He must not keep digging up the seed to see if it has sprouted. The
weeping sower (Psalm 126:6) shall someday bring a harvest of souls, with rejoicing. He must
keep on patiently sowing.

The harvest of souls might include members of your own family, or perhaps a neighbor—or
maybe a friend you met along the way. The Apostle Paul says that we are to seriously meditate
on these things (2:7).

In 2 Timothy 2:8-13, there is a parenthesis—a section in which we are told to be ready to suffer
for the cause of Christ. We are to remember how Jesus suffered many injustices (2:8-9), and how
Paul was stoned and shipwrecked and lashed with a whip (2:10). The promise in 2:11-13 is that
if we own Jesus Christ as Savior, He will own us (claim us for His own). If we develop a settled
state of refusing to believe in Christ, then He will deny (disown, abandon) us (2:12). The
statement in verse 13 promises that God will never go back on His word. He will stick by the
pledges He has made—whether it be a pledge to reward the faithful, or a pledge to condemn the
sinner.

5. A Diligent Workman (2:14-18)

The Christian worker is warned not to become preoccupied with side issues. Timothy is to
charge others not to strive “about words to no profit . . . subverting the hearers” (2:14). Life is
too brief and too busy to waste the brain on a lot of insignificant issues. Questions like “How
many angels can stand on the head of a pin?” or “Was Jesus born on December 25?”—are a
waste of time and cause people to become “theological cranks.” God has not seen fit to fully
answer these questions, and when God is silent about an issue, we do well not to trouble
ourselves concerning it!

Instead of dwelling on sideline issues, we are to study to show ourselves “approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2:15). God
approves the person who works hard at the study of the Bible.

The “workman” is one who does more than casually read the Scriptures. To “study” requires
time, concentration, research, seeking practical applications, and comparing scripture with
scripture. To “divide” the Scriptures is to analyze the parts in light of the message of the whole
book. To “rightly” divide the Scriptures is to avoid distorting and perverting the message.

To “study” the Bible requires some good tools—a Bible handbook which summarizes each
chapter; a Bible dictionary which has a wealth of information about people, places, and things;
and a Bible concordance which enables the user to find a verse when only a part of it is known.
The student will develop the habit of carrying a Bible with him—reading it during the lunch
break at work, studying it for a brief time each morning, and memorizing portions while
traveling in an automobile, train, or plane.

Paul warns again (2:16) about getting caught up discussing insignificant questions that use a lot
of time and are not really edifying. Such empty talk is like a cancer and does much harm. The
false teachings of men like Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples of such poisonous infection.
These men had misinterpreted the Bible, and injected their own theories about the resurrection.
Their teaching did a tremendous amount of damage to the faith of some believers.

6. A Sanctified Vessel (2:19-22)

The main theme of the next few verses is that God’s truth is most effectively conveyed through
clean vessels. We are to “depart from iniquity” (2:19).

To illustrate the importance of living an upright life, Paul speaks of the kinds of dishes and
utensils found in the home of a wealthy person. He says that “in a great house, there are not only
vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth . . . if a man therefore purge himself
from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use” (2:20-21).

The “great house” means a large house. Some of the utensils would be very costly, and prized
highly because they are made of gold and silver. The cheaper utensils are made of wood and
clay, and are used for taking out the garbage. The point is—that both the valuable dishes and the
ordinary dishes need to be kept clean. Just so, the servant’s life must be clean.

God’s servants must be persons of highest moral standards. They must guard against sexual
impurity, compromising with wrong, and indulgence in questionable practices. God said to the
temple servants in Old Testament times, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord” (Isaiah
52:11). God’s truth is most effectively conveyed in clean vessels.

The thought is carried further in 2:22. We are instructed to “flee youthful lusts,” and to “follow
righteousness, faith, charity, and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

What are some of the youthful lusts?

1) Impatience—Watch the line in a school cafeteria if someone tries to break into the line. Or,
take a long trip with your children, and notice how soon they say, “Dad, when are we going to
get there?”

2) Love of dispute—There is always a crowd when two or more get into a fight on the school
ground. Children and youth seem to get a charge out of watching others scratch and claw each
other or get bloody noses.

3) Living for the moment—Life is rosy, death seems far away, and there is a tendency not to take
the eternal future into serious consideration.

4) Sexual impurity—Impurity is a common sin, because the passions are especially strong in
youth, and the hormones are raging. Many parents are too embarrassed to give wholesome
instructions about God’s standards for sexual purity.

Instead of following youthful lusts, we are to “follow after” the qualities mentioned in verse 22:

1) Righteousness—Speaks of the kind of living that is right in the eyes of God. Our dealings
should be marked by honesty, justice, and fairness.

2) Faith—Refers to a sincere trust in the promises of God’s Word, sincerely believing that they
are true.

3) Love—Defines the quality that seeks the welfare of others.

4) Peace—Speaks of the tranquility that allows us to live without worry and strife.

These have been virtues that should be cultivated in the lives of Christian workers.
7. A Gentle Servant (2:23-26)
There is another reminder not to get caught up in marginal issues and in insignificant discussions
(2:23). That reminder is followed by an admonition to be “gentle unto all men” and to teach
those who oppose the instructor in a spirit of meekness (2:24-25). God might use the meek
attitude of the Christian worker to help open the hearts of unbelievers, and bring them to
repentance (2:25).

The Christian worker must be like a surgeon, not like a butcher. They both use knives, but they
use their knives differently. The butcher slashed boldly and rapidly with a long, sharp knife to
dismember the carcass. The surgeon cleans his hands, puts on his gloves, studies the patient
carefully, and cuts gently and accurately. The Word of God is like a knife (Hebrews 4:12), and
so God’s servant must proceed with care, so that he does not destroy what he is trying to heal.
The purpose of our ministry is to seek to bring people to faith in Christ, not to shock them or cut
them up or turn them off.

The servant of God can only go so far in seeking to help deliver someone out of the snare of the
devil. The person caught up in Satan’s trap must himself see his error, and sincerely want to be
helped—and then he must do all within his power to overcome wrong. People who have become
enslaved by alcohol, lust, dope, false teaching, gambling, adultery, and homosexuality—can
never successfully be delivered unless they desperately want deliverance, and are willing to put
forth every effort themselves—that they might “recover themselves out of the snare of the devil”
(2:26). The Christian worker can initiate the concern, and the Lord will provide a way of escape
(1 Corinthians 10:13), but the individual must want to be helped before there can be deliverance.

The entire life of each Christian worker should be one strenuous endeavor to live out a biblical
faith during each moment of every day. There will be times when we will feel like dropping our
training. Sometimes the easy way will seem more attractive. Sometimes the right thing will seem
like the hard thing. Sometimes there will be a temptation to relax standards. But when we think
we cannot keep going any longer, we must resolve to keep going for another ten minutes, and
then another thirty minutes, and then another day. We must never give up—never grow “weary
in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

Looking back over the chapter, we can picture a composite portrait of the ideal Christian worker.
The servant of Christ is to be:

 1) Utterly dedicated to his work

 2) Accurate and clear in his teaching
 3) Upright in his character and conduct
 4) Courteous and gentle in his manner

These are the responsibilities of those who labor and suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Verse 1 of
Second Timothy 2 reminds us to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
 Why Should You Attend Church Meetings?

Why should Christians attend worship meetings of the local church? How
important are worship, praise, Bible study, teaching, and learning? What
influence does our example have on others, and what can we learn from the
example of Jesus and His apostles? What can we learn from Bible teaching about
priorities and devotion to serving God?

Click here to hear a related topic as a free mp3 recorded message.

Introduction:

Many New Testament passages describe local congregations of God's people conducting regular
meetings to worship God and study His word (Acts 20:7; 11:26; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; chap.
14; Hebrews 10:25). These meetings are intended to provide blessings and opportunities that
benefit those who attend.

The purpose of this study is to discuss why each Christian should urgently determine to
attend whenever the local church meets.

Occasional emergencies may make it necessary for us to miss, but we should diligently try to
avoid such hindrances so we can be present, if at all possible.

Please consider these reasons why you need to attend all meetings of the local church:

Reason #1: To Worship and Praise God

God Wants Christians to Worship Him.

John 4:23,24 - God seeks worshipers to worship Him in spirit and in truth. He has commanded
five activities by which we ought to praise Him: prayer, singing, Bible study, the Lord's Supper,
and giving (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 11:26; 1 Corinthians 14:15; 16:2; 11:17-34; Ephesians 5:19).

Revelation 19:5 - All God's servants ought to praise and worship Him. God intended, not just for
some of His people to worship Him, but all of them. (Romans 15:9-11)

The Bible clearly teaches that Christians should attend church meetings to accomplish these
purposes (Acts 11:26; 20:7; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40; 11:17-34). Some of these
activities (prayer, singing, and Bible study) should also be done at home (Acts 17:11; 16:25;
James 5:13; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). But the scriptures previously
listed show that church meetings are also essential.
Private worship is not enough, and public worship is not enough. Both are required.

Christians Should Desire to Worship God.

We should attend worship assemblies, not only because God wants us to, but also because we
want to.

Matthew 22:37,38 - The greatest command is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We
should love God above all because He sent His only begotten Son to die to save us from eternal
torment and offer us eternal life (Romans 5:6-8; 1 John 4:8-10,19; John 3:16).

Some people think, "I don't have to come every time." But why would someone who loves God
want to do something else instead? If your child or loved one were sick or hurt, would you say,
"You can't prove I have to help them"? If you love them, don't you want to help them? So, when
you love God, you will want to worship Him.

Romans 1:21 - Failure to glorify God is ingratitude, and ingratitude is the first step into apostasy.
A person who could attend, but simply chooses not to do so, is simply showing a lack of love
and gratitude for what God has done. It is a sign of serious spiritual disease, (2 Timothy 3:2).

Hebrews 13:15 - When people truly appreciate God's love, they want to express their
thankfulness in praise and worship. (See also Colossians 4:2; Psalm 100:4; Ephesians 1:5,6).

1 Peter 2:9 - God has chosen us to be His special people that we might proclaim His praises.
Giving honor and glory to God is the purpose of our salvation!

Psalms 1:2; 119:97-99; 122:1 (Joshua 1:8) - Righteous men desire to meditate on God's law
because they delight in it and love it. They honestly say, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let
us go into the house of the Lord.'" This is the attitude we will all have when we truly learn to
love and appreciate God and His word. Is this your attitude?

Acceptable worship must come from a proper attitude. People who have this attitude will not try
to avoid worship; they will want to come at every opportunity the church provides.

Reason #2: To Give and Receive Instruction

Each Christian Must Be Taught and Must Teach Others.

Matthew 5:6 - Faithful disciples will hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Hebrews 3:12,13 - To avoid falling away, we must encourage one another. Note that we need
this regularly, not just one hour per week. Some of this can be done outside church meetings, but
participating in church meetings is fundamental. When members neglect the assemblies, they
almost invariably also neglect to exhort others outside church activities, and they usually also
have other serious spiritual problems.
Hebrews 5:12 - Christians should become teachers of God's word. If we are not now able to
teach, we should be developing the ability. This is expected of all members, young or old, babes
in Christ or mature in the faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - We should comfort and edify (build up) one another.

(See also 2 Timothy 2:2, 24-26; Acts 8:4; 17:11; Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter 2:2; Hosea 4:6.)

Local Churches Exist Specifically to Provide Times for Members to

Learn and Teach.

When the church provides these opportunities, all the members ought to attend and participate in
the teaching and learning.

1 Timothy 3:15 - The church is pillar and ground of the truth.

1 Corinthians 14:19,26,31,40 - The church conducts assemblies to teach and edify the members.

Ephesians 4:15, 16 - Each member must work to build up the body. This is true of all members
and all church meetings. If all the members were as active as you are, how effectively would the
church be built up?

Hebrews 10:23-25 - In order to hold fast our hope and not fall away, we must exhort and
provoke one another to love and good works (cf. 3:12,13). To fulfill this duty, we should attend
regularly when the church meets.

Hebrews 13:17 - Elders watch on behalf of members' souls, guiding the flock so members are fed
(Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). Much of this instruction is done in meetings. Members are
responsible to obey and submit to the elders. We must cooperate with their teaching efforts,
which requires being present when the teaching is done.

The command to partake of the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week authorizes the church
to decide a time and place to meet. When the church has set a time and place, all members ought
to come so they can obey the command to partake.

In the same way, the church is authorized to provide meetings in which members can teach and
exhort one another. Since members need regular and frequent teaching, it follows that churches
are authorized to provide as many meetings as needed to accomplish the necessary teaching,
including mid-week meetings, gospel meetings, etc. All the members then should come and be
involved whenever the church meets.

Attendance and Bible study are to faithful discipleship what the ABC's are to reading. You can
know the ABC's without learning how to read, but you can never read without knowing the
ABC's. In the same way, disciples may attend church meetings and yet be otherwise unfaithful,
but none will ever be truly faithful if they are negligent in attendance.
 Reason #3: To Set a Good Example
Each Christian Should Be a Good Example to Others.

1 Timothy 4:12 - Be examples to believers in word, manner of life, love, faith, and purity. You
should attend the assemblies for your own benefit, but consider also the effect on others if you do
or do not attend. Surely new members and weak members need all the teaching they can get. But
such people often decide how often to come by observing other members. If they imitate you,
will their need for teaching be met? (Titus 2:7,8)

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine so men may glorify God because of your good works. Does
your example in attendance lead people to glorify God?

Matthew 18:6,7 - It is better to drown in the sea than to tempt others to fall away. If a non-
member or new member asked you whether or not they should attend church meetings, would
you tell them to attend or to do something else instead? You are answering this question by your
example. "Actions speak louder than words." How will you feel at judgment if someone is lost
because they imitated your negligence and fell away? How much better to face judgment
knowing you gave an example of faithfulness in attendance?

If all people followed your example in attendance, would they learn the truth and receive the
encouragement they need to receive eternal life at the Judgment?

(See also 1 Peter 2:11,12; 3:15,16; Philippians 2:15,16.)

Christians Should Especially Be Good Examples to Children.

We should train our children to be what God wants them to be (Ephesians 6:4). Children are
greatly influenced by the example of their parents. "As is the mother, so is her daughter" (Ezekiel
16:44), or "like father, like son." (See also Nehemiah 13:23,24; 2 Timothy 1:5.)

Many parents live the early years of their marriage in spiritual indifference. Later they repent,
but it is too late to save their children. How much better to give an example that will properly
encourage our children!

As the Twig Is Bent

A little girl with golden curls, her happy face aglow,

Said, "It's time for Bible class. Please, Daddy, won't you go?
They teach us there of Jesus' love, and how He died for all,
And how He wants to save the ones who listen to His call."

"Oh no", said Daddy, "not today. I've worked hard all week,
And I must have one day of rest. I'm going to the creek.
For there I can relax and rest, and fishing's fine they say.
So run along, don't bother me. We'll worship God some day."

Later on, when years have passed and Dad's life is almost through,
He finds the time to worship God, but what does daughter do?
She says, "Oh, Daddy, not today. I stayed up 'most all night,
And I've just got to have some sleep. Besides, I look a fright."

Then Daddy lifts a trembling hand to brush away his tears,

And hears that childhood voice again, distinctly through the years,
As a little girl with golden curls, her happy face aglow,
Said, "It's time for Bible class. Please, Daddy, won't you go?"
- Author unknown (adapted)

Reason #4: To Imitate Jesus and Other Faithful Disciples

1 Corinthians 11:1 - Christians Should Imitate Paul and Other
Apostles.

Would Paul or other apostles deliberately neglect assemblies or fail to use opportunities to teach
(note Acts 11:26)? Are you imitating their example?

(See also Philippians 3:17; 4:9).

Hebrews 13:7 (6:12) - Christians Should Imitate Faithful Elders and

Preachers.

If an elder or preacher neglected church meetings when he could come, would you think that
elder was qualified for his office or that preacher was worthy of support? If you think faithful
elders and preachers are responsible to attend regularly, you should imitate them.

Consider members who are really strong and faithful in all areas of serving God: they know the
Bible, teach others, live pure lives, and have obedient children, etc. Can you think of even one
such person who neglects the assemblies when he could come? On the other hand, when
members habitually miss when they could come, are they generally stronger members or weaker
ones? Imitate those who are truly faithful!

1 Peter 2:21 - Christians Should Imitate Jesus.

By definition, a Christian is a disciple or follower of Jesus: one who is Christ-like (Acts 11:26;
Galatians 2:20). Would Jesus ever neglect an opportunity to study with others or to worship His
Father? (Matthew 18:20; 4:23; 9:35; 13:54; 15:32; Luke 4:15,16; John 18:20; Mark 10:1)

Are you imitating the example of Jesus, His apostles, and other faithful Christians?
 Reason #5: To Practice What We Know Is Right
There may be a few members who honestly do not know they should attend church meetings.
But deep in their heart, when they are really honest, most members know they should come.

Do We Mean What We Sing and Pray?

Many of our songs emphasize the importance of worshiping God and studying His word. Do you
mean what you sing? We often pray, "Bring us back at the next appointed time." Do you say
"amen" to that prayer? If so, you must act accordingly or your words are "vain repetitions"
(Matthew 6:5-7; 15:8).

Do You Expect Other People to Attend All the Services?

Do you expect elders, preachers, and teachers to come? God is no respecter of persons (Acts
10:34). There is no double standard. If one member is expected to attend all the meetings, then
all the members should do so. If one member may choose to stay home, why can't all the
members stay home?

What do we call a person who expects others to practice something that he himself will not
practice? A hypocrite! (Matthew 23:3,4; Romans 2:1-3,21,22)

Where Would You Want to Be If You Were to Die or Jesus Were to

Return While the Church Is Assembled?

Would you want to be with the saints, or would you want to be deliberately doing something
else, when you could have attended? Remember, Jesus knows everything we do and will bring it
all into judgment, regardless of whether or not we are committing the act when He comes (2
Corinthians 5:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13,14; Revelation 20:12). We never know when He may come
nor when we will die, so we should live every moment of our lives as faithfully as we would live
our last day (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; James 4:13,14).

Honestly now, don't we all know that we really should be here when the church meets?

Now consider James 4:17 - "Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it
is sin." (Galatians 6:10)

Reason #6: To Put God First in Our Lives

 The Christian's Life Belongs, Not to Himself, but to God.

1 Corinthians 6:19,20 - Your body belongs to God, not to you, so you should glorify God in your
body. But glorifying God is the main purpose of worship assemblies. When people realize that
their bodies belong to God, they will use their bodies to worship Him.

Romans 12:1 - Christians should present their bodies as living sacrifices to serve God. But
worship is a major part of serving God. So when people have made their bodies a sacrifice to
God, they gladly worship Him. They will not allow personal pleasures to interfere.

Matthew 16:24,25 - To be Jesus' disciples, we must deny ourselves. If we willingly give our lives
to God, we will receive eternal life. But if we try to keep our lives for ourselves, we will lose
them. So, instead of doing what we want with our lives, we should use the opportunities the
church gives us to worship and please God.

2 Corinthians 8:5 - The Macedonians gave their money generously because they first gave
themselves to the Lord. What is true of money is also true of our time, effort, etc. If your whole
life belongs to God, you surely cannot begrudge a few hours each week to worship Him.

Matthew 6:33 - Christians Must Seek First God's Kingdom (Church)

and Righteousness.

Is one putting God first when, rather than attend worship assemblies, he prefers to go to a
ballgame or concert, watch TV, go fishing, or vacation?

Is one putting God first when he would rather spend time with friends, relatives, or family
instead of worshiping God? (See also Matthew 10:37-39.)

Is one putting God first when he misses assemblies to do schoolwork, attend school functions, or
make money, when he could arrange his schedule to worship God?

Is one putting God first when he misses assemblies because he is "sick'" or "lacks
transportation," but under the same circumstances he would find a way to work or to the store?

This is the key issue to our whole study! The main reason people do not attend regularly, when
they could come, is that they have not set service to God as their main priority in life! They want
to use their time to please themselves. But when one views his life as being totally sacrificed to
God, he will immediately see that he should worship God whenever the church is meeting, if he
can possibly make arrangements to do so. He will want to be there and will not even seriously
consider missing.

Yes, there are emergency situations when "the ox is in the ditch" (Luke 14:5). But shouldn't a
Christian work diligently to overcome these problems? If the same old ox keeps getting in the
same old ditch, why not build a fence, fill the ditch, or sell the ox?
(Note the danger of neglect and drifting - Hebrews 6:11,12; 2:1-3.)

Reason #7: To Prepare Ourselves for Heaven

Revelation 5:11-14 - We may not know all about Heaven, but we do know that one of the main
activities there will be worship. Elders, angels, and all those who have washed their robes white
in the blood of the Lamb will be serving God night and day (Revelation 7:9-15; 15:2-4; 19:4-8;
etc.).

So one thing on earth that is much like Heaven is our public worship meetings. Surely worship in
heaven will be on a purer and grander scale. But if in this life you do not enjoy praising God, if
you begrudge the time spent in Bible study, if you would rather do something other than meet
with God's people, why would you expect to enjoy Heaven? In fact, if that is your attitude, what
reason do you have to expect that you would ever go there? If our devotion to God is not strong
enough to get us to church meetings, why should we believe it is strong enough to get us to
heaven?

People who truly love and appreciate God, will love and appreciate opportunities to worship and
serve Him. These are the people who will enjoy Heaven, and they are the ones destined to go
there!

Conclusion

The story is told of a young man who asked a friend what he should do to get his girlfriend to
agree to marry him. His friend replied, "It all depends on whether or not she wants to marry you.
If she doesn't want to, you can't make her. If she wants to, there's no way you could prevent it!"

This only slightly exaggerates the case regarding worship. Whether or not one is regular in
attendance all depends on whether or not he is really dedicated to God. If he is not dedicated, he
will probably miss services. If he is really dedicated, he will want so much to attend that you
could hardly keep him away!

In evaluating your church attendance, here are some questions you should honestly ask yourself:

1. Am I really putting God first - before my own desires, before my family, and before
everything else in life?

2. Am I genuinely sorry when I must miss - or would I really rather be doing something else
instead of going?

3. Would I honestly be fulfilling my duty to God as well by not going as I would be by going?

4. If some "emergency" would keep me from attending, would the same circumstances keep me
from other activities that are of great importance to me?
5. Am I seeking to do as much as I can for the Lord, or am I just trying to "get by" with minimal
service?

6. If everyone else - including my family and loved ones - were to imitate my attendance, would
they please God and receive eternal life?

7. What would I think of an elder or preacher who attends as I do?

8. Is my practice in harmony with what I profess, sing, and pray?

9. What would I do if I knew this was my last day on earth - if I knew I would die or Jesus would
come today?

10. What would Jesus do if he were in the same circumstance I am in?

What is your conclusion about your attendance? Are you serving God faithfully? Do you need to
improve?

STUDIES IN ACTS (Chapters 4 – 7)

by Francis Dixon
Study verses: Acts 5:17-39

When reading Acts 5:17-39 we see that these verses contain some important lessons for anyone
engaged in God’’s service. Before considering these, notice that one of Luke’’s favourite
words is ““filled”” –- compare Acts 4:31; Acts 5:17; Acts 5:28. How wonderful to be filled
with the Holy Spirit! How awful to have Satan filling our hearts! How dangerous it may be to be
filled with indignation! How glorious to be filled with the knowledge of Christ and His saving
power.

1. Whenever God is truly working, the Devil will also be at work

Look at verses 17-18. We read again that these bold servants of the Lord Jesus experienced
tremendous persecution; but what we want to notice particularly is that behind their persecution
was the Devil himself. A great work of God was going on, so the Devil was on the warpath, as
he always is when God works. If God is doing something, look out for Satan! It’’s a fact that
the more determined we are to pray, to preach the gospel and to glorify God, the more we shall
have to face the Devil and the more we shall need grace to overcome his subtle and devastating
work. So do not be dismayed if he is giving you a bad time as you serve the Lord. There are
some Christians who do not have to worry about the Devil because they are lukewarm and half-
hearted; and there are some churches that the Devil does not worry much because they are not
getting on with the job. Be assured, though, that we need not be overcome by the Devil. By
prayer and with heavenly wisdom we may be ““more than conquerors”” (Romans 8:37); and as
we resist Satan he will flee from us (James 4:7).
2. It is always safe to trust God when we are doing His will

Just see what verses 18-19 tell us. We may be put into prison. There are thousands of Christians
in prison today, simply because they are Christians and have sought to be faithful to the Lord.
But God is still able to perform miracles. In this case heavenly visitors came down at His
command and broke open the prison doors; just as God sent one of His angels to release Peter
from prison (Acts 12:5-16). The important thing when we are ‘‘in prison’’ is to trust the Lord
–- look up Psalm 37:5-6. One missionary who was threatened by a gunman said, ‘‘You cannot
fire that shot until the God whom I serve gives you permission!’’ It was something like that
with Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego (Daniel 3:16-18). Sometimes the trial of our faith brings
more glory to God and more blessing to ourselves and to others than if we were not tried, so God
lets us suffer for a while (Philippians 1:12). It is always safe to trust God! Paul and Silas proved
this –- look up Acts 16:19-36.

3. We may still believe in and rejoice in the ministry of angels

Verses 19-21 tell us how, in this case, the angels were “”ministering spirits”” (Hebrews 1:14).
But although the angels have a wonderful ministry entrusted to them, we have a far greater
ministry. The angels await God’’s orders and are ready to do His will, but are not entrusted with
the immense privilege of preaching the gospel to sinners. That ministry is given to us, and what a
rare privilege it is for a believer to go to an unbeliever and speak about the Lord Jesus who is
able and willing to save all who will put their trust in Him!

4. We should obey God rather than men

It is easy to read these words in verse 29, but it must have taken a great deal of courage for these
men to say this. How bold Peter and the others were! In spite of threats of imprisonment, and
worse, they were determined to go on preaching the gospel –- because the Lord had
commissioned them to do just that. While they were forbidding Peter to preach, Peter was
preaching to them! If only we had a little more of his courage, tenacity and concern for the lost!

5. God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him

Notice this principle in verse 32:

1. 1. When an unbeliever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, God gives him the Holy
Spirit. In other words, when we obey the gospel the Holy Spirit is given to us (Acts 2:37-39).
 2. 2. When we, as believers, surrender to the Lord in complete obedience, He fills us and empowers
us with the Holy Spirit. The measure in which God can fill us and empower us with the Holy Spirit
depends on the measure of our obedience.

6. To be effective witnesses for the Lord of Glory we must know the partnership of the Holy
Spirit

In verse 32 Peter said, ““We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit””. This
surely is the great lesson of the book of Acts. A witness is someone who shows forth Christ and
talks about Him. A witness is a demonstration of Christ, a sample of the grace of God, a living
human illustration of what God can do with a man or a woman. We must surrender to the Lord
all that we are and have; but we must receive from the Lord all that He offers to us in the person
and power of the Holy Spirit.

7. When God initiates a work He will prosper and complete it: it cannot be overthrown

We learn this from verses 38 and 39 –- and what comfort these verses bring to us! We are
reminded of our Lord’’s words in Matthew 16:18. People tell us that the Church is failing, and
that it will not last much longer. What stupidity! The Lord will not fail, and He is the builder –-
all will be well (Philippians 1:6)!

Question: "What are ways I could serve / be serving in the church?"

Answer: According to the Bible, every Christian has been given at least one spiritual gift to use in service
to the body of Christ. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as
faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who
speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so
that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever
and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10–11; compare Ephesians 4:11–16). So, an important step in determining
how to best serve in the church is for us to discover what our spiritual gifts are. Of course, we don’t have
to know what our gift is before we start getting involved in the church. In fact, we often discover our
gifts in the process of serving. The spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12:6–8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4–11,
28.

There is a difference between the Body of Christ universal (1 Corinthians 12:12–13) and the local church
Christians attend for corporate worship (Hebrews 10:25). But there is no difference in how Christians
ought to use their spiritual gifts, because serving God is a twenty-four-hour proposition, not a Sunday-
only enterprise. All Christians everywhere should be serving God in their local churches and looking for
opportunities to serve outside the walls of a church building (2 Corinthians 9:12–13). It may be difficult
to discover which spiritual gift(s) God has bestowed, but it’s better to serve somewhere than nowhere
(Romans 12:11). Often, the discovery of gifts becomes more clear in the doing—as we serve in various
jobs, we learn what we are good at and what we have a heart for (1 Chronicles 28:9).
There are always more needs than willing workers; this was true in Christ’s day and is still true today
(Matthew 9:37). It’s never a problem to find a need in the local church. From evangelizing the
community (which all Christians are called to do, Acts 1:8) to cleaning the bathrooms, there is always
plenty of work to be done. It is good to inquire of the church leadership regarding the needs of the
church. Have a conversation with the pastor and elders about what jobs are open and how they may or
may not be suited for you.

Here are a few examples of positions of service in local congregations:

• Sunday School and Bible study teachers (once vetted)
• Children and youth leaders
• Administrators
• Secretaries
• Janitors and maintenance workers to upkeep the building and grounds
• Transportation workers for children or others unable to drive
• Outreach workers
• Ushers and greeters
• Choir members and soloists
• Musicians
• Music directors, song leaders, etc.
• Audio and video technicians
• Website administrators and social media coordinators
• Treasurers and accountants
• Kitchen workers
• Nursery workers

Every member of every church should be serving in some way, and every servant of the Lord should
remember that it’s more than just serving others; it’s loving them: “Serve one another humbly in love”
(Galatians 5:13). Serving the church can take on many forms: babysitting for a young couple to give them
a night out, preparing a meal for a family struck by illness, visiting an elderly, housebound widow, or just
picking up a phone and saying, “I was thinking about you today.” Christians may busy themselves in
tasks of service like the ones listed above, but endless performing, without love, is meaningless (1
Corinthians 13:1–3). As we go about serving God and others, let us do so with a spirit of humility and
brotherly love (Philippians 2:1–4).
Fit for the Master's Use (2 Timothy 2:20-26 3:14a)

In this passage, Paul is continuing his insistence that Christians must live godly lives. The previous verse concludes:

"Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness." (2:19b)

Now he continues this theme with an illustration from pots and vessels in a household.

Articles for Noble Purposes (2:20-21)

"20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If
a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good
work." (2:20-21)

The word in verses 20-21 translated "articles/instrument" (NIV), "utensils" (NRSV), "vessels" (KJV) is skeuos, "a container of any kind, vessel,
jar, dish."403 I've always pictured this as serving ware for a household -- a gold or silver bowl as contrasted with a plain, wood or unglazed pottery
bowl. Yes, they are both useful, but the homeowner takes great pride in one, but only tolerates the other. The word translated "noble" (NIV),
"special use" (NRSV), "honor" (KJV) is timē, "honor," which we've seen before. Here it refers to "the respect that one enjoys, honor as a
possession."404
Of course, a crude pottery bowl can't transform itself into a beautiful gold vessel -- that's where the analogy breaks down. But men and women
can!

"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, 405 useful to the Master and prepared to do any
good work." (2:21)

Here, Paul isn't talking about only the cleansing of forgiveness and holiness, but the cleansing we must do for ourselves, to flee from evil and
shun the temptations that drag us down, so they no longer control our lives. Yes, God is at work. But here, Paul emphasizes our part: "If a person
cleanses himself" (2:21a).

When we are cleansed, we are:

1. "Useful" to the Lord (NIV, NRSV), "meet for use" (KJV). The word is euchrēstos, "pertaining to being helpful or beneficial, useful,
serviceable."406 The KJV uses an archaic phrase, but a powerful one: "meet for the master's use." The English adjective "meet" (used
also to describe Eve as a "help meet for him" in Genesis 2:18) means, "precisely adapted to a particular situation, need, or
circumstance."407 Our usefulness to Christ isn't so limited by our crude, ignoble character, as it once was.
2. "Ready" for the Lord (NIV, NRSV), "prepared" (KJV). Hetoimazō means "to cause to be ready, put/keep in readiness, prepare," here
"ready, prepared for something."408

Flee the Desires of Youth, Pursue Righteousness (2:22)

How do we cleanse ourselves so we are both useful and ready? Verse 22 provides the answer, using a pair of verbs we saw in 1 Timothy 6:11.

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2
Timothy 2:22)

"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11)

Both "flee" and "pursue" require vigorous, deliberate action, as well as fortitude for the long run.

In our passage, Timothy is told first to flee from "the evil desires of youth" (NIV), "youthful passions" (NRSV), "youthful lust" (KJV). The noun
is epithymia, "desire," which can refer to either good or evil desires. Here Paul speaks of the negative: "a desire for something forbidden or
simply inordinate, craving, lust."409 So often in adolescence our value system gets confused by peer pressure and inexperience, and embraces evil
desires -- drugs, sex, indolence, partying. No doubt temptations existed in Timothy's time, too. So negatively, we are to flee these evil desires.

Positively, however, we are to pursue hard after the Christian virtues, "along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2:22).
"Pure"(katharos, "clean, pure") comes from the same Greek root as the verb in the previous verse, "If a man cleanses himself...." (2:21) --
ekkathairō, "to rid of something unclean, cleanse."410

Repentance means to change one's mind, to turn away from something -- to flee. It also requires us to turn to something new, and to pursue it --
the life of Christ and the virtues of a Spirit-led life. How do we cleanse ourselves so that we might be useful and ready for the Lord’s use?

Avoid Stupid Quarrels (2:23)

Now Paul warns Timothy to stay away from the argumentative spirit that characterizes the false teachers.

"23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not
quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." (2:23-24)

I've seen this argumentative spirit in some believers -- a zeal to root out by vigorous dispute incorrect beliefs wherever they can be found, to set
everyone straight. The purpose may be right, but the spirit of arguing411 and fighting412 pollutes the pure spirit of Christ. Some branches of the
Christian faith always seem to be fighting. They take as their theme verse: "Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints" (Jude 3, KJV). But "contend" in that verse doesn't mean to fight or quarrel, but "to exert intense effort on behalf of something, contend,"
an image from the athletic context of competing unrelentingly at the games. 413

Teaching Quarreling People without Becoming Quarrelsome (2:24-25)

This mission for which Paul is preparing Timothy is difficult. He is to instruct these fighting, quarrelsome false teachers without becoming like
them.
"24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel;414 instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.25 Those who oppose him he must
gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.... " (2:24-25)

Notice the words that describe this manner of instruction.

1. Kindness. "Kind/kindly" (NIV, NRSV), "gentle" (KJV) is ēpios, "kind, gentle."415 In classical Greek the word is used of a kind monarch, of
kindly feelings towards a person, and of hot and cold as "mild, less intense."416 This word is also found in another of Paul's letters: "We were
gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children" (1 Thessalonians 2:7). In other words, our teaching doesn't need to have an edge of
anger or an attitude of trying to score points against the opposition.

2. Skill is the next characteristic. "Able to teach" (NIV), "an apt teacher" (NRSV), "apt to teach" (KJV) is didaktikos, "skillful in teaching."417
Teaching in the face of controversy requires skill and finesse. It is not the place for the bull-in-a-china-shop type of teacher.

3. Lacking resentfulness is difficult in the presence of the opposition. The word translated "not resentful" (NIV) "patient" (KJV, NRSV) is
anexikakos, "pertaining to bearing evil without resentment, patient, tolerant." 418 This is different than the usual word for "patient," makrothymia,
literally, "long suffering." Rather our word is derived from anechomai, "bear, carry" + kakos, "evil." St. Peter instructs us:

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges
justly." (1 Peter 2:23)

4. Humility. The phrase "gently instruct" (NIV), "correcting419 ... with gentleness" (NRSV), "in meekness instructing" (KJV) uses the adverb
prautēs, "the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one's self-importance, gentleness, humility, courtesy, considerateness,
meekness" in the older favorable sense.420 So often when we correct opponents our ego is heavily involved so that we are anything but gentle or
humble. It's us against them and we are out to win. Instead, we should set aside our egos in the knowledge that we're not verbally beating
opponents into submission, but rather God is using us to soften hearts and change minds.

5. Trusting God to work is the final characteristic. Instead of doing this in our own strength, we teach and correct "in the hope 421 that God will
grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth." Instead of believing that our teaching will accomplish this, we are firmly
trusting that God will do this by His Spirit, through the agency of the Word we teach -- which contains the power in itself to bring about change:

"Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it
is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the
one to whom we must render an account." (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Our job is to teach the truth of God with a pure heart and with a clear spirit. It is God's job to change the heart of our opponents, not ours. We see
the same kind of attitude that Paul is talking about in Peter's epistle:

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness
(prautēs) and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of
their slander." (1 Peter 3:15-16)

It is so easy to become like our opponents. We must resist this in the Spirit of God.

The Freeing Gift of Repentance (2:25-26)

What allows us to teach opponents in the right spirit is a right understanding of the One who must bring about the change.

"25b God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 26 and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been
held captive by him to do his will." (2:25-26)

Repentance (metanoia) means literally, "a change of mind," with the nuance of "remorse." In the New Testament it refers to "repentance, turning
about, conversion."422 God gives or grants423 repentance, according to this verse. You see this idea twice more in the New Testament:

"God exalted Christat his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5:31)

"When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, 'Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to
life.'" (Acts 11:18)
We are so used to a humanistic theology that centers around self-action and self-will, that we easily forget God's sovereignty. Everything we have
is a gift -- not the product of our seeking and accepting God, but first of him seeking and accepting us.

"We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Just because God gives the ability to repent is no reason for us to stop teaching and let God do it all. He has chosen to include us in his plan. His
Word is powerful. When we faithfully preach and teach the Word, it is the means God uses to open the heart and transform the soul.

The Captivity of the False Teachers (2:25-26)

Now, observe the captivity in which the false teachers may find themselves.

"Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope ... that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has
taken them captive to do his will." (2:25-26)

The false teachers and their followers suffer from two conditions.

1. Intoxication. Paul uses a word (ananēphō,) that means literally, "to become sober again," a word that would have been applied to someone out
on a drinking binge that has clouded his senses and lowered his inhibitions. Here it means "come to one's senses again." 424 The Word, lovingly
and ably taught, is able to correct error. Gradually when people begin to grasp the truth, they become progressively "sober" and are in "recovery."
Re-learning truth is the cognitive element so important for recovery. These people don't have to be false teachers. Many a person who has gotten
off the narrow path has been brought back to the Lord through loving teaching. James says:

"My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the
error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20)

2. Imprisonment. This is not just a cognitive problem, there is an actual spiritual force, "the devil," who has trapped and now holds the person.
We considered the word "trap" (NIV), "snare" (NRSV, KJV) under 1 Timothy 6:9 above. Paul uses another word, "taken captive," zōgreō,
"capture alive,"425 "take captive instead of killing."426 One of the reasons for the huge slave population in the Roman Empire was the Roman
army's practice of taking conquered civilians as prisoners of war to sell back home. It made men extremely wealthy. Here, false teachers and
other deluded people are taken captive as prisoners of war to do the devil's will, rather than God's. 427 Spiritual captivity can only be fought by
spiritual weapons, prayer and the Word of God.

Lest you think that faithful Christian teaching is dull and of little importance, think again. Prayerful teaching is God's power to set the captive
free.

Godlessness in the Last Days (3:1-5)

In the next section of the letter, Paul forecasts the decadence of the End Times, partially reflected
in the lifestyles of the false teachers.

"3:1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of
themselves,428 lovers of money,429 boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents,
ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love,430 unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control,431 brutal, not
lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure432 rather than lovers of
God433 -- 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."
(3:1-5)

As I look at this list of vices, I am struck by how many of them are related to misplaced love --
lover of self, money, and pleasure, rather than of God.

A Form of Godliness without the Power (3:5a)

I won't dwell on most of the words in this list of vices, but one stands out:

"... Having a form of godliness but denying its power." (3:5a)

The false teachers and their followers are play-acting, as hypocrites have done through the ages.

"These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts
are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men." (Isaiah 29:13)

"With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain." (Ezekiel
33:31b)

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are
ferocious wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed
tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and
everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the
inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." (Matthew 23:27-28)

They have the "outward form"434 (NRSV) of godliness. But they deny -- "refuse to pay any
attention to, disregard, renounce"435 -- the power of the gospel to transform lives.

I am frightened that many of our churches have become havens for these kinds of people. We
know the jargon and the talk, but our inner lives can still be untransformed, filled with as much
carefully disguised selfishness, greed, hedonism, and bitterness as a pagan. God, have mercy on
us! So convict us that we will repent.

And then "Have nothing to do with them" (3:5b), that is, avoid436 that sham religion as one
avoids the plague.

Worming Their Way into Homes (3:6-7)

The godless false teachers were aggressive about spreading their empty religion, however.
Probably part of Paul's absolute prohibition on women teachers at Ephesus stems from what the
following passage hints at:
"6 They are the kind who worm their way437 into homes and gain control438 over weak-willed
women,439 who are loaded down440 with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always
learning but never able to acknowledge the truth." (3:6-7)

I've met some people "who are always being instructed and can never arrive at a knowledge of
the truth" (3:7). At the university they're known as "professional students," learning but never
applying what they've learned to the practical world. They exist in religious circles, too. They
study and learn, but move from one religion to another, and perhaps eventually to all religions.
But they never commit to any belief system. Sad. It's a spiritual sickness that only God's grace
can heal.

Opposed as Jannes and Jambres vs. Moses (3:8-9)

Now Paul looks for an example to illustrate the kind of adamant opposition of the false teachers
to the truth.

"8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth -- men of
depraved441 minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.442 9 But they will not get
very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly443 will be clear to everyone." (3:8-9)

The names Jannes and Jambres appear nowhere in Scripture. However, these are the names
assigned by Jewish tradition to the two Egyptian sorcerers who opposed Moses before Pharaoh
(Exodus 7-8). Moses would do one miracle, and "the Egyptian magicians did the same things by
their secret arts, and Pharaoh's heart became hard" (Exodus 7:22).

Follow My Example in Enduring Persecution (3:10-12)

Paul now turns from describing how to understand and confront the false teachers to
strengthening Timothy in another area -- enduring persecution.444

"10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love,
endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings -- what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch,
Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In
fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (3:10-12)

Timothy had personally witnessed Paul's persecutions in Timothy's hometown of Lystra where
Jews had come from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowd, who then stoned Paul and
left him for dead (Acts 14:19). That was about the time that Timothy had been converted to
Christianity. The memory was fresh, though it had occurred years before.

Paul has two lessons to help strengthen Timothy to accept the hardships and suffering that come
from serving the Lord.

1. God's presence during persecution. "Yet the Lord rescued445 me from all of them." (3:11b)
2. The inevitability of persecution. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted" (3:12). If we aspire to live a godly, Christ-emulating life, we too will
be persecuted. Don't expect to avoid it. Jesus told his disciples:

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against
you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same
way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12)

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow
me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."
(Luke 9:23-24)

"Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the
world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the
words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will
persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you
this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." (John 15:19-21)

Mural in the Chapel of the Third Station along the Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem,
Armenian Catholic Patriarchate. Unknown painter and date. Larger image.

These are hard sayings. In our day, people become silent about their faith in order to avoid the
very mild persecution and cultural rejection experienced in most Western countries. Why?
Because they haven't embraced the cross for themselves. They aren't willing to take it up daily,
whatever the consequences to themselves.

And so Paul reminds Timothy: "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted." (3:12)

Continue Despite the Cost (3:13-14a)

"13 ... While evil men and impostors446 will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being
deceived.447 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced
of,448 because you know those from whom you learned it...." (3:10-14a)

The false teachers will get worse. But Timothy is called to "continue in what you have learned"
(3:14a). No, it may not seem fair for impostors to go on with their deceptions, while the
righteous are persecuted. But it is part of being a faithful disciple, a soldier in the army of the
Lord. It is something we embrace as our Lord embraced the cross. We are called to continue in
what we have learned and be faithful to the gospel with which we have been entrusted.
In Paul's inspiring call to spiritual warfare in his Letter to the Ephesians, he says something
similar, familiar to any soldier in a tough spot.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to
stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)

Don't give ground no matter how hard the battle. Stand! Continue in what you have learned!
(3:14)

Prayer

Lord, sometimes the battle seems so overwhelming, the temptations so strong. Help us, like you
helped Paul and Timothy, to continue in what we have been taught. Help us to purify ourselves
from the pollutions of the world so that we may be golden vessels of which you can be proud. It
hurts, sometimes, but use us, Lord, until your Kingdom comes and your will is done on earth as
it is in heaven. Hasten that day, we pray. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Key Verses

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some
are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be
an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good
work." (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those
who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)

"Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance
leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from
the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

"... Having a form of godliness but denying its power." (2 Timothy 3:5a)

"... Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth." (2 Timothy 3:7)

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy
3:12)

Read the Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-22

I want to speak this morning to all who want to be used of God. I would suspect that deep in
every person's heart here there is a desire that God might use him. That is a normal and a proper
desire. There is no thrill like the thrill of being used of God. There is nothing that remotely
approaches, in terms of excitement, satisfaction and fulfillment, the consciousness that one has
been the instrument in the hands of the Almighty to do some of his work -- to change the
direction of someone's life, perhaps, to prevent an injury, to resolve an argument, to answer a
challenge, to heal a weakness, to rebuke a ruler, or to turn a nation.

I have seen men of high achievement in the world tremble with a sense of awe as they realized
that on a given occasion they were the instrument of God's working. I can tell you from personal
experience that is something that is without compare in this life. It can happen anywhere,
anytime. God works in wonderful ways, not always in very dramatic ways, but in ways we do
not anticipate. It can happen to anybody. Being used of God is not confined to pastors, preachers
or teachers. Anybody can be an instrument in God's hands.

In the passage we are looking at this morning from Second Timothy, Chapter 2, beginning with
Verse 20, the Apostle Paul describes what it takes to be used of God.

In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware,
and some for noble use, some for ignoble. If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then
he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any
good work. (2 Timothy 2:20-21 RSV)

Most of the commentators take this reference to "a great house" to refer to the whole professing
church. They see the church as the house of God, which is the term Paul used for this in his first
letter to Timothy. But if we compare what other Scriptures say on this, we discover that Scripture
itself forces us to extend this analogy not only to the church, but to the whole world. Every
person in the world is a possible vessel for God to use, regardless of what his attitude to God
may be.

Scripture reveals that God uses his enemies, even the devil, to accomplish his work. God's
sovereignty, his majesty, is such that no matter who we may be or what we may be like, we can
be used by him. In the story of the Exodus, in the Old Testament, we learn that not only was
Moses the instrument of God but so was Pharaoh. In Romans 9, Paul says that Pharaoh was used
of God to resist the departure from Egypt in order that the greatness of God might be manifest.
The apostle says that God raised up Pharaoh, set him on his throne, and used him for his
purposes. In fact, in the ninth chapter of Romans, the 21st through the 23rd verses, the apostle
uses this very same figure about vessels of mercy contrasted with vessels of wrath. He says, "Has
the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for beauty and another
for menial use?" (Romans 9:21 RSV). So Scripture itself supports the idea that God can use
anybody, believer or nonbeliever.

In Isaiah we are told that Nebuchadnezzar was the servant of God (Jeremiah 27:6), even though
he was a Babylonian pagan. Cyrus the Persian king is called "God's anointed one," (Isaiah 45:1).
God speaks of him as "my shepherd" (Isaiah 44:28), though he too was an unbeliever. If we
understand life from the Biblical point of view, we must know that all people can be used of
God. So it is not a question of whether you are going to be used of God or not. As this passage
points out, the question is, How does God plan to use you? What is he going to do with you? To
what purpose is he going to put you in his program? Will it be a noble purpose, or will it be, as
this version says, an ignoble? Will it be for good or bad, blessing or judgment? We need to
clearly understand this fact.

Recently I saw a sign on someone's desk that said, "It may be that my whole purpose in life is to
serve as a warning to others." Everyone needs a bad example as well as a good one. That may be
the purpose God will put us to.The Scriptures do not teach that only the righteous people are
used of God. No, God can use anyone. He used Hitler to accomplish certain purposes of
judgment and correction. God uses the basest of men; we all are instruments of his work. God
used Judas, placing him in the apostolic band. Jesus knew that he would betray him. Judas
fulfilled the Scriptures and the predictions of the prophets on that night when he lifted up his heel
against the Lord and betrayed him. So God can use anyone.

The great question, however, is to what end, for what purpose is he using you? Here the apostle
is pointing out to Timothy that it is for one of two purposes. "In every house," he says, "there are
vessels." That is true of all homes -- we have "vessels for honor," i.e., dishes we eat from, pots
and pans we cook in, decorated vases, etc., are all vessels unto honor. They are not only useful
but they are preserved, they are permanent, we want to keep them. But every house also has
"vessels for dishonor" -- we have garbage cans, slop buckets, bedpans, trash barrels,
wastebaskets, etc. We do not display them. They are useful, but they are not presentable. We
may even intend to dispose of them, sometimes after only one use. Those are vessels of dishonor.

That is the way God sees humanity. If we want to understand life as it really is, we have to look
at humanity in that way. God sees all of us as useful vessels, but some only for good purposes;
others must be used to accomplish wicked things, judgmental things, hurtful things to others,
because of the evil in human society.

At this point someone is sure to raise the question Paul raises in Romans 9, where, in dealing
with this subject, he says, "You will say to me then, 'Then why does he yet find fault?'" (Romans
9:19 RSV). That is, if God uses everybody to serve his purposes, why does he then turn around
and blame people for doing what he himself used them to accomplish?

Many nonbelievers will raise that question about the sovereign justice of God. Paul answers that
in Romans 9. I am not going to deal with it fully this morning, except to point out that in this
passage in Second Timothy it is clear that the analogy between a house and vessels breaks down
when it is applied to human beings. In our homes pots and pans have no choice as to what they
are going to be used for -- that is entirely up to the householder -- but in Scripture it is very clear
that, when this is applied to human beings, a choice is involved. We see that in Verse 21: "If any
one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use." We have no
choice of whether we are going to be used of God or not; the choice we have is what God is
going to use us for. That is up to us; it is put in our hands. I grant you we are not dealing with the
whole question of the sovereignty of God here. Paul is not dealing with the way God brings
about his purposes in man, but he is facing us with a clear responsibility to make a choice in the
question of how God is going to use us, whether it will be for a good purpose or not.

Choice determines the way God uses us. "If a man purifies himself" -- that means man has
something to do with it; he has to purify himself. God will never set man's will aside and use him
for a good purpose without his being willing to be used. One of the most remarkable things about
the Scriptures is how they preserve for us what we regard as our highest dignity, which is the
right to exercise our own will. God does not force us to be used of him; it must always be a
willing choice on our part. But we have to do something about it. He does not use us, willy-nilly,
against our wills, for good things. He will do that for evil, for ignoble purposes, but not for good;
there the choice is up to us.

When it says, "he must purify himself," that does not mean that we have the power to deal with
our own sins, to cleanse our own lives. We do not have that power. But it does mean that we are
responsible to use the cleansing that has been provided. If you have been working on your car or
in the yard and your hands are dirty, you go into the bathroom to clean yourself up with soap and
water -- you deliberately choose to use the soap and water provided -- when you have done so
you say, "I've cleansed myself." It was not you that did the cleansing (it was the soap and water),
but you used that which was provided.

That is what this is teaching us. We have a responsibility to use the redemption that has been
provided in Jesus Christ, to lay hold of his provision for the forgiveness of sin. Scripture tells us
our sins are not forgiven unless we are willing to confess them: "If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," (l John 1:9
(KJV). You can go into a bathroom with dirty hands and there is soap and water there, but if you
refuse to use them you will come out just as dirty as you went in. You cannot blame the
bathroom for that. You are to blame.

You can come to church and hear the truth of the Word of God, but if you do not apply it to
yourself it does you no good. You cannot blame God because he did not give you all the good
things he promises to those who come to him, if you have not come to him. Even as a Christian
you cannot expect to have active in your life the tremendous provisions that God promises; you
cannot expect to be used of God in beautiful and wonderful ways unless you are willing to purify
yourself and use the instruments he has provided.

Notice that not only is the choice up to you, but, according to this verse, the separation from evil,
the cleansing, precedes the consecration. It is never the other way around. Everybody wants to be
used of God if he is a Christian at all, but you cannot be used of God for good purposes unless
you are willing to say "No" first. That is the point this makes. You must say "No" to the wrong
before God will say "Yes" to the right. In other words, you have to reject the philosophy of those
who are urging you to live for yourself. You have to refuse the blandishments they offer you to
be part of the crowd. You have to restrict their companionship. You may even have to cut off
your friendships to a considerable degree -- not that the Christian must ever retire from the
world, but we have to recognize that there must be a turning away from that which is ignoble.
That is what Paul says to Timothy. You cannot go on living like you have always done and
expect God to use you. He cannot, he will not, until there is a cleansing.

Now notice the result: "If any one purifies himself ... he will be," Paul says, "a vessel unto honor,
consecrated and useful, ready for any good work." He will be "consecrated." That is a word that
has a permanence about it: One is permanently set aside in God's mind for useful purposes, for
thrilling, exciting, adventurous discoveries of being used by God. Furthermore, he is useful,
profitable, and effective. God uses him in ways that accomplish something.

Finally, he is "ready for any good work." He becomes adaptable; God can use him in many
different ways. Life becomes a tremendous adventure as you discover the innovative ways in
which God can use you. All this hangs on your willingness to turn away from the wrongful
attitudes, philosophies and actions of life.

This is the proper interpretation, and it is proved by the way Paul specifically applies this to
Timothy. In Verse 22 he says,

So shun youthful passions... (2 Timothy 2:22a RSV)

This is the way you turn away from wrong things: "Shun youthful passions." The word is flee,
run away, get away from them.

Everybody who reads this immediately thinks of strong sexual urges. That is what the words
"youthful passions" raise in our minds. It does include that. Youth is the time when sexual drives
are the strongest. In a sex-oriented society like ours, these passions can become very powerful,
very compelling, driving us, occupying our minds, touching almost everything we do. We
oftentimes find ourselves in the grip of tremendous forces that urge us on to do things that the
world is telling us are perfectly all right; no harmful results will ensue, we are told. Yet these are
things which Scripture tells us are wrong, hurtful, destructive and evil in the sight of God. So this
verse does include that.

Perhaps Timothy was troubled that way, although I doubt that is really what the apostle has in
mind. By this time, Timothy was in his early or mid-thirties. He had traveled with Paul for
sixteen years or more, and he had a great deal of experience in learning how to handle the sexual
drives within him. No, in this context the apostle is referring to something more than sex.

Dr. Charles Erdman has captured it in his commentary. He says:

We may conclude from what precedes and what follows that he refers not so much to bodily
appetites as to the temptations of a young pastor to pride, to conceit, to dogmatism, to
contentiousness and to the display of his own wisdom, either in exploiting false theories or in
defending the faith.

In other words, "Timothy, cool down, shut up, and back off." That is what this is talking about.

The congregation at Ephesus was about to erupt with controversy. False teachers were spreading
lies there and some people were ready to follow them. Timothy was tempted to come on strong,
to blast away and be dogmatic and assertive and turn this into an argument. Paul is warning
about that.

It is not wrong for Timothy to defend the faith and stand up for the truth of Scripture. Paul has
urged him to do that before, and he himself is a model of that kind of defense of the truth. But
what he warns against is the pride that takes a position, refuses to listen to anyone else, and
assertively concludes that everyone else must be wholly in the wrong if they disagree. Pride
keeps pressing and getting involved in shouting matches. Timothy has to say "No" to the
philosophy that was as prevalent in that day as it is in ours, which says, "Stand up for your rights.
Claim all your privileges. Get your share of the glory." Timothy is to purify himself from that
which is ignoble in order that he might be put to noble use.

That is the first step. You never start with wanting to be used of God; you have to start with
refusing to be used by the wrong. If you want God to make you an effective instrument of his
working in this world throughout your life, that is where you have to start. You have to say "No"
to those assertive, dogmatic, prideful, conceited positions that are exploited all around us today --
and which are often applauded by Christian groups -- if you want God to use you. Then, once
you have done that, the positive is possible. Paul says,

Aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, (2 Timothy 2:22b RSV)

The word is pursue it, go after it, go for it. What is wonderful about those four things is that
every one of them is presented in the Scriptures as a gift from God. Only God can give us those
things. But what is interesting is that, though God wants to give them, you will not get them
unless you pursue them. You have to claim them; you have to go after them. You have to assert
yourself along these lines. Receiving those things must be the result of your deliberate choice
that you do the things that make for righteousness, faith, love and peace.

Righteousness means right behavior. There are times when every Christian is called upon to
choose between what he knows to be wrong and what he knows to be right. You have to say
"No" to what is wrong, and "Yes" to what is right. If you have not learned to say "No," if you
drift along with whatever the crowd is doing, you will never be an instrument used by God for
noble purposes. You have to say "No" to unbelief and "Yes" to faith.

I know a lot of people who struggle with little faith, the reason oftentimes being because they
have never sought those things that awaken faith. The Scriptures tell us that "faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the Word of God," (Romans 10:17 KJV). The more you are aware of
what God says the more your faith is aroused, awakened and stirred up to lay hold of what God
says. Those who never have time for the Scriptures, who never read the Word of God, who never
listen to it unfolded for them and are never stirred up to lay hold of what God wants to give them
will never have it forced upon them. God is not going to drop it on them until they are ready to
lay hold of it, to ask for it, to seek it.

We must deliberately choose love. We often are exposed to the choice of how we are going to
react toward someone who, perhaps, has irritated us, who has done something that makes us
upset or angry. Our flesh tells us, "Tell him off. Hit back. Get even. Let him know how you feel.
Make him squirm." But, if you want to be used of God, you cannot give way to that. You have to
say "No" to that. Instead, you deliberately give a soft answer that will turn away wrath, or
apologize for having given offense, for, even though your stance was right, you said it in a way
that was wrong. Or you must reach out and see him not as your rival, someone who is trying to
take something away from you, but as one who is feeling upset and troubled himself, and in need
of help and encouragement. So love reaches out.

You have to deliberately seek for peace. Sometimes you must initiate reconciliation. If
somebody is angry at you, although you are not to blame, you just cannot keep that within you
and let it fester away, upsetting you and creating frustration in your heart. According to the
Scriptures, you have to go to that person and let him know what the trouble is. Initiate a
reconciliation. Sit down with him and say, "I don't know what has happened, but something has
come between us. It's not right and I don't like it, so let's sit down and talk it out. Tell me how
you feel and what it is that is troubling you." Seek peace. Aim at it. Pursue it. That is what the
apostle says. And third, surround yourselves with those who encourage you along this line.

[Seek] peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22c
RSV)

Those with pure hearts are not sinless saints; they are not holy Joes who have never done
anything wrong; they are not the kind of people who look down their noses at everyone else who
gets into trouble. No, the word is not "pure," but "cleansed," past tense; those with a cleansed
heart; those who have already known what it is to be where you are. They do not put you down,
they encourage you. They say, "I know how you feel. I've been there too, but God picked me up.
I know what it means to lay hold of his great, forgiving love." So one of the necessities of being
used of God is that you keep company with those who are aiming in the same direction.

On Tuesday last, Steve Zeisler and I spent the day at Vacaville Penitentiary. I had not been up
there before. It was a most remarkable experience to see our Christian friends from there
working in that prison as salt in the midst of a corrupt society. It was a rainy day and no one was
out in the yard. Everyone was in the halls, so it was like going into a high school that had just
been let out for lunch. In the midst of that overcrowded prison, a Christian group is maintaining a
testimony which is keeping that prison away from violence, acting as salt to preserve it in the
midst of a very explosive situation.

In the chapel, I sat right next to a man who had been a murderer -- a murderer several times. He
had been one of the toughest, fiercest convicts in the prison system. He had stabbed several
people while he was in prison, and he was a member of the gang that tried to rule the prison, a
vicious loner who would not hesitate to take a human life. Yet God had reached him. Now he is
the most gentle-spirited, gracious fellow, a teacher of the other prisoners, instructing them in the
truth of God.

I met with others who had been rapists, murderers and child abusers, men whose lives were
changed, who were now listening to, and rejoicing in, the Scriptures. I asked Herb Sokol, the
leader of the group, what it was that most disappointed him in his work. Without hesitating he
said, "It is those who are so dramatically changed here, but who lose all they have gained when
they get out. I asked why that happened. "Because they go back to the same old crowd," he said.

We are not made to live all alone. We are made to live with others; we need the support of
others. Those who surround themselves with a non-Christian view of life and with friends who
still remain that way are almost certain to go back at last into that way of thinking and that way
of living. So if we want to be used of God, the apostle urges us to seek the companionship of
those of like mind. This does not mean that we are to avoid contact with non-Christians, to have
nothing to do with those who are not of the same faith as ourselves; that is another mistake,
another extreme. But it is equally bad if we do not seek out the fellowship of those of like mind
with ourselves. Here the apostle is dealing practically with how you can be an instrument in
God's hands to vitally and mightily affect the world around you.

I want to close with this quotation from John Stott in his book on Second Timothy. He says:

This double duty of Christians -- negative and positive -- is the consistent, reiterated teaching of
Scripture. Thus, we are to deny ourselves and to follow Christ. We are to put off what belongs to
our old life and to put on what belongs to our new life. We are to put to death our earthly
members and to set our minds on heavenly things. We are to crucify the flesh and to walk in the
Spirit. It is the ruthless rejection of the one, in combination with the relentless pursuit of the
other, which Scripture enjoins upon us as the secret of holiness. [Holiness is wholeness; being
what we were intended to be -- useful instruments in God's hands.] Only so can we hope to be fit
for the Master's use. If the promise is to be inherited ('he will be a vessel for noble use'), the
condition must be fulfilled ('if anyone purifies himself from what is ignoble').

That is a very practical admonition from the Apostle Paul. Timothy had a great opportunity in
Ephesus. The church there was under tremendous pressure. The whole world was about to
explode in flames, and Timothy was himself under great pressure to conform, to go along and
not say anything. Paul advises him, "Timothy, if you want to be an instrument of God, if you
want to be used of God in that situation, begin by saying "No" to all the wrong things in your
life, and then say "Yes" to the things God wants to do with you. He will then pick you up and use
you in ways you would never dream of."

We do not have to plan how God is going to use us. All we have to do is be usable by means of
this process. I hope this will help us as we face the possibilities and the challenge of our world
today.

Prayer

Lord, we wait upon you now. We know we live in a day like Timothy did, a day of tremendous
pressure, a day of great possibility. Many of us are under pressure ourselves, facing choices we
need to make. Grant us now in this hour the strength to say "No" to the things we must, and to
say "Yes" to the things that we should, that you may find us usable in your hand, a vessel fit for
the Master's use. We pray in his name, Amen.

Text: Daniel 6:1-28

Introduction: - All Across America there are people, young and old alike who are
uncommitted.

- They have the appearance of commitment.

-they talk the talk
-they don't walk the walk

- There actions speak louder than their words telling of half-hearted

-conditional commitment.

- See if these sound familiar.

-Lord, I'll come to church but only on Sunday Morning at 11:00.

-Lord, I'll come to church every time the doors are open but don't expect me to do
outreach, to teach a class, or pray publicly.
-Lord I'll do anything for you as long as it doesn't cost me anything
- I know that I am being a little harsh maybe
- Buy I don't want to be a part of a group of people that has little or no wholehearted
commitment to God's purpose and plan.
- I am at a place in my life where I am ready to see people, young and old alike sold
out to God.

- Well just what is commitment preacher?

Commitment is following Jesus. "Commitment demands a choice. Jesus wasted no

time getting to the heart of commitment: Either the disciples would be committed to
Him and deny their own desires. or they would be determined to go their own ways
and deny Him. The choice to commit is the same for all believers - either deny
ourselves or deny Him; either go His way or we pursue our way.

Talk about Christ would be meaningless without the walk with Him. The disciples
were to take up their crosses. Carrying the cross beam was a public declaration of
Tome's authority. Jesus challenged them to put themselves voluntarily under God's
authority, doing His will His way. Commitment demands action; it cannot be divorced
from responsibility. It extends beyond our relationship to the heavenly Father to other
areas of life. Ruth's words of commitment to Naomi did not speak as loudly as did her
actions. She left her amily and homeland to return with Naomi to Bethelehem.

Commitment definitely limits choices because it is exclusive. For example, in a

commitment to marriage, God's plan is for one woman and one man to commit to
each other exclusively and permanently.
Commitment builds up faith and develops character. It is a spiritual discipline
requiring time, work and determination." (Woman's Study Bible p.1610)

- Well OK preacher but come on is it really possible to have that kind of

commitment?

- I mean give me just one example of that kind of commitment.

- How about Peter-died crucified upside down.

-How Paul who during His ministry was so committed to Christ that he was: -jailed,
beaten, starved, stoned, ridiculed, run out of town, and eventually killed.

- Yea, yea OK that was then but what about today.

-Casey Bernall

-Almost daily in China Christians are imprisoned.

-Right now in the Middle East if a Muslim becomes a Christian they are marked for
death.

- OK, OK you have convinced me now how do I know I am committed?

- Tonight I want us to look at a man named Daniel. As we do I want us to discover 7

signs of commitment found in Daniel 6. In my opinion Daniel is a person who even
though he did not know the joy of salvation through Jesus Christ showed more
commitment to God than anyone of his day and than almost anyone of any other
generation.

- Daniel's commitment began as a youth and continued throughout his entire life. In
Daniel chapter 1 we see a teenage Daniel standing up for his convictions (Daniel 1:8)
by choosing not to defile his body with any impure thing. In Daniel 6 we find Daniel
is in his 80's and his commitment is stronger than ever.

Theme: So what are the 7 signs of commitment

People who are commitment to God . . .
I. Possess an extraordinary spirit. (v. 3)
-Debate on how the H.S. worked in the OT in comparison to the NT.

-Do you possess an extraordinary spirit?

-Do you posses the H.S.?

II.. Have within them no ground of accusation or evidence of

corruption. (v. 4)
-Daniel what the type of person that the Scripture likes to call "blameless." There
was nothing in his life that could bring guilt upon him.

-I Tim 3:2 says above reproach

-Is there anything in your life right now that people can point to that is immoral,
contradictory to Scripture, or just plain wrong? Are you guilty? If you look up
blameless (free from blame) in dictionary the next word after it is blameworthy
(deserving blame).

III. Are faithful (v. 4)

-faithful - full of faith

-Faithful - here is only used of Daniel in the entire Bible and means "trusted or
believed to be sure" or "to be trustworthy." Daniel was the kind of person God could
count on.

-faith - The assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen

-Are you full of faith?

-Is there any part of your life that God is not in complete control of? Have you ever
attempted to do something that unless God supernaturally intervened it would never
happen? Can God trust you -Hebrews 11:6 "For without faith it is impossible to please
God."
IV. Live according to God's Word (v. 5)
-All Daniel had was the first five books of the OT
-The law of Moses-
-Daniel had studied that Scripture and was living it out.
-What does it mean to live in obedience to God's Word
-Be completely obedient to it.

 HEB. 10:25 says Go to church

 Acts 1:8 says be a witness everywhere
 EPH.. 4:12 says be a minister
 Phil 2:3-4 says be considerate of others needs before you own.
 Mal 3:10 says tithe

-Are you doing it?

V. Pray continually despite the consequences. (v. 10)

-Daniel knew what the Kings order said. Daniel knew the penalty for breaking the
law. Daniel prayed anyway.

-Prayer in Schools

-What is more important?

VI. Are under God's hand of protection. (v. 22)

-Does this mean that we will never be hurt? Does this mean that we will never be
disappointed? Does this give me the freedom to place myself in positions of danger?

-It does mean that no matter what happens to us ultimately we will be protected by
God.

-Eternal security
 -It means that good or bad God will ultimately work it all out to the good for
those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

VI. Affect others with their commitment (vv. 26-28)

-Daniel's commitment won the King over.

-Daniel's commitment showed the power of God.

-Daniel's commitment turned the kingdom toward God.

-What can one person do?

-When is the last time someone: came to you and said "I've been watching you and
there is something different about you." They ask you "how you can always be so
happy and compassionate toward others even those who are not compassionate
towards you?" They may have said "they were jealous of you or "they wanted
whatever it was that you had?" Their life was changed because of your commitment to
God?

Conclusion
A house church in the former Soviet Union received a copy of the gospel of Luke.
Since in was illegal to possess this Scripture they tore it up into little pieces and
distributed it among the body of believers. Their plan was to memorize the portion
they had been given, then on the next Lord's Day they would meet and redistribute the
sections.

On Sunday these believers arrived inconspicuously in small groups throughout the

day so as not to arouse the suspicion of KGB informers. By dusk they were all safely
inside, windows closed and doors locked. They began by singing a hymn quietly but
with deep emotion. Suddenly, the door was pushed open and in walked two soldiers
with loaded automatic weapons at the ready. One shouted, "All right - everybody line
up against the wall. If you wish to renounce you commitment to Jesus Christ, leave
now!"

Two or three quickly left, then another. After a few more seconds, two more.
"This is you last chance. Either turn against your faith in Christ," he ordered, "or stay
and suffer the consequences."

Another left. Finally two more in embarrassed silence, their faces covered, slipped out
into the night. No one else moved. Parents with small children trembling beside them
looked down reassuringly. They fully expected to be gunned down or, at best, to be
imprisoned

After a few moments of complete silence, the other soldier closed the door, looked
back at those who stood against the wall and said, "Keep you hands up - but this time
in praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, brothers and sisters. We, too, are Christians. We
were sent to another house church several weeks ago to a group of believers - "

The other soldier interrupted, " . . . but, instead we were converted! We have learned
by experience, however, that unless people are willing to die for their faith, they
cannot by fully trusted.